女人 Nyonin: Reign of the Empress [Fantasy Story Set in Female Dominated Japan]

[Mediocre Author]

女人 Nyonin: Reign of the Empress

The kamigami have turned from us,
As the bakemono rise,
There is no solace left for us
The tears drawn from our eyes.

The madness claimed the strongest men,
And yet will heaven see,
The iron will and strength within,
Our Femininity.

~~Shogun Tokugawa Himari,
at the funeral of her Father ~~

The Game:

This story takes place in a low-magic version of feudal fantasy Japan. The game will be held in the Extreme Small Groups section, and I am looking for between 3-7 players. There will be GM hosted missions, along with sandbox free-play. Missions will entail dealing with the dark, evil, mystical creatures withing the wilds, and also interaction with rival clans through both diplomacy and the sword.

The Story:

After a mysterious illness swept through the male population of Japan, the majority of men either died or went entirely mad, driven out into the wilds. This caused the remaining women take over the all of occupations which were formerly held by men. In addition, the ruling class became entirely comprised of women.

With society dominated by females, the relatively few men who remained both alive and sane found themselves treated by the ruling class more like a commodity than human beings. Although not slaves, they lacked the rights to come and go as they chose, and they were bound to the Daimyo of the province in which they lived. They were still valued for their size and prowess as warriors and also for breeding, and their rights were considerably limited.

In addition to the hordes of madman outcasts who prowled the wildlands between villages, rumors began to circulate that the old monsters of legends were also awakened within the ancient woods and swamps. Travel outside of the cities and villages decreased. The female Daimyos who ruled over the noble clans all set to work individually, training young women in the way of the sword, and raising new armies of samurai within their provinces.

Now, almost 200 years later, fierce rivalries have developed between the many of the noble clans. The Shogunate has forbidden open war, but there are often skirmishes and violent border disputes between competing daimyos. It is within this period of civil unrest that our story begins.


Character Creation

Your character will be a member of the Nanbu Clan under Daimyo Nanbu Megumi. She is a firm and stern leader who is respected and honored by her subjects. By creating a retainer for the Nanbu clan, you are creating a character who would die for her (or his) Daimyo.

Character Sample Art (Digital Art and or semi-realistic Anime Art, please)

Full Name: (In typical Japanese fashion, surnames are listed before given names)
Attributes: Brawn, Speed, Cunning, and Charisma. Pick two of these to excel at, one to be average in, and one to be poor in. Alternatively, you can choose to be one to excel in, and three to be average in. This will help create interesting characters who have strengths and weaknesses.
Age: 18+
Gender: The majority of society is made up of women, but men still exist, and CAN absolutely be chosen as characters. Some men are sheltered away for reproduction purposes, but the strongest are allowed to venture out on missions, being prized for their taller heights and on average larger builds. However, they are normally sent with female escorts, and they are expected to commit seppuku rather than allowing their capture by enemy clans. 
Sexuality:
Height:
Weight:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
General Description: Give a brief description of what your character normally looks like. Include clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or unusual features
Personality: A brief overview of your character's personality.
History:

Weapons & skills

Abilities: Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.

• Weapon: Choose 2 or 3 traditional Eastern weapons for your character to use. Primitive firearms from the west are allowed, but they are considered incredibly rare and their use is considered dishonorable, in general.
• Name of Special Ability: Describe it.
• Name of Special Ability: Describe it.
• Name of Special Ability: Describe it.

Code Select Expand

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[center][i]Character Sample Art (Digital Art and or semi-realistic Anime Art, please)[/i][/center]
[/float]
[b]Full Name:[/b] (In typical Japanese fashion, surnames are listed before given names)
[b]Attributes:[/b] Brawn, Speed, Cunning, and Charisma. Pick two of these to excel at, one to be average in, and one to be poor in. Alternatively, you can choose to be one to excel in, and three to be average in. This will help create interesting characters who have strengths and weaknesses.
[b]Age:[/b] 18+
[b]Gender:[/b] The majority of society is made up of women, but men still exist, and can absolutely be chosen as characters. Some men are sheltered away for reproduction purposes, but the strongest are allowed to venture out on missions, being prized for their taller heights and on average larger builds. However, they are normally sent with female escorts, and they are expected to commit seppuku rather than allowing their capture by enemy clans. 
[b]Sexuality:[/b]
[b]Height:[/b]
[b]Weight:[/b]
[b]Hair Color:[/b]
[b]Eye Color:[/b]
[b]General Description:[/b] Give a brief description of what your character normally looks like. Include clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or unusual features
[b]Personality:[/b] A brief overview of your character's personality.
[b]History:[/b]

[center][size=4][b]Weapons & skills[/b][/size][/center]

[b]Abilities:[/b] Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.
[list]
[li][b]Weapon:[/b] Choose 2 or 3 traditional Eastern weapons for your character to use. Primitive firearms from the west are allowed, but they are considered incredibly rare, and their use is considered dishonorable, in general.[/li]
[li][b]Name of Special Ability:[/b] Describe it.[/li]
[li][b]Name of Special Ability:[/b] Describe it.[/li]
[li][b]Name of Special Ability:[/b] Describe it.[/li]
[/list]

Rules

1. Be Respectful. Simple respect goes a long way to ensure a fun game. Disagreements are understandable and natural, but at the end of the day, we are all just trying to have fun. If you have a problem, politely and privately address it to the person in question. Most of the time, such issues can be resolved.
2. Discord. I would love for everyone to join a Discord conversation thread, but it is not required.
3. Keep Your Characters GroundedRemember that the setting is low-magic. Your character should not be insanely powerful or over the top. A character two or three times as strong or fast as a real life human will be accepted. A character 100x more powerful will not.
4. Non-Japanese characters Characters from other nations will be considered, although they may deal with a fair amount of discrimination from the in-world NPCs. But I have no problem with it. That said, Asian characters are definitely more believable than PCs from other continents... but I'll take things on a case by case basis. 
5. Smut vs. Story. I intend for this game to focus more on story, but I will absolutely allow saucy content within the game. Just make sure to respect each others O/O's
6. One character per writer. I am only allowing one character per writer starting out. You are welcome to draft up a second one to keep on the back burner, but for the start of the story, just one character is allowed.
7. Respect the GM's rulings I am always trying my hardest to allow everyone's cool ideas in, while still maintaining the original integrity of my world. I promise that I take no pleasure in bossing people around, and I'll be glad to hear requests to change or explain a ruling. But once I've made a firm ruling, please work with me. I don't have time for long debates.
8. Keep in touch with the group.If you are planning a hiatus, I can work with you. Just keep me in the loop. Real world stuff always takes top priority, but don't leave us in the dark please.
9. In Character Discrimination. While I will not tolerate rudeness between players, based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, or anything else... players should not expect for all of their modern sensibilities to be shared by all of the characters within the game. Your characters will likely meet rude, prejudiced NPCs, and not all of them will be villains. Art mimics life, and in real life some people suck.
10. Consequences: Your characters are real people within a fictional world, and if they react in a wild or fool hearty manner, the world will react appropriately and your character may suffer... all as part of the story.
11. PC Death. This is not ordinarily on the table, but if you ever decide to create a new character, we can always surprise the other players with a gut-wrenching death. Very fun.
12. Dice Rolls. On occasions, during missions, I may have simple pass/fail dice rolls tests based on your character's strengths and weaknesses. I may be rolling these for you (behind the screen) or perhaps we can set up a dice-bot on discord if everyone wants. That remains to be decided. However, if I message you and let you know that your character suffered a set back, we can discuss what that failure meant for the character, and you can decide how to narrate the struggle. Again, this is all to increase in game drama and tension.


If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!!!

[Lynnette]

Noting interest. Not quite sure what I'd want to do for a character yet, but I generally really like feudal Japan settings, so I'm sure it'll come to me soon. It'll likely be a female character.

Do you have a planned direction for the story yet?

[shengami]

Kani Takemi

𝒦𝒶𝓃𝒾 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓂𝒾

Full Name: Kani Tamkemi
Attributes: Excel: Brawn
Average: Speed, Cunning, and Charisma.
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Unknown?? (probably Lesbian/Demisexual)
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 227 lbs
Hair Color: Brownish-black
Eye Color: Black
General Description: Takemi is massive. By even the standards of men, she is large and strong. And, as a result, she is not often considered attractive. Her hair tends to be chopped off rather than neatly coiffed and held up in a high braid that falls to the middle of her back except long bangs that she lets hang in her face. Her features, when people are being kind, are compared to a glacier as smooth and unblemished but cold. But most compare them to broad plains or sheer mountain faces. The worst compare her face to her family's namesake- a crab. Her eyes tend to be cast down, hesitant, uncertain. She hunches her shoulders and slouches to reduce her height. She favors loose clothing that hides her brawny physique. Much of this changes dramatically when she is in battle though.

