Difference between revisions of "Feudal Japan"

Revision as of 13:21, 23 October 2006

Feudal Japan (FJ) is a region encouraging the sharing of knowledge about, and role-play in the spirit of, real-life Japan as it was during the middle ages.

FJ requests member nations to adopt its feudalist flag style (narrow vertical), the kitsune (fox) or hayabusa (hawk) as national animal, and a variation of the koku as national currency, but these are not enforced requirements of admission.

Feudal Japan is the ruling region of the Tenka Fubu Alliance, and 3rd Prefecture of The New Meritocracy. It is presently open to new members, both casual and active.

Regional Map of Feudal Japan

Ranks for Member Nations

All regional promotions are determined and granted by the Shogun. The Shogun may also announce demotions (rarely), in response to lack of a nation's regional activity or a failure to comply with the Shogun's policies.

New Members (Jizamurai)

Nations newly arrived in Feudal Japan are quickly greeted and instantly awarded the initiate rank of Jizamurai. Nations which left the region and then returned may be permitted to resume their original rank upon their return, at the Shogun's discretion. All arrivals with UN membership are required to endorse the current regional UN delegate or risk expulsion. New arrivals are strongly advised to visit the Feudal Japan forum and consult the "FAQ's and Help Centre" for an overview of the region's purpose, philosophy and regulations. Jizamurai nations that opt to reside in the region for at least two weeks (or one week with an active regional forum account) will automatically be promoted to Ronin.

Casual Members (Ronin)

Nations are welcome to be members of Feudal Japan without participating in its role-playing aspect or its regional forum. They will receive the basic rank of Ronin, a feudal Japanese warrior that historically was without recognized loyalties. In the NationStates region of Feudal Japan, Ronin are considered loyal to the region's Shogun and its Emperor unless their actions prove otherwise (e.g. endorsement of an invading nation).

Active Members (Samurai)

Nations which register on the regional forum and play an active role in regional development will receive the rank of Samurai in recognition of their efforts. Samurai are feudal Japanese warriors who have pledged formal loyalty to the Shogun and the Emperor (regional founder). They are admired contributors and trusted members of the region.

Feudal Japan accepts a certain degree of duality. Multiple nations belonging to one player may advance as far as Samurai rank, although only one of that player's nations may advance further to become a Daimyo. Any player whose second nation is awarded a daimyo rank must identify their duality to the Shogun at that time (if they have not already done so) to avoid transgression.

Advanced Ranks (Daimyo)

Nations whose activities become integral to the furtherance of the region's governance will be awarded the rank of Daimyo, a Japanese feudal lord. All Daimyo are members of the Egoshu, an inner council and advisory body that assists the Shogun with the power to vote upon all regional policies/bills that the Shogun does not choose to pass by proclamation. Egoshu members are additionally candidates for the Tenka Fubu Egoshu, which debates and votes upon issues of relevance to all Tenka Fubu Alliance regions.

There are three Daimyo ranks through which nations may rise, that reflect the impression they have made upon the Shogun with their degree of dedication to the region's welfare:

• Ryoshu (Daimyo First Rank) is awarded to samurai who have made a significant contribution to the region through forum contributions, government work or military activity. They are highly regarded active players.
• Joshu (Daimyo Second Rank) are superb contributors who exemplify the type of dedicated player required to support Feudal Japan's long-term development as a region.
• Kokushu (Daimyo Third Rank) are confidants to the Kanrei and Shogun, trusted with the most sensitive information, and are in line to succeed the Kanrei and/or Shogun as leaders of the region. They may possess administrative access to the regional forum.

Other Tenka Fubu Alliance regions will use their own ranking systems for members below the Daimyo level; these will not be maintained or tracked by Feudal Japan and the Shogun. However, the Shogun will recognize nations of the Alliance outside of Feudal Japan when they are deserving of Daimyo rank, and reward them with this rank accordingly. Daimyo of the Tenka Fubu Alliance who reside outside of Feudal Japan are members of the Tenka Fubu Egoshu, but not of the Feudal Japan Egoshu.

Rulers of Feudal Japan (Kanrei, Shogun and Emperor)

The Shogun possesses ultimate authority and dictatorial power within the region of Feudal Japan and extending to all members of the Tenka Fubu alliance. The Shogun possesses veto power over all decisions made by his/her Daimyo and the Egoshu, as well as Feudal Japan's legal court decisions. The Shogun's second (Kanrei) acts as his/her right-hand to help implement and enforce the orders of the Shogun.

