Like I said, she has a great deal of respect for the Scorpion in general. And the Crab, for that matter, for similar reasons- they both do things that may be distasteful, but are necessary for the Empire.
The Topaz Championship (Legend of the Five Rings)
- Thread starter Maugan Ra
- Start date
- OOC
Like I said, she has a great deal of respect for the Scorpion in general. And the Crab, for that matter, for similar reasons- they both do things that may be distasteful, but are necessary for the Empire.
Snow
Doka
- Pronouns
- She/Her
IIRC, wasn't that pretty much how the original Ikoma acted? Sounds like a great idea to me.
- Pronouns
- She/Her
He seems like an all around cool cat. To the wiki!IIRC, wasn't that pretty much how the original Ikoma acted? Sounds like a great idea to me.
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Alright, got a solid start but wow, twenty questions is a lot when you sit down to answer them all. Really fun though!
Name: Matsu Tomoe
Age: 16
School: Ikoma Bard Rank 1
Insight: Rank 1 (140)
Honor/Glory/Status: 6.5 / 1.0 / 1.0
Traits:
Skills:
Name: Matsu Tomoe
Age: 16
School: Ikoma Bard Rank 1
Insight: Rank 1 (140)
Honor/Glory/Status: 6.5 / 1.0 / 1.0
Traits:
| Air 3 | Earth 2 | Fire 3 | Water 2 | Void 2 | ||||
| Reflexes 3 | Awareness 3 | Stamina 2 | Willpower 2 | Agility 3 | Intelligence 3 | Strength 3 | Perception 2 | |
|
Courtier 1 Etiquette 1 Games (Go) 1 Lore: History (Lion Clan) 2 Perform (Storytelling) 1 Sincerity(Honesty) 1 |
Athletics 2 Iaijutsu (Assessment) 2 Horsemanship 1 Jiujutsu 2 Kenjutsu 3 War Fan 3 |
Advantages=[20]
Precise Memory [0]: School Advantage. +1k1 to Intelligence trait to remember the exact things observed, read.
Prodigy [12]: Great talent. +1k0 to School Skill rolls (green)
Sage [4]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Lore skills.
Sensation [3]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Perform skills.
Absolute Direction [1]: That way's north. Does not work more than one days travel in to the Shadowlands.
Disadvantages=[9]
Brash [4]: If threatened or insulted, roll Willpower+Honor vs TN25
Lechery [2]: Temptation (Seduction) attempts against her receive a +1k1 bonus
Small [3]: Water Ring is considered 1 rank lower for determining movement, -1k0 to DR
Precise Memory [0]: School Advantage. +1k1 to Intelligence trait to remember the exact things observed, read.
Prodigy [12]: Great talent. +1k0 to School Skill rolls (green)
Sage [4]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Lore skills.
Sensation [3]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Perform skills.
Absolute Direction [1]: That way's north. Does not work more than one days travel in to the Shadowlands.
Disadvantages=[9]
Brash [4]: If threatened or insulted, roll Willpower+Honor vs TN25
Lechery [2]: Temptation (Seduction) attempts against her receive a +1k1 bonus
Small [3]: Water Ring is considered 1 rank lower for determining movement, -1k0 to DR
Ikoma Bard Techniques
Rank 1: Herald of Glory. Gain Precise Memory at no cost. Perform: Storytelling/Awareness against TN 20 to recount someone else's heroic actions. On success they gain Glory equal to your school rank. Can be done a number of times per person per month equal to said school rank.
Mastery
Kenjutsu: DR of swords increased by 1k0
War Fan: Offhand penalties do not apply with war fans.
Rank 1: Herald of Glory. Gain Precise Memory at no cost. Perform: Storytelling/Awareness against TN 20 to recount someone else's heroic actions. On success they gain Glory equal to your school rank. Can be done a number of times per person per month equal to said school rank.
Mastery
Kenjutsu: DR of swords increased by 1k0
War Fan: Offhand penalties do not apply with war fans.
Vitals
Equipment
Traditional Clothes
Practice sword
Knife
Calligraphy set
Traveling pack
Tessen
Equipment
Traditional Clothes
Practice sword
Knife
Calligraphy set
Traveling pack
Tessen
Prodigy 12, Sage 4, Sensation 3, Absolute Direction 1. | Advantages = 20
Reflex [3] 12, Agility [3] 12 | Traits = 24
Iaijutsu [2] (Assessment) 5, Athletics [2] 3, Jiujutsu [2] 3, War fan [3] 6, Horsemanship [1] 1, Kenjutsu [3] 5, Lore: History [2] 2. | Skills = 25
Reflex [3] 12, Agility [3] 12 | Traits = 24
Iaijutsu [2] (Assessment) 5, Athletics [2] 3, Jiujutsu [2] 3, War fan [3] 6, Horsemanship [1] 1, Kenjutsu [3] 5, Lore: History [2] 2. | Skills = 25
Felt kind of like doing this IC, I can rewrite it as a slightly less exuberant OOC if requested.
- "Lion Clan! Strongest, bravest, noblest, just generally best most loyal, faithful, puissant, and honorable of the Great Clans. Modesty? Leave that to someone else, we roar!"
- "The Matsu family. Yes. No really. Yes that Matsu family. I'm serious! Stop laughing! Rrrrrrgggggh!"
