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Hogosha Association (Hogosha Kumiai - 保護者　組合 )
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Also known as: Ninkyou dantai (chivalrous organizations), bōryokudan (violence groups, violent organizations) , The Hogosha,

Tag: [HA]
Id/Iff: Hogosha all the way.

Know throughout the centuries by many names, the Hogosha Association has been an confederation ran by collectives of criminal syndicates in Kusari to coordinate strengths and goals of the otherwise minor forces of the Hogosha.

The Association naturally faded into obscurity many times in Kusari history, when a prominent Syndicate achieved hegemony and ruled over all other smaller Kusarian families.

In the late 820 A.S., the waning of the last great syndicate in Kusari, the Black Dragon Syndicate, from his seat of power, a power vacuum was formed within the Hogosha. Combined the rise of old threats in the borders, an uncertainty loomed over the fate of the old institution, which maintained control over the house black market for centuries.

To its fortune however, several interest groups from such diverse areas like influential businessmen and high ranking personnel from Kusari intelligence services, have provided their support and with that a chance to turn the tide. With a new wealth of contacts and logistical backup, several syndicates began building a network throughout Kusari, uniting operations and syndicates under their common interests.

With the alliance of the Takarabune Company, an emerging group from Shikoku, with The Silvereye Dragons, a respected syndicate from New Tokyo, a new leadership of the Hogosha began to emerge. Concerned with the potential power struggles within the new alliance, the Aikokusha syndicate passed the knowledge of the old Hogosha Association to the leaders of the new alliance.

The syndicates convened amongst themselves, and made the decision to raise again the confederate Hogosha Association to protect their interests and to enforce the influence of the Hogosha in and outside of Kusari.

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With time, the Association has progressed, with some of the old syndicates retiring and new ones rising up to take their place or few market niches.
In its current form, the Hogosha Association is under the influence of the longstanding Silvereye Dragons.

Objectives of the Hogosha Association: Wrote:-To provide and promote an organized Hogosha network.
-To aid in the prosperity of the many syndicates within its banner, and to provide a mean of mediation between Hogosha organizations.
-To maintain its status as the dominant force in the Kusari underworld, while retaining the privileged relation with Kusari government and authorities.
-To counter and prevent any influence of foreign criminal organizations within Kusari territories and interests, such as Junkers and their allies.
-To facilitate the establishment and continuous maintenance of business and mutually beneficial relationships with key allies and partners within and outside Kusari.

//Objectives: Wrote:- Breathe new life into the Hogosha, and and to their place in Kusari and Sirius
- To aggregate and provide easy communication between all players interested in the Hogosha.
- To be the place for testing and establish new groups and concepts, so that all aspects of the Hogosha are represented through player intervention.
- To attain and preserve an active official faction representation for the Hogosha.

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Diplomatic Chart:
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Spoiler

Hierarchy/Ranking (concept):

The Hogosha Association uses a tiered subdivision system, representing within his banner the independent hogosha pilots, as well as the incorporated syndicates that formed, joined or were created within the Association.
All new members join in a initiate rank, and can rise in status as either an independent associate, or as a member of an operating Syndicate.

1.a Associate (unaligned) - A full member of the (Hogosha Association), capable of participating in all activities covered by the Association or it’s member syndicates. Might apply or be recruited to one of the active syndicates. Might form his own new syndicate with others if certain conditions are achieved. (//to be elaborated)
Ship Name: [HA]Character-name

1.b Syndicate member - A recognized member of one of the Association many syndicates. Each syndicate may enforce an internal hierarchy, but all its regular members with the exception of this oyabun are included in this category.
Ship Name: [HA]-(syndicate tag)|Character.name (or any internal name standard)

2. Syndicate Oyabun (boss) - Known leader of an active syndicate with authority on their syndicate business and members, and represents their interests in the council of the Association.
Ship Name: [HA]-(syndicate tag)|Character.name (or any internal name standard)

Hogosha Association Council - Composed of the oyabun of all active syndicates, it is convened regularly to evaluate the progress of the Association and deliberate upon important issues. The council is led by a frequently elected chairman, although his powers are minor compared to the council as a whole.

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Association Main Zone of Influence: Kusari, Systems bordering Kusari.
Secondary zone of operations: Sigma Systems, Tau systems, Lyonnais
Note: Individual Syndicates may (and are encouraged) to define their own areas of operations, depending on what sort of activity they wish to pursue.

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Links to other Threads:
Feedback Thread

Recruitment Center

Neural Net Channel (message dump)

Hogosha Association - Samura Industries secure Neural Net

Torshavn - Kabukicho secure channel (GG/HA)

The Hogosha Association Bounty Board

The HA Contracts Network

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About the Faction: While the concept of a generalist big Hogosha faction has been established by the founding group, many of the finer details are continuously being ironed out. We hope that most of the issues become resolved around the time the faction starts playing its role.
We reserve the right to make changes to the faction as real life and community circumstances demand.

