Editing Arket (section)

== Family and Duty ==
In Arket, family can be thought of in three distinct stages: Chi, Sabisu, and Owar. The Chi stage occurs from birth until the age of sixteen for a human. In these years, a person is supposed to obtain knowledge, grow in virtue, and learn what they love. After Chi comes Sabisu. Sabisu occurs from ages seventeen to sixty for a human. In this stage of life, a member of an Arketian family is supposed to listen to the Blessed Path. They are to serve their family, nation, and [[Ark|goddess]]. Family members in the Sabisu stage are responsible for building a family’s honor. Finally, there is the Owar stage. Those in the Owar are leaders of a family. They make familial decisions, manage finances, and plan the future of the family. 

There are times when a family member needs to take time away from the family. In these cases, they can invoke what is called the Ressun. If a Sabisu decides they need the Ressun, all the members of the family must gather. The Sabisu explains to the Owar why they would like to leave. Then, the Owar decide what the Sabisu’s mission on the journey is and how they will complete it. Afterward, the Sabisu embarks on their mission to fulfill themself before eventually returning back to the family. If the Sabisu fails their Ressun, they could be ostracized from the family or in extreme cases, banished. Only a Saint or Ark herself can end this banishment in Arketian society.

==== Social Classes ====
Arketian society is broken down into five distinct classes. The lowest is the Akuta class. These individuals are untouchables, scorned by society, and worth nothing. They are a legacy from the rule of [[Nation of Zell|Zell]] still held by the people of Arket. Despite the [[Ark|Flower Mother]]’s best efforts, the Akuta are still poorly treated amongst most settlements. Above the Akuta are the merchants. Merchants, for not making anything with their own hands, are the lowest besides the Akuta. Next are the farmers. Although despite being in the middle of the hierarchy, farmers are held in high regard in Arket. Their closeness with nature is praised by [[Ark]] and her Saints.

Above the farmers are Makers. In the Maker class resides many important jobs from blacksmiths, to carpenters, artists, and even clerics. The Makers possess tangible skills that add to society. Only above the Makers are the Daimyos. A member of the Daimyos has administrative authority in Arket. Noble families, a leader of a village, or even the Shogun themself is a part of the Daimyo class. It is difficult but not impossible to move between social classes. While an individual born into a class will usually stay there all their life, there are rare stories of individuals cultivating a new path. These stories usually involve a Saint or Daimyo raising an individual up or down in rank. There is limited segregation among the classes. While not mandated, many of the same class congregate together. Certain restaurants serve distinct classes. This has led to distinct cultural traits that are exclusive to only one class. For instance, the Maker class in general prefers food that is more savory while the Farmer class enjoys spicier food.

One of the greatest barriers between the classes is marriage. To marry into a class lower than your own is viewed as a devaluing of the family. Overall, if a family’s prestige is lowered too greatly, there is a risk of all members in the family dropping a class. Therefore, those who marry lower face banishment from their family often.

==== Blessed Path ====
The Blessed Path is the core of [[Ark]]’s religion. According to Ark, the Blessed Path is the natural progression of the universe as whispered by the world’s aether. Those with ears turned toward the Path can follow it and avoid suffering. The Blessed Path holds within it the true purpose and duty of all things. To go against the Path is to go against destiny.

==== Akuta Charity ====
When a horse, ox or other large farm animal dies, it becomes the property of the local Akuta. It does not matter if the animal had been the personal property of a farmer, or if belonged to the Shogun themself; once it is dead, only the Akuta have any right to it. This is part of the Akuta charity.