Personality: Takemi's personality is like a switch. When she is in her daily life, she is meek and quiet. She tends to use few words and, remarkably for one of her size, fade into the background. Due to her girlhood, she is shy, reticent, and unconfident in social situations. However, put her hammer in her hand and she turns on. Still a woman of very few words, Takemi is bold, decisive, and unshakeable in battle. Her courage unassailable, her dedication to her fellows unwavering, her skill unquestioned. More shocking than this, she barks orders and commands easily. Whatever mode she is in though, her mind whirs constantly.

History: The Kani family is a family of warriors, samurai, and have been for one hundred years. It is by their strength of arms and fighting ability that they have earned their moderate position in the clan. Most notably, as a family, they are known to be large. Though Takemi is large by even her family's standards, the women of the Kani average over five feet and nine inches. They also tend to be brawny and powerful. Again, Takemi takes this to near illogical extremes. Even among her family, people have to crane to look up at her.

But it was not always so.

Takemi was born sickly and the second of five. The Kani family was pleased when Kani Suzume's first child was a strong, healthy boy. Less amazed when her second was a small, sickly girl. However, three more healthy girls came next. For the first eight years of her life, she spent more time with her nurse than her family. Akihiko, her brother, was doted on. Her sisters played samurai in the garden and dojo. She languished in bed. Two important things happened the year of her eighth winter: her brother died in an accident and terrible, wracking pains began to torment her. Many whispered the family was cursed. At times, she was normal and was able to start lesson in the family's Descending Heaven style of swordsmanship. But whole months would pass where her body ached and she was barely able to get out of bed.

Her mother and her nurse consulted with healers and it was advised that Takemi undergo a rigorous regimen of exercise to strengthen her body. Since the Kani family did not need a sickly heir, this was done in the hopes that either she would get stronger or die. Luckily for everyone, it was the former. Over the next five years, Takemi grew and grew and grew. Not just in height but in brawn. By the time she was thirteen, she could heft even the weightiest tetsubo in the dojo and throw grown men. At that time, she was also as tall as the men of her family and stood over her own mother. None could explain it except as the favor of Raijin. For, even as her body grew, her voice boomed like an avalanche.

While her family was amazed, Takemi was embarrassed to go from ignored to the center of attention. From overlooked to impossible to miss. Her personality, shy and retiring, did not change much. She still spent a lot of time with her nurse, even after the aches faded from her form and the memory of her family. She preferred to play I-go or Shogi, she liked quiet kata, and the moment just before striking in a duel. She adored Ikebana. But she was also a dutiful and obedient daughter. When she came of age, she swore fealty to the Nanbu Clan and showed her worth as a warrior.

As she grew into this position, she taught herself to be direct and commanding when needed. She found the battlefield to be a place where her size and brawn were not oddities. Neither were they seen as a commodity for her family to trade on for a good position and marriage. Instead, those who fought with her depended on her strength and skill as comrades and sisters in battle. {more to go in here, but open to collaboration. Would love someone who was the one to draw her out of her shell. But she will be out of that shell come game.)

Weapons & skills

Abilities:

• Weapon: Hammer, Tachi
• Name of Special Ability: Kani no Kora For Takemi, armor has always seemed like a second skin. Even the heaviest armors do not slow her and seem to flow easily with her movement. Even alone, the armor seems to want to go on and it takes her less time. She has never been able to explain it, but she always seems to be able to connect to it. And the longer she wears a certain suit of armor, the more effective it seems for her.
• Name of Special Ability: Akuma no Kani Takemi's form is massive and powerful. She ripples with muscles and her stamina seems unending. Her nurse blames the diet and teas she drank as a girl. Her mother credits the Kani style of combat. Takemi secretly wonders if she is, indeed, favored of Raijin. Whatever the case, she is easily as durable and strong as two men.
• Name of Special Ability: Raijin's Voice With a lungful of air, Takemi's voice can be heard for miles. Those close can be shaken when she shouts at full throat. Her orders can be heard even over the din of full battle.

That's a basic character concept of a big, tanky lady! Haha. Hmm, it might need soem tinkering and tweaking. But, I am also open to anyone wanting to make connections with Takemi. I know most don't always go for it, but it's fun to make paired characters. So, happy if someone wants to be her sister, lover, friend, rival, betrothed, etc.

This setting is just so cool I have to submit an idea!

[Mediocre Author]

Noting interest. Not quite sure what I'd want to do for a character yet, but I generally really like feudal Japan settings, so I'm sure it'll come to me soon. It'll likely be a female character.

Do you have a planned direction for the story yet?

Glad to hear about your interest! 

I have a general overview of story direction, but I have left plenty of open-endedness for player input. Your characters' actions will affect the world and the story as it unfolds. 

[Mediocre Author]

This setting is just so cool I have to submit an idea!

I really like the character design! Glad to see you here 😊

[Lynnette]

I'll sort out the banner at a later point, but that should do it!

Tsugaru Osana

[/size][/color][/font]

Full Name: Tsugaru Osana
Attributes:
Brawn - Poor
Speed - Excel
Cunning - Average
Charisma - Excel
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Bisexual, in a sense. Osana does desire children when the time is right, and is in turn open to both sex and relationships, though most of her familiarity with the topic comes from women.
Height: Decidedly average at approximately 5'4".
Weight: 110lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
General Description: Osana in looks comes off as a traditional noblewoman, wearing well-made clothes, with clean and unblemished skin. Most frequently she's seen wearing her family's colors of white and red, though she deviates from this on occasion in private. Her hair is kept long, tied in a ponytail with a hairtie that mirrors the length of her tail. 

Those who've met her in the baths or under other circumstance, would know that her arms are slender with little visible muscle. Her legs are long, and her body has a little fat on it, though not more than what it takes to hide muscle underneath. She's moderately busty, and moderately bushy down low, preferring the more dignified look (in her eyes).
Personality: Likely thanks to her upbringing, never intended to be a retainer, swordswoman or otherwise, Osana reflects a lot of traits in a common noblewoman. She is modest and polite, but not afraid to talk if her case has reason to be presented. She's sociable and diplomatic in nature, understanding well that conflict most often stems from either conflicting views, or the conflicts of others. Calm and confident, often wearing a pleasant, modest smile, would be a few good descriptors. 

History: Before reaching any level of nobility, tracing back the roots of the Tsugaru family lineage, Osana stems from a family of divers. The household made its money through diving to the seafloor, hunting for shellfish like clams, urchins and scallops. In part through how many generations the family had practiced the craft, their divers were known to hold their breath for exceptionally long, often times double or triple that of other practitioners, allowing them to dive much deeper and stay there for longer than almost any other divers. Even to depths where light hardly breaks through, their family lineage had exceptional senses, able to pick up both the food they were looking for, and of which direction was up - A great fear at depths where you'd actively need to swim to surface without drowning first.

After most of the male population perished, and in need of soldiers, the family was put in the position of having to offer up their children as soldiers. After some negotiation however, they reached an agreement with the Daimyo that only every odd-numbered child had to become part of the daimyo's soldiers, while the other half could continue the family craft of dive-fishing. This came with the stipulation that their agreement should always favor the Daimyo, and that in the event that one of the family's member perished outside of active war, another child had to be presented to take their place. The family had wanted for it to be every third-born, but this was overruled by the Daimyo on grounds of them being able to keep the family alive without offering soldiers.

Over the next two centuries, the family's soldiers proved to be very capable. Their breath control was exceptional and equal was their capacity, allowing for both feats of burst strength, and endurance that rivaled those raised to pick up the sword. The family rose to the ranks of nobility despite their craft being that of commoners through the samurai-half of their family. 

Osana on her part was the 6th child, and in turn not meant to be trained in swordsmanship. Until her late teenage years, she was a diver, just like the 2nd and 4th child. Osana was content with this, holding no particular wish to become a samurai. She was meant to start trying for children within few months, only holding off in wait for her older sister to give birth. In this wait, another of her sister, the 3rd child of her generation, died of disease. With the 2nd soon to be married, and the 4th pregnant, it fell upon Osana to uphold the Tsugaru household's agreement with the Daimyo, and forfeit her current role to become samurai.

In the years that followed, Osana proved herself more than capable. Though her brute strength was lackluster, a consequence of not actively training for a role in swordsmanship, she possessed excellent dexterity and speed, as well as the dignity expecting as those serving the daimyo as a retainer. 

Weapons & skills

Abilities: Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.

