[M] Legend of the Five Rings: Knot of Serpents (OOC)
RATED M/R FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND FOR VIOLENCE
It has been twenty-five years since the Great Clans invaded the Ivory Kingdoms, and the dreaded Destroyer Cult has almost been eradicated. The few small cultist circles are being hunted relentlessly, and they are not expected to cause much trouble ever again. The Ivinda, the people of the Ivory Kingdoms, are grateful for the aid of the people of Rokugan, but are troubled by the continued presence of the samurai. Rokugan, seeking to avoid another disaster from the Ivory Kingdoms, has taken control of the lands and declared them the Colonies. The Ivinda people are now struggling to find their place in this new rulership, often suffering persecution and abuse. Nonetheless, many have sworn fealty to the Empress, and to the Celestial Heavens, entering the Kharmic cycle. The Crab, Mantis, and Unicorn boast the most of these converted troops, and make heavy use of their knowledge and skills in their own homeland.
Rokugan and the people inside of it are not without strife, however. Many of the Great Clans have turned to war, remembering old hatreds and prejudices now that danger no longer threatens them. The Unicorn and Phoenix squabble over gaijin blood and its effects on the spiritual being of a samurai, the Crane and Mantis war over economic control of the colonies, the Crab and the Spider fall to old hatreds and ancient feuds, the Scorpion and Lion war over desecrated temples and forbidden information. Only the Dragon remain out of conflict, but each Clan attempts to recruit them to their own causes. A few of the Minor Clans establish footholds in the Colonies, continuing their ancient Minor Clan Alliance.
Meanwhile, reports of odd behaviors and strange happenings in the night heat conflicts while each Clan blames one another. Occasionally, people devolve into odd behavior, acting outside of their stations or inappropriately, and even rarely devolving into a maddened creature barely human. Large creatures are seen stalking the night, in the jungles and ruined temples of the Colonies, never treading so far as to be revealed in the light. Many speculate these are remnants of the Destroyers no longer under the control of the dark goddess, while others fully blame the Spider and their Shadowlands corruptions. To make matters even worse, a new form of religion has cropped up, gaining recognition and support in the Colonies. Fudoism, a religion based on enlightenment, threatens to break down the very fabric of what makes one a samurai. Although its practitioners aspire to enlightenment, it treats all other laws and rules as secondary. So far it has led to some very terrible situations.
One thing is for certain, this new world is very dangerous.
For those of you that are familiar with the setting or story, I have changed certain parts of it to better make it my own.
Spoiler: Story Changes
The Khan’s March is successful and Chagatai becomes the new Emperor.
Desiring a stronger Empire, Chagatai reassigns each Great Clan an Imperial Decree, and sends many of the Unicorn to scout the surrounding areas.
The Unicorn return with the news of the Destroyers and their dark goddess, Kali-Ma before she ever even enters the Shadowlands.
The Emerald Empire invades the Ivory Kingdoms, intent on destroying the dark goddess before she threatens the Emerald Empire.
Chagatai falls in the war, but not before naming his bastard daughter, Matsu Ishi, as the heir. She becomes the new Empress, but does not take the name Chagatai due to her bastard birth. Instead, she becomes Empress Ishi.
Ishi leads the people of Rokugan in their attack on the Destroyer Cult, but the Emerald Empire seem to be fighting a losing war. Daigotsu and his Spider Clan come forth and make a deal with the Empress, and stand in battle against the forces of Kali-Ma and her cult. This deal makes the Spider a Great Clan, and makes the practice of Maho legal only amongst that clan.
Daigotsu commits seppuku, and absorbs the essence of Fu Leng. He tears a hole between worlds, dragging Kali-Ma from the jungles of the ivory Kingdoms into Jigoku, the Realm of Evil. He defeats her there, absorbing her power as well. He becomes the Dark Lord of Jigoku, with more control than any other Champion has ever had.
Other events happens as normal.
Most players will generally be playing humans from one of the nine Great Clans, represented by the below character sheet, but that is far from the only things someone can play. If you wish to play a different species or be from a different affiliation, just let me know and we will talk about it. There are a myriad of things one can play, but I generally wish for the majority of you to play as humans, at least.
