Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 2, 2014 23:56:46 GMT
Character Name: Doji Hatosenshi
Clan: Crane School: Doji Courtier Profession: Sensei and Storyteller
Rings:
Earth: 1 Water: 2 Air: 3 Fire: 5 Void: 4
Glory: 0 Distinctions: Famous Poet, Renowned Duelist, Talented Orator, Married: Doji Tamahime
Appearance: Doji Hatosenshi is an experienced and intelligent samurai. His grey eyes are often filled with mirth and his long white hair is kept back by a pale blue ribbon. Age: 46 Height: 5'6" Weight: 175 Eyes: Grey Hair: White Distinctive Marks and Items: Limp. Always wears a blue ribbon in hair, and the saya of his Katana has a Crane blue ribbon gifted to the young Hatosenshi from his idol, Doji Hoturi tied through it.
Family: Daughter -(Doji Kagehime, 16) Spouse: Doji Tamahime Attitude/Personality: Hatosenshi is a nightingale in a world of hawks. A man who values stories, heroes and family, Hatosenshi is a Crane through his core. Nothing brings him more joy, then spreading the glories of ancestors and heroes to the younger children of the Samurai caste. Hatosenshi is a peaceful, introspective man, at home in a conversation of the Tao with a Togashi monk, the stories of ancient warriors with an Ikoma, or the discussion of dueling with a Kakita. The path of peace is the one Hatosenshi walks, deviating only to protect his beloved Clan, family, or to protect innocents from depredations. Although he is no warrior, Hatosenshi has studied the Kakita techniques, and is a respected and somewhat feared duelist.
History: Hatosenshi was born in a poor(-er) province of the Crane Clan. Growing up, his family only oversaw modest (by Crane standards) holdings, and were not responsible for much, other than providing food to Kyuden Doji. As a young child, Hatosenshi was enamored of stories of the Dawn of the Empire, and the Day of Thunder. When Hatosenshi was but 6, Doji Hoturi visited his family's holdings. The impression the Crane Champion left on Hatosenshi would affect the rest of his life. Two years later, when the second Day of Thunder reached his ears, Hatosenshi lamented the loss of a man he could only view as a larger-than life hero. Upon reaching his gempukku and finishing his training in Kyuden Doji, Hatosenshi took his name and katana, and set off on his musha shugyo, swearing to be a hero in the like of Doji Hoturi.
The Celestial Wheel had other plans for Hatosenshi. On his musha shugyo, he rushed to protect a villager against bandits. Unfortunately, the experienced bandits overcame him and left him with deep wounds on his leg. Broken-hearted, he returned home after healing to the best of the villagers knowledge. Unable to fight with a katana on the battlefield, and only of middling talent as a courtier, Hatosenshi was sent to serve in the Kakita Artisan Academy, helping to teach the lesser techniques of the Crane courtiers.
Hatosenshi became a drunk, frequently sake houses, hearing the stories that were told, and drowning his sorrows in women and drink. One night, a sensei from the academy was visiting a sake house. Hearing Hatosenshi telling a rousing story of a ronin in love with a Phoenix samurai-ko, the sensei inquired after the bitter young storyteller. Upon hearing the story, the sensei sent his best storyteller, Doji Tamahime, to the sake house. Upon her return, she proclaimed Hatosenshi the best storyteller she had ever heard. The Crane samurai-ko and the sensei summoned Hatosenshi, and proclaimed he would become a student in the Academy.
Hatosenshi excelled under the teachers of storytelling. Quickly becoming known as a master storyteller, Hatosenshi sought after stories of heroes of Rokugan. Having been saved from the depths of despair, Hatosenshi saw it as his celestial duty to help mold, inspire, and train the next generation of heroes. He might not be a hero, and never would be. But, he could ensure that the Crane and the Empire had the heroes they needed when dark times approached.
A long career in courts, marked with excellent success, lead Hatosenshi to be appointed as the sensei of the Broken Wing Dojo, a training ground for poets, storytellers and artisans of all clans. Forging strong ties in courts with Ikoma and Togashi, and enjoying some repute as a duelits, Hatosenshi has become a familiar face in the Imperial courts, and a source of support and strength for Crane courtiers. His appointment to the Winter Court of Toturi II was a calculated move to boost Crane perception among the Lion-trained Empress, and with the Lion Clan themselves.
Hatosenshi left his beloved dojo behind, and with his wife and son, Doji Zangyaku, has travelled to the Winter Court.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 3, 2014 20:59:45 GMT
Character Name: Otomo Yatsuji
Clan: Imperial School: Seppun Guardsman Profession: Duelist, and Origami...ist
Rings:
Earth: 4 Water: 5 Air: 3 Fire: 1 Void: 3
Glory: 0 Distinctions: Seppun Guardsman, Renowned Duelist, Ruthless, Married, Womanizer
Appearance: Yatsuji is first and foremost a large and intimidating man. He is broad shouldered and a half a head taller than most of his peers, who tend to all be on the bulkier side anyway. He keeps his hair tied back in a neat but short ponytail and other than his prodigious side burns, he is clean shaven. He carries himself as if always ready to draw his sword. He wears fine silk but with simple, bold patterns and imperial colors. Age: 27 Height: 5'10" Weight: Bulky Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Distinctive Marks and Items: Yatsuji often carries with him a long smoking pipe and almost always wears a haori jacket emblazoned with the Otomo mon.
Family: Mother: Otomo Kurogame (ancient) Spouse: Otomo (nee Yoritomo) Hanamaki
Attitude/Personality: Yatsuji knows that he is privileged to be an Imperial and he generally acts like it. Between his bow depths and his slight sneers at commoners it is apparent that he does not particularly care for those of "lesser blood". However, he is always willing to respect a fellow duelist if they can show their aptitude with a sword. He finds himself annoyed by the Crane duelists and is often willing to ask for lessons from them, although his main intent is to try and show them up.
Yatsuji will often be found in less reputable establishments gambling, carousing, drinking, or even attending to his patron. His patron employs him for his skills in...let's say origami.
Yatsuji's primary weak points are his loyalty to his patron and his mother, whom ultimately he is scared of. She is a crotchety old woman living on the imperial city and always dissappointed in her son whenever he comes to visit. this all, depsite the fact that he has a bride and a child on the way. She is never satisfied and always want shim to be better.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jan 6, 2014 13:57:28 GMT
Character Name: Kaiu Bayushi Satomi Appearance: A tall, athletic built woman, who tends more for the light side (because her father's gens). The first visible thing about her face is the black eyeband on her right eye, and the fact that her right eye is missing; however, in a close distance one may notice the trick; otherwise, she has fine facial features, and if one is fortunate enough to see, a stunning smile with dimples. The first impression is of a stern, tall Crab woman in her late 20's. Age: 28Height: 5,84ft
Weight:140 lb
Eyes: brown
Hair: black, medium length, usually held in a bun or ponytail.