- "Well...if you must label it like that, a courtier I suppose. But singing the songs of the Clan, pointing out the lessons of the past to people who'd like the quick and easy way, it's hardly proper courtiering with all that low intrigue and whispering the others do. Face to face and out in the open, that's the way to handle things."
- "How would others...Well, I mean...Do I? Sigh....the short one. Mother says I'm pretty enough in a sort of tiny, doll-like way, but that's not exactly high praise when your sister's swords are almost as tall as you are. Sensei praises me though, he says he's never had such an emotive performer in all his years and that my mouth is far bigger than it looks, which now that I'm thinking about it..."
- "Motivation? I want to fight everyone. No, everyone. Not kill everyone! That's not the point at all! If I've fought everyone, then when I tell their story I'll be in it and so will the clan. If they die they die, if I die, well...at least another bard will have a good song out of it! 'The Little Lion that Fought the World.' Has a nice ring to it right?"
- "Ikoma-sensei. After mother umm...suggested it wouldn't be a good idea for me to enter the family school he took me in, patched me up, sat me down and made me start reading the clan history aloud until my throat was raw. Then we had tea. I guess having a place felt good, and he showed me how much bigger the clan was than just Matsu or Akoda or Ikoma or Kitsu, the full breadth of wonderful, glorious history and tradition!"
- Easy: My size. Biggest...don't laugh...weakness right there. Ikoma-sensei would try and tell you it's how hot-headed I can get and forget that emotion has its proper time and place in the performance but trust me, that's just the sake talking. As for my strength, I think he'd agree that I'm fearless. Nothing scares me, nothing stops me, I see my fights through to the end, and pour the drinks afterwards."
- Bushido? It's everything. If our lives are the ink, it is the hand that wields the brush. We're formless without it, chaotic, honorless. Yeah, some of the tenets are hard...Courage as the Akodo like to quote and Honesty present a few problems. Backing down from a fight is somehow more courageous than staring your opponent straight in the eye and seeing what they've got? And Honesty, well sometimes the story just takes on a life of its own you know? Maybe it wasn't exactly the a dozen trained warriors, but it sure felt like it and sometimes Sincerity has to play trump. Right?"
- "Let me quote a great historian on this one, 'Lion Clan! Strongest, bravest, noblest, just generally best most loyal, faithful, puissant, and honorable of the Great Clans.' Not much left to be said after that, she pretty much wrote the book on it there."
- "Oh? Interested? Oh. No? Well, no. Not married. There's this...never mind. Complicated."
- "Prejudices? Apart from the Cranes being a bunch of preening dissemblers, the Phoenixes being far too comfy in the 'peace' our bloodshed bought them, and the Scorpions with their villainous, honor-bereft prettiness? No, I'm the spirit of camaraderie and good will provided they keep their flaws in check and can have a good time."
- "The family daimyo. I might be training in the Ikoma dojo, but my duty still lies with the Matsu. There has to be someone around to dodge punches and sword-blows to record the histories after all."
- "I like walks. Just getting on the road and seeing what I can find. I'm not great at actually finding anything in particular but wandering around always turns up something interesting. What I don't like? I guess it'd have to be long ceremonies. I try hard, and sensei's clipped me enough times that I can feel the breeze before he strikes but I just have a hard time with it."
- "Well...sensei has pointed out that I tend to...well for the lack of a better term, pose? My stance is always just a little bit overstated and big. Plus when I get bored I start humming."
- "Don't question my honor, my family name, my skill, my looks. I will get angry, but it usually passes like a summer storm. That I tend to control a bit at least, much as I'd like to lay in to ever last...Ahem. Anyway, laughter is harder. If something's funny my face goes all froggy, hehe."
- "Well, I've gotten plenty of second chances. Going to the Ikoma dojo, sensei smoothing out some of my rougher Matsu edges, so if I had a subordinate that was behaving improperly I guess they'd get a few punches in the back of the head, some acts of contrition, and the promise not to do so again unless they're drunk."
- "I think mother's proud of me now. At first...well she wanted all her daughters in the Pride. I think being sent to the Topaz Championship, even under the Ikoma School has made her pleased though. So long as I don't dishonor the Matsu name of course."
- "I want a story that's told in the clan for generations to come. It might sound selfish, but it's not the immortality that I want so much as being able to inspire and hopefully teach even after I'm gone, good and bad. 'Oh, don't do that, remember what happened to her!' or 'She'd cuff you good if she could see you doing that.' All the best stories have a little of both."
- "Well, I leave a cup of sake for the old man, and pray a bit before every nap. My father was from Ikoma, so the fit wasn't entirely unnatural, but I still honor the Lion Thunder before battle. It's not temple stuff, but the ancestors are in my heart and mind."
- "Either at the hand of a villain or beside my friends on the battlefield. I'm too restless to die in my sleep!"
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I'll work up the sheet tomorrow, but I'll do as many of the Twenty Questions as I can now.