Spoiler: Character Sheet
Name: (Family Name First, Chosen Name Last)
Clan: (Character's Affiliation)
School: (Based on Affiliation; PM Me for List)
Honor: (Based on School)
Glory: (Based on School)
Status: (Based on School)
Taint: (Based on School)
Corruption: (Based on School)
Weapons: (Based on School)
Arrows: (Based on School)
Armor: (Based on School)
Possessions: (Based on School)
Koku: (Based on School)
Bu: (Based on School)
Zeni: (Based on School)
Spoiler: Techniques
(Based on School)
Spoiler: Kata
(Bushi/Ninja Only - Based on School - Optional)
Spoiler: Spells
(Shugenja Only - Based on School)
Spoiler: Kiho
(Shugenja/Monk Only - Based on School - Optional)
Spoiler: Advantages
(Up to 3.)
Spoiler: Disadvantages
(Up to 3. Each one gives an additional Advantage.)
There are a ton of things that are not really listed here or under any of the above links, and that is because each school teaches and supplies different things. Some Clans are richer, or have more specific items. Most Clans have some form of ability that is not shared with other samurai as well. Everyone will have to tell me –via PM- their general interests, and I will detail any relevant information from there. And that’s about all. I hope to roleplay with you all soon.
Each player can have only one character, unless I give permission for another.
Spoiler: Important Characters
Empress - Ishi I
Imperial Consort - Ishi Izeru
Imperial Heir - Ishi Kibun
Illegitimate - Bayushi Sasayai
Illegitimate - Yasuki Zaigen
Illegitimate - Mirumoto Idai
Illegitimate - Asahina Taiyo
Illegitimate - Asahina Tsuki
Illegitimate - Agasha Unmei
Illegitimate - Utaku Suisei
~
Crab Champion – Hida Kisada, the Little Bear
Hiruma Daimyo – Hiruma Gekido
Kaiu Daimyo – Kaiu Toride
Kuni Daimyo – Kuni Renyu
Toritaka Daimyo – Toritaka Hanto
Yasuki Daimyo – Yasuki Tomi
~
Crane Champion – Doji Makoto, the Smiling Blade
Asahina Daimyo – Asahina Heiwa
Daidoji Daimyo – Daidoji Sutoraiku
Kakita Daimyo – Kakita Kurieita
~
Dragon Champion – Mirumoto Shikei, the Laughing Dragon
Kitsuki Daimyo – Kitsuki Kotoba
Tamori Daimyo – Tamori Nadare
Togashi Daimyo – Togashi Noboru
~
Lion Champion – Akodo Dairuko, the Steel Lion
Ikoma Daimyo – Ikoma Naku
Kitsu Daimyo – Kitsu Soki
Matsu Daimyo – Matsu Kisho
~
Mantis Champion – Yoritomo Hiromi, the Growing Storm
Kitsune Daimyo – Kitsune Sansei
Moshi Daimyo – Moshi Nikko
Tsuruchi Daimyo – Tsuruchi Han’i
~
Phoenix Champion – Shiba Tsukimi, the Blind Phoenix
Agasha Daimyo – Agasha Mikkusu
Asako Daimyo – Asako Reijo
Elemental Master of Air – Asako Kumo
Elemental Master of Earth – Isawa Nokori
Elemental Master of Fire – Isawa Kyodo
Elemental Master of Water – Isawa Furo
Elemental Master of Void – Isawa Mirai
~
Scorpion Champion – Bayushi Nitoshi, the Poison Blade
Shosuro Daimyo – Shosuro Sutoka
Soshi Daimyo – Soshi Onaji
Yogo Daimyo – Yogo Noroi
~
Spider Champion – Daigotsu Kanpeki, the Shadow Emperor
Goju Daimyo – Goju Sutoru
Kokujin Daimyo – Kokujin Sukin
Michio Daimyo – Michio Saidai
Ninube Daimyo – Ninube Shohisha
Susumu Daimyo – Susumu Kaiteki
~
Unicorn Champion – Moto Naleesh, the Goddess Reborn
Looks good to me! I like the details and the useful links!
In the meantime, here's some helpful tips and links for you to get your RP going.
Take a look at the Roleplay of the Week thread for what better way to advertise than have your RP featured EVERYWHERE? If you need a banner for a submission for RP of the Week, then check out the Banner Shop! Talking from personal experience, that is the coolest place
One with the Pride
You have adopted a Lion warcat, and have been trained in to command it. The Lion will follow you anywhere you go and obey all basic commands it is given. Issuing commands to your Lion takes all of your focus, however, and you cannot attack or perform complex actions while commanding the warcat. Warcats that are not being commanded will stick close to you, guarding you from harm. Additionally, no Lion will ever attack you unless compelled to do so.
Heart of the Beast
An additional warcat has joined your pride, and you and your lions move much faster than normal for your species (this offsets the penalty to your speed from being blind, allowing you to move at normal speed without risk of harming yourself). Your lions are also much harder to kill than normal for their species.
