Editing Arket (section)

== Government Structure ==

==== Hokoro ====
The Hokoro is the governmental figurehead of Arket. They act as the head statesperson, greeting diplomatic envoys, while also managing the cultural traditions of the nation. Although the Hokoro holds no real political power, their favor is highly valued in political and public life. As of 701 AR, Fuji Shigea and the Fuji family hold the title of Hokoro.

==== Shogun ====
The Shogun of Arket is a dictator chosen by Ark and her Saints. Vested within the Shogun is executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The word of the Shogun is law within the borders of Arket. Only a superior majority, two-thirds, of the Grand Families of Arket can overrule the Shogun.

When the Shogun dies, members of the Diamyo class may present themselves before Ark in an attempt to be made the next Shogun. Those worthy enough of consideration must undergo the Trials of Mountain, Seas, and Sky. The first individual to complete the trial becomes Shogun. In 688 AR when the first Shogun, Izumo Kazuki, died it took two years before a member of the Diamyo could successfully complete the Trials.

As of the year 701 AR, Omori Kazeke is the acting shogun. With almost a decade of experience, Kazeke has proven themself to be a strong shogun with the necessary skill to keep Arket safe from outside threats.

==== Grand Families of Arket ====
There are many grand families which help rule Arket. These families do everything from running small villages, advising the Shogun, or even acting as diplomats. Grand families are given special privileges due to their station. These privileges include the owning of weapons, the creation of great fortress manors around Arkete, and more. Some scholars believe up to 70% of the wealth within Arket is held within the grand families.

However, this dwarfs the expected 92% hold the families have on swords, daggers, and other weapons. The keys to power within Arket are truly held within the grand families.

==== Katanagari ====
Known in common tongue as Sword Hunts, the kantanagari take place every few years. This event is done to find, acquire, and melt down illegal weapons across Arket. Usually led by a local grand family, the katanagari is supposedly key to establishing order within Arket.

==== Policing ====
Town guards around Arket only carry simple batons as weapons. They mostly deal with keeping the peace and rarely, if ever, fight. The pacifist nature of Ark forbids excessive violence. However, if a situation gets too out of hand, many times the people will call upon one of [[Ark]]’s Saints for assistance. Due to the low crime rate and smaller population of Arket, the Saints are rarely overwhelmed by crime within the nation.