[b][u]MASTERY ABILITIES[/u][/b] {Insert whatever bonuses certain skills give you here} {Insert whatever bonuses certain skills give you here} {Insert whatever bonuses certain skills give you here} {Insert whatever bonuses certain skills give you here} {Insert whatever bonuses certain skills give you here}
Touch of Yume-Do (5): Regain all Void points with 4 hours of rest, instead of 8 hours.
DISADVANTAGES
Bad Fortune [Evil Eye] (3): Heterochromatic eyes. Bad Fortune [Secret Love] (3): Stalker that’s willing to harass others in order to be with you. Can’t Lie (2): Physically can’t lie and must succeed in Willpower TN 20 to avoid correcting the lies of others. Lechery (2): +1k1 to an opponent’s Temptation (Seduction) rolls against you.
When spending a Void Point to gain +1k1 on a roll, you may choose to spend 2 to gain +2k2 instead. You may Guard as a Free Action, though doing so only adds +5 to your target’s Armor TN, instead of +10.
(Bottle of sake, Chopsticks, Instrument [Flute], Pet [Songbird] (Snow Bunting), Pillow Book, Sake Cup, Small Hand Mirror, Smoking Pipe, Sweets)
Finger of Jade Flint and Steel Small Knife (Grooming) Umbrella Netsuke (red feather necklace) Travelling Cloak
COMBAT Weapons
Katana – Attack: 6k3 - Damage: 6k2 - [Medium, Samurai] – May spend one Void point to increase damage by +1k1. (Emphasis) Reroll 1s once No-dachi – Attack: 6k3 – Damage: 6k3 – [Large] – (Emphasis) Reroll 1s once Wakizashi – Attack: 6k3 - Damage: 5k2 - [Medium,Samurai] – May be thrown up to 20’ as ranged
Armor
TN To Be Hit = 20 {Air(2) x 5 + Armor (5) + Other (5)} Other Modifiers = Reduction 3 (Armor)
Jun is of average height with black hair that he keeps in a ponytail. His right eye is black, while his icy blue left eye is covered by his bangs. He has red feathers as accents in his outfit. He wears the Phoenix Clan mon on his back, the Agasha mon on his left, and the Shiba mon on his right. This is to show that he values the charm of a person and leaves the duty of protection to the sword.
Jun is a happy-go-lucky bushi that loves to go with the flow. He's always talking to other people in town, making friends wherever he goes. He says he's looking for his one true love (since his parents have no marriage plans for him), though his behavior doesn't suggest such. Jun likes to be in the arms of women, even though he has no indication of bringing any home to show his parents. This may be for the better, however, considering that most romances he has tend to end rather quickly. He has the sinking feeling that it involves his childhood friend Kiriko.
BACKGROUND
Jun grew up in the southern portion of Phoenix lands, where the Agasha had been given land formerly owned to the Shiba. He is the youngest son of Agasha Kuon and Agasha Lixue (formerly Shiba Lixue) with 3 older brothers and a younger sister. Though Jun was born and raised Agasha, his mother insisted that he be trained Shiba. Jun was soon enrolled at a dojo taught by the same man that taught his mother. It was a specialty school that focused on swordplay and that the sword is to be used as a shield for others. Jun was particularly gifted and graduated earlier than most others around his age. After his gempukku, Jun was tasked with many jobs that mainly involved being someone's yojimbo for a certain amount of time. And, for a time, it was fun work. Jun got to see the world, someone got to not be killed, and then Jun got to meander back home afterwards like he had all the time in the world. Good times, good times.
Jun's parents once told him that the reason they specialize in fighting is from an ancestor of Kuon's. She was a shugenja by the name of Agasha Yukiko and a prized student of Fire magic. She could rain fire on the battlefield with such ease and finesse that it instilled fear into her enemies. Her other magics, however, weren't so great. Water was especially bad, more often failing than not. Not that it mattered, since she was "the representation of fire in the hearts of the Phoenix" or something. Jun still has no idea why his ancestor is important, but he respects his parents' wishes and specializes in the sword regardless.
Relations: Agasha Kuon - Father Agasha Lixue - Mother Utaku Yuo - Eldest Brother (married to Utaku Reiha) Agasha Ren - Second Eldest Brother (married to Shiba Chieh) Agasha Chomei - Third Eldest Brother (engaged to Isawa Yae) Agasha Aya - Younger Sister (engaged to Kitsune Bairei)
Agasha Yukiko - Shugenja Ancestor (Good with Fire, Bad with Water)
ADVANTAGES -Large – I'm over 6' tall and get +1k0 to Damage Rolls with large melee weapons (-3) -Forbidden Knowledge: Gaijin Pepper – I gain a rank of Craft: Explosives and a small pouch of gaijin pepper (-4)
DISADVANTAGES -Bad Eyesight – -1k1 to ranged attacks and Perception-based rolls (+3) -Gaijin Name – My individual dice may only explode once on a Social Skill Roll (+1) -Lechery – Temptation (Seduction) rolls against me get +1k1 (+2) -Jurojin's Curse – -2k0 to resist poison and disease (+3)
TECHNIQUES, SPELLS, KATA, KIHO, SHADOWLANDS POWERS -The Way of the Crab – I ignore TN penalties for wearing heavy armor for all skills except Stealth. I also gain +1k0 to the Damage Rolls for Heavy Weapons.
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY Heavy Armor Sturdy Clothing Daisho Ono Traveling Pack: blanket, bottle of shochu, bottle of water, chopsticks, coin purse, smoking pipe, spare kimono and sandals, week's rations, whetstone, wide-brimmed straw hat, small pouch of gaijin pepper 3 koku
Player: BegrudginglyGood Name: Daidoji Kasumi Clan: Crane School: Daidoji Iron Warrior [Bushi] Rank: 1 Insight: 127 Experience: 24+21+5-10 = 40/40 Glory: 1 Honor: 6.5 + 4 Status: 1 Taint: None Heritage: Shameful Past - Your ancestor was mildly obsessed with her looks, and people say you act just like her. You gain a 2-point Compulsion: Always Look Your Best
EARTH: 3
Stamina: 3________(+1 [Daidoji Family]) Willpower: 3________(12 XP spent)
WATER: 2
Strength: 2 Perception: 2
FIRE: 2
Agility: 3________(+1 Daidoji Iron Warrior) Intelligence: 2
Athletics (Strength) - 2________________(3 XP spent) Meditation (Void) - 1_______________________(1 XP spent) Etiquette (Awareness) - 2________(3 XP spent)
MASTERY ABILITIES Kenjutsu (Katana) - 3 Total of all damage rolls made with sword is increased by 1k0 Reroll any dice that results in a 1 when using this weapon. Polearm (Bisento) - 3 During first round of skirmish, gain a bonus of +5 to initiative score if wielding this weapon. Last for First Round only. Reroll any dice that results in a 1 when using this weapon.
ADVANTAGES Quick Healer (Stamina is considered to be two ranks higher)________(3 XP spent) Wealthy (2 koku extra per 1 point spent, minus 1 point from total due to Crane Clan)________(2 XP spent)
DISADVANTAGES True Love - Must spend a void point to choose duty over lover, if given the choice.________(Gained 3 XP) Daikoku's Curse - -1k1 to all Commerce rolls, and starting koku is reduced by 1.________(Gained 3 XP) Doubt - Chosen skill Kyujutsu. Must make a raise for no benifit when using this skill. ________(Gained 4 XP)
Compulsion (2) - Like her mother, Kasumi is adamant about always presenting herself as well as can be. This includes getting a good nights sleep using her tent, tatami mat and blanket, and waking slightly earlier (as to not be too much of an inconvenience) and wash, meditate, apply perfume and makeup and do other feminine beautifying activities etc. If for some reason she becomes dirty or feels unclean she needs to do something about it. TN 15 Willpower to overcome.
TECHNIQUES, SPELLS, KATA, KIHO, SHADOWLANDS POWERS Rank 1 - The Force of Honor Honor Rank (6.5 [rounded down] - 4 to wounds at each Wound Rank. Bonus of +1k0 to all attack rolls in Attack Stance.
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY Heavy Armor Sturdy Clothing Daisho Bisento Travelling Pack (Bottle of bleach, makeup kit, Mask, perfume, hand mirror, small tent, week's rations, spare kimono and sandals, bottle of water, tatami mat...and blanket, bottle of sake, chopsticks, coin purse, Finger of Jade, flint and steel, sake cup, spices, umbrella.) 9+6 = 15 koku - 2 koku/2bu/5zeni for extra gear
= 12 koku/2bu/5zeni
COMBAT Weapons *+1k0 to all attack rolls if in Attack Stance* Only goes to 8k4 if in Full Attack Stance.
Katana - Att:7K3-5 - Dmg: 6K2 - Medium, Samurai - Can spend one void point to add 1k1 to damage roll (Kenjutsu 3 +1k0 to damage already added)
Bisento - Att: 7k3-5 - Dmg: 5k3 - Large
Armor TN To Be Hit = 30 [{3 x 5) + 5 + 10}] Other Modifiers:
Healing - Stamina considered to be 5 = 2x5+1 = 11 wounds healed per night
DESCRIPTION During the Destroyer War, her father a well known Iron Crane was injured during the first year at the Kaiu Wall. He returned home to sit out the end of the War, unable to continue fighting after losing an arm to the mandibles of some centerpede shadowlands creature.