Spoiler: Advantage
Absolute Direction
You always know what direction north is, no matter the circumstances, as long as you are not more than a day into the Shadowlands.
Inner Gift
Somehow, being near your warcats has sharpened your senses, almost to the point where it would seem as if you share them. Your hearing and sense of smell are so sharp that you can determine relative location and absolute direction based on these two sense.
Balance
You are so inherently calm and serene that opponents have a harder time trying to intimidate or tempt you.
Language
You have learned to speak Ivindi, the language spoken in the Ivory Kingdoms.
Servant
You have a Budoka servant, a peasant warrior that follows you and helps you with basic tasks. He knows simple spear techniques.
Spoiler: Disadvantages
Blind
You cannot see, and sometimes this may hinder you. You may have trouble finding your way in crowded or cluttered environments, and have trouble finding that right spot to hit when in combat. In addition, you are much slower because you cannot see your surroundings.
Possessions: Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, Chopsticks, Coin Purse, Cooking Pot, Fan, Straw Hat, Sake Cup, Small Knife, Small Tent, Tatami Mat, Love Pendant.
Koku: 5
Bu: 0
Zeni: 0
Spoiler: Techniques
The Way of the Carp
The Yasuki are master merchants, and openly practice commerce, so much so that it is not considered a breach of etiquette for them to do so. You will never lose Glory or Honor when participating on any commerce related activity, even if in public.
Additionally, while talking with someone, you can force them to reveal any one material object or service that they want or desire.
Do As We Say
You have bonuses in courtly situations, especially when it comes to sincerity or intimidation. These bonuses are chosen by the GM and will be reflected in the actions and words of the NPCs.
Spoiler: Advantages
Language (Ivindi)
You can speak Ivindi, the language of the Ivory Kingdoms.
Languages (Naga)
You have learned the language of the snake-like people, the Naga.
Medium
By maintaining a deep concentration, you can project your spirit into one of the Spirit Realms. While there, other spirits treat you as one of their own unless you reveal your true nature.
Read Lips
You can read the subtle movement of lips, and can sometimes discern what a person is saying even if you do not hear the words they are speaking.
Spy Network
Once per mission you can contact your network of spies and informants and gain a useful piece of information not normally available. This can only be used in places where it would make sense to have spies and informants.
Spoiler: Disadvantages
Haunted
One of our ancestors has taken a personal interest in you, offering advice and making demands. He may have unfinished business that he wants you to complete, or perhaps he just wants you to live up to your Clan and Family. Regardless, you must strive to show all due deference and show respect, and to do your best to live up to his or her expectations. If you fail, and he or she becomes angry, misfortune will befall you at the worst times until you get back into good graces with your ancestor. Ancestor is Hida Eijiko, Yasuki Eijiko’s mother.
I want to join this, but I'm kinda on the fence, mostly because of learning a new system/world and all, (Already know 2-3) and also:
But I also WANT to do this because you're an awesome GM, and Feudal era Japan is awesome.
If I wanted to make an expy of someone from Japanese history, would you help me?
Spoiler: Things I like
Spoiler: Quotes
I would rather have a russet coated Captain who knows what he fights for and loves what he knows, than he who calls himself a gentleman and is but little else
-Oliver Cromwell
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.
-John Stuart Mill
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.
-Sun Tzu
Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head.
-Euripides
It seems like such a terrible shame that innocent civilians have to get hurt in wars, otherwise combat would be such a wonderfully healthy way to rid the human race of unneeded trash.
-Fred Woodworth
It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.
-Thomas Jefferson
If a man dedicates his life to good deeds and the welfare of others, he will die unthanked and unremembered. If he exercises his genius bringing misery and death to billions, his name will echo down through the millennia for a hundred lifetimes. Infamy is always more preferable to ignominy.
-Fabius Bile
Spoiler: Thoughts of the day
A broad mind lacks focus.
A questioning servant is more dangerous than an ignorant heretic
A small mind is easily filled with faith.
A warrior's faith in his commander is his best armour and his strongest weapon.
Adamantium walls and plasteel bulkheads may seem formidable, but an unshakable faith in the Immortal Emperor of Man can overcome any barriers.
An Empty Mind Is A Loyal Mind
An open mind is like a fortress with its gate unbarred and unguarded.
Better crippled in body than corrupt in mind.
Consider the Predator. Let your soul be armoured with Faith, driven on the tracks of Obedience which overcome all obstacles, and armed with the three great guns of Zeal, Duty and Purity.
