Rai Clan
The Rai Clan is one of the strongest warrior clans of the Inner Realms. Even before the founding of Nefol, the Rais dedicated themselves to the defense of weaker clans while standing against their enemy, the Ghost Clan. They were originally seen as extremely traditional in their ways, holding fast to the warrior-tribe creed, and led by a family that dated back to a long line of Warleaders.
However, this staunch viewpoint has slowly shifted in the clan’s leadership, beginning with KoGuRai the Elder (sometimes called Elder Rai). While he still maintained a tradition of the old ways, some of his approaches were seen as less aggressive and more merciful, even towards long-time enemies. He was known to be forward-thinking and sensitive, with a passion to protect his people.
While the clan history does not record Elder Rai’s leadership as a time of weakness, the Rai clan was visibly faltering in its ability to hold the line against a growing Ghost Clan force. It was noted that he chose to pass the position of Warleader to his young son, JinRai, by Walking into the Winter. This was a long-held practice of self-sacrifice a Warleader undertook when they felt their leadership had failed the clan.
This video clip from the Nefol project details Jin’s fever dream memory of the loss of his father:
Having inherited an ailing clan, JinRai began his time as Warleader by doubling down on the old ways of the war clan. However, enough of his father’s more open-minded sensibilities resided within him to eventually welcome a young ZenToYa into the Rai Clan, despite the fact that Zento was a known magic user.
In fact, Zento was not only accepted into the Rai Clan, but taught their traditions and battle secrets. While Jin mentored Zento as a warrior through the years, he eventually grew to see the young outsider as a brother. Under this change in mindset, Jin went on to become one of the founders of Nefol, and the Rai Clan took up their arms to serve as the protector clan of the city, a duty they still hold till this day.
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In the Wayrift age, KoGuRai (the Younger) serves as the Warleader of the Rai Clan, a position he was granted by his father, JinRai. However, the leadership of the clan and their duties in Nefol generally falls to SoYa, who oversees the city, and instructs all supporting clan members in civic work.
Interesting Facts
- The red bandana worn by members of the Rai Clan signifies an individual who is a celebrated warrior within the clan. It’s said the cloth has been stained red by the blood of clan enemies.
- The bone-spear used by JinRai was a weapon passed down from Warleaders of old. However, KoGuRai has foregone inheriting the spear… for his own reasons.
- JinRai’s mother was later discovered to have been a member of the Ghost Clan who had infiltrated the Rai Clan. However, she and KoGuRai the Elder fell in love and became a bonded family. Whether this is part of the reason for (or caused by) Elder Rai’s move towards toleration of outsiders and his open-minded stance is unknown. Jin was never made aware of his half Ghost Clan heritage until the times of Wayrift.
- KoGuRai did not immediately take up the position of Warleader during the Dreigiau story at JinRai’s death. Instead, he inherited Jin’s position on the Nefolian Council, thinking that was the better path to power and glory for himself and his clan. It wasn’t until the times of Wayrift that he was granted the title of Rai Clan Warleader.