The family, living well within the fertile and protected Crane territory was relatively unharmed until towards the end of the war. As time went on, and Kasumi went from playing in the fields as a young child and getting spoilt with new clothing and sweet smelling fragrances, to beginning her training and the teachings she would live by from then on. She saw the devestation on the faces and bodies of refugee's who were seeking shelter, often they would seek out her unscathed youthful face and ask her to help them meditate.
Escaping the death that awaited them in neighbouring lands, the flow of people increased until at one point the large house that Kasumo lived in with her family was over flowing with wounded.
Unlike perhaps the Crane who lived within larger cities, or those immediately involved in the political world, Kasumi was not sheltered from the pain and suffering that littered the land. Very few were, considering the state of the empire at that time. She was however still raised to respect the laws and structure that the Crane Clan helped maintain, and the role they played in assisting the Emperor. The Daidoji Family's teachings also instilled how strength and ruthlessness were often a necessity, when diplomacy broke down. And, as was a custom, she is always impeccably dressed and groomed. Speaking with a graceful tongue and a sharp mind, whilst wielding a bisento or katana with a sure grip and a balanced step.
She has two brothers and a younger sister, with both of her parents still living.
Kasumi was hastily rushed through her graduation ceremony towards the end of the war, however her training up until then to become a Daidoji Iron Warrior went like clockwork. Showing determination and spirit, Kasumi was both humble and steadfast, traits inspired by her mother and father.
At the age of fourteen, not long ago, Kasumi defended her home from bandits. Not by herself of course, but whilst her brothers and father sort to chasing off the ruthless men, she was left to defend her mother and sister alone. Slipping through, several bandits met the blade of her bisento before help arrived. Now, at the age of sixteen she has been sent away from home to aid in the Emperor's orders to chart more land, Kasumi seeks to maintain order and humanity...whilst protecting the Cartographer's life at the cost of her own if necessary.
Wearing her hair unbound and free, dyed white to resemble and show respect to her Crane ancestors, her smooth pale skin and light blue eyes give her a soft and airy look. However she speaks with maturity beyond her years, and holds a weapon as though it has purpose.
On the inside she is a good person, caring and kind, but having been raised within a culture that see's other Clans as less civilized, she often gets into trouble trying to culture others.
ADVANTAGES Crafty (2) - She has a knack for instinctively knowing how to do things that most prefer to avoid. Whenever she would make an unskilled roll using a Low Skill she is considered to have 1 rank in the skill instead.
Dangerous Beauty (2) - She possesses a certain quality that makes her all but irresistible to those who would normally be attracted to her current gender, and they succumb easily to her manipulations. She gains a bonus of +1k0 to the total of all Temptation rolls made against these people.
DISADVANTAGES Dark Secret (5) - Impersonating a member of another clan is an insulting but passable faux pas for a Scorpion. Impersonating a member of the Imperial Family and claiming to speak in the name of the Emperor, however, is a slightly different matter. If Yuki's identity is discovered while using her Miya disguise her family would do very little to help her in facing the consequences.
Fascination: Acting (1) - She has a fascination, bordering on obsession, with Disguise (and Acting in general) and will go to great lengths to learn new things or experience this fascination.
Failure of Bushido: Honesty (4) - Try as she might to adhere to the code of bushido (or at least the Shosuro version), she simply has no concept of how to exemplify honesty. She cannot spend Void points on any Sincerity skill roll to which the Honesty emphasis could apply.
TECHNIQUES, SPELLS, KATA, KIHO, SHADOWLANDS POWERS School Techniques The First Face - As part of her first step in infiltrating the Empire, Yuki has learned the basics of deception and mimicry and adapted her first Persona, the Laconic Kakita Duelist. In addition, any time she spends a void point on an Acting or Sincerity (Deceit) roll, she gets a bonus of +3k1 instead of the normal +1k1.
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY Fine Clothing Kakita Seizo Disguise (Persona) Geisha Disguise Peasant Disguise Miya Herald Disguise Daisho Tanto Blowgun Han-Kyu Traveling Pack: Makeup Kit, Small Tent, Tea Set, Spare Kimono & Sandals x2, Mortar & Pestle, Ink Brush Kit, 50' Hemp Rope, "Public" Scorpion Mask, Small Hand Mirror Furoshiki Sack - Bottle of Bleach, Bottle of Black Dye, Bottle of "Natural Red" Dye, Candle, Chopsticks, Flint & Steel, Grapple Hook, Paper (5), Parchment & Charcoal (10), Sake Cup, Tatami Mat, Travel Rations x6 Quiver - Armor Piercing Arrow x2 (1k1, ignores armor bonus), Willow Leaf Arrow (2k2) Coin Purse -1 bu 1 zeni
COMBAT Weapons Katana - 4k3 - 5k2 - Medium - Can spend up to one void point to increase damage by +1k1 Wakizashi - 4k3 / 3k3 (unskilled) if thrown - 4k2 - Medium - May be thrown up to 20'. Tanto - 4k3 / 3k3 (unskilled) if thrown - 3k1 - Small - May be thrown up to 20'. Blowgun - 4k3 - 1 Wound - Medium - Triple an opponent's benefits from armor. Reloading is a free action. Han-Kyu - 3k3 (unskilled) / 4k3 in Kakita Persona - Strength 1 - Small - Range: 100'. Attack rolls on horseback suffer +10 TN.
