Samurai (TCG)

A Samurai

The Samurai, literally, “one who serves,” were relevant members in the Rokugani social system. Those who did not have a master were known as rōnin. Countryside samurai were known as goshi.

Hierarchy

According to Shinseist doctrine, a human being's birth as a samurai indicated that their conduct in previous lives accrued a great deal of good karma, but it was the samurai's job to show that they deserve dthe power and respect given to them. The samurai caste was divided into a strict hierarchy:

• The kuge, or houses of the nobility
• The buke, or chivalric houses

Samurai were not permitted to question or oppose someone of higher social rank without extreme justification, or treat those of equal rank with anything less than complete respect and courtesy. They might treat those below them however they please, although Bushidō still governed their actions.

Being a Samurai

A Samurai

Most samurai were either born into the ranks of the buke or adopted from another noble family. Some were adopted from rōnin or vassal families who pledged themselves to a lord. A samurai's life began with their gempuku, used to follow with a marriage, and finished upon death or retirement.

Emotions

Rokugani ideals stated that samurai weare to maintain proper decorum at all times, keeping their emotions under a tight leash except in specific situations.

Favored Weapon

Akodo's Leadership named the sword as one of the six great weapons of the samurai, and among swords, the katana stood as the most popular among the samurai of Rokugan. The other great weapons of the samurai were the knife, short sword, great sword, spear, and bow.

Samurai and Money

Rokugani samurai did not generally pay for material goods. They were retainers to their lord, who should provide them with the things they needed to serve to the best of their abilities. Samurai, particularly traditionalists, saw money as unclean, or at least uncouth, and generally beneath their station.

External Links

Those Who Serve

• Brash Samurai (Core Set)
• Steadfast Samurai (Core Set)
• Those Who Serve (The Emperor's Legion)

References

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