The nation Nobunaga's Revenge, as original founder of Feudal Japan, is honoured with the title of Emperor for Life. Should this nation ever be reactivated, it will instantly demote and replace the current Shogun (unless the Emperor decrees otherwise) as ruler of Feudal Japan.

The Government of Feudal Japan

All government offices are hosted on the FJ Regional Forum.

Minka

In the Minka, all nations in the region can discuss ideas and information that relate to Feudal Japan, regardless of whether they hold government office. The Speaker is a nominated/elected position within the Minka responsible for bringing forward issues of concern from the populace for government consideration and action. (incumbent Speaker: Blackwolfe)

Egoshu

The Parliament of Feudal Japan. Typically, all ministers and department heads are appointed to Egoshu membership by the Shogun. Egoshu members gather here to discuss issues and to vote upon governmental matters specifically pertaining to the region of Feudal Japan. Forum members not part of the Egoshu are welcome to comment as guests of the Egoshu, but not to vote. The Shogun's assent is required for any new legislation (or ammendments to existing legislation) to come into effect. Passed legislation is catalogued in the Egoshu Reference Libary (maintained by the Speaker of the Egoshu). (incumbent Speaker: vacant)

Hyororyosho - Ministers

The Hyororyosho is the home of government offices and the Egoshu. Ministers will post available positions here, as well as their reports on what they are doing. Feedback from all members is always welcomed, whether posted directly in the ministerial forums or via the Minka. The Shogun reserves the right to reshuffle the members of his Hyororyosho at any time, although the Shogun may entertain requests to maintain status quo positions at his/her discretion. The Shogun controls all positions presently designated as vacant.

• Shogun - Supreme Ruler of Feudal Japan and Tenka Fubu. Awards promotions to regional members for honourable activity. Sole authority to appoint ministers, department heads and Egoshu members, and to remove them from office (exception: nations may remove themselves). Sole authority to pass legislation in the Egoshu. Ultimate veto power over decisions rendered by ministers, department heads and the Egoshu. (incumbent: Knights of Zion)

• Kanrei - Office of the Prime Minister. Second-in-command after the Shogun. Responsible to coordinate activities amongst the other ministry positions, and to monitor and/or lead discussions in the Egoshu. Assists the Shogun by bringing forward all items of importance requiring immediate address or that may have been overlooked. Responsible for running the region in the absence of the Shogun, and automatically succeeds the Shogun if another nation is not officially appointed. (incumbent: vacant)

• Jibusho - Office of the Interior Minister. Responsible for regional population retention Promotes activity on the regional message board (RMB) and on the forums. Must be visibly active on the RMB and forums. Must welcome new nations by personal telegram. Is also responsible for informing new nations about Feudal Japan's flag and common currency conventions. Encourages all UN nations to endorse the current delegate. Monitors the rate at which new members join the forums. (incumbent: vacant)

• Dairyo - Office of Recruitment & Immigration. Primary responsibility for regional population incrementation. In charge of recruitment activities and drafting/revising recruitment message templates. Answers all replies to recruitment efforts in an honorable fashion. Welcomes new arrivals to the region. Monitors rate of new arrivals across all of Tenka Fubu. (incumbent: Knights of Zion)

• Gaimusho - Office of the Foreign Minister. Welcomes and reviews international preliminary requests for alliances and treaties. Primary responsibility for interregional diplomacy, introducing self as the first point of contact to other regions that are opening diplomatic relations with Feudal Japan. Oversees ambassador activity, seeking volunteers and appointing them as new ambassadors to prioritized postings. Monitors portions of the FJ forum dedicated to activities and news from outside Feudal Japan, bringing important developments to the Shogun's attention. (incumbent: Hotti)

• Hyobusho - Minister of the Gekokujo, Defence and War. Occupies the Kodokan (barracks). Answers directly to the Shogun and Kanrei for all military action taken and its results. Commands actions taken by the Gekokujo, both in domestic defense and foreign actions. Seeks out new volunteers, recruiting them for appropriate roles within the Gekokujo according to their ability and rank. Recommends promotions to the Shogun for Gekokujo members who have performed admirably in the service of Feudal Japan. (incumbent: Manticores)

