Eta

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Eta are Hinin and are members of the lowest caste of the Rokugani social hierarchy. They are considered non-persons and have no place in the Celestial Order. They handle all matters considered unclean, they prepare the dead, clean up battle fields, deal with refuse, leather-working and are at times trained as torturers. Criminals and non-Samurai entertainers are also considered eta.

[edit] An Eta's Worth

An Eta can be killed with almost zero consequences and as a result Eta are very skittish and often don’t socialize much, and when they do a lot of groveling or caution is involved. Since they have no place in the celestial order even Heimin can be abusive to an eta. Eta are never to speak to Samurai unless spoken to and asked for a reply. Eta are generally pitied as their station will never allow them to move into the Celestial Order and thus their souls are doomed to be forever stuck. Due to their lot in life, and frequent involvement with blood and flesh, they are a very large source of followers for Bloodspeakers.

[edit] Geisha

The geisha of Rokugan fall into this category, but are under the protection of their samurai patron, and any insult or violence to the geisha would be directed straight to the master.

[edit] Major Reference

• Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition Pages 28, 311.