The Tenno, or emperor, is the nominal leader of Koto and the absolute instance in all matters. This position is inherited, as the tenno's bloodline is believed to be divine and gifted to the people of Koto to rule them with wisdom and grant them security.
Tenno
Daimyo
The daimyo, or the lords, are the regional leaders. They form a council under the tenno's rule and advise in all of the emperors decisions.
While absolutely subject to the tenno, the daimyo are mostly free in their governing of their individual regions, only having vague rules to follow in terms of trading and minimum taxing.
Daimyo
Nobility
The nobility forms a small, yet influencial part of the society. Born or married into their position and wealth, their interests often lay close to the daimyo, as they can offer great financial support and prestige. Nobles live almost exclusively on the capital island, not dealing with the struggles of regular life.
Nobility
Samurai
The samurai describe a rank of military nobility. Samurai, either born into their standing or earning it through a lifetime of training, studies and dedication, are military leaders and expert warriors far above the regular Bushi.
Samurai serve under the daimyo in so called clans. However, some, that chose a life of travelling or have been exiled from their clan for misconduct, are reffered to as Ronin. These are however percieved as having lost their honor and are therefore looked down upon.
Samurai
Shugenja
Shugenja are all those, that have dedicated their life to one of the religions of Koto. Living in monasteries and following the ways of monks and clerics, these people often live seperate from the general communities to best shape their life after their faith. They are often sought out as guides in life and spiritual matters by the general populus
Shugenja
Merchants
Merchants are all those that make their living selling wares and trading. It is a very profitable profession, as much of Koto relies on the trading with other regions and the exchange of goods. Many merchants therefore live a very privileged middle class life.
Merchants
Bushi
Bushi describe the majority of soldiers within Koto. Not seen as nobility, as a Samurai would be, the Bushi make up a great deal of the upper middle class. Warriors are respected greatly among the people and the Bushi are looked up to by all social standings below them.
Bushi
Craftsmen
Craftsmen make up a great deal of Koto's population and describe all those that work in the cities as smiths, leatherers, medicians and many other professions that require a solid amount of expertise and training. They are the lower middle class of Koto and live decent lives in the bigger cities.
Craftsmen
Peasants
Peasents describe the lowest class of citizens in Koto. This layer of the society is made up of farmers, fishers, prostitutes and dayworkers. They are generally on the poor side, but able to sustain their survival. Most of them lack training and education on many things. The peasents live on the countrysides, outside the cities.
Peasants
Servants
Servants are all those, that have lost their right of citizenship. Either due to immense debt or due to criminal history, servants have lost the right over their body and are now property of those, that they were indepted to or assigned to.
The life of a servant can go many ways, as the owner is the ultimate factor. The servants of noble houses often live rather comfortable lives and in many cases even acquire freedom after a certain time, while the servants in the outer parts of the land often live their life in perilous jobs, doing the work that nobody else would want to.
