Bushido, the code of the Samurai. This code is the moral backbone that a Greater Rokugan will be achieved through. It is through these higher virtues that will allow true shishi or men of virtue to rise and defend the Emerald Empire against those who would rather fight for personal power, glory, or wealth.
Jin (Compassion): a common saying defined Jin with the words "Just as the farmer does not grow crops merely to fill his own belly, the warrior does not fight for himself alone. A samurai must be constantly aware of the duty to protect others." This compassion should be extended to all Rokugani. True men of virtue conduct themselves at all times with compassion. They are not bullies with swords that can do as they wish because they are of a higher status but rather the humble protectors of the weak. A helping hand should be extended whenever possible to one another.
Yu (Courage): a common saying defines Yu with the words "Only fear of death can destroy life; the samurai replaces it with an understanding of danger." True men of virtue have the courage to live and die by the code of Bushido. We must face the threats to the creation of a Greater Rokugan, be they foreign or domestic, with the wild courage of our ancestors. The Emerald Empire was built by the courage of its people and it will endure by their courage.
Rei (Courtesy): a common saying defines Rei with the words "A samurai is neither a bully nor a brute killer. He must treat his enemies with courtesy." This courtesy is not just to our peers or social betters but those beneath us as well. True men of virtue speak with deference and courtesy to even their worst enemies. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard to be worthy of fighting for a virtuous cause.
Chugo (Duty and Loyalty): a common saying defines Chugo with the words "Actions and their consequences define those who take them. The samurai's loyalty to those that he guards for is unshakeable." Who is it that the samurai ultimately guard? It is the Emperor and the Emerald Empire. Duty to the nation as a whole must transcend any other loyalty if the Emerald Empire is to endure. Foreign influence has come to Rokugan and this nation will never be the same again. Political instability at this critical time exposes our weaknesses to those who would exploit them. We have already seen the disbandment of a minor clan, one with a long tradition of service to the Empire, and the toppling of the Champion of a major clan. It is our duty to safeguard the Empire, not battle amongst one another.
Gi (Honesty and Justice): a common saying defines Gi with the words "Set lies aside. A samurai does not make honesty or justice a matter for debate; he knows that there is only truth and falsehood, justice and injustice." True men of virtue must speak honestly and fight for justice. We do not have time for falsehoods. The threat has come to our shores and we must be prepared to meet it. We must fight every day for a Greater Rokugan, a more just Rokugan.
Meyo (Honor): common saying defines Meyo with the words "Praises and curses are not what defines honor; the samurai reserves his judgement for himself." True men of virtue act with honor. Honor that is held near to their hearts. The criticisms of those who would weaken the Empire for their own gain and the praises of beloved comrades are just words. Truly honorable men fight for their convictions even to the death.
Makoto (Sincerity): common saying defines Makoto with the words "A samurai's words and his actions are one and the same. To 'promise' would be redundant." A samurai does what he says he will do. He performs these actions without hesitation, without remorse, and without fear. True men of virtue are sincere in all of their actions and life without regrets.
Bushido in a Greater Rokugan are the ideals that will preserve the Emerald Empire against all threats. It is what sets us apart from the foreigners and the Shadowlands. It is a single set of national virtues that can unite these lands.
誠 Makoto