Distinctive Marks and Items: right eye missing; she uses a black eyepatch . She also is often seen using a sort of large nenju string made of jade beads, around the neck. Favored weapon: no-dachi.Family: mother: Kaiu Reiko (deceased) and father: Kaiu (former Bayushi) Keitaro, now ronin; half-sibling: Moshi Yaru; son: Takai (2.5 years old; father: Hida Kuon) true family: Bayushi Yojiro and Bayushi Aishun, both deceased Spouse: Kaiu Shigekazu (32) Her spouse was deceased in the Winter Court.
Attitude/Personality: Satomi is someone who ponders about EVERYTHING. She can be generous to the ones she loves, and vengeful like a Scorpion. She knows to wait the right time to act, and she likes to say she was only beaten once. Satomi has a versatile mind and a changing mood. She prefers be direct in most of occasions. Ambitious and driven, she can be benevolent, social and friendly, but most of times she's planning things and ways to get them done, and rarely lets distractions to grow into obstacles to her plans. She likes to learn. The ones who know her better can tell she can be a very open minded woman, though a first impression can say otherwise. There are rumors that her husband cheat on her. Some say she is not very faithful to her husband as well.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Jan 7, 2014 0:32:02 GMT
Character Name: Yasuki Odai Clan: Crab School: Yasuki Merchant Profession: Governor, Military Administrator
Rings Earth: 3 Water: 3 Air: 5 Fire: 4 Void: 1
Distinctions: Yasuki Merchant, City Governor, Kensei, Beautiful, Womanizer, Soul of Doji
Appearance: Young, well-built and absurdly good looking, long dark hair that when free falls perfectly framing his youthful features, his cold grey-blue eyes the only even slightly unfriendly feature on him. Despite his status as a merchant governor, he remains in fantastic shape, from both his time on the Wall and at the insistence of his more militaristic family members.
In his normal day-to-day routine, he is found in simple, dark blue clothing, unadorned but for the basic marks and distinctions of his house and office. His armor is similarly plain, a dark blue matte with silver edging that has clearly seen more than a few scrapes. This is all a sharp contrast, however, to Odai in social mode. Whether it be a high society social event, a formal court gathering, or even just an evening of revelries at one of his inns, he is in the most lavish, fashionable cloths he can afford, always drawing the attention to himself in any way he can, through extravagant gifts and actions to surrounding himself with beautiful women. Age: 26 Height: 5'8" Weight: 165lbs Eyes: Grey-blue Hair: Black Distinctive Marks and Items: A thin scar running from temple to eye is the only blemish on his otherwise perfect complexion. He carries a katana that was given to him as a gift from his father on his gempukku and his wakizashi that was given to him upon receipt of his promotion to governor from his Daimyo. Family: Father - Yasuki Tenji Mother - Kakita Aiko (deceased) Spouse: None Attitude/Personality: Charismatic, ambitious, charming, cunningly egotistical hidden beneath disarming wit and banter
History: The marriage of Yasuki Tenji, Taisa of the Army of the East, to Kakita Aiko, kenshinzen and renowned artist, was certainly not one born of passion, but of cold diplomacy. The first few years were rocky to say the least, with hushed whispers of heated arguments and threats between the two fluttering between members of the household staff, but never too loudly. The times grew slightly quieter, however, with the advent of the birth of their first and only child, Yasuki Odai, though the mother only lived six months past the child's birth, falling prey to an unknown illness.
Tenji, one of the few of the Yasuki line not to fall prey to Kolat influence, was always of a more Hida mindset as far as how his son should be raised, and as such, Odai grew up among the soldiers and rough living of the Army, though the long days of drilling and the filth of marches never seemed to dirty the boy, or dampen his spirits, much to his father's perplexity. Though he trained with the blade from the day he was old enough to hold one, his tutors constantly noticed in him an aptitude for not only the theories and practices of mercantilism, but also an inexorable ability to sway others to his point of view, a trait that many higher up in the Yasuki hierarchy were quick to notice and follow throughout his education.
When Odai turned 10, his father got his chance to make sure the boy followed the path of the bushi, however, when he received an invitation from his brother to foster the boy for a summer at Kyuden Hida, with his own two sons, and Tenji jumped at the opportunity to immerse Odai in a far more martial environment than his son seemed to be leaning towards. So the boy trained, and sparred, and certainly toughened up, and the season passed almost without incident. Almost. With only a week before his departure, his Hida cousins convinced him to venture out after a patrol into an area that was said to be inhabited by Shadowlands creatures, with only one sword between the three of them.
Within an hour, they had lost track of the patrol, and finding themselves lost amid the craggy terrain that was the border between the Empire and the dark, forsaken lands, the three began to worry. Shadows danced around them, the air seeming to grow cold and thick, oppressive and dark, draining the very light and life from them, and in an instant it happened. Half a dozen foul, slathering goblins burst from the shadows at the boys, and they panicked. Except for Odai. In a smooth motion, he drew the shining sword from his cousin's obi, dodging one goblin and opening it from neck to navel before removing the head of a second. In two more steps he had cleaved a third goblin of an arm and gored open the belly of a fourth, and with this the last two fled in terror before being dropped by the arrows of the patrol backtracking to investigate the noise.
With these events, tales of Odai's prowess with a blade spread, and Tenji felt content; with all of the praise and attention, his fellow Yasuki were sure to support Odai choosing the path of the sword, but on the day of the boy's gempukku, he, and many others, were shocked when Odai chose to enter the ranks of the Merchants. Using his natural charisma and good looks, not to mention his way with people, the young Crab rose quickly through the ranks, establishing himself quickly as one of the most ruthless hagglers in the south, until the Daimyo gave to him the position of governor of Aiso ni Ryokosha Mura, or Friendly Traveller Village.
In the years since, he has built the town up around a network of inns that generate a good portion of his income, though the smuggling network run under cover of military administration for the Army of the East provides the young Crab governor a far more lucrative source of money. His information network, while young, is blossoming, and as his inns grow in popularity both among soldiers and travelers, so too does his web of informants and contacts. The town has also been the site of many key diplomatic events in the years since, including the signing of the treaty that ended the Second Yasuki War.
A rigorous physical regimen, insisted upon by his father, keeps him in impeccable shape, and while he has never had the patience or aptitude for iaijutsu, his natural finesse with a blade is honed every single day, though he still manages to find more time than most to socialize and party, with a particular weakness for fine sake and women. Many say he doesn't sleep, as that is the only possibility for how he is able to accomplish all he does in a day, though he just laughs such suggestions away.
An invitation to Winter Court in Lion lands, a new Empress to curry favor with, and a call for aid from the Wall have roused Odai from his daily routine, his household staff more than capable to keep the place running during the slow winter months. With only his yojimbo and a small party of his household guards, he rides south to meet Kaiu Satomi, before joining the greater Crab delegation for the long journey to Kyuden Meiyo...
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Post by Bayushi Kimiko on Jan 7, 2014 5:07:28 GMT
Character Name: Bayushi Kimiko Clan: Scorpion School: Shosuro Butei Academy Profession: Musician and Orator
Rings: Earth: 1 Water: 4 Air: 5 Fire: 3 Void: 3
Appearance: a slight young woman not even past her teens, Kimiko seems to always look as if a stiff wind would finish her off. Though her clothing is exquisitely made, it always seems to look just a little bit too large, which only accentuates her apparent frailty.
