This roleplay draws heavily from the Warring States period in both China and Japan (Japan's Warring States Period is also known as Sengoku). The setting and culture draws heavily from feudal Japan. It will take place on a fictional island-nation, much like Japan, and will have romanticized elements, and will chronicle the series of conflicts that erupt as the land is thrown into chaos. Expect lots of drama, diplomacy, warfare, ninja, espionage, deception, and samurai.
Note: This roleplay is quite a ways from being finished; I need to come up with more names, learn more about feudal Japan, and draw up a satisfactory map. I am not using direct traditional Japanese names for various reasons.
Brief Story
For centuries, the land has been ruled by the benevolent Kaiyu Clan. Unfortunately the entire Kaiyu family has been massacred by a group of unknown assassins (ninja)... with one exception: Ina Kaiyu. Ina Kaiyu is the youngest daughter of the Emperor Kaiyu, and she is only 10 years old. Her body was not found in the aftermath of the killings and many witnesses describe a young girl being taken away by a 'red demon' (who is NOT working for the ninja).
In the absence of the Kaiyu line, and with the lack of any official heir, power has been seized by the tyrannical Shogun Hojo. Hojo maintains a firm grasp on the imperial forces still loyal to the empire, along with incredibly capable warriors to lead them. His tyrannical rule and general infamy amongst the peasants is certain to incite rebellion. This is where you come in.
This roleplay mostly concerns the many Daimyo, who are suppose to swear allegiance to the Shogun, but that presents a problem: your peasants do not like Hojo and will revolt if you remain loyal to him; your only option is to brace for revolt or listen to your people and secede from Hojo's tyrannical rule. You and the other Daimyo's need to a secure an alliance quickly and take down Hojo together. After he is dealt with... that's where the real fun begins, as you're going to be faced with the question of who should be the next Shogun - or even Emperor? This will lead to necessary diplomacy and potential wars.
Other than being a Daimyo, you may be a Samurai - an elite warrior who has sworn allegiance to a Daimyo; you will lead your Daimyo's army into battle (armies are largely made up of peasants, with Samurai leading them as lieutenants and generals). You may defect at any time you want, even become your OWN master and lead your OWN forces and may even be the Shogun or Emperor some day!
Other than a Daimyo or Samurai, you may be Ronin: a masterless samurai. Ronin do not owe allegiance to anyone, and they may lead small forces into battle depending on if they have gathered followers or not. Ronin may be hired as mercenaries or can even devote their allegiance to a Daimyo if they wish. Other roles are also allowed, such as ninja and apprentices (and anything else you can think of).
There's also a wildcard in this roleplay: Ina Kaiyu. Ina's only 10 years old, but the fact that her last name is 'Kaiyu' is an incredibly powerful asset. Simply revealing her identity will cause hordes of peasants, ronin, samurai, and even daimyo's to flock to her side, as every peasant in the land wants the Kaiyu's back in power. If Ina was to be killed, that person would draw the ire of almost everyone in the land. Whoever gains Ina's loyalty, whether by force of refuge, has an enormous advantage. The problem is that Ina is currently missing and no one knows where she is at.
Characters
Shogun Hojo [Shogun] - A corrupt tyrant who assumed control of the Empire after the death of the Kaiyu family. Hojo maintains a firm grip on the imperial forces and the skilled officers still aligned with the Empire. It will prove a challenge to take him down and so the Daimyo's need to work together to really defeat him.
Ina Kaiyu [Displaced Princess] - Last Kaiyu alive, rightful heir of the throne, and the greatest asset to anyone looking to rule the empire. Ina is currently missing, but if found she would certainly change the game of the entire roleplay. Ina has been taken captive by the 'red demon' also known as Keiji.
Keiji [Ronin - Kaiyu] - Former Ronin who offered his allegiance to Hojo, but quickly went rogue shortly before the assassination of the Kaiyu clan. Keiji is currently holding Ina Kaiyu captive and their location is not known. Keiji was once a honorable samurai, but his infamy grew after he become the right-hand of Hojo. He is an extremely skilled warrior.
Heirarchy
Emperor (assassinated) --> Shogun (Hojo) --> Daimyo --> Samurai --> Ronin --> Peasants
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