The close of 16th century Japan is the Age of Civil Wars, as feudal lords fought for land and power. When one leader finally rose and was proclaimed Shogun, a peace came and the samurai warriors found themselves unemployed. Many of these Ronin turned to banditry, others found work with minor lords. And a small number traveled the warrior pilgrimage to hone their spiritual and martial skills. But whether they took the honest road or the crooked path, the Ronin all found one common link -- they were less than welcome.