The Four Paths - Caste system

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The Caste System in Kodama and Numachi, called "The Four Paths", is based upon inherited positions and title. The divisions are Gentry, Farmer, Artisan, and Merchant.

The Eternal Emperor is above all castes, and divides his power and changes individual's stations as he sees fit. The Shogun is also above the castes, and is chosen by the Eternal Emperor to rule the Imperial Court in his absence. The current Shogun is Renjiro Teiji, son of the last chosen Shogun, Makoto Teiji.

The family is the smallest legal entity; A slight upon one member is a slight upon his entire house, and will bring the wrath of the family's leader. This also means that the mistakes and failings of one person reflect upon their entire family. The family either prospers together in privilege or falls from grace, making the maintenance of a family's honor important to all castes.

Foreigners do not belong to this caste system, and therefore do not have any legal rights in Kodama, unless they are sponsored by a caste family. Unsponsored foreigners are typically considered Outcaste in this system, and may be treated as Hinin or Eta based on their profession. Foreigners who wish to become citizens of Kodama must appeal to the Royal Courts, submitting a formal application for review. This review process may take several years to complete, and many applications are denied.

GENTRY

The highest caste includes the Kuge or "Nobility", The Sazanami Order, Daimyo or "Lords", and the Samurai warriors. This caste also includes scholars and wise men who prove themselves worthy by their service to the Imperial Court. The Daimyo and their loyal Samurai hold and control his lands, keeping order and shipping back taxes and goods in return for land, title, and a share of the profit. While members of the Sazanami Order renounce all family ties, their actions still reflect on the order as a whole.


FARMERS

Farming is considered a noble and important profession, and it's high position in the caste reflects this. The farmer's hard work is the foundation of the wealth of the entire empire, and without them the government would be crippled. All land is owned by the Eternal Emperor and divided among several Daimyo, and once more divided by the Daimyo and granted to the farmer. The family must stay in good favor with their Daimyo or risk losing land and title. A farmer proves his honor and worth, and thereby gains more land holdings, by producing vast crops and superior livestock.


ARTISANS

The Craftsman is ranked just below the farmer in the caste, but this is not due to a lack of importance. They create various products for the empire that serve to improve life in general, and such things that cannot be lived without. Their lower rank is acknowledgment to the farmer's production of goods from earth and toil, which they must use in turn to fuel their craft. The Artisan proves his worth and honor by creating quality crafts, which can vastly increase his wealth and standing. Some craftsman become so legendary that they serve the imperial court exclusively. Artisans typically live within the Market Branch of the city.


MERCHANTS

The Merchant is ironically the lowest rank in the caste system, despite holding a vast amount of wealth and political influence. This is due to the fact that they produce nothing, instead they excel at selling the goods and services of others. The Merchant measures his worth and honor by being an excellent businessman. A great merchant persuades the higher classes to sell to them exclusively, and in turn creates a profit by selling to the general public at a raised price. Some merchant families have become so influential and wealthy that they have raised their social standing and became members of the higher castes.


OUTCASTE

The vast amount of nameless masses in the empire do not truly belong to a caste family, and therefore have no real legal rights and representation. While not holding a rank, there are still further professions in the empire that are necessary. Some of these professions are considered unseemly or dangerous by the higher class, and therefore they are not allowed to traverse the Royal and Garden Branches without written permissions from caste sponsors(The exception is the Sazanami Dojo and Arboretum). Outcaste are allowed to move freely inside the Leisure and Market Branches of the city. Peasants, undertakers, butchers, tanners, entertainers, licensed concubines, street cleaners, slave traders, and executioners are all examples of the outcaste group known as the Eta, or "Filthy". The Hinin, or "Non-people," are the second part of the group: beggars, slaves, common prostitutes, assassins, mercenaries, Ronin, and convicted criminals. It is completely lawful to kill a Hinin for no reason, though those who do so are generally considered brutish.