The Way of the Warrior

These are the 9 Stones, guidelines a warrior must follow to be successful in combat. It's all theory and doesn't all apply to the game, but it's good stuff nonetheless. (I edited these from A Book of Five Rings written by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest warrior in history - undefeated in over 60 duels to the death, killing 1 with a wooden oar while the opponent had a real sword)



1. Stand for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence and courage.

2. If your opponent is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

3. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

4. If your opponent is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

5. Attack your opponent where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

6. To secure yourself against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

7. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

8. A clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

9. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack - the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.