• Weapon: Katana, wakizashi, matchlock rifle

• Breathing technique - Brute strength: Though Osana's arm-strength is modest at best, through practiced techniques passed down from her siblings who served as samurai, Osana can briefly increase her heart rate to dangerous levels, giving a very brief stint of greatly increased strength, usually limited to a singular strike. Her body can't really handle it however, and overuse or extended use leads to torn muscles, tendons, fatigue and potentially fainting. Ignoring the wear and tear on her body, it grants her sufficient strength to decapitate with a single strike, a rare feat even among seasoned soldiers. However, she wouldn't be able to follow up such a strike until she's had time to heal.
• Breathing technique - Pathcarver: A more moderated variety of the call for brute strength, but following the same lines. Another technique passed down through her lineage, intent on breaking enemy lines and causing panic. Through a blend of increased speed and strength, the user charges forth, leveraging their dexterity and strength to strike two targets in rapid succession while diving between them, delivering crippling and potentially lethal cuts. Seen from behind, it reminds of a white flash followed by a circle of blood, the user twisting their body in the strike creating a near perfect circle with their blade, fast enough that the blood of the initial strike doesn't have time to clear until the second. Though it can be used on a singular target, Osana doesn't favor it, as it makes the balance of it much more difficult.
• Breathing technique - Absolute calm: A parrying technique. The user takes a defensive position, and slows their heartrate to the bare minimum, to the point they have to rely on their instincts to function, while keeping their lungs full of air. When their senses detect an opening in an incoming attack, the user immediately acts, utilizing the opening presented. Though it's a strong offensive technique, due to the purposeful reduced awareness, it makes it hard to keep track of time and what is going on around them, beyond what is being focused on. Rumor has it that one member of the family used it for a duel, but their opponent was killed by a horse-rider. By the time the user broke the technique off, the rest of their group was already a mile ahead.

[AndyZ]

Curious about this but don’t have any ideas yet.

[Mediocre Author]

I'll sort out the banner at a later point, but that should do it!

Awesome character design! I'll PM you with more info and commentary. 

[Mediocre Author]

Curious about this but don’t have any ideas yet.

Let me know if you do. Spots are filling up quicker than it appears. I have a few other players on the way from discord. 😁

[AndyZ]

Let me know if you do. Spots are filling up quicker than it appears. I have a few other players on the way from discord. 😁

Yeah, if this is going to fill up fast, I'm probably best stepping away and letting other folks enjoy rather than getting halfway done when everyone else finishes and slots fill up.  Sorry.  I'm just having a rough time with things of late.

[Mediocre Author]

Yeah, if this is going to fill up fast, I'm probably best stepping away and letting other folks enjoy rather than getting halfway done when everyone else finishes and slots fill up.  Sorry.  I'm just having a rough time with things of late.

I understand entirely. No sweat. 

Currently, we have 5 players with characters created or messaging me with interest. So I just wanted to manage expectations.  

[AndyZ]

I understand entirely. No sweat.

Currently, we have 5 players with characters created or messaging me with interest. So I just wanted to manage expectations. 

I would hands down rather handle things like this rather than get halfway done over a few days and have everything just fall apart ^_^ Thank you very much.

[AndyZ]

I understand entirely. No sweat.

Currently, we have 5 players with characters created or messaging me with interest. So I just wanted to manage expectations. 

So, I say that, I figure I'm not going to make for this, and that's when the idea kicks in.

I want to ask: would male characters be acceptable?  I realize I'll be mostly a breeding stud who's supposed to be defended by more competent (and arguably expendable) women and likely not supposed to get into the fights myself.  Maybe my character even has some training but is being more escorted or transported as part of the story in question.  The Nanbu Clan probably has him passed around from area to area to impregnate the willing.

[Mediocre Author]

I want to ask: would male characters be acceptable?  

Of course!😁

As per the character creation sheet:

 Gender: The majority of society is made up of women, but men still exist, and can absolutely be chosen as characters. Some men are sheltered away for reproduction purposes, but the strongest are allowed to venture out on missions, being prized for their taller heights and on average larger builds. However, they are normally sent with female escorts, and they are expected to commit seppuku rather than allowing their capture by enemy clans. 

[Mediocre Author]

The Nanbu Clan probably has him passed around from area to area to impregnate the willing.

As far as this goes, while men would absolutely be used for breeding, they would also be held in high value and not shared with those outside of the province to which they were bound.
Women who were seeking to bear children could journey to the capital of their local Daimyo's han, and they would bring tax to be paid with rice, gold, silver, etc in order to rent the services of a male retainer.  It would only be during rare diplomatic treaties that men would be traded or shared outside of the clan.

On the other hand, men who were skilled in combat would be considered a particularly valuable commodity, but even they would only be allowed to venture out with the express permission of their daimyo.

[AndyZ]

Toyamato Ichiro

Full Name: Toyamato Ichiro
Attributes: Brawn Average, Speed Average, Cunning Average, and Charisma Excel.
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 130 lbs.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
General Description: Ichiro keeps his hair long and free as part of a way to ensure he can fit in.  It's saved him more than once where women were expecting a man to have short hair or done up in a proper topknot.  He's not above doing what he can to disguise as a woman when the situation demands it.  Quite a few women prefer the full topknot when he meets them for a romantic encounter.
Personality: Being a man in a woman's world has plenty of advantages and disadvantages.  Ichiro has long since given up questioning his duty and accepted his fate, finding joy where he can.  Threats to his life aside, he finds life very worth living, if stifling, and tends to be outgoing and charismatic among those he feels he can trust.
History: Ichiro's life is one of being sheltered, surrounded by women who often adore his smile and attention, but lacking any sort of true freedom.  Every woman he meets already knows if she wants him to try to impregnate her, but plenty are shy and in need of encouragement.  Although he would like to see a place outside of the capital, he doesn't reasonably expect it to happen.

Weapons & skills

Abilities: Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.

• Weapon: A katana along with a bow and arrows.
• Rapid healing: Ichiro can heal in hours a wound that might be outright fatal or even take weeks of medical care.
• Feign Death: Ichiro can slow his breathing and metabolism so as to appear to be dead.  More than once, he's had to use this tactic to feign committing seppuku when he would otherwise have been captured.
• Name of Special Ability: Describe it.

I have two special abilities down and am going to think on the third.  Please let me know how this looks so far.

[Mediocre Author]

I have two special abilities down and am going to think on the third.  Please let me know how this looks so far.

I'll PM you

[Aethyrium]

This is either... One of most fun things I've done, or a total pile of ass. -Snorts- To make sure everyone groks it, the history is read top to bottom, right to left. Because I was feeling extra.

Shiori

Full Name: Nanbu-Koizumi Shiori
Attributes: Speed (Excel), Cunning (Excel), Brawn (Average), Charisma (Poor)
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Fluid
Height: 5'10
Weight: 143lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown

General Description: A striking, tall figure with a strong frame, Shiori is as graceful as she is confident. She's got long, flowing raven-feather hair that stands in stark contrast to her fair ivory skin. Her clothing choices tend toward elegant, but always practical for her lifestyle and she favors bold, eye-catching accessories to accentuate these wardrobe choices. Her ears are pierced, and most commonly she wears a pair of miniature ornate blown glass orb lanterns, which are filled with a bioluminescent oil harvested from a local worm that causes them to glow softly.

Personality: Shiori possesses a demeanor defined by reservedness, and quiet strength that underscores her every action. She is focused and disciplined, never one to waver from her path. Yet beneath this composed exterior shell that has been carefully curated through her life lies a playful and curious spirit waited, like a gem waiting to be unearthed. At times, her true nature emerges and that goofiness catches those around her off guard. Though actively suppressed, this facet of her personality is her most true self - glimpses into her lighter side are as precious as they are rare.

History:

Woman, bold and true, Sheilding matron, blade held high, Guardian's fierce grace. In her loyalty, a vow, Defender of trust, avowed.	Matron sees the fire, fierce, Within her, a tempest roars, Passion's quiet flame. From embers to raging blaze, Strength and will in her gaze.	Foreign land, she treads, In stranger's grasp, silence reigns, Hand unknown, she holds. Within enemy's keep, she stands, Fate's sands bind, shifting hands.	Beneath moon's soft glow, New life in servitude blooms, Silent vows bestow. Bound by lineage's decree, She carries duty's silent plea.
‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾
Tasked to fight foes, Her resolve a fierce flame light, Striding to battle. Every strike, legacy grows, Shielding kin, her valor shows.	Matron's resolve forms, To forge her into a blade, Silent steel in hand. From raw potential, honed true, A weapon born, fate anew.	Matron's hearth now hers, Silent walls whisper solace, In warmth she's reborn. In adversary's shadow, Sanctuary's embrace found.	Mirrored guise she wears, Nobility's reflection, Hidden truths abide. Mimicked presence, forged facade, Life's symphony, secrets flawed.
‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾
Matron's honored, Trusted service, she commands, Guided by her grace. Every deed, loyalty shown, Bound to matron's side, her own.	Rigorous training, Struggles shape her resolve strong, Endurance tested. Each trial, step toward might, In hardships forge, she ignites.	Matron's daughters stand, In kinship's embrace she stands, Accepted, not mute. From stranger to cherished kin, Her voice finds its strength within.	In chaos, homes fall, Walls crumble 'neath ruthless foes, Silent screams resound. In ruins, she her voice is found, By choice, a phoenix is born.
‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾
Tied, yet free to mold, Bound by choice, not chain's embrace, Unity, she roams. Her spirit finds balance true, In clan's embrace, her own too.	In hectic world's grasp, She wrestles with her own worth, Yet matron's wisdom, Bestows her a sacred task, In this purpose found, she basks.	Guided by matron, Learning paths of newfound grace, Embracing her role. In this foreign realm she thrives, Adapting, her spirit thrives.	Rubble's embrace, lone, Matron's gaze, a glint of grace, Silent savior nears. From ashes, strength anew springs, Resilience in silence sings.
‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾	‪ ‾
Duty's hold now fades, Her eyes seek life's open road, Boundless horizons. Exploring paths yet untrod, In freedom, she finds her soul.	Through trials, she rises, Excellence in every fight, Her spirit aflame. A warrior born from strife, In victory, she claims life.	Under watchful eye, From innocence to grace blooms, Blossoming through time. Youthful radiance shines bright, In beauty's glow, she takes flight.	Matron's arms spread wide, In her care, a newfound home, Silent bonds now tied. Enemy to kin, she's led, In quiet refuge, hope spreads.

