Editing Phoenix Clan (section)

===Shiba Family===
Descendants of the Kami, but not the leaders of the Clan. Isawa may have sworn fealty to Shiba, but Shiba swore to protect Isawa's family. So although they technically have executive power, they focus on their duty which often places them in a subordinate role. This is commonly believed to be why they serve rather than rule, but the true reason is a little more complex, which we'll get to in a bit. For generations they have unfailingly, loyally served as the Clan's warriors and defenders, a position of reluctant and misunderstood honor in a Clan of pacifists, shugenja and intellectuals. In fact, it's quite common for an Isawa shugenja to come with a Shiba yojimbo as a package deal. Yet despite their tight bond, the Shiba and the Isawa often bicker and argue, the former being pragmatic about the need for violence, and the latter being pacifistic to the point of self-sacrifice (and sometimes colossally arrogant snots). So while some Shiba are devoted in a typical samurai style, others treat their charges as derpy pets they have to rein in.

Shiba bushi are among the most accomplished yojimbo in Rokugan, with a grasp of defensive warfare and security which would make the Crab proud and the Scorpion wary. They prefer fighting with polearms, both spears and naginatas, and are some of the most skilled lancers in the Empire who lean on a mix of technique, a stronger grasp of the Void, and footwork to ensure they always fight at the optimal range. The Shiba may grow exasperated with their charges being woefully out of touch with the world or humility, but they are absolutely loyal to them; any would-be schemer trying to turn the Shiba against the Isawa tends to wind up on the tips of their spears. 

Their Clan Champion serves as the Phoenix Clan's mouthpiece to the rest of the Empire, often debating the Elemental Masters but never denying their duty, and has the unique trait of being the amalgamation of Shiba's preserved soul and every prior Phoenix Champion. This is both a blessing and a burden, and the risk of instability in the merger is why the Shiba hand the job of leading to the Isawa. Wait, wasn't there another [[Phoenix Lord|Phoenix-themed group that does something similar...]]