The Kurai-Kuni Marines

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The Kurai-Kuni Marines

 

(credit gomugomupirate)

 

“Reigning Justice”

 君臨する正義 Kunrinsuru Seigi

 

“The duty of the citizens is to love and take care of every fighter and to value and save every cent, every bowl of rice, and every work hour of their compatriots. Our fighters have the right to demand that the citizens fulfill this task, and chastise those who do not.” - #46 of the Little Pink Book

 

“Reigning Justice” - the philosophy of the freshly merged Sakura-Gakure Militia and the Koyo-Kuni Navy. It is the belief in the necessity to uphold law and order at all costs to maintain the peace and harmony of the Shugonate. It is through this viewpoint that no one is above the law and that its enforcement must be made equal in its execution. Unwavering loyalty to the Shugo is expected above clan ties and other associations. It is the guiding principle of the Shugo’s army - The Marines.

 

The Kurai Kuni Marines is the land and seaborne military force of the Stratocracy. Their duty is to enforce the laws of Yorumachi and protect the borders of the Kurai Kuni Shugonate by land and by the inland Skull Sea to combat both yokai threats, smugglers and piracy. 

 

Terminology

The following is some terminology that may be used while on duty in the Marines all Enlisted should become accustomed to.

 

Susume 進め - March! (Go forward, proceed)

Sagen 左舷 - Port side (Left Side of Ship)

Ugen 右舷 - Starboard side (Right Side of Ship)

Senshu 船首 - Bow of the Ship (Front)

Chūō 中央 - Amidships (the Middle of the Ship)

Senbi 船尾 - Stern (Back of the ship)

Kanpan 甲板 - Deck

Ryūkotsu 竜骨 - Keel (Meaning the Dragonbone)

Kikan-shitsu 機関室 - Engine Room

Kanpyō 艦橋 - Bridge (Command Room)

 

High Command

The High command of the marines is made up of the samurai of the stratocracy. They will be allowed to wear the heraldry of their samurai animal, their warrior cult prescribing to the Kaninokyo or clan and armor of their own design. The High Command is allowed to lead missions throughout the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate and abroad at the request of the Shugo.

 

Military Governor 守護, Shugo -

Commander and Chief of the Marines, the Shugo maintains the highest authority within the Marines and may choose to command directly or delegate authority to the Admiral. It is by their word that the Marines take action.

 

Admiral 大将, Taishō -

In direct command of the Marines, it is the Admiral’s responsibility to lead the Marines in their mission statement under the orders of the Shugo of Kurai-Kuni. Their orders solely in regards to the Marines directive with respect to captain’s rights are of the highest authority outside of the Shugo or an organized samurai council.

 

Vice-Admiral 中将, Chūjō

The Vice-Admirals are the executive branch of the Marines acting as the next in command for the Admiral. They are responsible for the administrative duties of the Marines within the capital of the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate and its surrounding waters of the inland sea. They are to act as the extension of the Admiral though may reserve Captain’s Rights of their own vessel should one be owned. Within the capital they shall have the duties of Quartermaster, in charge of the storage of the Marines and ensuring its materials are well supplied for the event of war through orders given to the Enlisted and subordinate officers. Currently three Vice-Admirals shall be assigned in the Marines.

 

Captain 大佐, Taisa

Samurai may be allowed to command a weaponized vessel and shall be given the title of Captain. Captains are allowed to form crews under their command and will be allowed the Captain’s Rights upon their own vessel - that being their command is paramount even in the presence of a figure of higher authority save for the Shugo themself. Captains have the authority to patrol the waterways outside of the country and may recruit for the Enlisted seamen.

 

Ensign 少尉, Shōi

Samurai who do not own their own vessel of at least a Destroyer Class shall be given the rank of Ensign and may apprentice under a captain on how to operate a seafaring vessel and may act as subordinate officers upon the vessel of a captain or higher. Within the capital, Ensigns shall be in charge of training sessions ensuring that all of the Enlisted know the commands of sailing a ship, know firing lines, how to test for creature anomalies 

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Enlisted

The Enlisted are those of Shimin status in the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate who are expected to wear the uniform of the Marines when on active duty and mission. Enlisted shall be afforded the right to housing outside of the Kami Block as well as other afforded luxuries for high social credit. They may through exemplary service and a Clan’s nomination be offered a Samurai apprenticeship. Enlisted when not accompanied by a samurai shall have authority to execute the law only within the capital of the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate. Enlisted shall be expected to abide by the punishment criteria for Victim and Victimless Crimes.

 

Warrant Officer 准尉, Jun'i

The Warrant Officers are incharge of the Enlisted and shall oversee their operations within the capital from the Military District. They shall act as the Warden of the Kurai-Kuni prison responsible for the adequate monitoring of imprisonment and ensuring rights are not violated or great abuse from the enlisted is not made upon Victimless Crime Offenders.

