Both the victor
and the vanquished are
but drops of dew,
but bolts of lightning -
thus should we view the world.
-Ouchi Yoshitaka




A broken Sword, Cry The Raven, Death is the End

The year is 1573, the city Satu. The Matsudaira Clan rule here with the Oda on one side while the Imagawa are on the other. The Matsudaira have tried riding the fence during the conflict taking place, but now with Clan Sutomu loyal to the Oda setting up just outside of town tensions have rose and Matsudaira feels more compelled to choose sides. The Imagawa seem to be the likely choice as they are old allies, but the power Oda holds in Japan makes him a strong possibility. Now with the increase of the Kabuki-Mono the Matsudaira have increased the presence of their Samurai amongst the civilians to keep the thugs in check, this has also lead to the Sutomu travel into town in armed groups and create a higher chance for armed conflict to take place. Satu has become a pot coming close to the point of boiling Ninja have been called in by both Clans so that if necessary they will do what a Samurai cannot.

OOC info
This is a roleplay using a fictional town in a real province of Japan with a real Samurai clan Matsudaira. Sutomu on the other hand is not a actual Clan.

I will be allowing Female Samurai, and female ninja. Also players may be half Oni (though if that gets out of hand I will stamp it out).

Players make take on the role of a Samurai in the Matsudaira, Sutomu, or Kabuki-Mono. Players will be able to take on the role of a Ninja of the Iga or Fuma clans. (Ninja take many forms from your traditional Shinobi to a deadly Geisha Assassin.)

The Ninja Clans will be the Iga Clan (Working for the Matsudaira) and the Fuma working for (Sutomu)

If these ideas interest you, please post your interest and I’ll make a OOC with a character skeleton and everything.

(Forewarning, this will not be a animeesque RP while there are fantastic elements there won’t anything to extreme. The part Oni will have some exception characteristics as will human characters, but nothing in the extreme. Also for character appearances if you use a Anime picture for you character I’d rather it be tasteful and well done instead of extremely cartoony. )



Rules
1. This will be a high casual RP so… Try and put out two well done paragraphs, or at least one if you can’t do two. No one liners or a few sentences, this isn’t free roleplay after all.
2. Mature sexual situations etc need to be taken to PMs, for any character under 18 let’s not get involved into anything to romantic please.
3. Let’s get along, some of us may be enemies in the RP, but we can be friends in OOC. (I made a rhyme)
4. This is a serious feudal era Japan roleplay. There will be drama and violence. This isn’t a slapstick comedy let’s not make it into one. Let’s keep that feeling of dramatics involved.
5. Have fun, this is the most important rule. If you’re not having fun what’s the point?

Factions

Matsudaira, a minor clan, but powerful nonetheless they are a traditional Japanese family and have not yet taken sides in the war that is slowly waging around them. They are prideful though and with the entrance of the Sutomu near their town they have begun heavily considering joining the Imagawa.

Sutomu, a very minor family, but heavily backed by the Oda they have moved just outside of Satu to try and influence the Matsudaira to join the oda, they are a clan that is not completely traditional and would even go so far as to use Oni, and assassination.

Kabuki-Mono, a loose group of Ronin and thugs, they have taken up themselves as being the “top dogs” of the town carrying weapons that are appropriate for their station wear odd sets of clothing in bright vibrant colors. They seek to take over the town in a subtle manner yet brutish manner by manipulating the citizen through violence and sabotage.

Iga Clan, like all Ninja clan the Iga are surrounded by darkness and secrecy, they came at the behest of the Matsudaira to protect the Clan at night and in the darkness from threats that those not familiar would never see.

Fuma Clan, some would say they are Oni, some would say they are only halfway there, but only they know the truth. They are a force to be reckoned with that even the Iga Ninja use caution before them. They have come to aid the Sutomu at the order of the Oda, they are here to aid, but not serve…

Other, This could be anything from a fisherman to a Geisha entertainer. (I would prefer that this faction be lightly used as I would like there to be plenty of characters in the main factions so that the story can continue)



Character Application

Name: (Traditional Japanese names only)
Faction:
Position/Profession: (You can be family members of the clans or you can simply be a retainer. The choice is up to you.)
Age: (No younger than 16)
Gender:
Appearance: (Written or image, images please be tasteful whether it is art or real. Anime pictures need to be realistic and not super cartoony.)
Items: (This will include your weapons, armor, any other misc gear you have, this will also include whether or not you have a cane etc. If you r items are special (such as your cane is really a katana ) please give a description)
Abilities: (Be reasonable, I don’t want anyone fast as lightning or strong as ten men. Basically nothing over Olympic athletes would have. )
Personality:
Biography: (Two paragraph Minimum)
Relationship: (This can be to the factions other characters, etc. If you wish to simply develop this during the Rp that is perfectly fine.)

