The Kinship of Harmony

Summary:

The Kinship of Harmony is an assortment of beings, working in tandem, who believe in holding true to older traditions of the realms. These beings believe in a simple ideal; There is peace and harmony in all things. While many have adapted to more modern beliefs, this ideal always remains true. They accept individuals from all realms and walks of life, and only ask that those in their community share this ideal. The Kindred take pride in remaining neutral and working for the betterment of all creatures of the realms. While they don’t directly cause conflict, they have been known to intervene against threats to the harmony they try to promote, through diplomacy or, when necessary, combat.

While keeping peace and spreading happiness is the Kinship’s main goal, they offer many other things to the beings of the realm. They offer unbiased, magic-based healing to any of those who seek or require it. Also The Kindred offer classes, teaching beings how to better themselves through meditation, counseling, or even self-defense. They are not funded by any outside sources, instead they are purely funded through public donations, this way they allow themselves to be as unbiased as possible when helping others.

Goal:

To offer and maintain peace and happiness to all those who seek it, in all realms.

Known Establishments:

"The Memorial Terrace" in the Human Realm
"The Spiritual Garden" in the Yokai Realm

Known Affiliates:

The Apothecary
Petalphile

Faction Rules:

1. All members of the Kinship are to be treated equally and fairly regardless of the role you have obtained or been given. We ask that you show honor and respect to those who have come before you and devoted more time within the Kinship. You should respect and learn from their wisdom and experience to better yourself.
   
   
2. Balance and Peace are strived for within the Kinship. Whether you choose to follow the path of Light or of Dark, you will be welcomed and accepted. We encourage you to be the best you possible. We must work together for the betterment of not only Humans and Yokai, but the betterment of all beings.
   
   
3. When it comes to altercations within the world we strive to keep a neutral stance. This means acting as moderators and not acting on others unless first acted upon from the outside. We encourage you to defend yourself should you find yourself in danger, but acting on feelings of anger and vengeance is strictly forbidden.
   
   
4. One should always be attempting to better themselves as a wholesome individual. We ask that all members please participate daily in rituals or tasks that would help to guide you towards enlightenment and becoming a well-rounded being. Regardless of your standing you can always be doing more and helping out. Clean around or work within our community, meditate, or indulge in activities that allow you to relax and develop your mind and spirit.
   
   
5. Please know and help follow and enforce the individual rules and laws of both Hajime City and Nagiyaka. We operate in both realms, therefore we must respect them equally. If you see injustice please report it to the proper authority. Though you may feel compelled to intervene, avoid doing so unless the situation is dire or you need to act in self defense. Only under extreme circumstances are you allowed and advised to intervene to handle such situations. Members of the Kinship who are caught breaking the law or being arrested will not receive any aid from the Kinship. The police directly inform the White Lotus of those who act in such devious ways, and multiple offenses may lead to being exiled from our community.
   
   
6. Our community, whether in the Yokai Realm or within Hajime City, is to be protected as best as possible. It is greatly encouraged to spend time at all locations and learn from the people you find there. Please keep an open mind and seek to learn and help others everywhere you find yourself to be.

Rankings:

Tier 1: White Lotus
Summary and Obligations:
The White Lotus is a the leader of The Kindred, chosen as a successor by the previous White Lotus. In the event that a successor is not chosen, the Black Lotus will come together and vote amongst themselves for who the most fitting leader will be. The leader has many duties, including organizing events for the public, training his fellow Kindred, as well as his chosen successor, if he has one. Most White Lotus have been well trained in combat as well as healing. They are very devout in the beliefs and traditions of the Kinship, proving themselves as a role model to the Kindred, as well an example to outsiders of what someone in the Kinship should be like. The White Lotus lives on The Kindred property and rarely leaves in order to be close and available for the entire community, and any others who may need them.

Tier 2: Black Lotus
Summary and Obligations:
The Black Lotus are elders within the Kinship that have mastered their chosen path and worked diligently for the betterment of their fellow Kindred. They are loyal guides for the whole of the community and assist in the choosing and grooming the chosen successor of the White Lotus. Aside from assisting the Black Lotus with training and event duties, their usual function is to apprentice Sprouts and Thorns to become Black Lotus. Should the White Lotus need to ever leave or step down and there is no apparent successor, then they will elect a temporary head until the return of the White Lotus or an official successor be instated. While most Black Lotus a have specialized in one aspect, healing or combat, they will often strive to then learn the opposite path. The elders should always strive to be positive role models to the Kindred and set a good example to outsiders of the ideals of the Kinship. The Black Lotus live on Kindred property and rarely leave in order to be close and available for the entire community, and any others who made need them.

