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Old Man Goh
+ Martial Arts Instructor +67 || Male || 5' 8" || Human
- In the Hamlet I live in... A cozy, fairly large house I've spent several years furnishing and adding onto after moving into it, so it doesn't look run-down or abandoned at all. It's smack dab in the middle of town, where it's easy to get to the shops. Let all those stand-offish youngsters have the "outskirts of town" and their patchy, leaky roofs!
- I spend most of my time... Watching youngsters practice, taking long walks in nature, or meditating somewhere pleasant. But when there's actual work to be done, I spend a great deal of time chopping wood, carving fishing poles and tying hooks, and checking animal snares.
- I am known for... A kind nature. Very rarely, a glare that makes one feel as if they are drowning. A past I don't like to talk about. And...walking too quietly. People are often startled when someone seemingly "appears" behind their shoulder, but they just haven't practiced their awareness!
- My current goal is...To reach an understanding of the things I wish I'd known years ago; to do something that will atone for my past; to lift up the next generation.
- My secret is...There are some very dangerous people out there who would love nothing more than to find me, and kill me. They might even be justified in it.
S T A T S
[ ★ ] [ - ] [ - ] S T R E N G T H
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ - ] D E X T E R I T Y
[ - ] [ - ] [ - ] V I T A L I T Y
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ - ] I N T E L L I G E N C E
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ ★ ] W I S D O M
[ ★ ] [ - ] [ - ] C H A R I S M A
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ - ] D E X T E R I T Y
[ - ] [ - ] [ - ] V I T A L I T Y
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ - ] I N T E L L I G E N C E
[ ★ ] [ ★ ] [ ★ ] W I S D O M
[ ★ ] [ - ] [ - ] C H A R I S M A
S K I L L S & R E W A R D S
[Slash Resistance II]
[Blunt Resistance I]
[Cold Resistance I]
[Passive: Dangersense - Killing Intent]
[Passive: Dangersense - Protect Ward]
[Inert Magic - Killer Glare]
[Swordsmanship (Precise)]
[Wayfaring - Plains]
[Fishing]
[Swimming]
[Crafting - Trapmaking]
[Trapping]
[Jack of Trades: Odd Jobs]
[Training: Swordsmanship]
[Leadership]
[Detect Deception]
[Detect Intent]
[Sneak]
[Passive: Dynamic Vision]
*[First Aid: Self]
*[Passive: Identify - Technique]
*[Inert Skill: Instant Movement]
[Blunt Resistance I]
[Cold Resistance I]
[Passive: Dangersense - Killing Intent]
[Passive: Dangersense - Protect Ward]
[Inert Magic - Killer Glare]
[Swordsmanship (Precise)]
[Wayfaring - Plains]
[Fishing]
[Swimming]
[Crafting - Trapmaking]
[Trapping]
[Jack of Trades: Odd Jobs]
[Training: Swordsmanship]
[Leadership]
[Detect Deception]
[Detect Intent]
[Sneak]
[Passive: Dynamic Vision]
*[First Aid: Self]
*[Passive: Identify - Technique]
*[Inert Skill: Instant Movement]
- [Inert Skill: Blink Step]
- [Active: Quick Step]
C U R R E N T G O A L S & Q U E S T S
[Understanding] - Once, I thought power was all that mattered in life. I came to understand that there were many kinds of power, but for too long I relied on only one. Then I came to question what "power" really meant. Then I questioned the "purpose" of power. Now I question what, if anything, in this life has enduring, unquestioned value? If it can be found...I hope these little ones will learn it far earlier than I did.
[Atonement] - What is a life worth? If I kill a man in the morning, and deliver a child in the evening, are the scales settled? I do not think so. And I doubt I have enough time left to make things right. But, at least...I will do no more harm than I already have.
[The Next Generation] - Children admire strength without understanding what it truly is. So that they will not repeat my mistakes...I will strive to keep them off the path I once walked. And perhaps make up...for my derelection of duty to my own blood.
