Chonobi Proverbs/Poems

Some proverbs that the Chonobi culture shares with one another, the origin of the phrase written behind the saying. A few examples are:

* *"Death smiles at everyone, we will smile back." - Hon saying*
* *"Here's to cheating, stealing, fighting and drinking. If you cheat, may it be death! If you steal, may it be a woman's heart! If you fight, may you fight for your kin and if you drink, may you drink with me!"* - Sarutobi/ Edani saying.
* *"You can't argue with Blackroot logic, cause it is usually followed up by an arrow you won't see coming."* - Sarutobi saying.
* *"There is a battle between two wolves in each of us? We feed both and now they fight our enemies."* - Hon saying.
* *"Better die fighting than living your life on your knees."* - Cho saying.
* *"The problems that lay before you aren't as half as strong as the ancestors that smile upon you."* - Cho saying.

## Poems

Despite some beliefs, the Chonobi aren’t some simple-minded folk that fully focus on waging war and bloodshed. What follows are a series of simple poems that have a meaning to them, usually taught to children and teens to teach them about the world or grant them some form of wisdom.

Some poems originate from a saga or song, usually about a prominent figure or deity. These poems are usually short and differ from the Taika Haiku.

### Dragvald Poems

The poems composed by the poet Dragvald are more of a religious origin, usually from a source of song or saga that is centred around a deity.

> ***"Cattle die, kinsmen die, all men are mortal. Words of praise will never perish, nor a noble name."***
>
>

> - All creatures meet the same fate eventually. How you’re remembered is what’s truly important.
>
>

> ***"It is fortunate to be favored with praise and popularity. It is dire luck to be dependent on the feelings of your fellow man."***
>
>

> - Your self-worth comes from you and you alone. Don’t let your social standing determine your level of self-esteem.
>
>

> ***"Be your friend’s true friend. Return gift for gift. Repay laughter with laughter again, but betrayal with treachery."***
>
>

> - Friendship is a two-way street.
>
>

> ***"Let no man glory in the greatness of his mind, but rather keep watch o’er his wits. Cautious and silent let him enter a dwelling; to the heedful comes seldom harm, for none can find a more faithful friend than the wealth of mother wit."***
>
>

> - Keep a level head. Pride often leads to misfortune.
>
>

### Andor Poems

The poems that are composed by the poet Andor are of sources that are centred around various famous figures, such as Sigeberth or Atsushi.

> ***"Never walk away from home ahead of your axe and sword. You can’t feel a battle in your bones or foresee a fight."***
>
>

> - Always be prepared. It’s impossible to tell what the future may hold.
>
>

> ***"The unwise man is awake all night worries over and again. When morning rises he is restless still, his burden as before."***
>
>

> - Stressing over a difficult situation only makes it worse. Focus on solutions.
>
>

> ***"Wake early if you want another man’s life or land. No lamb for the lazy wolf. No battle’s won in bed."***
>
>

> - If you want something, go out there and get it. Laziness has no reward.
>
>

> ***"Wise he is deemed who can question well, and also answer back: the sons of men can no secret make of the tidings told in their midst."***
>
>

> - The art of conversation is extremely valuable. Know the questions to ask and the answers to give.
>
>

> ***"A fool will gape when he goes to a friend, and mumble only, or mope; but pass him the ale cup and all in a moment the mind of that man is shown."***
>
>

> - Alcohol can be a truth serum. Sometimes true thoughts and feelings come out after a few drinks.
>
>

### Eyestein Poems

The poems that are composed by the poet Andor are focused on short myths and stories, usually instructing one about to think and act with reason.

> *"***Go you must. No guest shall stay in one place for ever. Love will be lost if you sit too long at a friend’s fire.***"*
>
>

> - It can be easy to get complacent. Keep pushing ahead, and don’t get too comfortable in one place.
>
>

> *"***Never a whit should one blame another for a folly which many befalls; the might of love makes sons of men into fools who once were wise.***"*
>
>

> - The power of love can make reasonable people do crazy things.
>
>

> ***"Moderately wise a man should be, not too crafty or clever. A learned man’s heart whose learning is deep seldom sings with joy."***
>
>

> - Knowing too much can stand in the way of your happiness.
>
>