Ronin

In Rokugan , ronin are masterless Samurai who occupy a precarious and often disparaged position within the rigid social hierarchy of the Emerald Empire. Without the support and protection of a clan or lord, ronin lead lives marked by uncertainty and hardship, frequently struggling to find honorable employment or secure their basic needs. Some ronin are former samurai who have been dishonored or displaced due to the fall or disgrace of their lords, while others are born into their status, inheriting the challenges and stigma that come with it.

Ronin must navigate the complexities of surviving in a society that prizes loyalty and duty to one's clan above all else. They often take on mercenary work, offering their skills as warriors to whoever can afford their services, whether in battle, as bodyguards, or in other roles requiring martial prowess. This mercenary lifestyle can lead to moral compromises, as ronin sometimes engage in less savory activities to make ends meet.

Despite their marginalized status, some ronin strive to maintain their personal honor and adhere to the principles of Bushido. These individuals often seek opportunities to prove their worth, hoping to be taken into the service of a new lord and reclaim the status of samurai. The path of a ronin is fraught with challenges, but it also allows for a degree of freedom and autonomy that is unavailable to those bound by clan loyalty. In tales and legends, ronin are sometimes depicted as wandering heroes, righting wrongs and defending the weak, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of their role in Rokugani society.

A samurai can voluntarily and temporarily become a ronin as part of a @warr