Alt-Onin: Introduction to the Kuroboshi Clan

Imperial Minister Nakanoin no Michinaga owns considerable estates southeast of Kyoto, under the control of fanatically loyal samurai minions of the Kuroboshi Clan. These warriors from the provinces around Kyoto have served the Nakanoin family and have benefited mightily from their patronage. They are often dressed in archaic styles when around Kyoto but are notable as skilled archers and artists (an old-fashioned sort of clan). Kyoto, by definition, is "old fashioned". 

The Kuroboshi are more militaristic than the clans around them. Most Kuroboshi lords spend a substantial amount of silver annually for training, whether sword masters to train the samurai or simply drilling and standardized armor and kit for the clan's ashigaru. As a result, the Kuroboshi punch above their weight class but have less wealth available in a given year than some clans. During times of strife, they are often used to maintain order in the capital, as they are more effective than the Imperial Guards (largely useless and ceremonial these days), and more importantly, are loyal to Lord Michinaga as opposed to the Shogun or either of the two great clans. 

Here are the high points of what you know about the Kuroboshi Clan leaders now in Shimanto.

• Lord Kuroboshi Takashi (early 50's) is a tall, imposing figure with piercing dark eyes and a thick black beard. He is known for his uncompromising leadership style and skill with a katana. He is often seen around Kyoto in Lord Michinaga's company and is probably the minister's close friend and advisor.
• Kuroboshi Aiko (early 30's) is Takashi's daughter, the heir to his lands and titles. An unconventional woman for the times, she has been groomed for both leadership and combat and often serves as a messenger and delegate for Lord Takashi when the Kuroboshi are on the field. Outsiders know little about her, though she is widely known to be cunning on and off the battlefield. 
• Kuroboshi Hideo (middle 40's) is Takashi's brother, no longer in line for the position of clan head for unknown reasons. He remains outwardly loyal to Takashi, though in the last few years he has taken to drinking and brawling like a common soldier. He shaves his head like a warrior monk, and wields a naginata, so some theorize that he may have taken on Buddhist vows, or is somehow affiliated with the great temple complex of Enryaku-ji, the most powerful religious organization in Japan. 
• Kuroboshi Masaru (early 20's) is Hideo's son, third of five. While he is well-established as a great warrior, he has never left the Kyoto area and is widely considered a naive, callow youth. He is one of the clan's most accomplished archers, having won many contests around the city. 
• Kuroboshi Haruko (mid 50's) is Takashi's sister. Almost nothing is known about her, but she accompanies her brother on all of his major campaigns, is married to a minor relative of Lord Michinaga, and serves as an advisor of sorts. She is most famous for surviving two assassination attempts, one on her brother and one on Lord Michinaga. 
• Toshiro (mid 20's) is Haruko's constant companion, rumored to be her son. Almost nothing is known about him, though he seems to serve as a spy or scout for the clan. Those who have seen him claim he is either an albino or carries the blood of men from far to the west, beyond even the lands of the Mongols.