Bushido

Customs

Greeting

Greetings in Rankai are very formal and ritualized.

• It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their status relative to your own.
• If at all possible, wait to be introduced.
• It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, even in a large gathering.
• While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show.
• A foreign visitor ('gaijin') may bow the head slightly, since no one expects foreigners to generally understand the subtle nuances of bowing.

Gift Giving

Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.

• The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important--sometimes more important--than the gift itself.
• Gifts are given for many occasions.
• The gift need not be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give.
• Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
• lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms and other white flowers are associated with funerals so they are not seen as a good gift to give. Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai tree is always acceptable.
• Give items in odd numbers, but not 9 (which means torture) or 4 (which means death).
• Pastel colours are the best choices for wrapping paper.
• Gifts are not opened when received.

At A Home or Visiting

• Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the doorway.
• Leave your shoes pointing away from the doorway you are about to walk through.
• Arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes late if invited for dinner. If invited to a large social gathering, arriving a little bit later than the invitation is acceptable, although punctuality is always appreciated.
• Unless you have been told the event is casual, dress your best.

General Customs

The Rankai moral character (at both the individual and societal level) is built upon four key elements, which can best be compared to the European Virtues: On, Gimu, Giri and Ninjō. All four of these touch upon the Japanese concept of 'honor', which combines elements of reputation, self-respect, and personal moral/ethical code.

The Pillars:

• On (恩) - The best translation for this term would be "Reciprocity". On is a virtue that requires the individual to acknowledge and repay debts he owes, including debts of honor. A source of I Owe You My Life situations.
• Gimu (義務) - Can be interpreted as "Piety". If one owes a debt (including a debt of honor) but cannot repay it, Gimu encourages the debtor to show allegiance to the debt-holder in lieu of true payment.
• Giri (義理) - "Duty". Much more complicated than the European concept of duty, Giri requires the individual to execute and balance his obligations as the highest function of an honorable life.
• Ninjō (人情) - Usually translated as "Compassion". Ninjō requires empathy with others, and recognizes that all people are one, beneath the surface differences that karma imposes.

Rankai Spirit

At its most basic, Yamato-damashii implies pure merit and being or becoming "better". Rankai culture is rooted in an orderly clan-based hierarchy system where every person has a rank within their family, community, organisation, and class. Each family, organisation, and class then in turn has a rank in society as a whole. By following Yamato-damashii, any being can achieve its maximum potential or even higher, perhaps changing or even overturning an established order.. This constant cycle of "Order" (academia, logic, safety) and "Chaos" (discovery, risk, conflict), complement and refine each other through constant change.

In fiction, it shows itself as a plethora of virtues, in words that may not translate directly into English well, but here we'll organize them into three forms: talent, insight, and persistence.

• Koyū (or Talent) is any trait, gift or possession that makes someone a Born Winner, whether they're aware of it or not.
• Chie (or Insight/Resolve) is a belief or faith that remains correct and unshakable, and has more value even than the believer's life.
• Kakan (or Persistence) is a level of vigilance, competitiveness and willpower which overcomes the impossible just by "trying harder".

In traditional Rankai philosphy, Persistence (hard work and hope) was considered the most important and desirable of the three virtues. Resolve, the second most important, is also likely the first to appear, after the hero's "insight" finds something to fight for. Someone with strong amounts of both will probably find that they actually had a Talent all along that was easily overlooked. Talent, however, is considered the least-virtuous of the three (although certainly the most powerful). Despite Talent being the most functional of the three, Yamato-Damashii believes that everyone will Die or Fly in their Darkest Hour, so even a weak-but-persistent person will prove themselves useful in the long run.

