Honor And Glory

Honor

Honor is a special characteristic that each character possesses. It can hold a value between 0.0 and 10.0. A character's Honor Value for the purposes of rules and effects is rounded down (A 0.9 would become 0. A 5.6 would become 5). A character gains or loses honor based on their actions, and how they relate to Bushido. A character's Honor is a wholly internal measure, therefor the intent is sometimes more important than the action itself.

In certain edge cases, it can be to a character's benefit to be at a lower honor rating before gaining or losing honor (For example: an honor 0.9 character might gain +1.4 for a deed, but an honor 1.0 character may gain +1.2, putting the lower honor character "ahead"). As an alternative rule with the GM's permission, a character may voluntarily lower their honor before gaining or losing honor, unless that character is at 10.0 honor.

Bushidō

Righteousness, Honesty, Justice (義 Gi)
Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice and integrity. Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.

This virtue covers the justification of one's actions, and it demands that all actions of Samurai serve a greater purpose. A Samurai does not hunt bandit pests in their lands simply to prove their strength, or out of pity to the lesser folk, but because it is right and just. Lying, knowingly obstructing justice in any way, or simply failing to choose the righteous path can result in a loss of Honor.

Courage, Heroism (勇 Yuu)
Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.

This virtue demands the abandonment of fear, though not the abandonment of sense. Accepting this virtue requires a Samurai not only to accept their death, but also to value their life. A Samurai must not sacrifice themselves in vain against impossible odds unless it accomplishes a worthy goal. Choices made for fear of failure can result in a loss of Honor.

Benevolence, Compassion (仁 Jin)
Through intense training and hard work the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow men at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one.

This virtue requires a Samurai to act in society's best interest, rather than their own. Though strife and conflict are integral to the life of a warrior, they must do good when they can. Acts of greed and selfishness, callousness to another's plight, and acts that come at the expense of others can result in a loss of Honor.

Respect, Courtesy (礼 Rei)
True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others. The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.

This virtue is what separates a barbarian from a true warrior. When two Samurai clash and one falls, the one who stands offers a hand rather than a killing blow. Failing to adhere to tradition and protocol, or failing to treat those who deserve respect properly can result in a loss of Honor.

Integrity, Sincerity, Earnestness (誠 Makoto)
When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to 'give their word'. They do not have to 'promise'. Speaking and doing are the same action.

This virtue deals primarily with intention. More important than merely speaking the truth is acting with intention. Drawing a blade is an act of war, an offer of peace is never made with the expectation of refusal, declaring victory is not a taunt. Going back on your word (even if circumstances change), offering an empty gesture, or leading someone to believe something you know is false can result in a loss of Honor.

Honor, Pride, Self-Control (名誉 Meiyo)
Warriors have only one judge of honor and character, and this is themselves. Decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of whom they truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.

Moments where you did not live up to your expectations, and actions that you would have a difficult time bragging about can result in a loss of Honor.

Duty, Loyalty (忠義 Chuugi)
Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.

Actions that defy the spirit or letter of your superior's orders, and actions that betray those you serve and those that serve you can result in a loss of Honor.

Gaining Honor

Adhering to the virtues can result in your character gaining honor. When a character's mettle is tested and they must make a choice, and if their choice aligns with one or more tenets of bushidō, they are eligible to gain honor for that action. If an action qualifies for more than one virtue, choose only one virtue it exemplifies and gain the appropriate amount of honor for that action. It is important to note, when gaining honor, the following are guidelines, and as your play experience is unique to you and your group, the spirit of gaining honor is more important than the letter. Ultimately, the GM is the final arbiter of honor gains and losses. We encourage GMs who disagree with the following to present their own guidelines to their group.

What is Expected
The lowest, and most common form of gaining honor. Doing what is expected can only get you so far, however, and you will never experience the sublime embrace of the seven virtues just doing your job.

Examples of What is Expected:

  • General Case - Following one of the virtues at some small cost or risk to yourself, following one of the virtues to keep with social rules and etiquette, or following one of the virtues to return to the status quo.
  • Righteousness - Exposing a corrupt merchant and punishing them appropriately.
  • Courage - Giving it your all in a potentially lethal combat.
  • Benevolence - Going without food in a town already light on rice.
  • Respect - Being polite to a samurai who is the enemy of your lord or family.
  • Sincerity - Following through with your words and actions even when it causes you some problems.
  • Honor - Refusing to take a more convenient, but ignoble course of action.
  • Duty - Going out of your way to get involved in a conflict that involves your lord or family in some way.
Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Gained: +0.4 +0.3 +0.2 +0.2 +0.1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Commendable Deed

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Gained: +0.8 +0.7 +0.6 +0.5 +0.4 +0.3 +0.2 +0.2 +0.1 +0.1 N/A

Admirable Deed

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Gained: +1.4 +1.2 +1.0 +0.8 +0.7 +0.6 +0.6 +0.5 +0.5 +0.4 N/A

Exemplary Deed

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Gained: +2.0 +1.6 +1.3 +1.1 +1.0 +0.9 +0.8 +0.7 +0.7 +0.6 N/A

Losing Honor

What is Expected
Failing to live up to what is expected of you can result in the slow erosion of one's confidence in their ideals. These dishonorable actions aren't big deals, as over the centuries many excuses and tricks have been baked into typical social interaction enough that a Samurai can always find a neutral path in these low-impact situations. However, Samurai that take great pride in themselves and their adherence to Bushido can't shake the feeling that they're not all they're cracked up to be should they fail to live up to the most basic expectations.

Examples of What is Expected:

  • General Case - Failing to follow one of the virtues at some small cost or risk to yourself, failing to follow one of the virtues to keep with the social rules etiquette, or failing to follow one of the virtues to return to the status quo.
  • (See Above)
Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Lost: N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.2

Lesser Breach

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Lost: -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 -0.3 -0.4 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6 -0.7 -0.8 -1.0

Serious Breach

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Lost: -0.3 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6 -0.7 -0.8 -0.9 -1.2 -1.5 -1.8 -2.0

Dire Breach

Honor Value: <1.0 1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-9.9 10.0
Honor Lost: -0.5 -0.6 -0.8 -1.0 -1.2 -1.5 -1.8 -2.1 -2.4 -2.7 -3.0

Glory

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