Being as you are young and impetuous, I assume you are anxious to join a clan. Truly, it is as the wise Hermit said: Youth is wasted upon the young. Well then, let me give you a brief introduction to each of them…

Shaolin Clan disciples are Buddhist monks that serve as advisors to The Imperial Court. One thousand years of demonstrating righteousness and mercy in all of their deeds has earned them the title of “The Noble Clan”. Integral to the philosophy of the Shaolin is the belief that one should not take life, nor take delight in death. Shaolin’s fighting style also reflects their peaceful view of the world. Their fighting techniques are not used to take life, but instead merely to disarm and disable. They do not utilize edged weapons, preferring instead their own “praying mantis” style Kung Fu.

Wu-Tang Clan is a discipleship of Tai Chi practitioners who serve as living instruments of the divine justice inherent in The Tao, or Water Course Way, symbolized by the sacred Yin and Yang. The clan is also referred to as the “Clan of Divine Sword” because their disciples hone their minds, hearts and bodies to become as one with their swords. Unlike Shaolin, which try to reform the evil through Buddha’s mercy and compassion, Wu-Tang believes that a balanced cosmos demands justice through retribution against evil. Therefore, the Black Clans and evildoers throughout The Land are especially wary of Wu-Tang disciples. Their hand-to-hand combat system is known as Boundless Fists, and their legendary sword techniques are unmatched throughout The Land.

The League of Beggars is an organization of actual beggars, sometimes referred to as “The Endless Clan,” because as a clansman once stated, “You could sit beggars one by one in line across The Land and never see the end!” It is by far the easiest clan to join. All you have to do is perform a few simple tasks, beg a bit, and swear an oath. Then you may be indoctrinated in the unusual style of their “Drunken Monkey” Kung Fu technique. Through accepting charity, helping those who face hardship, and giving purpose to those who find themselves lost or empty, the disciples of The League, although poor and often pitied, display all the noble characteristics of true heroes. They are the clan with the closest relationship to the common people.

The Brotherhood of Thieves is an organization of thieves, robbers, rogues and brigands, unified by a noble purpose:, that of fighting off the Imperial tax collectors and feeding the poor. Hence their common farewell, “Take what you will, share what you can!” At least, that’s how they began. Today, the clan itself is rather corrupt and violent. Coercion is used to ensure loyalty, and non-adherence to clan rules is dealt with swiftly and harshly. Their Kung Fu is based on The Six Harmonies combat system combined with Divine Spear techniques. It revolves around the correct focus of one’s Chi and one’s physical driving force, much like the thrust of a spear.
Sacred Flower Clan was founded by a legendary female warrior, whose true name shall not be known to men, when she was denied entrance to the male-dominated Shaolin Temple. It is said that, “From every action comes an opposite reaction,” and from that act of discrimination rose a clan of beautiful, deadly, female masters. Their motto: “If men rule the world, women must rule men!” These women know they are not equally matched with men as far as brute strength is concerned, and that’s why Sacred Flower’s Kung Fu techniques are based on seduction, speed and illusion, supplemented by all manner of poisons and venoms. Their weapons of choice are daggers, whips and razor wheels. Disciples of Sacred Flower train night and day to restore the holy balance of Yin and Yang.

Heavenly Demon Clan was founded by a cruel, ambitious warrior who, in defiance of The Imperial Emperor and his court, proclaimed himself The Emperor Heavenly Demon and waged a holy war against all governing factions. Heavenly Demon's Kung Fu techniques were stolen and perverted from other disciplines, and combined with occult rituals. Sabers are preferred weapons over swords, and for hand-to-hand combat, their disciples master Bloody Hands technique, the most deadly combat system ever conceived.

The Union of Noble Families is a clan led by five powerful families of ancient noble lineage, their forefathers having served as martial arts instructors to The Imperial Court during the ancient Tang Dynasty. These families share a vast collective knowledge of history, politics and literature. Emperors have come and gone, but the Families are powerful enough to remain immune to the pitfalls of each government’s treacherous politics. So unlike other clans, with their strong religious ideals and ever-shifting alliances, The Union remains indifferent to The Imperial Emperor’s will. To them the current Imperial regime in Beijing is, “But a momentary breeze in a gathering storm.”

Though their disciples become initiates of Five Family Kung Fu technique, they are also permitted to study other disciplines and master many weapons. In emulation of Nangong Hui, their current leader, the deadly fan is said to be a prerequisite. The Graceful Fan has stood the test of ages as the preferred weapon of scholarly, noble warriors.