who relies on conning others and compulsively lying to get around.
Sai's inner feelings:
1x Like
Sai's inner feelings:
GM
Little Bill Unbannable
Member
Seen
5 mos ago
Any additional character sheets or modifications on existing sheets should be done by 10 PM EST (Five Hours from this post). At that point, I'll be deciding.
Matsuri procrastination station
Member
Seen
10 mos ago
Finally managed to get a CS done!
its late so I may have fucked up big time with backstory and spell checking
:Name:
Kagura - she's only ever known her true name to be this.
:Age:
25
:Totem:
Peacock
:Appearance:
Kagura is quite the striking individual, looks and personality wise. She's been called names often associated with the word red (or anything similar of the sort) for as long as she can remember; having a head of wavy crimson hair and amber eyes doesn't help when you're trying to blend into a crowd. Her lithe and tall build come as a surprise to many, as she stands a head or a half taller than the average woman. If it weren't for the kimono, Kagura could be mistaken for a feminine featured man any day. But despite her outwardly appearances, she has a very strong and flexible body, her years training as a dancer under her carers paying off quite well. Kagura doesn't wear much else other than her simplistic dark grey kimono with red lining on the bottom of the sleeves and the kimono itself. She often wears a hooded cloak too, though it's noticeably thin due to her inability to stand hot weather.
:Personality:
Just like the hair on her head, Kagura is a fiery and confident individual, unafraid to speak her mind whenever. Brutally honest to the core, she doesn't know how to sugarcoat her words, so if it's a truthful opinion you want it's a truthful opinion you'll get. Her confidence comes with her almost child-like sense for adventure and excitement; an adrenaline junkie, if you will. While at times Kagura can be as laid back and easy going as any other mature twenty-five year old, once you get the hype and excitement pumping through her veins, the relaxed woman persona goes flying out of the window. Being as adventurous and carefree as she is, Kagura can have a bit of mischievous side... A simple warning for any future companions.
Sarcastic. A word Kagura is also often called, only a slot below the various shades of red she's been named over the years. It's a bit difficult to tell whether the woman's lying or not due to her excessive sarcasm usage. It may have gotten to the point where people in general just can't tell if she's speaking the truth or if she's just being her usual self.
You could see Kagura as the asshole who plays tricks for fun, gets herself into unnecessary dangers and is overall selfish; helping other people she isn't very familiar with isn't always her top priority. Or, you might see her as a fun loving human who's just a bit adventurous. Or you might see her as both. Either way, as long as you yourself don't get on her nerves, she really doesn't give a shit.
:History:
Kagura doesn't remember much of her early childhood. All that she knows is that in her early years she had been raised up by a group of female dancers that travelled from place to place performing for money; a group otherwise known as the Red Autumn Troupe. Renown for their unique and expressive dancing style utilising two fans, and their choice of kimono being exclusively red, the all-womens troupe brought the little girl up into their world of storytelling dance. It appeared that one of the members had realised the potential the red haired toddler possessed, and so the name 'Kagura' arose - 'God entertainment'.
Sure enough, she was a talented little girl. By the age of six she was already performing with the rest of the troupe. Her talents did not only lie in dance, however. Travelling oh so often came with its few bandit ambushes, so the ladies were trained themselves in self defense with their own fans. In fact, the fans they wielded both in their performances and in combat were Tessen, which proved useful for the women in such situations. Eventually, Kagura would come to learn of these fighting techniques for her own safety.
Kagura was still by the troupe's side until her twenties, having gone through countless hours of dance practices and literal fan fighting. But that one night when an evening dance went wrong resulting in a raging Kagura and many injured men, things would turn for the worst for Kagura. Off to the jail cells it was for the red head, and off to the jail cells she would stay for a bit.
:Strengths:
• Tessenjutsu - How could a fan possibly be useful in a fight? Well, give Kagura a strong fan with hard iron spokes and she'll find a way to disarm you and take you down in an instant. She's quick, she's flexible, and she can whack you with an object that feels like an iron baton to the face with great strength. While not a swordsman, her reflexes aren't short of one either. Kagura carries three red fans: one with normal iron spokes used mainly for hitting and performances, and two with pointed spokes used to cut things up pretty badly. Kagura doesn't have much of a problem dual wielding two fans at the same time, nor does she have a problem dual wielding two fans like it's just a regular graceful performance. Only difference is that this is much faster, and Kagura is most likely out trying to get rid of you for good.
• Dancing In The Rise Of Dawn - Based off traditional Japanese dancing utilising fans in their choreography, Kagura and the troupe she was previously with had come up with their own sort of style. The movements were slightly quicker, their red fans would be emphasised, and there was always a story to tell in each dance; but nevertheless, each dance must be executed with grace and sophistication. Kagura, being as young as she was when she was being taught, is now quite skilled in this art.
• In The Bushes - Kagura is just very good at hiding. From the old bush to a sixty metre tree, finding a hiding place or rather getting to one is this woman's speciality. A game of hide and seek is no sweat for her; you probably won't be able to find her, even if she is hiding in the bushes behind where you were counting.
:Weaknesses:
• Zero Limits - This can apply to a lot if things really. Kagura's adventurousness can often get the better of her, and her confidence can be interpreted as rude and impolite. Her anrgy moments are her also ugliest moments; stopping a raging red head isn't the easiest of tasks. Emotions just really turn the woman upside down a lot.
• Live Only For Yourself - While she doesn't 'mind' getting herself into fights and such - since it was her own decision after all - Kagura tends to stray away from other people's problems. She's used to worrying about herself and only herself, even going as far as to trick those around her if the situation calls for it. Heck, she'll even run away if something uncalled for happened. Although she isn't completely lacking in compassion, if someone else has gotten into a fight she most likely won't go out and help the injured person.
:Likes:
Give her a comfortable sleeping space and she'll shut up until she wakes up herself. Getting her out of bed won't be easy, the woman is a terribly heavy sleeper. Also, while some people point out her hair in a negative way, she takes pride in its colour, and even has her favourite colour as red. Dancing is a well practised hobby, and her singing isn't too shabby either.
:Dislikes:
Hot weather is Kagura's true enemy. She despises the heat and she actually overheats quite quickly, so constant sweating is common. Spicy food is a straight up stay away sign for her too. Funnily enough, while she can stand little insects like ants and beetles, anything slimy like worms or slugs will earn you one hell of a squeal.
its late so I may have fucked up big time with backstory and spell checking
:Name:
Kagura - she's only ever known her true name to be this.
:Age:
25
:Totem:
Peacock
:Appearance:
Kagura is quite the striking individual, looks and personality wise. She's been called names often associated with the word red (or anything similar of the sort) for as long as she can remember; having a head of wavy crimson hair and amber eyes doesn't help when you're trying to blend into a crowd. Her lithe and tall build come as a surprise to many, as she stands a head or a half taller than the average woman. If it weren't for the kimono, Kagura could be mistaken for a feminine featured man any day. But despite her outwardly appearances, she has a very strong and flexible body, her years training as a dancer under her carers paying off quite well. Kagura doesn't wear much else other than her simplistic dark grey kimono with red lining on the bottom of the sleeves and the kimono itself. She often wears a hooded cloak too, though it's noticeably thin due to her inability to stand hot weather.
:Personality:
Just like the hair on her head, Kagura is a fiery and confident individual, unafraid to speak her mind whenever. Brutally honest to the core, she doesn't know how to sugarcoat her words, so if it's a truthful opinion you want it's a truthful opinion you'll get. Her confidence comes with her almost child-like sense for adventure and excitement; an adrenaline junkie, if you will. While at times Kagura can be as laid back and easy going as any other mature twenty-five year old, once you get the hype and excitement pumping through her veins, the relaxed woman persona goes flying out of the window. Being as adventurous and carefree as she is, Kagura can have a bit of mischievous side... A simple warning for any future companions.
Sarcastic. A word Kagura is also often called, only a slot below the various shades of red she's been named over the years. It's a bit difficult to tell whether the woman's lying or not due to her excessive sarcasm usage. It may have gotten to the point where people in general just can't tell if she's speaking the truth or if she's just being her usual self.
You could see Kagura as the asshole who plays tricks for fun, gets herself into unnecessary dangers and is overall selfish; helping other people she isn't very familiar with isn't always her top priority. Or, you might see her as a fun loving human who's just a bit adventurous. Or you might see her as both. Either way, as long as you yourself don't get on her nerves, she really doesn't give a shit.
:History:
Kagura doesn't remember much of her early childhood. All that she knows is that in her early years she had been raised up by a group of female dancers that travelled from place to place performing for money; a group otherwise known as the Red Autumn Troupe. Renown for their unique and expressive dancing style utilising two fans, and their choice of kimono being exclusively red, the all-womens troupe brought the little girl up into their world of storytelling dance. It appeared that one of the members had realised the potential the red haired toddler possessed, and so the name 'Kagura' arose - 'God entertainment'.
Sure enough, she was a talented little girl. By the age of six she was already performing with the rest of the troupe. Her talents did not only lie in dance, however. Travelling oh so often came with its few bandit ambushes, so the ladies were trained themselves in self defense with their own fans. In fact, the fans they wielded both in their performances and in combat were Tessen, which proved useful for the women in such situations. Eventually, Kagura would come to learn of these fighting techniques for her own safety.
Kagura was still by the troupe's side until her twenties, having gone through countless hours of dance practices and literal fan fighting. But that one night when an evening dance went wrong resulting in a raging Kagura and many injured men, things would turn for the worst for Kagura. Off to the jail cells it was for the red head, and off to the jail cells she would stay for a bit.
:Strengths:
• Tessenjutsu - How could a fan possibly be useful in a fight? Well, give Kagura a strong fan with hard iron spokes and she'll find a way to disarm you and take you down in an instant. She's quick, she's flexible, and she can whack you with an object that feels like an iron baton to the face with great strength. While not a swordsman, her reflexes aren't short of one either. Kagura carries three red fans: one with normal iron spokes used mainly for hitting and performances, and two with pointed spokes used to cut things up pretty badly. Kagura doesn't have much of a problem dual wielding two fans at the same time, nor does she have a problem dual wielding two fans like it's just a regular graceful performance. Only difference is that this is much faster, and Kagura is most likely out trying to get rid of you for good.
• Dancing In The Rise Of Dawn - Based off traditional Japanese dancing utilising fans in their choreography, Kagura and the troupe she was previously with had come up with their own sort of style. The movements were slightly quicker, their red fans would be emphasised, and there was always a story to tell in each dance; but nevertheless, each dance must be executed with grace and sophistication. Kagura, being as young as she was when she was being taught, is now quite skilled in this art.
• In The Bushes - Kagura is just very good at hiding. From the old bush to a sixty metre tree, finding a hiding place or rather getting to one is this woman's speciality. A game of hide and seek is no sweat for her; you probably won't be able to find her, even if she is hiding in the bushes behind where you were counting.
:Weaknesses:
• Zero Limits - This can apply to a lot if things really. Kagura's adventurousness can often get the better of her, and her confidence can be interpreted as rude and impolite. Her anrgy moments are her also ugliest moments; stopping a raging red head isn't the easiest of tasks. Emotions just really turn the woman upside down a lot.
• Live Only For Yourself - While she doesn't 'mind' getting herself into fights and such - since it was her own decision after all - Kagura tends to stray away from other people's problems. She's used to worrying about herself and only herself, even going as far as to trick those around her if the situation calls for it. Heck, she'll even run away if something uncalled for happened. Although she isn't completely lacking in compassion, if someone else has gotten into a fight she most likely won't go out and help the injured person.
:Likes:
Give her a comfortable sleeping space and she'll shut up until she wakes up herself. Getting her out of bed won't be easy, the woman is a terribly heavy sleeper. Also, while some people point out her hair in a negative way, she takes pride in its colour, and even has her favourite colour as red. Dancing is a well practised hobby, and her singing isn't too shabby either.
:Dislikes:
Hot weather is Kagura's true enemy. She despises the heat and she actually overheats quite quickly, so constant sweating is common. Spicy food is a straight up stay away sign for her too. Funnily enough, while she can stand little insects like ants and beetles, anything slimy like worms or slugs will earn you one hell of a squeal.
2x Like
Redrum Cowboy Killer
Member
Seen
18 days ago
I'm afraid I might be too late, but here's my little brat anyway!
Name
Koyama Usagi
The Small Mountain Rabbit
Age
14
Totem
Weasel
Appearance
Wide eyed and baby faced, Usagi's small and lithe form stands below the average height for a girl her age. Often assumed to be much younger than she actually is, she's come to use this casual assumption to her advantage and often plays the innocent child role to those oblivious to her real persona. Short legs and great distances don't always combine great, but Usagi walks with a skip in her step, displaying confidence in her straight posture and brisk speed. With little money to buy new clothes or shoes, Usagi travels barefoot and wears a worn blue kimono that is much too small for her size, as the hem sits just past her knees. Tied up in a ponytail with a plain black ribbon, her dark brown hair is long and unkept besides her neatly trimmed and cut bangs. Kept tied up and out of the way, Usagi hasn't put a brush to her hair in years and has no intention to do so anytime soon.