DESCRIPTION It is particularly difficult to get two consistent descriptions of the enigmatic Scorpion known as Shosuro Yuki. Some would claim her to be a light-haired, fair-skinned beauty with the most refined tastes; others might call her a dark, exotic Bushi with subtle grace and attraction that transcends gender (all accounts seem to be similar on that part). More still might know her as the shadow darting through the corner of their eye before all goes black, but those ones are much less inclined to tell the tale.
The woman behind the mask is somewhat less enigmatic than the legend she is working to build. Standing an average 5' with indeterminate weight and an extremely athletic build, she is about what one would expect from a Shosuro. Her long, dark hair is well tended and just barely thin enough to allow its cover by an assortment of wigs, and her eyes shimmer a nebulous, mostly-auburn hue that seems to change drastically depending upon the lighting or mood. Neither tan nor pale, her skin can best be described as 'durable', maintaining surprising vitality despite the constant application of makeup and various other herbs and chemicals.
Masks Yuki's "personal" mask is extremely simple in design, sporting only a single black-stained metal plate shaped to cover her face from the nose down and embrace her jaw (in honor of the Kami Bayushi's first mask used to hide his smile). On close inspection one can see the etchings of a luscious pair of lips in neutral expression as well as swirling designs on the cheeks to represent the air that is essential to her chosen path, but from any other distance it blends perfectly into the shadows, as formless as its master. It also has a number of small holes drilled near the mouth to allow for ease of breathing.
By contrast her "fake" mask is a little more elaborate, consisting of a plaster frame over her eyes from temple to temple and covering her nose, painted crimson and etched in gold and black jewels, and finally accented by a dark, transparent veil that hangs freely down to her neck.
BACKGROUND Born - Kakushikoto Province, 2nd Day of the month of the Horse, 1151 Father - Bayushi Korekiyo (Bayushi Bushi, Chui; Deceased) Mother - Shosuro Hisae (Shosuro Courtier) Siblings - Hisako (29; Deceased), Kenichi (27; MIA, Presumed Dead), Mai (12)
It has always been said that the adage "May you live in interesting times." was just a polite way to curse. True to this theory, Shosuro Yuki (and really the entirety of Rokugan) has lived in interesting times. Most of her childhood was spent ignorant of this fact, however. Instead focusing solely on her studies. Occasionally she would be able to travel with her mother to the various courts across Rokugan, and while she never quite caught on to the intricacies of her mother's trade she did develop a profound appreciation for the whole of society. Or perhaps less "appreciation" and more "obsession", for she soon began to imitate the various things she found interesting. As the disguises became more elaborate and intuitive the Shosuro began to take notice. A few subtle tests and less than a year later and the little actress found herself moving to the Painted City, and to her new life in the Shosuro Butei Academy.
And to her this new life was fantastic. She took to her lessons with such enthusiasm and dedication that her sensei even decided to teach her some of the darker Shosuro arts, including those of poisons and assassinations. When at long last it came time for her gempukku she had been molded into the perfect Scorpion infiltrator (initiate, anyway). But that joy was not to last.
The Destroyers hit the Crab first, but it didn't take long for attention to fall upon the Scorpion. It was a time of chaos and strife, but the clan needed warriors, not actors, so Yuki did her part as best she could from the sidelines. Even still, she was present when the Destroyers attacked the Painted City and sacked the Butei Academy. Were it not for the timely arrival of Crane and Lion reinforcements, she might never have made it out alive. One man in particular remains in her heart and mind to this very day; a Kakita Bushi by the name of Seizo, who fended off no small number of assailants all while carrying her on his back to escape.
She spent the remainder of the war and the following years recovering from her wounds; a slow and painful process. She watched the reports carefully from a safe place as more and more members of her family showed up on the list of casualties. But the name that hit her the hardest by far was one Kakita Seizo. By then she had no more tears left to cry, but she did her best to honor his memory in the only way she knew how.
At long last her wounds healed, leaving an anxious young Actor ready to jump back out upon the world. After a stern lecture on temperance, her daimyo finally gave in and assigned her a simple escort mission. It's time to draw a map.
