heimin

Heimin ("half-people") are the laborers of Rokugan, and without them the Empire could not continue in its current fashion. The ranks of heimin, from highest to lowest, are Farmer, Artisan, and Merchant.

The Farmer creates the food that feeds the entire empire, thus granting them the highest status amoung the Bonge. If it were not for them, the fields would lay fallow and unused, and society would deteriorate into a collection of scavengers.

The next rank is the Artisan, who also create things for life, however they create the comforts, not the necessities. While those who build homes and such would be valued for their more practical creations, the custom of giving gifts ensures that all talents are equally important. Artisans often have a samurai Artisan Patron that gives then venues for their wares to be traded, bought and sold. However the process of purchase is not conducted by either the artisan or their patron. Matters of money are left to the Merchants.

The Merchant creates nothing by himself, and constantly deals in money, which by Rokugani customs and standards, is considered dirty. They are above the eta however, as money is the only dirty thing they handle.