About Weapons

Officially, only Samurai and Shogun are allowed to bear weapons. The daisho is the symbol of the Samurai's soul and strength, and spears are only borne by guards and warriors in service to their nation or their lords. It is an offense for a peasant to carry a weapon, which is why the concealed weapons of the ninja are so practical. This having been said, the people of Rankai are neither stupid nor are they blind to the realities of life. There are mercenary groups, adventuring parties, and the occasional traveling merchant troop to carry weapons against this ban.
The people of Rankai acknowledge this. After all, they live in a word with Oni, Kappa, and various spirits and monsters. A Samurai has duties to his lord and his land, and cannot always simply accompany a merchant or a pilgrimage through dangerous terrain, and the lure of adventure and richest, especially over the bodies of dangerous monsters like Oni and Youkai will not be restricted to the Samurai class. As such, an uneasy and somewhat controversial 'live and let live' policy is tolerated among the officials of Rankai. Provided that these 'adventurers', who could otherwise be bandits claiming to be monster hunters, after all, do not bear their weapons in cities, or where Samurai scrutiny and this clear lack of respect would be apparent, these adventurers are more likely to be left alone on roads or in the wilderness.
The reason for the controversy is that this is a clear slap in the face to Samurai and lords who fear for their lives. Many traditionalists and more elitist Samurai hate this laissez-faire attitude, and will not actually tolerate it, as is their right. Most peasants are wary of anyone not in servitude to a lord carrying weapon, because they are as likely to be bandits posing as adventurers are the real deal. And most Daimyo will be instantly suspicious of someone who does not obey the rules of the Caste System, as there is no penalty for anyone but the offender. As such, it is incredibly unwise to bear one's weapons out in public, even if on the road, but as a general rule, most countries, and more importantly, most Samurai will not question how one managed to dismember an Oni if they bring the head in for a reward, and most merchants will pretend their road guardians were very, very good at Karate.

Samurai Customs

Bushido Code of the New Empire

Bushido, the warrior code, is that which separates the Samurai from the lower castes through a concept of honor. The code includes complete loyalty to their shogun or daimyo, honesty, courage, politeness and self-control. To the dedicated samurai, an individual's honor is as important as personal wealth, glory or well-being. To the Samurai, his Daisho (a set of swords, a Katana and Wakizashi), are part of his soul. He is expected to keep it with him and, in case of it being stolen, to retrieve it at all costs, and punish the thief himself. It is considered an extension of their soul and honor.

Gojo (the 5 virtues of the samurai)

1. Sincerity & Honor
• Always remember and repay one's giri (duty, obligation or debt of gratitude — especially to one's lord).
• The purest expression of one's gratitude is to die for one's lord (daimyo).
• The samurai has but "one word." Once he has pledged his word he is bound by it, and nothing can dissuade him from fulfilling the duty he has undertaken.
• Any obligation undertaken by a samurai requires a willingness to undergo any sacrifice in order to repay a kindness, or honor a commitment.
• Always maintain one's principles.

2. Wisdom
• Use "common sense" in all aspects of life.
• Beware of magic and the supernatural. Know it in its many guises.
• You die in vain if you do not accomplish what you set out to do.
• You live as a coward if you forsake your objective and continue to live.
• To miss an objective and choose death (dies trying or commits seppuku/ritual suicide)

3. Propriety
• Devotion to duty above all else.
• Exhibit self-control in all things.
• Avoid bringing disgrace to one's lord (daimyo).
• Avoid bringing disgrace upon oneself — observe courtesy and etiquette.
• Observe all due proprieties in one's dealings with others.
• Put oneself above material reward, especially money; remain true to oneself and one's lord.
• Avoid foul language, especially in front of women, children and nobility.
• Keep to tradition
• Show respect to authority, especially one's lord and the Emperor.
• Fight with honor.
• Avenge the wronged.

4. Benevolence
• Show kindness. It should not be difficult to show some measure of kindness, especially to the less fortunate, innocent, or downtrodden.
• Avoid thoughtless cruelty even to those without honor or courage lest you become like them.
• Avoid torture, especially as an act of revenge.
• Administer swift justice.
• Administer swift and gentle mercy.
• Protect the innocent.

