Meiyo

Origin

I had a few ideas about a different type of realm on Dwilight, special thanks to Chenier who gave me the idea.

The realm is modeled after medieval Japan... Strict code, the way of the warrior, a member of the realm must be a member of the Order of the Samurai, only realm mates are allowed in, unless somone is specially invited. Buddhist/Zen religion, modeled specially for the realm.

Realm Type- Absolute Monarchy(Emperor)Realm Type- Absolute Monarchy

Names

Experimental name- Meiyo (Name means honor in Japanese.)

Special Name for Ruler- Emperor

Special Name for General- Shogun

Special Name for Judge- Kyoto shoshidai

Special Name for Banker- Kanjo bugyo

Special name for Count/Duke- Overlord and Daimyo.

Infiltrator- Shinobi

Army- Ashigaru Warriors (Ashigaru were little more than a bunch of peasants called to arms by their feudal masters. They had little training or equipment at first but by the end of the Sengoku Jidai they had become professional soldiers and had even become samurai.)

Code

There will be a strict code of conduct, breach of which will result in heavy fines.

Code of Conduct/Honor

Disgraced samurai to regain his honor by passing into death in war or suicide. Warriors were men who lived by Bushido; it was their way of life. The samurai's loyalty to the emperor and his overlord or daimyo were unsurpassed. They were trustworthy and honest. They lived frugal lives with no interest in riches and material things, but rather in honor and pride. They were men of true valor. Samurai had no fear of death. They would enter any battle no matter the odds. To die in battle would only bring honor to one's family and one's lord.

The philosophy of Bushido is freedom from fear.

Virtues that MUST be followed

1)The right decision, fair and equal.

2)Valour & Courage.

3)Benevolence, Compassion & Generosity

4)The Proper Behaviour, Courtesy & Respect

5)Honesty, Honourable & Moral

6)Success, Honour and Glory.

7)Devotion and Loyalty, Dedicated

Honor over Duty / Duty over Glory / Glory before Death / Death before Dishonor

"Shame (haji) is the most important word in a samurai's vocabulary. Nothing is more shameful than not understanding shame." A young samurai named Yoshida Shoin (1830-1859) Shoin continued... On one occasion someone asked me: Which is more serious, crime (tsumi) or shame (haji)? I answered: Crime belongs to the body, but shame lies in the soul.... Now, people at the grass-roots level discuss national politics and criticize officeholders. This kind of behavior is a crime because it is not the job of ordinary people, and it is not their prescribed role in society. However, if you ask about their internal motivation and find that they are worried about the future of the nation, and have tried to ask questions about its legitimacy--their behavior is less culpable.

Ethical guidebook written by the Confucian scholar Muro Kyfis (1658-1734), defined the samurai's basic moral code as principled autonomy. Muro wrote:

The disciplined and rightful attitude of the samurai should include the following: not to speak falsehood; not to work for selfish gain; to keep the mind straightforward and honest; simplicity in external appearance; to maintain a disciplined and courteous bearing, neither flattering one's superiors nor being arrogant toward one's juniors; to keep promises unfailingly; and not to ignore another in hardship....

If the samurai dishonored his lord and empereor, he must take his own life to regain his honor.(due to practical reasons the crime must be pretty bad)

Religion

The state religion will be Koshintō/Shintō. Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the spirit. Natural objects are worshipped as they contain sacred spirits. There will be worship of the sun-godess, in particular.

Council

There will be a Council of 5, (The council of 5 Elders). The Emperor/Emperess will be the 6th member.

What we need

We need somone with good photoshop skills to design somthing that resembles Japanese crests.(eg, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_%28badge%29 )

Practises

Never to insult your immediate superior, request him for everything you want of him. The Emperor's word is law over all, unless he is overruled by all 5 of the council. Before being worthy of the honor of becoming a daimyo(lord), one must be a member of the realm for a 30 days. (Exception, when the realm starts) Samurai-(Noble or Cavalier who is in the realm for 50 days.) All the people who join the realm in the start, as founders, automatically get this status.

Misc

Help and suggestions welcome. If you want to join post your user id here and i will contact you or email me at aarthsaraph@gmail.com. Otherwise, just follow the plan and we will meet up. Its helpfull if you enlist however, so I know how many people are interested, viability etc.

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13 people have joined so far!

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The Plan

We start of in Madina, organise ourselves, and when prepared, do a CTO of Port Raviel setting of the realm from there. Once we are a little more powerful, we do a TO of Port Nebel, and the realm will truly begin.

Our realm will be a coastal island realm...

Sources

http://www.jref.com/glossary/samurai.shtml

http://www.samurai-archives.com/cultcat.html

http://www.indiana.edu/~ealc100/Group13/culture.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2267/is_4_70/ai_112943747

http://www.taots.co.uk/content/blogcategory/19/29/