Personality
With an innocent appearance ones first impression of Usagi is often the assumption that she's nothing more than a harmless child. However, this is but one of the many faces and roles she has learned to put up in front of others. With a keen eye for observation and reading other, Usagi has learned to use her natural talent and manipulative skills in lying and conning to survive. Growing up with no parental figure or responsible role model in her life, Usagi's maturity, social skills and overall understanding of her effect on others and the world around her has been greatly stunted. Respect and honor are words she has no understanding of while she allows herself to be guided by selfish needs, and a fearless curiosity. Keeping others at a distance has shielded her from any serious pain or mental anguish, and Usagi will put up front after front before allowing someone to truly see who she is -- which ultimately is just a lonely child.
While she craves company she fears abandonment, lacking the confidence and trust that another person in her life won't just suddenly leave. This insecurity is deeply and carefully hidden away, and in its place instead is an overconfident facade and an emotionally detached nature that has kept her mentally secure for as long as she can remember. A short and fierce temper is the outcome of all this bottled up anxiety and uncertainty, which is often carelessly followed up by crude and unladylike language. Despite all this Usagi displays knowledge of some mannerism seeing as she can easily charm and manipulate others into assuming otherwise of her. This charm and her knack for lying on the spot has saved her on countless occasions, but having to rely on it for so long has definitely taken its tole on Usagi. Becoming so ingrained within her, this terrible talent has become a compulsive habit that always sneaks it's way into to her conversations, no matter how important or meaningless they may be.
History
With a history clouded in ever changing tall-tales, Usagi is nothing more than a street urchin with a quick wit and a knack for lying. Born a peasant to a mother who died while giving birth, she was more or less raised under the roof of a brothel by her one and only sister. While she was exposed to the lifestyle at a young age, she narrowly avoided getting pulled into the business as her sister somehow found herself a husband and left the brothel altogether. Unable to stay there unless she worked for her room, Usagi was forced onto the street before her early teenage years, but it was here that she was truly able to grow and find her independence. Through the gullibility and manipulation of others, Usagi survived in an almost comfortable struggle as she learned to impulsively lie and manipulate others. The artistic and culturally rich atmosphere of the village attracted many travelers and tourist, and with them came money and their naive sympathy. This was a effortless method, but this act only lasted for so long as the occupying Imperial Soldiers weren't so quick to be fooled.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Likes
- Food.
- Cats and Dogs.
- Music & Poetry.
- Swords.
- Drama.
Dislikes
- Being Touched.
- Water.
- Sweets.
- Being looked down upon.
Theme
Theme.
Name
Koyama Usagi
The Small Mountain Rabbit
Age
14
Totem
Weasel
Appearance
Wide eyed and baby faced, Usagi's small and lithe form stands below the average height for a girl her age. Often assumed to be much younger than she actually is, she's come to use this casual assumption to her advantage and often plays the innocent child role to those oblivious to her real persona. Short legs and great distances don't always combine great, but Usagi walks with a skip in her step, displaying confidence in her straight posture and brisk speed. With little money to buy new clothes or shoes, Usagi travels barefoot and wears a worn blue kimono that is much too small for her size, as the hem sits just past her knees. Tied up in a ponytail with a plain black ribbon, her dark brown hair is long and unkept besides her neatly trimmed and cut bangs. Kept tied up and out of the way, Usagi hasn't put a brush to her hair in years and has no intention to do so anytime soon.
Personality
With an innocent appearance ones first impression of Usagi is often the assumption that she's nothing more than a harmless child. However, this is but one of the many faces and roles she has learned to put up in front of others. With a keen eye for observation and reading other, Usagi has learned to use her natural talent and manipulative skills in lying and conning to survive. Growing up with no parental figure or responsible role model in her life, Usagi's maturity, social skills and overall understanding of her effect on others and the world around her has been greatly stunted. Respect and honor are words she has no understanding of while she allows herself to be guided by selfish needs, and a fearless curiosity. Keeping others at a distance has shielded her from any serious pain or mental anguish, and Usagi will put up front after front before allowing someone to truly see who she is -- which ultimately is just a lonely child.
While she craves company she fears abandonment, lacking the confidence and trust that another person in her life won't just suddenly leave. This insecurity is deeply and carefully hidden away, and in its place instead is an overconfident facade and an emotionally detached nature that has kept her mentally secure for as long as she can remember. A short and fierce temper is the outcome of all this bottled up anxiety and uncertainty, which is often carelessly followed up by crude and unladylike language. Despite all this Usagi displays knowledge of some mannerism seeing as she can easily charm and manipulate others into assuming otherwise of her. This charm and her knack for lying on the spot has saved her on countless occasions, but having to rely on it for so long has definitely taken its tole on Usagi. Becoming so ingrained within her, this terrible talent has become a compulsive habit that always sneaks it's way into to her conversations, no matter how important or meaningless they may be.
History
With a history clouded in ever changing tall-tales, Usagi is nothing more than a street urchin with a quick wit and a knack for lying. Born a peasant to a mother who died while giving birth, she was more or less raised under the roof of a brothel by her one and only sister. While she was exposed to the lifestyle at a young age, she narrowly avoided getting pulled into the business as her sister somehow found herself a husband and left the brothel altogether. Unable to stay there unless she worked for her room, Usagi was forced onto the street before her early teenage years, but it was here that she was truly able to grow and find her independence. Through the gullibility and manipulation of others, Usagi survived in an almost comfortable struggle as she learned to impulsively lie and manipulate others. The artistic and culturally rich atmosphere of the village attracted many travelers and tourist, and with them came money and their naive sympathy. This was a effortless method, but this act only lasted for so long as the occupying Imperial Soldiers weren't so quick to be fooled.
Strengths
Eye Spy.
With nothing to do but people watch all day Usagi has trained herself in the skill of observation. From their actions to their clothes, reading others is her specialty, and depending on personality Usagi is capable of playing any kind of role that will trigger that persons empathy and sympathy. Years of practice has allowed her to use this craft for not only money's sake, but all around survival, and one of her favorite methods for this hardened talent is often played off of as a 'psychic' ability. Fortunately -- or rather, unfortunately for her, this method has only failed Usagi once.
Silver Tongue.
Capable of reading others, Usagi packs on this skill with her shameless talent for tall-tales and manipulation. Typically going for the more naive who easily buy into her schemes or pitiful roles, Usagi is unafraid of taking on the strong minded, saying just about everything and anything she can to get her way. The talent has become more of a habit for Usagi, however.
Can't Catch Me!
Despite her short stature, Usagi is fast and agile. Years worth of evading the law and getting out of trouble has trained her to use her height and her surroundings to her advantage. Be it squeezing her way through tight passages, or finding unorthodox openings to sneak through, Usagi is as slippery as a weasel and almost always finds a way to get out of trouble.
With nothing to do but people watch all day Usagi has trained herself in the skill of observation. From their actions to their clothes, reading others is her specialty, and depending on personality Usagi is capable of playing any kind of role that will trigger that persons empathy and sympathy. Years of practice has allowed her to use this craft for not only money's sake, but all around survival, and one of her favorite methods for this hardened talent is often played off of as a 'psychic' ability. Fortunately -- or rather, unfortunately for her, this method has only failed Usagi once.
Silver Tongue.
Capable of reading others, Usagi packs on this skill with her shameless talent for tall-tales and manipulation. Typically going for the more naive who easily buy into her schemes or pitiful roles, Usagi is unafraid of taking on the strong minded, saying just about everything and anything she can to get her way. The talent has become more of a habit for Usagi, however.
Can't Catch Me!
Despite her short stature, Usagi is fast and agile. Years worth of evading the law and getting out of trouble has trained her to use her height and her surroundings to her advantage. Be it squeezing her way through tight passages, or finding unorthodox openings to sneak through, Usagi is as slippery as a weasel and almost always finds a way to get out of trouble.
Weaknesses
Short Fused.
Undoubtedly an angry child, Usagi's temper is by far her most visible fault. Maintaining it during her schemes is a task all on its own, but to be belittled for her lack of education, family, or status is truly the bane of Usagi's existence. It also doesn't help that she has little patience for those who are quick to underestimate her, often going as far as to act vindictively just to prove herself to them.
All Bark And A Terrible Excuse For A Bite.
With no respect for authority, or much of anyone, Usagi will speak her mind no matter the person or situation. Capable of giving anyone an earful of vulgar insults, her small and thin figure can't stand up to the power of an oncoming fist or blade. Her foul mouth and attitude has earned her a handful of well earned beatings and hits, but every failure for Usagi is just another lesson and opportunity to get better at her evasion and getaways.
Sink Like A Stone.
At no point in her life has Usagi ever been taught to swim, and as she's aged she's found herself growing more and more fearful of water -- shallow or not. Any attempts at teaching herself has turned into effortless and terrified flailing. Deciding to avoid open bodies of water after failing countless times, she's made a personal promise to stay off of boats and away from the ocean and water altogether.
Undoubtedly an angry child, Usagi's temper is by far her most visible fault. Maintaining it during her schemes is a task all on its own, but to be belittled for her lack of education, family, or status is truly the bane of Usagi's existence. It also doesn't help that she has little patience for those who are quick to underestimate her, often going as far as to act vindictively just to prove herself to them.
All Bark And A Terrible Excuse For A Bite.
With no respect for authority, or much of anyone, Usagi will speak her mind no matter the person or situation. Capable of giving anyone an earful of vulgar insults, her small and thin figure can't stand up to the power of an oncoming fist or blade. Her foul mouth and attitude has earned her a handful of well earned beatings and hits, but every failure for Usagi is just another lesson and opportunity to get better at her evasion and getaways.
Sink Like A Stone.
At no point in her life has Usagi ever been taught to swim, and as she's aged she's found herself growing more and more fearful of water -- shallow or not. Any attempts at teaching herself has turned into effortless and terrified flailing. Deciding to avoid open bodies of water after failing countless times, she's made a personal promise to stay off of boats and away from the ocean and water altogether.
Likes
- Food.
- Cats and Dogs.
- Music & Poetry.
- Swords.
- Drama.
Dislikes
- Being Touched.
- Water.
- Sweets.
- Being looked down upon.
Theme
Theme.
1x Like
Quinntessential Entirely too excited.
Member
Seen
7 yrs ago
@DeadBeatWalking - The suspense here is killing me. It's like Auditions for the school play.
@DeadBeatWalking - The suspense here is killing me. It's like Auditions for the school play.
You should see it behind the scenes. Even more tense.
GM
Little Bill Unbannable
Member
Seen
5 mos ago
Alright guys. After a long duel with Gowi, I finally made my decision. This was not an easy choice, so don't feel bad if you didn't make the cut. I thank you all for applying.
This is a very close race and I still can't decide. If your name isn't @DruSM157 or @Gowi, your character has reached the elimination round. You have 24 hours to beef your sheets up as much as possible, or if you do a lot of uppers or some shit, change them entirely. However, I'd like some time to be sure, so submitting a sheet in 23 hours and fifty nine minutes will hurt your chances. Below are some pointers for what I'm looking for individually. See you all tomorrow, best of luck, and accepted or not, thank you all for applying. It is truly an honor to see people excited about participating in something I've written and worked on for a long time, especially when all the applicants are so good I have this much trouble deciding. Give yourselves all a collective pat on the back.
This is a very close race and I still can't decide. If your name isn't @DruSM157 or @Gowi, your character has reached the elimination round. You have 24 hours to beef your sheets up as much as possible, or if you do a lot of uppers or some shit, change them entirely. However, I'd like some time to be sure, so submitting a sheet in 23 hours and fifty nine minutes will hurt your chances. Below are some pointers for what I'm looking for individually. See you all tomorrow, best of luck, and accepted or not, thank you all for applying. It is truly an honor to see people excited about participating in something I've written and worked on for a long time, especially when all the applicants are so good I have this much trouble deciding. Give yourselves all a collective pat on the back.
Right off the bat, I am too lazy to copy his vowels and will probably continue to write Hyoryu that way from here on out.
Appearance is fine, I like that characters that are definitely certain things, and I appreciate that his body type is definitely stringbean. His eye scar gives me irrational anger but I'll let it pass due to not having any similar FC's to recommend. I like his personality, I'd just like to see some more to flesh him out -- The reasons for why he is the way he is, examples of how he'd act in certain situations, little details that set him apart, and so on. Some more info on his backstory would also be appreciated (How old he was when he ran away, for instance) I see him as well-read and bohemian but a bit of a ponce afraid of hard work and battle, so if that's not your intention you should definitely focus on the personality section. Another thing I'd like to change is his Way of The Wind being regarded less as a religion and more as a philosophy in the same vein as Confucianism and Taoism -- He follows a different school of thought, but because he doesn't have a blasphemous creation story or huge opposition to any religion I don't think priests or monks would see him in a negative light.
Also, if he's accepted I'd like to give him an important role in that he's writing a book to dictate his master's philosophy, with each chapter ending (or beginning?) with a quote that has drawn from IC events. Makes it feel more dramatic somehow to start off a boss battle arc with a quote about defeating one's enemy, or ending an arc where we kill someone off with a quote about death, and Hyoryu seems like the perfect instrument for such stuff.