The Hogosha Association Council - 1st Generation (821 A.S.)

Takarabune Company - [HA]-TB| / (WPeregrine)
Silvereye Dragons - [HA]-$| / (Lady Black)
Aikokusha Syndicate - [HA]-A| / (Ironwatsas)
Hizoku Syndicate - [HA]-H| / (Sabre)

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The Hogosha Association Council - 2nd Generation (822 A.S.)

Silvereye Dragons - [HA]-$| / ( )
Takarabune Company ("Shikoku Turtles") - [HA]-TB| / ( )

Minor Syndicates (//for RP purposes, to be developed in the future)

The New Tokyo Ravens - old school, suits and high class rude Hogosha
The Hokkaido Wolves - less organized, lane robbers, extending all the way to Nagano
The Honshu Heikegani - composed of industrial workers on Planet Honshu and stations, more low class syndicate
The Hong Wu (Crimson Crows) - Sigma Region, Anti-GMG movement.

Outside Syndicates (currently active outside of HA)
None

Former known Syndicates (met by the HA during its existence)
Kyushu:
Kogane no Kitsune Dantai, KKD| - (The Golden Fox Organisation)

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Current member count: 4
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Association Contacts

Hogosha Association Neural Net

Poena Station
Bodensee Outpost
Ageira Inquiry
To Rheinland Federal Police (RFP 2)
Rheinland - Restricted Cargo Licensing Registry
To LPI
Kruger Mireralien Bounty Board
Deals with the Gaians 1 | Deals 2
Torshavn - Kabukicho secure channel (GG/HA)
Deals with the Corsairs 1 *2*
Tertulia en Creta
Talks with Unioners *New Comm 1*
Tense contacts with the AFC
Contacts with the (corsair) Custodi

Contacts with the Kusari Imperial Navy 1/ (Zenith) / IKN 2

The Takarabune Conglomerate
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The Takarabune Conglomerate, also known as the Shikoku Turtles, is a commercial focused syndicate originated from Planet Junyo, in the Shikoku system. Originally a single company focused on the production and shipping of the Junyo’s Pearls and seafood ran by a local Hogosha Syndicate, it gradually expanded its business in the field, developing retail and logistic business in other sectors of Kusari and neighbouring houses. Taking inspiration in the mystical “Fortune Ship” of the ancient Kusari mythology, the Takarabune Company aims to spread the good fortunes of Kusari unique economic capabilities to the Kusari populace.

Benefiting from a close relationship with the large conglomerate Samura Industries, the Takarabune acquired a large quantity of smaller business, beginning to develop it’s own range of affiliates and parallel areas of expertise. With the funds and assets, the Hogosha syndicate also expanded its influence in the Hogosha community, through mediation and active support of the fledgling organizations. Using the company activities as a front for its operations, the syndicate has made his voice and work known inside and outside Kusari.

Link to the Syndicate Information
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"Society of Patriots" (AKA Aikokusha 愛国社)

Within Kusari today, there are a great many secret societies whom are classified as "Right Wing", to some level or another. In times past, a few of these such as the Artisan Farmers' Alliance or Black Dragon Society gained significant parlance within the Imperial Government.

The Sudden, unexpected, and dramatic fall of Imperial power and shift in Kusari political thinking lead to an outlawing of many of these political parties, forcing them underground and arresting many of their top leaders. Indeed, outside of the Radical Left, most of Kusari's general public was admittedly content with the nationalistic state, or centrist enough to ignore it.

Kusari was not a true democracy, at any point of it's 800+ year history. And many within the public feel the same way. They are simply no longer at liberty to talk over it. Freedom of speech can very often lead to freedom if stigmatization, or worse still, freedom of investigation.

Such was the case that the old Farmers' Alliance effectively collapsed, it's relicts reduced to petty piracy, and the Hogosha's political power was severely marginalized. Indeed, many of these hard-line right wing nationalists were either forced to seek shelter in the remote reaches of the Nagano system if not Exiled from Kusari or Arrested outright.

For a few years after the change, the extreme-right wing ultranationalists remained marginalized, having lost their de-facto support from the Navy. The homogenization of the Hogosha under the Black Dragon Society's banner left little room for independent... and potentially more violent groups to expand.

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The Society of Patriots has existed for some time, as a relatively small clique bound predominantly to Kyushu's centers of business and politics. It never had quite the voice of the AFA nor the direct financial support of Samura. It was not an activist group, although it did provide support to like-minded agencies, and operated as a minor Hogosha affiliate.