Tier 3: Thorn
Summary and Obligations:
Thorns have studied long and hard to become advanced in the art of combat and peaceful subjugation. The primary means of the Thorns are to patrol, protect, and assist in the harmony and safety of both Hajime City and Nagiyaka. Their secondary function is to apprentice Roots to become Thorns. This allows a very fluid and uniform method of teaching specialized weapons and combative styles and passing on knowledge to others. Thorns have access to the communities more advanced literature, scrolls, and documents to further their knowledge and education and are welcome to share such knowledge with a Root apprentice. Thorns are allowed to study whatever they please but are expected to focus on their combat and pacification aspect above all else. In this point of advancement and training, the joining and participating in other factions are advised against in order to focus more on duties and growing the community. Thorns are allowed to carry weapons on the premises. Also, they are encouraged to live in the community since housing is offered, keeping them closer and more active and available among the Kindred.

Tier 3: Sprout
Summary and Obligations:
Sprouts have studied long and hard to become advanced in the art of healing, both magical and natural. The primary means for the Sprouts are to assist the Thorns with healing while out on missions and patrols. Often the Sprouts are suggested to remain non-combative. Their secondary function is to apprentice Seeds to become Sprouts. This allows a very fluid and uniform method of teaching magic and passing on knowledge to others. Sprouts have access to the communities more advanced literature, scrolls, and documents to further their knowledge and education and are welcome to share such knowledge with a Seed apprentice. Sprouts are allowed to study whatever they please but are expected to focus on their healing aspect above all else. In this point of advancement and training, the joining and participating in other factions are advised against in order to focus more on duties and growing the community. Sprouts are not allowed to carry weapons of any type on the premises. Also, they are encouraged to live in the community since housing is offered, keeping them closer and more active and available among the Kindred.

Tier 4: Root
Summary and Obligations:
Root take on basic combat roles and duties. Primarily, becoming a Root is choosing to pursue melee or ranged combat while foregoing the application of healing magic. This usually follows dedicated training in hand-to-hand fighting styles, weapons training, pacification techniques, and physical activities or studies. Roots are allowed to study whatever they please but are expected to focus on their combat aspect above all else. Roots are allowed to be a part of other factions if they so desire, but regardless of the faction they join would still be expected to maintain the standards and guideline of the Kinship. Roots are not allowed to carry weapons of any type on the premises. Also, they are not required to live in the community, though housing is offered if they would like to.


Tier 4: Seed
Summary and Obligations:
Seed take on basic healer roles and duties. Primarily, becoming a Seed is choosing to pursue healing while foregoing combat. This usually follows dedicated training in healing magic, apothecary training and herbalism, and any other spiritual or magic-based activities and studies. Seeds are allowed to study whatever they please but are expected to focus on their healing aspect above all else. Seeds are allowed to be a part of other factions if they so desire, but regardless of the faction they join would still be expected to maintain the standards and guideline of the Kinship. Seeds are not allowed to carry weapons of any type on the premises. Also, they are not required to live in the community, though housing is offered if they would like to.

Tier 5: Kindred
Summary and Obligations:
Those who are new to our path are known simply as we all are. We are The Kindred, the title that all those in the Kinship identify as. As they learn and grow, they eventually choose a path, allowing them to become a Root or a Seed and further pursue their studies. Before deciding on a path one must know the laws of both realms and acclimate themselves with the community to ensure this is the path they truly wish to follow. Also, they are not required to live in the community, though housing is offered if they would like to.

Perks:

Tier 5 - No Perks

Tier 4 - Healing cap increased to 2 Moderates per Day. Ability to add 1 elemental augmentation to 1 ability.

Tier 3 - Healing cap increased to 1 Heavy per Day. Access to 1 additional ability that deals 1 Heavy of damage per Day. ( Must be approved on your character sheet )

Tier 2 - Healing cap increased to 2 Heavies per Day. Access to the special Augmentation: Absorb on 1 ability or weapon. ( Must be approved on your character sheet )

Spoiler: