Crackhead Shogunate
"He who values his life, dies a dogs death..."
Despite it's comical name, this fierce Raider gang has a reputation for savagery that is nearly unrivaled in the Wasteland. Originally called "The Shoguns" it's command structure and culture is loosely based upon it's namesake of feudal Japan. Once a very small local gang, filled with members who were easily identifiable by their choice of weaponry and questionable if not unique attire, it quickly ballooned into quite a dangerous force retitled "The Shogunate" over the years. At the head of the gang is the ubiquitous Shogun, beneath him are various clans ruled by Daimyo, and their small armies of fanatical Samurai and roves of an assorted slave class known as Ashigaru. The Samurai and their superiors all carry Katana which are badges of office in the gang and may not be wielded by anyone beneath the Samurai class upon pain of death. Despite the preconception of quality such a weapon might instill in the ignorant, the majority of "katana" these clan members carry are Pre-Dark reproductions of dubious manufacture, often found in Pre-Nukecaust Malls and flea markets. However within the Shogunate, these weapons are prized due to their age and often have an inflated level of importance within the clans. Any other "katana" one might find are often of even poorer make and quality, usually pounded out by unskilled smiths from whatever scrap they can find.
While information on how or where the gang was originally founded is uncertain, what is clear is how the pejorative of "Crackhead" was added to their name. The early Shogunate upon growing in size, had issue with instilling within it's members the proper courage and a lack of fear in the face of certain death. To alleviate this issue, the Shogunate leadership began the manufacture of stimulate chems to ensure that it's warriors would never balk in the face of danger. This chem use quickly got out of hand, and even the lowest of the gangs slave caste became horridly addicted to the drugs. This has caused the once proud Shogunate to be reduced to a group of erratic but no less dangerous psychopaths with a seriously off kilter sense of honor. It is highly advised by this scribe that one does not use the adjective of "Crackhead" within earshot of this gang's members unless one wishes to be hacked to pieces by badly made steel implements.
Gear and weaponry:
While the ever present "Mall Katana" can be found upon the hips of the gang's Samurai class, the armor and gear of this gang is rather eclectic. What armor they have will be loosely (VERY loosely) based upon feudal Japanese armor, and is often made of anything they can get their hands on. Kabuto made from old cooking pots, Kasa made from sheet metal trash can lids, Sashimono cut from tarpaulin or trash bags, etc. Firearms however, are seen as beneath their honor, but it isn't terribly uncommon for the slave Ashigaru caste to be seen armed with various zip guns or poorly made black powder muskets. This lack of firepower should not however be seen as a weakness on the part of The Shogunate, as very few if any factions within the Wasteland (outside of perhaps the armies of Newginia) are willing to charge into automatic gun fire with such reckless abandon. These men will and quite happily, stamp upon their dead and dying to gut you like a rad trout, and will not hesitate to fight to the last.
Honor system:
The Shogunate has, despite it's seeming barbarism, a set of rules that govern their society. Even in their drug fueled haze, it's members hold Honor in the highest of regard. Many an outland skirmish and even wars have been fought due to a perceived slight upon the honor of the clans, and many a settlement has been razed to the ground for underestimating the might of The Shogunate. However this adherence to honor has been the downfall of many a clan army, and in one case (See The Siege of Bargain-Mart) a single man willing to fight dirty has wiped a Daimyo's entire fighting force. Honor is both the glue and the Achilles heel of The Shogunate.
It is the hope of this scribe that with this short entry, you are forewarned of the danger this large gang presents. If you find yourself within their territories, it is usually best to get out as quickly and as quietly as one can. Barring that do your absolute best to avoid any trouble with them unless you have the firepower and will to fight your way out. The Shogunate does not forget, let alone forgive. You will live much longer if you remember this.