Awaikage Ichizoku

[Awaikage Kaede]

Very little is known about the Awaikage Clan and it's origins turning them into an enigma surrounded by the shrouds of subtly, misdirection, and deceit. It is within them do they hold the principles of the true shinobi. They navigate within the veils of secrecy, intrigue, and unseen brutality, all under the sake of defending the homeland they claim and their allies. Among neighboring and distant clans, the Awaikage name is commonly met with uncertainty and indecisiveness, for while the Awaikage are already renowned for their the fine dagger named "trickery", it is with even more vicious dedication to they seek out the end of those who cross the family or threaten the leader they have pledged to.

As many families and organizations are charged with dispatching threats as they present itself, the lifeblood duty of the Awaikage take it upon themselves to silence those same threats-before-they appear. As such, the clan is very educated and not above using any means to accomplish this sworn duty, even at the sake of honor, themselves, and the lives of those associated with them.The Awaikage are first and foremost masters of culture, court, the tongue, and written word. All so to meld within their dedication to intelligence gathering. Thus all Awaikage before even general weapons training are instructed on both royal formalities and common mannerisms. Rather than being highly dependent on mystical arts, the clan has employed versatility through practical tools such as hand crafted disguises, duplicating accents, and thieves work.

Only then when the shinobi learns not to be reliant on the forces of the supernatural is he taught the traits of his bloodline as well as other Hijutsu to ensure his duties are carried out. Men as well as women are disciplined in the many forms of role-play and thus able to assume realistic identities from a common beggar, to a seductress, to a noble in all but a moment's notice. Only when words are trivial and unnecessary does an Awaikage draw their blade and just as quickly the manner is dealt with and goes unseen.

The clan members do not openly display or even generally give hint of their powers or skills. Doing so removes the mystery and it is the emphasis on the unknown which is their greatest strength. Among fellow allies, unless the circumstances warrants such, many will go under the different aliases, choosing to go without giving their true name, even less their family name. To those outside the clan who are given such are considered trust worthy and the clan aids them in all matters without question. Those with Awaikage as friends or family relatives may suddenly watch their problems mysteriously vanish, whether it be political, financial, or personal.

The common parable is said. "For every secret one man has, at least three Awaikage know of it."

Awaikage keep even the aura of digression even among their own kin. In the halls of their clan home, ceremonial masks are commonly worn, disguises practiced, and a wave of truths and falsehoods bypass the lips even at a common dinner gathering. No two members are completely trusted with what is said between each other, only the unquestionable loyalty to the family name and village is all that binds them. As such they feel no obligation to be honest with appearances, wither it be cosmetic or the spoken word. This also keeps family secrets from falling into the hands of infiltrators as well as constantly testing the perception skills of the family. Common games among children consists of spreading rumors within the household and seeing what becomes of them, although adults are just as fond as watching the youngling decipher the mysteries they surround themselves with.