That all changed when a man by the name of Takeda Kenji took over the organization. No one really knows where he came from originally, but he moved from having won a seat in the local parliament of Shimazu Prefecture on Planet Kyushu, to becoming the leader of the Society, following the death of it's previous leader, Noto Takamune.

Kenji was a favorite of Noto, claimed a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kyushu, and was a noted admirer of the former leader of the Artisan Farmers' Alliance, Ze'ev Barak. He also happened to be connected with a number of local Hogosha bosses, whom are rumored to have financed his political campaigns.

When the Coup against the Emperor came, it was a shock to both Kenji and Kyushu's political establishment as a whole. No other planet in Kusari Spaced suffered as dramatic a shift, as the Government and Police moved quickly to expunge as much of the Right-wing power base from the planet's government as they could.

Takeda Kenji and his two brothers were evacuated from Kyushu to Planet Tomoika in Nagano, as part of a ratline. A convoy carrying former supporters of the old regime run by the Black Dragon Society, and unbeknownst to them, undercover Consortium agents. It is unknown exactly what transpired afterwards. The next mention of the Society did not come until Kenji Takeda approached the shadowy individual known only as "The Fisherman", of the Takarabune company.

The Society of Patriots was integral in founding the Hogosha Alliance, and quickly rallied the former right-wing politicos who had survived the roundup. These include former Farmers Alliance members, Junior Officers of the KNF, and many Martial Artists and like-minded Hogosha members. While still technically an underground society, the Aikokusha has been dialing up it's rhetoric in recent times, calling for a restoration of the old order.

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Politically, the Society is on the extreme right, moreso even then most other Hogosha syndicates. While historically they have been pro-Imperialist and have towed the AFA's political line, in recent times, they have begun to distance themselves from the old order. Their rhetoric becoming increasingly Fascist in Militaristic in nature.

They are known for conducting very public protests, and while they tend to avoid direct conflict with the law, the increasingly violent and politically dangerous nature of their speech has sparked concern in the Kusari Law enforcement community. So far, they have not overstepped their bounds, and have remained under the umbrella of the Hogosha Alliance.

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//Within the HA's umbrella, the Aikokusha fill the roll of a militarist "secret society". They talk a mean game, they desire a very militaristic and aggressive state, and have a general dislike of outsiders too. This is especially true of the Gallic Government and Bretonia. The former they believe are not only responsible for the defeat of the KNF in the Taus, but also the sudden regime change in Kusari shortly thereafter. They would love nothing more then to see Gallia destroyed, and the war in Bretonia brought to it's conclusion.

However, they do have a degree of pragmatism. They look the other way when it comes to the Syndicate's dealings with the Union Corse, and they don't aggressively target foreigners in the manner that the AFA once did.

When dealing with individuals at home, they try to appeal to the senses of tradition, and try to play up the general indifference or ineffectiveness of the Democratic Kusari regime. Carefully pointing out that the Kusari Navy is now less able to defend itself then before, from Junker Marauders, Outcasts, and the like.

In the end, what they want isn't exactly a restoration of pre-war Kusari. They have been influenced by other organizations and current events. What they really want is a figurehead emperor, and a Kusari which is a much more direct analog of Japan in the run-up to World War II in real life. To anyone who understands the history of what lead up to that can give some hint at just how far they and their benefactors are willing to go to get it.

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In practice, members of the Aikokusha would offer support to other Hogosha groups where needed. But mainly they would be mostly interested in disseminating propaganda and spreading pro-imperialist thought. Playing on sympathies toward the old Empire, Jien Kogen, the AFA, and whatnot are common. Be willing to go indepth in debating things with others.

The Aikokusha have a somewhat respectful animosity toward the Blood Dragons: They fully understand the threat they pose, but respect their Samurai values, loyalty, and virtues of self-sacrifice. That dosen't mean they won't shoot them, just that the pre-fight discussions will be livelier. Generally however, since the Blood Dragons are trained and experienced warriors, generally above the average Hogosha's pay-grade, and it isn't wise to pick a fight you cannot win.

Other groups, like the Golden Chrysanthemums, Outcasts, Kishiro, the GMG, and foriegn criminals are looked down upon. The former are treated as delinquent girls, while the Outcasts are considered a dangerous cancer threatening Kusari's integrity. Killing them off, mercilessly, is an honor and a duty.

You will fly mostly the same ships as other Hogoshas and support them as needs must.