Would you mind this element?
Appearance is fine, I like that characters that are definitely certain things, and I appreciate that his body type is definitely stringbean. His eye scar gives me irrational anger but I'll let it pass due to not having any similar FC's to recommend. I like his personality, I'd just like to see some more to flesh him out -- The reasons for why he is the way he is, examples of how he'd act in certain situations, little details that set him apart, and so on. Some more info on his backstory would also be appreciated (How old he was when he ran away, for instance) I see him as well-read and bohemian but a bit of a ponce afraid of hard work and battle, so if that's not your intention you should definitely focus on the personality section. Another thing I'd like to change is his Way of The Wind being regarded less as a religion and more as a philosophy in the same vein as Confucianism and Taoism -- He follows a different school of thought, but because he doesn't have a blasphemous creation story or huge opposition to any religion I don't think priests or monks would see him in a negative light.
Also, if he's accepted I'd like to give him an important role in that he's writing a book to dictate his master's philosophy, with each chapter ending (or beginning?) with a quote that has drawn from IC events. Makes it feel more dramatic somehow to start off a boss battle arc with a quote about defeating one's enemy, or ending an arc where we kill someone off with a quote about death, and Hyoryu seems like the perfect instrument for such stuff.
Would you mind this element?
I am a bit biased, but since Kusai would be the Jin to Hisao's Mugen, I like that your character already has a definite attitude towards one of her teammates, even if it isn't favorable. 
I'd like to see her age bumped up, and some explanation as to how she became so well-known and respected in Tsukishima, which is culturally very much a man's world. Maybe more information about the Hakayama family? I love that she is still lawful in exile and that she still looks down commoners, additional details like that would be helpful. Also, adding more to her likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses would be good.
I'd like to see her age bumped up, and some explanation as to how she became so well-known and respected in Tsukishima, which is culturally very much a man's world. Maybe more information about the Hakayama family? I love that she is still lawful in exile and that she still looks down commoners, additional details like that would be helpful. Also, adding more to her likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses would be good.More skillz, dawg. So far she's fast, good at stealing things, and being perceptive. I'd like more examples of how she utilizes these skills and more skills entirely, so as to be more rounded and of use to the group. Maybe she lived in the brothel as a cook, or is good at gambling, maybe she has a pilfered demon-killing sword or whatever. Point is, she only offers a few things to the group. As mentioned before, I like characters that are clearly-defined, so I like that she covers the "grimy urchin" bracket pretty accurately.
As opposed to the other sheets, I'd actually like to see Kagura's personality simplified a bit -- Not necessarily two-dimensional, of course, but on a clearer path than her current personality, which fits in a lot of different attributes without a ton of instances to back it up. All of the characters have problems, but Kagura is sitting pretty on a performing arts job in the middle of not-Edo Japan, so it's difficult to see why she'd walk away from this to travel with a bunch of homeless people, especially considering her troupe is a family she's had all her life that performs something she's trained in all her life. As someone who's traveled with performing circuses I sometimes get a bit nit-picky about the personalities of people accustomed to carnie life, or even travelling performer lives, but I'll let that kinda stuff slide since the settings are so different to the real world. Extra points for the gifs.
I've already PM'd you my opinions, not much else to add.
3x Like
Good luck everyone, it's been a wild ride and I've been honored to create character sheets among all of you; I wish you all the best of luck since I didn't make the cut--
Gowi whispers to Drew
Oh. I made the cut? Good luck to everyone still!
Gowi whispers to Drew
Oh. I made the cut? Good luck to everyone still!
1x Laugh
Snagglepuss89
Member
Seen
2 mos ago
Hah, Gowi can confirm that I hate personality sections (I myself usually don't have it down for the character until the second or third post) because it feels like a lot of telling instead of showing, so I figured that, if anything, would be the major issue. I'll see what I can do to revise it. As for the eyescar- can't say I'm a fan of it, but it's the vibe the facial expression gives off that's absolutely perfect for him.
The religion bit wasn't important and cutting it won't really change much, so yeah that's easy and doable.
As for the third bit- I don't think that would work, but I like the idea and can certainly try and adapt it to the character. The Way of the Wind lends itself much more to a word of mouth sort of teaching (words are wind, after all), that doesn't mean though that it can't have it's own tenants or teachings that can tie into each chapter. Perhaps with a pretext of him dictating his travels to someone in the future rather than writing a book. Or someone else writing the book after having interviewed him. Something like:
'Strive to die happy. Regret breeds fear before death. The scared die breathless.' I had always lived by these words, commited my entire being to them. However, I would be a liar if I said I truly understood them before that day. Watching the mighty Daremo gasping on the ground, scared and desperate- My master was a wise man. I wonder what he had to witness to gain that wisdom. ~ Madanami Hyōryū, Disciple of the Wind
The religion bit wasn't important and cutting it won't really change much, so yeah that's easy and doable.
As for the third bit- I don't think that would work, but I like the idea and can certainly try and adapt it to the character. The Way of the Wind lends itself much more to a word of mouth sort of teaching (words are wind, after all), that doesn't mean though that it can't have it's own tenants or teachings that can tie into each chapter. Perhaps with a pretext of him dictating his travels to someone in the future rather than writing a book. Or someone else writing the book after having interviewed him. Something like:
'Strive to die happy. Regret breeds fear before death. The scared die breathless.' I had always lived by these words, commited my entire being to them. However, I would be a liar if I said I truly understood them before that day. Watching the mighty Daremo gasping on the ground, scared and desperate- My master was a wise man. I wonder what he had to witness to gain that wisdom. ~ Madanami Hyōryū, Disciple of the Wind
1x Like
Quinntessential Entirely too excited.
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7 yrs ago
@DeadBeatWalking - Prepare for more beef. I'm talking fucking slaughterhouse style.
LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane
Member
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26 days ago
@DeadBeatWalking
I am still waiting for a reply on my assessment of your review.
I cannot proceed without discussing the issue further.
I am still waiting for a reply on my assessment of your review.
I cannot proceed without discussing the issue further.
Snagglepuss89
Member
Seen
2 mos ago
Did some editing, I'll go ahead and bold the relevent sections for easy reading. Also: You called him a stringbean but not... you know... a snake. Long and thin. (Also I'm using the asian symbolization of the snake. To quote: which fits him a bit more than the western depictions. Although it's a bit of both really.)
Name
Madanami Hyōryū - Disciple of the Wind
Age
30
Totem
Snake
Appearance
Hyōryū embodies the tall and thin archetype. He has never met a man he had to look up at, and rarely anyone of equal height. Still though, in spite of his shear vertical size the man looks as if a strong breeze could blow him over. The life of a philosopher does not demand great strength, nor can always supply adequate nutrition every day. He wears plain clothes, and aside from his coin purse the only thing he seems to carry with him is a staff as tall as he is. Scars quite clearly made by blades adorn his face, hinting that he has been through one or more violent encounters in his day. This though is the only hint at all at first glance that the man would be anywhere near a fight should one break out.
Personality
Like the wind, Hyōryū's personality embodies his teachings. He is free with his emotions, most of the time going around adversity like a gentle breeze, unbothered and uncaring about the current situation. When that breeze turns into a storm however he lets his anger blow freely over those around him. He follows his own pursuits, the embodiment of a free spirit. Often times this is knowledge, spending the little time he has between traveling and hunting for students to read up on local lore and history. This could also be a curiosity of the taste of the local brandy, or interest in how the local fishermen catch the local breeds of fish. Whatever he has an interest in at the time will inevitably drag him into a new adventure for the day.
The path of least resistance is the path of the wind- and his devotion to this is indistinguishable from laziness. He began following his master in order to leave a life of working hard in a career he didn't want. He has, as a result, found himself happier as an adult than he ever was a child; Firmly cementing his belief in his masters' teachings. This does not mean he never has a desire to lend a hand- and Hyōryū will seek to do anything he desires- but it does mean more often than not he will leave you to chop the firewood while he goes to catch an extra hour of sleep.
Fights for Hyōryū are more often than not a distraction. Local bandit 'guardians' trying to take a fee from him to enter town, samurai who took special exception to his teachings, prison guards trying to stop him from escaping. Years upon years of travel have forced him into fights he would rather avoid altogether, but also honed his skills to the point where making quick work of a thug becomes easier than trying to avoid them. Hyōryū will always choose the easier option.
History
As a child, Hyōryū had always been the willful sort, quicker to ask forgiveness than permission. His parents were merchants with no small amount of wealth, and tried to groom him all his life to either take over their business or find a position even greater. He was an intelligent child, and they dreamed of him becoming a minister for one of the Shoguns, or even one of the daimyō. Having no interest in either of these things, he took every chance he could to escape from his tutors and wander the town until he was caught- and of course punished once again.
One day however he met a new face on one of his excursions, an old man reeking of booze who had quite literally been thrown out of a bar right in front of him. For a moment they sized each other up, before the older one finally spoke:
"You look like a smart kid, would you like to be my student?"
Hyōryū was surprised, but as impulsive and willful as ever. His current studies would lead to a life of boredom, and a change would certainly be welcome. With some hesitation, he answered the man with a nod.
"Ah good, now how much money do you have on you?"
Money? On him? Absolutely none. Sneaking out earned him punishment enough, let alone adding theft on top of it. The man, his eyes glistening with hope, slowly turned sour as realization came over him that he would not be getting anything out of Hyōryū. With a sigh, he picked himself off the ground and dusted off his clothing, ruffling the boy's hair as he began to pass by.
"Fine then, a free lesson; Go where the wind takes you."
A breeze followed the man as he passed by, and with very little hesitation Hyōryū followed after him. Go where the wind takes him? Even a boy as young as he knew how useless that advice was to anyone, far too general and applicable to anything. It was like telling a warrior "Don't die" before going into battle. Still though, there was a... resonance within him. He already did what he wanted in life, if this man could teach him more, maybe how to truly achieve that, then perhaps he would be a more worthwhile teacher than his parents could hire.
They walked with each other until they reached the edge of town, when the man finally turned to regard him once more.
"Look, you don't have any money right? Stop following me, I only take on students with cash."
"I'm not following you, I'm going where the wind takes me."
With a laugh as his only reply, the two began their journey across the continent. A twelve year old boy and a man approaching his fifties- certainly an odd pairing. Studying under his master was nothing like the studying he did back home. Almost every lesson was taught as an experience, wisdom coming in patches over years. When a storm threatened to capsize their boat he was taught of the wind's fury. When a newborn cried in it's mothers arms he was taught of the wind's love and gift of life. Laughing was the wind in your lungs sharing in your happiness, and a gentle breeze along the road was the wind guiding you towards where you truly wanted to be. One day, the wind blew them in separate directions, and Hyōryū took it upon himself to teach others what he had learned from his master.
He lived a comfortable, if often bruised, existence this way, until his most recent student turned out to be the son of the local Shogun. Very displeased upon learning what the rumored "Way of the Wind" was like, he was labeled a conman and thrown in prison to rot away.
Fortunately for him though, the wind blew away from his jail cell, and he chose to follow it to freedom.
Strengths
The Gentle Breeze and the Raging Hurricane - In most combat situations Hyōryū moves fluidly around the battle, his staff affording him great versatility and even greater reach when combined with his already substantial height. When calm he prefers to disarm and disable his opponents, or pass by them and avoid a battle altogether. However, when angered any pretense of the above fades, and fluid motions are replaced with an unrelenting offense. A flurry of attacks from all directions with his staff that carry enough force to shatter bones. Once the Hurricane is unleashed, what Hyōryū wants is for you to die, and he will do everything in his power to achieve that.
A Steady Wind - While unreliable, Hyōryū is level headed in almost any situation. His philosophy grants him a stress-free outlook on life and way of thinking. Decisions are easy to reach when you always choose to do what you want to, and should the wind blow against him he'll simply go with the flow rather than fight the gust.
Tsukishima Travel Guide - Hyōryū has been all over the continent, and though he never stays in one place for long he always tries to learn as much as he can about the area before leaving. It has given him a staggering level of knowledge about the land, and ironically he could probably become one of the best tutors available if he taught anything other than the Way of the Wind
Weaknesses
Where the Wind Goes - Getting Hyōryū to go where you want him to, or need him to, or stopping him from going where you don't want to is nearly an impossible task. Once he has decided to leave for another place it takes the wind itself changing to stop him.
Fickle Breeze - To go along with the above, he is notoriously unreliable. Come up with the perfect plan to take down the bad guys? He could easily change his role halfway through if he feels like it. Or perhaps even follow you halfway across the continent despite totally not being your student just because he feels like it.
Philisophical Couch Potato - While Hyōryū sometimes wants to lend a hand and help out- more often than not he really doesn't want to do any work. Mules are easier to convince than he is when he's feeling lazy, or rather not feeling productive.
Violent Disinterest - He has no desire to kill most people, so in most cases does not. A wounded and shamed enemy can be a very dangerous one indeed, and he has numerous scars to show for why leaving someone alive is a bad idea.
Likes
Sugary Foods
Local Festivals
Small Talk
Storms
Dislikes
Being Indoors
Loud Noise
Self Righteousness
Being Broke
"In ancient Asian folklore, snakes sometimes rewarded humans with gifts of pearls, in general, snakes often appeared as guardians of shrines and treasure and their saliva was thought to create precious the jewels underground. The snake is linked with wisdom and prophecy. Snakes found in a home are even welcomed as good luck and the embodiment of the spirits of the ancestors as protectors, thus they are called protection snakes.
In the Chinese zodiac, people who are born in the Year of the Snake are generally enigmatic but they are also the wisest. Characterized as thinkers and philosophers, they are seen as fond of conversation and intelligent discussion. They do, however, tire quickly of repetitiveness and are not particularly inclined to take advice, although they will listen to it. Although Snake people will examine a situation from many angles, they can also act with speed and determination."
In the Chinese zodiac, people who are born in the Year of the Snake are generally enigmatic but they are also the wisest. Characterized as thinkers and philosophers, they are seen as fond of conversation and intelligent discussion. They do, however, tire quickly of repetitiveness and are not particularly inclined to take advice, although they will listen to it. Although Snake people will examine a situation from many angles, they can also act with speed and determination."
Name
Madanami Hyōryū - Disciple of the Wind
Age
30
Totem
Snake
Appearance
Hyōryū embodies the tall and thin archetype. He has never met a man he had to look up at, and rarely anyone of equal height. Still though, in spite of his shear vertical size the man looks as if a strong breeze could blow him over. The life of a philosopher does not demand great strength, nor can always supply adequate nutrition every day. He wears plain clothes, and aside from his coin purse the only thing he seems to carry with him is a staff as tall as he is. Scars quite clearly made by blades adorn his face, hinting that he has been through one or more violent encounters in his day. This though is the only hint at all at first glance that the man would be anywhere near a fight should one break out.
Personality
Like the wind, Hyōryū's personality embodies his teachings. He is free with his emotions, most of the time going around adversity like a gentle breeze, unbothered and uncaring about the current situation. When that breeze turns into a storm however he lets his anger blow freely over those around him. He follows his own pursuits, the embodiment of a free spirit. Often times this is knowledge, spending the little time he has between traveling and hunting for students to read up on local lore and history. This could also be a curiosity of the taste of the local brandy, or interest in how the local fishermen catch the local breeds of fish. Whatever he has an interest in at the time will inevitably drag him into a new adventure for the day.
The path of least resistance is the path of the wind- and his devotion to this is indistinguishable from laziness. He began following his master in order to leave a life of working hard in a career he didn't want. He has, as a result, found himself happier as an adult than he ever was a child; Firmly cementing his belief in his masters' teachings. This does not mean he never has a desire to lend a hand- and Hyōryū will seek to do anything he desires- but it does mean more often than not he will leave you to chop the firewood while he goes to catch an extra hour of sleep.
Fights for Hyōryū are more often than not a distraction. Local bandit 'guardians' trying to take a fee from him to enter town, samurai who took special exception to his teachings, prison guards trying to stop him from escaping. Years upon years of travel have forced him into fights he would rather avoid altogether, but also honed his skills to the point where making quick work of a thug becomes easier than trying to avoid them. Hyōryū will always choose the easier option.
History
As a child, Hyōryū had always been the willful sort, quicker to ask forgiveness than permission. His parents were merchants with no small amount of wealth, and tried to groom him all his life to either take over their business or find a position even greater. He was an intelligent child, and they dreamed of him becoming a minister for one of the Shoguns, or even one of the daimyō. Having no interest in either of these things, he took every chance he could to escape from his tutors and wander the town until he was caught- and of course punished once again.
One day however he met a new face on one of his excursions, an old man reeking of booze who had quite literally been thrown out of a bar right in front of him. For a moment they sized each other up, before the older one finally spoke:
"You look like a smart kid, would you like to be my student?"
Hyōryū was surprised, but as impulsive and willful as ever. His current studies would lead to a life of boredom, and a change would certainly be welcome. With some hesitation, he answered the man with a nod.
"Ah good, now how much money do you have on you?"
Money? On him? Absolutely none. Sneaking out earned him punishment enough, let alone adding theft on top of it. The man, his eyes glistening with hope, slowly turned sour as realization came over him that he would not be getting anything out of Hyōryū. With a sigh, he picked himself off the ground and dusted off his clothing, ruffling the boy's hair as he began to pass by.
"Fine then, a free lesson; Go where the wind takes you."
A breeze followed the man as he passed by, and with very little hesitation Hyōryū followed after him. Go where the wind takes him? Even a boy as young as he knew how useless that advice was to anyone, far too general and applicable to anything. It was like telling a warrior "Don't die" before going into battle. Still though, there was a... resonance within him. He already did what he wanted in life, if this man could teach him more, maybe how to truly achieve that, then perhaps he would be a more worthwhile teacher than his parents could hire.
They walked with each other until they reached the edge of town, when the man finally turned to regard him once more.
"Look, you don't have any money right? Stop following me, I only take on students with cash."
"I'm not following you, I'm going where the wind takes me."
With a laugh as his only reply, the two began their journey across the continent. A twelve year old boy and a man approaching his fifties- certainly an odd pairing. Studying under his master was nothing like the studying he did back home. Almost every lesson was taught as an experience, wisdom coming in patches over years. When a storm threatened to capsize their boat he was taught of the wind's fury. When a newborn cried in it's mothers arms he was taught of the wind's love and gift of life. Laughing was the wind in your lungs sharing in your happiness, and a gentle breeze along the road was the wind guiding you towards where you truly wanted to be. One day, the wind blew them in separate directions, and Hyōryū took it upon himself to teach others what he had learned from his master.
He lived a comfortable, if often bruised, existence this way, until his most recent student turned out to be the son of the local Shogun. Very displeased upon learning what the rumored "Way of the Wind" was like, he was labeled a conman and thrown in prison to rot away.
Fortunately for him though, the wind blew away from his jail cell, and he chose to follow it to freedom.
Strengths
The Gentle Breeze and the Raging Hurricane - In most combat situations Hyōryū moves fluidly around the battle, his staff affording him great versatility and even greater reach when combined with his already substantial height. When calm he prefers to disarm and disable his opponents, or pass by them and avoid a battle altogether. However, when angered any pretense of the above fades, and fluid motions are replaced with an unrelenting offense. A flurry of attacks from all directions with his staff that carry enough force to shatter bones. Once the Hurricane is unleashed, what Hyōryū wants is for you to die, and he will do everything in his power to achieve that.
A Steady Wind - While unreliable, Hyōryū is level headed in almost any situation. His philosophy grants him a stress-free outlook on life and way of thinking. Decisions are easy to reach when you always choose to do what you want to, and should the wind blow against him he'll simply go with the flow rather than fight the gust.
Tsukishima Travel Guide - Hyōryū has been all over the continent, and though he never stays in one place for long he always tries to learn as much as he can about the area before leaving. It has given him a staggering level of knowledge about the land, and ironically he could probably become one of the best tutors available if he taught anything other than the Way of the Wind
Weaknesses
Where the Wind Goes - Getting Hyōryū to go where you want him to, or need him to, or stopping him from going where you don't want to is nearly an impossible task. Once he has decided to leave for another place it takes the wind itself changing to stop him.
Fickle Breeze - To go along with the above, he is notoriously unreliable. Come up with the perfect plan to take down the bad guys? He could easily change his role halfway through if he feels like it. Or perhaps even follow you halfway across the continent despite totally not being your student just because he feels like it.
Philisophical Couch Potato - While Hyōryū sometimes wants to lend a hand and help out- more often than not he really doesn't want to do any work. Mules are easier to convince than he is when he's feeling lazy, or rather not feeling productive.
Violent Disinterest - He has no desire to kill most people, so in most cases does not. A wounded and shamed enemy can be a very dangerous one indeed, and he has numerous scars to show for why leaving someone alive is a bad idea.
Likes
Sugary Foods
Local Festivals
Small Talk
Storms
Dislikes
Being Indoors
Loud Noise
Self Righteousness
Being Broke
1x Thank
LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane
Member
Seen
26 days ago
And now I wait.
Quinntessential Entirely too excited.
Member
Seen
7 yrs ago
@DeadBeatWalking - I've gotten about half of this written. I'll keep writing for you tomorrow. Should have something up in the morning hours, PST. Thanks!
LeeRoy LeeRoy Brightmane
Member
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26 days ago
Hyōryū embodies the tall and thin archetype. He has never met a man shorter than him, and rarely anyone of equal height.
Think you got a tad mixed there.
Snagglepuss89
Member
Seen
2 mos ago
I had to read that about ten times to find the mistake, it looks so natural.
Quinntessential Entirely too excited.
Member
Seen
7 yrs ago
@DeadBeatWalking - Redid the profile. Added some photos. Hope this is good! On the topic of her age - I was assuming 5-6 years of service, having come of age at 15 (normal for the time). I redid the profile having her be 28, so we'll go from there, but my original idea was 5-6 years a Magistrate after she was considered an adult. I'm cool with playing it either way.
Hakayama Kusai: The Steel Crane
Disgraced Magistrate and Duelist
Age:
Twenty eight winters.
Totem:
Crane
Appearance
The woman that calls herself Hakayama Kusai would appear, when in her normal attire, as nothing more than a woman of unremarkable looks were it not for the vicious reputation that is attached to said name. The Steel Crane served as a magistrate for nine years, having joined straight out of her coming of age ceremony. A life of service in the name of the Grand Empire has left her looks something to be desired, if one were to ask a matchmaker. She’s very fit (NSFW picture) - beyond what most men would find attractive. Her arms are taught with speed and power. Those few folk who have seen her without a kimono would call her muscular and feel they’ve given an understatement. Her face bears a single scar - the closest she's come to losing her life to a blade in a duel. She favors blue and light blue kimono, enjoying both plain and deeply stylized patterns. Her flair for the dramatic extends to her clothing with her chosen kimono decorated with cherry blossoms and swooping cranes. Her arms are protected by kode - armored sleeves and bracers that tie across her chest to each other. The rest of her armor has long since been discarded in favor of the more mobile kimono that she wears.
Family
Hakayama Clan mon
Each crane represents one of the three major factors of the success of the Hakayama Clan. To the right, looking up to the heavens is the core Shinto beliefs that have brought order to the territory for centuries. To the left, looking to the world, represents the business and finances of the clan - namely the fishing industries that provide so much koku and ryo for development. Lastly, looking over all of the Hakayama, is honor. The Clan prides itself on etiquette and justice.
The Hakayama family is one of the more prominent coastal families on Tsukishima’s Eastern Coast. The small dynasty claims a plot of land that includes all farms and forests between Benten Seido, a small shrine to the Fortune of Romantic Love and Beauty, and Nobuto Toshi, a medium sized fishing and shipping village. The Hakayama clan currently consists of five brothers who rule the few thousand acres of countryside that they control. These Clan Daimyo are the rulers of the Hakayama family. Hakayama Igoe owns Nobuto Toshi exclusively, and one of his local governers is Hakayama Keitsu, Kusai’s father. Most of the Hakayama clan owes their allegiances in similar fashion up the chain to the five Clan Daimyo - very few are blood relatives; Kusai, however, is. Kusai is the granddaughter of Hakayama Igoe. There are at least a dozen other relatives in order of succession, but theoretically, if they were all to die, it would fall to her to become one of the Clan Daimyo. Hakayama Keitsu has a wife, Tsusho, but in his fifty nine years he’s only been able to father one child - Kusai. She has a long list of cousins, uncles, aunts, and relations that bear her name and duty, but like her, to them it’s simply a station. The Hakayama clan is currently estimated to be approximated 600 strong, not including peasant servants. These samurai and courtiers are what people talk about when referring to the Hakayama clan itself.
Personality
Kusai spent her childhood in the loving arms of her father. Since a young age, she showed an aptitude for physical pursuits, having a knack for speed and strength where other girls her age were learning sewing and etiquette. Her father, fairly progressive in his concepts of role and duty, didn’t shy away from raising the young girl as he had planned for a son. He personally oversaw her instruction in the hard sciences - math, calligraphy, history, and law. He brought in many of the students from a Dojo he was a patron for, ensuring that her physical strength and speed had an outlet. On a personal level, he treated her every bit like the son he wished he could have had. He never belittled her gender, but instead took a nurture over nature approach to how she would function in society. When her family held her coming of age ceremony, no announcement of marriage was made - instead, her father proudly proclaimed that she would be joining the Grand Empire’s Magistrates to help bring law and justice to all folk, high or low, across the land. He, of course, made use of some political contacts to get her accepted. Her training was originally supposed to be little more than a formality, with her getting a title and a post, and being shuffled off until someone was found to wed her so she could take her place as a normal woman. Instead, she astonished her superiors with her work ethic, adherence to law, and dedication to learning. She would not let their idea of her become reality. She was going to be a Magistrate. She would carry the Empire’s Will. Originally a very brash girl, time in the Magistrates has tempered her into a cool, calculating instrument of the Empire’s will. She is polite, and observes all forms of etiquette when in polite company. In public she has a very short, curt attitude to the lower classes that bears them no ill will but acknowledges her station as a samurai. With enemies, she is ice cold. Her reputation is built upon this, and it's where the origin of her name comes from. She has a healthy respect for the law of the land, even in exile, but now without the strictures of her office, her hunt for those who wrong her and the people can be pursued without restraint.