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 9:30 pm
Player: Plainsfox Name: Kitsune Hikaru Clan:Mantis School: Kitsune Shugenja Rank: 1 Insight: 136 Experience: 40/40 Glory: 0.0 Honor: 4.5 Status: 1.0 Taint: Heritage: Ancestor Lost in Unpopular Foreign War
TECHNIQUES, SPELLS, KATA, KIHO, SHADOWLANDS POWERS Kitsune Shugenja School (Affinity Earth/Deficiency Fire) Essence of Chikushudo – You may use the Sense, Commune, and Summon basic spells to affect the animal spirits of Chikushudo as well as kami (using Summon results in the appearance of a single animal spirit rather than a set amount of elemental material). Animal spirits tend to be more direct than the kami, and perceive things differently, but have just as little sense of why man does what he does. You gain a Free Raise on any non-damaging spell cast on an animal.
Universal: Summon Commune Sense Earth Spells Per Day: 3/3 Spells Used: 1 Earth Becomes Sky (2) Embrace of Kenro-ji-jin (2) Jurojin's Balm (1) Water Spells Per Day: 2/2 Spells Used: 1 Path to Inner Peace (1) Reversal of Fortunes (1) Air Spells Per Day: 3/3 Spells Used: 1 Nature's Touch (1) Fire Spells Per Day: 2/2 Spells Used: 0 Void Spells Per Day: 2/2 Spells Used: 0
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY Robes Scroll Satchel Medicine Kit (10/10 Uses) 15 sheets of paper 2 Koku 1 Bu Traveling Pack that contains Week's worth of rations, widebrimmed straw hat, blanket, Straw cloak, small tent, spare kimono and sandals, ink brush kit, coin purse, personal chop, tea set Wakazashi Tanto
COMBAT Weapons Wakazashi - 3k2/3k3 when thrown - 4k2 - Normal - maybe thrown up to 20' as a thrown weapon Tanto - 3k2/ 3k3 when thrown- 3k1 - Normal - may be thrown up to 20' as a thrown weapon.
DESCRIPTION Solidly built, Kitsune Hikaru possesses the long, brownish-red hair the Kitsune family is known for. His eyes are the blue of the Crane and speak of a past when various minor branch families of the Crane clan intermarried with his ancestors. Hikaru often wears reddish-brown kimonos. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Hikaru's mother has destroyed all of his pre Mantis clan kimonos and so he must wear ones with the Mantis mon on them.
The young shugenja almost always looks worn, like he's operating off of little sleep and often yawns or winds up taking short "naps" when he can get away with it.
BACKGROUND Kitsune Hikaru was born the fourth son and the fifth child to Kitsune Saburo and his wife, the former Suzume Hotaru. Saburo is one of the Kitsune family's few merchant patrons. Unfortunately, the last few decades were not kind to Saburo's family. Most of his brothers, sisters, sons, and daughter are dead.
The only exceptions are his sister Airi, who married into the Kakita family the last time the Crane clan wished an alliance with the Fox Clan and Hikaru, his youngest.
Hikaru grew up being proud of his siblings and relatives and the sacrifices they made for the Fox Clan. Accordingly, the transition into the Mantis Clan has not been easy for him and he tries to "rebel" in what ways he can.
In order to help integrate the family into the Clan, The Mantis have revealed ties to their clan, especially that Hikaru's great-grandfather, Kitsune Kei, fought and died in one of their ventures in a distant land. This has gone over as well as can be expected with the rest of Rokugan.
Recently, Hikaru has gained an appointment to the Imperial Cartographers, as samurai more skilled are in short supply.
Vital Statistics: Age: 16 (b. 19th day of the Month of Shiba, 115cool Height: 5' 5" Weight: 153 lbs Eye color: blue. Hair color: Red-brown
Shinobu Age: 35 (b. 23rd Day of the Month of Bayushi, 1139) Height: 5' 0" weight: 119 lbs Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black
MASTERY ABILITIES Defense 03: Retain Defense/Reflexes on subsequent rounds if maintaining full defense. Etiquette 03: +3 Insight. Kyujutsu 03: Stringing a bow for use is a simple action rather than a complex action.
ADVANTAGES Hero of The People: When meeting citizens of Rokugan who are not of the samurai caste, the TN for them to recognize you, as determined by your glory rank, is lowered by 10.
DISADVANTAGES Bitter Betrothal: Your spouse despises you, and you them. This causes great difficulty in managing your estate. [02] Compulsion (Seek out Renowned Archers): You must make a Willpower roll at TN 15 to avoid fulfilling your compulsion- to seek out renowned archers and challenge them to a test of skill of some sort. [02] Doubt (Hunting): Every time you use the Hunting skill, you must declare one raise that gives no benefit. [04] Lechery: When an opponent makes a Temptation (Seduction) roll, they gain a 1k1 bonus to the total. [02]
TECHNIQUES Always Be Ready: +1k0 to all attack while using a bow, and +3 to Initiative.