Hogosha Association Minor Syndicates (// RP/NPC only groups)

The New Tokyo Ravens

There is an old saying in New Tokyo that “On top of every building, there is at least one Raven watching.”
True to the old words, the New Tokyo Ravens seem to be just about everywhere and anywhere in the old capital.
Drawing up from the disappearance of the last powerful Hogosha syndicate from New Tokyo, the NT Ravens are the most numerous syndicate from the capital. Exhibiting an air of wealth and prestige, they are however quite limited in action outside their home system, focusing on maintaining an hegemony on the numerous gangs and syndicates that dot New Tokyo. Outside of the planet however, their presence is quite discreet, and usually under heavy watch from the Kusari State Police, which has suspicions on them for various crimes.
They send a lot of their members on business to Kabukicho, usually comprising about a quarter of the population of the station, although very few take up residence in it.

Representative: Kanemochi Katagawa (金持ち　片側)

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The Hokkaido Wolves

Once the spearhead of Samura campaigns into Hokkaido and beyond, the Hokkaido Wolves have fallen into bad times. In old times they boasted the best fighters amongst the Hogosha, and even their colleagues at the capital feared them. In mimicking their Golden Chrysanthemums adversaries, they started developing mystical practices, believing they could channel minor protective spirits to hone their skills of foresight and combat. The Hokkaido Wolves often received the nickname “Yamabushi”, as a memory of the mountain mystic warriors of Kusari ancestral origins.
The centuries of constant combat with the Blood Dragons however made their numbers dwindle, and several factors including the rise of the Farmers Alliance in Rishiri and beyond, and their increased isolationism, put them out of the spotlight for good.
Nowadays The Wolves retain just some small groups or tribes, united in worship of a few Kami and in their practice of ancient rituals.

Representative: Yamagami no Shouhei (山神　乃　哨兵　）

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The Honshu Heikegani

Honshu never had much of a history with the Hogosha, especially any that would stood out in space compared with other strong syndicates. One could say the main reasons would be the early implementation of the Kusari State Police in the early stages of Planet Honshu colonization, and Kishiro influenced development policies left little room for an underground market to prosper.
However, there are still groups on Honshu that bear the name of the Hogosha. If one examines for a long time the history of the large industrial sectors of the planet, they will find mention of the Honshu Heikegani, or the Honshu Crabs.
The Honshu Heikegani are what you could say a confederation of worker unions of the major centers of Planet Honshu. Working in the interests of the factory workers and the small companies, they are a force behind the uncommon strikes against the large corporations in the system, which means they are of the few Hogosha syndicates that don’t receive much favor from either the Samura Industries or Kishiro Technologies.
With their connections and manpower however, they still manage to get crucial contracts throughout Kusari for the removal of space debris, and the dismantlement of old factories and production sites, acting as a cleanup crew for Kusari nonstop transformation into the future.

Representative: Hinichi Sugawara (日日　菅原)

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The Hong Wu (紅烏 Crimson Crows)

A relatively new player in the Hogosha ranks, and even more recent in their presence in the Sigmas, but the history of its members is somewhat longer. Mostly composed of former workers and staff from the Gas Miners Guild who escaped the terrible working conditions of the sigma installations, these refugees were found and sheltered by the Hogosha, who began manipulate their views on the GMG from discontent to full opposition.
Secretly funded by Samura and Hogosha interests, the group began to form around the goal of a “reunification” of the GMG and Sigma cluster into the House of Kusari, which the Hong Wu claim that the ancestors who colonized the region were all Kusari citizens.
Working with a structure of a brotherhood, they engage in political activism and surgical strikes against GMG interests. They also strive to combat off the unlawful menace of the GC and Blood Dragons, that has spread in the region unchecked, as well as any foreign entities that would claim their “ancestral territories”.

Representative: “Elder Brother” Zhou

The Silvereye Dragons

The Silverye Dragons, currently one of the oldest active syndicates within the Hogosha, is somewhat of an oddity . A syndicate dedicated to the pursuit of the services of gambling parlours and space Casinos, it has attracted the peculiar trait of being the only female only Syndicate within the traditional Hogosha organization. While it would seem that such syndicate would attract unwanted competition for such trait and presence in an attractive market, it has managed to stay on top of its rivals, thanks to the innumerous connections and managing skills of their mysterious Chairwoman, known as Lady Black.
Their longstanding relations with Samura and other important Hogosha syndicates has consolidated their position on the gambling market, and count with several important businessmen and politicians of all sectors amongst their clients. Word has it that the Silvereye Dragons also maintain some influence in some economic sectors abroad, although no estimates could produced with the little evidence avaliable.

The Silvereye Dragons main area of operations is the provision of casino services, counting with several liners and some planetside installations on the major planets of Kusari. They also currently claim the main share of the Golden Dragon Casino, the hallmark of Hogosha prestige in that area.

The syndicate is one of the Founding members of the Hogosha Association. With the Takarabune Conglomerate falling from their top spot, the Silvereye Dragons emerged as the leading syndicate of the Association, beginning the second generation era for the Hogosha Association.

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WesternPeregrine

Ironwatsas

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