Buke

The majority of samurai in Rokugan are a member of the Buke caste. Anyone who has not been awarded with land or titles will werve a household, and are typically allowed to bear that house name.

Vassal Families
Those who don't most likely serve lesser vassal families. These people will be allowed to use the vassal family name in house matters, but it would be impolite to use it when dealing with members outside of the clan.

Higest Ranking
The highest ranking buke serve as bureaucrats and military personell, provincial governors, officers, hatamoto, city governers, karo, emerald magistrates and clan magistrates. These people will usually be experience warriors or courtiers who have earned their positions.

Family
The lesser sons and daughters of the noble houses are delegated to the buke by default. They will be entiteled to no inheritance and serve no direct purpose, and must prove their worth to recieve the same respect as their more fortunate siblings.

Rank and File
The remainder of the buke caste consists of rank and file samurai. Many of these are ji-samurai, and members of vassal families who have not yet earned the right to carry their lords name. Many of the samurai in this category are extremely ambitious.

Major References

 * Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition Page 27.