Empire of Secrets
The Great Clans
The Great Clans were each formed by one of the Kami after their fall from Tengoku, and their histories dated back to the very beginning of the Empire. An exception was the Mantis Clan, which until the Second Day of Thunder was actually a Minor Clan , but through force and manipulation, Yoritomo was able to get his family granted Great Clan status in 1128.
The Great Clans are made up of several family lines, and each Family has their own general purpose within the Clan. Each Clan also has a specific purpose within Rokugan — some area of expertise or mandate that the specific Clan can fulfill better than any others.