The Dawnkeepers

Where others see chaos in the fallen star, the Dawnkeepers see revelation. This serene faction gathers monks, shrine guardians, shugenja, gentle yokai, and even kami who believe celestial omens are divine guidance. Their philosophy is not of conquest, but of harmony through understanding the messages written in the heavens. They meditate beneath night skies, interpret star patterns, and see the fallen star not as treasure, but as a spiritual test.

They are a quiet yet persistent voice in Yamato. While the Shogunate seeks to harness or suppress celestial power, and others hunger to exploit it, the Dawnkeepers preach patience, humility, and alignment with cosmic order. Their shrines double as observatories, where ryujin scholars debate omens with human astrologers. Unlike most factions, they welcome all species equally, for to them the stars shine upon everyone.

Yet their gentleness is also their weakness. They are mocked by mercenaries, dismissed by officials, and threatened by zealots of the Cult of the Starborn. Still, their influence endures among villagers and pilgrims, who find comfort in their teachings. They heal, they guide, they remind Yamato of humility before forces greater than any one faction.

The Dawnkeepers are no warriors, though some shrine guardians wield blessed naginata. Their true strength lies in wisdom, in staying the hand that would grasp too greedily. Whether they can withstand the storm around the fallen star, or whether their philosophy will be swept aside by bloodshed, remains uncertain.