 

Chief Petty Officer 上等兵曹, Jōtōheisō

The Chief Petty Officer shall assume the role of Dockmaster and be in charge of the confiscation, logging and detainment of all contraband caught within the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate. They shall be the second in command of the Warrant Officer, in charge of the Petty Officers and fulfill their obligations as well. 

 

Petty Officer 兵曹, Heisō

Petty officers are the lowest ranking officers in charge of overseeing arrests and imprisoning low level offenders. They are allowed to enforce the law in the absence of a Samurai and may deal punishment in respects to Victimless Crimes including imprisonment sentencing for criminals under twenty kami minutes.   

 

Seaman First Class 一等兵, Ittōhei

Seamen First Class are experienced sailors who have specialized in at least one essential skill within a crew and take on apprentices to train.

 

Seaman Apprentice 二等兵, Nitōhei

Recruits who have grasped the basics of Marine life and have chosen a billet may be given to a Seaman First Class to apprentice under.

 

Seaman Recruit 三等兵, Santōhei

Adults who enlist into the Kurai-Kuni Marines start out at this rank and will be afforded residence within the capital outside of the Kami Block. They are trained in the basics and tested on aptitude before receiving a billet. All Seamen recruits and above shall remain armed at all times on duty and be ready to assist in the defense of the capital, to board and man a Marine ship and aid officers in their arrests.

 

Chore Boy 雑用, Zatsuyō

Children of the age of Seventeen and under shall be given the non-combative enlisted role of Chore Boy/Girl and shall fulfill the tasks asked of them by the Enlisted. 

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Makkasu Takku Division

Sharing the same rank and file of the Marines, the Makkasu Takku Division is a purely automaton based investigative unit committed to exposing and routing out hostile actors and doctrine contrary to the Stratocracy and its Revolution at home and abroad. Only automatons and those who have undergone heavy augmentation or the SYS protocol are allowed to join.

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Victim Crimes:

Any crime that involves a Yokai or would attempt to or cause direct or indirect violation of a citizen’s peace and safety such as but not limited to attempted assault and/or battery, unsheathing a sword when not a samurai, harassment, theft and piracy, poaching, resisting arrest violently, possession of major contraband, distribution of contraband and trespassing shall be treated as Victim Crimes that may warrant the use of lethal force at the discretion of a Samurai/High Command Officer. In times of emergency or in defense of the life of one’s self or a citizen of the state, the Enlisted may resort to lethal force.

 

Victimless Crimes:

Crimes without a victim such as roof hopping, being in possession of minor contraband, ‘J-walking’, protesting Marines non-violently and littering shall be considered Victimless Crimes of less grievous offense and shall be punished through physical discipline, fine or temporary imprisonment. Each crime count shall be worth 10 Kami minutes of imprisonment, 20 mon per count and/or 10 cane lashes at the discretion of the arresting officer.

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Contraband List

The following is a list of banned items one may not take with them when arriving at Raijima and entering the Thunder Capital Yorimachi. Being in possession of these items shall constitute as either a Victim or Victimless crime depending on their designation as Major or Minor respectively and distributing any contraband shall constitute a Victim crime. Shimin shall be afforded the right to a trial for contraband found in their possession and shall be detained until a samurai is available.

 

Major Contraband

Items considered Major contraband shall be considered intentional violent crimes towards the state and a samurai shall be alerted of the offense. Each count shall warrant 20 kami minutes of imprisonment per count, 20 cane lashes per count, 100 mon per count and/or execution if approved of and overseen by a samurai. No major contraband should be brought to Raijima and will not be accepted at the Port to marines for surrender.

 

On Foreign Recreational or Medicinal Substances

Foreign produced or cultivated narcotics such as but not limited to Krugmarian Snow, Cactus Green, Lurinite Opium, Quartz Dust or synthetically produced drugs from outside of the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate are not allowed to be brought into Raijima. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected illicit substances will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Dark Magic Tokens, Idols and Omamoris

Dark Magic relics of any kind are banned from entry into Raijima such as demon books and cursed weaponry without the expressed permission of the samurai for investigative purposes. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected dark magic tokens will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. The arrested criminal should undergo testing for any Yokai possession or disguised creature anomaly.

 

On Foreign Produced Alcohol

Foreign produced alcohol of any kind be they but not limited to spirits, beers, ales or wines is banned from entry into Raijima. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected foreign alcohol will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Poisonous Foodstuffs to Dogs

All food objects that are poisonous to dogs such as but not limited to GARLIC, GRAPES, ONIONS (with the exception of leeks), CHOCOLATE, AVACADOS, MONK BREAD, BILLY BOB’S BAKED TATERS AND CHERRIES are banned from entry into Raijima. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected poisonous foodstuffs will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Seditious Books

Books that spread misinformation or wrong thought in regards to the view of the Stratocracy are banned from entry into Raijima. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected seditious books will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Foreign Bank Ledgers and IOUs

Foreign Bank Ledgers and IOUs unless recognized and approved of by the Shugo are banned from entry into Raijima under the suspicion of the attempt to rob wealth from the Shugonate without the proper documentation and approval by the Stratocracy. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected foreign bank ledgers and IOUs will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On the Possession of Owls

Owls are banned from entry into Raijima and its shores. Being caught in possession of a proven or suspected owl will result in the confiscation and euthanization of the owl along with the arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed.

 

On Non-Gambling Cards related to Clairvoyance

Cards that are unrelated to gambling games with the intentions of reading the future, communing with the dead or predetermining fate are banned from entry into Raijima. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected cards of clairvoyance shall result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual one one count for each item possessed.

 

On Mirrors

Mirrors from hand held size to full length sized are banned from entry into Raijima on account of them being portals to other worlds. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected mirrors shall result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual one one count for each item possessed.

 

Minor Contraband

Items considered Minor contraband shall be considered a non- violent crime towards the state that may be handled by a non-samurai Marine solely. Each count shall warrant 10 kami minutes of imprisonment per count, 10 cane lashings per count, 20 mon per count. Marines are encouraged to show restraint towards cooperating and repentant criminals without prior offenses. Minor contraband may be surrendered at the port of entry to Marines when searched with no offense taken other than the confiscation of the contraband.

 

On Illegal Books

Blank page books for the suspected threat that they could spread sedition and foreign books with more than thirty pages and not approved by the Stratocracy Censor are banned from entry into Raijima and must be surrendered. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected illegal books will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Foreign Spices

Foreign spices including but not limited to cinnamon, mustard seed and cayenne are banned from entry into Raijima and shall be surrendered at the port to the Marines. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected illegal books will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Foreign Art and Coins

Art and coins that would depict foreign landscapes, foreign rulers or foreign virtues to Bushido or Kaninokyo are banned from entry into Raijima and shall be surrendered at the port to the Marines. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected foreign art and coins will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Foreign Maps

Maps made in other lands that cannot be proven for accuracy are banned from entry into Raijima and shall be surrendered at the port to the Marines. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected foreign maps will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

On Foreign Perfumes

Foreign perfumes and scents carried in bottles exceeding 1 Fluid Ounce are banned from entry into Raijima and shall be surrendered at the port to the Marines. Being caught in possession of proven or suspected foreign perfumes will result in the confiscation and arrest of the possessing individual on one count for each item possessed. 

 

Alert System

The alert level of Raijima is intended to denote the suspected threats to the citizenry and properly warn them so they may abide by procedures and remain safe. 

Code Sakura: Everything is peaceful, no immediate threats. Shimin should remain attentive and report suspicious behavior to the Marines.

Code Arashi: There is a dangerous, abnormal weather phenomena, all citizens are expected to abandon the docks and take shelter indoors.

Code Nanban: There is foreign mal intent present in Yorumachi. Shimin are expected to report all suspicious behavior to the Marines. All foreigners shall be expected to adhere to searches by the Marines.

Code Unko: There is an infrastructure problem in the sewer system requiring immediate engineering attention. All shimin should avoid running water through pumps, avoid manholes in the streets and to avoid going into the sewers unless in a Marine patrol or by samurai escort.

Code Byouki: There is plague present and spreading around Yorumachi. All shimin shall be expected to keep six meters distance from one another that do not share a household. Shimin are banned from congregations of more than two people.

Code Kage: There is seditious behavior present in Yorumachi. All shimin and foreigners shall be expected to adhere to searches by the Marines. Any seditious behavior should be reported to the Marines.

Code Banzai: There is an immediate threat to the country, all shimin are expected to take up arms and aid the Marines in the defense of our homestead.

 

Treatment of Prisoners

Prisoners must be granted adequate medical care unless they are a kegare or yokai. Prisoners must be granted clothing, food, water, shelter and safety. If the brig is no longer safe, confinement must be established in another location for the prisoner to serve their sentence in a timely manner unless they are a kegare or yokai. Any items confiscated from prisoners that do not constitute contraband shall be returned to them at the end of their prison sentence. Prisoners of at least Shimin status or per treaty with a foreign country must be given access to legal counsel during an interrogation if requested and available unless a kegare or yokai. Shimin are afforded the right by trial headed by a samurai per the constitution if requested to counter the arrest’s claims and may be detained until a samurai is available to host the trial as judge. Prisoners must be granted freedom of movement, and should not be restrained with handcuffs or other devices after incarceration unless there is an undue risk to life and limb, or they are a kegare or yokai. 