Facts are chains that bind perception and fetter truth. For a man can remake the world if he has a dream and no facts to cloud his mind.
Faith without deeds is worthless.
Happiness is a delusion of the weak
Forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
He who lives for nothing is nothing. He who dies for the Emperor is a hero.
If a man dies that another should live, that man's spirit shall eat at the Emperor's table
Innocence proves nothing
It is better to die for the Emperor than to live for yourself.
Leniency is a sign of weakness!
Mercy is a sign of weakness.
No man that died in the Emperor's service died in vain.
Nobody is innocent, there are merely varying levels of guilt.
Only in death does duty end.
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane.
Pain is an illusion of the senses, despair an illusion of the mind
Purge those who are unclean.
Sometimes the good must perish so that the rest survive. The lot of courage is to be sacrificed upon the altar of battle.
Survival is no birthright, but a prize wrested from an uncaring galaxy by forgotten heroes.
The common man is like a worm in the gut of a corpse, trapped inside a prison of cold flesh, helpless and uncaring, unaware even of the inevitability of its own doom.
The Emperor will not judge you by your medals and diplomas but by your scars.
Though silver in your palms weighs light
Compared to death by blast and sword,
Do not shy the hopeless fight,
For endeavour is its own reward.
Maybe. It isn't exactly feudal Japan, but it is close. It has some elements of Mongolian, Indian and Chinese mythology/culture, too. It has some Western influences, too.
- - - Updated - - -
What person from Japanese history would you want to base a character on?
Date Masamune, Honda Tadakatsu, Miyamoto Musashi, Ii Naomasa, Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi, or Hattori Hanzo
And well, since you mentioned also Chinese stuff, Guan Yu or Lu Bu.
Spoiler: Things I like
Spoiler: Quotes
I would rather have a russet coated Captain who knows what he fights for and loves what he knows, than he who calls himself a gentleman and is but little else
-Oliver Cromwell
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.
-John Stuart Mill
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.
-Sun Tzu
Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head.
-Euripides
It seems like such a terrible shame that innocent civilians have to get hurt in wars, otherwise combat would be such a wonderfully healthy way to rid the human race of unneeded trash.
-Fred Woodworth
It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.
-Thomas Jefferson
If a man dedicates his life to good deeds and the welfare of others, he will die unthanked and unremembered. If he exercises his genius bringing misery and death to billions, his name will echo down through the millennia for a hundred lifetimes. Infamy is always more preferable to ignominy.
-Fabius Bile
Spoiler: Thoughts of the day
A broad mind lacks focus.
A questioning servant is more dangerous than an ignorant heretic
A small mind is easily filled with faith.
A warrior's faith in his commander is his best armour and his strongest weapon.
Adamantium walls and plasteel bulkheads may seem formidable, but an unshakable faith in the Immortal Emperor of Man can overcome any barriers.
An Empty Mind Is A Loyal Mind
An open mind is like a fortress with its gate unbarred and unguarded.
Better crippled in body than corrupt in mind.
Consider the Predator. Let your soul be armoured with Faith, driven on the tracks of Obedience which overcome all obstacles, and armed with the three great guns of Zeal, Duty and Purity.
Facts are chains that bind perception and fetter truth. For a man can remake the world if he has a dream and no facts to cloud his mind.
Faith without deeds is worthless.
Happiness is a delusion of the weak
Forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
He who lives for nothing is nothing. He who dies for the Emperor is a hero.
If a man dies that another should live, that man's spirit shall eat at the Emperor's table
Innocence proves nothing
It is better to die for the Emperor than to live for yourself.
Leniency is a sign of weakness!
Mercy is a sign of weakness.
No man that died in the Emperor's service died in vain.
Nobody is innocent, there are merely varying levels of guilt.
Only in death does duty end.
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane.
Pain is an illusion of the senses, despair an illusion of the mind
Purge those who are unclean.
Sometimes the good must perish so that the rest survive. The lot of courage is to be sacrificed upon the altar of battle.
Survival is no birthright, but a prize wrested from an uncaring galaxy by forgotten heroes.
The common man is like a worm in the gut of a corpse, trapped inside a prison of cold flesh, helpless and uncaring, unaware even of the inevitability of its own doom.
The Emperor will not judge you by your medals and diplomas but by your scars.
Though silver in your palms weighs light
Compared to death by blast and sword,
Do not shy the hopeless fight,
For endeavour is its own reward.
[M] Legend of the Five Rings: Knot of Serpents (OOC)
Bookmarks