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY
Light Armor Sturdy Clothing Bow (Yumi) Quiver of Arrows x50 (40x Willow Leaf, 5x Armor Piercing, 5x Flesh Cutter) Bowyer's Kit Wakizashi Traveling Pack: Kiseru, Personal Seal, Pillow Book, Bottle of Sake, Sake Cup, Chopsticks, Small Statue of Ebisu, Pouch of Tobacco, Spare Kimono and Sandals. Netsuke (Hair ornament and Bracelet) 3 Koku, 7 Zeni
COMBAT Weapons Bow (Yumi) Attack: 8k3 Damage: 5k2 (Willow Leaf) 4k1 (Armor Piercing) 5k3 (Flesh Cutter) Other: Large, Increase TN of all attack rolls by +10 if firing from horseback. Wakizashi Attack: 2k2 Damage: 2k2 Other: May be thrown up to 20' as a ranged weapon.
Armor Light Armor TN To Be Hit = 20 (15 Reflexes + 5 Armor) Other Modifiers = Reduction 3, Increases TN of Athletics and Stealth by 5.
DESCRIPTION Oharu is pretty in a youthful, unsophisticated fashion; her long hair cropped short in front to keep her eyes clear, with a profusion of elaborate braids in back to keep her in fashion. Her figure is slim and gamine, shapely but boyish; her most striking feature is her eyes, which are a red-gold echoing the colors of her family's mon. She is quick to laugh and slow to take offense; her general manner is coquettish, sometimes to the point of flirtation (and occasionally with quite unsuitable targets). However, she takes tremendous pride in her skill with the bow, and in combat her gregarious nature is entirely submerged in the pure expression thereof. Oharu shares the Mantis love of ostentation and display, but tempers her flamboyance with a surprisingly graceful tongue and a heartfelt concern for those of lower rank. The back of her clothing bears a large Mantis mon, and the wasp and fox of the Kitsune and Tsuruchi in front- the wasp on the left, the fox on the right. Her clothing is the teal-green and gold of the Mantis, but with embroidery of black and gold- the colors of the Wasp, and sign of the honor with which she regards her school.
BACKGROUND Kitsune Oharu is at once a source of great pride and deep despair to her ancestors; of profound skill and great compassion, honorable and forthright, she is in many ways a paragon of the self-made Mantis, if not of the more contemplative Fox. However, her behavior has often skirted the edge of scandal; she disdains the sport-hunts and wilderness lore many of her school exalt (due to a near-deadly run-in with a boar, some whisper), preferring instead the congenial company of geisha and the inhabitants of drinking-houses and other haunts of the cities. While she has thus far steered clear of outright infidelity, her contempt for her betrothed- a proud and unbending son of the Tsuruchi - is common gossip. While a mission to map the lands of Rokugan is likely to include considerably more trundling about in the wilderness than Oharu would prefer, she considers it a valuable chance to travel, and more importantly, to maintain the appearance (and fact, of course) of fulfilling her duties to family and clan while leaving behind inconvenient ties (official and otherwise).
Expanded Background
Family and Beginnings Kitsune Kanbe and Kitsune Yaeko were names to conjure with among the ranks of the former clan of the Fox. Yaeko in particular was known for her casual rapport with the spirits of the Kitsune Mori, the shapechangers that give the clan its name; indeed, with her silver hair and laughing eyes, it was whispered in her younger days that she was of their bloodline. Kanbe, in contrast, was broad-shouldered and serious in nature- a quiet and contemplative man who seldom had occasion to make use of his sword in anger. Their early life together was happy, if tumultuous; defending and serving first the Fox Clan, then the Mantis once the two were joined, although this latter service gave them, perhaps, less joy. Their chief sorrow was one particularly keenly felt by members of a small family, part of a small clan- Yaeko had borne no children. When she learned of her pregnancy, at long last, the mood was jubilant, and myriad customs observed to ensure a blessed birth; their relatives among the fox invoked the blessings of the spirits, and their friends among the Tsuruchi twanged bowstrings to scatter misfortune. Kane and Yaeko awaited the birth of their child with joy. They were not prepared for the daughter they received. Oharu possessed neither the contemplative serenity of her father, nor the magical aptitude of her mother; she showed disquiet in the presence of spirits, and romped in the woods and streets of the village with no restraint- on occasion even wrestling and playing the sons and daughters of peasants, returning home with her kimono spattered with mud. This conduct continued more or less unabated for the first ten years of the young Oharu’s life, to the despair and confusion of her doting parents, who strove in vain to focus her attention on some facet of culture or the life of a samurai- some path that would give her direction. Then an old friend came to visit, bearing a gift.
