12 Founding Families

The 12 Founding Families were a group of clans possessing great abilities and skills as martial artists. They were the supporters of the Takayanagi family, the ones have control over the martial arts world. The 12 families are divided into 2: the white feather, which specializes in martial arts, and the red feather, which was given unique special powers. Each of the 12 families has a unique fighting abilities and powers. It is believed that they all come from the same ancestor, Susanoo, the ultimate warrior who's children from different women each inherited one of his powers and later on became the 12 founding families.

However, there was an abandoned, outlawed, and since destroyed 13'th family; The Kagemusha Clan, who's Ancestor was Susanoo's brother, known as only The Kagemusha Ancestor. He was the elder and the stronger brother of the two, and refused to associate with his brother and their 12 founding families. Families that support the Takayanagi family are labeled as "feathers" of the Takayanagi Flying Phoenix.

The Red and White Feathers
White Feathers: These are people with no supernatural powers. They acquire techniques through hard training and martial arts. Through this training, other meditation or thought and emotions they may invoke upon the so-called 7 dragons which live within everyone and govern the powers of wood, fire, metal, water, and air. When enough ki is consumed, then an ability is born, but their ki is limited, so they cannot keep the gate open for too long at all. People who have invoked these dragons include most notably Maya Natsume, Ryuuzaki, Isyumi, and Fuchien.

Red Feathers: The Red Feathers belong to a selective nature, or element, which they could invoke once enough ki is consumed. But on top of that, they have their own "Unique Dragon Gate" which white feathers cannot invoke and basically don't have. Their dragons are different from the 7 dragons that govern over the elements. It is said that their dragon is that 8th element which was used in construction of the world. When they open their unique gate, a physical part of them changes.

Branch Families
There are about 36 branch clans. There used to be more, but since the red feathers power was no longer needed, some families died out.

Red Feather
Nagi Clan:

Natsume Clan:

Hotaru Clan:

Kabane Clan:

Shoujyou Clan:

Kago Clan:

White Feather
Ishyumi Clan:

Tsumuji Clan:

Mawari Clan:

Wani Clan:

Kabuto Clan: