Ashigaru -
Role & Privileges: Ashigaru are the armed peasant class regiments of the Josho Shogunate. They are inexperienced warriors and must rely on supporting each other to survive. They are not allowed to wander and must retain formation at all times. They must primarily use a bow or a bamboo spear, no exceptions.
Mandatory Equipment: Steppe Armor, Eastern Civilian's Cap, Leather Gloves, Eastern Cloth Shoes, Bamboo Spear*. (Optional side arms: Wakizashi, Katana, Hafted Blade)
*Archers are exempt from bamboo spear.
Ronin -
Role & Privileges: Ashigaru who have proven themselves capable warriors and have shown both honor and discipline are promoted to the Ronin class. A ronin is allowed to wield any weapon within theme and is allowed to wander out of formation. They are not allowed to use horses or wear strange armor, however. As a ronin one must aspire to achieve total balance between the spirit and the blade.
Mandatory Equipment: Any reasonable robe up to Mongolian Lamellar Robe. No Strange Armor. No horse.
Samurai & Onna Bushi -
Role & Privileges: By officer recommendation only, a distinguished ronin may take the challenge of becoming a samurai or onna bushi. They must defeat an existing samurai in duel 4 out of 7 times with officer supervision. Samurai is a very prestigious rank and allows one to wield any weapon and ride any horse within theme, as well as exclusive rights to wearing strange armor. A samurai's duty is to protect the Daimyos, the Shogun, and the Empress, and because of this, they are not allowed to wander off as a Ronin might.
Mandatory Equipment: Strange Armor. (Optional horse)
Subclass: Shinobi & Kunoichi - A samurai seeking the less honorable route of shadow and deception may subclass as a ninja. They must complete a prepared scenario in the event server to become a ninja. This will not be easy and will only be allowed once every week or two. Ninja are disqualified from receiving any ceremonial titles and may wander freely.
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Role & Privileges: Koshogumi are samurai retainers who have achieved a higher degree of honor and dedication to the Josho Shogunate. They act as officers leading both Ashigaru and Samurai. Rank only achievable by higher officer recommendation.
Mandatory Equipment: Strange Armor. (Optional horse)
Daimyo -
Role & Privileges: Daimyos are faction leaders who manage all the samurai and ninja and act as ultimate leaders in the absence of the Shogun or Empress.
No mandatory EquipmentEmpress / Shogun -
Role & Privileges: The supreme rulers of the Josho Shogunate.
No mandatory Equipment 