Official LORE | Karakura's Family Systems and Naming Conventions

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The following thread is informative; all its information can be taken ICly. Its aim is to provide context, explanations, and understanding of the CEREMONIAL family and naming conventions derived from traditional Karakuran culture. Not all families and individuals have to adhere to these conventions, but those willing can do so as they wish. ​

FAMILIES
Types of Influential Families
Throughout Karakura’s history, families have risen to power with conflicts, arguing and waging wars against each other to gain control. In recent years, these conflicts have turned from direct physical wars to economic and social control of the island. Three types of influential families reside in modern Karakura: Itsbyoshi, Monogatarihito, and Ōgonshoku.
Formerly, Karakura was also home to Hokuseibu, Suguretachi, Gunseika, and Tsuihōke families.

Itsbyoshi​

250 years in the timeline of Karakura were given their own title, the Kyōdaina Era. These years spanned the 1680s to the 1940s and were considered a golden age in Karakura. Kyōdaina marked the greatest heights the Itsbyoshi ever reached and was an age of glory and gold. Thirteen families came to power during this time, and they were as follows: Nashima, Kaseya, Kato, Saiky, Otori, Takagi, Tsukasa, Mizukawa, Kaeda, Ichikawa, Aguri (later replaced by Yagi), Koji, and Masuo. Karakura’s political, social, and governmental decisions were made under the Court of Itsbyoshi up until the Early Showa Era, before the Government of Karakura was established. Even though the court was abolished, the Itsbyoshi held significant influence and snuck into the town hall. The four elected governors were all part of the Itsbyoshi: Chizuru Kato, Murasaki Kaeda, Han Mizukawa, and Tetsuya Otori.

The Itsbyoshi begins with the tale of Tsugumi Kaseya, nicknamed the Mother of Karakura, or Mother of Itsbyoshi, for she had convened a council of influential families residing in Karakura, mainly in the Itsbyoshi forest. At that time, Tsugumi was declared 'Regent of Hokuseibu Court', and practically ruled the island throughout this council of hers and the courtiers surrounding her. Tsugumi had her own haunting fable, a story stored in the Hut of Takagi, high up in the Kohaku range, yet the council she established continued to thrive.

The name Itsbyoshi comes from the forest of Itsbyoshi, south of Ochiba, where the Kaseya Castle and Saiky Palace were located. Soon enough, the surrounding forest became the home to the other families, with lush gardens and marvellous buildings being built.

Soon after Tsugumi’s demise, the Itsbyoshi patriarchs formed the Court of Itsbyoshi at Tsugumi's orders, which ruled the island with might. Due to their diverse qualities and skills, each family took charge of a specific sector on the island:

1. Nashima † - Weaponry
2. Kaseya - Justice
3. Kato †- Foreign Relations
4. Saiky - Shrine
5. Otori - Martial Arts
6. Takagi - Education
7. Tsukasa - Hunting
8. Mizukawa - Fishing
9. Kaeda - Foraging
10. Ichikawa - Healing/Health
11. Aguri (Later replaced by Yagi) - Agriculture and Arts
12. Jinn † - Underground Enforcement
13. Masuo - Economy and Finance

In modern-day Karakura, the Itsbyoshi families are purely considered as the 'ancient' families, or the 'old guard' of Karakura. They continue to hold influence, but nothing compares to the days of their ancestors.
Monogatarihito
Unlike Itsbyoshi families, which had 'Imperial' rule over Karakura, Monogatarihito are families that influenced Karakura indirectly or had only brief periods of rule. They make up a majority of Karakura's influential families. Many have been classified, but currently only four families have been spoken of in recent years:

• Hishison of Shinboshi
• Moritachi of Seikatsu
• Heddo of Shinboshi
• Kirishiki of Kaigan

Ōgonshoku ​

In modern-day Karakura, no family continues to 'rule' given the nature of the world today. Instead, families are now financially, politically, or socially influential, and often carry several influences. Today, the term Ōgonshoku is used to refer to such lineages. The current lineages are:

• Akihito of Itsbyoshi
• Furukawa of Hokuseibu
• Herrington of Hokuseibu
• Maeng of Seikatsu
• Akiyama of Kaigan
• Nakazumi of Shinboshi
• Baek of Shinboshi
• Wong of Shinboshi
• Brown of Itsbyoshi
• Akai of Itsbyoshi

Traditions of Family Structure
Many households in Karakura adhere to a 'hierarchy' system. Not all families, of course, have such systems, but many do. Such traditions are not legally binding and are purely ceremonial, known only within the family. Households consist of heads of households, heirs, advisors, branches, and a hierarchy depending on lineage and age. Heads of households often carry the term 'Lord/Lady [FAMILY NAME]'; for example, Lord Brown or Lady Sparks. Other families may use different terminology, such as 'Direktor' or 'Chief'. It all depends on their culture and tradition.
Other families just exist because they are normal. Like the Maeng of Seikatsu. Bless them for being normal. Or the Browns...
NAMING CONVENTIONS FOR OCCUPATIONS
It is important to note that these names and terms are CEREMONIAL. You will not be beheaded ICly if you do not use them. They exist to give pizzazz.
Town Hall
The Right Honourable, Lord/Lady [NAME], Mayor of Karakura
The Honourable, Lord/Lady [NAME], Deputy Mayor of Karakura
Karakura General Hospital
His/Her/Their Excellency, Dr. [NAME], Director of Karakura General Hospital
His/Her/Their Excellency, Dr. [NAME], Deputy-Director of Karakura General Hospital
Karakura Police Department
His/Her/Their Excellency, Commissioner [NAME], Commissioner of Karakura
His/Her/Their Excellency, Captain [NAME], Captain/DSI of Karakura
Shinsei Seinaru Monastery
His/Her/Their Holiness, Lord/Lady [NAME], Mitsue-Shino of Karakura, Servant of Chiharu-Yamatsumi
Karakura News
His/Her/Their Excellency, Mr/Miss [NAME], Publisher of Karakura News
Karakura High and College
His/Her/Their Excellency, Mr/Miss [NAME], [TITLE]

 

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