Age: 19 Height: 5'4" Weight: 130 Eyes: unknown Hair: black Distinctive Marks and Items: Whenever in public, Kimiko wears an embroidered silk mask, not wholly unremarkable among a scorpion samurai other than the lack of eyeholes. Family: Bayushi Hachiman (father, living), Bayushi (nee Soshi) Mai (mother, deceased), Bayushi Kurimi (sister) Spouse: none Attitude/Personality: Kimiko, outside of her performances, is polite to a fault and barely speaks above a whisper. When she performs, however, she grabs the attention of all, and her lilting voice can fill entire courtrooms.
History: Kimiko *can* remember the sensation of sight. Early memories before she really understood the world around her, she knew the colors, shapes, and the faces of her mother and servants. Her early days on her family's estate in the Bayushi provinces. Kimiko always seemed to notice everything, and would describe her adventures in great detail to her parents -- the particular pattern of veins on the wings of a cricket, or the way the sunlight reflected on the morning dew on a spider web. It was thought her attention to detail would serve the clan well, most likely as a magistrate or diplomat. Those plans were dashed when a dreaded plague brought down her entire household. Kimiko herself was comatose for several days. Her mother, a Soshi shugenja, did everything she could to entreat the kami to preserve her two daughters and husband, and her efforts paid off, though at the cost of her own life, Kimiko's sight, and her sister's mobility.
Her father was brokenhearted at the loss of his beloved and the his two now-crippled daughters, and shut himself away, refusing to face the world around him. Kimiko languished in a world of darkness and despair, and the estate and its adjoining lands fell into disrepair and poor management for years.
It was her uncle, an itinerant sensei of the Shosuro school, who offered Kimiko her only real chance at a future -- the biwa was, after all, traditionally an instrument of the blind. Kimiko then left the only world she had ever known to travel to the famed Painted City and its adjoining dojo for the performing arts. She became proficient at several stringed instruments, including the koto and shamisen, but the biwa quickly became her most favored instrument. Her talent brought notoriety to her home, allowing her father to continue to maintain their ancestral estate in relative peace. Kurimi did not have quite as much luck in her occupation, but her gifts for communion with the kami eventually helped her gain a place in the shugenja school of her mother's family, and a position keeping the shrines and temples adjoining the family's lands. Kimiko prefers to travel abroad the empire, but visits often to ensure her sister's needs are fulfilled at home.
Kimiko travels with a tiny retinue, usually with a young acolyte of the Bugei academy who guides and supports her in her travels, though she can manage on her own if absolutely necessary.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jan 7, 2014 8:35:40 GMT
Character Name: Shiba Kaigen
Clan: Phoenix School: Shiba Bushi Profession: Gunso in the First Imperial Legion
Rings:
Earth: 3 Water: 5 Air: 1 Fire: 3 Void: 4
Glory: 0 Distinctions: Shiba Bushi, Hero of the People, Kensei, Gunso, Tactical Genius
Appearance: Kaigen is the despair of his sartorially-inclined mother and sisters- he seldom wears any but the most workmanlike of clothes, and appears utterly indifferent to fashion in all of its forms. He carries his lean frame with fluidity which is a bit more predatory than graceful, and seems indifferent to his appearance... with one notable exception. His armor, weapons, and sashimono are kept in scrupulous repair, and the soldiers he commands are expected to meet similar standards. Age: 24 Height: 5'9" Weight: Kaigen is built lean and compact Eyes: Amber Hair: Black, worn long. Distinctive Marks and Items: Kaigen's hands are calloused from daily intensive kenjutsu practice, and he has a habit of wearing exquisitely maintained armor over rather dingy, worn-out clothing. The hilts of his daisho are wrapped in sharkskin dyed a deep red, and he favors a jingasa in similar shades whenever possible.
Family: Father: Shiba Gorobei (Middle-aged, one-armed, and cantankerous) Mother: Shiba (nee Asako) Tsue (Middle-aged, stunningly beautiful, and refined) Sisters: Doji Sumiko (Seventeen, recently married into the Crane, inherited her mother's good looks and taste, and worships the ground her big brother walks on) Shiba Sadako (Fourteen, doing all in her power to take after her mother) Spouse: None, as of yet, to the annoyance of his parents.
Attitude/Personality: Kaigen often seems a bit abstracted, with a tendency to give every impression of ignoring everything going on around him- an impression which is almost always utterly mistaken. Dedicated to his martial craft, he is ill at ease when forced into the social arena, although he has learned a certain quiet poise- if he can keep his head in combat, then court shouldn't be an insurmountable challenge. He truly lights up in the presence of his soldiers, however- from the Nikutai who directly report to him to the lowest ashigaru spearman, Kaigen values and appreciates his troops. While not the greatest orator, he has a knack for getting his men to follow him into even the most hellish of combat with a few brief words of encouragement.
As a Phoenix, Kaigen is often troubled by his very real gift for combat and warfare- the Phoenix strive for peace- and if Kaigen's talents come into play, it often means they have failed.
History: Kaigen's father lost his arm saving the life of his charge, Isawa Tsuji, and he lived in hope that his son would follow in the family tradition and become a worthy yojimbo.
In this, the first of several disappointments, Kaigen failed his father. While he wasn't a terrible yojimbo, he seemed a bit lacking the reactive speed that could meant the difference between life and death for his charge- not that Kaigen was slow- rather, he seemed content to let events develop, then move in unstoppably.
After some harsh comments about how there must be a Suzume somewhere in his family tree, it became clear that Kaigen's talents would be better-used elsewhere.
As it turned out, perhaps it had been an Akodo, not a Suzume- Kaigen demonstrated a rare talent for tactics and warfare- combining keen perceptive powers with an eerie intuitive grasp of battlefield conditions- as well as a genuine respect for his fellow soldiers,whatever their station, and a perfect willingness to share their hardships. Instead of an appointment as yojimbo to one of Isawa's line, Shiba Kaigen received a post with the Imperial Legions. He served ably, earning promotion to gunso in 1154 after orchestrating a series of punishing small-unit attacks on the Yobanjin prior to the Battle of Road's End village- where he was privileged to witness Toturi Tsudao slay the Yobanjin warlord in single combat.