Age: 16
Family: Kakita family
School And Rank: Kakita Bushi Rank 1
Insight: 120+16=136
Insight Rank: 1
Traits
Air 3
Earth 2
Fire 2 (Agility 3)
Water 2
Void 3
Skills
School
Etiquette 1
Iaijutsu (Focus) 3
Kenjutsu 2
Kyujutsu 1
Sincerity 1
Tea Ceremony 1
Artisan: Poetry 1
Other
Games: Go 1
Lore: Bushido 1
Lore: Heraldry 1
Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion) 1
Courtier 1
Investigation 1
Advantages
Prodigy
Great Destiny
Disadvantages
Experience: 60/60
12 on the Prodigy Advantage
18 on a rank of Void
12 on a rank of Awareness
5 on two ranks in Iaijutsu
2 on a rank of Kenjutsu
1 on a rank of Games: Go
1 on a rank of Investigation
1 on a rank of Courtier
1 on a rank of Lore: Heraldry
1 on a rank of Lore: Bushido
1 on a rank of Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion)
5 on the Great Destiny Advantage
And that's done! Now, for the actual sheet.
Age: 16
Family: Kakita family
School And Rank: Kakita Bushi Rank 1
Insight: 120+16=136
Insight Rank: 1
Traits
Air 3
Earth 2
Fire 2 (Agility 3)
Water 2
Void 3
Skills
School
Etiquette 1
Iaijutsu (Focus) 3
Kenjutsu 2
Kyujutsu 1
Sincerity 1
Tea Ceremony 1
Artisan: Poetry 1
Other
Games: Go 1
Lore: Bushido 1
Lore: Heraldry 1
Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion) 1
Courtier 1
Investigation 1
Advantages
Prodigy
Great Destiny
Disadvantages
Experience: 60/60
12 on the Prodigy Advantage
18 on a rank of Void
12 on a rank of Awareness
5 on two ranks in Iaijutsu
2 on a rank of Kenjutsu
1 on a rank of Games: Go
1 on a rank of Investigation
1 on a rank of Courtier
1 on a rank of Lore: Heraldry
1 on a rank of Lore: Bushido
1 on a rank of Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion)
5 on the Great Destiny Advantage
1. "I am of the Crane, the clan of the Lady Doji."
2. "I am Kakita, and proudly so."
3. *smiles* Many among my family would call what we do an art. And I will most likely spend more time in the courts than on the battlefield- but when I complete my gempukku, I will be a bushi."
4. "Many would say I look more like a Bayushi than a Crane. I take more after my mother than my father physically- lithe, beautiful in… I think the term used to describe the Bayushi most often is 'dangerously beautiful', and I know others have thought that of me, even if they do not say it."
5. "Everyone says I have great potential. I would like to live up to that, if I can."
6. "Kakita Mami- my mother, I think. She has always taken the time to listen, and she has never talked down to me."
7. "My determination to see all the Clans as ultimately servants of the Emperor above all else is my greatest strength, I think. Weaknesses… I have no true experience outside of the dojo yet, unfortunately. I hope to change that."
8. "Duty is the entire reason for a Samurai's existence. All other parts of Bushido come afterwards, although they are all important."
9. "While great, I sometimes wonder if we forget that the Empire is the reason for us to be instead of the other way around."
10. "I am betrothed. To a young samurai of the Phoenix- one of the non-Shugenja of the Isawa. We've become friends the times we've met, but both of us know we have little chance of more than that. That's fine, though."
11. "I admit, I wonder why some of the Minor clans exist- they serve no purpose to the Empire as a whole. The Tortoise in particular!"
12. "I suppose, while the Championship is on, my loyalty is owed directly to the Crane Champion- and to my sensei. I'll try to not fail them."
13. "A chat over a nice game of Go is a nice way to spend time- although the garden at home comes close. As for dislikes... I hate full thunderstorms. There's little serenity in them, even if I have nothing but respect for Osano-Wo."
14. "I know I tend to press my lips together when thinking."
15. "It's easy to find joy where you can, I think. Although sometimes... it's difficult, with all the pressure, to find a moment to center myself and find the opportunity."
16. "Correct improper behaviour first. If it becomes more serious, I may have no choice but to demand seppuku."
17. "A dutiful child that we're very proud of. She was so curious when she was young!"
18. "I would like to one day prove worthy of the Kenshinzen, although that is a long way off."
19. "I make weekly visits, but I'm not as religious as some I know of."
20. "Most likely, on the dueling field. I'm an accomplished duelist, but I have no illusions that some may be better than I."
2. "I am Kakita, and proudly so."
3. *smiles* Many among my family would call what we do an art. And I will most likely spend more time in the courts than on the battlefield- but when I complete my gempukku, I will be a bushi."
4. "Many would say I look more like a Bayushi than a Crane. I take more after my mother than my father physically- lithe, beautiful in… I think the term used to describe the Bayushi most often is 'dangerously beautiful', and I know others have thought that of me, even if they do not say it."
5. "Everyone says I have great potential. I would like to live up to that, if I can."
6. "Kakita Mami- my mother, I think. She has always taken the time to listen, and she has never talked down to me."
7. "My determination to see all the Clans as ultimately servants of the Emperor above all else is my greatest strength, I think. Weaknesses… I have no true experience outside of the dojo yet, unfortunately. I hope to change that."
8. "Duty is the entire reason for a Samurai's existence. All other parts of Bushido come afterwards, although they are all important."
9. "While great, I sometimes wonder if we forget that the Empire is the reason for us to be instead of the other way around."
10. "I am betrothed. To a young samurai of the Phoenix- one of the non-Shugenja of the Isawa. We've become friends the times we've met, but both of us know we have little chance of more than that. That's fine, though."
11. "I admit, I wonder why some of the Minor clans exist- they serve no purpose to the Empire as a whole. The Tortoise in particular!"
