Aesthetics
Art has been expected to be half of a samurai’s pursuits since the founding of the Empire. An appreciation and understanding of art is so ingrained in a samurai’s training that to look upon a work and not be moved is, to the samurai, a sure sign of barbarianism, a charge that bestows great shame upon those who bear it. The more martial clans understand that art is essential for clearing a warrior’s mind and reminding them of life while so often surrounded by death.
The Aesthetics skill covers activities that create non-utilitarian visual art, such as bonsai (trimming plants to encourage their growth in an artistic fashion), ikebana (flower arrangement), origami, painting, and rock gardening. Such arts serve a deeply important role in the courts of Kiga, and any courtier is expected to have an understanding of their principles, techniques, and guiding philosophies. By understanding a work of art, one can gain insight into its creator, and that insight can be invaluable in pursuing political agendas and court intrigue alike.
Aesthetics Approaches
The Aesthetics skill can be used with the appropriate rings as follows:- Restore Approach (Earth Ring): Restoring a damaged piece, maintaining something’s beauty, safely transporting a piece.
- Adapt Approach (Water Ring): Altering an existing work, completely reworking or rebuilding an existing piece, finding inspiration for new works.
- Invent Approach (Fire Ring): Creating a new work, brainstorming new possible works, developing new methods and techniques for creating art.
- Refine Approach (Air Ring): Finding a flaw in a piece and removing it, adding a detail that enhances a piece, hiding a subtle message within a work.
- Attune Approach (Void Ring): Learning a work’s purpose, discerning whether a work has any supernatural qualities or features and awakening those features within it.