I didn't notice this RP until now. Is it too late to join?

Name: Hisakawa Sayuri
Faction: Matsudaira
Position/Profession: Samurai Retainer (Onna Bugeisha)
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Appearance:

Height: 154cm (5'1'')
Weight: 50kg (110 lb)

Items:
Daisho: (Shown in appearance) The traditional Katana & Wakizashi worn on her obi whenever she is in public. They were handed down to her from her father, who no longer has use for them, and are perhaps the most expensive things she owns.

Naginata: The entire weapon stands at 1.7m (5'5'') with a blade of 30cm (1 ft). It is of decent construction with a lacquered bamboo shaft fitted with metal bindings.

Yumi: Sayori uses a daikyu or long bow which is 2.1m (7 ft) in length and uses arrows 85cm (33'') in length. It is constructed mostly of bamboo with a leather hand grip at the 1/3 mark. The body is painted red and black at 10cm intervals.

Dou & Sune-Ate: A breastplate and shin guards respectively. Both are red with black trim.

Abilities: Speed is by far her most valuable asset. Being of relatively small stature compared to most other warriors she emphasizes quick and precise movements in order to best her opponents. She is unable to match up against the brute strength and reach that a typical Samurai possesses so she utilizes her Naginata to keep her enemies at a distance where those natural advantages are less relevant. She is not so dependent on the Naginata that she can't hold her own without it however. Her skill with one or both the Katana & Wakizashi are adequate but nothing spectacular. She is also adequate in unarmed combat. Although she has never mastered the art of bow and arrow, she is at least a competent practitioner.

Personality: A firm believer that honor and justice should preside above everything else. Sayuri has lived the way of the Samurai since birth and despises criminals. She fancies herself something of a defender of justice and always makes a point to help those in need. (A character's personality is hard for me to grasp before I start playing her so I would like to keep this vague if that's alright.)

Biography: Sayuri is the only child of the Hisakawa family, a minor Samurai family with a respectable and honorable reputation as loyal retainers to the Matsudaira clan. Her family has served the Matsudaira clan for six generations and it now falls on her to carry their honor with pride. She spent just as much time learning tea ceremony as she did learning bushido in her childhood. When her father was convinced she could handle a real sword she started training along side him and her mother. Both of them encouraged her to learn the various martial arts and she did well under their guidance. As the only family member to succeed her father there was a lot of pressure on her to become both a skilled warrior and a respectable lady.

Upon her Father's resignation Sayuri humbly requested that she succeeded her father in his place. This hadn't come as a surprise to the Matsudaira family and her skills were adequate to validate the request so she was accepted at the age of 17 as a Samurai Retainer. Since then she has served diligently and fought bravely to earn the respect of the Matsudaira clan. Although some might say that she is living off of the prestige of her family, no one can argue that her skills aren't superbly refined and well suited to her style.

Relationships:
Matsudaira Clan: As a loyal retainer she is allotted a room in the house of Matsudaira and has been on good terms with them since childhood. She knows all of the members of the Matsudaira family well, having grown up around most of them.

Ichitosen (Father): Ichitosen once served as a loyal retainer to the Matsudaira clan but has since retired due to a chronic stomach illness which left him weak and unable to hold a sword. A man of nearly 50 years (this is very old for the time) he spends most of his time drinking tea at home, unable to do much else. Sayuri learned to use both the Katana and Wakizashi as well as unarmed martial arts from him although she is most effective with the Naginata. She is proud of her father and they speak regularly but she worries that he may not have many years left as he is constantly weak from his illness.

Kimiko (Mother): Kimiko works as a seamstress and makes a respectable profit selling her work to local vendors. She is not Onna Bugeisha herself but is learned in the use of a naginata, although she hasn't held one in years she still keeps it ready by the wall of the bedroom. Sayuri learned to use a Naginata from her mother and it is perhaps her favorite discipline in the martial arts.