12. "I suppose, while the Championship is on, my loyalty is owed directly to the Crane Champion- and to my sensei. I'll try to not fail them."
13. "A chat over a nice game of Go is a nice way to spend time- although the garden at home comes close. As for dislikes... I hate full thunderstorms. There's little serenity in them, even if I have nothing but respect for Osano-Wo."
14. "I know I tend to press my lips together when thinking."
15. "It's easy to find joy where you can, I think. Although sometimes... it's difficult, with all the pressure, to find a moment to center myself and find the opportunity."
16. "Correct improper behaviour first. If it becomes more serious, I may have no choice but to demand seppuku."
17. "A dutiful child that we're very proud of. She was so curious when she was young!"
18. "I would like to one day prove worthy of the Kenshinzen, although that is a long way off."
19. "I make weekly visits, but I'm not as religious as some I know of."
20. "Most likely, on the dueling field. I'm an accomplished duelist, but I have no illusions that some may be better than I."
And that's done! Now, for the actual sheet.
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Ide Takashi
What Clan does Takashi belong to?
The Unicorn Clan
What Family does Takashi belong to?
The Ide Family
Is Takashi a Bushi, a Shugenja or a Courtier?
Takashi is an Emissary, which is a type of Courtier.
How would others describe Takashi's appearance?
Takashi is a short, wiry young man, his skin a little darker than the norm for a Rokugani and his eyes are lighter. His hair is just long enough to tie off in a short braid but not long enough for a proper topknot.
What is Takashi's primary motivation?
Takashi's main motivation is fear of his elder brother Jotei - a jealous and spiteful man but one who has their parent's favour as the heir to their branch of the Ide family. Takashi wishes at all costs to avoid drawing Jotei's wrath.
Who is the person Takashi trusts most in the world?
Takashi has immense faith in his maternal uncle Takagi, who recently retired from service as an Emissary and entered a monastery in the Ide provinces. Until recently Takagi was an instructor to Takashi and as another younger son, an example of how one can prosper. Neither of Takashi's parents are especially fond of Takagi but his connections make him too useful to ignore. However, as Takagi's nephew and student, Takashi is expected to make every effort to preserve his mentor's good name - and Takagi has done things in service to Ide and Unicorn interests that would be embarrassing were they publicized in the wrong light.
What is Takashi's greatest strength and greatest weakness?
Takashi is a humble appearing man who sincerely applauds success by others and respects his fellow samurai. However, he hesitates accept the praise of others and thus appears to lack confidence in his abilities. As such it is difficult for him to put himself forward and win renown for his Clan, his Family and himself.
What does Takashi think of Bushido?
Takashi struggles with the tenet of Courage, although this is usually the most valued tenet for the Unicorn clan, and Honor. At root he hesitates to take a stand for his own morality but more because he feels he must succeed sufficiently not to disgrace his parents but not enough to infringe upon his brother's precedence. He is aware that this also impinges on his sincerity, honesty and dutifulness to his lords and this is something that bothers him considerably.
What is Takashi's opinion of his Clan?
Takashi believes firmly that the Unicorn are finest of the Clans - dynamic and powerful whereas most of the other Clans seem stifled to the point it's sometimes hard for them to do anything outside their own particular area of expertise. Although not a warrior by training, Takashi is very proud of Unicorn cavalry and horses.
Is Takashi married?
Takashi is not married and there are no serious negotiations going on for him. His parents are currently engaged in matchmaking Jotei and it has been strongly indicated that Takashi won't be married off until his brother has wed - but probably will be before his brother has an heir.
Does Takashi have any prejudices?
While Takashi respects the Crab's martial capabilities, he is quite wary of the fact that they allied themselves to the Shadowlands during the Clan Wars. This particularly extends to the Kuni family.
To whom does Takashi owe the most loyalty?
Takashi would find it very hard to go against orders from his brother Jotei. Until recently he was specifically subordinate to his teachers, particularly his uncle Takagi. He's now answerable to the head of the Ide family for the duration of the Topaz Championship, a man he feels great respect for abstractly - but in fact has never met, interacting only through functionaries and written instructions. In addition, he feels deep gratitude towards his uncle for years of support.
What are Takashi's favorite and least favorite things?
Takashi is quite physical and likes riding and other activities that involve exertion. While he's certainly capable of remaining seated quietly, he very much prefers to carry out his duties on the move - even if it's just walking through a garden. Speaking of which, Takashi hates gardening with a passion. It was a very common punishment for his parents to set him to additional chores maintaining theirs and Jotei found it very easy to indirectly torment him by undoing his hard work and claiming he'd been neglecting the garden.
Does Takashi have any recurring mannerisms?
Takashi rarely smiles when still. He may maintain decorum and dignity but it's unlikely he'll smile even politely unless he's in motion somehow. He channels his energy into toying with small items such as a fan when it's inappropriate to walk around but arm movement is permissible.
What about Takashi's emotions?
Takashi finds it hardest to hide relief at not being around his parents and brother. Immediately after leaving their presence his body language opens up considerably - when around them he's unusually reserved by Unicorn standards.
How would Takashi handle a subordinate's improper behaviour?
Takashi dislikes being severe with subordinates but he's aware that it's a responsibility. He tends to escalate responses - starting with quiet reprimands and proceeding to shaming and - perhaps unfortunately - cruel punishments he's seen his brother use in the event of repeated infractions.
How would Takashi's parents describe him?
