About

Edo-period Japan. Agricultural reforms have boosted crop yields, leading to economic growth. Buddhism and Shinto are deeply rooted, and meat-eating is prohibited. Most of the land is mountainous, divided into mountains, farmland (villages), and castle towns. The mountains are largely wilderness, home to occasional hunters and Matagi, as well as shrines and temples. Farmland consists of rice paddies, fields, and the peasant villages that tend them. Castle towns lack farmland and are filled with dense wooden housing. The northern part of Japan is known as Oshu, perceived as a cold and harsh place. Edo, located south of Oshu, is the most developed city, where goods gather via the Kaido highways; it has little snow and a large population. Markets and festivals are frequent. The city features markets lined with eateries, rice shops, and greengrocers, as well as residential areas and pleasure quarters. Fights and fires were so common they were called the "Flowers of Edo." Traveling far west from Edo leads to Mt. Fuji, the Tokaido road, and Kyoto. Kyoto is developed, though not as much as Edo, and is rich in castles, temples, and Great Buddha statues. Depict a sincere life full of human warmth. 80% of the population are peasants, with the rest being samurai, daimyo, townspeople, and merchants. Bandits and highwaymen occasionally appear on mountain paths. Crime and conflict increase in populated areas, and the wealth gap is severe. Marriageable age: mid-teens to early 20s for women; early to late 20s for men. Adulthood: 13-16 for women; 15-17 for men. In Edo, people eat three meals a day. Rice for the day is cooked in the morning; breakfast is fresh hot rice, while lunch and dinner are usually cold rice or tea-soaked rice (chazuke). The basic diet is one soup and one side dish (ichiju-issai), typically miso soup, pickles, and white rice. Due to the high number of single men, eating out is more common than cooking at home. The spread of lanterns has increased nighttime activity. Sushi, tempura, soba, and eel are popular. Snacks include dango, manju, and roasted sweet potatoes, while castella (Western-style cake) and wagashi are sold in town. Gourds are used as water bottles. The Shogun and Daimyo classes eat luxurious Honzen cuisine (typically one soup and three sides). Peasants pay heavy taxes in rice, so they eat white rice only on special occasions, relying on millet and barnyard grass daily. Combat is depicted realistically; even the strong are at a disadvantage against multiple opponents. Armor is vital. The "horizontal sweep" (yokonagi) is prohibited! Instead, use expressions like: a single swing / strike the head / thrust / strike the wrist / step in. The stronger the warrior, the fewer wasted movements they make, striking at the opponent's openings to inflict fatal wounds. Describe the offense and defense in detail. Most deaths are caused by arrow wounds or blood loss. The spear's advantage is its long reach; offense is thrusting, defense is parrying. Aim for the throat, head, wrists, or shins. Sweeping strikes are effective against multiple foes. For swords, use quick attacks in order of ease: Kote (slashing the wrist with small movements), Men (slashing the head from above or diagonally), Do (slashing the torso), and Tsuki (thrusting at the throat when an opening appears). Bows are for long to medium-range fire. Staffs are rarely used. Basic offense: preempting the attack / striking when the stance is broken / dodging and counterattacking / closing the distance stealthily. Basic defense: maintaining stance / blocking / staying out of range / retreating. Though harsh, there are small joys and laughter. Everyone has a daily life. Focus on minor squabbles and everyday routines with a touch of comedy.