The Rising Sun Shogunate
The island Kingdom of Kamakura is divided. The larger northern Kingdom of Kama is a unified military state. Although there is an emperor, the title is honorary and real power rests in the hands of the shogun or "barbarian-suppressing general". The shogun is always a member of the Hidetomi family in Kama. Power is divided into fiefs, granted by the shogun, and ruled individually by daimyos. Each daimyo has total control over his lands, provided he obeys and enacts the orders of the Shogun. Indeed, the court of the shogun only involves itself in threats against its power and in cases between different fiefs. However, the shogun does retain the power to confiscate lands or resettle a daimyo to a different fief, a power that helps his family retain control. In return for his fief, the daimyo is expected to provide military service and administer his lands.
Within Kamakura, the status of the warrior, particularly the samurai, has been raised above all others. Each daimyo maintains a household of samurai, paying them a stipend of rice in return for their service. These samurais are expected to give absolute and loyal service to their daimyo. Under the warriors come the peasants, then the craftsmen, and finally the merchants. Rigid laws have been enacted to keep each social class separate. Cities are customarily divided into walled wards. Those living in a ward must pass through armed gates to visit other parts of the city and must return to their own ward at night. A Samurai is given special privileges, particularly those of the vendetta and the right to avenge insults, as befits their military upbringing. Travel is strictly controlled and leaving or entering the island is difficult. The intent of these laws and regulations is to prevent any possibility of rebellion or civil war against the shogun.
Koza is inhabited by the same race of people as found in Kama and shares virtually the same customs and traditions. However, Koza is far from a unified state. For several centuries it has been the scene of an incessant warfare between powerful daimyos, all struggling to gain the title of Shogun.
The southern third of the island of Kamakura is divided into fiefs and estates, ruled by these daimyos. It is a very turbulent place, one where fortunes and might can be achieved by those of even the most common upbringing. As such, it is the perfect place for the adventurer seeking fame and fortune.
Currently, a struggle is raging between several powerful daimyos who support the emperor in his bid to regain his long-lost political power and the remains of the bakufu, or shogunal government. Each side is attempting to ally the remaining families on the island. Of these families, some are joining out of loyalty and others see the chance to amass more power themselves. Some families are even arranging to be allied to both sides so they cannot lose! Koza lacks the rigid laws of Kama and more than once a humble peasant has risen to powerful lord through his military skill.
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