Samurai

You understand wealth, power, and privilege. You are Samurai - servant of the immortal Jade Emperor. You might be a pampered aristocrat unfamiliar with work or discomfort, a former merchant just elevated to the nobility, or a disinherited scoundrel with a disproportionate sense of entitlement. Or you could be an honest, hard-working Bushi who cares deeply about the people who live and work on your Diamyo's land, keenly aware of your responsibility to them.

Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate Clan and/or family and determine how much authority you have. A Samurai is a member of the upper echelon of Rokugani society —you are connected to an entire family, and whatever authority you hold, you will pass it down to your own children. Not only do you need to determine your position, but you should also work with the DM to describe your family and their influence on you.

Is your family old and established, or was your title only recently bestowed? How much influence do they wield, and over what area? What kind of reputation does your family have among the other aristocrats of the region? How do the common people regard them? Are you a from a Great Caln or Minor, are you a member of a Vassal Family?

What’s your position in the family? Are you the heir to the head of the family? Have you already inherited the title? How do you feel about that responsibility? Or are you so far down the line of inheritance that no one cares what you do, as long as you don’t embarrass the family? How does the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family?

Are you a named Family do you have a Mon? An insignia you might wear on a signet ring? Particular colors you wear all the time? An animal you regard as a symbol of your Clan or even a spiritual member of the family?

These details help establish your family and your title as features of the world of the campaign.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion, Iajitsu[/skill]

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a [Tooltip Not Found], a scroll of pedigree,  a purse containing 25 gp (koku), and a Daisho (matched longsword[/weapon] and shortsword[/weapon])

Suggested Characteristics

Samurai are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. A " noble Servant" comes with a plethora of bonds—responsibilities to family, Clan, to other nobles (including the sovereign), to the people entrusted to their Diamyo’s care, or even to the title itself. But this responsibility is often a good way to undermine a Samurai.

d8	Personality Trait
1	My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
2	The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
3	No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
4	I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
5	I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations.
6	Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood.
7	My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
8	If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.

d6	Ideal
1	Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good)
2	Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful)
3	Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
4	Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
5	Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
6	Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3	Nothing is more important than the other members of my family.
4	I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
6	The common folk must see me as a hero of the people.

d6	Flaw
1	I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2	I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
3	I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
4	I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
5	In fact, the world does revolve around me.
6	By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family.