[Atonement] - What is a life worth? If I kill a man in the morning, and deliver a child in the evening, are the scales settled? I do not think so. And I doubt I have enough time left to make things right. But, at least...I will do no more harm than I already have.
[The Next Generation] - Children admire strength without understanding what it truly is. So that they will not repeat my mistakes...I will strive to keep them off the path I once walked. And perhaps make up...for my derelection of duty to my own blood.
I N V E N T O R Y
[ Clothes ] An old black coat, embroidered with silken clouds. It is wearing thin in places, and seems to have been sewn back together more than once...and sometimes, if it hasn't been washed in a while, blotchy stains seem to rise up here and there. Beneath this, plain, loose clothing makes it clear that "comfort" is vastly prioritized over fashion.
[ Shirasaya Blade ] - A sword with no handguard, and a scabbard of plain wood that could almost pass for a cane when closed. Its fittings are tight and, though old, the blade is clearly well taken care of--oiled, sharpened, and polished to a gleam. Very rarely, however, is it ever drawn in the sight of others.
[ Sling ] A popular game and toy in the village. Powered by pebbles and rocks.
[ Corked Gourd ] For when you get thirsty. Or if you need a little...pick-me-up.
[ Snacks ] It's simple food, but lounging in the sun always makes lunchtime special.
[ Shirasaya Blade ] - A sword with no handguard, and a scabbard of plain wood that could almost pass for a cane when closed. Its fittings are tight and, though old, the blade is clearly well taken care of--oiled, sharpened, and polished to a gleam. Very rarely, however, is it ever drawn in the sight of others.
[ Sling ] A popular game and toy in the village. Powered by pebbles and rocks.
[ Corked Gourd ] For when you get thirsty. Or if you need a little...pick-me-up.
[ Snacks ] It's simple food, but lounging in the sun always makes lunchtime special.
C O N N E C T I O N S
[ Gareth , Student, Village Child. Human] A boy no older than eight, with a messy head of red hair and bright, shimmering brown eyes. He wants to be a famous adventurer, and protect all his friends and family from evil! But Master keeps asking him hard questions, like "If you want people to be safe, why wish for an enemy to fight?" It's okay though, because he likes the training, and he figures one day all the hard stuff will make sense as long as he keeps working at it!
[ Alyshia , Student, Village Child. Human] A girl who is seven and a half, but looks younger because she's so small. Her long blonde hair and sharp blue eyes indicate she'll be quite the looker someday. Best friends with Gareth, but frustrated that he wants to spend so much time doing stuff that gets them tired, sweaty, and dirty. She likes doing the forms, though, because they're pretty...but sometimes, when she asks what a move is for, Master just says "Don't worry about it. In your hands, a blade should never draw blood."
[ Eric , Student, Village Child. Human] A chubby and surly nine year old with short, dark hair and a squinty green glare. He doesn't even want to be here, especially with that stupid Gareth. Alyshia's...okay, he guesses. For a girl. But Master just grabbed him one day after his stupid mom yelled at him just cause the stupid shopkeeper said they saw Eric stealing--which he didn't, he just found the stuff! But anyway, Master dragged him out here "Because you lack discipline." And every time he tries to run away, he gets bonked with a stick!
[ Alyshia , Student, Village Child. Human] A girl who is seven and a half, but looks younger because she's so small. Her long blonde hair and sharp blue eyes indicate she'll be quite the looker someday. Best friends with Gareth, but frustrated that he wants to spend so much time doing stuff that gets them tired, sweaty, and dirty. She likes doing the forms, though, because they're pretty...but sometimes, when she asks what a move is for, Master just says "Don't worry about it. In your hands, a blade should never draw blood."
[ Eric , Student, Village Child. Human] A chubby and surly nine year old with short, dark hair and a squinty green glare. He doesn't even want to be here, especially with that stupid Gareth. Alyshia's...okay, he guesses. For a girl. But Master just grabbed him one day after his stupid mom yelled at him just cause the stupid shopkeeper said they saw Eric stealing--which he didn't, he just found the stuff! But anyway, Master dragged him out here "Because you lack discipline." And every time he tries to run away, he gets bonked with a stick!
