The flourishing lands of Kamakura are ruled by the mokosh Shogun Haihuto Tontsa who is ably served by many loyal Daimyo and Bushi. The land is split into several large provinces or districts each ruled over by a single mokosh clan headed by a Daimyo. Within a district the Daimyo has total authority and laws vary widely from one district to another. The Daimyo will apportion his lands between the lesser clans which are allied to him, with the mokosh of these clans acting as Bushi to ensure the wishes of the Daimyo are carried out.

In practice, much of the tedious work of daily administration is carried out by the clan’s human retainers. Most Bushi maintain a large household of human retainers who are responsible for the affairs of the household, leaving the Bushi free to dedicate their time to higher pursuits; the study of warfare, poetry and flower arranging. Kamakura is renowned for its fabulous flower gardens but some visitors may find the poetry a little esoteric at first.

First Meeting
Always make sure you have the permission of the regional Daimyo before you enter an area. This can usually be obtained by speaking to a retainer of a Bushi from one of the clans on the borders of a region. Remember that the actual laws vary widely between districts and that visitors are better advised to try to study the principles which underlie most laws in Kamakura. The people of Kamakura place heavy emphasis on the role of honour and duty and this underpins much of their society. Foreigners are not expected to know the laws, but they are expected to comport themselves with honour.

Most work is likely to be carried out in cooperation with the human retainers of a Bushi household. You are very unlikely to meet the Bushi himself unless the matter is of extreme importance. If you are called to a meeting with a Bushi. bear in mind that the Kamakura mokosh are very sensitive to perceived slights. Do not bring a gift unless you have been specifically advised by one of the Bushi's retainers on what would be appropriate. Do not make any complimentary remarks about the Bushi's estate or household or any hospitality you receive. In Kamakura it is considered rude to draw attention to the effort made to receive a guest. Avoid attempts at humour.

Fashion
Simplicity is the underlying ethos behind most Kamakuran clothing. The basic clothing is the kimono, a loose fitting garment consisting of a layered silk tunic and trousers. More ornate versions of this garment are worn by the Bushi and members of the Shogun's court. Overly elaborate garments are regarded as vanity and considered to be designed to conceal the flaws of the person. Bushi and high ranking retainers will always wear a kimono marked with the symbol of their clan and dyed in their clan’s colours. Human retainers wear white robes where they cannot afford their clan’s dyes. Part of their warrior ethic demands that the Bushi be ready to face battle at any time so many Bushi wear full battle armour and carry their weapons whenever they leave their home. Human retainers are forbidden to use metal weapons or armour and usually wear a hardened leather cuirass and carry a spear when preparing for war.

Religion
Respect for the Gods and their followers is an integral part of Kamakuran society. All the faiths are represented here and most mokosh choose to personally dedicate themselves to the God revered by their clan. No Kamakuran would even consider being disrespectful to a priest and you would do well to adopt a similar position of respect whilst there. Many Bushi will kill a person simply for laying hands upon a holy or learned man.

Temples and shrines are commonplace and all are welcome within. You will usually find them decorated with all manner of resplendent blooms. It is widely believed in Kamakura that flowers are the earthly blessing of the Gods and as such are sacred. Only a priest or Bushi may cut a flower in bloom and most of them choose to maintain large abundant flower gardens to show their devotion.

Trade
Due to a recent ruling by the Shogun, all trade in darkpowder and darkpowder weaponry is now forbidden in Kamakura. Under no account should you bring any darkpowder weapons to the Realm of Flowers, not even for your own protection. Possession of darkpowder is judged to be intention to commit murder by many Daimyo.

Weapons and armour always sell well in Kamakura, but bear in mind that metal armour and weapons (meaning mail, plate and swords) are the sole preserve of the Bushi. They are happy for merchants to carry arms for trade, but there is little purpose bringing anything of this kind unless it is of the very finest quality. The weapons and armour of a Bushi are of extraordinary importance and most will go to great lengths to procure the finest arms available. You will not find a market for inferior merchandise anywhere in Kamakura.

However all Bushi maintain large standing forces of human soldiery. These will be equipped with cuirboulli, spears, axes and hardened staves. There is a ready market for any items of this kind throughout the land. Delicate paintings, unusual flower seeds and bulbs, exotic pigments and dyes, and intricate jewellery are always popular in Kamakura.

Kamakura produces many high quality goods which are in great demand elsewhere including silk, paper, spices and hand painted porcelain. Large quantities of rice are produced especially for export.

The Kyat is the official currency of the realm, but most Bushi maintain massive farms on their estates and their retainers will offer payment in surplus foodstuff where common coinage cannot be agreed.