"Patrick Tilley - Amtrak 3 - Iron Master" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tilley Patrick)

skills, proficient in agriculture, fishing, wood- and metal-working
(esp: weapons), weaving and building with dressed stone.

Through a process of genetic mutation common to all sub-human species
and the lower animal orders, Iron




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Masters have become immune to
atmospheric radiation but, once again, acquisition of immunity has had
a negative impact on other vital functions. In the case of the Iron
Masters, the most obvious side-effects are their diminutive stature,
yellow-tinted skin, and total lack of body hair, but the greatest
damage has been to the circulatory system. This manifests itself in a
high incidence of haemophilia, and weak-walled blood vessels which can
rupture under stress, bringing about a fatal haemorrhage.

Through bushido (see following reference) these inherent defects have
acquired positive values, engendering a calm, disciplined approach to
life and an unquestioning acceptance of death.

Iron Master society is a pyramidal class structure based on a
17th-century model ruled by warriors (samurai). Below them, in
descending order, are - administrators and scribes, craftmasters,
merchants, farmers. The base of this pyramid is underpinned by a large
reservoir of slave labour; Mutes obtained through barter deals. At all
levels of society, women are allocated a secondary, subservient role as
consorts, housekeepers and child-bearers.

Supreme power is vested in the shogun, head of the leading samurai
family and titular head of the government (bakufu). The shogun is, in
theory, supported by the heads of the other samurai families who hold
the title of domain-lords.

As their title suggests, these individuals derive their power and
wealth from their territorial possessions and the population under
their direct control. They also lead and maintain private armies
pledged (again in theory) to the service of the shogun and the
maintenance of law and order.

As expected, the main features of such a society are (a) its martial
character and (b) its respect for authority and tradition. Over the
years, these attitudes have been codified into a belief-system
(bushido) which lays great emphasis on duty/obligation to one's
superiors (giro, to which any human feeling (ninjo) takes second
place.