Tutelage and Training Tsuruchi Gesshin was, when he paid a visit to his old companion, old enough to have silvered his once-black hair. His arm, however, still drew back his bow with speed and grace, and his broad shoulders, seamed with scars, still spoke of vigor. His bow and sword were left behind at the door; token of a trust gained in battle. Deep in his cups, Kanbe spoke of his troubles; nearly wept for them, his stolid dignity cracking under the assault of a promised failure in raising his long-awaited and sole offspring. Gesshin, a more moderate drinker, spoke slowly and consolingly, as follows: “There are those whose path is too narrow even for the edge of a sword; they must walk on the point of an arrow.” The next day, Oharu was brought forth (scrubbed and chastened) to witness a demonstration of Kyujutsu from a friend of her father; her resentment outweighed by her curiosity, she watched uncomplaining. Arrows flew one after another- striking a single leaf from a maple, splitting the shaft of a previous shot, three in the space of one breath. Their howl and whistle grew in her ears until it seemed to fill the whole world, a buzzing like that of a wasp. Gesshin left behind a gift: a toy-like bow, suitable for the strength of a child. Yaeko and Kanbe watched, fingers intertwined, as their daughter struggled to send arrows flying, one after another, until, at last, the trunk of a single tree sprouted a forest of feathered shafts… In her years among the Tsuruchi, Oharu grew from a child with no direction to a young woman of singular focus and drive; beautiful and boyish in equal measure, quick to take up the cause of the innocent or the downtrodden. The Code of the Wasp, guide to Gesshin, her adored teacher, resonated just as strongly as the teachings of Bushido. In the years of her tutelage, she focused on developing her skill, taking the greatest pleasure in the praise of her teacher and the hum and zip of her arrows. With her newfound brothers and sisters, however, she discovered other pleasures; hunting in the tropical forests of the islands, and hunting of another sort in the dockside taverns- on at least two occasions, she was subject to reprimand for nearly crossing the lines of propriety with Geisha (or their poorer cousins, bawdy entertainers). Only a quick tongue prevented her from enduring greater punishment. Nonetheless, her skills developed rapidly enough, until the day of the Gempukku ceremony; her arrows were unerring, her ears and eyes sharp. The final test of the Tsuruchi, however, is the hunt, for bounties swell the school’s coffers; and Oharu was its target, a hare for the hounds to chase. She ran, swift as a fox, fierce as a wasp; a blunted arrow, streaking from the trees, threw more than one fellow student onto their back. At last, however, she fell to the ground, knees buckling, back stinging, mere feet from the goal. Her eyes stung, and she could not see what Gesshin held out to her until she wiped her hand across them… The symbol of the Wasp, embroidered in black and gold.
Career and Marriage Of her early career, little need be said; it was a time of relative peace and free travel, of duties fulfilled and honor satisfied. Two incidents must be mentioned, however. While accompanying a group of envoys to the holdings of a minor noble of the Phoenix, she received a grave injury- a boar’s tusk tore open her belly during a hunt, and only the healing of their host’s shugenja saved her life. Chagrined at her overconfidence, she has forever after doubted her skill at the hunt; fingering her scar and wondering if this time, the quarry will be a little luckier. Sometime after this- again, while accompanying an envoy -for her politeness had, at this time, garnered some notice- she was moved to intervene in the beating of a mortician on the side of the road; his assailant, a wave-man of ill repute, evidently thought his caste sufficient cause to destroy him. Oharu’s disagreement was sufficient to cause her to fire an arrow through his leg, and another through his wrist, toppling his sword into the mud. When he roared with anger, she brought an arrow to her bow once more and spoke: “To strike one who cannot strike back is simple; I am far from you, and your blade is fallen. Take care.” At which time her victim fled, and the eta he had beaten crawled away. While her name is not always linked with it, the story has become a popular tavern tale, with numerous embellishments and variations- usually the victim is a member of whatever profession the speaker is, and sometimes the Ronin enters a monastery in fear of the archer’s retribution. Needless to say, this story would garner her no good reputation if brought to the attention of her fellow samurai, but she has (perhaps defensively) considered it nothing they need be made aware of. As her twentieth birthday neared, Oharu became aware –not for the first time, but with a new poignancy and urgency- that she had a duty she had not yet fulfilled; she had not chosen a husband, nor even entertained a candidate. For the first time in years, she sought out the man who had placed her on the true path so long ago; she visited the house of Tsuruchi Gesshin. Gesshin was troubled in his soul, on that day- for, like Oharu, he had been considering the question of marriage. He had but one son, Bokkai, who dwelled far from home, training with the Kitsuki- for his mind was sharp as a blade, and his passion was for justice. He knew this son to be unbending, proud and strong-willed, and he despaired of his finding a wife. Into this worry stepped Oharu, and Gesshin beheld her anew- her beauty, and her strength, and her laughter, all that his son lacked. He made the natural suggestion, and she, full of respect, accepted it without demur. Bokkai returned home for the negotiations, and Oharu found him pleasing to the eye; behind the matchmaker’s back, she gave him a wink, which he returned only with a raised eyebrow. The ceremony was humble but joyous, and their month apart was a time of anticipation for Oharu. When they came back together, however… Bokkai made it known that he had wished to marry only to satisfy propriety; that his true calling was his duty as a magistrate. He resented his return from the lands of the Dragon, resented the interruption in his avocation. Cool-headed, far less subject than Oharu to the pleasures and lures of the flesh, he would perform his duties as a spouse as society required- but no more. After the anticipation of their match, her dreams of a happy life with the son of the man she trusted most, her reaction was predictable- bitter disappointment, disgust, and ultimately, hatred. She turned to the vices of her youth to escape it- drink and its companions, low company and bawdy entertainment. Her husband’s handsome face, and her sneaking admiration for his dedication, only exacerbated the sting of his rejection. In the arms of geisha, in the hiss of the arrow; there would she find her way again.