He has shown little desire to rise above his current rank, despite honorable service at Kyuden Seppun during the fall of Otosan Uchi... still, Kaigen finds himself something of a war hero at present, and the attention makes him uncomfortable in the extreme. He also feels a bit of guilt- during the Dragon/Phoenix War, his duty with the Legions prevented him from aiding his Clan, making any reference to his skill or valor acutely painful to him- despite this, he has a fair amount of influence, particularly among samurai who have served with him.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Feb 1, 2014 2:18:23 GMT
Character Name: Kurimuzon Te (formerly Togashi Gakushu) Clan: Dragon School: Ise Zumi Profession: Monk Distinctions: Large, Scholar of the Tao, Togashi Monk, Earth
Rings: Earth: 5 Water: 1 Air: 3 Fire: 4 Void: 3
Appearance: Kurimuzon Te is a very large man. His bald head and deeply tanned skin add to his intimidating appearance. His legs are covered in tattoos resembling Oak bark, his arms are covered in fine scriptures of the tao, on his torso are two dragons, one silver the other gold, twining from his chest to his back and then to his chest again. He also has vines tattooed over his entire body, coming together under the dragons on his chest. Covering his face and head he has the tattoo of a grey wolfs head, with the wolfs eyes, nose and ears overlapping his own. Age: 29 Height: 6’06” Weight: 314 Eyes: Yellow Hair: Bald Distinctive Marks and Items: Hands are stained a dark red. Tsuito, his ornately carved two piece Ebony Bo. Body covered in tattoos Family: Son of Mirumoto Buso and Mirumoto Patoron Spouse: None Attitude/Personality: Though he seems slow witted to those that don’t know him, Te would rather take few minutes to completely analyze a situation than to act rashly and cause unneeded suffering to those that don’t deserve it.
History: Gakushu was born to a minor lord of the Mirumoto family and his outlander wife, an outcast of the Badger. At the age of seven he was the size of children twice his age, and mastering techniques that they were just starting to learn. By the time he was fourteen he had learned all that the Mirumoto could teach him, even the difficult Niten style. With nothing left to teach Buso petitioned the Togashi family to take the boy on so he could continue his studies. Intrigued, the sensei’s of the Ise Zumi agreed to take on Gakushu provided he would be able to find Togashi castle on his own. His father took him to the end of the road and explained what needed to be done. After a week of climbing through the harsh mountain terrain a weakened and bloody Gakushu finally saw the spires and managed to crawl the last mile to the gates.
Within three years Gakushu was able to recite the entire tao of Shinsei. Seven years later he completed the trials for his Gempukku. The only thing the monks of the castle were not able to teach him was how to control his temper, a trait he received from his mother. He was sent to an outlying monastery with the hopes that getting him away from the clamor of the castle would help him. His masters sent him to Mokusei Temple near Seido Jurojin. Togashi Gakushu immediately gained the notice of Sensei Kabai, a wood carver. Gakushu was very happy to learn something new and took to carving right away. Every waking hour that was not set aside for his duties were spent with Sensi Kabai.
During his 26th year he was asked to travel to Michita Yasumi to purchase a shipment of exotic woods. Gakushu spent a week of travel to the village. There he met with the merchant and purchased his order. Without a cart He bundled the lengths of wood together over his shoulder and started the trek back. An hour from the temple Gakushu dropped his load and started to run, sensing something wrong in the vibrations of the earth under his feet. His worst fears were realized when he saw the doors in the outer wall swinging freely. Entering the temple he slowly made his way through the main rooms and corridors finding no one. It wasn’t until he entered the sleeping chambers did he find the bodies of his brethren, slaughtered in their sleep. Further searching showed the rest of the temple had been looted as well.
After taking care of the fallen, Gakushu traveled the nearest village to find help in avenging the slain monks. He met with a traveling trader who agreed to assist him in exchange for some of the items that they recovered. After taking back the belongings of the monks, and killing the bandits, Gakushu agreed to travel with the trader, Moshi Yoru, taking only the few items that he would need to survive, the wood carving set that belonged to his sensei, and an eight foot long piece of Ebony.
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Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 1, 2014 7:23:17 GMT
Character Name: Asako Chisato
Clan: Phoenix School: Asako Loremaster
Profession: Asako Daimyo
Rings:
Earth: 1
Water: 3
Air: 3 Fire: 5
Void: 4
Glory: 10
Distinctions: Great Family Daimyo 400, Asako Loremaster 200, Forbidden knowledge 70, poor reputation 20, sworn enemy 100, Lord Moon's Curse (made it up)
Appearance:
There is nothing remarkable about this man's looks. He is a bookish fellow, difficult to engage in conversation. He wears the mons of his clan and family, and orange robes befitting a phoenix. His hat tall, dark, and pointed, tassels along the corners. He looks very frail. But once in a while, he'll carry himself with such a radiant confidence that betrays his typical bookish looks. But only rarely. Age: 33 Height: 5'2"
Weight: 105
Eyes: brown Hair: black Distinctive Marks and Items: Nothing at all remarkable. But he carefully guards a copy of "A Genealogy of Rokugan " (which he himself wrote!) very worn down along the edges.
Family: no surviving parents, born an only child, as of yet unwed. Attitude/Personality: Chisato is an awkward fellow, difficult to talk to, and usually nose deep in his book. But for those that do converse with him long enough, it doesn't take long to see a brilliant man. His life's work was a complete genealogy of rokugan, identifying all of the great and minor clan's families and lineages for centuries. No easy task, but one he takes a great pride in. As such he has proven beyond a doubt his own lineage for the spot of the Asako family daimyo, and he couldn't be more miserable for having the title. He tries to stay very much the introvert, hates to travel, and frequently complains of allergies. But every once in a while, on some strange nights, he can be found carrying himself with a confidence never before seen, and can betray that behind his intelligent and studious visage, is a man of great sophistication, intellect, and charm.
History: Chisato started his career as a samurai carrying on in his mentor's work. Specializing in heraldry, a talent for which Chisato took to naturally. He could take the name of a samurai he had never even met before, and have recited back to them their lineage for at least 2 generations, and in some more famous cases, many more. Though he was adverse to travelling, in order to see his dream fulfilled, he had to roam all of the empire. His book, a Genealogy of Rokugan, became his obsession. Near and far he traveled, connecting all the great dots of samurai families.
His services became requested often by the Unicorn, who were very particular about their family lines. He became an enemy of many scorpion, who tried very carefully to hide many dark secrets in their family lines. The biggest of which, was when he had exposed one Doji Yaki as having Scorpion, and not Crane, lineage days before he was to be wed. Yaki vowed revenge and hasn't been heard from since.
Chisato eventually ended up as an emerald yoriki, aiding magistrates in their investigation of families with criminal histories tied to the kolat. He was quickly, far too quickly for his liking, becoming an important asset in the gradual change of the empire. And then he found the most earth shattering piece of information of them all. That the current line of Asako daimyo, were in fact -not- the rightful successors. That indeed -he- from his humble beginnings, should be in charge of his family. With timidity and fear, he presented his case to the champion and elemental council, asking for them to see honor restored, and hopefully, his own name stricken from the Asako lineage, for there was not a less worthy man around in all the empire for the job.
So impressed were the ruling phoenix, and the former Asako Daimyo, that they abdicated, but not in favor of a more worthy candidate of the council's choosing. No. They placed Chisato in the position. And now, at least to Chisato, begins the worst days of Chisato's life.
With Chisato though, things are not as they seem... he suffers the most peculiar of afflictions, and only a few souls are alive that know of this... once a month, when the moon is full, Chisato changes. He becomes a different man. He has the same body, but the personality is that of an extrovert, not the cowardly Chisato people recognize. He womanizes and fights with a confidence unlike him. For it is on the full moon that lord moon demands two things of him: one, a romantic tryst, and two, blood must be drawn...
