The Katsuragi Bakufu; Katsuragi Dragons <KD>-

The Katsuragi Clan has existed since at least 702 A.S, although very little is known about the clan during that time period. This lack of knowledge is exacerbated further by the desire of the Clan's original leadership to remain anonymous, which of course has spawned many rumors in some circles. Some believe the clan was originally formed by Imperial Kusari Navy officers who had grown increasingly disillusioned with the state of Kusari under the Emperor. Still others believe the original "Shogun" to have been a wealthy farmer from Kyushu who had simply read too many history books and decided that he should try to "live as his ancestors". This line is commonly used by "ally" and enemy alike to insult and discredit members of the Katsuragi family.

The Katsuragi Clan enjoyed only a meager standing within Blood Dragon affairs for over a century, due to their inability to provide proof of a blood-link to the Hideyoshi family. Despite this, Katsuragi Yusuke, the most recent leader of the Clan was able to make a name for himself and the Clan, as "Defenders of the Kusari People", during the "First Nomad War".

With the establishment of the Rising Sons Movement in 815 A.S., Katsuragi Yusuke saw an unprecedented opportunity to unite the Blood Dragons under one banner, and bring forth the establishment of a Kusari that would espouse the same values held dear by The Shogunate of Kusari's past, and would allow Kusari to truly stand on it's feet again, without the treachery of an Emperor who sells his nation to the lowest bidder, and without the oppressive nature of foreign governments in dealing with Kusari and her citizens.

It was with that in mind, that Yusuke immediately threw in with the Rising Sons, supporting them quietly with monetary tribute and soldiers, until their dissolution. With the dissolution of the Rising Sons Movement, and splintering of the various Blood Dragon Clans, Shogun Yusuke again saw opportunity in the wake of the power vacuum that was created, this time however the gains would be for family and self.

When the Dragons fractured, Yusuke made a point of reaching out to his personal friends and clan allies, in an attempt to keep at least some of the Dragons under his unified banner. Some other idealistic Daimyo and "military" commanders were keen to listen to Yusuke's words, seeing that the benefits of continuing a "Unified Blood Dragon Shogunate" would be far better for The Kusari People, than for the Blood Dragon Cause to splinter and fall into disarray. While Yusuke did not attempt to dissuade the larger Dragon Clans (Hojo, Watanabe Kazoku) from pursuing their own agendas, he did make a point to actively absorb smaller, less powerful, lesser known clans, into his domain, thusly strengthening the position of Clan Katsuragi, and allowing for the establishment of the "Katsuragi Shogunate" as of 819A.S.

Katsuragi Yusuke has credited the successes of the "Army of the Katsuragi Shogunate" in recent history, to the dedication and discipline of his soldiers, as well as the strict "Traditional" training regiment followed by all aspiring "Katsuragi Dragons". Each warrior above the rank of Ashigaru undergoes such in depth training and meditation on Budō (Martial Ways) and Bushidō (The Way of The Warrior) that the concepts become a part of the individual, and they begin to see themselves similar to the fabled "Samurai" of ancient legend. In addition, Katsuragi Dragons are given basic firearms training and spend many hours practicing flight combat maneuvers in small-craft, and many more in flight simulators.

In combat situations, "Katsuragi Dragons" are known to act more like professional soldiers than terrorists, though their methods are still regarded as "extreme", and little mercy is shown to enemy soldiers or anyone not loyal to their cause. Another hallmark of Katsuragi War Strategy is that instead of subterfuge and striking from the shadows, the Katsuragi Dragons operate as a paramilitary force, preferring instead to engage their enemies in open and coordinated combat, often without regard for the size of an enemy force.

While some outsiders have said that "Katsuragi Dragons" appear to show more respect and adherence to the "traditional warrior ways" than some other Dragons, Shogun Katsuragi Yusuke has become known as quite the "Social Liberal", due to his practice of allowing women into positions of power, or to serve in the "Katsuragi Dragons". Some speculate this is a political move by Yusuke to prepare his people for a time when his daughter, Katsuragi Motoko might take over leadership of the clan, though no comment has been made to that end.

Starting in late 819, rumors began to circulate that Katsuragi Yusuke's "Katsuragi Castle", a pilfered Geisha Yacht belonging to the Katsuragi Family, had been spotted drifting in the oceans of Planet Honshu. As the ship's name implies, it is used as the home of the actual Katsuragi Family, and their government. The ship itself has not been seen in space for decades, and what little factual information that exists about it, suggests that it's spacefaring capabilities were removed in order to make long-term oceanic travel a possibility. The ship is also fitted with expanded living quarters and a fully functioning Dojo, presumably for use by the "Shogun's" own Elite Guard. Finally, it's believed that "Katsuragi Castle" is outfitted with extensive communications equipment, which are used to broadcast orders and messages to "Katsuragi Dragons" and the various Daimyo loyal to Clan Katsuragi, throughout Kusari space, either directly or by leeching off local satellites.