Player Characters

[Kaito Kai]

Name: Kaito Kai
Age: 14
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'4"
Build: Average

Kai does not come from a particularly great family. Their parents were Shrine Keepers, as their parents were before them and their parents all the way back to Isawa Kaito's days. It was a long lineage, but one that never gathered much in the way of prestige.

But someone would say that fortune keeps a tally. You cannot avoid its gaze forever and when it comes calling, it can announce itself politely like a welcome guest - or it can kick down the door and rouse you, ready or not. Kai is well aware of the truth of these beliefs; their young life has been defined by swings of fortune in their vicinity that occur with a frequency too common to simply be flukes. It started not long after Kai's birth, when - in accordance to tradition - their grandparents loosed an arrow. The arrow, Kai's "life-arrow", missed the target and flew off into the distance...whereupon, it is said, it landed on an unstable snowdrift and started a minor avalanche.

Ever since that day, Kai has tried their best to avoid calling fate's attention to themselves and taken to their lessons on divination with great seriousness. Being invited to participate in this experiment was, undoubtedly, an honor but one that has had Kai more concerned than usual on what fate has in store.

[Bayushi Kaidan]

Name: Bayushi Kaidan
Age: 14
Hair: Black
Eyes: Bluish grey
Height: 5'6"
Built: Cute

Kaidan is the elder son of Bayushi Kemahiro and Bayushi (former Asahina) Yukinohime. His twin brother Koidan was born minutes after making Kaidan older.

They haven't been separated for long periods of time so this "test" will be an interesting experience for him. It will compare the capabilities of both.

Kaidan is not a fan of frogs due to an unfortunate accident. He rarely speaks of it. And a prank gone wrong made ghost hate the poor boy.

[Utaku Nesrin]

Name: Utaku Nesrin
Age: 14
Hair: Black
Eyes: Wide and Brown
Height: 5'5"
Build: Healthy

Nesrin is the friend who will probably get you into trouble. Or she was. It's easy to feel invincible when astride an Utaku horse, with the wind in your hair. Leaving Tabudai behind to come to Otosan Uchi has felt like amputating something that allowed her boldness free rein. On foot, crammed inside walls with way too many people, she's a bit adrift. But give her a few days and she'll be leading a squad to sneak sweets from the kitchen and organizing impromptu charges against the dangerous forces of...that set of shrubbery over there, looking dangerous.

Her Moto parent's influence shows in her name and unfashionable deel, but there's no mistaking her for anything other than a nascent battle maiden. There's a sturdy stick tucked into her sash where a blade will someday rest, and her boots are ones that make sense with Unicorn stirrups.

[Kokyou]

Name: Kokyou
Age: 15
Hair: Short, Black
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5'5" / 1,65 cm
Build: Athletic, Slender

The young Kokyou was sent to train at the guidance of the Ruby Champion. Yoritomo chose not his strongest, but the most charismatic kid, willing to please the Crane and the Imperials alike with the boy’s good charms and witty attitude. Yet the young boy is nothing but a rascal. He took much of his own so-called father’s self-esteem and beliefs that nothing in the whole world can stop them if they put their best effort into whatever endeavor they strive for. He has used to be treated harshly by other sailors and bullies that often called him with offensive names due his looks: much too delicate for a boy. Now, growing up a bit more than others, those looks are starting to get some interesting eyes turned toward him. Kokyou is actually having fun getting noticed.

[Moto Ichiro]

Name: Moto Ichiro
Age: 14
Hair: Brown
Eyes: brown
Height: 5'10"
Build: muscular athletic

The boy known as Moto Ichiro is the product of a Moto father and a crane mother, hence his very conventional naming given he is the first born son of his parents. Some may say the Ichiro is a good looking boy in a more rugged way with square jaw and sharp features but he's clearly still growing into his looks. Many would be forgiven for thinking he was some years older than he actually is as in recent times he has sprouted up like a weed and shows little sign of stopping, he is already of height for most adults. He will clearly be a powerful warrior as he already shows hints of a muscular physique.

Ichiro is certainly his father's son, he eschews most rokugani traditions, at least the ones he can get away with. He is often found wearing furs and hide boots instead of kimono and sandals and also tends to keep a small amulet around his neck with a strange symbol on it. His eyes tend to be cold when he regards those he does not know or like but at his core he is a passionate boy whose eyes are alight with fire while training or fighting. He is not a bully perse but has been noted to be uncaring or sometimes cruel though people who break into his inner circle have won a die hard friend that is loyal to his core.