Only time will tell if it is all too much for him.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Feb 7, 2014 10:22:34 GMT
Character name: Daidoji Kousei
Clan: Crane
School: Daidoji Iron Warrior
Profession: Yojimbo
Earth: 5
Air: 1
Fire: 4
Water: 3
Void: 3
Glory: 717
Distinctions: Daidoji Iron Warrior, Shireikan, Kensai, Paragon of Courage, Sworn Enemy
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 142lbs
Age: 24
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Bald
Appearance: Heavily scarred, particularly on the left side of his face
Outfit: Kousei favours simple light blue kimonos with his clan mon only on them, as he prefers his charge to be the one attracting attention. His daisho is well worn, but beautiful.
Family: Takeshi (father, 46), Amiko (mother, nee Hiruma, 44), Ichiro (brother, 26), Sakura (sister, 21).
History/Personality: Kousei had a loving upbringing as the middle child in the village of Falling Leaves, where his parents were stationed as resident samurai. At his mother's insistence he was given extra tuition by a Crab sensei during his training, covering subjects she felt to be of importance. This left him less time to socialise with his peers, as well as insights into subjects that well brought up Crane shouldn't talk about, and as a result he became a bit of a loner.
During his final test, he was assigned as yojimbo to an apprentice courtier, Doji Mai, and the two became close. Unfortunately this resulted in rivalry from another of the courtiers, Doji Aoshi. This turned into undying enmity after Kousei and Mai humiliated him in front of his family and sensei when he tried to sabotage Kousei's gempukku. Aware of the situation, the sensei of the Crane split the three up, and due to his training Kousei was thought perfect material to join a unit of Iron Warriors assigned to help the Crab on the Wall.
It was during these years that Kousei distinguished himself, earning respect from his brothers and the Crab alike. Unfortunately the accolades he received were turned against him by Aoshi when he returned to Crane lands. He was given the 'accolade' of being assigned as yojimbo to Doji Hashimi, the highly connected governor of a provincial town. Kousei rapidly became bored, as nothing ever happened in the sleepy town. He became a frequent visitor to the geisha houses when off duty, and dreamed of more interesting times.
Overall Kousei is more a man of action than words. Highly skilled with sword and spear, he is however only an average duellist. He usually keeps to the background in courtly situations, remaining taciturn and gruff. This hard exterior hides a softer heart, which he expresses through his passion for music. When relaxing with a couple of sakes he can open up and often surprise people.
Last Edit: Mar 12, 2014 at 9:02pm by Daidoji Kouse
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Mar 29, 2014 13:39:45 GMT
Character Name: Tsuruchi Kasumi Clan: Mantis School: Tsuruchi Archer Profession: emerald magistrate
Rings: Earth: 3 Water: 3 Air: 5 Fire: 4 Void: 1
Glory: 20
Distinctions: tsuruchi archer, renowned duelist, gifted archer, Forbidden Knowledge (shadowlands), married, emerald magistrate, famous poet, 30 favours (2x10, 2x5) Appearance: Fairly average looking, she can blend in in most Rokugani cities and villages. She is slender and doesn't look very strong, but she is stronger then she looks. Age: 27 Height: 1m56 Weight: 51kg Eyes: brown Hair: black Distinctive Marks and Items: She always carries her mother's katana, one of the few Tsuruchi to have one. Family: Tsuruchi Akio (father), Tsuruchi (nee Kakita) Nahomi (mother, deceased) Spouse: Tsuruchi (nee Hida) Takeshi children: Tsuruchi Masaru (6), Tsuruchi Sayuri (4), Tsuruchi Arata (0) Attitude/Personality: She is utterly devoted to her duty, whatever that might be. She also has a deep loathing of criminals in all forms and will use her new power as emerald magistrate to root them out wherever she is stationed. When not on duty she is makes friends easily, even amongst the Crab on the wall. She is also fond of contests and while she lacks the endurance for some, she will participate in as much as she can.
History:
Tsuruchi Kasumi (born Tsuruchi Mariko) and her twin sister Aiko were born on a small estate about a day from Shiro Tsuruchi, as daughters from a Tsuruchi bounty hunter and a minor Kakita duellist. Her parents had made a deal that her father would train the boys in the traditional Tsuruchi ways while her mother would train the girls in the Kakita way, at least until they started at the dojo. Therefore Mariko and Aiko received extra training in etiquette and also iaijutsu as soon as they turned 6. Mariko was a very quick study and she liked the swordplay, something the rest of her family didn't do much. When it was time to start in the dojo, both girls started at the same time (as is usual for twins), but they also stayed at approximately the same level. Aiko was a bit better with a bow, but Mariko could find her way back home, no matter where she was dropped. Although they focused on the bow, the Tsuruchi did give some training with other weapons, if only to avoid embarrassment when wielding a wakazashi. It was here that there was for the first time a difference between the two sisters, as Mariko could seemingly use any weapon they gave her, including at one time a tetsubo some older students had given her as a prank. She defended herself quite well with it and the sensei ruled that the bruises they had (it was only a wooden replica of course) were their punishment for trying such a prank and also a lesson in humility. Everything in the dojo continued to run smoothly until Mariko was 13 years old. She and her sister had been given leave to return home for the death of their grandfather. Halfway home they were attacked by a group of bandits. Mariko and Aiko tried to use the defence techniques they had learned only recently at the dojo to defend themselves and the servants who accompanied them, but to no avail. Mariko saw her sister being cut down right before she too was hit. Fortunately for her a patrol arrived and the bandits withdrew instead of fighting on. The patrol brought Mariko, the only survivor to her family's estate. It would be a long revalidation. In order to occupy her mind, her mother would bring her poetry to read and when she was a bit better and asked, some paper so she could write her own. Some of the poetry she wrote at this time would be published just after her gempukku and it would gain a moderate amount of fame, especially with the Mantis clan. As she was often in pain, especially in the beginning, one of the monks who tended to the shrines in the village and the estate taught her meditation techniques so she would feel less pain without having to use opium. He also taught her more about the religion of Rokugan, going beyond the basics that every samurai had to learn. She did found it comforting and when she was back in the dojo she continued to learn with the help of a shugenja stationed in Shiro Tsuruchi. But while bedridden she kept seeing the faces of the bandit leader and the one who cut down her sister and she swore vengeance against them. When she got back to the dojo, some six months later, she was changed. Before she had followed her lessons like she should, but she could always find time for a joke or a smile. Now that was gone and it was replaced by a deep determination to teach everything her sensei could learn her so she could go out hunting. She threw herself on her studies, using her free time to learn about the laws of Rokugan and also to read every scroll she could get her hands on to see if the faces she had memorised (and which a fellow student at the dojo had drawn on paper from her explanations) were known. While she didn't find her two bandits, she did learn a lot about their organisations. She also asked and got permission to study the art of iaijutsu with her mother some more, building on what they had begun before she left for the dojo. The only thing that did give problems were defence techniques. She didn't trust them anymore as they hadn't helped. While she got over her deepest distrust, some lingering doubt remained. She did work hard and she managed to catch up with the others. Two months before her gempukku, her mother got ill and died a couple of weeks later. While she was now older, it still was a blow, but this was something she couldn't fight against. It turned out that her mother had requested that her katana be given to Mariko and on her gempukku she did receive the sword, the only Tsuruchi in her group to get a katana. Now she was ready to serve her lord, but also to try and seek vengeance for the murder of her sister. The latter would have to wait as after her gempukku she was placed in the army and sent with a legion towards the Kaiu wall, as part of a deal. She would stay there for a year, gaining a lot of experience in fighting shadowlands creatures and getting some friends and allies in the crab armies. At the end of the year, only one third of the legion was still alive when they went back to the Mantis lands. Kasumi was quickly back in the Crab lands, reassigned as Yojimbo for a Yoritomo Rokuro, a courtier going to the Face of the East castle court. As she had a good standing with the Crab and she was one of the few Mantis with good knowledge of Jajitsu dueling, it was obvious she was assigned as yojimbo. During her first winter court, she acquited herself very well and she even won the archery contest the Crab organised during winter court. At this winter court she was betrothed to Hida Takeshi, a warrior who had lost part of his leg on wall duty. After the marriage he would become a minor sensei at the Tsuruchi archer school, giving weapons training for all weapons except the bow. While the marriage was arranged, she had become to love her husband, who was a bit grumpy at times, but was caring for her and her children. And she had been on the wall, so she could understand. He was also happy to have a wife who understood certain things without him having to explain. After her marriage she went back to being a yojimbo with Rokuro for two years, going from court to court. During one of the winter courts she also gained an ally in a minor Phoenix shujenga who she defended during a duel when her own yojimbo had fallen ill. After two years, Rokuro became a sensei at the Yoritomo courtier school and as she had become pregnant, she received a pause from her duties to care for her child, a boy named Masaru. She got another child, this time a child they named Sayuri. When the children were old enough, she wanted to go out again, roam the empire as she had done when she was a yojimbo. She called in a few favours she still had and she managed to get a post as emerald magistrate. Now it was time to start her hunt again, which she had to suspend for some time.