Hope it's okay if I make two characters? :)

Matsudaira, Kaito




~~~~~

Tokunaga, Masaru

@nobody plenty of room hun

Name: Isagura Toshiro
Faction: Iga Clan
Position/Profession: Shinobi
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Appearance:

Items: Toshiro always carries a finely made Ninjato when on assignment, along with a blowgun and shurikens. However, when he is expecting a fight, he also carries a kusarigama. Other than that, he carries all other equipment associated with Ninja (smoke bombs, black eggs, caltrops)

Abilities: Toshiro has all the difficult training associated with the Ninja. He is very fit and can move around (whether climbing or sprinting) while carrying his kit very easily. He is also trained in how to defend himself, whether with a ninjato, a kusarigama or his barehands. One field in which he excells in is alchemy, and is quite adept in making poisons.

Personality: Toshiro is a quiet, stoic man who only cares for the well being of his clan. When not on assignment, he has a dry sense of humor and is usually easy enough to get along with. But once he puts on his ninja gi, the kind facade vanishes and he is all business.

Biography: Toshiro remembers very little of his childhood before becoming a ninja. He remembers his father not being around very often, so he spent alot of time with his mother. The only other thing that Toshiro remembers were the local samurai. Bullies and liars, these men abused the people of Toshiro's village and one day, after recieving a bribe from a rival daimyo, put Toshiro's village to the torch. Because of them, the young man has held onto a hatred and distrust to samurai that continues to this day.

Toshiro was recruited by the Iga clan and trained in the arts of ninjutsu. After many years and many bruises, Toshiro has finally started getting assignments on his own. They were small, but each one gave him valuable experience. Now that the Iga clan has come to the aid of the Matsudaira, Toshiro finds himself being recognized for his skills. It's all uphill from here.

Relationship: (to be developed in the RPG itself)

I'm gonna make a start on this now, but it won't be finished right away, so, until it comes out of the hider, it will remain a WIP

---

Name: Fuma Kintaro

Faction: Fuma Clan of Ninja

Position/Profession: Fuma Kotaro's Own personal Apprentice.

Age: 19

Gender: Male

Appearance:

Items: Kintaro comes equipped with the standard Wakizashi blade carried by most ninja of the Fuma clan, and the mark of their order, the dragon etchings on the Blade and Scabbard marking him as one of Kotaro's personal students

Demon Talons: These are not so much weapons, as tools used by Kintaro to scale walls and dig his traps, while they can be utilized as weapons, they are ungainly and may break when coming into contact with others weapons, proving a poor choice.

Kunai: Used purely as an assassination weapon, normally used in place of his Wakizashi, which is purely ornamental, or used for high-ranking assassination targets.

Shurikens: Unlike most Ninja, Kintaro's Shuriken's are dipped in the venom of various reptiles, and then the metal is tempered in such a way that the tips break off on contact with a solid object, be this a wall or a bone, meaning the remaining points of the star shaped weapon are usable, this also prevents Kintaro from poisoning himself as he lines up the throw.

Oni Glyphs: As a Ninja of the Fuma clan, Kintaro is thought to be an Oni-kin, or at least part demon, this is as much true as it is that Ninja can disappear in one region, and appear in another in the blink of an eye, that is to say, it is completely accurate, but he can only tap into his powers using one of a small number of Glyphs passed to him from his master Kotaro Fuma, each glyph may be used multiple times, and each has a differing effect.

Oni Glyph of Flame: This Glyph allows Kintaro to start a small, controlled fire in any area he places this glyph.

Oni Glyph of Motion: Despite it's name, this Glyph merely allows Kintaro to disappear, only other Oni or People he choses may see him in this state.

Oni Glyph of Illusion: Allows Kintaro to create an exact, solid duplicate of himself, which copies his every movement, other than turning around and attacking, usefull for running a decoy, worthless for anything else.

Oni Glyph of Pain: The least used of Kintaro's Glyph's allows him to inflict severe, debilitating pain on any being of his chosing, Other Oni, and people of great will are unafected by this Glyph (Other Ninja and people with strong conviction)

Abilities: Being trained by Kotaro Fuma, Kintaro is light of foot and swift of action, he is by no means stealthier or faster than other Ninja, but his reflexes are honed to a razor sharp point, and his ability to change tac to any situation is second to very few. Alongside his versatility, Kintaro is also a mean combatant, preferring to rely on silent and swift incapacitation or decimation of foes, over long, drawn out battles.