History
Strengths
Strength in Honor
Kusai is powerful. She can outdo most men she meets, and has yet to find a woman her equal in the field of physical prowess. Speed and strength come hand in hand for her after nearly a decade of training and practical applications. She works regularly to keep herself in peak physical condition, regularly waking at dawn to run and filling idle time in her day with practice and kata.
Haku Tsuru Kata
Her particular style, known as the Haku Tsuru, emphasizes swift, single motions. It focuses on the iai strike, teaching a philosophy of 'One Sword, One Soul, One Strike'. It is terrifying in single combat, focusing on oppressing the opponent with deliberate, powerful strikes. While the style itself looks static, the motions are completed with a deadly speed and power. Every form in the Kata starts with the katana sheathed. Those who have seen her duel would call her opening stance a moment of Zen before the waves crash upon her opponent. It begins with feet spaced evenly, facing the opponent with her left hand holding the saya of her katana (blade up) and the other palm up and knuckles resting on its hilt as if inviting an offer of peace before the violence of the blade held beneath is drawn. When the strike occurs, few perceive all the motions as they happen almost instantly. Her hand flips, fingers settling on the weapon and thumb securing the blade as it’s drawn. She twists her torso to the left and leans forward as the blade is being drawn, shifting the motion to the right as the strike occurs. Her left foot remains planted and both her knees bend before vaulting her body forward while raising her right foot and using it as the plant in her strike. Once the blade clears the saya, her right foot plants in a lunge and her body and arm shift to bring the strike across and up. The motion ends with her sword held almost vertically in one hand it’s blade tilting forward slightly, blade edge facing the sky. The next strike brings her left foot forward and uses her right foot as the plant. Her left hand comes up as her right turns the blade for a downward stroke. Working together, her arms bring the blade down and in as her torso curls forward. The second stroke ends with her left foot leading, and her sword hilt close to her hip and the tip facing straight forward. The initial attack ends with her settling into a drawn stance, blade facing behind her at the ready for an upward strike in a traditional Sha no Kamae. The whole series of actions happens in just a few moments. Changes to the movements are made for opponent’s stance and defense, but the core philosophy of of it remains the same. In the legends of the style’s founding, the first man to use it claims that his first strike severed the body of his opponent from his soul. Standing, blade raised, he realized the purity of his first stroke and delivered the second to put his opponent’s soul to rest. The second strike is always followed through, regardless of if it were needed or no, in honor of the defeated opponent’s soul.
Knowledge in Law
She is very well educated. Her formal upbringing ensured that calligraphy and etiquette were observed and taught. During her time within the Magistrates, she learned the intricacies of Imperial Law. While her memory isn’t perfect, it is an obscure law indeed that she cannot recall from rote.
Weaknesses
Cold Steel’s BiteShe's been called heartless, cold, and ruthless - all of those descriptions are unfair. She has emotions and cares for people, but knows that duty comes first. She has severe trust issues, and is very long to trust anyone beyond politeness. This detachment is as much her own doing as it is a product of her work. She’s trusted very few people in her life, and a majority of them have hurt or betrayed her.
Justice’s Unerring CourseOnce her mind is set on an outcome, she will pursue it. Her stubbornness comes through in almost every aspect of her life. If something prevents her from completing her morning workout, she will spend the rest of the day sour at the cause of her distraction. It’s difficult for her to see the value in other people’s ideas if she’s come up with one first. Her plan is, naturally, the best one.
Striking DistanceShe is not afraid to punish insolence with pain. While she isn’t one to kill someone for a minor threat, she has no problem escalating to a point that deters retribution. Someone shoving her, for example, may find their arm locked tightly and painfully. A knife drawn against her will usually end with a crippling strike from her katana. An opponent cannot hold a knife without a hand. In mortal combat, she will not relent once her sword is drawn. Surrender is only an option before it leaves it’s saya.
Respect and DutyShe refuses to start a fight or hinder law enforcement. The only exception is if they try to kill her, and even then, she will do her best to spare their lives (an exception to her normal bloodthirstiness). She chose the life of a wandering ronin. Unless corruption is present, she expects various magistrates and law-keepers to give her trouble and she willingly endures it as a penance for her failure.
Likes
She enjoys many things - most are holdovers from her time in court. Fine sake, plum wine, well made sushi. Beyond the luxurious, she finds the natural beauty of the forest something she can comfortably enjoy at any time. It seems at odds with someone so connected to travel, but she very much enjoys the rain. The sound, the feeling of it on her, the smell of it - a good spring rain will make her stop and simply enjoy the gift of water. While rain has a calming effect on her, storms tend to work her up. Some of her most intense workouts happen with the kami of thunder and lightning dancing in the skies above. She finds that she has excess energy in such times, needing to do something or needing to fidget while a storm rages around her.
Dislikes
Aside from the obvious elements of lawlessness, spiders absolutely make her skin crawl. She will go out of her way to dispatch them if seen. While she hails from a coastal city, the ocean holds no special place in her heart. While it may be pretty to look at, she’s well aware of its destructive capabilities and the amount of extra work that must be put in to live on its shores. Poetry is also lost on her. It is a rare haiku that makes her search her soul. She tends to see such pursuits as self serving and arrogant - that your words hold such meaning as to touch the hearts of others.
Theme
A bit of flavor for her!
Hakayama Kusai: The Steel Crane
Disgraced Magistrate and Duelist
Age:
Twenty eight winters.
Totem:
Crane
Appearance
The woman that calls herself Hakayama Kusai would appear, when in her normal attire, as nothing more than a woman of unremarkable looks were it not for the vicious reputation that is attached to said name. The Steel Crane served as a magistrate for nine years, having joined straight out of her coming of age ceremony. A life of service in the name of the Grand Empire has left her looks something to be desired, if one were to ask a matchmaker. She’s very fit (NSFW picture) - beyond what most men would find attractive. Her arms are taught with speed and power. Those few folk who have seen her without a kimono would call her muscular and feel they’ve given an understatement. Her face bears a single scar - the closest she's come to losing her life to a blade in a duel. She favors blue and light blue kimono, enjoying both plain and deeply stylized patterns. Her flair for the dramatic extends to her clothing with her chosen kimono decorated with cherry blossoms and swooping cranes. Her arms are protected by kode - armored sleeves and bracers that tie across her chest to each other. The rest of her armor has long since been discarded in favor of the more mobile kimono that she wears.
Family
Hakayama Clan mon
Each crane represents one of the three major factors of the success of the Hakayama Clan. To the right, looking up to the heavens is the core Shinto beliefs that have brought order to the territory for centuries. To the left, looking to the world, represents the business and finances of the clan - namely the fishing industries that provide so much koku and ryo for development. Lastly, looking over all of the Hakayama, is honor. The Clan prides itself on etiquette and justice.
The Hakayama family is one of the more prominent coastal families on Tsukishima’s Eastern Coast. The small dynasty claims a plot of land that includes all farms and forests between Benten Seido, a small shrine to the Fortune of Romantic Love and Beauty, and Nobuto Toshi, a medium sized fishing and shipping village. The Hakayama clan currently consists of five brothers who rule the few thousand acres of countryside that they control. These Clan Daimyo are the rulers of the Hakayama family. Hakayama Igoe owns Nobuto Toshi exclusively, and one of his local governers is Hakayama Keitsu, Kusai’s father. Most of the Hakayama clan owes their allegiances in similar fashion up the chain to the five Clan Daimyo - very few are blood relatives; Kusai, however, is. Kusai is the granddaughter of Hakayama Igoe. There are at least a dozen other relatives in order of succession, but theoretically, if they were all to die, it would fall to her to become one of the Clan Daimyo. Hakayama Keitsu has a wife, Tsusho, but in his fifty nine years he’s only been able to father one child - Kusai. She has a long list of cousins, uncles, aunts, and relations that bear her name and duty, but like her, to them it’s simply a station. The Hakayama clan is currently estimated to be approximated 600 strong, not including peasant servants. These samurai and courtiers are what people talk about when referring to the Hakayama clan itself.
Personality
Kusai spent her childhood in the loving arms of her father. Since a young age, she showed an aptitude for physical pursuits, having a knack for speed and strength where other girls her age were learning sewing and etiquette. Her father, fairly progressive in his concepts of role and duty, didn’t shy away from raising the young girl as he had planned for a son. He personally oversaw her instruction in the hard sciences - math, calligraphy, history, and law. He brought in many of the students from a Dojo he was a patron for, ensuring that her physical strength and speed had an outlet. On a personal level, he treated her every bit like the son he wished he could have had. He never belittled her gender, but instead took a nurture over nature approach to how she would function in society. When her family held her coming of age ceremony, no announcement of marriage was made - instead, her father proudly proclaimed that she would be joining the Grand Empire’s Magistrates to help bring law and justice to all folk, high or low, across the land. He, of course, made use of some political contacts to get her accepted. Her training was originally supposed to be little more than a formality, with her getting a title and a post, and being shuffled off until someone was found to wed her so she could take her place as a normal woman. Instead, she astonished her superiors with her work ethic, adherence to law, and dedication to learning. She would not let their idea of her become reality. She was going to be a Magistrate. She would carry the Empire’s Will. Originally a very brash girl, time in the Magistrates has tempered her into a cool, calculating instrument of the Empire’s will. She is polite, and observes all forms of etiquette when in polite company. In public she has a very short, curt attitude to the lower classes that bears them no ill will but acknowledges her station as a samurai. With enemies, she is ice cold. Her reputation is built upon this, and it's where the origin of her name comes from. She has a healthy respect for the law of the land, even in exile, but now without the strictures of her office, her hunt for those who wrong her and the people can be pursued without restraint.
History
As a Magistrate, a young Kusai ran into a few obstacles first off. Within two months of joining the Imperial Magistrates, she knew that they weren’t going to treat her the same as her comrades. She fought hard against the system, proving that she had what it took to be respected. Made it clear to her commanders quickly that she wasn’t going to be pushed around. Over her nine year career, she’s fought one hundred and twenty sanctioned seven duels. She’s won one hundred and fifteen of them. She keeps these events on a scroll - each duel, each opponent, is remembered in the parchment and ink. Victories state only a name and a date. Defeats feature a breakdown of how she lost and why. Aside from her sanctioned duels, she’s done more work to apprehend criminals within her jurisdiction than any other magistrate.
For the majority of her career, she was in charge of policing three smallish trading towns within a few days walk of each other. The largest, Kanishi no Saiken, is host to over five thousand villagers and peasants. The next largest, a farming village named O-kome Mura, sees a large portion of its income generated by processing and shipping rice across the province. O-kome Mura is home to roughly two thousand, most living outside of the city limits on farms. The last is Amai Mizu Yashiki - a small rest stop on the road south along the coast. The village only has about six hundred residents, but the town has a beautiful setting on the cliffs near the ocean and many travellers come through to stay at it’s luxurious inns. Those who live near her know that her case will be tried fairly, though often to the exact letter of the law. She has shown herself cold to lawbreakers, even in cases where a different Magistrate would show leniency. Tales of woe and hardship have never and will never sway her from a just decision. While initially, this was seen as overly harsh and totalitarian, the three towns she was in charge of overseeing saw a dramatic decrease in serious crime. Many gangs have tried to set up in her lands, only to find themselves suffering losses to her sword and having their ill-traded goods seized and destroyed.
Kanishi no Saiken regularly had trouble with gangs. Yakuza gambling dens were common and even such serious crimes as human trafficking were done through greased palms and hidden movements. Her first major operation was dismantling a human trafficking ring that was taking women, girls, and boys from nearby villages and shipping them out with the riverboats. It very nearly killed her, but after three months of hard work and a few well planned raids, the Yakuza were removed from the town. For a year, Kusai dealt with hired killers and assassination attempts, once nearly dying to a poisoning. The Yakuza moved back in while she was recovering, only to find her still tracking them through yoriki and other magistrates. That action earned her the nickname that she’s adopted - the Steel Crane. When not dealing with unruly Yakuza and vicious gangs, she's generally seen as an arbiter of the peace. She spent most of her time clearing up disputes between one party or another, helping travelers settle grievances and injuries, and keeping the roads safe for all people to travel. Bandit raiders and ronin mercenaries made her life difficult, but they posed less of a threat than the Yakuza in her mind. At least she could organize a levy to fight off a bandit horde - the Yakuza were insidious in their implantation into society. All of these actions helped her reputation grow. Magistrates and criminals alike know that the Steel Crane is someone to be respected.
