To be a samurai is a position of honour and glory. To be born into a samurai family places you into a privilege of divine right, to protect and uphold the laws of the Empire and act as the will of the Emperor. To be a samurai is to serve. 

Samurai represent heroic endeavours, powerful people who are expected not to fall to the temptations of evil and become legend. Samurai are pinnacles of behaviour and role models for those around them.

Samurai hold a special place in the Celestial Order, which places them as revered figures over the common people.

Schools

There are three different schools of samurai in Tokoro, each holding a unique but equally as important role in the courts;

However, a samurai's school does not necessarily dictate their professions. 

There are bushi who have created great works of art, epic poetry from their times at war. Bushi are revered for their stories of the glories of battle, but also for their appreciation for the smaller things in life - the beauty of a butterfly crossing a meadow.

A courtier’s wit is not just for the courts, it can be used in many other ways. Some are keen alchemists, producing concoctions to assist their brethren. There are also those who possess mastery in combat using distinguished weaponry, for the katana is only for the bushi.

Shindōshi role is established deeply in the cosmic order of the world and maintaining its balance. Spirituality does not require the manifestation of spells, however, and battle shindōshi have shone on the battlefield alongside their bushi siblings. 

Tokoro’s culture ties in directly into displaying good manners and keeping up that pretence even in times of great rage and despair - for those emotions are ugly, and not deemed suitable when in polite company. 

Manipulation and cunning are key abilities for samurai, especially those who spend more time in court. Blunt gestures are frowned upon, and delicacy in a samurai’s words are critical. 

For example, if a ssamurai gloats of their glorious victories when a fellow Samurai knows them to be a fabrication, to call them out as a liar would elicit gasps and shame upon the accuser. Instead, a skilled samurai would prod at the tale, using their knowledge of the truth to lure the other samurai into a trap and reveal themselves in front of all as a liar.

Virtues of Bushido

Upholding the virtues of Bushido is the forefront of samurai behaviour, breaking those virtues is considered disgraceful to one’s honour - and honour is everything.

However, it is important to remember that each clan and Tokoro’s Emperor views Bushido in a different way and the clans all represent a specific virtue of Bushido.

• • For Compassion, seek the Hinotori

  • For Courage, seek the Kani

  • For Courtesy, seek the Tsuru

  • For Duty, seek the Sasori

  • For Honesty, seek the Emperor

  • For Honour, seek the Shishi

  • For Sincerity, seek the Ryu

These base virtues and their association forms the core belief system for each clan and that of the Imperial line.

Court Etiquette

The Emperor's will over-rules the following:

• • The hosting clans court etiquette takes precedence, and they shall send out a short list to all invited parties as a guide prior to convening.

  • Do not take offence when offence is not given - discuss with the appropriate party.

  • There will be an opening ceremony ritual performed by the hosting clan and they will announce ‘Court is in session’.

  • There will be a gong in every courtroom to announce a formal court session – any courtier may call court but must inform the hosting clan prior to ringing the gong.

  • The host family is responsible for gathering courtiers 15 mins prior to formal court session.

  • Hosting clan introduces those present and a brief agenda is described when court is convened, formal etiquette is observed.

  • Leading Clan shall host the discussion, Court can be paused for further fact finding.

  • There are set times for formal court (impromptu court may be called).

  • In the event of a tie in a vote, the Emperor's Will shall cast the final vote.

Each clan may have slight alterations to the ways in which they conduct court, however, the general agreement is that:

• • All bushi may carry their wakizashi. Other weapons are to be stored.

  • A military council may be convened, and their decisions must be communicated to the court, through their courtiers.

  • If you need to leave court, you must face the Voice of the Court and show respect (bow).