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Message: <blockquote data-quote="doghead" data-source="post: 1459075" data-attributes="member: 8243">Life in the KingdomTRAVEL BY LANDBy far the the most important roads in the Kingdom are the Imperial Highways. There are four, fanning out from Kyoto, connecting the far reaches of the Kingdom to the centre. The Imperial highways are 3 ken* wide with a stretch of cleared land on either side where space permits, but in the mountainous regions they can narrow to little as 1 ken. Stone distance makers are placed every ri. Stations are placed along the road about every 7 ri (one days walk). Every station has at least one Temple nearby. Every 30 ri or so, there will be a government poststations, which also serve as checkpoints for monitoring and controlling traffic. Avoiding one, or failing to stop is a serious offence. Only messengers on official duties (for the Emperor or a Daimyo) may pass automatically pass through.Trunk roads between cities may be likewise laid out with inns and checkpoints. Its within a Daimyos right to know who travels in his domain. Lesser roads and track between villages will have none of the amenties of their larger cousins. The extent to which they are patrolled will depend on the amount of resourses the Daimyo is will ing to commit to it.* 1 ken = 2 yards, 1 ri = 2.4 miles.CustomsIt is usual to walk on the left. Groups may walk abreast, but generally, one gets out of the way of those stronger or more important than oneself. There is a general sence of comradery amoung traveller, and most travellers will great another with a nod.Only the Emperor's highest officials ride in a carriage. These horen are pulled by a single ox. Horses are generally only ridden by those on official duties and in times of war. Horses are however, commonly used as baggage animals. For those who do not wish to walk, there is the palaquin carried by two men. When being approached by one, particularly an elaborate one, common sence dictates that if you don't know you are more important than the passenger, you should step aside. A private kago and bearers can often be found around rest stops and inns and rented for about 1 tin piece per ri. They are usually not enclosed, have only a simple shadecloth, and carry one person.Armour is not usually worn while on the road. Doing so will see the wearer avoided by commoners, frowned upon by bushi and investigated by any samurai or Anzen na michi patrols. Armour is carried in a gusokubitsu, an armour box. This can be strapped to the back or carried on a pole over one shoulder. Full battle armour would require two men too carry the box comfortably. Weapons are carried, but sheathed. This includes spears, which are sheathed in paper mache or leather scabbards. Swords hilts are also usually covered with a cone of fabric. These steps serve to keep the weapon clean, but also to signify the bearer's peaceful intentions. Weapons that are difficult to bear are safe weapons.</blockquote>

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