factions
21 entries
Understand the organizations, guilds, and political groups vying for influence.
Artisan Union (Shokunin Renmei)
Focus: Crafts, arts, skilled trades Subdivisions by craft: Carpenters, blacksmiths/metalworkers, potters/ceramicists Weavers/textile workers, paper ma...
Arts & Entertainment
Painters/Artists (E-shi): Various styles. Some paint buildings, others art. Calligraphers (specialized, highly respected). Muralists. Sculptors (Chōko...
Construction & Maintenance
Carpenters (Daiku): Build structures. Timber framing specialists. Some traditional, others incorporate Whisker-Punk. Joinery skills highly respected....
Engineer Guild (Haguruma Kumiai)
Focus: Whisker-Punk technology, innovation, infrastructure Members: Mechanical engineers (gear systems, power distribution) Structural engineers (brid...
Farmer Collective (Hyakusho Rengō)
Focus: Agriculture, fishing, food production Members: Rice farmers, vegetable growers, tea plantation workers Fishermen (river and sea) Orchardists, a...
Food & Hospitality
(See Part 4 for detailed culinary professions) Chefs (Ryōri-nin): Various levels and specializations Brewers (Jōzō-ka): Sake, beer, wine production Te...
Government & Administration
Samurai (Bushi): Role: Warrior class, but this world is peaceful Actually do: Administration, law enforcement (minimal), ceremonial guards, disaster r...
Guild Festivals
Each guild celebrates their founding or patron: Demonstrations of skills Competitions within guild Public invited to watch Recruiting opportunity for...
Healer Guild (Ishi Kumiai)
Focus: Medicine, herbalism, healing arts, mental health Members: Physicians (general practice) Surgeons (specialists) Herbalists (medicine preparation...
Merchant Guild (Akindo Kumiai)
Focus: Trade, commerce, banking, market regulation Members: Shopkeepers Traveling merchants Import/export specialists Bankers and moneylenders Auction...
Merchant Guild Power
Economic Power Rivaling Political Power: Merchant Guild incredibly wealthy Fund infrastructure projects Influence through economic leverage Can make o...
No Military/Police in Traditional Sense
World is peaceful Conflicts resolved through: mediation, social pressure, hissing and posturing, temporary ostracism (harsh punishment) Samurai handle...
Performance Guild (Geinō Kumiai)
Focus: Arts, entertainment, culture Members: Actors (kabuki, noh, etc.), musicians, dancers Puppeteers, storytellers, singers, comedians Hierarchy: Ap...
Scholar's Circle (Gakusha no Wa)
Focus: Knowledge, research, education, archives Members: Historians, philosophers, scientists (natural philosophy) Mathematicians, astronomers, librar...
Service Professions
Innkeepers (Hatago-ya): Run inns and lodging houses. Provide rooms, meals, baths. Information brokers. Social hubs. Bathhouse Attendants (Sentō no Ten...
Specialized Trades
Claw Artists (Tsume no Geijutsu-ka): Specialists in claw decoration. Bedazzling, painting, temporary modifications. Fashion-forward, trend-setters. Wo...
Spiritual & Philosophical
Temple Priests (Sō): Maintain temples. Perform ceremonies. Counsel seekers. Study philosophy and texts. Meditation teaching. Fortune Tellers (Uranai-s...
The Guild System
Overview: Guilds organize and regulate trades Provide training, standards, advocacy Internal hierarchy: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Guild Maste...
The Guilds
Cross-province organizations with significant power: Engineer Guild - Controls technological advancement Merchant Guild - Regulates trade and commerce...
Transportation
Carters (Kuruma-hiki): Operate paw-carts for hire. Transport goods and passengers. Know best routes. Boatmen (Funa-ko): Ferry operators. Cargo transpo...
Working Life
Apprenticeship System: Starts young (teen years for most trades) Live with master or in guild housing Learn by doing (hands-on) Years of training befo...