Shidō

Shidō (士道), literally meaning "the way of the warrior", is an Akitian word for the code of honor that all Senshi must adhere to. In the modern era, it is the code of honor that all members of the Akitian military are expected to study and adhere to in their military conduct.

Shidō has roots in the moral values that appeared in Akitsu during the Shokukoku Period of Akitian history. During this time of peace philosophy in Akitsu developed greatly but it was more used as an unofficial moral compass for government officials at the time. It was several hundred years later under Hidemori Hatakeyama that Shidō became associated with the Akitian Senshi, as Hidemori used it as the way that he expected the Senshi that served under him to act. However, even as this happened much of Shidō remained unwritten until the Eda Period, when the role of the Senshi suddenly became thrust into the spotlight.

During the Retsukoku Period, some aspects of Shidō were implemented into law.

History

Shokukoku Period

The earliest signs of the development of Shido appears in the Shokukoku Period, when it was used as a moral compass for government officials. Though writings made during the Kingdom of Shoku never directly reference Shidō, much of the initial ideas behind it can be seen in writings that date back this far. Often times philosophers would use the virtues of Shidō when analyzing a government official.

Sennari Period

However, it was after Hidemori Hatakeyama overthrew the Kingdom of Shoku and established his own kingdom that Shidō started being referenced directly. Hidemori for the first time in Akitian history created a separate social class of warriors to directly oversee his commands, and with them he gave a specific way of life. This was in part to keep them in line, but eventually it would take a life of it's own and become the way that all Senshi were expected to act regardless of who they claimed loyalty to. Again, no writings at this time directly reference Shidō, but in philosophical writings from the time it is evident that the ideas behind Shidō were now not only more concrete but also now directly associated with the Senshi.

Eda Period and Eisen Period

With the fall of the Hatakeyama clan and the start of the Eisen Period, the Senshi were suddenly thrown into the spotlight. The various Senshi clans were the ones who controlled the land, and were now fighting for control over all of Akitsu. This is when Shidō starts to be directly referenced in the works of the time. However, even more important than this was the recording of various stories from the past into new forms. Most notably, the Tale of King Haku, which clearly depicts King Haku who formed the Kingdom of Shoku as the ideal warrior.

Modern era

Though in the modern era the senshi social class has been abolished, Shidō still has an impact on Akitian life today. Akitians still consider it an important part of Akitian philosophy and culture, even if not every person strictly adhere's to it. Futhermore, Shidō is expected to be adhered to by every member of the Akitian military, with courses in Shidō being a mandatory part of the Akitian military training regimen. Of course, modern Shidō has evolved from the Shidō of the past, adapting to the different social conditions of the time. However, it still remains a large part of Akitian life today.

Tenets

Early Shidō stressed loyalty, mastery of the martial arts, and honor unto death. However, over time Shidō has put greater emphasis on how one should behave as a person in order to live with honor.

In modern Shidō there are generally accepted to be 7 virtues, of which 3 are held higher then the rest. These virtues are:

• Courage (勇, yū) - A Senshi is expected to show great courage, even in the fact of adversity, even before ones own greatest fears.
• Rectitude (儀, gi) - A Senshi must act with rightness in both principle and conduct, adhering to the prescribed rules for moral conduct.
• Benevolence (仁, jin) - A Senshi must show benevolence to others, regardless of who they are or where they are from. This even applies if that other person is their enemy.
• Respect (礼, rei) - A Senshi must show and treat others with respect, regardless of who they are.
• Honesty (誠, makoto) - A Senshi must never lie, and always speak honestly.
• Honor (名誉, meiyo) - A Senshi must be honorable, in both behavior and in mind. To live honorable, one must simply uphold the tenets of Shidō.
• Loyalty (忠義, chūgi) - A Senshi must show loyalty to his superiors, his allies, and his comrades, providing that they are honorable, and must never betray them.