First Aid: Self - The ability to know one's own body and its limitations, and handle its injuries. Given the proper tools (one of which he insists is strong alcohol) Goh can stitch himself up, disinfect his wounds, and even reset his own bones. But unlike a trained doctor or magical healer, he can't help others to the same degree or deal with things like diseases, poisons, and so forth.
Passive: Identify Technique - A sub-Identify Skill that allows the user to recognize and understand the combat related skills of others. The way one holds themselves or their weapon, unique movements only practiced by particular styles, etc all serve as clues that allow the user to deduce a single combat-related Skill of a given target as long as they are able to concentrate and observe the person for enough time in enough detail.
Quick Step > Blink Step > Instant Movement - The Quick Step Skill allows the user to move up to two meters at high speed, an evolution of various lunging techniques in many martial arts. However, their body must prepare to use the skill, giving it a noticeable telegraph. For instance, Goh's particular tell is that he will lift the heel of his "pushing" foot off the ground and relax both of his knees at the same time. The technique also limits the user to a straight line--turning and changing course can't be done at such speeds. Still, the Quick Step moves at such a speed that the untrained person will only perceive a blur of color and motion in between the starting and stopping point. Blink Step increases the speed, and makes use of an opponent's blind spot--literally moving when they blink, or something of that nature--so that the user's "tell" may still be present, but what direction they travel in is anyone's guess. They appear to simply "flicker" and disappear, reappearing the next instant in whatever position they've chosen. Blink Step can also travel further than Quick Step, but it depends on the user's natural stride and leg strength--for Goh, it used to be about 5 meters. The final upgrade of this skill, Instant Movement, even further increases the speed and distance at which the user can travel, but most noticeably it erases the need for the telegraphing movement. The body has become capable of triggering explosive muscular movement almost as fast as the brain can even think about moving, and the user's sense of balance and space has become such that from any position--standing still, laying down with their arms behind their head, etc--they can suddenly whisk themselves to another position. Also unlike the earlier Steps, Instant Movement is capable of controlled angles and turns during the dash.
Passive: Identify Technique - A sub-Identify Skill that allows the user to recognize and understand the combat related skills of others. The way one holds themselves or their weapon, unique movements only practiced by particular styles, etc all serve as clues that allow the user to deduce a single combat-related Skill of a given target as long as they are able to concentrate and observe the person for enough time in enough detail.
Quick Step > Blink Step > Instant Movement - The Quick Step Skill allows the user to move up to two meters at high speed, an evolution of various lunging techniques in many martial arts. However, their body must prepare to use the skill, giving it a noticeable telegraph. For instance, Goh's particular tell is that he will lift the heel of his "pushing" foot off the ground and relax both of his knees at the same time. The technique also limits the user to a straight line--turning and changing course can't be done at such speeds. Still, the Quick Step moves at such a speed that the untrained person will only perceive a blur of color and motion in between the starting and stopping point. Blink Step increases the speed, and makes use of an opponent's blind spot--literally moving when they blink, or something of that nature--so that the user's "tell" may still be present, but what direction they travel in is anyone's guess. They appear to simply "flicker" and disappear, reappearing the next instant in whatever position they've chosen. Blink Step can also travel further than Quick Step, but it depends on the user's natural stride and leg strength--for Goh, it used to be about 5 meters. The final upgrade of this skill, Instant Movement, even further increases the speed and distance at which the user can travel, but most noticeably it erases the need for the telegraphing movement. The body has become capable of triggering explosive muscular movement almost as fast as the brain can even think about moving, and the user's sense of balance and space has become such that from any position--standing still, laying down with their arms behind their head, etc--they can suddenly whisk themselves to another position. Also unlike the earlier Steps, Instant Movement is capable of controlled angles and turns during the dash.
Miss Nibiria - "A bright child, if perhaps blinded by her own brilliance. She and I are kindred spirits in tw---one way. The reason we have few connections, is because we have not reached out for them. Nonetheless, this old fool has been greatly appreciative of her help whenever he's gotten himself injured."