• Udaijin - Minister of Judicial Affairs. Occupies the Gyobusho (court). Acts as Feudal Japan's district attorney. Reviews and processes all claims of wrongful action perpetrated against Feudal Japan and its government by regional members, as accusations are brought before the Gyôbushô. Follows due process, as outlined by Feudal Japan's Courts Act. Recommends punishments to the Shogun to be meted out against guilty parties for culpable acts that are not deemed honourable. (incumbent: appointed by Shogun at time of trial)

Hyororyosho - Departmental Heads

The following departments are subsidiaries of the Jibusho, Minister of the Interior, since they pertain to creating, recognizing and rewarding activities for regional members' participation. They work in conjunction with the minister's retention efforts. Note: On the FJ Forum, departmental forums are contained within the Jibusho forum.

• Okurasho - Department of Finance & Statistics. Tracks the financial success and progress of the region. Recognizes the performance of pre-eminent economic powers within the region, and population milestones achieved. Monitors long-term indicators of financial and population success, seeking causes for and identifying any obvious trends. Supplies financial and population reports to the region via the regional message board and forum postings. (incumbent: Knights of Zion)

• United Nations (UN Delegate) - Department of United Nations Affairs. Elected by the Egoshu, or appointed by the Shogun. Pursues and collects endorsements from all UN nations in Feudal Japan, for the purpose of presenting a strong front against potential invasion. Responsible for updating the world factbook entry in the absence of the Emperor, according to content requested by the Shogun. Responsible for imposing or removing password protection on the region in the absence of the Emperor, at the Shogun's discretion. Expels/bans nations from Feudal Japan in the absence of the Emperor, at the Shogun's discretion. Subjects all UN resolutions to regional discussion on the forum, and submits vote to the UN according to the region's majority opinion. Coordinates new proposal ideas for submission to the UN for its consideration. (incumbent: The KoZ)

• Bunkachô - Department of Cultural Affairs. Observes and encourages the creative endevours of Feudal Japan and its government. Assists in the creation of flags according to the Feudal Japan convention. Recommends national animals for nations in accordance with the regional icons. Seeks out and shares information about real-life Feudal Japan, coodinating the archiving of this material. Plays a leadership role in promoting creative writing projects, the mapping project, and role-playing activities. (incumbent: Fuji Gaijin)

• Takara Shimbun - The Official Newspaper of Feudal Japan. Used by the Shogun, ministers and department heads to transmit news of national and international significance to the region. The Editor-in-Chief will ensure a minimum of weekly activity. Articles printed in the Takara Shimbun are available to international syndication. (incumbent Editor-in-Chief: vacant)

• NSWikipedia Content - The NSWikipedia for Feudal Japan. Used by the Shogun, ministers and department heads to accurately describe the region of Feudal Japan, its operations, its mandate, and its activities. The Editor-in-Chief will review this content periodically (miniumum: monthly) for accuracy and required updates. A link to this entry is to be included in all recruitment efforts and the world factbook entry. All nations in Feudal Japan are encouraged to create private entries in NSWikipedia which describe their nations; these will automatically be linked to from the Nations of Feudal Japan section (see below). (incumbent Editor-in-Chief: Knights of Zion)

Tenka Fubu Alliance

The Tenka Fubu Alliance is a collection of nations led by Feudal Japan (visit the Tenka Fubu Alliance page for additional information). The genesis of the alliance was an idea founded upon experience with the failures of defender regions to protect the most weak and vulnerable. Feudal Japan lends its aid to regions of NationStates that request and require it. The focus of Tenka Fubu's mission is the protection of small regions who are attempting to exist peacefully in relative solitude but being ignored and/or forgotten by larger defender organizations in their time of need.

Through Tenka Fubu, the Shogun of Feudal Japan is able to build an alliance that extends its protection over these nations and their regions. Feudal Japan works to establish this empire through the following means:

• Tenka Fubu Egoshu (hosted at the FJ Forum): a meeting place for members of the Tenka Fubu Egoshu (designated by the Shogun; typically they are daimyo and regional ministers), who have authority to debate and vote upon issues of relevance to all members of the Tenka Fubu alliance. (incumbent Speaker: Knights of Zion)

• Tenka Fubu Office (hosted at the FJ Forum): housing place for reference documents of relevance to all Tenka Fubu alliance members.