Two years ago, she became a victim of her own success. Word of her talent reached the Heishien Clan, a small family working to expand their lands. Her three villages made up the majority of the clan’s holdings. Heishien Toruko, the clan’s Matriarch, found herself drawn to the magistrate for her constant rebuke of standard roles. She sought no husband or title beyond her office, and on the occasion that a man would extend a proposal, she would politely but firmly refuse. Sensing a bit of a kindred spirit within Kusai and called her into her court. There she informed the Magistrate that she was going to be shifting her focus. The Matriarch explained that a number of her opponents in court had turned to unsavory and illegal practices to help supplant her Clan’s power and claims. With a writ from Kusai’s superior, Toruko had effectively gone around the young magistrate and drawn her into her family’s court politics. Kusai was furious, but refused to let her new superior see that. She accepted her new position with every bit of courtesy that the ‘promotion’ required. Once in court, she found herself in a very new, very dangerous world. She struggled at first while working with the Heishien family, mainly because of her inexperience with the game Courtiers played behind fans and letters. She found evidence of criminal behavior but could never plant the crime to a name. The Politicians that surrounded her were duplicitous and corrupt, but she could do little to stop them as it stood. Not one to be defeated, she learned to adapt. Her prowess as a duelist came to it’s own in this theater. There were hundreds of ways to offend someone, to push them to brash action, but in the end a duel could always solve the issue for good. From the Heishien clan, she learned politics and intrigue - the ability to interpret the law to benefit one side over another. Her morals shifted, but never collapsed entirely. Her doom came when, without her permission, Toruko started working to arrange a marriage between Kusai and her son, Nanaki. When Kusai found out, she made the mistake of letting her displeasure known. Her enemies in court jumped on the opportunity, and for nearly a month, the scandal was all that the courts were gossiping about. Worse than that, Nanaki was a slug of a man, with little care for the world or it’s inhabitants beyond himself. Kusai found him repulsive and she let him know her feelings regularly. In the end, their rivalry doomed them both. Heishien Nanaki became so furious with Kusai’s refusals of him that he made the boldest claim he could. On the advice of his adversaries, he declared that he would beat Hakayama Kusai in a duel to seal the marriage. Kusai knew he couldn’t beat her, but it also meant that such a public loss would destroy every bit of political clout she’d been working to establish with the Heishien clan. Their heir would appear weak and foolish and none of the other clans would see them as equal partners in business or politics. Kusai knew also that being wed to Nanaki would remove her from the Magistrates. Her duty would be as a wife and mother - responsible for providing Nanaki with heirs to carry on his family name. Toruko begged her to accept the duel and lose - to ensure the safety and strength of the Heishien clan. Instead, Kusai ran. She never showed up to court on the day the duel was announced. She left without a word and became a traveller ever since.
On the road life was not simple. Without the backing of the Magistrates, she realized her history with various gangs and criminals would mean constant threats and attempts on her life. With Heishien Nanaki’s pride wounded so, she knew that he’d do what he could to secure his ‘trophy wife’. The politics behind the marriage were hard to get around, but he would need a wife soon. She had faith in Toruko to find a new bride for her son while she was in exile. Once he was married, she could return without worrying about having to be betrothed to a married man. The worse disgrace was for her family. She abandoned her duty to the magistrates and very likely ended her chances of being a part of her family in any meaningful way. She hasn’t spoken to her father since she fled. There are some things that even a fearless swordswoman is too afraid to do. Instead, she travels. Recent troubles have kept her more wary, knowing that soldiers and magistrates could be anywhere. If the rumors of their corruption were true, she would kill them. She would not stand for tyrannical oppression under the guise of legal protection.
Strengths
Strength in Honor
Kusai is powerful. She can outdo most men she meets, and has yet to find a woman her equal in the field of physical prowess. Speed and strength come hand in hand for her after nearly a decade of training and practical applications. She works regularly to keep herself in peak physical condition, regularly waking at dawn to run and filling idle time in her day with practice and kata.
Haku Tsuru Kata
Her particular style, known as the Haku Tsuru, emphasizes swift, single motions. It focuses on the iai strike, teaching a philosophy of 'One Sword, One Soul, One Strike'. It is terrifying in single combat, focusing on oppressing the opponent with deliberate, powerful strikes. While the style itself looks static, the motions are completed with a deadly speed and power. Every form in the Kata starts with the katana sheathed. Those who have seen her duel would call her opening stance a moment of Zen before the waves crash upon her opponent. It begins with feet spaced evenly, facing the opponent with her left hand holding the saya of her katana (blade up) and the other palm up and knuckles resting on its hilt as if inviting an offer of peace before the violence of the blade held beneath is drawn. When the strike occurs, few perceive all the motions as they happen almost instantly. Her hand flips, fingers settling on the weapon and thumb securing the blade as it’s drawn. She twists her torso to the left and leans forward as the blade is being drawn, shifting the motion to the right as the strike occurs. Her left foot remains planted and both her knees bend before vaulting her body forward while raising her right foot and using it as the plant in her strike. Once the blade clears the saya, her right foot plants in a lunge and her body and arm shift to bring the strike across and up. The motion ends with her sword held almost vertically in one hand it’s blade tilting forward slightly, blade edge facing the sky. The next strike brings her left foot forward and uses her right foot as the plant. Her left hand comes up as her right turns the blade for a downward stroke. Working together, her arms bring the blade down and in as her torso curls forward. The second stroke ends with her left foot leading, and her sword hilt close to her hip and the tip facing straight forward. The initial attack ends with her settling into a drawn stance, blade facing behind her at the ready for an upward strike in a traditional Sha no Kamae. The whole series of actions happens in just a few moments. Changes to the movements are made for opponent’s stance and defense, but the core philosophy of of it remains the same. In the legends of the style’s founding, the first man to use it claims that his first strike severed the body of his opponent from his soul. Standing, blade raised, he realized the purity of his first stroke and delivered the second to put his opponent’s soul to rest. The second strike is always followed through, regardless of if it were needed or no, in honor of the defeated opponent’s soul.
Knowledge in Law
She is very well educated. Her formal upbringing ensured that calligraphy and etiquette were observed and taught. During her time within the Magistrates, she learned the intricacies of Imperial Law. While her memory isn’t perfect, it is an obscure law indeed that she cannot recall from rote.
Weaknesses
Cold Steel’s BiteShe's been called heartless, cold, and ruthless - all of those descriptions are unfair. She has emotions and cares for people, but knows that duty comes first. She has severe trust issues, and is very long to trust anyone beyond politeness. This detachment is as much her own doing as it is a product of her work. She’s trusted very few people in her life, and a majority of them have hurt or betrayed her.
Justice’s Unerring CourseOnce her mind is set on an outcome, she will pursue it. Her stubbornness comes through in almost every aspect of her life. If something prevents her from completing her morning workout, she will spend the rest of the day sour at the cause of her distraction. It’s difficult for her to see the value in other people’s ideas if she’s come up with one first. Her plan is, naturally, the best one.
Striking DistanceShe is not afraid to punish insolence with pain. While she isn’t one to kill someone for a minor threat, she has no problem escalating to a point that deters retribution. Someone shoving her, for example, may find their arm locked tightly and painfully. A knife drawn against her will usually end with a crippling strike from her katana. An opponent cannot hold a knife without a hand. In mortal combat, she will not relent once her sword is drawn. Surrender is only an option before it leaves it’s saya.
Respect and DutyShe refuses to start a fight or hinder law enforcement. The only exception is if they try to kill her, and even then, she will do her best to spare their lives (an exception to her normal bloodthirstiness). She chose the life of a wandering ronin. Unless corruption is present, she expects various magistrates and law-keepers to give her trouble and she willingly endures it as a penance for her failure.
Likes
She enjoys many things - most are holdovers from her time in court. Fine sake, plum wine, well made sushi. Beyond the luxurious, she finds the natural beauty of the forest something she can comfortably enjoy at any time. It seems at odds with someone so connected to travel, but she very much enjoys the rain. The sound, the feeling of it on her, the smell of it - a good spring rain will make her stop and simply enjoy the gift of water. While rain has a calming effect on her, storms tend to work her up. Some of her most intense workouts happen with the kami of thunder and lightning dancing in the skies above. She finds that she has excess energy in such times, needing to do something or needing to fidget while a storm rages around her.
Dislikes
Aside from the obvious elements of lawlessness, spiders absolutely make her skin crawl. She will go out of her way to dispatch them if seen. While she hails from a coastal city, the ocean holds no special place in her heart. While it may be pretty to look at, she’s well aware of its destructive capabilities and the amount of extra work that must be put in to live on its shores. Poetry is also lost on her. It is a rare haiku that makes her search her soul. She tends to see such pursuits as self serving and arrogant - that your words hold such meaning as to touch the hearts of others.
Theme
A bit of flavor for her!
1x Thank
Redrum Cowboy Killer
Member
Seen
18 days ago
Sorry for the delay, here's my final edit.
Name
Koyama Usagi
The Small Mountain Rabbit
Age
14
Totem
Weasel
Appearance
Wide eyed and baby faced, Usagi's small and lithe form stands below the average height for a girl her age. Often assumed to be much younger than she actually is, she's come to use this casual assumption to her advantage and often plays the innocent child role to those oblivious to her real persona. Short legs and great distances don't always combine great, but Usagi walks with a skip in her step, displaying confidence in her straight posture and brisk speed. With little money to buy new clothes or shoes, Usagi travels barefoot and wears a worn blue kimono that is much too small for her size, as the hem sits just past her knees. Tied up in a ponytail with a plain black ribbon, her dark brown hair is long and unkept besides neatly trimmed and cut bangs. Kept tied up and out of the way, Usagi hasn't put a brush to her hair in years and has no intention to do so anytime soon.
Personality
With an innocent appearance ones first impression of Usagi is often the assumption that she's nothing more than a harmless child. However, this is but one of the many faces and roles she has learned to put up in front of others. With a keen eye for observation and reading other, Usagi has learned to use her natural talent and manipulative skills in lying and conning to survive. Growing up with no parental figure or responsible role model in her life, Usagi's maturity, social skills and overall understanding of her effect on others and the world around her has been greatly stunted. Respect and honor are words she has no understanding of while she allows herself to be guided by selfish needs, and a fearless curiosity. Keeping others at a distance has shielded her from any serious pain or mental anguish, and Usagi will put up front after front before allowing someone to truly see who she is -- which ultimately is just a lonely child.
While she craves company she fears abandonment, lacking the confidence and trust that another person in her life won't just suddenly leave. This insecurity is deeply and carefully hidden away, and in its place instead is an overconfident facade and an emotionally detached nature that has kept her mentally secure for as long as she can remember. A short and fierce temper is the outcome of all this bottled up anxiety and uncertainty, which is often carelessly followed up by crude and unladylike language. Despite all this Usagi displays knowledge of some mannerism seeing as she can easily charm and manipulate others into assuming otherwise of her. This charm and her knack for lying on the spot has saved her on countless occasions, but having to rely on it for so long has definitely taken its tole on Usagi. Becoming so ingrained within her, this terrible talent has become a compulsive habit that always sneaks it's way into to her conversations, no matter how important or meaningless they may be.
History
With a history clouded in ever changing tall-tales, Usagi is nothing more than a street urchin with a quick wit and a knack for lying. Born a peasant to a mother who died while giving birth, she was more or less raised under the roof of a brothel by her one and only sister. While she was exposed to the lifestyle at a young age, she narrowly avoided getting pulled into the business as her sister somehow found herself a husband and left the brothel altogether. Unable to stay there unless she worked for her room, Usagi was forced onto the street before her early teenage years, but it was here that she was truly able to grow and find her independence. Through the gullibility and manipulation of others, Usagi survived in an almost comfortable struggle as she learned to impulsively lie and manipulate others. The artistic and culturally rich atmosphere of the village attracted many travelers and tourist, and with them came money and their naive sympathy. This was a effortless method, but this act only lasted for so long as the occupying Imperial Soldiers weren't so quick to be fooled.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Likes
- Food.
- Cats and Dogs.
- Music & Poetry.
- Swords.
- Drama.
Dislikes
- Being Touched.
- Water.
- Sweets.
- Being looked down upon.
Theme
Theme.
To be honest, I actually had a hard time thinking about other skills for Usagi so I went ahead with a few of your suggestions. I'm really disappointed that I hit such a block with this character, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that I make the cut. Overall, it was fun just to make a character in this type of setting so thank you for that experience anyway!
Name
Koyama Usagi
The Small Mountain Rabbit
Age
14
Totem
Weasel
Appearance
Wide eyed and baby faced, Usagi's small and lithe form stands below the average height for a girl her age. Often assumed to be much younger than she actually is, she's come to use this casual assumption to her advantage and often plays the innocent child role to those oblivious to her real persona. Short legs and great distances don't always combine great, but Usagi walks with a skip in her step, displaying confidence in her straight posture and brisk speed. With little money to buy new clothes or shoes, Usagi travels barefoot and wears a worn blue kimono that is much too small for her size, as the hem sits just past her knees. Tied up in a ponytail with a plain black ribbon, her dark brown hair is long and unkept besides neatly trimmed and cut bangs. Kept tied up and out of the way, Usagi hasn't put a brush to her hair in years and has no intention to do so anytime soon.