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Post by Ikoma Noroko on Apr 7, 2014 23:26:21 GMT
Character Name: Ikoma Noroko Clan: Lion School: Ikoma Bard Profession: Historian/Spy Rings:Earth: 3 Water: 3 Air: 4 Fire: 5 Void: 1 Distinctions: Ikoma Lion's Shadow * Lion Clan Hatamoto * Ninja * Renowned Duelist * Talented Orator * Ruthless * Forbidden Knowledge (Empire's True History) Appearance: Compact and unassuming, with drab brown hair and a round face, Ikoma Noroko’s appearance does little to draw notice, and the lack of ostentation in her otherwise well-made kimonos contributes to the illusion. Keen eyes may notice that--beneath the layers of fabric--she moves with the gracefulness and athleticism of a well-trained warrior, however. It is not until she opens her mouth to speak that she compels attention, for she has the expertly trained voice of a bard and singer, and the animation in her eyes and smile gives pause to anyone who might have previously considered her to be average-looking. Age: 22 Height: 5’0” Weight: 105 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark brown Distinctive Marks and Items: Noroko carries a daisho with the confidence of someone well-trained to use it. An elaborately decorated biwa is often slung across her back. She always wears a round, gold pendant around her neck depicting a roaring lion, with two blue sapphires for eyes. Family: Ikoma Chiro (Father), Ikoma (Kitsu Noroko) Daniri (Mother) Spouse: Unmarried Attitude/Personality: She appears quiet at first, but is deceptively spirited. Her internal fire is carefully banked and tended until it bursts forth in the blaze of emotions the Ikoma are famous for. While the brighter feelings are usually under conscious control, the darker sometimes slip from her grasp in moments of stress. History: The only child of an Omoidasu and a Kitsu shugenja (from the Noroko family), Ikoma Noroko was steered early into the “shadowy” side of the family school. Her keen mind and able body made it obvious that she could best serve in a role that would allow her to use both. She spent her first several years after gempukku officially serving as a historian and researcher in the Ikoma Library, as well as assisting the Lion Clan Magistrates in their investigations of internal problems. She developed an intense loyalty to Lion Clan Champion Matsu Nimuro after learning of his double nature--a fierce, bloodthirsty warrior to the other clans and a calculating, intelligent general behind the scenes. When the Tsuno began appearing and attacking Lion holdings, she was assigned to serve as a liaison and scribe with one of the Lion legions attempting to deal with the conflict. While she was a well-trained duelist, these expeditions were her first exposure to battlefield combat. Unfortunately, this position also resulted in her being one of the first Lion to arrive on scene after the slaughter of Lion troops by the Isawa’s Last Wish-wielding Shiba Aikune, after he accused them of treachery for withdrawing from the Dragon-Phoenix war to fight the Tsuno. She bears a strong grudge against the Phoenix for Aikune’s actions, and it led to several dishonorable outbursts in public. As a result, Noroko was reassigned away from the front and sent to join Ikoma Sume’s expedition to the City of the Rich Frog, where the Spymaster sought to convince the Kaeru ronin family that joining the Ikoma was in their best interests. Of course, the roles of Ikoma Sume and his assistants in the annexation are not recorded in the official histories. Noroko performed extremely well during this assignment and gained a reputation for being dedicated and ruthless in her duty.
Her mentor and lord, Ikoma Sume, was promoted to the rank of Imperial Scribe. The failures of Lion hospitality at the Winter Court did not go unnoticed, and several were demoted or offered seppuku, leaving many important vacancies among the Lion leadership. As a result, upon his departure for the capital, Sume arranged for Noroko to take over his position as Lion Clan Hatamoto, despite her relative youth. Officially, she represents the voice and interests of the Lion Clan to the rest of Rokugan. Unofficially, she works to secure the Lion’s interests through other, less honorable routes.
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Post by Togashi Rhyodotsu on May 22, 2014 14:47:56 GMT
Character Name: Togashi Rhyodotsu
Clan: Dragon
School:Togashi Ise-zumi
Profession: Monk
Rings:
Earth:1
Water:4
Air:3
Fire: 3
Void:5
Appearance:
Age: 19
Height: 5’ 5”
Weight: 227
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Black
Distinctive Marks and Items: 4 tattoos, Centipede on my right leg starting from my hip spiraling around onto the top of my foot, Blaze tattoo on each one of my palms, Mantis tattoo located on my right shoulder just above the arm, and a phoenix tattoo located on my back with the wings extending to each of my shoulders.
Family:Togashi
Spouse: The Tao
Attitude/Personality: Very to myself, I do not speak very often unless my path is blocked, violence is my last resort in all cases.
History: As a young boy I came home to see my parents and entire family slaughtered before my very eyes by kokujin. I would have been slain as well but I used the centipede tattoo to flee from the scene, I swore to myself that I would get revenge for what kokujin had done to my family. Giving my self to the Tao, I thought would assist me with finding kokujin. Through all of my travels I have not yet found any sign of where he would be. Only speaking when necessary. I have not made many comrades. I am a lone traveler but I have come to the decision of trying to find assistance.
