Buke

The majority of samurai in Rokugan were a member of the Buke caste. Anyone who had not been awarded with land or titles would serve a household, and were typically allowed to bear that house name.
== Vassal Families ==
Those who did not most likely served lesser vassal families. These people would be allowed to use the vassal family name in house matters, but it would be impolite to use it when dealing with members outside of the clan.
== Highest Ranking ==
The highest ranking buke served as bureaucrats and military personell, provincial governors, officers, Hatamoto, city governors, Karo, Emerald Magistrates and clan Magistrates. These people would usually be experienced warriors or courtiers who had earned their positions.
== Family ==
The lesser sons and daughters of the noble houses were delegated to the buke by default. They were not entitled to an inheritance and had no direct purpose, and must prove their worth to receive the same respect as their more fortunate older siblings.
== Rank and File ==
The remainder of the Buke caste consisted of rank and file samurai. Many of these were Ji-Samurai, who were members of vassal families who had not yet earned the right to carry their lords name. It was common for samurai of this stature to be extremely ambitious. Ashigaru were the absolute lowest rank of the Buke.
== Major References ==
* Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition Page 27.
Category:Rokugani Language
Category:Culture