Takashi's mother regards him in a guardedly positive manner - he's a disappointment compared to the excellence she sees in Jotei but will qualify this by adding that this is a high standard and that overall he's quite well-behaved and tolerably accomplished for his age. His father (who married into the Ide from a vassal family) is more scathing - if anything were to happen to Jotei, he has significant doubts as to Takashi's ability to lead the family effectively as he's 'too soft'. He does blame himself for this, feeling that he indulged his sons too much as children, and that Jotei was more driven.
What is Takashi's highest ambition?
Takashi sometimes dreams of becoming an advisor to a major lord or even the Emperor himself. He doesn't consider this realistic but would nonetheless leap at the opportunity to take such a role in a court or in a more prestigious court if he already had such a position.
How religious is Takashi?
Takashi is only notionally religious - he makes prayers only rarely and visits temples when it's expected of them but expects little or no support from spirits and thinks of them accordingly as a neutral, leaning to antagonistic force to be avoided or channelled rather than reverenced.
How will Takashi die?
Takashi would wish to face death with dignity - while dying peacefully in his sleep would be preferable he considers it a very realistic circumstance that he might be compelled to commit seppuku at some point and has tried to steel himself to that circumstance. He finds the custom disturbingly fascinating and while he would not wish to cause it for others, he cannot help himself but be drawn to witness it should it take place near him.
Name: Takashi
Clan: Unicorn
Family: Ide
School: Ide Emissary
Techniques: The Heart Speaks
Skills: Artisan (Gardening) 1, Athletics 2, Calligraphy 1, Commerce 1, Courtier 1, Etiquette (Conversation) 3, Games (Kemari) 1, Hunting 1, Horsemanship 3, Jiujutsu 1, Lore (Unicorn) 2, Sincerity (Honesty) 2, Tea Ceremony 1
Honor 5.5
Advantages: Crab Hands (3), Crafty (3), Sage (3)
Disadvantages: Fascination (1), Obligation (3), Soft-Hearted (3)
Equipment: Extravagant Clothing, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, 10 koku
XP spent: Reflexes 3 (12), Agility 3 (12), Intelligence 3 (12), Artisan 1 (1), Athletics 2 (3), Etiquette 3 (5), Hunting (1), Horsemanship 3 (5), Jiujutsu 1 (1), Lore 2 (3), Sincerity 2 (2), Tea Ceremony (1) = 58 + 9 Advantages - 7 disadvantages = 60
Clan: Unicorn
Family: Ide
School: Ide Emissary
Techniques: The Heart Speaks
| Air | 3 | ||
| Earth | 2 | ||
| Fire | 3 | ||
| Water | 2 | Perception | 3 |
| Void | 2 |
Honor 5.5
Advantages: Crab Hands (3), Crafty (3), Sage (3)
Disadvantages: Fascination (1), Obligation (3), Soft-Hearted (3)
Equipment: Extravagant Clothing, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, 10 koku
XP spent: Reflexes 3 (12), Agility 3 (12), Intelligence 3 (12), Artisan 1 (1), Athletics 2 (3), Etiquette 3 (5), Hunting (1), Horsemanship 3 (5), Jiujutsu 1 (1), Lore 2 (3), Sincerity 2 (2), Tea Ceremony (1) = 58 + 9 Advantages - 7 disadvantages = 60
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- Location
- London, England
Well OK, I go to sleep and then come back to find three pages worth of discussion already. Very nice. Let's see what we have here...
Indeed, no Daisho. You might have practiced with specially blunted versions in the dojo, but you haven't earned the right to carry the twin swords of the samurai just yet.
I'll say yes. I have an idea of how and why, but I'll wait to see if anyone who submits an Akodo wants to define that in their backstory before I implement my official GM decision on the matter.
I would be immensely hypocritical if I criticized anyone for recycling character concepts they enjoyed.
Yes, samurai don't have to go to their family school, especially if they have ancestry in another family or demonstrate sufficient talent. A tiny Matsu could easily be assigned to go and become a bard, for the Lion are all about recording the glorious deeds of their heroes and their ancestors.
As for the Ancestor background... potentially. I've not looked at them in a while. Bear in mind that if you are being watched by a glorious ancestor, it will have a serious influence on your role playing - regular prayers and decisions based around 'what would [ancestor] do?' are expected at the very least.
Indeed, no Daisho. You might have practiced with specially blunted versions in the dojo, but you haven't earned the right to carry the twin swords of the samurai just yet.
I'll say yes. I have an idea of how and why, but I'll wait to see if anyone who submits an Akodo wants to define that in their backstory before I implement my official GM decision on the matter.
I would be immensely hypocritical if I criticized anyone for recycling character concepts they enjoyed.
Yes, samurai don't have to go to their family school, especially if they have ancestry in another family or demonstrate sufficient talent. A tiny Matsu could easily be assigned to go and become a bard, for the Lion are all about recording the glorious deeds of their heroes and their ancestors.
As for the Ancestor background... potentially. I've not looked at them in a while. Bear in mind that if you are being watched by a glorious ancestor, it will have a serious influence on your role playing - regular prayers and decisions based around 'what would [ancestor] do?' are expected at the very least.
- Location
- London, England
Also, almost missed this one and those like it - no, being a newbie isn't a problem. Feel free to ask anyone else for hints and tips on making your character. Personally, I would advise that you invest at least a couple of ranks into the Etiquette skill, because that means I will point out when you make a mistake and allow you to correct it.
