Did ronin have a code?

However, not all ronin chose the path of protection. Some instead embraced a life of crime, using their swords to rob and pillage. These rogue warriors often operated in bands, using their numbers and combat prowess to overpower their opponents and seize their wealth.

The life of a ronin warrior was marked by a distinct lack of a master. This state of masterlessness often led to social disdain and contempt. Unlike other warriors who adhered to strict codes of honor, ronin were not bound by such principles.

Instead, ronin relied on their swords for survival. They lived by their blades, using their martial skills to carve out a living in a harsh and unforgiving world. Their existence was defined by their ability to protect and fight, making them both feared and respected in certain circles.

Many ronin found employment as bodyguards for wealthy merchants. These merchants, often traveling with valuable goods and large sums of money, required protection from bandits and thieves. Ronin, with their combat experience and lethal skills, were the perfect candidates for such dangerous tasks.

Another notable aspect of ronin culture was their rejection of the Seppuku Code of Honor. Seppuku, or ritual suicide by disembowelment, was a traditional means of maintaining honor among samurai. However, ronin, having lost their masters and social standing, saw no reason to adhere to such customs. They lived by their own rules and survived by their wits and swords.