Samurai

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

The samurai are the highest caste in the society of Rokugan. The word "samurai" means "those who serve". This title was first used by Hantei in reference to the Seven Thunders before the Day of Thunder. All who are born in this caste are considered samurai, regardless of their occupation. Female samurai are referred to as samurai-ko. ^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Daisho

Only the Samurai are allowed to wear a daisho, that is, a set of two blades tucked into an obi. The first one, longer, is the katana, the soul of the samurai, while the other one, shorter, is the wakizashi, the honor of the samurai. The life of a samurai is controlled by the laws of bushido. Any individual caught carrying or touching a daisho without permission should be executed. (3E p. 26)

[edit] Trials

All samurai are entitled to a trial if they are brought up on any charges by another samurai. Charges brought against a samurai from a lower caste are generally ignored unless the samurai wishes to acknowledge them. This does not however mean that a samurai is always immune to punishment. Killing another lord's farmer will harm that lord's income, and the samurai has in a way commited a crime against that lord, and will probably have to face justice. A farmer who steals an apple from a peasant is also unlikely to recieve any punishment. (3E p. 26)

[edit] What is Considered a Samurai?

It should be noted that members of the samurai caste are not limited to "bushi", or those who carry the daisho. Shugenja are also samurai but only carry the wakizashi, although they have the right to carry a katana should they wish to. Courtiers are also samurai, and have the same choice when it comes to the daisho as the shugenja. In addition, the Tattooed Monks of the Dragon Clan are considered to be members of the samurai caste. Also artisans such as members of the Kakita family are considered samurai. ^{[citation needed]}