5. Courage
• Cultivate a fearless spirit to better serve one's master and oneself.
• Death is inevitable, meet it as a warrior.
• Recognize the face of one's fears, learn to look it squarely in the eyes, and meet it head on.
• Defend one's master/daimyo/shogun and all that is his.
• Defend the weak or innocent if orders allow.

Gorin (the 5 relationships of the samurai)
The samurai's loyalty and commitment is listed in order of importance:

1. Samurai to Lord: Absolute loyalty to daimyo and emperor, even above the tenants of Bushido.
2. Father & son/teacher & pupil
3. Husband & wife
4. Senpai/Kohai: juniors & seniors
5. Friends—peers & equals

Note: Despite the Samurai's allegiance to the shogun or daimyo, the warrior could challenge and fight the shogun or daimyo to replace him, without breaking the code of Bushido. Such challenges could occur as the result of a terrible injustice, tyranny and/or cruelty. In the past, this would involve war between entire samurai armies or clans. The losing side would have to swear allegiance to the new shogun or be slain. In history, the leaders (and sometimes entire armies) weren't given a choice and were beheaded. Ceremonial suicide was an acceptable way of saving face and honor, but one could not kill himself if he owed any debts, until they were repaid.

Caste System

The Rankai Lands operate as a benevolent military dictatorship similar to the ways of old feudal Japan. It is a pyramid power structure with the wealthy and educated landowners and military at the top and the average citizen at the bottom.

Society in the Rankai Lands is structured around the tenants of the feudal system. This dictates the rights of individuals and their status through the institution of several social classes. Equality between the classes does not exist, but the members of all groups have accepted their roles in the firmly entrenched socioeconomic system. Duty and responsibility is the cement which binds the classes together. Individuals are less self-serving and more community oriented, accepting their role and fulfilling it to the best of their ability. Revolution is virtually unheard of in the New Empire due to this highly developed sense of duty.

The Emperor is the religious and political leader of the Imperial Unification Army. This is no figurehead. The royal family from which the Emperor (usually male, but can be female) is born is said to have been selected by the sun godess and possesses some aspect of true divinity. So says the history of the Wakamoto family. Those who are sworn to him obey his every whim, and the Daimyo and Shogun of the allied countries in the Imperial Unification Army believe in him as a god among men.

The Imperial Court & Royal Family have the ear of the Emperor, but are mainly positions of prestige with no or little actual power. This group includes family members and counselors such as respected priests, monks, aging samurai warriors, powerful landowners, philosophers, doctors, and other people of experience, learning and wisdom.

The Shogun is the Minister of War and the primary military power of their respective countries. It is the Shogun who coordinates the nation's defenses and directs any offensives with the national army against possible enemies, be they other nations or the Yasha Dominion. Military expeditions usually have to do with border skirmishes, reclaiming territory seized by the oni, or the rescue of captives taken by the demons.

The Daimyo (pronounced dime-yo) are the lords or governors of the Nations. The Rankai Lands are divided into many nations, each with a capital city and an army of samurai loyal to the daimyo and the Shogun. The daimyo are also wealthy, samurai land barons who serve as military generals. The daimyo and the shogun are second in power only to the Emperor, at least in the Imperial Unification Army.

The Samurai are elite warriors, landowners and administrators, loyal to a specific daimyo master and nation, and some to the Imperial Unification Army in general. Most are noble, honorable, and heroic knights of the realm dedicated to keeping their nation safe. Each samurai is granted a portion of farmland and indentured peasants by his daimyo, in order to support himself. These holdings are fixed by family lines, such that a samurai's children inherits the noble class, land and obligation to the daimyo. The daimyo has complete control over his vassals, so much that if a samurai should fail in his duties, even once, he must make restitution or his daimyo has the right to demand "honor be met," meaning the samurai is obligated to commit ritual suicide. Loyalty and obedience to one's lord is extremely important in this military society.