As I am similarly thinking about redoing a old concept of mine, are you okay with a NPC , a non eta one, that is associated with a char.
In that case it would be the illegitimate sister of mine who despite being because of her birth being a ronin is somewhat more of a traditional samurai in terms of decorum then me.
- Location
- London, England
Friendly Ronin are always interesting. Hmm. Represent her via the Allies background and that would be fine.
Also, General Note to Everybody - It is much easier for me to double-check sheets when you keep a tally of what you've spent your XP on.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
- Location
- London, England
They are indeed. I can already foresee fun times with your character, and the hitting of things with oversized sticks.
- Location
- Earth
@Maugan Ra : I present to you, Daidoji Xin.
Any thoghts?
EDIT: Reduced Etiquette 3 to Etiquette 2, and used the 3XP to pick up the Wary Advantage.
Portrait:
Name Daidoji Xin
School: Daidoji Iron Warrior (Bushi)
Insight Rank: 1
Insight: 133
Honour: 6.5
Glory: 1.0
Status: 1.0
Current XP: 0
Inventory
Light armor
Sturdy Clothing
Bisento
Traveling Pack
10 Koku
Rings
Awareness: 2
Reflexes: 2+1=3 12XP
Air: 2
Strength: 2
Perception: 2
Water: 2
Agility: 2+1=3 Iron Warrior
Intelligence: 2
Fire: 2
Stamina: 2+1 Daidoji
Willpower: 2 +1=3 12XP
Earth: 2+1=3
Void: 2
Total 24XP Total Insight 110
Skills:
High Skills
Etiquette 2 3 XP
Investigation 3 6XP
Sincerity 1 1XP
Meditation 2 3XP
13 XP total
Bugei Skills
Athletics 2 3XP
Battle 1
Defense 2
Iaijutsu 1+2=3 5XP
Kenjutsu(Katana) 1+2=3 5XP
Kyujutsu 1
Polearms 1+2=3 5XP
18XP total.
Merchant Skills
Commerce 1 1XP
Low Skills
32XP total on skills. 23 Insight
Skill Masteries:
Investigation 3 – A Second attempt to use the Search Emphasis may be made without an increase in the original TN.
Iaijutsu 3 – Readying a katana is a Free Action rather than a Simple Action
Kenjutsu 3 – The total of all damage rolls made with a sword is increased by 1k0.
Polearms 3 – During the first round of a skirmish, a character wielding a polearm gains a bonus of +5 to his Initiative Score. This lasts for only the first round.
School Techniques
The Force of Honor – The Iron warrior serves as the shield of his clan, defending the honor and homes of the Crane. You gain a bonus of your honor rank(Rounded down) minus 4 to your Wounds at each Wound Rank, to a minimum of bonus 1. Additionally, you gain a bonus of 1k0 to the total of all attack rolls while in the Attack Stance.
Advantages
Quick Healer (Physical) (3 XP): Your body mends incredibly quickly, allowing you to recover from even devastating wounds with amazing speed. For the purposes of recovering Wounds, Your stamina is considered to be two ranks higher.
Strength of the Earth (Physical) (2 XP): In your soul can be found the spirit of the mountains and the strength of stone. You can overcome injuries that would cripple other men. The TN penalties you suffer from Wound ranks are reduced by 3.
Wary (Mental) (3XP): You are always on alert, always looking out for the unexpected. When rolling Investigation (Notice) / Perception against Stealth (Ambush) / Agility to detect an ambush, you add 1k1 to your roll.
Disadvantages
Cursed by the Realm (Spiritual) (-4XP): The influence of the spirit realms can be felt throughout the mortal realm of Ningen-do, and for the insults offered against it, the realm of Chikushudo has marked you as foe of all that emanate from that realm. You suffer a penalty of -1k1 to all Animal Handling Rolls.
Total= 4XP
Combat Stats
Initiative: 4k3
Attack (Katana): 6k3(7k3 in Attack Stance)-rerolling 1s- for 6k2 damage. (DR 3k2. +2k0 from Strength, +1k0 from Kenjutsu 3)
Attack (Bisento): 6k3(7k3 in Attack Stance) for 5k3 damage. (DR 3k3. +2k0 from Strength)
Armor TN: 25 (+5 for armor)
Wounds
Healthy (+0): 17
Nicked (+3): 25
Grazed (+5): 33
Hurt (+10): 41
Injured (+15): 49
Crippled (+20): 57
Down (+40): 65
Out (Dying): 73
Xin is currently Healthy and is not suffering from any Conditions
Miscellaneous
Name Daidoji Xin
School: Daidoji Iron Warrior (Bushi)
Insight Rank: 1
Insight: 133
Honour: 6.5
Glory: 1.0
Status: 1.0
Current XP: 0
Inventory
Light armor
Sturdy Clothing
Bisento
Traveling Pack
10 Koku
Rings
Awareness: 2
Reflexes: 2+1=3 12XP
Air: 2
Strength: 2
Perception: 2
Water: 2
Agility: 2+1=3 Iron Warrior
Intelligence: 2
Fire: 2
Stamina: 2+1 Daidoji
Willpower: 2 +1=3 12XP
Earth: 2+1=3
Void: 2
Total 24XP Total Insight 110
Skills:
High Skills
Etiquette 2 3 XP
Investigation 3 6XP
Sincerity 1 1XP
Meditation 2 3XP
13 XP total
Bugei Skills
Athletics 2 3XP
Battle 1
Defense 2
Iaijutsu 1+2=3 5XP
Kenjutsu(Katana) 1+2=3 5XP
Kyujutsu 1
Polearms 1+2=3 5XP
18XP total.