Personality
With an innocent appearance ones first impression of Usagi is often the assumption that she's nothing more than a harmless child. However, this is but one of the many faces and roles she has learned to put up in front of others. With a keen eye for observation and reading other, Usagi has learned to use her natural talent and manipulative skills in lying and conning to survive. Growing up with no parental figure or responsible role model in her life, Usagi's maturity, social skills and overall understanding of her effect on others and the world around her has been greatly stunted. Respect and honor are words she has no understanding of while she allows herself to be guided by selfish needs, and a fearless curiosity. Keeping others at a distance has shielded her from any serious pain or mental anguish, and Usagi will put up front after front before allowing someone to truly see who she is -- which ultimately is just a lonely child.
While she craves company she fears abandonment, lacking the confidence and trust that another person in her life won't just suddenly leave. This insecurity is deeply and carefully hidden away, and in its place instead is an overconfident facade and an emotionally detached nature that has kept her mentally secure for as long as she can remember. A short and fierce temper is the outcome of all this bottled up anxiety and uncertainty, which is often carelessly followed up by crude and unladylike language. Despite all this Usagi displays knowledge of some mannerism seeing as she can easily charm and manipulate others into assuming otherwise of her. This charm and her knack for lying on the spot has saved her on countless occasions, but having to rely on it for so long has definitely taken its tole on Usagi. Becoming so ingrained within her, this terrible talent has become a compulsive habit that always sneaks it's way into to her conversations, no matter how important or meaningless they may be.
History
With a history clouded in ever changing tall-tales, Usagi is nothing more than a street urchin with a quick wit and a knack for lying. Born a peasant to a mother who died while giving birth, she was more or less raised under the roof of a brothel by her one and only sister. While she was exposed to the lifestyle at a young age, she narrowly avoided getting pulled into the business as her sister somehow found herself a husband and left the brothel altogether. Unable to stay there unless she worked for her room, Usagi was forced onto the street before her early teenage years, but it was here that she was truly able to grow and find her independence. Through the gullibility and manipulation of others, Usagi survived in an almost comfortable struggle as she learned to impulsively lie and manipulate others. The artistic and culturally rich atmosphere of the village attracted many travelers and tourist, and with them came money and their naive sympathy. This was a effortless method, but this act only lasted for so long as the occupying Imperial Soldiers weren't so quick to be fooled.
Strengths
Eye Spy.
With nothing to do but people watch all day Usagi has trained herself in the skill of observation. From their actions to their clothes, reading others is her specialty, and depending on personality Usagi is capable of playing any kind of role that will trigger that persons empathy and sympathy. Years of practice has allowed her to use this craft for not only money's sake, but all around survival, and one of her favorite methods for this hardened talent is often played off as a 'psychic' ability. Fortunately -- or rather, unfortunately for her, this method has only failed Usagi once.
Silver Tongue.
Capable of reading others, Usagi packs on this skill with her shameless talent for tall-tales and manipulation. While typically going for the more naive who easily buy into her schemes or pitiful roles, her quick wit and careful choice of words allow her to give off a charm that could sucker just about anyone up. Coming in handy for both tricky and troubling situations, this skill has become an almost uncontrollable habit for Usagi, however.
Can't Catch Me!
Despite her short stature, Usagi is fast and agile. Years worth of evading the law and getting out of trouble has trained her to use her height and her surroundings to her advantage. Be it squeezing her way through tight passages, or finding unorthodox openings to sneak through, Usagi is as slippery as a weasel and almost always finds a way to get out of trouble.
Sleight of Hand
While she may not have been close with her sister or the other women of the brothel, Usagi did pick up their knack for gambling and cheating. A hardened poker face and on point observation skills allow her to keep up with the best, however Usagi has won her fair share of games due to slipping a card into her hand or using a weighted dice.
General Labor
Growing up in the a Usagi was put to work as soon as she could talk and walk. Keeping the hallways and rooms clean, she learned how to sew clothes and cook food for the women and their customer. These experiences thankfully stuck and followed her onto the street, allowing Usagi to turn to odd jobs or general labor for the sake of spare change and a means to get by.
With nothing to do but people watch all day Usagi has trained herself in the skill of observation. From their actions to their clothes, reading others is her specialty, and depending on personality Usagi is capable of playing any kind of role that will trigger that persons empathy and sympathy. Years of practice has allowed her to use this craft for not only money's sake, but all around survival, and one of her favorite methods for this hardened talent is often played off as a 'psychic' ability. Fortunately -- or rather, unfortunately for her, this method has only failed Usagi once.
Silver Tongue.
Capable of reading others, Usagi packs on this skill with her shameless talent for tall-tales and manipulation. While typically going for the more naive who easily buy into her schemes or pitiful roles, her quick wit and careful choice of words allow her to give off a charm that could sucker just about anyone up. Coming in handy for both tricky and troubling situations, this skill has become an almost uncontrollable habit for Usagi, however.
Can't Catch Me!
Despite her short stature, Usagi is fast and agile. Years worth of evading the law and getting out of trouble has trained her to use her height and her surroundings to her advantage. Be it squeezing her way through tight passages, or finding unorthodox openings to sneak through, Usagi is as slippery as a weasel and almost always finds a way to get out of trouble.
Sleight of Hand
While she may not have been close with her sister or the other women of the brothel, Usagi did pick up their knack for gambling and cheating. A hardened poker face and on point observation skills allow her to keep up with the best, however Usagi has won her fair share of games due to slipping a card into her hand or using a weighted dice.
General Labor
Growing up in the a Usagi was put to work as soon as she could talk and walk. Keeping the hallways and rooms clean, she learned how to sew clothes and cook food for the women and their customer. These experiences thankfully stuck and followed her onto the street, allowing Usagi to turn to odd jobs or general labor for the sake of spare change and a means to get by.
Weaknesses
Short Fused.
Undoubtedly an angry child, Usagi's temper is by far her most visible fault. Maintaining it during her schemes is a task all on its own, but to be belittled for her lack of education, family, or status is truly the bane of Usagi's existence. It also doesn't help that she has little patience for those who are quick to underestimate her, often going as far as to act vindictively just to prove herself to them.
All Bark And A Terrible Excuse For A Bite.
With no respect for authority, or much of anyone, Usagi will speak her mind no matter the person or situation. Capable of giving anyone an earful of vulgar insults, her small and thin figure can't stand up to the power of an oncoming fist or blade. Her foul mouth and attitude has earned her a handful of well earned beatings and hits, but every failure for Usagi is just another lesson and opportunity to get better at her evasion and getaways.
Sink Like A Stone.
At no point in her life has Usagi ever been taught to swim, and as she's aged she's found herself growing more and more fearful of water -- shallow or not. Any attempts at teaching herself has turned into effortless and terrified flailing. Deciding to avoid open bodies of water after failing countless times, she's made a personal promise to stay off of boats and away from the ocean and water altogether.
Undoubtedly an angry child, Usagi's temper is by far her most visible fault. Maintaining it during her schemes is a task all on its own, but to be belittled for her lack of education, family, or status is truly the bane of Usagi's existence. It also doesn't help that she has little patience for those who are quick to underestimate her, often going as far as to act vindictively just to prove herself to them.
All Bark And A Terrible Excuse For A Bite.
With no respect for authority, or much of anyone, Usagi will speak her mind no matter the person or situation. Capable of giving anyone an earful of vulgar insults, her small and thin figure can't stand up to the power of an oncoming fist or blade. Her foul mouth and attitude has earned her a handful of well earned beatings and hits, but every failure for Usagi is just another lesson and opportunity to get better at her evasion and getaways.
Sink Like A Stone.
At no point in her life has Usagi ever been taught to swim, and as she's aged she's found herself growing more and more fearful of water -- shallow or not. Any attempts at teaching herself has turned into effortless and terrified flailing. Deciding to avoid open bodies of water after failing countless times, she's made a personal promise to stay off of boats and away from the ocean and water altogether.
Likes
- Food.
- Cats and Dogs.
- Music & Poetry.
- Swords.
- Drama.
Dislikes
- Being Touched.
- Water.
- Sweets.
- Being looked down upon.
Theme
Theme.
To be honest, I actually had a hard time thinking about other skills for Usagi so I went ahead with a few of your suggestions. I'm really disappointed that I hit such a block with this character, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that I make the cut. Overall, it was fun just to make a character in this type of setting so thank you for that experience anyway!
Matsuri procrastination station
Member
Seen
10 mos ago
Fixed up Kagura's personality a bit and history completely. Hope this red head makes it in!
:Name:
Akino Kagura
:Age:
25
:Totem:
Peacock
:Appearance:
Kagura is quite the striking individual, looks and personality wise. She's been called names often associated with the word red (or anything similar of the sort) for as long as she can remember; having a head of wavy crimson hair and amber eyes doesn't help when you're trying to blend into a crowd. Her lithe and tall build come as a surprise to many, as she stands a head or a half taller than the average woman. If it weren't for the kimono, Kagura could be mistaken for a feminine featured man any day. But despite her outwardly appearances, she has a very strong and flexible body, her years training as a dancer under her siblings paying off quite well. Kagura doesn't wear much else other than her simplistic dark grey kimono with red lining on the bottom of the sleeves and the kimono itself. She often wears a hooded cloak too, though it's noticeably thin due to her inability to stand hot weather.
:Personality:
Just like the hair on her head, Kagura is a passionate and confident individual, unafraid to speak her mind whenever. Brutally honest to the core, she doesn't know how to sugarcoat her words, so if it's a truthful opinion you want it's a truthful opinion you'll get. She'll be quick to point out flaws, and won't hesitate to voice them. If you need improving, Kagura will tell you to fix up right then and here.
While perhaps a bit outspoken and curious, Kagura is actually quite laid back and easygoing person, an indirect helper of sorts. She likes her quiet times as much as her fun and loud times, and she likes her daytime napping as much as her forest adventuring. But while at times Kagura can be as calm and level headed as any other mature twenty-five year old, once you get the hype and excitement pumping through her veins, the relaxed woman persona goes flying out of the window. She's adventurous and mostly carefree with a thirst for discovering new things, but with an attitude like that it's not surprising to interpret her as terribly reckless. And in a sense, she is. Being chased by a bear in a thick forest? Kagura will still be smiling while most likely shitting her pants out of fear and excitement in the process.
Kagura likes to think she's strong. Kagura wants people to see her as strong. She doesn't always ask for help, and crying in front of people is a definite no no. She'll rarely complain about anything, and she hates it when her emotions get the better of her. When people make big sacrifices, she's deeply touched, and when she's experiencing the aftermath of a raging rampage she's deeply regretful. She doesn't want to be blinded by emotions, nor does she want to burden anyone again; Kagura knows it will lead to bad consequences again, so if she keeps her true emotions to herself then perhaps everything and everyone will be absolutely fine. For someone who's truthful to everyone, Kagura's the biggest liar to herself.
:History:
For as long as she could remember, Kagura had been travelling. Never staying in one place for too long and no place to seemingly call home, ever since the day she could walk she had always been walking, not once looking back. From one place to another, Kagura had travelled great lengths alongside her mother; a dancer and former famrer by the name of Kurenai.
Deciding to migrate out of her poor homeland, Kurenai wandered through many towns with her first born child, attempting to make money essential for her and her daughter's survival by performing dances; bars, inns, outside on the streets, anywhere would be good enough for her to display her dancing style as long as she was getting change. The unique and expressive ‘Grace of Autumn’ style had been practised by many of Kurenai's descendants, and it was this that would help keep her and her daughter alive for the time being.
As curious as Kagura, now age six, had grown up to be, the awe that she was left in when watching one of her mother's small performances left her eager to learn this style. The idea of using swift movements and utilising large fans to tell a story intrigued Kagura, and it seemed clear to Kurenai that her daughter's passion would not burn out.
The girl was young, but Kurenai had no qualms in properly teaching Kagura the Grace of Autumn dance style. It was an ancient practice that had been passed down the Akino line for generations, and even if Kagura was her own daughter, Kurenai was not hesitant to be critical about the slightest of slip ups. Kagura spent a lot of her time practising in the many small inn rooms she had stayed in, perfecting her movements and improving on her slip ups each coming day. By the age of eight, she was already performing alongside her mother.
But, when Kagura wasn't being tutored by her mother, she was either out roaming around town by herself (which always ended up in Kurenai frantically searching for the lost kid) or… well, roaming around town by herself. It was hard to control such an adventurous girl at times. Anything new, surprising, or anything that got her to think carefully would have Kagura running over straight away. It was probably why she adored her mother's style of dance so much; each dance she gracefully performed told a story, and with Kagura soon added to the picture, the red haired double act could now broaden their expressive storytelling.
There were times where things got a bit scary, though. Travelling oh so often came with its few bandit ambushes, and Kurenai, soon Kagura as well, would have to be prepared. So not only would Kurenai teach her young sister how to dance, but how to fight as well. At age nine, Kagura came to learn that the Grace of Autumn was an art form.
Both in dance, and in battle.
The world wasn't nice, and Kurenai knew that. Kagura would need to realise this too. If the girl ever found herself alone, she would at least need to know how to fend people off. Using two Tessen - almost identical to the ones the the two used in their dances - Kagura's self defense lessons soon ensued.
And so the two continued to walk for many more years. Kagura, now in her twenties, and her mother wound up in a village where they of course intended to make a bit of money now that they were lacking recently. Kagura thought the next few days would pass by just like any other normal days sleeping and performing. That would be far from the truth eventually.
