Hierarchy of the Shinrin

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Hierarchy of the Shinrin

 

Daimyo

“Die-me-yo”

The Daimyo is the ruling noble of the Shinrin and is the sole figure to whom both the warrior and non-warrior classes owe their allegiance. The title typically follows the style of agnatic primogeniture, meaning that the firstborn male heir of the sitting Daimyo is destined to assume the role one day upon the death of his father.

 

Councilor

Those the Daimyo selects to run the general affairs of the province sit upon the Daimyo’s Council, earning them the simple rank of Councilor. Typically assigned to one aspect of the society or another, the Councilor’s job is to ensure the day to day running of the province proceeds in a manner that is satisfactory to the wishes and goals of the Daimyo.

 

Samurai

Traditionally the standing Samurai of the Shinrin swear loyalty to their Daimyo, pledging their lives to the protection and service of the Daimyo and his family. These warriors serve without expectation or reward, seeing it as their honorbound duty to carry out the wishes of their Daimyo or die trying.

 

Ashigaru

In times of war, it may be the desire of the Daimyo to hire soldiers from the peasantry to bolster the ranks of his army. These paid soldiers are given the title of Ashigaru, holding it only so long as the Daimyo preserves the state of war. Should such a conflict conclude, the Ashigaru are discharged from their paid service.

 

Peasantry

The vast majority of the Shinrin may be classified as farming peasantry or as artisans and merchants. Those holding such a ranking have the honor of working with the land and nature or else serving the Daimyo.