Weapons & skills

Abilities:

• Weapon: Katana & Wakizashi, Naginata,
• Dairokkan: Shiori has a sixth sense that manifests as an uncanny awareness of the world around her, and the ability to pick up on intent. This is a combination of perception, gut feeling, and instinct that gives her an edge when 'reading' people. In battle it is this sense which makes Shiori so formidable, allowing her to seemingly react and perform would otherwise seem implausible. While incredibly useful, and generally reliable, it is still an instinct and can be wrong.
• Kaiketsu: With remarkable focus, Shiori can steady herself and focus in on a single task or goal. In doing this she is capable of blocking out nearly all other things, dialing her mind and body toward this singular point of focus; this deep concentration allows her to perform feats she would otherwise not be able to do in the name of accomplishing her goal, and allows her to act beyond pain, fear, anxiety, doubt, and even intoxication. However while focused in this way, Shiori is all but blind to the world as it exists beyond her task, making her extremely vulnerable to interference.

[Mediocre Author]

This is either... One of most fun things I've done, or a total pile of ass. -Snorts- To make sure everyone groks it, the history is read top to bottom, right to left. Because I was feeling extra.

I think this character looks amazing... but of course you already knew that. lol

[Miss Nyx]

Ahhhh you already know but I figured I may as well announce. ;D I'll have her in to you shortly. <3

[Mediocre Author]

Ahhhh you already know but I figured I may as well announce. ;D I'll have her in to you shortly. <3

Woot Woot!

[Miss Nyx]

Madarame Tsukiko

Full Name: Madarame Tsukiko
Attributes:
Brawn: Poor.
Speed: Excel.
Cunning: Average.
Charisma: Excel.
Age: 19.
Gender: Female.
Sexuality: Uncertain, it’s not something she thinks about.
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 115 lbs.
Hair Color: Black.
Eye Color: Grey.
General Description: If you ask Tsukiko, she would consider herself ‘of average appearance’ in the way that she is small in stature, svelte and delicate with very small feminine assets. Her most unusual feature would be her pale grey eyes. She’s developed a complex over the years, as they’ve often been a topic of scrutiny and teasing from her peers. Tsukiko wears her hair long, typically, unless an event or training requires her to wear her hair in another fashion and in this way she will take the time to wash and wind her hair into a neat braided bun, often accenting with decorative clips.

The kimono Tsukiko wear are typically monochrome in their design, but on occasion especially when performing her duties as a aruki miko, she will don the color red. She is typically seen carrying her weapons in plain view, as a wandering shine maiden she prefers not to give anyone ideas that she may be easily disturbed in her duties nor does she wish to be unarmed should she encounter dangers out in the wilderness.

Personality: Tsukiko is soft spoken, humble and gracious. She has love for all living things in the world and seeks beauty even in the darkest of places. Her hopeful and uplifting attitude seems a product of her environment—Tsukiko has known much strife and loss through her life, which has inevitably set her on the path she is now on. She seems to prefer isolation and the quiet, but it’s primarily because she simply hasn’t experienced much other than this.

Because of her withdrawn and antisocial nature Tsukiko can be curt, blunt and sharp of tongue with strangers. Highly dedicated to her practices as a miko she does not like to have her time wasted nor does she have time for foolishness or trivialities. In truth, Tsukiko may honestly be cautious to act her age or ‘have fun’ due to the level of personal responsibility she carries. She can be painfully shy when she has encountered company she enjoys, to the point where she finds it hard to express herself correctly. The result of this is a blushing, tongue-tied young woman who’s thoughts seem to be delivered in a jumbled, embarrassing mess of nonsense. At least until she either runs away or goes deathly silent out of fear of bringing further embarrassment upon herself.

History: Raised in the northernmost areas of the country, Tsukiko was born to a wandering miko who returned home to Sapporo to raise Tsukiko among her sisters at Hokkaidō Jingū. It was with great misfortune that shortly after her birth, her mother passed due to complications. As such, Tsukiko was reared by her aunts, and taught the ways of the shrine maiden. She grew up with other youthful offspring of the shrine and among them, a single son, who would soon become her ‘brother’ by pact as he too lost his mother at a young age. This young son was promised to the Nanbu clan, and as Tsukiko grew she became more adamant on traveling with him to the Nanbu clan when the time came. For this matter, she sought to prove her worth, and was taught the way of the katana.

The time finally arrived for Tsukiko to escort her adopted brother, Daisuke, safely to the Nanbu clan. From there, Tsukiko had no sense of direction other than to fulfill her purpose as a aruki miko and travel the country tending to the Shinto shrines. Rumors that the wilds were not only dangerous but were slowly being infected by dangerous beings and plagued with yokai spread like wildfire, and for this, Tsukiko’s talents seemed most especially sought after. The prestige was dismissed for the hope of bringing balance to the world and restoring peace to the earth. Tsukiko became convinced the Gods were angry, but it would be Daisuke who would demand that she be brought into service among the Nanbu clan, too anxious and unwilling to part with his adopted sister. This annoyed Tsukiko, because she could not rightfully refuse the extended offer from the Nanbu clan without inspiring offense, as such she has been tied to their lands and unable to fulfill her duties in full as an aruki miko. Naturally, though, her presence is said to be a matter of good fortune. Tsukiko’s talents in warding off evils are said to keep the Nanbu clan and its warriors safe, and despite her determination to help purify Nippon she has found minor happiness acting as resident shaman.

Weapons & skills

Abilities:

• Weapon: She carries a katana and wakizashi.
• Evil Warding: Tsukiko utilizes ofuda (paper slip talisman), omamori charms and hand carves oni masks and talisman to protect the Nanbu clan. Tsukiko is known for her deep flowing Ki, and imbues these talisman with energy which allow them to help protect and repel evil spirits. While they are highly effective they are not fool proof and if destroyed, tampered with or stolen, will offer no such protection for the bearer. Likewise, Tsukiko’s charms do have limits, and have to be frequently re-energized to continue to prove effective against malevolent entities. Unfortunately to this date Tsukiko does not have a charm that can protect against the madmen wandering the wilds.
• Enhanced Ki: Tsukiko’s connection to life Ki and stability of her own Ki allow her to gather energy for many purposes. Primarily, she uses this energy to charge attacks in either hand to hand combat or with use of her weapons and increase the speed, agility and raw power behind it. As such, Tsukiko can slice through or crumble stone given enough time to gather Ki, break bones or dispatch her enemies rapidly despite her meager appearance. Make note that Tsukiko cannot maintain this practice in large form, she can only utilize this talent in moments of extreme duress.
• Future Sight: Through dreams Tsukiko can take glimpses into the future. Unfortunately, these are often ominous glimpses of terrible things happening. She has frequent nightmares and tries her best not to put too much thought into these things, as the future is an unstable entity and is constantly changing but she can’t help but feel utter dread and despair when a vision becomes reality. It’s happened enough times that she knows now it isn’t her imagination, and she believes the kami are attempting to warn her.

I'll spiffy up her title header later, I'm off to work! :D

[LanaN]

I'll have a character for you soon :D

[Mediocre Author]

I'll have a character for you soon :D

Looking forward to it!

[Mediocre Author]

I knew you'd get sucked in Lmao!!!

[Miss Nyx]

I knew you'd get sucked in Lmao!!!

Yeah I blame youuuuuuu entirely, you and my cracked out creation crazy muse! I don’t know what she’s on. 😂 Setting is epic though as is the cast. I’ll make time.

