Board Thread:Custom Lore Development/@comment-26535281-20170407232146

The 50 clans or known in Xin as the Wǔ shí Lóng shìzú (50 Dragon Clans) are one of the largest political groups in Xin and are both revered much like the Emperor and just as feared. The 50 clans are considered scions of the royal blood line (Seeing as the Emperor takes a concubine from each clan) this means they are considered alongside the royal family 'Dragon Citizens'.

Members of the 50 clans are considered upper nobles and most members find their way into the administrative or military leadership although some clans prefer to seek more merchant like ambitions. Although being a member of one of the clans does not instantly guarantee a place in Xin (Seeing as xin is still run as a Mertiocracy for the most part).

Now the only rule placed upon the members of the 50 clans is that the any member may not become a provincial count unless by Imperial Decree and a review by the Five Dukes. Also the lord and lady of each clan is not allowed a place in the government at all (As they must run the Clan's fief) and finally minor children of the clans are taken by the state as a form of loyalty tax. The sons are sent to Yuia military units while the daughters become concubines or some high priestess (The Upper levels of the priesthood are pretty much exclusively for women).

For the most part the Clan's children that are not taken by the state are groomed to serve both the clan and the state well. They receive some of the finest schooling in Xin and most go on to lead successful carriers in their chosen field.

Now for the Clan's Fief. They are large and can be about the size of 2 or 3 prefectures combined and are pretty much mini-states in which the Clan Lords for the most part have free reign (They cannot levy their own taxes though and must obey and follow all Imperial decrees). These fiefs are far larger then the smaller fiefs granted to the Wuxia lords and minor nobles. Each fief is expected to provide soldiers whenever the Emperor deems fit.

Now for my favorite part fashion! As 'royals' they are allowed to both wear the colors gold and also have Dragons upon their colthing and person. 