[Neus]

WARAGIRI

Sigil: A wrap of straw being cut in half by a red line.
Waragiri essentially means 'straw cutting' in Onigan, and this is what the sigil literally displays. The idea behind 'straw cutting' could be seen as any number of interpretations, but the most common one is that a Waragiri cutting a straw is them 'ending a life', due to their reputation as conspiring usurpers. In earlier times, the idea of 'straw cutting' was more along the lines of 'cutting through the straw mats of the floor', suggesting that a Waragiri was under every room in Gold, eavesdropping on the conversations that took place there.

Colors: Red, gold, brown.
Since the Waragiri are the 'ones who do the cutting', they take the colors of the cut from their sigil as the primary. They also use gold and brown as complimentary colors, like most Gold clans and houses do.

Heirloom: Negotiator
Passed down through the heads of the Waragiri clan is a special decorative knife with an odd shape. Meant to function as both a knife, as well as a pen when dipped in ink, most of its value is in the materials used to make it, as well as the historical and symbolic significance rather than it being a powerful weapon.

As to why it has this dual function, it basically embodies a saying of the Waragiri; 'Diplomacy can be written in both ink and blood'.

Size: Small(?)
The majority of the Waragiri clan are spymasters who communicate with eyes and ears they have all over the world, and as such, the recognized members are rather few in number. It is unclear, however, just how large those loyal the house is, because many of them are spies (and assassins, in rumor), and being able to identify them would work rather opposite to that goal.

Stronghold: Thinwall
After Gold's Curse began to take effect, the Waragiri moved into the capital, taking over an abandoned building near the royal palace. Since the 'active' members of the Waragiri are few in number, the smaller size of the stronghold compared to other clans make practical sense, and in practice it's used more for living space than as a base of operations.

Spies can often be identified if they're seen entering a spymaster's house, for example, and so the common rumor is that the Waragiri meet with their spies in public places if necessary, but much more prefer indirect communication such as coded paper messages.

Values:
The Waragiri have always been a secretive clan, believing that information is the key to the world, as it can buy more than Murai, can save more lives than a sword, and is a much deadlier weapon than one, as well. They teach the value of discretion and secrets, and about guarding your letters more carefully than your coinpurse.

They are also ambitious and use the information they gain to better their clan rather than purely for the good of Oniga, a fact that caused the greatest stain on their name in the not-so-distant past. Still, the most important aspect of being a Waragiri is your intelligence, wisdom, discretion, and ability to deflect those that would wish to track you, for those the most important facets of being a good spy, as well as spymaster.

The Waragiri clan is not malevolent, but they're not honorable, nor are they above doing dirty work if it profits them greatly.

History:
After the establishment of the ruling system of Oniga, the Waragiri came into existence, serving the Tennou's needs in both information and, as popular rumor says, political assassinations. They have always existed as a specialist group in this respect, with the spymasters, spies, and shinobi playing their roles when necessary. Most of these roles dictate the utmost secrecy, so there are not many well-known instances where the Waragiri clan contributed (but many speculations).

There is one exception, a rather infamous one at that, that resulted in the Waragiri clan being disgraced. During the start of Tennou Myoga's reign, the head of the clan, Kelagu Waragiri, believed that Myoga was a soft ruler that would be easy to sweep out of the way. His plot was to assassinate Tennou Myoga and the few members of his family, and then use the information he had accumulated over the years to intimidate the other clans into placing his son, Benari Waragiri, into the position of Tennou.

However, this plot came to light, discovered by members of the Yut clan, through some means. Kelagu's treason ended with him bound, brought out to sea, and thrown into the waves. The rest of the Waragiri clan was spared and retained their position, as their information networks and skills were too valuable to throw away. Kelagu's fate would serve as a warning to the Waragiri, that Tennou Myoga and the rest of the Azanbe may be quiet, but also fierce.

Important Members:
Benari Waragiri - Head
Senren Waragiri - Heir