[Rainbae]

Working on a character sheet right now! Love the world and the concept. Will PM you it once it's done

[Deathnote]

Would it be possible to play as a man who’s already entirely mad and grew up in the wild?  Over time, he slowly but surely regains his sanity.

[Mediocre Author]

Would it be possible to play as a man who’s already entirely mad and grew up in the wild?  Over time, he slowly but surely regains his sanity.

Oh wow 😳 
That's an original and interesting concept! 

PM me and let's discuss it! 

[shengami]

Hehe, Black Cat was certainly an anime.

@Mediocre Author 

Couple setting questions:

Since it has been 200 years since the mysterious illness and bands of wild men roam the wilderness still...

How does that work?

Alongside the fact that there still seems to be a small number of sane men.

Is the natural birthrate for men low for some unknown/known reason? Do men still contract the illness sometimes? Like, if they are fighting against wild men and are wounded/bitten/etc, do they contract the illness or is there a natural immunity in sane populations now? And how are there still wild men? Who's out there breeding them? OR are they functionally immortal now? Just being curious. It's not like this is still in the immediate aftermath of the fall of the patriarchy, but it's 200 years on now. If the population of sane men bounced back after a generation or two, how did things continue under matriarchal conditions? A curious person wants to know.

[Miss Nyx]

Hehe, Black Cat was certainly an anime.

@Mediocre Author

Couple setting questions:

Since it has been 200 years since the mysterious illness and bands of wild men roam the wilderness still...

How does that work?

Alongside the fact that there still seems to be a small number of sane men.

Is the natural birthrate for men low for some unknown/known reason? Do men still contract the illness sometimes? Like, if they are fighting against wild men and are wounded/bitten/etc, do they contract the illness or is there a natural immunity in sane populations now? And how are there still wild men? Who's out there breeding them? OR are they functionally immortal now? Just being curious. It's not like this is still in the immediate aftermath of the fall of the patriarchy, but it's 200 years on now. If the population of sane men bounced back after a generation or two, how did things continue under matriarchal conditions? A curious person wants to know.

Seriously all fantastic questions shen. I been wondering myself if the male to female ratio rebalanced… (or would be, but maybe the men are still susceptible to turning into feral insane monsters?) Hence their continued population of the forests? 🤔😅 Pure speculation naturally.

[shengami]

Seriously all fantastic questions shen. I been wondering myself if the male to female ratio rebalanced… (or would be, but maybe the men are still susceptible to turning into feral insane monsters?) Hence their continued population of the forests? 🤔😅 Pure speculation naturally.

Thanks. And nice to see you Nyx. The potential cast here is starting to be almost as enticing as the setting!

[Miss Nyx]

Thanks. And nice to see you Nyx. The potential cast here is starting to be almost as enticing as the setting!

I agree entirely, it’s fantastic to see you here! Love your gigantic lady, what a fabulous concept. 🥰 I see Aethy’s about as well? Ohhhh yes, I anticipate this’ll be a fantastic game.

[Aethyrium]

I see Aethy’s about as well?

Lil ol' me? I may have done a thing.

[Miss Nyx]

Lil ol' me? I may have done a thing.

An awesome thing, your brain babies never disappoint! The whole stoic warrior with a secretive fun side will be glorious to witness. 🤩

It’s looking like Koko-chan’s got a lot of badass women to learn a few things from. My doors open if anyone wants to talk connects or plots!

[shengami]

See, now... everyone is willing to say 'my door's open' and I've witnessed that devolve into the pizza conversation.

Whatta you wnat?

Iunno, whatta you want?

Iunno!

So, yanno? Be the solution you seek, yeah? So, here's some ideas.

Takemi-chan has a spot open. She's been an active soldier in the daimyo's forces for a handful of years now. In her history, I have her as being a bit on the shy side. However, I want her to be less so by the game start. That's the spot that's open. A friend or friends. Even a lover. Maybe both? I am also open to someone being a 'sister' either one of her younger siblings or a oath-sister. But even if they are NPCs, she'll have close friends who draw her out and have made her more confident recently. Because that's where I want her at.

So:
Osana ( @Lynnette ) As a fellow Samurai in service to the Nanbu, they might be comrades and have fought side by side? Takemi might even like that Osana doesn't come from a bushi family but a family of artisans. Sparring partners?

Ichiro ( @AndyZ ) Oofdah! I don't think there's much connection possible. But nothing's impossible.

Shiori ( @Aethyrium ) Shiori is another bushi sworn to the Nanbu? The history is neat but a little hard to make ends of. Heh. But, again, if she serves in the Nanbu military, they might know one another as warriors, friends, comrades. Could definitely see a rivalry as they both seem to be proud of their prowess? But in very different styles.

Tsukiko ( @Miss Nyx ) She's not a warrior per se. But Takemi is religious/superstitious. Especially concerning Raijin. So she might find herself drawn to a miko. Plus, she's traveled in a world where that is rare, so... that could be a point of connection.

There. I did a thing!

[Miss Nyx]

@shengami I like the way you think! I love this approach, it’s my usual go to as well when jumping into small groups, hasn’t failed yet! I’ll DM you my thoughts on Tsukiko and Takemi.

[Lynnette]

Oooo! Many new exciting characters!

Hehe, Black Cat was certainly an anime.

Couple setting questions:

Since it has been 200 years since the mysterious illness and bands of wild men roam the wilderness still...

How does that work?

Alongside the fact that there still seems to be a small number of sane men.

Is the natural birthrate for men low for some unknown/known reason? Do men still contract the illness sometimes? Like, if they are fighting against wild men and are wounded/bitten/etc, do they contract the illness or is there a natural immunity in sane populations now? And how are there still wild men? Who's out there breeding them? OR are they functionally immortal now? Just being curious. It's not like this is still in the immediate aftermath of the fall of the patriarchy, but it's 200 years on now. If the population of sane men bounced back after a generation or two, how did things continue under matriarchal conditions? A curious person wants to know.

Figured I'd drop some of my own thoughts on the matter - I'm not the GM, so it's just thoughts, but;

Assuming that the men can still contact the illness, it would put them in the commodity-category, as presented by M. Traditionally, women weren't warriors because they were valuable for repopulation. Even if a faction had nearly all their men killed, they could effectively repopulate the number of men as long as not every single man was killed. Hence the typical "Women and children first!" that to an extent still exists today. It creates an interesting balance between "The men of society can perform these tasks better... But we need to be careful so we don't lose too many." However, not everyone can live in defended cities, where the disease might be less rampant? We don't know how it spreads, but assuming it is something that comes from the wild, then those who live rurally, either due to work or because the family can't relocate to the cities, would still produce madmen.
In terms of maintaining the patriarchy, following the earlier thread of speculation it could be a matter of population balance. Or a case of "We do all the dangerous tasks, it's only natural that we rule as well!" Rulers historically haven't been fond of giving up their power, I'd assume there would be laws put in place to prevent an uprising as well. Type "Men are not allowed to possess weapon unless granted permission from the Daimyo."

Considering the difficulty it would create to repopulate after losing a large number of women, I'd assume most families are expected to produce a lot of children. When you're using the half (or greater) of your population that is effectively the brakes when it comes to repopulating for war, I'd expect a lot of pressure to pop out children as much as you can, for as long as you can, as long as your job isn't seen as important enough to moderate it. I'd expect a lot of child/youth labor as a consequence of this, which was common at the time anyway. Probably not the most dangerous jobs, but artisans and the like would probably be pretty young, and drift out of the working population once they reach maturity.

Osana ( @Lynnette ) As a fellow Samurai in service to the Nanbu, they might be comrades and have fought side by side? Takemi might even like that Osana doesn't come from a bushi family but a family of artisans. Sparring partners?

I like that. Relatively equally aged, wildly different upbringings, but still some common threads. Both sparring partners and history of shared combat I think makes perfect sense. I could see Osana gravitating towards someone like Takemi due to her strength. Being keenly aware that her strength is her own biggest weakness, it would make perfect sense for her to seek out someone who is much stronger than herself, to try to pick up on how they train. In exchange, I figure Osana would offer up teaching on other subjects, be it theory like arithmetics and calligraphy, or more practical things, like diving for food. While I can't see her teaching away everything, she'd offer up enough that it'd be another way to get food in a survival situation.

Ichiro ( @AndyZ ) - I do see some possible threads here. I could imagine Osana approaching him early in her tenure as a samurai, before she'd properly accepted it, wishing to engage sexually and hopefully get impregnated so she'd no longer be considered able to partake in warfare. I could even see the two of them getting relatively close to doing it, but ultimately deciding that it was too big of a risk on Osana's part, being ousted as a defector instead. In later years, she's come around to the idea of being a retainer to the daimyo, so I could see her being thankful that they ultimately decided that it was a dumb idea. Heck, could be that they even tried, but didn't manage before someone else did and suffered the consequences of it, leading to the unanimous decision that "nope, not worth it".

