Heimin
The Heimin class in Rokugan , often referred to as "half-people," forms the backbone of the empire’s economy and daily life. This class encompasses the common folk who are neither samurai nor outcasts (eta).
Commoners: The Heimin are the ordinary citizens of Rokugan, ranked below the Samurai class but above the eta(outcasts).
Hereditary Class: Membership in the Heimin class is typically hereditary, with occupations and social status passed down through families.
Agriculture: The majority of Heimin are farmers, responsible for cultivating rice, the staple food of Rokugan, and other crops. Their labor sustains the entire empire. They are considered the most important members of this class, and their concerns often outway other classes, as they are seen as providing the greatest service by producing food.
Craftsmanship and Artisanship: Heimin also include skilled artisans, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and carpenters who produce goods essential for daily life and the samurai’s needs.
Labour and Services: Heimin provide various services such as construction, maintenance, and labor in public works. They also serve as clerks, scribes, and in other administrative roles supporting the bureaucracy.
Commerce: Merchants and traders, though often looked down upon by samurai, are Heimin who facilitate trade within Rokugan. They manage markets and ensure the flow of goods. They are considerd the lowest of teh Heimin, as they do not produce anything, merely exchange it for more money.
Obedience and Respect: Heimin are expected to show respect and deference to the samurai class, adhering to the rigid social hierarchy of Rokugan.
Hard Work: Diligence and hard work are valued traits among Heimin, as their labor directly contributes to the prosperity of their villages and the wider empire.
Community and Family: Strong communal and family ties are important. Heimin often live in close-knit communities where cooperation and mutual support are essential for survival.
Limited Rights: Heimin have limited political power and social mobility. They are subject to the authority of the samurai and must obey their directives.
Protection and Stability: In return for their loyalty and labor, Heimin receive protection from the samurai, ensuring a degree of stability and security in their lives.
Restricted Mobility: Movement and travel are often restricted, with Heimin typically needing permission from their lords to move outside their designated areas. They also must obtain travel papers from an Emerald Magistrate to leave their home clan's lands.
Rural Life: Most Heimin live in rural villages, working the land from dawn to dusk, adhering to seasonal cycles and agricultural demands.
Urban Life: In towns and cities, Heimin engage in various trades and crafts, contributing to the urban economy and the cultural vibrancy of Rokugan.
Dependence on Samurai: Heimin rely on the samurai for protection and governance, providing labor and goods in exchange for safety and order.
Collaboration and Conflict: While generally cooperative, tensions can arise, especially if samurai demands become excessive or oppressive. However, outright rebellion is rare and usually swiftly suppressed. Some Heimin will become bandits, especially in desperate times. There have been a number of Heimin rebelling in recent years under the influence of the Perfect Land Sect, leading to many Samurai calling this a heresy.
Social Status and Hierarchy
Commoners: The Heimin are the ordinary citizens of Rokugan, ranked below the Samurai class but above the eta(outcasts).
Hereditary Class: Membership in the Heimin class is typically hereditary, with occupations and social status passed down through families.
Roles and Responsibilities
Agriculture: The majority of Heimin are farmers, responsible for cultivating rice, the staple food of Rokugan, and other crops. Their labor sustains the entire empire. They are considered the most important members of this class, and their concerns often outway other classes, as they are seen as providing the greatest service by producing food.
Craftsmanship and Artisanship: Heimin also include skilled artisans, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and carpenters who produce goods essential for daily life and the samurai’s needs.
Labour and Services: Heimin provide various services such as construction, maintenance, and labor in public works. They also serve as clerks, scribes, and in other administrative roles supporting the bureaucracy.
Commerce: Merchants and traders, though often looked down upon by samurai, are Heimin who facilitate trade within Rokugan. They manage markets and ensure the flow of goods. They are considerd the lowest of teh Heimin, as they do not produce anything, merely exchange it for more money.
Social Expectations and Conduct
Obedience and Respect: Heimin are expected to show respect and deference to the samurai class, adhering to the rigid social hierarchy of Rokugan.
Hard Work: Diligence and hard work are valued traits among Heimin, as their labor directly contributes to the prosperity of their villages and the wider empire.
Community and Family: Strong communal and family ties are important. Heimin often live in close-knit communities where cooperation and mutual support are essential for survival.
Privileges and Limitations
Limited Rights: Heimin have limited political power and social mobility. They are subject to the authority of the samurai and must obey their directives.
Protection and Stability: In return for their loyalty and labor, Heimin receive protection from the samurai, ensuring a degree of stability and security in their lives.
Restricted Mobility: Movement and travel are often restricted, with Heimin typically needing permission from their lords to move outside their designated areas. They also must obtain travel papers from an Emerald Magistrate to leave their home clan's lands.
Daily Life
Rural Life: Most Heimin live in rural villages, working the land from dawn to dusk, adhering to seasonal cycles and agricultural demands.
Urban Life: In towns and cities, Heimin engage in various trades and crafts, contributing to the urban economy and the cultural vibrancy of Rokugan.
Interaction with Other Classes
Dependence on Samurai: Heimin rely on the samurai for protection and governance, providing labor and goods in exchange for safety and order.
Collaboration and Conflict: While generally cooperative, tensions can arise, especially if samurai demands become excessive or oppressive. However, outright rebellion is rare and usually swiftly suppressed. Some Heimin will become bandits, especially in desperate times. There have been a number of Heimin rebelling in recent years under the influence of the Perfect Land Sect, leading to many Samurai calling this a heresy.
Comments