The Present Finding herself at a loose end, Oharu has jumped at the chance to accompany the cartographer’s mission across the countryside, escaping her troubles and finding scope for her abilities alike.
TECHNIQUES, SPELLS, KATA, KIHO, SHADOWLANDS POWERS Duty Before Honour - Do not lose glory or honour when using the Commerce skill in public. Do not lose honour for using Intimidation (Control). When making social skill rolls vs lawless types gain a free raise equal to school rank.
EQUIPMENT/CURRENCY Extravagant Clothing Wakazashi Machi-kanshisha Calligraphy set 10 Koku Traveling Pack: Two Week's Rations Wicker Umbrella Sweets Small Tent Small knife Sake Cup 3 Bottles of Sake
COMBAT Weapons Machi-Kanshisha - 5k2 to hit - 2k2 damage
Armor TN To Be Hit = 15 = 5 + (5*2) Other Modifiers =
Yasumasa was born the second son of Yoritomo Hatoshi and Yoritomo Kyoko formerly Kuni Kyoko. Yasumasa being the second son was decided that in case his older brother Tsubasa, who is a bushi, died they'd like to preserve the line and as such committed him to the Yoritomo courtier school.
Tsubasa is an unfortunate soul whom has been tainted by the shadowlands and is part of a death squad with the crab and has no wife and children.
Yasumasa however grew up to be a quite successful Yoritomo courtier he took to heart easily the main teachings of the school and impressed his teachers with how Yasumasa handled a balance of persuasion through courtier and coercion through intimidation.
When Yasumasa passed his gempukku he was put in charge of a small merchant vessel which spent most of it's time delivering goods up and down Rokugan's rivers. To keep him safe from bandits and the like his parents managed to negotiate a Budoka named Yosai to become his servant. Yosai and Yasumasa would become great friends and Yosai soon became the first mate of the vessel.
They experienced mild and steady success for many years even upgrading to a slightly larger vessel. At the age of 19 however he experienced a slight change in fortune...
One evening while Yasumasa had docked his ship for a particularly storm he decided to watch for any lightning from Osano-wo. He was standing on the deck of the ship while everyone else was below, it became rocky and wet from the waves hitting the side. Inevitably Yasumasa slipped and kept slipping till he was at the side of his ship his left arm dangling over the side. Time seemed to slow down as he saw the ship next to his drifting towards him at a rapid speed. The noise and pain he would never forget as the two ships slammed together breaking his arm and shattering the bone. Yosai rushed to the deck to help his friend.
The Shugenja Yosai took Yasumasa to informed them that they'd have to amputate the arm. Yosai agreed while Yasumasa was passed out from the pain and the Shugenja dosed Yasumasa and begun the procedure. Yasumasa woke in the morning and to his horror his left arm was missing and news had spread fast as he received a letter telling him that due to his new situation that his ship was to be taken from him.
This left him without duty, arm and purpose. Yasumasa's mental condition also became worse with depression as where his arm was he felt a great amount of pain come from there and he took to drinking nearly constantly to dull the pain. Yosai continued his duty as friend and faithful servant and did what he could to ease Yasumasa's suffering.
A year of this depression was allowed and he spent most of his time wallowing in self pity. Yasumasa went to see a show, while drunk, of an admirably beautiful woman who sung a song which pierced his drunken heart. For a moment he became depressed on how such a woman would never wish to be with him in this state then he became very sober and resolute. He would rid himself of this pitiful state of depression and self pity then work toward being worthy of such a woman.
However the pain was still there and as such he found it hard to give up the sake he drunk to dull the pain. This would not stop his determination as he returned home to have a refreshment of his skills with his Sensei before heading back out into the world. He found himself in the city Toshi Ranbo in the Ichidou district where there was a Spider shugenja, courtier Yasumasa cared not the dog was preaching the dark fortunes as if people wanted to hear. Yasumasa in his somewhat drunken state marched over and told him whats what, humiliating the spider in front of many that weren't impressed by the spider anyways.
Somebody was watching this because Yasumasa was suddenly charged to map the nation.
Player: BegrudginglyGood