Wormwood - "...I am ashamed to say I am a little wary of this creature. Non-humanoids in my homeland, in my experience, were usually more...fierce? He seems to get along with the children, and I will put my faith in their innocence."
Miss Mary - "Listening to her sing is a joy for these wrinkled, dull ears. I am troubled by what to bring her as a greeting gift, as I am sure she would not be appreciative of animal meats or furs..."
Rowan - "A talented young man with a clear heart--Good fishermen can't have evil thoughts, you see. Unfortunately, the wanderlust of heroism is upon him. I fear he won't have good sense until it's been knocked into him, and the world is far too harsh a teacher. But, we men are drawn to such things...as if it's in our blood."
Penumbra - "...William's little "experiment" deeply worries me. But it's not my place, and I am not familiar with the various creatures of this land. I shall let it be so long as it does the same. I hope it will not attempt to eat little Wormwood."
Rallis - "Those with something to hide, often become apparent in their efforts to do so. I know not the lad's purpose in such things, because to peer deeper would be rude when he so clearly doesn't wish to share. I have tried to learn his paths through the forest for the sake of not intruding on his territory--I don't know if I snared the rabbit he shot or he shot the rabbit I snared, but I've no interest in competing over such things."
Boro - "I...have trouble reading this nation's language. The librarian, despite his appearance, has proved a great help in this regard. If only I remembered enough of the poetry from my homeland, I would gladly contribute to the sparse shelves."
Ingrid - "...I know I've shrunken with age, but ye gods...Ah, not to be rude! Chief Ingrid's devotion to protecting this place is quite admirable. But, it must be said...her skills are somewhat...lacking. Oh, um, but...well, don't pay any mind to me. This lazy old man shouldn't criticize those who have taken up their own initiative."
Zrer - "I'm not sure what these "Elves" are supposed to be. They look and act just like humans, save for their ears! Though I suppose, they do remind me a bit of the hanyo...Well, in any case. Young Lakeilu's potions often smell bad and taste bitter, but have worked quite well for my aches."
Jada - "Hmm. I can't say I'm all for this...Adventurer's Guild...opening up. It will only encourage some of the foolhardy young folk to put themselves in danger. But, only experience can teach one the art of perspective. Anyway, as for Miss Jada, she is clearly a very hard worker. I don't quite understand her interest in magic, but then again I don't understand magic very much at all in any case. They don't seem to have onmyoji in this land, and I tended to avoid them anyway."
Yung - "I've only visited the Monastery once. I thought that, perhaps, it was a place where I could gain what I seek...but no. I am...very good, you see, at cutting things. And these people have cut themselves off from the world. Whatever enlightenment they gain, it cannot do anything for those they've severed themselves from."
The Three Students - "Well now...the chubby one is a bully, with no self-control or consciousness of others. If I do not beat it out of him now, he will never be of any good to anyone. The girl...should not be training with me, regardless of her talent for the blade. If she is struck by the same need to travel as the other youths, she will end up experiencing what I would prefer to save these children from. The other boy...he is simple, and honest. Perhaps in teaching him, the way I wished I could have been taught, I will find some measure of solace. His passion for training may even surpass talent--it was much the same for me, though far less kind."
Dalton - "The innkeeper treats his permanent guest more as a daughter than a customer, I'd wager. I can't imagine she can afford to pay him every night on a town guard's salary. I enjoy his cooking and an occasional drink...though he still tells me he hasn't been able to find any sake. This land's alcohol is too heavy on the stomach--it is like drinking bread!"
William - "Why would one sell monsters? Are they meant to be eaten? Kept as pets? I don't understand. Like Young Rallis, I've shared a hunt or two with William before. He's amicable, if a bit...eccentric? When I arrived in the village, it was actually he who showed me some of the more common game trails. In return, I taught him how to prepare sashimi."
Squig - "...I almost stepped on it once when Wormwood was running around underfoot. I was deeply ashamed. Were I a man of higher status, I might've considered opening my belly if I deprived the poor creature of his best friend."