Like most any Ninja, Kintaro is also an expert at sabotage, infiltration and assassination.

Personality: Much like his Master, Kintaro revels only in the Chaos of war, but, not only is he happy to sit and watch the chaos unfold, Kintaro, also much like Kotaro, will more than eagerly do anything to feed that chaos, sparking conflicts, triggering betrayal, even mutiny. This being said, he is loyal to the cause of his Master, and his Shogun, no other may give orders higher than Kotaro Fuma, unless, that other, is Nobunaga Oda. Due to this, he is often seen as heartless, unpredictable, and above all, ruthless.

Biography: Born into the Fuma Clan, Kintaro had a very, very short childhood, before he started training at the age of five, he began with stealth, and, showing great promise within two years, Kintaro caught the eye of the Fuma leader, Kotaro Fuma, for nine years, Kotaro taught Kintaro everything the younger ninja knows, from how to pin point every last weak spot in the average man, to tricking the common soldier into fighting his 'allies' and even trying to kill his own leader.

Over the last few years, Kintaro has learned the art of infiltration, learning how to use his claws to scale walls and trees to find his best vantage point and work out a plan of action without being seen, however, until recently, Kintaro had been unable to taste conflict in the real world, until Kotaro tasked him, at the orders of Nobunaga himself to go to the city of Sato to ensure the fall of The Matsudaira Clan, yet, he had been taught to appreciate the power that Chaos can bring to any battlefield, and, that if he is to do anything, all he must do, is feed the conflict, through any means necessary.

Relationship: Loyal to a fault to the Clan of Fuma, and the family of the Oda, other than those two groups, he holds no interest in others, unless they give him cause too, or, they are of worth to the cause of his masters

Name: Iga Shizuka
Faction: Iga Clan
Position/Profession: Bodyguard to the Matsuhaira
Age: 18
Gender: Female

Items: Shizuka wears light armor, even under civilian clothes. She uses kunai and a short sword, preferring to master the basic weapons before expanding her repertoire.
Abilities: Shizuka's greatest strength is her ability to calmly analyze a threat and find its weakness, even in the chaos of battle.
Personality: Usually quiet and businesslike, as her position demands. She does have a fondness for art, however, and tends to open up more when interested in something.
Biography: WIP, will post soon
Relationship: TBD

Don't know why but the title reminds me of this old song


PS. Also I think I'm done with Sayuri for now although I'm liable to change it a bit until we actually get started.
PPS. I also need to get with any people who are playing members of the Matsudaira clan so we can square away their relationship.

Midori said
Also I think I'm done with Sayuri for now although I'm liable to change it a bit until we actually get started.

Myself too probably. I saw this RPG right when the ooc started and I was afraid that it had passed me by.

Midori you are approved. I love the traditional style you went with though i was a little sad you didn't have a yumi, but that's okay just means someone else can be the bow person. : 3

Nobody errr, Make you could bulk up your Backstory a little more, i'd like to see a little more effort put into it.

Geisha Girl said
Midori you are approved. I love the traditional style you went with though i was a little sad you didn't have a yumi, but that's okay just means someone else can be the bow person. : 3Nobody errr, Make you could bulk up your Backstory a little more, i'd like to see a little more effort put into it.

Sure. I was in a bit of a rush, but Ill start adding to it.

I really wanted to include that also since it would make sense for her upbringing but I thought it might be too much. Then again Sayuri has been training since she could walk so she has had plenty of time to learn the martial arts. I left out horse riding for similar reasons. I didn't want to make her seem too OP.

It's typical samurai weapons, and it wouldn't be like you'd have them ALL the time Midori. Also horses are fine as you won't use them that much, large field battles will be their only useful place and they will be few and far between if at all. Also Midori are you in the IRC?

Name: Shinji Yamashita
Faction: Iga Clan
Position/Profession: Ninja - Protector of the Matsudaira Household
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Appearance:

Items

Will only use four at a time Maximum - 1 Main & 1 Side weapon & Two Support/Ranged Weapons