 

Search and Seizure

Depending on the Alert Color of Yorumachi or with rightful suspicion, Marines will have the ability to search and seize any and all contraband found on individuals and may choose to further the search into a detainment with punishment dealt accordingly.Marines shall be expected to treat procedure-abiding citizens and foreigners with politeness and respect without unjustified reason for physical discipline. Property searches will require a warrant from either a samurai or the local Shoya of a village and must be done under the oversight of a samurai.

 

Sentencing

Any prison sentences longer than 20 kami minutes must be reported to a samurai or Warrant Officer. Samurai and Warrant Officers must ensure that sentencing is not too harsh unless in extreme circumstances of disorder and misconduct from the prisoner. Common sense should be used in sentencing. First time offenders who seem generally ignorant of the law should be given a warning. Non-compliant offenders or repeat offenders should be given 10 kami minutes per offense and violation of Victimless crimes. Execution and lethal force is reserved by order of either a samurai or in self defense or defense of a Shimin from violence. It should be reserved for irredeemable offenses of Victim crimes or continued unruly behavior in Victimless crimes.

 

Captain’s Rights

A captain is the highest authority upon their ship when disembarking and away from the Port of Raijima regardless of a Higher Rank being present on board except for the Shugo. Those of Higher Rank aside from the Shugo being the Commander and Chief will be considered guests of the Captain’s ship who may be subject to the Captain’s orders in times of emergency. This authority will not extend outside of the Captain’s ship should they dock in a foreign land and will therefore resume the normal chain of command. This authority shall also never supersede the Shugo’s though it is expected that the Shugo only take higher authority on a Captain’s vessel in times of national security. A captain may claim any loot discovered by their crew that would fall under contraband laws or would be required in the furtherance of the related mission.

 

Enlisted Rights 

Those of the Enlisted Ranks or High Command without ships shall enjoy an array of luxuries and privileges. After Captain’s Rights, Enlisted may keep any and all loot fairly acquired from raids, missions and expeditions. Enlisted shall have the rights of a Shimin by default, or the rights of a Samurai if in Higher Command. Any trial undergone by an Enlisted in the frame of the Marines shall be hosted as a Military Tribunal headed by the High Command or the Shugo themself. The Enlisted shall have the right to better housing for active service where housing is available be it city property, quarters within a Clan compound or quarters in the Marine Headquarters. The Enlisted shall be offered free healthcare for injuries sustained either on active duty or in defense of the Shugonate and its citizenry. Enlisted and Post-Service Enlisted will receive free treatment for illnesses and disease. Funerary expenses shall be covered by the Marines through the Kaninokyo temple practices. Twenty years of exemplary service and a Kato engineer’s consent will allow an Enlisted to enter the SYS protocol and join the Makkasu Takku Division.

 

Billets

While every marine shall be committed to the same goal of maintaining justice and the law within the Shugonate, specializations in work are allowed for the delegation of skill or trust required duties. Marines may accept multiple billets that will not conflict with their precedent duties with High Command’s consent.

 

Alchemists - Those skilled in potion brewing shall have the duty of concocting grenadier weapons and medicine for the Marines.

 

Deckhands - Those trained in the maintenance of a boat’s exterior and its preparation for docking and departure. They shall be equipped with tools to aid in repair and cleaning of the ship. Deckhands on land shall also serve as sappers with the goal of erecting combat defenses including walls, trench-lines, foxholes shall be fitted with the equipment needed to perform such duties.

 

Combat Medics - Those trained in at least mundane medicine shall be equipped with medical tools with the primary goal within a combat scene to pull the gravely wounded from the front-lines and stabilize them for survival to be brought back to a hospital or clinic.

 

Ship Metalworkers - Those trained in at least steam engineering to repair and utilize the fleet’s steamships for the Marines. Ship metalworkers will also be tasked with general weapons manufacturing for the marines making spears, tetsubos, tantos and cannon parts.

 

Chefs - Those tasked with utilizing the most from rations with the goal of cooking food that will keep up morale within the Marines.

 

Salvage Specialist - Those focused on the acquirement of resources for the Marines.

 

Patrol Leader - Officers amongst the Enlisted or High Command tasked with assembling patrols around the country for its defense.

 

Drillmaster - The most disciplined of the enlisted charged with upkeeping uniformity and standards within the Marines.

 

Seishokusha - Kaninokyo monks of varying cults with the specific duties of offering spiritual guidance to the Marines and counseling.