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Kitsu Hiraku
Lion Clan
Posts: 18| Likes: 11
Rings: Earth: 5 - Water: 3 - Air: 1 - Fire: 3 - Void: 4
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Post by Kitsu Hiraku on Jun 24, 2014 23:20:35 GMT
Character Name: Kitsu Hiraku
Clan: Lion School: Kitsu Shugenja Profession: Historian (Genealogist?)/Magistrate
Rings:
Earth: 5 Water: 3 Air: 1 Fire: 3 Void: 4
Distinctions: Kitsu Shugenja, Gentle Heart, Large, Master of Games, Lion Clan Magistrate
Appearance: Very tall and slow in his movements, with his hair not dyed, Hiraku might seem more like a Matsu than a member of the Kitsu family. What keeps anyone from making that mistake, other than the family mon, is his orange eyes. Despite his height, and the physique more fitting of a warrior than a shugenja, something in Hiraku's appearance just makes him look peaceful and not threatening. (http://i.imgur.com/wTlYqsM.jpg)
Age: 19 Height: 6'3" Weight: Rather heavy, despite his lean figure Eyes: Orange Hair: Black, long. Distinctive Marks and Items: The metal bracelet on his left arm and the sword on his back during long travels (normally he just carries a wakizashi)
Family: Father: Kitsu Osamu Mother: Kitsu Satomi Siblings: Kitsu Yori (an older brother) Ancestors: [Not enough space to write down] Spouse: None
Attitude/Personality: Hiraku might sometimes seem like someone who's either impolite or absentminded, especially in places like courts, where many people gather, but he is neither, he simply has other things to notice and because of that he rarely pays full attention to things in his surroundings that do not involve him. When he does pay attention to something or someone he is a polite, cheerful and helpful. He also dislikes violence and conflict and prefers avoiding those when possible (unless we are talking about a challenge to a game...). That does not mean he will not fight when attacked or has no knowledge of battle (He is a Lion after all) but he does not see the point in harming others when it is not necessary.
Unless their ancestors are of a more than questionable reputation he treats everyone he meets with the respect they deserve, even those of lower social standing (well, to a certain degree, but we all know that some living beings are not people).
History: With his father being a bushi and his mother a shugenja, both paths in life were equally viable for him, but while his brother, despite being physically weaker than him, excelled in the way of the sword well enough to earn the honor of protecting the ancestor tombs, Hiraku's dislike of violence made it difficult, if not impossible to do the same, despite him being quite skilful with the sword. But while he did not go into the steps of his father he was successful at serving his family the other way a Kitsu can, by being a shugenja.
While he showed promise since young age he always had a... small problem with memory. Not that he forgot things, he didn't, but it was always very hard to concentrate on just that one thing he was asked to remember. Which is a rather terrible thing for a Kitsu. What saved him from embarrassing himself and his family greatly during his gempukku was one of his uncles, one that always played games with him when he visited the school, who provided him with advice that he has not heard before (and which resulted in him wearing a bracelet later in his life).
Although he was successful, he was not skilled enough for training in... special uses of his talents and he lacked certain qualities looked for in the caretakers of the tombs. What he had though was a thirst for knowledge. Through a series of complicated he ended up travelling across the Lion lands with an Ikoma historian, which resulted in many possibly boring but enlightening adventures.
After a few years of learning things, solving problems and meeting people, his unique skills and more than a little luck resulted in him acquiring a position of magistrate, but rather than watching a certain area in the lands of his clan, his new job resulted in him travelling with other Lions (and sometimes samurai from other clans), be it to courts, trade centers or places where things that are against the law might happen.
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 17, 2014 0:44:22 GMT
Character Name: Hido Izo Clan: Crab School: Hida Bushi Profession: Emerald Magistrate
Rings: Earth: 5 Water: 4 Air: 3 Fire: 3 Void: 1
Appearance: Tall and powerfully built with fairer skin then some Rokugani. before he was scarred one might have even considered him handsome and pleasing to look at, now only as as much so. Now he more often then not wears a fierce mempo with his heavy crab armor that give the distinct impression of foreboding doom. A image he does nothing to dispell. Only in the late of night in private company does the man seem soft in any way.
Age: 27 Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark Brown Distinctive Marks and Items: Inhuman scars on left cheek, scar across his throat. Family: Hida Akatsu (Father), Hida Nari (Mother), Hida Kazo (Brother 23), Hida Toju (Brother 18) Spouse: Widowed (Hiruma Aki Deceased) Attitude/Personality: Boisterous, uncultured, crude, brash. At first glance Izo is a true son of Hida given full on o the nature of the world and its often inglorious shortness. Inside the exterior of the driven man is a thoughtful planning soul. His eyes miss little once his gaze has focused on it. Often just as prone to plan an engagement as rush into it headlong with the full fury of his ancestors one thing remains certain. One does not ascend to the position of Emerald Magistrate without good connections and a talent for the job.
History: Life was not unkind by Crab standards to Izo. His family was well established and even claimed they could trace themselves back to the Hida-no-Kami. The truth of such statements would require a lot of research, but most let it pass without question. his young childhood was of little note except that as he grew there was little doubt he would grow to be a large Hida indeed. Once he hit 7 years of age he was sent to the Daishiki's Anvil dojo. It was there he made easy friends with Kaiu Satomi. Izo absorbed the instruction he received with fervor as was expected of a first son of a Hida he had a heavy weight on his shoulders to perform as expected. In his free time he spent reading what he could of the lands of Rokugan, which at the time was based more of idle curiosity then any true desire to do anything but serve admirably at the wall and perhaps get promoted through the ranks.
Life is never easy for a Crab and with all things destiny had a part to play. Assigned to the wall as a messenger at the age of 12 goblins being ever the crafty creatures had scaled the wall. Without warning Izo felt one of the horrific creatures on his back and a rusty blade flitting through across his neck. The shock of which sent him to his knees as the goblin let out a cry of triumph. To this day he can remember the rage he felt, a son of Hida dying in such a manner would not stand. One hand to his throat his other found a stone meant to repair a section of the wall and he flung himself at the creature bashing at its iron thick skull until he could no longer feel his arm. Satisfied he passed out content to go to his ancestors, his revenge carried out. Later he woke up in the care of one of the shugenja only to be admonished for not using a proper weapon at least before relief was expressed at his revival. He would bear the ugly scar the rest of his life and becoming a master of karaoke was out of the question.
The next few years flew by in a flurry of preperation for his gempukku. A week to find a creature of the shadowlands, kill it, and bring back its head. Fortune favored the bold and he would not be satisfied by the paltry thanks for a goblin head. Six and a half days later he returned with an ogre head trophy. When asked how he accomplished such a task he simply replied "Patience." later he would elaborate to explain he had tracked a ogre for days while avoiding the other evil denizens of the shadowlands until it felt safe in its makeshift lair where after some careful planning he snuck in an stabbed it through the eye while it was sleeping and returned. The exact how he leaves a mystery to this day.