Despite being in ill condition at the time, Kurenai forced herself to perform, just so she could earn some money for food for the next day. Her lackluster movements earned a great disappointment in the crowd, some of which went as far as to throw things at her. One man in particular ridiculed Kurenai to no end, throwing hurtful insults towards her and the dance style itself. Too feverish to defend herself, the woman was left completely helpless and hurt.
Kagura wasn't going to let her mother, or this art form she grew to love and cherish be mocked by anyone. She stood up there, retorting with as many insults as she could, aiming a majority of them at the man who had ridiculed Kurenai to unfair extents. The stubborn man would only continue to talk bad about the both of them, which set Kagura off completely. Grabbing her mother's dancing Tessen, Kagura threw herself at the man with as many beatings to the face as she could, severely injuring and literally almost taking the man's life. An unlucky imprisonment would soon follow for these extreme actions, much to Kagura's mix of regret and doubt.
:Strengths:
• Tessenjutsu - How could a fan possibly be useful in a fight? Well, give Kagura a strong fan with hard iron spokes and she'll find a way to disarm you and take you down in an instant. She's quick, she's flexible, and she can whack you with an object that feels like an iron baton to the face with great strength. While not a swordsman, her reflexes aren't short of one either. Kagura carries four red fans: two with normal iron spokes used mainly for hitting, deflecting, disarming and performances, and two with pointed spokes used to cut things up pretty badly. Kagura doesn't have much of a problem dual wielding two fans at the same time, nor does she have a problem dual wielding two fans like it's just a regular graceful performance. Only difference is that this is much faster, and Kagura is most likely out trying to get rid of you for good.
• Grace of Autumn - Based off traditional Japanese dancing utilising fans in their choreography, the Akino line has long been practising this style of dance and passing it down to younger generations. The movements were slightly quicker, their red fans would be emphasised, and there was always a story to tell in each dance; but nevertheless, each dance must be executed with the utmost grace and heart. Kagura, being as young as she was when she was being taught, is now quite skilled in this art.
• In The Bushes - Kagura is just very good at hiding. From the old bush to a sixty metre tree, finding a hiding place or rather getting to one is this woman's speciality. A game of hide and seek is no sweat for her; you probably won't be able to find her, even if she is hiding in the bushes behind where you were counting.
:Weaknesses:
• Zero Limits - This can apply to a lot of things really. Kagura's adventurousness can often get the better of her, and her confidence can be interpreted as rude and impolite. And just because she appears to be a relatively relaxed person doesn't mean her anger can always be contained. When she believes that she is right in starting conflict with someone, she'll rarely listen in on anyone else trying to calm her down. Stopping a raging red head isn't the easiest of tasks.
• Live Only For Yourself - In the past, Kagura only had herself, her mother, and a bit of money to help them survive the days to come. She worried only about herself and her mother, and even now Kagura tends to stray away from other people's problems. Although she isn't completely lacking in compassion, if someone else has gotten into a bar fight she most likely won't go out and help the injured person. She'll only fight if she sees it necessary, or the occurrences she witnesses are extremely harsh, unjust and cruel. Kagura helps people from time to time, but will usually just get them started out and let them do the rest of their work. The world is unjust and cruel, and Kagura will do whatever it takes to ensure her survival. Only those closest to her have a chance surviving under her supervision, and throughout her entire twenty-five years on earth it was just her mother who she showed actual concern for.
:Likes:
Give her a comfortable sleeping space and she'll shut up until she wakes up herself. Getting her out of bed won't be easy, the woman is a terribly heavy sleeper. Also, while some people point out her hair in a negative way, she takes pride in its colour, and even has her favourite colour as red. Dancing is a well practised hobby, and her singing isn't too shabby either.
:Dislikes:
Hot weather is Kagura's true enemy. She despises the heat and she actually overheats quite quickly, so constant sweating is common. Spicy food is a straight up stay away sign for her too. Funnily enough, while she can stand little insects like ants and beetles, anything slimy like worms or slugs will earn you one hell of a squeal.
:Name:
Akino Kagura
:Age:
25
:Totem:
Peacock
:Appearance:
Kagura is quite the striking individual, looks and personality wise. She's been called names often associated with the word red (or anything similar of the sort) for as long as she can remember; having a head of wavy crimson hair and amber eyes doesn't help when you're trying to blend into a crowd. Her lithe and tall build come as a surprise to many, as she stands a head or a half taller than the average woman. If it weren't for the kimono, Kagura could be mistaken for a feminine featured man any day. But despite her outwardly appearances, she has a very strong and flexible body, her years training as a dancer under her siblings paying off quite well. Kagura doesn't wear much else other than her simplistic dark grey kimono with red lining on the bottom of the sleeves and the kimono itself. She often wears a hooded cloak too, though it's noticeably thin due to her inability to stand hot weather.
:Personality:
Just like the hair on her head, Kagura is a passionate and confident individual, unafraid to speak her mind whenever. Brutally honest to the core, she doesn't know how to sugarcoat her words, so if it's a truthful opinion you want it's a truthful opinion you'll get. She'll be quick to point out flaws, and won't hesitate to voice them. If you need improving, Kagura will tell you to fix up right then and here.
While perhaps a bit outspoken and curious, Kagura is actually quite laid back and easygoing person, an indirect helper of sorts. She likes her quiet times as much as her fun and loud times, and she likes her daytime napping as much as her forest adventuring. But while at times Kagura can be as calm and level headed as any other mature twenty-five year old, once you get the hype and excitement pumping through her veins, the relaxed woman persona goes flying out of the window. She's adventurous and mostly carefree with a thirst for discovering new things, but with an attitude like that it's not surprising to interpret her as terribly reckless. And in a sense, she is. Being chased by a bear in a thick forest? Kagura will still be smiling while most likely shitting her pants out of fear and excitement in the process.
Kagura likes to think she's strong. Kagura wants people to see her as strong. She doesn't always ask for help, and crying in front of people is a definite no no. She'll rarely complain about anything, and she hates it when her emotions get the better of her. When people make big sacrifices, she's deeply touched, and when she's experiencing the aftermath of a raging rampage she's deeply regretful. She doesn't want to be blinded by emotions, nor does she want to burden anyone again; Kagura knows it will lead to bad consequences again, so if she keeps her true emotions to herself then perhaps everything and everyone will be absolutely fine. For someone who's truthful to everyone, Kagura's the biggest liar to herself.
:History:
For as long as she could remember, Kagura had been travelling. Never staying in one place for too long and no place to seemingly call home, ever since the day she could walk she had always been walking, not once looking back. From one place to another, Kagura had travelled great lengths alongside her mother; a dancer and former famrer by the name of Kurenai.
Deciding to migrate out of her poor homeland, Kurenai wandered through many towns with her first born child, attempting to make money essential for her and her daughter's survival by performing dances; bars, inns, outside on the streets, anywhere would be good enough for her to display her dancing style as long as she was getting change. The unique and expressive ‘Grace of Autumn’ style had been practised by many of Kurenai's descendants, and it was this that would help keep her and her daughter alive for the time being.
As curious as Kagura, now age six, had grown up to be, the awe that she was left in when watching one of her mother's small performances left her eager to learn this style. The idea of using swift movements and utilising large fans to tell a story intrigued Kagura, and it seemed clear to Kurenai that her daughter's passion would not burn out.
The girl was young, but Kurenai had no qualms in properly teaching Kagura the Grace of Autumn dance style. It was an ancient practice that had been passed down the Akino line for generations, and even if Kagura was her own daughter, Kurenai was not hesitant to be critical about the slightest of slip ups. Kagura spent a lot of her time practising in the many small inn rooms she had stayed in, perfecting her movements and improving on her slip ups each coming day. By the age of eight, she was already performing alongside her mother.
But, when Kagura wasn't being tutored by her mother, she was either out roaming around town by herself (which always ended up in Kurenai frantically searching for the lost kid) or… well, roaming around town by herself. It was hard to control such an adventurous girl at times. Anything new, surprising, or anything that got her to think carefully would have Kagura running over straight away. It was probably why she adored her mother's style of dance so much; each dance she gracefully performed told a story, and with Kagura soon added to the picture, the red haired double act could now broaden their expressive storytelling.
There were times where things got a bit scary, though. Travelling oh so often came with its few bandit ambushes, and Kurenai, soon Kagura as well, would have to be prepared. So not only would Kurenai teach her young sister how to dance, but how to fight as well. At age nine, Kagura came to learn that the Grace of Autumn was an art form.
Both in dance, and in battle.
The world wasn't nice, and Kurenai knew that. Kagura would need to realise this too. If the girl ever found herself alone, she would at least need to know how to fend people off. Using two Tessen - almost identical to the ones the the two used in their dances - Kagura's self defense lessons soon ensued.
And so the two continued to walk for many more years. Kagura, now in her twenties, and her mother wound up in a village where they of course intended to make a bit of money now that they were lacking recently. Kagura thought the next few days would pass by just like any other normal days sleeping and performing. That would be far from the truth eventually.
Despite being in ill condition at the time, Kurenai forced herself to perform, just so she could earn some money for food for the next day. Her lackluster movements earned a great disappointment in the crowd, some of which went as far as to throw things at her. One man in particular ridiculed Kurenai to no end, throwing hurtful insults towards her and the dance style itself. Too feverish to defend herself, the woman was left completely helpless and hurt.
Kagura wasn't going to let her mother, or this art form she grew to love and cherish be mocked by anyone. She stood up there, retorting with as many insults as she could, aiming a majority of them at the man who had ridiculed Kurenai to unfair extents. The stubborn man would only continue to talk bad about the both of them, which set Kagura off completely. Grabbing her mother's dancing Tessen, Kagura threw herself at the man with as many beatings to the face as she could, severely injuring and literally almost taking the man's life. An unlucky imprisonment would soon follow for these extreme actions, much to Kagura's mix of regret and doubt.
:Strengths:
• Tessenjutsu - How could a fan possibly be useful in a fight? Well, give Kagura a strong fan with hard iron spokes and she'll find a way to disarm you and take you down in an instant. She's quick, she's flexible, and she can whack you with an object that feels like an iron baton to the face with great strength. While not a swordsman, her reflexes aren't short of one either. Kagura carries four red fans: two with normal iron spokes used mainly for hitting, deflecting, disarming and performances, and two with pointed spokes used to cut things up pretty badly. Kagura doesn't have much of a problem dual wielding two fans at the same time, nor does she have a problem dual wielding two fans like it's just a regular graceful performance. Only difference is that this is much faster, and Kagura is most likely out trying to get rid of you for good.
• Grace of Autumn - Based off traditional Japanese dancing utilising fans in their choreography, the Akino line has long been practising this style of dance and passing it down to younger generations. The movements were slightly quicker, their red fans would be emphasised, and there was always a story to tell in each dance; but nevertheless, each dance must be executed with the utmost grace and heart. Kagura, being as young as she was when she was being taught, is now quite skilled in this art.
• In The Bushes - Kagura is just very good at hiding. From the old bush to a sixty metre tree, finding a hiding place or rather getting to one is this woman's speciality. A game of hide and seek is no sweat for her; you probably won't be able to find her, even if she is hiding in the bushes behind where you were counting.
:Weaknesses:
• Zero Limits - This can apply to a lot of things really. Kagura's adventurousness can often get the better of her, and her confidence can be interpreted as rude and impolite. And just because she appears to be a relatively relaxed person doesn't mean her anger can always be contained. When she believes that she is right in starting conflict with someone, she'll rarely listen in on anyone else trying to calm her down. Stopping a raging red head isn't the easiest of tasks.
• Live Only For Yourself - In the past, Kagura only had herself, her mother, and a bit of money to help them survive the days to come. She worried only about herself and her mother, and even now Kagura tends to stray away from other people's problems. Although she isn't completely lacking in compassion, if someone else has gotten into a bar fight she most likely won't go out and help the injured person. She'll only fight if she sees it necessary, or the occurrences she witnesses are extremely harsh, unjust and cruel. Kagura helps people from time to time, but will usually just get them started out and let them do the rest of their work. The world is unjust and cruel, and Kagura will do whatever it takes to ensure her survival. Only those closest to her have a chance surviving under her supervision, and throughout her entire twenty-five years on earth it was just her mother who she showed actual concern for.
:Likes:
Give her a comfortable sleeping space and she'll shut up until she wakes up herself. Getting her out of bed won't be easy, the woman is a terribly heavy sleeper. Also, while some people point out her hair in a negative way, she takes pride in its colour, and even has her favourite colour as red. Dancing is a well practised hobby, and her singing isn't too shabby either.
:Dislikes:
Hot weather is Kagura's true enemy. She despises the heat and she actually overheats quite quickly, so constant sweating is common. Spicy food is a straight up stay away sign for her too. Funnily enough, while she can stand little insects like ants and beetles, anything slimy like worms or slugs will earn you one hell of a squeal.
@Jay Kalton
I hope so too! I'm sure dead would appreciate it if you highlight (text color? bold) your changes so it is easier to review.
I hope so too! I'm sure dead would appreciate it if you highlight (text color? bold) your changes so it is easier to review.
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