Shiori ( @Aethyrium ) - It's a bit too early in the day perhaps, because I'm stumbling a bit with reading her story. I do some interesting interaction between their strengths though, being relatively similar yet very different as well. I could see some amusing interactions balancing between their individual approaches, between relying on cunning and charisma.

Tsukiko ( @Miss Nyx ) - I do see some common threads between the characters, like neither being raised to be warriors. Different reasons for finally ending up there, but both share the wish of practicing their own crafts, and were intent on doing so until they were made to serve under the Daimyo. Of course, wildly different backgrounds, but it is at least some common ground that could be explored. Both in terms of adjusting to the new lifestyle, and sharing the occasional thought of what they could be doing instead. 

[Mediocre Author]

Since it has been 200 years since the mysterious illness and bands of wild men roam the wilderness still...

How does that work?

Alongside the fact that there still seems to be a small number of sane men.

Is the natural birthrate for men low for some unknown/known reason? Do men still contract the illness sometimes? Like, if they are fighting against wild men and are wounded/bitten/etc, do they contract the illness or is there a natural immunity in sane populations now? And how are there still wild men? Who's out there breeding them? OR are they functionally immortal now? Just being curious. It's not like this is still in the immediate aftermath of the fall of the patriarchy, but it's 200 years on now. If the population of sane men bounced back after a generation or two, how did things continue under matriarchal conditions? A curious person wants to know.

Awesome questions! So I'll tell you the answers to some of these questions are known, and the answer to others are not. I'll answer the ones that would be common knowledge, your characters will have to discover the rest through play.

The birthrate for males has slightly declined over the past 2 centuries, but not enough to cause the sort of number discrepancies that currently exist throughout the land.

Males still contract the illness, most often as children. Early symptoms include intense bruising of the tongue and gums, and muss or blood discharge from the eyes. When the symptoms develop in a boy, he is quarantined away from other males. If the illness persists, the child is either killed or cast out of the village to die from exposure. The laws governing the treatment of the infected varies by province, and they is set by the local Daimyo; although  keeping fully infected, insane men within towns or villages has been banned by the Shogunate and the Empress. 

Boys who contract the illness and then recover tend to be unusually healthy and resilient, and it is considered a great mark of quality to have done so.

Over the previous 100 years, it has been noticed that it is rare for men to become infected once they hit puberty, although it is not entirely unheard of. The idea that men can contract the illness through exposure or bites. scratches, etc is held by some, although it is also considered a superstition by others.

The number of Kyōjin who currently live within the wilds is unknown, as is the manner in which they have persisted. They do not seem to be immortal, although no one knows for sure. Madmen have been observed eating grass, leaves, and all sort of inedible things, although it is not understood why. It has been surmised that a portion of the men who roam the outlands are boys who somehow survived their exile from society, although the numbers do not seem to properly equate.


@Lynette: Those were all awesome conjectures, and not too terribly far from the truth. Well done.


In other notes, I love the way you guys are already plotting and planning connections. Just remember that the final roster of players hasn't been chosen yet, so don't go crazy with the planning, just in case slots runs out. This game is not technically "first-come/first-serve", and I don't want anyone to be crushed if we run out of room. That said, I am loving the interest.

[Juggtacular]

I already have a rough idea for my guy Yojimbo, an African foreigner who was brought to Japan in a cultural and economic trade. Im still recovering from surgery and a hospital stay so I may be slow getting started but im 100% onboard.

[Mediocre Author]

I already have a rough idea for my guy Yojimbo, an African foreigner who was brought to Japan in a cultural and economic trade. Im still recovering from surgery and a hospital stay so I may be slow getting started but im 100% onboard.

Love it! And the fact that it has historical precedence makes it even better. 😁

For the record, "Yojimbo" is normally a title/job rather than a name, but I very much like the idea that a foreign bodyguard might take the name of their occupation as their given name, since presumably it would be difficult to pronounce their original name. 

"Hey, nice to meet you. My name is Truck Driver." 😂

[Juggtacular]

Love it! And the fact that it has historical precedence makes it even better. 😁

For the record, "Yojimbo" is normally a title/job rather than a name, but I very much like the idea that a foreign bodyguard might take the name of their occupation as their given name, since presumably it would be difficult to pronounce their original name.

"Hey, nice to meet you. My name is Truck Driver." 😂

Oh I know. Im workshopping his actual name. But as you said, his real name is African so he uses that to make things easier.

[AndyZ]

Oh I know. Im workshopping his actual name. But as you said, his real name is African so he uses that to make things easier.

It's also possible that people call him a variant of his name that translates into kanji.

As I understand kanji, every syllable ends in one of five vowels, like mah, mee, moo, may, moh.  If a name doesn't have that, it'd be added.  Often it's a faint u sound at the end, not as pronounced as you'd expect of "moo" but you get the idea.

I found this to give some examples and hope it helps:

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

https://youtu.be/5CWPiL6cO5M

If you find a specific African name you like, there may already be a pronunciation guide to be found online.

Still waking up so I'll give others a better reply when I'm focused, but I figured this would help immediately.

[AndyZ]

I plan on putting in a full rework and proper writeup of Ichiro today, but I still have to figure out a good third power.  I may go with healing, where he has a decent amount of ki and can transfer it to others to heal them at the cost of wearing himself out.  That may or may not work hand in hand with how he has his own rapid healing or might be a separate power.

@shengami I see a couple possibilities.  If I was someone in power and wanted to show a position of strength, I might have a male nearby just for an event as well as the strongest woman warrior I could get, so maybe they met at some sort of political event.  Ichiro would definitely flirt and marvel at her strength, but I doubt that would go anywhere.

It could also be that Takemi saved his life from a sudden assassin rushing in with intent to deprive the Nanbu Clan of a virile male.

@Lynnette I can very easily see them having tried.  Ichiro would definitely flirt, and your profile mentions that most of Osana's familiarity comes from women, meaning she's likely had at least one male encounter.  A third option might even be that there was kissing and petting but no P-V penetration.  However, whatever Osana chose, Ichiro would respect, and he'd keep quiet about it to others so that Osana wouldn't lose face.

@Aethyrium If you're good with it, I like the idea that our characters have met and that Ichiro has gotten to see Shiori's playful side at least once.  It may only have been in a private conversation or just catching a moment when humor broke out from the usual stoic focus of a warrior.  Stuff like intimacy would likewise be up to you but seems far less likely.

@Miss Nyx This is something similar to what I've tossed to another, but how do you like the idea that Tsukiko has rescued Ichiro from an assassination attempt by poisoning thanks to her future sight?  Maybe she had a dream of him drinking tea with water from the Sanzu River, and it turned out that his tea had been poisoned.  How she would stop the event is up to you, but he'd listen to a called warning.

Did I miss anyone?

[Aethyrium]

Haha, yeah, I was afraid that Shiori's history might be difficult to track as written. Fortunately, I prepared a translation guide! The story is told in four parts of her life, each column representing a part. It summarizes as this:

Shiori was born to a clan that had two houses, a greater and a lesser, and she was of the lesser. Her destiny was to be in service to her birth-double of the greater house. This clan was the enemy on the Nanbu clan, and eventually they came to destroy them - and succeeded. Nanbu Megumi (the Daimyo of our current time) still found Shiori and sparred her, and not only that but took her in.

Shiori was taken back to the Nanbu clan and treated as Megumi's daughter, placed among her others. This second section of the story just tells that Shiori found a new life and grew from childhood into adolescence in this new place as one of them.

As a young adult, Megumi saw something in Shiori and decided to have her trained as a samurai. This is the third chapter of her life. She was trained hard, and it changed her. At some point along the way, she started to falter and began to question her own worth and place in the world and her origin. Megumi set her straight and tasked her with the duty to protect the Nanbu. Shirori took this and used it to excel at what she was doing, to come out on top of her training.

The final chapter talks about her adulthood. She was sent to deal with the enemies of the Nanbu and gained recognition and fame for that, eventually proving herself so loyal that she was put into a position of being the Daimyo's honor guard - a personal blade, the Daimyo's "fist", so to speak, which is where she now serves. She was bound to serve Megumi, and then the family, in this role, and in return fully accepted into the clan and allowed to pursue and build her legacy within it.

Which brings us to modern times/game start. Hopefully that helps clear up what she's about / sparks more ideas for folks. ^^

I'll get back to your ideas - @shengami, @Lynette, @AndyZ - later this evening when I've got a couple more minutes than just popping in. But if this changes anything/inspires more, feel free, I'll check that too!

[ThatGuy285]

Hi, room for one more? I have only skimmed through the details and characters so far so may have missed if this is an idea already taken I will adjust accordingly. I think of making a shinobi/agent of the reigning Empress or shogun in charge, maybe play around with her loyalty as technically she is an agent for hire and her true allegiance is hidden.