Wormwood - "...I am ashamed to say I am a little wary of this creature. Non-humanoids in my homeland, in my experience, were usually more...fierce? He seems to get along with the children, and I will put my faith in their innocence."
Miss Mary - "Listening to her sing is a joy for these wrinkled, dull ears. I am troubled by what to bring her as a greeting gift, as I am sure she would not be appreciative of animal meats or furs..."
Rowan - "A talented young man with a clear heart--Good fishermen can't have evil thoughts, you see. Unfortunately, the wanderlust of heroism is upon him. I fear he won't have good sense until it's been knocked into him, and the world is far too harsh a teacher. But, we men are drawn to such things...as if it's in our blood."
Penumbra - "...William's little "experiment" deeply worries me. But it's not my place, and I am not familiar with the various creatures of this land. I shall let it be so long as it does the same. I hope it will not attempt to eat little Wormwood."
Rallis - "Those with something to hide, often become apparent in their efforts to do so. I know not the lad's purpose in such things, because to peer deeper would be rude when he so clearly doesn't wish to share. I have tried to learn his paths through the forest for the sake of not intruding on his territory--I don't know if I snared the rabbit he shot or he shot the rabbit I snared, but I've no interest in competing over such things."
Boro - "I...have trouble reading this nation's language. The librarian, despite his appearance, has proved a great help in this regard. If only I remembered enough of the poetry from my homeland, I would gladly contribute to the sparse shelves."
Ingrid - "...I know I've shrunken with age, but ye gods...Ah, not to be rude! Chief Ingrid's devotion to protecting this place is quite admirable. But, it must be said...her skills are somewhat...lacking. Oh, um, but...well, don't pay any mind to me. This lazy old man shouldn't criticize those who have taken up their own initiative."
Zrer - "I'm not sure what these "Elves" are supposed to be. They look and act just like humans, save for their ears! Though I suppose, they do remind me a bit of the hanyo...Well, in any case. Young Lakeilu's potions often smell bad and taste bitter, but have worked quite well for my aches."
Jada - "Hmm. I can't say I'm all for this...Adventurer's Guild...opening up. It will only encourage some of the foolhardy young folk to put themselves in danger. But, only experience can teach one the art of perspective. Anyway, as for Miss Jada, she is clearly a very hard worker. I don't quite understand her interest in magic, but then again I don't understand magic very much at all in any case. They don't seem to have onmyoji in this land, and I tended to avoid them anyway."
Yung - "I've only visited the Monastery once. I thought that, perhaps, it was a place where I could gain what I seek...but no. I am...very good, you see, at cutting things. And these people have cut themselves off from the world. Whatever enlightenment they gain, it cannot do anything for those they've severed themselves from."
The Three Students - "Well now...the chubby one is a bully, with no self-control or consciousness of others. If I do not beat it out of him now, he will never be of any good to anyone. The girl...should not be training with me, regardless of her talent for the blade. If she is struck by the same need to travel as the other youths, she will end up experiencing what I would prefer to save these children from. The other boy...he is simple, and honest. Perhaps in teaching him, the way I wished I could have been taught, I will find some measure of solace. His passion for training may even surpass talent--it was much the same for me, though far less kind."
Dalton - "The innkeeper treats his permanent guest more as a daughter than a customer, I'd wager. I can't imagine she can afford to pay him every night on a town guard's salary. I enjoy his cooking and an occasional drink...though he still tells me he hasn't been able to find any sake. This land's alcohol is too heavy on the stomach--it is like drinking bread!"
William - "Why would one sell monsters? Are they meant to be eaten? Kept as pets? I don't understand. Like Young Rallis, I've shared a hunt or two with William before. He's amicable, if a bit...eccentric? When I arrived in the village, it was actually he who showed me some of the more common game trails. In return, I taught him how to prepare sashimi."
Squig - "...I almost stepped on it once when Wormwood was running around underfoot. I was deeply ashamed. Were I a man of higher status, I might've considered opening my belly if I deprived the poor creature of his best friend."