Ichiro is often found with his pet lizard Zurui when he can, the little guy often hides in a pocket and hangs out on his shoulder.

[Miya Wyn]

Name: Miya Wyn
Age: 13
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Brown
Height: 4'10"
Build: Lean and Athletic

Wyn is short for his age, but born with a way for words, and skill in the arts, and a very strong sense of honor. He is from a very well placed and influential imperial family, and has had little exposure to life out amongst the empire previous to being sent to represent the Imperial families amongst the students of the Ruby Champion.

[Mai]

Name: Mai
Age: 13
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'4"

Background: Mai is a distant cousin of Yoritomo. Her brother is on his way to be the captain of his own ship at a very young age. Great things are expected of her. She has little doubt she will not disappoint.

[Iuchi Prashant]

Name: Iuchi Prashant
Age: 15
Hair: Dark brown
Eyes: Dark brown
Height: 5'7" (170cm)
Build: Willowy but resilient.

Prashant is the third child of Iuchi Nobuo, a Iuchi Meishodo Master, and Iuchi Eprete, a samurai-ko and Yojimbo with family ties to the Tegensai people of the Pillars of the Sky mountains. Prashant and his elder sisters Katkaunya and Uluke grew up hearing stories about the Unicorn travels, the ways of the elements and the teachings of Shinsei from their father, and legends of the Tegensai people and how their beliefs and ways were not unlike the lessons of the Little Teacher from their mother - an upbringing that gave them knowledge of their heritage language, a sense of respect for their origins and great respect for Shinsei's teachings.

While his sisters were sent to be trained with the Shinjo, Prashant manifested the potential to reach out to the elements from an early age, being placed at the care of the same dojo where his father had studied. The boy quickly took a liking to his lessons on talisman crafting, the elements and Rokugani (and sometimes gaijin) religion; looking up to his mother, he also insisted on receiving some instruction on more martial skills. As he learned more about the life and lessons of Shinsei, this quickly became the focus of his attention. He remembered his parents' stories fondly, and the possible links between Shinsei and the Tegensai made him want to learn as much as he can about the Way of Shinsei. His dedication to the Tao has led Prashant to relinquish material pleasures and possessions, and some say he often thinks and acts more like a monk than a proper samurai in training. His appointment for training at the Ruby Dojo came as a surprise to him and his parents, but Prashant has hopes this will be an opportunity to learn more about the Tao, meet people from other parts of the Empire and reflect on his future path in life.

The first thing one notices about Prashant (other than the fact his name is awfully hard to pronounce) is the peaceful, but resolute gaze on his brown eyes. He is usually serene and reflexive, thinking twice before speaking or acting, but would not refrain from standing up for himself or others if the situation demands. His sketchy understanding of Rokugani etiquette may put off some people, but those who approach him find a friendly, easygoing youngster happy to learn new things and meet people from different backgrounds. His dark brown hair is kept relatively short and often flutters about on the wind, and he's usually found wearing simple, functional purple and grey garments, with his well-worn copy of the Tao under one arm. He also carries some simple, but interesting ornaments, mostly made using natural materials.

[Utaku Ichiro]

Name: Utaku Ichiro
Age: 13
Hair: Black
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 5'5
Build: Lithely athletic

The onset of puberty has yet to have much impact on Ichiro's features and, much to his anger and dismay, he could still easily be mistaken for his twin sister by one who did not know better. His dark hair is kept long and usually loose and no touch of growth has yet to touch lip or chin. Though being mistaken for a girl annoys him to no end he also sees no reason why he should have to be the one to alter his appearance to fix this issue. Once his sister starts being mistaken for him then she can change her look!

Needless to say, despite the honor some might feel at being chosen for this trial, Ichiro cannot help but look at it as being shuffled off to some experiment as a cast-off son while his sister enrolls in the prestigious dojo of the Shiotome.

When in a good mood Ichiro is jovial and friendly. Open to meeting, and enjoying time with, anyone at all regardless of clan, school, or station. Unfortunately his temper is not yet under his control and small provocations can cause his mood to shift on a dime often leading to fist fights and enmities even if he, himself, is as quick to forgive as he is to strike.

Hooks:
Sister issues? What sister issues? She'll have issues with me, I tell you!
Have we swapped drinks or swapped punches or, quite possibly, both.
Determined to be the best - a legend - especially in comparison to female bushi. (Projection much?)