Merchant Skills
Commerce 1 1XP
Low Skills
32XP total on skills. 23 Insight
Skill Masteries:
Investigation 3 – A Second attempt to use the Search Emphasis may be made without an increase in the original TN.
Iaijutsu 3 – Readying a katana is a Free Action rather than a Simple Action
Kenjutsu 3 – The total of all damage rolls made with a sword is increased by 1k0.
Polearms 3 – During the first round of a skirmish, a character wielding a polearm gains a bonus of +5 to his Initiative Score. This lasts for only the first round.
School Techniques
The Force of Honor – The Iron warrior serves as the shield of his clan, defending the honor and homes of the Crane. You gain a bonus of your honor rank(Rounded down) minus 4 to your Wounds at each Wound Rank, to a minimum of bonus 1. Additionally, you gain a bonus of 1k0 to the total of all attack rolls while in the Attack Stance.
Advantages
Quick Healer (Physical) (3 XP): Your body mends incredibly quickly, allowing you to recover from even devastating wounds with amazing speed. For the purposes of recovering Wounds, Your stamina is considered to be two ranks higher.
Strength of the Earth (Physical) (2 XP): In your soul can be found the spirit of the mountains and the strength of stone. You can overcome injuries that would cripple other men. The TN penalties you suffer from Wound ranks are reduced by 3.
Wary (Mental) (3XP): You are always on alert, always looking out for the unexpected. When rolling Investigation (Notice) / Perception against Stealth (Ambush) / Agility to detect an ambush, you add 1k1 to your roll.
Disadvantages
Cursed by the Realm (Spiritual) (-4XP): The influence of the spirit realms can be felt throughout the mortal realm of Ningen-do, and for the insults offered against it, the realm of Chikushudo has marked you as foe of all that emanate from that realm. You suffer a penalty of -1k1 to all Animal Handling Rolls.
Total= 4XP
Combat Stats
Initiative: 4k3
Attack (Katana): 6k3(7k3 in Attack Stance)-rerolling 1s- for 6k2 damage. (DR 3k2. +2k0 from Strength, +1k0 from Kenjutsu 3)
Attack (Bisento): 6k3(7k3 in Attack Stance) for 5k3 damage. (DR 3k3. +2k0 from Strength)
Armor TN: 25 (+5 for armor)
Wounds
Healthy (+0): 17
Nicked (+3): 25
Grazed (+5): 33
Hurt (+10): 41
Injured (+15): 49
Crippled (+20): 57
Down (+40): 65
Out (Dying): 73
Xin is currently Healthy and is not suffering from any Conditions
Miscellaneous
- Clan: As a member of the Crane clan Xin has ingrained in him the precepts of honor and is a firm believer in preserving the superior position of the Crane in the Courts.
- Family:The Daidoji family well understands the need to sometimes break with tradition in favor of more efficient and effective methods. They are the shield of the Crane and are ruthless if necessary.
- Xia is a Bushi, and definitively more soldier then warrior, but he respects warriors more, as is proper.
- Appearance: Entombed in his clothes and armor, it is difficult to make out the wiry young man. Xin is 178cm tall, and outside his apparel he does not look like much. But hidden in his frame is a surprising amount of stubbornness, that his bearing fully conveys.
- Primary Motivation: To gain honor and advance himself and his family in Status. To marry well and have many children to continue his line.
- Who he trusts: Xin has particular respect for Monks and Shugenja. He places his trust in his fellow students and samurai, and watches his charges with wary caution. He has seen what foolishness in a Lord placed above you can result in, and is ready to protect them, especially from themselves.
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Xin is very well practiced in the Bushi skills and displays them with pride, but he considers himself pitifully inadequate for a Crane when it comes to the arts. In reality, his greatest strength is his enduring character, and his greatest weakness is his comportment to spirits. Lack of understanding of their nature means he gives offense easily and he is blind to his lack of knowledge.
- Bushido: On the matter of Bushido, Xin is divergent from his clan. Owing to his own experience with the spirits, and his friendship with monks, Xin places Honesty above other virtues of Bushido. He holds to both Courage, Duty and Courtesy, but it is Honesty that most fits his life-view.
- Opinion of the Clan: He believes that arrogance is endemic to the Crane, but that it is something it is his place to protect the Clan from. So long as both he and his superiors act honorably, the arrogance that has taken root within the Crane can be overcome with Honest assessments in private. It is not uncommon to hear him speak up in private, and expand upon the mistakes of his superiors, should they lack the honesty to admit them. He understand the necessity for manipulations at Court, but has a very low tolerance to deceiving oneself.
- Marriage: He is not married, but is actively looking for a good match.
- Prejudices: He has a prejudice against horses, born of their general dislike of him. He has adopted a monks path, in that he walks instead of riding everywhere, and he finds those who ride for convenience weak. Those who fight from horseback only get more respect for dealing with the foul beasts. Unfortunately, the Unicorns generally dislike him, after their horses demonstrate their reactions to his presence.
- Loyalty: He is loyal enough to his Lord Doji Natsuko, but his greatest loyalty lies with his master, back at the Iron Warriors school, one Daidoji Jori.