The next few years of his life were a whirlwind of activity. He remained close friends with Kaiu Satomi and it is rumored at times their affection was something more though they made no outward show of it. Three years after his Gempukku while serving on patrol around the wall they party was attacked by Oni. Together they battled the beasts back, but not without cost. They had lost several Bushi and izo on face was mangled. had instinct not juked him back his jaw would have been ripped clean off. To this day he still bears the claw marks on his face. He lost a bit something of himself that day. Killing the creatures of the shadowlands became an exercise of joy. Savage madness overtook him one particularly taxing fight in which his comrades remarked he was laughing. Fearing the man's sanity he was transferred off the wall and spent a few months in the care of Kuni shugenja to ensure he was both madness and taint free.
Thanks to his wide variety of teaching at the Daishiki's Anvil Dojo and adept familiarity with the laws and traditions they felt magistrate would be a better fit for him. It was a Duty he took as no less important then his actions on the wall though a large part of him felt slighted and for several months he was bored. His joy was rekindled when he found himself working on the same investigation as his longtime friend Satomi and it was with her help he found new purpose in his job. Part of his rise of success was an arranged marriage between his parents and those of the Hiruma clan. A handful of years later the woman died in childbirth unfit to bear the children of Hida. The marriage to help advance his career as a magistrate however and as the years passed he became a respected magistrate before wheedling his way up the food chain to Emerald Magistrate where now he has a reputation for efficiency and is feared by many.
Little is known of his actual activities amongst the Emerald Magistrates, official records place him in the Dragon lands for several years before and returned to the Crab lands. However several rumors are abound that this is indeed false and he spent his time roaming all of Rokugan others still say he never left Crab lands. Only the Emerald Champion and his officiates know the exact truth which happens to be a bit of all of the above. His first years were spent in Dragon lands establishing ties to Jade Magistrates and learning from a Kitsuki yoriki he had picked up. With the spirit of cooperation in mind this lead him around Rokugan acting as added help to important cases involving bloodspeakers and other subjects of taint things went well, lending itself to further cooperative efforts. The work indeed send him all over Rokugan, but for Magisterial duties and not any act of pillow book romance.
His travels eventually brought him to Otasan Uchi and the investigation of a bloodspeaker cult within the heart of the Empire managing to have secured a few meetings with the Jade Champion himself despite their different factions. He was there when the city fell to the shadowlands and put to the torch assisting in efforts to evacuate the city and help recover artifacts before they were irretrievably lost. It would serve as a profound wounding to his duty despite his appointment as Chief Magistrate. Despite the strained tensions between the Crane and Crab during the Second Yasuki war he worked to maintain relations between Crane and Crab magistrates of the opposing factions.
Up until now he has maintained his duty in tracking down tainted people and creatures alike to stave off the destruction of the Empire from within as his brothers on the wall defend it from without.
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
Water: 4
Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 18, 2014 14:18:33 GMT
Hi everyone - I am Etheria! I love L5R and am excited to get started on the site. I am really impressed with the system that you have set up here!
Character Name: Matsu Torako
Clan: Lion Clan
School: Matsu Berserker
Profession: Emerald Magistrate
Rings:
Earth: 3 Water: 4 Air: 3 Fire: 5 Void: 1
Appearance: Torako is a tall woman, who could be described as fair if it where not for her aggressive bearing and harsh glances . She often wears her armour whenever it would be appropriate. If not she favours simple but well made kimno, reflective of her status as a samurai. Torako has the strong build of a samurai-ko accustomed to training every day. Whilst her frame is hidden behind clothing, as is appropriate for a woman of her station, anyone who saw it could tell that she was an athletic woman. Torako's skin tends to favour darkness, seemingly in deference to her Kuni father. The amount of time the young Samurai has spent outdoors lends to this effect.
Age: Torako has not long passed her gempuku and is but seventeen years old.
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 165 lbs
Eyes: Green
Hair: Dyed red, naturally black.
Distinctive Marks and Items: Torako's red hair is not unusual for the lion clan, but distinctive amongst rokugani in general. As well as her daisho, when going into battle Torako is always armed with her no-dachi, which she seems to treat with almost as much reverence as her katana. Torako also has a distinctive way of painting her make-up at court, with lare amounts of black kohl on her eyes and dark lipstick being offset by makeup to lighten her face. She jokingly refers to this as her war-paint, an acknowledgement of her fathers ancestry.
Family: Torako is the oldest of three children. She has two younger brothers aged 12 and 9 who are studying with the Ikoma and Kitsuki respectively. Torako's father was formerly Kuni Junji, but joined his wifes family upon marriage. Once a shugenja, he now helps manage his wifes household, though is sometimes called upon for his expertise. Torako's mother is the former Emerald Magistrate Matsu Shinkai. Shinkai gave up her position to take her seat as the Governor of her city, a position in which she is well suited. She sometimes finds it hard to get out of the game though, and has been known to get involoved in criminal investigations within her cities limits.
Spouse: Torako is not yet married and does not look forward to the time when she will be.
Attitude/Personality: The best word to describe Torako would probably be hard. She smiles little and laughs less, when she does her sense of humour tends to be quite dark, often making others think she might be cruel or a little twisted. Torako also has little time for things she does not feel she is good at. Whilst it would be unfair to call her obtuse (though some have done), she likes to feel she understands her weaknesses and is better served playing to her strengths. This weakness includes matters spiritual, which embarrasses her a little. Her father was a great shugenja, and her younger brother has inherited his gift. Even the rest of her family seems to understand the ways of the soul with more depth than she does.
History: Torako grew up as a rather happy child in the City of the Stalking Tiger. A small walled city in the Matsu lands with a long history of producing fine soldiers. Although her mother had been trained alongside the Yasuki, she did not want the same for her child, preferring to raise her in one of the clan's more traditional schools. Torako's fiery personality led to her being a great success at the traditional school of her family. The Matsu berserkers.
Torako felt sadness at being away from her family, and threw herself into her studies. It quickly became clear that Torako would grow to have a great talent in swordsmanship, and she frequently bested her classmates in this field. Unfortuantely her skill at the duel was of a more average quality. Although Torako scoffs and says that dueling is a courtly skill, whereas she is trained for the battlefield, she secretly seeks to improve her skill in this area, not wishing to face death in a contest she should be capable in. Torako is also a skilled poet, talented in the writing of Haiku. She does not display this talent often though, instead writing her poems anonymously and sending them as letters when she feels they are appropriate.
Torako finished at the top of her class, and was considered for entry into the prestigious Topaz championship. Her limited dueling capability kept her from competing in that tournament though, and instead she went on a warriors pilgrimage. Whilst on her pilgrimage she stayed in a small village, troubled by bandits and crime. The village was too small for the local magistate to commit resources to, so was left to its own devices. Upon solving the problem, and defeating the scourge Torako was summoned home, having proven that she was a worth samurai of the Lion clan. Intimidately after she was made a Yoriki by a friend of her mothers, an elderly Emerald Magistrate of the crab clan. Hida Tomar
Torako and Tomar worked together successfully for about six months before Tomar announced his intent to retire. He petitioned the Emerald Champion to name Torako in his stead and so the young samurai finds herself in an exciting new position, awaiting her assignment as a magistrate of the Empire.
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