Artisan

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

"Artisan" is a catch-all term for those who are devoted to the pursuit of some form of art or craft. It applies both to actual artists or performers, as well as to most craftsmen who turn raw materials into finished goods.

Most artisans in Rokugan are not members of the nobility; they in fact comprise a whole caste in Rokugani society, below farmers and above merchants. However, there is no shame necessarily associated with a samurai learning such skills; the amazing arts and crafts produced can bring great honor and glory to the clans of those who make such things, and can increase a clan's wealth and prestige.

[edit] Artists and Performers

Artists who produce beautiful works of art are held in high regard. Because beauty is highly treasured as a virtue by most Rokugani, those who produce such things are highly esteemed. Art is (much as in the real world) a way for those in the Empire to display wealth and good taste, and so many nobles acquire at least a few works of art for themselves.

Performers are equally honored in Rokugan. Poets, writers, playwrights, and musicians of all kinds can immortalize the deeds of a samurai, either making them a hero, or a villain. This alone puts them in equal demand as any other artisan; a samurai's career could be made or broken on the word of a good storyteller.

[edit] Craftsmen

Of all the many crafts in Rokugan, there are none higher than the forging of arms and armor for warriors to use. Even the simple act of making a helm or spear is of enormous use to any daimyo who doesn't want to lose his lands to bandits, goblins, or enemy clans.

But while these smiths are the most honored, they are far from the only ones needed by society. Carpenters, masons, woodcarvers, brewers, cooks, tailors, and many others who practice a trade are sought after if their skill is great. Often, they can mean the difference between a shabby home with few adornments, and a palatial manor with amazing embellishments.

[edit] Artisans & The Clans

Crab: The Kaiu family is regarded as the finest engineers in all of Rokugan. Not only are they sought by every other clan to construct the strongholds protecting those clans, but they are also called in to build siege engines to break down said strongholds. The Kaiu are also extremely skilled swordsmiths, and are often compared to the Kakita for the quality of their blades.

Crane: Of all the clans, the Crane can easily boast the greatest number of artisans, and the highest degree of skill among those artisans. The Kakita Academy is the most prestigious art school in the Empire, but equally famous are the Kakita smiths, whose swords are held to be the finest in all of Rokugan.

Dragon: While not entirely known for their artisans, the clan is known for the skill of their alchemists. While most in Rokugan are expressly forbidden to work with gunpowder, the Dragon have been permitted to do limited work with it, mostly for the fireworks they make.

Lion: The most militaristic clan does not produce many artisans other than those who produce armaments for the clan's armies. However, the Ikoma have some fame as playwrights and writers, as befits their duties to the Lion.

Mantis: Often overlooked, the Mantis actually have a large number of artisans skilled in some of the more odd trades. They are unrivaled in shipbuilding, and produce a large amount of silk cloth for the Empire.

Phoenix: Given the scholarly nature of the clan, the Phoenix do not stand out exceptionally as artisans. The one exception are the Shiba, whose illusionists are capable of breathtaking displays that have put even some Crane works to shame.

Scorpion: While they don't produce much art, the clan's Shoshuro family does earn some fame (or infamy, depending on who you ask) for their plays and songs. Of course, they also seem to know an awful lot about herbs, especially the more unhealthy kind...

Unicorn: While they do have some skilled artisans, their goods are often undervalued by other Rokugani, especially those made of animal parts (like furs or horns). There is also a very strong oral tradition in the clan, making their performers somewhat unique.

Imperial families: While it is not common for one of these samurai to become an artisan, those who truly desire it normally train with whatever family they wish to learn from. This is most often the Crane.

Minor Clans: Those with some aptitude for art or craft are often sent to learn from a Great Clan that can help them develop their potential... if the Minor Clan can afford to. For the most part, Minor Clan artisans are found only as commoners; the samurai in these clans are often too few to have time for anything other than more active duties.

Others: The Tsi ronin family is famous for their smiths, who are said to forge exceptionally high-quality weapons.

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