In Wandering Ronin, there are ten (10) disciplines that awards are handed out for. These awards are
a pre-requisite for titles, honors, and Knight status. Each is based on different categories in a wide
ranging array of both on and off-field activities. Awards are meant to show superior work done in a specific area, and to give honor and thanks for that work. It is not necessary to win awards to play Wandering Ronin: it is simply a system designed to single out the best the game has to offer in a wide area.
From the Rulebook:
"By no means an all-encompassing definition of everything that an award may be presented for,
the following guidelines for awards standards must be followed to ensure not only the legitimacy
of the entire awards process across the entire world of Wandering Ronin, but also the integrity
of those receiving the awards. A good rule of thumb is: if you are not sure if someone deserves
an award or not, then they don't. An award should be a sure thing, discussed ahead of time
between at minimum three of the four primary officerss of the chapter, as well as any other
person(s) who participated in judging that are available.
Entries may only be judged and used once for ANY Craft Faire (you may not use a painting
at your Fief and then use it again at Imperial Level). A competing entry is any entry into
your category that is NOT entered by you. Only five different chapter level awards may be
handed out to a player in a single reign of any chapter. (i.e.: A player may earn five Fief
awards, and still earn one Province and three Prefecture level awards in the same reign;
however, he may only earn a single Stone for each chapter level per reign).
Judging is done on a five (5) point scale, with increments of one-quarter (1/4) points. A score of
three or better is required to place in contention for any event titles, and a score of four or better is
required to be eligible for an award.
NOTE: A Monarch MAY give an award for an entry into a category if there are less than the
required entries, provided the following three conditions are met:
1: The entry scores higher than 4.25 total points.
2: Either the Prime Minister or the Regent concurs.
3: The entrant must NOT be a part of the Monarch's same company."