[AndyZ]

Toyamato Ichiro

Full Name: Toyamato Ichiro
Attributes: Brawn Average, Speed Average, Cunning Average, and Charisma Excel.
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 130 lbs.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
General Description:
Personality:
History:

Weapons & skills

Abilities: Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.

• Weapon: A katana along with a bow and arrows.
• Rapid healing: Ichiro can heal in hours a wound that might be outright fatal or even take weeks of medical care.
• Feign Death: Ichiro can slow his breathing and metabolism so as to appear to be dead.  More than once, he's had to use this tactic to feign committing seppuku when he would otherwise have been captured.
• Ki Transfer:Ichiro can pass on his ki with physical contact (clothing/armor counts) to someone who is wounded.  Doing so tires him a little for a single person and keeps him from healing as quickly.  Healing a second person exhausts him.

I plan on doing a better rewrite of the history and all but I'm just not feeling it today.  Hopefully tomorrow.

[Mediocre Author]

Hi, room for one more? I have only skimmed through the details and characters so far so may have missed if this is an idea already taken I will adjust accordingly. I think of making a shinobi/agent of the reigning Empress or shogun in charge, maybe play around with her loyalty as technically she is an agent for hire and her true allegiance is hidden.

I'm in the process of making the final roster now. I won't stop you from making a character sheet, but there's an above average chance that we won't have room. I'm sorry. I wanna play with all of you, but I just can't run a game that large.

[Mediocre Author]

Alright, so from the inception of this game, I knew that I'd probably need help making things go smoothly, so I asked @Aethyrium to help out as Co-GM. 

She and I will drop the final roster before very long.

If anyone doesn't make the cut, I apologize. Perhaps we can play in other games together in the future. 😊

[AndyZ]

Wow, that was quick.  Okay, I'll get to work on Ichiro.

[AndyZ]

Toyamato Ichiro

Full Name: Toyamato Ichiro
Attributes: Brawn Average, Speed Average, Cunning Average, and Charisma Excel.
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 130 lbs.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
General Description: Ichiro is most commonly dressed in a black kimono.  He keeps his hair free and loose, more than once having been mistaken for a woman at first glance as a result.  However, when he plans on meeting someone for a romantic encounter, he's apt to put it up in a proper topknot.

Personality: Kind and genial, Ichiro has strength but chooses not to use it except as a last resort.  He's used to being stronger than everyone around him and knows the damage he can do by accident.  He's also a shameless flirt, fully knowing that few women have seen a large number of men to begin with.
History: Ichiro was born to a loving and caring mother who was shocked and a bit fearful to have been born a boy.  When he grew sick in childhood, she had already resolved herself to his most likely fate.  However, he was tough and determined, and his ki was strong, enabling him to pull through and recover.  Only then did she truly love and accept him.  He was then brought to the capital and has never left since.

He met his father only once, back in his childhood, who was proud to hear everything about his son withstanding the disease.  It was then that Ichiro chose to take on his father's surname of Toyamato, wanting to ensure that anyone who was related to his father in some way would know his heritage.  Although he fully understands the family situation, he quietly feels that everything is rather messy, and it's fortunate indeed that cousins don't end up together.

In adolescence, his strength grew far past many of his female counterparts without his even doing more than basic exercise, and a few accidents happened in regards to his temper, which he deeply regrets but have been forgotten.  Even so, when it's not a matter of life and death, he prefers to settle affairs with discussion.

That's not to say that he's unfamiliar with life and death, since there have been several attempts on his life.  Even as a child, he understood that his death would prevent the births of thousands of children across the province.  Given no choice, he's come to accept the positives of the situation.

Weapons & skills

Abilities: Your character can have 3 special abilities which border on inhuman feats. This world is low-magic, so all abilities should be disguised as natural talent. Techniques such as Ki, Chakra, or Breath manipulation are all good examples. This is not a superhero game, and overpowered characters will have to be toned down in order to be accepted. If you  have any questions, feel free to ask.

• Weapon: A katana along with a bow and arrows.
• Rapid healing: Ichiro can heal in hours a wound that might be outright fatal or even take weeks of medical care.
• Feign Death: Ichiro can slow his breathing and metabolism so as to appear to be dead.  More than once, he's had to use this tactic to feign committing seppuku when he would otherwise have been captured.
• Ki Transfer:Ichiro can pass on his ki with physical contact (clothing/armor counts) to someone who is wounded.  Doing so tires him a little for a single person and keeps him from healing as quickly.  Healing a second person exhausts him.

[Aethyrium]

Alright, so from the inception of this game, I knew that I'd probably need help making things go smoothly, so I asked @Aethyrium to help out as Co-GM.

I am here to help!

Wow, that was quick.  Okay, I'll get to work on Ichiro.

Yeah, with the initial idea being 3-7 players, we already have more submissions than that. So, want to avoid having too many people make characters that might not get selected, since we ultimately want to stick to the initial roster limit.

[AndyZ]

I am here to help!
Yeah, with the initial idea being 3-7 players, we already have more submissions than that. So, want to avoid having too many people make characters that might not get selected, since we ultimately want to stick to the initial roster limit.

I didn't realize we were up to 7 already, but I admit I haven't been counting.  I tossed him up but it's okay if I don't get picked.

[Aethyrium]

I didn't realize we were up to 7 already, but I admit I haven't been counting.  I tossed him up but it's okay if I don't get picked.

Up over 7 even! There have been a few submissions that went in via PM.

No decisions made yet, though, we want to let everyone who's had a chance to work on a sheet a chance to finish up and what not. But thank you in advance for potential understanding, we appreciate it. <3

[Juggtacular]

Ikedia Okoro

Full Name: Ikedia Okoro
Attributes:
Brawn(Excel)
Speed(Excel)
Cunning(Average)
Charisma(Poor)
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Height: 6'8
Weight: 275lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Gray
General Description: The first thing you'll notice about Okoro is his height. He is without a doubt one of the tallest people to sever set foot in Japan, standing at 6'8 while barefoot. The next is that his frame is almost as ridiculous as his height, and he seems to be absolutely bristling with dense muscles from head to toe.  He has several tribal brands and tattoos from his time back in Africa before he was exiled. He has rather soft features for someone so large and has quite the baby face whenever he shaves off his facial hair, which can grow into a rather sturdy beard if he lets it.

His eyes are a fierce shade of slate gray, almost like they were carved from Mt. Fuji itself. His long hair is shaved on the sides, while the middle is braided and goes down his back, although it can be worn up like a traditional chonmage(top knot) for ceremonial purposes if necessary. He dresses simply, tending to wear kimonos and hakama custom-made for him, but since he has so few he often wears simple working clothes.

Personality: Okoro is a quiet, contemplative individual who always seems to be watching those around him.  He is a man taken from his home, and even after years in Japan, he is still distrustful of the alabaster faces all around him, aware that he is not only a commodity as a man, but an oddity as such a large man, with such a strikingly different skin tone.

If you make it past his barrier, you'll find he's quite inquisitive and rather funny and can be protective of those he cares about, beyond his duties of course. He likes to lose himself in training, and it's one of his ways of getting away from it all, as well as reading and spending time with animals whom he seems to have a natural bond with.

Despite his personal feelings, he serves with honor and distinction, willing to put life and limb on the line to protect his lord. He is rather shy, despite what his stature may lead you to believe, and while he is confident in matters of the physical or the mind, he isn't what you'd call a "people person". While he knows he shouldn't, he does get some small joy in knowing his mere presence can terrify those who would stand against the Nanbu Clan, and he smiles a bit when he hears the hushed whispers about the "Black Oni" that stalks the halls of the castle.

History: Okoro was born in a village in Nigeria, and all his life he was the biggest, the strongest, the fastest boy in the village. He was destined for great things the Elders all said. But as he grew more popular with the Elders and the girls of the village, he grew more hated in the eyes of the other boys. One day, when they were out hunting, they tried to kill him, but he overpowered them and in the struggle, he killed Tenzeni, the leader of the group who had always held the most animosity for him. When he came back to the village, the other boys had already spread the lie that he killed Tenzeni in cold blood.

He was barely injured, and when they found the other boys body, his face was nearly unrecognizable for how hard Okoro had hit him...had beaten him to death. His parents denied the claims, but with the word of nearly all the boys in the village and the evidence, their words fell on deaf ears. The Elders deliberated and gave his family two choices. Death, or Exile. They chose exile, and Okoro was shipped out of the country, to be sent to Japan along with a number of supplies to be exchanged with the Japanese.

 A boy of such exemplary stature and breeding stock made the negotiations fall heavily in their own favor. A storm beset the ship when they were nearly ashore, and Okoro was nearly swept overboard, but with help from the sailors, he kept the ship from capsizing and they docked safely. He has been properly in the service of Nanbu Megumi and the Nanbu Clan since his arrival in Japan several years ago. He has learned their ways, and has accepted that this is his life now. Since he can't leave, he has decided he will give his all and strike fear into the hearts of those who stand against them.

