Rokugan Information and Traditions

[Canary]

Geography

The Empire of Rokugan, still known by some clinging to tribal traditions as the Protected Lands, is the new name for the large swath of land bordered by the Northern Ranges, the Shinomen forest in the west, the Twilight Mountains to the south and the Eastern Sea. Most of the realms beyond are unknown, after the recent expedition to the South, the humans of Rokugan have come into contact with the Nezumi Empire to the south, a large and advanced society ruled by rat-men. The Seppun still speak of the Burned Land to the west, but few have strayed far enough to see it. Which the Spine of the World Mountains once served as a major barrier to people living north and south of them, new roads and trade routes have opened and improved trade and communication between the Clans on either side.


Food

Most of the Protected Lands are relatively lush, encouraging the cultivation of a wide array of plants naturally found there. The farmers of the Clans can be found growing a vast array of crops. Grains, mostly wheat, buckwheat, barley, and millet, are grown widely and used for a variety of food including buns, noodles, and porridge. Rice is becoming more common as the technology for wet rice farming has spread as the Isawa Tribe joined the Empire. Vegetables and fruits are cultivated depending on the environment of the particular tribe. Seafood, poultry, as well as soybeans are common sources of protein. Herd animals and wild game are sometimes also eaten, though they are falling out of favor as the subjects of the Kami mimic their eating havits. Food preservation in the forms of drying and pickling are common. Salting is more rare, with the expense of salt.


Social Classes

Social classes have become more stratified in the twenty years since the kami arrived. While once the leaders of the tribes did similar work to their followers in the day to day, the concept of the Celestial Order has spread, especially among the Stag and Crane. Warriors and farmers are now specialized into their particular jobs, with leaders now coming from the warrior class, called samurai, with the Kami at their head. Servants of the Kami oversee large areas and key holdings.


Etiquette

Etiquette has slowly been developing in complexity during the last 20 years. There are a few general guidelines, however. Most people refer to one another by their Family name, unless they are very close or of the same family. Even those close to one another often refer to each other more formally in public. Bows are used to greet others, with the depth varying by social status or wishing to show more or less respect. It is considered bad form to attack someone outside of an agreed-upon place and time to sort out disagreements, since that would cause trouble for one's host. Hospitality is an important idea that has persisted since the era of the tribes, and if someone visits another Family or Clan, it is considered good form to treat them as an honored guest. Attacking guests for anything short of the most egregious of troublemaking is considered a stain on the honor of the host.


Love and Marriage

Marriage is one of the institutions that still varies the most, though the pressure to marry for political gain is starting to rise as it becomes relevant. Most marriages are conducted by a shugenja, and include a ceremony originating from the Isawa which involves drinking sake with a drop of blood from each person mixed in. Marriage between those of the same sex is known and of equal value politically. In those cases, a third party is involved to provide children, which often involves further political agreements. The basis of this tradition lies in the marriage of Emperor Shiba and his consort, Yuzuru, with Jiyo, the Emerald Champion, providing children. Some people originating from particularly independent Tribes, such as the Ayakashi, still keep to their own traditions, but things are slowly becoming more standardized.


Calendar and Seasons

The Empire officially considers the year to begin on the first day of spring. This lines up with the day they arrived in the Realm of Mortals, as well as the day the day the Tournament of the Kami was held twenty years ago and Shiba was declared Emperor. While the celebration of birthdays varies depending on the tradition people come from, officially people are considered to reach their next year on the new year. New Year is the most important festival of the year in most places, and is commonly celebrated by decorating with kadomatsu, a pine tree decoration that is supposed to bring a good harvest in the coming year, eating mochi and osechi-ryori, and the ringing of bells.

Other festivals common to many areas are flower viewing in the spring, Tanabata and Obon in summer, and harvest festivals in the autumn.