Honor in the Empire

DUTY
Duty is one of those rare virtues that gives little meaning.. or does it have alot? Duty know no Family as the saying goes. However, family is everything. Ones duty to their daimyo, is largely held by the bushido, duty to clan and state are held by daimyo and their family. It has a wide variance that can not be set in stone, but none the less, it very important. Most consider it not an option to fail at one task, others take the view, service in all things, even in death.

LOYALTY

Loyalty is hard to come by in Feudal Japan for Loyalty is one of the foundation of a character in the Empire. It is not just easily given, nor easily taken away. Giving loyalty is like giving your word. Honor attaches to it and gives it life. There are certain situations where Loyalty of a character is released, and even more rarer where Honor is not lost.

  • betrayal by the daimyo ( no honor lost)

  • Betrayal by a Sub Lord (No Honor Lost)

  • Disobedience that don't warrant death (honor lost)

  • Crimes that don't warrant Death (honor lost)

    For family members it even more rarer, but these situations do arise at times. There is a ceremony when such times do come into play.

  • Funerals - Anyone who permanently leaves the clan for whatever reason (good, bad or indifferent) will be considered to have "passed on". A funeral will be held and the individual will be respected as an honored ancestor of the clan. Their Japanese persona will be retired and that name will not be used again by any other members. The daimyo will officiate at the funeral. The date of the funeral will be marked next to the individual's name in the Scroll of the Ancestors.
    Upon leaving the Clan, all weapons are given back to the daimyo. One must find another clan to join or be Ronin. Half of Personal Honor is lost, with all benefits attaining to such. upon joining another clan, they perform the naming ceremony and serve their new daimyo. They start new in the Clan (2d20)

    HONOR

    Power, wealth and position-all these means nothing to a character of the oriental world if he/she is without honor. Honor is a reflection of his/her character and the character of his/her family. It is a measure of his/her worth in the society, his/her dependability, his/her personal character, his/her trustworthiness, his/her currency, and more.The honor of a family effects the honor of a character and visa versa. With Honor comes respect, power, influence and position. Without it, character can expect disrespect, humiliation and insults.
    Honor is something a Character earnsthrough his/her actions, like experience points. Moreover, honor can also be lost, depending on the actions of the character. Infact, honor is easier to lose then to gain so characters must carefully consider the consequences of their actions. Breaking faith, treachery, cowardice and unavenged insults results in a lost of honor. Valiant deeds, self sacrafice, mastery of skill, and keeping faith earns the character honor. As the character gains honor, the more is expected of him/her.

    Note*: There are Game Wardens out and about for the forum. When they see something that affects honor they will send it in. Some issues may be questionable, and thus may be determine by me. You will not know who is a Game Warden, and they will not know each other for unbiased reporting and to avoid reprecussion. If an issue does not get reported, consider yourself lucky. ::grins::