Ronin

You understand wealth, power, and privilege. You were once a Samurai - servant of the immortal Jade Emperor. You might have been 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 have been an honest, hard-working Bushi who cared 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 had. A Samurai is a member of the upper echelon of Rokugani society —you were connected to an entire family, and whatever authority you held is now lost, nothing will pass down to your own children. 

Ronin are the lowest Samurai in society - you are masterless. Through actions of your own or circumstances beyond your control you have fallen. However this misfortune can be a path to higher status - for you serve Bushido. 

As an emblem of Bushido, you might include among your equipment a banner or other token from a noble lord or lady to whom you have failed or hope to atone for/to — in a chaste sort of devotion. (This person could be your bond.)

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

What was your position in the family? Were you the heir to the head of the family? Had you already inherited the title? How do/did you feel about that responsibility? Or are you so far down the line of inheritance that no one cares what you do? How does/did the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? Are/were you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family?

Were you a named Family did 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 how much you have lost, and perhaps how much you yet hope to regain.

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 - as you have learned.

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.