At the base of this pyramid structured caste system are the multitude of Peasants (uneducated laborers and farmers) and the lowly eta. It is interesting to note that in the structure of the Rankai Lands, there is nothing dishonorable about being a peasant and indeed, the peasant farmers, workers and craftsmen represent the life's blood of the kingdom. They work the land, farm, harvest and process crops, raise animals, weave and fashion clothing, and serve as carpenters, builders, kabuki entertainers, and craftsmen of all kind. They work the lands owned by the samurai and their daimyo, and live in homes owned by their landlords. They cannot own their own land, cannot bear arms (other than farm tools and staves), and are uneducated; they may have certain trade skills, but no formal education. It is the members of the samurai family clans who become the doctors, scientists, scholars, architects, engineers, artists, owners of business, and politicians of the realm. The only way for a peasant to get a better education and pursue a different type of work is to become a monk, priest, or kabuki entertainer; or to leave the New Empire to become a mercenary or adventurer. Most peasants are happy and treated reasonably well, although their living conditions, welfare and the respect they receive is largely dependent upon the landowner(s) they serve. Some daimyo and samurai landowners work the people like animals, with little rewards for their labor or loyalty. Others treat them with great kindness and generosity. Fortunately for the peasant population, most daimyo and samurai take their cue for behavior from the Emperor, nobility and priests at Kyoto, who show respect, honor and mercy to even the lowliest peasant. Currently throughout the Rankai Lands, most administrators and lords treat their people well, and the samurai truly fight to keep them safe and free from inhuman tyranny.

The Eta are a different story. They are the lowest of the low and fall below peasant or even the detestable ronin. They are people who do labor that even the peasants find disgusting or beneath them. All the distasteful tasks in the Rankai Lands are left to eta. These include the handling of the dead, digging graves, waste disposal, butchering and preparing animal meat as food, tanning, leather-working and making clothing out of animal skins, and similar. For example, a samurai can seize an eta's property, ransack their home, use torture for interrogation, rape their women, beat and even kill eta without evidence of wrongdoing and without fear of legal or social repercussions — of course the eta may extract their own revenge by stealing from their cruel masters, vandalizing property, cooperating with enemies and even engage in murder. It is among the eta that one is most likely to find thieves, bandits, assassins, ninja, witches, evil sorcerers, and other criminals. Sadly, many people point to this foul behavior as evidence of the eta's sub-human and vile nature, without realizing that it is the coldhearted abuses and degradation delivered from their hands to the eta that fill them with hate and vile, and make them desperate misanthropes.

Merchants are part of the peasant class, as the act of making and selling goods and handling money is not considered a noble pursuit worthy of a warrior. However, a samurai may own a business, he's just not active in it. Subordinate to the samurai, these merchants still have a fair degree of unofficial freedom and privilege. Merchants can, within the framework of the law, own property (but not land), travel freely throughout the Empire and engage in enterprises and the pursuit of trade and profit. Additionally, the merchant is able to deal with members of the samurai class on a fairly equal level. Politeness and respect are obvious requirements, but the merchant has the right to bargain and safeguard their own best interests. 65% of all merchants operate a business owned by a samurai family clan, but a full 35% are privately owned companies.

Ninja are peasant elite mercenaries who operate from secret family clans. Masters of disguise, they sometimes pretend to be monks, priests, and samurai.

Doctors are one of the few groups outside the caste system. Although the majority (60%) are of noble lineage, many are from peasant stock. However, healers are both respected and appreciated, and free to walk among eta and samurai without regard to class or character.

Monks and priests enjoy a similar status, although they are generally considered to be of peasant stock and only a notch above them. Despite this, priests and monks are often counsels to royal families, daimyo, and samurai, as well as warriors of renown. There is no class requirement for becoming a monk and anyone from the lowly eta to the powerful samurai can join the monastic orders. Serving as the spiritual caretakers of the people, the monks tend to the many shrines and temples in the Empire. Others wander the countryside teaching and lending a helping hand. Monks are held in the highest regard and are protected by the samurai. These individuals are subject to the same punishments for criminal activity, though all but the most severe crimes are usually ignored. Should a monk ever be attacked or harmed, retribution will be both swift and severe.