[Zashi]

Name: Zashi
Age: 14
Hair: Red
Eyes: Grey
Height: 4'8
Build: Petite

Zashi is one of the shugenja from the Fox clan who have agreed to be part of the experiment, and Zashi will say that his curiosity was a big driver and choosing to come. Zashi is not the most school smart or the most athletic, and mostly seems interested in having a fun time, but has an insatiable curiosity that makes him explore.

[Kuni Yotsuo]

Name: Kuni Yotsuo
Age: 14
Hair: Black
Eyes: Amber with flecks of Jade
Height: 4'8"
Build: Willowy

Kuni Yotsuo's eyes hold more age than the rest of his body would suggest. But's that not surprising for a child of the Kuni that has been witness to more terrible things in his youth than many other samurai his age. But those eyes also have a sense of wonder as well. The world, to him, is much larger than it appears to others. This is thanks to his ability to walk the other spirit realms and observe things that Ningen-do simply does not have available.

The three earrings he wears, he says, represent the three spirit realms he enjoys walking the most: Yume-do, Chikushudo, and Sakkaku. Not surprising for one of his age as they have the most fantastic sights that play into the imagination of youth. He wears a distinctive face paint pattern and a more pleasant expression than most of his kin. But some things are just not able to be avoided. He has an incessant need to participate in spiritual purification and if he goes more than one or two days without it he becomes just as cranky as any other Kuni might be considered.

[Yogo Otoko]

Name: Yogo Otoko
Age: 14
Height: 5'10"
Build: Thin
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Otoko is tall for her age and gender, and quite thin. Combined with her jet black hair, pale skin, and dispassionate face, she can almost seem spooky. She rarely speaks thankfully, and usually keeps to herself. When she does speak, it's in a quiet, airy tone.

She is an only child, and has no friends to speak of in her family. She is trained by the Iuchi, who have admired her talent even as they give her her space.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Name: Toritaka Sasaiko
Age: 14
Height: 5'1" / approx. 155cm
Hair: Black
Eyes: Dark
Build: Solid

Sasaiko is the daughter of a pair of samurai, Toritaka (nee Soshi) Oroji and Toritaka Sumeiko, who oversee a small village in the northeastern reaches of the Toritaka lands, ensuring that the taxes are paid and the village is kept in good order. She was somewhat indulged in her earlier tutelage, bouncing from subject to subject to subject until she found something of a passion for law. Maybe it was that focus, or maybe it was simply random chance, that led her to be selected for the Ruby Champion's project.

But she does not mind. She knows she will be a Magistrate someday, and attracting the notice of the Ruby Champion is certain to be of help with that.

[Asako Saburo]

Name: Asako Saburo
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Height: 5'2”
Build: Athletic and slight
Hair: Black
Eyes: Jaundiced Yellow
Complexion: Pale
Appearance:
Saburo is a thin, pale, sickly looking, wispy ball of energy with a sullen stare. It does not seem to be locked on anyone in particular and he is well mannered enough to keep his smoldering glares under control, but it still leaves a somewhat unpleasant air about the boy, like there is something not quite 'right' about him, and it's hard to put one's figure on it. He is, however, immaculately dressed and kept fastidiously clean at all times, to the point of being something of a neat-freak, and there's always a faint hint of intense energy about him.

He has a grumpy, generally disapproving air to him, and always looks bitter or angry about something. Still, at least he keeps his commentary from being too acrid as a general rule, though the boy definitely has a chip on his shoulder.

[Otomo Nobuko]

Name: Otomo Nobuko
Age: 16
Height: 5'3" / approx. 160cm
Hair: Black
Eyes: Golden Brown
Build: Thin

Nobuko is on the short side of average height but not to the point of being 'short'. She is pale skinned due to a life maintained indoors and under the constant protection of an umbrella meant to keep her fair skin from an unsightly burning. Her hands are clean and nails neatly trimmed as appropriate for a young lady who has learned to play a stringed instrument. There are no callouses, however, as the Koto does not require her fingers to touch the strings directly. She keeps her hair pulled back in a loose maiden's tail and dresses appropriately for her station, make up slightly more prominent than usual for a woman not yet in the thick of court.

She is quiet and courteous, with a reserved quality to all of her public interactions.

Nobuko also trained with the Kakita at the Swordsmith school and has a higher likelihood of being known by members of that clan than anyone else outside of her immediate family within the Otomo.