Weapons & skills

Abilities:

• Weapon: Ōdachi, Iron Tetsuubo, Daikyū Yumi(Extra Large) Bow
• Kitae rareta niku[Tempered Flesh]:Through a mix of instinctual ki manipulation and his naturally sturdy body, Okoro's body is tougher than a bull's horn, and can turn aside club, arrow, and blade in the same manner a Samurai's armor would. Due to the upbringing of the warriors in his village, combined with the techniques he has learned from the Nanbu Clan, Okoro can infuse his skin and muscles with ki, hardening it to the point it is capable of withstanding direct impacts and blows for a time before he is forced to retreat, and deflecting them at a perfect angle.
• Onimusha[Oni Warrior]: While already incredibly fast and strong, Okoro can enhance his prodigious strength into the supernatural realm, with his ferocity and appearance resembling a demon, hence the technique's name "Onimusha". When utilizing this strength he has been witnessed flipping oxen overhead, outpacing a horse, and holding back a dozen opponents without moving, just to name a few.
• Kami no te[God Hand]: This technique is called such not in that it is a powerful unarmed technique, but because when used, Okoro can withstand any blow and redirect it back to his opponent with the strength and force increased. By increasing his heart rate, he slows his perception of time, allowing him to catch a strike at the perfect moment and turn it back on the one who meant him harm, with double the power.

The Terror of the Nanbu Clan, Okoro the Black Oni.

[Rainbae]

Shigeno Yui

Full Name: Shigeno Yui
Attributes:
Poor - Brawn
Average - Speed
Excel - Cunning
Excel - Charisma
Age: 21
Gender: Intersex (She was born with a female body but male reproductive organs)
Sexuality: Pansexual
Height: 5’9’’
Weight: 120lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Very pale red that verges on pink

General Description:
Shigeno Yui is the absolute embodiment of beauty. She is most often seen in lush, extravagant, tightly fitted kimonos and high class, sparkling jewelry. Her long lengths of hair are often tied loosely into two twin tails and covered by a thin veil that signifies her as a saint. And her face is often painted to the highest degree with makeup mostly focused on accentuating her unique eyes. Everything about her attire is almost always immaculate and pristine.

That is only in the public eye however. In reality Yui is much less proper in private. She most often prefers baggy and comfortable clothing that’s quite often a size or two too big for her. She lets her hair fall where it may and it often gets quite tangled and messy because of this. Her usually very proper and prim posture falls apart and she is quite often seen lazing around wherever it is she is staying.

She often also wears a Japanese doll mask when traveling.

Personality:
In general Yui’s personality is quite different depending on her company. With strangers and in public or political addresses she is very mannerly and proper. She can often be seen smiling and generally being cordial and jovial. She never shows signs of anger or frustration and appears as the perfect saintly figure she tries to present. With her retainers and friends however she’s very different. Her personality in these cases can be summarized as needy. She can be bratty quite often but is also sweet and caring in her own maliciously compliant way. She whines at and pokes fun at those close to her and is generally quite a menace but she still cares deeply for those who she lets see her true colours outside of her “Saint Persona”. She has massive gremlin energy and finds fun in things like pranks and crass jokes. She is also deadly loyal and protective of those close to her as she finds it quite difficult to open up to almost anyone.

History:
The Shigeno Clan ruled quite peacefully over the Hokkaido region for quite a time. Being separate from the mainland violence was at a minimum for the most part. Trade of luxury goods was also a common export of the area leading to prosperity. Things were for the most part good for the inhabitants of the region. However with the harsh climate being as it was, food and crops were often a worrisome topic for the domain of the Shigeno Clan. Still they usually got by relatively well even if the margins were slim. There was the occasional winter where everyone did not survive but it wasn’t a stark problem. That was until the illness hit.

With the lack of labour to work the fields after the male population dwindled and with many of the areas that were once incredibly important fertile crops for the region becoming overrun with madmen and no longer being farmable things became dire. Death from malnourishment in the winter months became more and more common in the region and there was almost never enough food to go around. Fearing more and more death the ruling clan began trading with clans from the mainland for food during the harshest winters. However it was clear that this strategy was unsustainable for the region. Still with no other way out this continued for almost 200 years.

That was until the birth of Shigeno Yui. The exact details of Yui’s birth aren’t exactly known by the public but they are widely speculated about. Many say that the Daimyo gave birth while she was at prayer in Hokkaido’s most prestigious temple and this resulted in her blessing. Some claim that her blessing was a gift given to the Daimyo for her incredible piety and commitment to the spirits and the gods. Either way word that the goddess Inari Okami had blessed the region with a saintly born child spread like wildfire within the region. These claims were further backed up by record breaking crops year after year ever since Yui was born. Some claimed that it was simply coincidence, that the birth of the Daimyo’s child just so happened to coincide with the turning of good fortune for the weathers in Hokkaido. However most were convinced and Yui was deemed a gift from the heavens.

As she grew her “Saintly Abilities” seemed to continue to manifest and word of her deeds traveled far and wide and even reached the ears of the Daimyo Nanbu. Tale of her incredible feats were numerous but a specific rumor pricked the ear of the Daimyo. It was said by some that the blessing given to Shigeno Yui was not only magical and spiritual ability but also the ability to father children as a woman. When she came of age the Daimyo Nanbu traveled to the region and found out for herself. Confirming the rumors she would not leave until she eventually bartered a deal with Yui’s mother to finally relinquish her. It cost her quite a fortune as losing their saint was not something the Shigeno clan wished to do under any circumstances but with enough convincing and promises of incredible amounts of wealth and regular shipments of food to the region Yui was eventually sold and became a part of the Nanbu Clan.

Since then Yui has become a key political and economic chess piece for the region. She has been trained in the ways of a shinobi and learned to defend herself as well as techniques for stealth. She regularly takes part in political assassinations and espionage for the Daimyo Nanbu as a spy and information gatherer. Her ability to draw out information is exceptional and her “Saintly Persona” allows her to almost always completely avoid detection as she is the last person people suspect.

Weapons & skills

Abilities:

• Weapon: Yui carries and often wears Neko-te disguised as nail extensions as apart of her attire. She additionally always has a small flintlock pistol on her at all times which she only uses in emergencies.
• Blessing of Inari: Yui has the ability to impregnate women and as such is considered incredibly important to the Daimyo. Some in the ruling class see having another woman father their children as being more “pure” than from men and as such Yui is used as a bargaining chip both financially and politically for the Daimyo. The fact that as a “breeder” she does not require a formal escort in the same sense that men do is also highly valuable.
• Saintly Performance: Yui’s singing and dancing are said to have magical effects to them. She is incredibly skilled in traditional singing, instruments and dance, as is standard for a noble lady of her sort, but with her performances comes supernatural effects. Those who bear witness to her performances are said to have a mystical charming effect placed upon them. The effects seem to enthrall them to her. During this time they become much more susceptible to her words and suggestions. Additionally those enthralled in her charm seem to have more difficulty telling lies.
• Silver Tongue Yui has had to watch what she has said since she could speak. As such her ability to navigate and appropriately choose direction in conversation is almost superhuman. She seems able to figure exactly what someone wants to hear almost every time without fail and as such is able to talk her way into and out of things very easily.

Here's my addition to the group! ^_^

[Aethyrium]

Alright friends, the time for selection has come!

As mentioned, this blew up and had more character submissions that the roster limit mentioned at onset. We considered expanding to fit everyone, but decided to keep to it to tell the story initially envisioned.

To that end, we've got to make some cuts. It wasn't easy, there were a dozen very fun ideas for a game with only 7 seats. But after some consideration, here are the players/characters that we've decided to take:

@Juggtacular
@Lynnette
@shengami
@Rainbae
@LanaN
@Miss Nyx

Plus of course myself and Mediocre Author.

Once more, thank you everyone for your submissions. If there are openings in the future, we'll definitely look to reach out. Until then, we hope to have the chance to write with you in the future!

-M & Aethy

[shengami]

*woots*

I look forward to further announcements.

I may hunt for a better FC picture.

I remain open to connections. I'll work on some thoughts that way later.

Will there be an E-based OOC or a Discord?

[Rainbae]

Yay! I'm very excited

Hoping to work on some connections myself soon for Yui and totally open to receiving PMs if anyone has any ideas themselves on ways our characters can intermingle. 

I personally would prefer to do OOC on discord but I can make do with one on E as well if that's what the group wants to do. 

[Aethyrium]

There will be a discord (and an OOC thread on E). Details to come soonishlyer... Or so.

[Juggtacular]

Okoro is open for connections as well if anyone has any ideas before I go over all the sheets and come up with some rough thoughts.