The Celestial Order

Tokoro is a feudal society, which is historically described as the Celestial Order. This Order defines the structural bounds of society with different classes of people, and how they are expected to behave. Individuals are born into their class and social movement is possible, but rare.

At the top of the Celestial Order is the Emperor, the god-chosen ruler of Tokoro. Their word is law, and all beneath them must follow.

The Voice of the Emperor is currently The Scorpion’s wife, her role is to run the Imperial Court.

The Shogun is the military leader of the Empire, which is currently vacant but temporarily held by the Emerald Champion whilst a suitable replacement is sought.

The Emerald Champion themselves directly serves the Emperor to mete out Justice in their name. They are the leader of the Emerald Magistrates, lawmen of the Empire.

The Jade Champion, currently vacant, is a mirror to the Emerald Champion. Their role is to handle all matters pertaining to magic and rooting out blood magic. They lead the Jade Magistrates. Whilst this role remains vacant, the Emerald Champion also takes on this role.

Next in the Order is the Daimyo. These are the great clan’s leaders; The Crane, The Lion, The Phoenix, The Scorpion, The Dragon, The Crab.

A subsection below these leaders are those who lead the minor clans within the great clans; The Monkey, The Mantis, The Tortoise, The Dragonfly, The Badger, The Fox.

The next stage below is the Samurai. Samurai are the warrior class that have been entrusted with the newly established Lower Court. They carry out the word of the Emperor, whilst also maintaining their allegiance to their own Daimyo. 

Beneath them are the Peasants. These are the people whom the Samurai are sworn to defend. This consists of farmers, merchants, artisans, and other common folk. They are the class who ensure that Tokoro is fed and well supplied.

Last in the order are those who are deemed ‘other’ due to their lot in life. These people include grave diggers, torturers, and morticians among others. Their roles are to act as the spiritually unclean, to do the dirty work that those above them cannot. 

Monks hold a unique place in the Celestial Order. As spiritually enlightened people believed to be close to the gods, they sit outside of the structure. Their holy role is too important to be tied to a mere class and are universally respected, even by the Emperor.