[Yasuki Rini]

Name: Yasuki Rini
Age: 14
Height: 5'5" / 165cm
Hair: Black
Eyes: Amber
Build: Lean

Rini is lean and athletic, what one might expect more of a Hiruma, not quite as stocky as a Hida, not quite as slender as a Yasuki. Her clothing is generally kept fairly neat and tidy, likely influenced by the ever-present upkeep of armor in crab-lands having become a habit, though she herself kept her appearance fairly plain. Her hair is black, kept short going down to just about the chin. There isn't much reason to focus on looks and gaudiness, not in the dojo, and certainly not when it would eventually be covered in a heavy helmet.

She's fairly reserved and quiet, though not because she's timid so much as she doesn't always know what to say or how to socialize with others, especially who have had a radically different upbringing. Her way of speaking is quiet, and sometimes lacks a lot of emotion or intonation, but there's also something a bit pleasant or calming about it. Unfortunately, she does have a slight tendency towards Crab's characteristic bluntness.

Rini mostly keeps to herself, and is fairly self-sufficient. This dojo experience will be a slight test of her ability to work with others and may be an opportunity for her to open up a bit.

[Kakita Kazuko]

Name: Kikata Kazuko
Age: 14
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Brown
Height: 4'10"
Build: Lean

Kazuko lived quite the average life despite the unlikely union of her Crab clan mother and Crane clan father. Average until her mother disappeared without a warning or a trace at least. She strongly believes that her father knows what happened to her mother, but he isn't willing to say and is only willing to talk to her about her studies and training in the little spare time he has due to his ever increasing entrenchment within the courts. Determined to find out what happened to her mother and to regain the admiration of her father once more, she hopes that joining the Ruby Champion's experiment will be enough, although she won't rest until she does.

She has inherited her mother's teachings and natural affinity for honesty, so she is less deceitful and more open minded than one would expect from a typical Crane clan member. She has also inherited her mother's boldness and will often try new things or voice her ideas in situations others may not. Other than that, she is about as Crane clan as one can get with her egotistical attitude and her desire to show off occasionally, which usually conflicts with her her values.

[Asahina Mari]

Name: Asahina Mari
Age: 13
Height: 4'10"
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Light Brown
Build: Slender, Petite

Description:
Asahina Mari is a fairly petite girl,with shoulder length hair dark brown hair often swept over one shoulder. She's still at the young age where she's more cute than outright beautiful, with delicate makeup to make pleasant contrast against fairly pale skin. Her kimonos are usually in light, spring-like colors that one would expect of flower petals, pale pinks and light blues with patterns of flowers, cranes, or other birds. Her voice is light and pleasant, often getting softer rather than louder when faced with any sort of aggression or argumentativeness as either a conscious or unconscious way to try to defuse conflict.

Mari is often found poring over scrolls or journals whether it be in the library or otherwise, and often makes a slight face when really concentrating on the details of what she's reading. Unlike her cousins that may be focused on weapon-smithing, or dueling, or making beautiful art, her interest seems to be of a more literary nature, and her uncanny memory for obscure details makes her a potentially great bureaucrat in the courts.

Lacking the ability to communicate and influence the kami, but maintaining her family's tendency towards pacifism, peace, and arbitration, she seeks to minimize war through knowledge of precise court machinations and legal details. In the same way, if there is war, it allows for ensuring that things are done properly to minimize unnecessary or inappropriate loss of life.

Hooks:
-Mari is generally friendly and knowledgeable, and may be a valuable study partner for those worried about all these questions the teachers keep asking.
-If you have a story to tell, Mari would love to listen, or better, write it down.
-As unexpected as it might be, and as only mediocre she might be at it, Mari is a fan of playing Kemari

----
So far:
Given that this character is being introduced in Day 4, some catch-up has been done for mandatory day-by-day events. To get through this quickly and so not to flood previous days, there aren't full fluff posts for these days, However, here's a general idea of how things went, if you want to refer to things that hypothetically would have happened on previous days.
-Day 1:
--Welcome to the Dojo, pretty solid
--Learning What You Know, Went Great
-Day 2:
-- Courtier Daily, pretty solid
--Physical Wellness, not so great, the worst, just bad, can throw kind of okay though.
-Day 3:
--Hand-to-Hand Training, got wrecked
--Lore Training, fantastic, nailed it.