• Ryoguko (Tenka Fubu members): dying regions, annexed directly into Tenka Fubu. A daimyo of Feudal Japan is placed in charge of the province and granted the title of Shugo, with the objective of rebuilding and promoting activity. All provincial member nations are awarded the same status and opportunity as those of Feudal Japan itself. At present, there are no Ryoguko members in the Tenka Fubu Alliance.

• Kuni (Tenka Fubu members): struggling regions taken on as protectorates. A daimyo of Feudal Japan is assigned to the region as Gesu, to assist the Tozama (native ruler) with the objective of stabilizing the region. Current Kuni regions are Tenka Fubu and The Emerald Coast.

• External Alliances (not Tenka Fubu members): alliances with smaller regions that will agree to joint military actions in defense of helpless regions. Current alliances include: Napoleonic Empire, Kingdom, Non Aligned States and Jethnea.

Alumni of Tenka Fubu

The following regions once received assistance from Feudal Japan as members of the Tenka Fubu alliance, and have since freely chosen to follow a course of independence after Feudal Japan's protection was no longer sought or required. Current almuni include Isaac City and Cathay.

Nations of Feudal Japan with Wiki Pages

Knights of Zion; Alumni: Burn up Blade, Temple of Memorial

Glossary of Terms

Bakufu 

residence of the Shogun

Bunkachô 

Agency of Cultural Affairs (flags, map, etc.)

Daimyo 

provincial warlord of Feudal Japan (highest member rank)

Dairyo 

Office of Recruitment & Immigration

Egoshu 

the parliament of Feudal Japan

Emperor 

founder of the region of Feudal Japan

Gaimusho 

Office of the Foriegn Minister

Gekokujo 

the army of Feudal Japan

Gesu 

FJ daimyo assisting with overseeing a Tenka Fubu province

Gyôbushô 

legal court of Feudal Japan; overseen by the Udaijin

Hyobusho 

minister of the Gekokujo; orchestrates military actions of the Gekokujo

Hyororyosho 

home of government offices

Jibusho 

Office of the Interior Minister

Jizamurai 

rank assigned to new arrivals in the region

Joshu 

Daimyo rank for nations intimately involved in building the region.

Kanrei 

Office of the Prime Minister

Katana 

samurai sword

Kodokan 

military barracks

Kogeki 

offensive arm of the Gekokujo (deactivated ministry; SEE Hyobusho above)

Kokushu 

The highest rank of Daimyo

Kuni 

regions that have requested and accepted Feudal Japan protection

Minka 

discussion forum for all regional members that concerns government issues

Ninja 

secretive stealth warrior; also may refer to the offensive arm of the Gekokujo (Kogeki)

Nosuke 

a deputy minister

Okurasho 

Office of the Minister of Finance

Ronin 

samurai for hire (lowest permanent member rank)

Ryoguko 

regions peacefully annexed by Feudal Japan

Ryoshu 

The lowest ranking of the Daimyo

Samurai 

warrior loyal to the Shogun (medium member rank); also may refer to the defensive arm of the Gekokujo (Hyobusho)

Sensei 

instructor of the Gekokujo and of the Tsukai-ban

Speaker 

a nominated/elected position of forum chairman for either the Minka, the Egoshu or the Tenka Fubu Egoshu

Shogun 

ultimate warlord and ruler of Feudal Japan

Shugo 

special title; responsible for overseeing a Ryoguko Tenka Fubu province

Takara Shimbun 

official newspaper of Feudal Japan

Tenka Fubu 

Realm under One Sword. Variously defined as i) an alliance led by Feudal Japan; ii) a region, ally of Feudal Japan; iii) a mission to protect small NationStates regions

Tozama 

special title; responsible for the health and welfare of a Kuni Tenka Fubu province

Tsukai-ban 

intelligence agency of Feudal Japan

Udaijin 

minister of judicial affairs

External Links

Members of the region of Feudal Japan include many fans of this period in Japanese history. The regional forum contains discussion, information and the sharing of links to external information about this age of Shogun and samurai, including:

Reference:

• History of Wealth and Poverty: Japan (includes glossary)
• Hotlist on Life in Feudal Japan
• Samurai Archives
• Samurai Archives - Glossary of Terms

History:

• Early Japan (pre-Feudal)
• World Civilizations: Feudal Japan (856-1477)
• The Warring States Period (1467-1567)
• Solyson Magazine: The Ambassador Samurai (1614)
• Japan-Guide.com (710 - present)

Entertainment:

• Japanese Name Generator