Chain Sickle (In Picture): A deadly version of a farmer's sickle with a chain attached to the bottom, can be used for close-quarters combat and mid-ranged combat. The blade and hilt of the weapon is about three feet long, the chain itself adds another three feet to the weapon. The end of the chain can be used as a blunt weapon due to the metal "weight" weighing eight pounds.

Shuriken: A throwable weapon that takes the shape of a star, ranging from four to eight "points." Usually used by ninja thus nicknamed "Ninja Stars."

Wakizashi: A shorter and "Companion" katana of a Samurai's or Ninja's Sword. Measuring about 9 inches.

Katana: A Samurai's or Ninja's sword, has a slightly "curved" look with a one-edged blade, used more for slicing than for stabbing. Measuring 3 feet long.

Metal Pole: A 26' Inch long metal pole, used for a different fighting style and for various other uses such as interrogation or knocking out an opponent.

Smokescreen Bombs: Bombs when thrown at an area cover the area in a dense smoke, good for assassinations, escapes, and kidnapping. Shinji knows a bit about bomb-making.

Tactical Bombs: Shinji has a bit of bomb-making knowledge. Though not crafting a normal bombs he specializes with his small knowledge to craft Tactical Bombs. Bombs that range from sulfurous gas, to lamb's blood, and even deafening bombs, which uses "black powder" to trick or deafen an opponent at will.

---

Abilities: Extremely Deadly at unarmed and close-quarters combat, a master in not only Ninjutsu, but also Martial Arts spread around other parts of Asia. Shinji due to being a Ninja/Shinobi is able to defend himself in any sort of combat, infiltrate high security areas and perform an assassination, and of course free-run if necessary. His speed and his martial arts being his most valuable asset gives him an advantage over other ninja, having trained in the area thoroughly.

Biography: Shinji was born on a caravan when being rushed to the hospital to be born, in failure the pregnancy had to be done there and now killing his mother in the process, shortly thereafter a band of unhonorful Ronin attacked and raided the caravan. Both his father and him were the only survivors which were taken prisoner by the dirty Ronin. Having to spend his infant years in capture of mercenary ninja and samurai, he was eventually rescued by the Iga clan which took him as one of their own, sadly his father was taken as a hostage and killed. Though despite his sad past, the Iga clan taught the young boy Ninjutsu and skills of which Ninja use, having to spar against older ninja and had to endure painful cuts and bruises.

At the age of fifteen he was officially given the rank as a Ninja and set out to South-Eastern Asia to learn more about unarmed combat, which included Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and China. Spending twelve allowed years in Asia while completing duties in Japan, he learned different fighting styles from various villages and towns in the area. These styles to name a couple were Kali and Silat, which greatly improved his weapon and unarmed combat. At twenty-six, having mastered these arts in a very short period of time he began to take on more and more duties to please the Iga. At the time where they planned on joining with the Matsudaira, Shinji met Hanzo Hattori, a master ninja of the Iga, in service to Ieyasu Tokugawa. The both of them talked to each other over a cup of tea and shared their philosophies which weren't too far apart, thus bonding into friendship despite Hanzo's dark attitude. Hanzo offered to train Shinji's skills even further, which he can proudly say he studied under the Great Ninja Hanzo Hattori.

Eventually, Shinji was assigned to be one of the ninja who would protect the Matsudaira clan by night constantly as the Iga clan were confident of his abilities, as was Shinji. After a year at the age of twenty-eight, he continues his assignment having only needing to use his skills a few times which upset hit the slightest bit. In honest, Shinji wishes to do something greater than to guard a household by night, he wishes to become a personal bodyguard of the Matsudaira, which he very well deserves.

Relationship: A friend of Hanzo Hattori, a ninja of the Iga in service to Ieyasu Tokugawa. Trained under him as an apprentice for a while.

So many Ninja! I may have to shut down anymore ninja applications.

LOL, am I accepted or no? I might make a Sakon Shima-ish type of character.

Geisha Girl said
So many Ninja! I may have to shut down anymore ninja applications.

I can make a samurai character too if you want it to balance out

I feel so incomplete, I may edit my bio out a bit IF I'm forced too.

EDIT: Definetely editing out my bio, gimme a min.

EDIT EDIT: Done.

Nobody, That would be wonderful.

Diamond, SOme things I'll have problems with is the traveling the world, Japanese of the time were kind of isolationist didn't really like leaving home etc. Also a Ninja especially of the Iga clan wouldn't be allowed to corrupt his training with other countries less than adequate training.