The Underhand of the Emperor was the formal title of the Great Clan assigned the official duty of protecting the Empire (and the Emperor) from any and all unseen threats. They served as the Emperor's spies and informants, ever-vigilant for threats that the Emperor could not deal with directly without bringing dishonor upon himself. This role was traditionally filled by the Scorpion Clan, though the Otomo family also filled this purpose in the higher echelons of the Imperial Court.