- Likes and Dislikes: He prefers solitude, poetry and theater. He dislikes loud music, paintings, pretty baubles and games.
- Mannerisms: He has a habit of closing ranks with either his comrades in his unit, or stepping between the person he is guarding and any threat, the instant he perceives it. Even if the threat turns out to be imagined. While it is a great display of his willingness to do his duty it can irritate both his hosts and the person he attending.
- Emotions: Raised as a Crane Xin holds the concept of On strongly. Anger is a familiar friend and little issue to hold back, but he has a peculiar sense of humor. While holding most his emotions in check is little issue, it has been noted that his laughter and expressions of celebration are more fitting for a Crab.
- Corrections stance: He feels that a first failure should be censured, but in such a manner to both discourage repeats, encourage proper behavior and allow for input in correcting his own mistakes in managing his subordinates. However, once a frank and honest discussion establishes exactly what both himself and the subordinate are expected to hold to, he has little patience for repeat offenders.
- Parental overview: His father was grievously injured during the troubling times leading up to his birth. Xin was very young when he finally departed for the Heavens. He was raised by his mother, and she found him to be both a joy and exhausting. Managing his endless energy and litany of questions is what in the end encouraged the single mother to invite some monks over. Afterwards Xin put much of his energy into his training and was far more manageable. She would say that raising him has been a joy, if at times exhausting.
- Highest ambition: His highest ambition is to gain a small homestead, live a life of service, and retire to a large and loving family. He is ready to risk limb, life and honor to reach his goals.
- Religious: Strangely enough his religious devotion can best be described as trying. On the one side he makes his visits to the temples, meditates on the writings of the Wise and tries to live his life in accordance with the Will of the Heavens. On the other hand, he has insulted the spirits through ignorance on multiple occasions.
- Death: His death as a Bushi will come much like his fathers. After a grievous injury and likely loss of limb he will be forced to retire. Should he have managed to marry well by then, he will retire to his estate to manage the home finances while his wife takes up her duties to the Empire. They will have several children. He will hobble along until the kids have all grown, and the sunset of his life draws near. Then retire to a temple with the monks, to live out the last of his(or theirs, should they both make it to old age) days in quiet contemplation. If he fails to marry before taking the injury, he'll likely return to the School to teach for a time, and try to find a wife who'll have him with those wounds. If he fails he will retire to the solitude of a temple.
EDIT: Reduced Etiquette 3 to Etiquette 2, and used the 3XP to pick up the Wary Advantage.
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- Location
- Earth
Well, it is being held in Crane lands. We have to take steps to make sure the Champion is a Crane. Then again Xin will be presenting before his own Clan. So no presure.
EDIT: Because mistakes were made.
EDIT: Because mistakes were made.
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- Location
- London, England
Daidoji Xin looks pretty good - solid member of his family, with certain difficulties inherent to being cursed by the Animal Realm (fair warning, Rokugan includes a lot of potentially dangerous wildlife... and some which will just embarrass you) and a constant source of exasperation with certain member of his Clan.
I do note that you've got his attack with the katana listed as 7k3, but you have agility 3 and Kenjutsu 3. Where's the last dice coming from?
If it's because of the Katana emphasis, in 4th edition that just allows you to reroll 1's when you use a katana, it doesn't increase your skill any.
I do note that you've got his attack with the katana listed as 7k3, but you have agility 3 and Kenjutsu 3. Where's the last dice coming from?
If it's because of the Katana emphasis, in 4th edition that just allows you to reroll 1's when you use a katana, it doesn't increase your skill any.
- Location
- Earth
@Maugan Ra : Thanks, i fixed it. Did not know it lets me reroll instead of counting as +1 skill. Rerolls are nice too. It only rerolls 1s on the attack roll, right? Because it affecting the damage roll as well would be too much.
PS: Why Daidoji can not have nice things: Because damn all pidgeons!
PS: Why Daidoji can not have nice things: Because damn all pidgeons!
Updated my first post, still have to distribute the XP.
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Snow
Doka
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Well, I think it sounds like he'd give the GM plenty of things to work with.
And Bitter Lies tends to be interesting. ❤ Kwanchai!That's good to know. Do you have any more advice? Especially things newbies should probably avoid? My knowledge of the setting comes mostly from reading the weekly fictions, starting IIRC around the Four Winds era, and I have no experience with the RPG system, so I think there's probably quite a bit I don't know.
Xin sounds... gaijinish? Not sure if it needs the Gaijin Name disadvantage though, Rokugani not being Japanese and all that. There's plenty of non-Japanese names in canon (from non-Unicorns) that were never called out as being gaijin in origin, so I have no idea.
I like it!Or maybe not as hard as I thought, what do you folks think about this one for a slightly more mature Haruko?
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- Location
- London, England
Looks interesting. A Mantis who trained with the Crab, huh? Well, you'll need the Different School advantage, but it remains plausible. That you would be sent to the Topaz Championship implies a strong bond between the Crab and the Mantis, but that's acceptable.
On another note - @drakensis, I would ask that you not take the Hostage disadvantage. It makes it much harder to see your character participating in any kind of campaign beyond the Topaz Championship, because they'd need to set sail for the Mantis lands and remain there for the stated duration of the relevant treaty. Perhaps you could take Obligation to reflect the debt your character feels they owe to their uncle or something?