Johnny Blaze
Freethinker
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2003
- Messages
- 20,849
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 31
Character you have created: Kensei
Alias: Demon's Bane (alias); Hunter of the Gods (alias); The Celestial Samurai (alias); Izanagi's Chosen (alias); The Swordsman (alias); Miyamoto Musashi (true name)
Speech Color (Actually say what you're using, don't go "Like this", or what not): Teal, Bold, Franklin Gothic Medium
Character Alignment: Hero
Identity: Secret
Character Personality (Give information on how your character acts, what he/she believes in, how they handle situations): Kensei is a honorable warrior who puts the lives of others ahead of his own. He is a stoic figure, rarely opening up to people, save his only friend (descibed later in supporting characters). Kensei tends to be blunt and to the point at times, which can rub people the wrong way at times. Due to his training he is a respectful man, but it is difficult to gain his trust. Once gained however, you will find Kensei to be a generous, good hearted soul with, surprisingly, a decent sense of humor though he rarely lets it show.
Uniform/costume: Standard Samurai Armor
Origin Info/Details: He is the ancient japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, and his life story is the same as that of his real world self. However, he did not die as he appeared...at least not as we perceive it.
His spirit traveled to Takama-ga-hara, The High Plain of Heaven, and was met by the god, Izanagi. The Sky-Father of the Japanese pantheon was here to honor the swordsman for his deeds on the mortal plane. Though he did not die in battle, Musashi was still an honored warrior and was spared a life of eternal rot in the Yomi (the Underworld). Izanagi was going to grant Miyamoto Musashi a great honor, one never before bestowed upon a mortal.
Izanagi granted him the title of Kensei, sword saint, for his prowess in battle, and offered for Musashi to become his agent on Earth. Musashi could not say no to a god such the Primordial Sky, and agreed to the offer. Izanagi smiled and placed his hand on Musashi's spirit form, imbuing him with the power to carry out his mission. Musashi would become Izanagi's hand on the mortal plane. He would be the Hunter of the Gods, seeking out the evils of the world and sending them back to Yomi.
Musashi's spirit was taken by Izanagi and rushed back to the material plane where it entered the young body of a recently slain samurai on a now quiet field of battle as an enemy was about to take it's head. Musashi sudden awakening upon returning to the mortal coil, caused the trophy-seeking samurai to waver and flee in terror of what he beleived was a demon. Musashi payed him no heed, instead the warrior took in his surroundings and found sword laying before him on a cloth of silk. The sword was of amazing quality and bore no signs of wear or battle damage. The weapon seemed to glow with a faint white aura as a single ray of bright sunlight beamed down upon it.
Musashi heard a voice in his head, the voice of the sun goddess, Amaterasu. She bade him to take the sword as a gift from her and the gods. The sword was the legendary Kusanagi (Grasscutter Sword), and would be a great asset to Musashi in his quest. Musashi graceously accepted the weapon and placed it in his belt. When he returned his gaze to where the sword was, he saw that the silk and sunlight were gone. The warrior did not dwell on this, in fact he did not have time to. The samurai who ran off had returned with a small band of his allies to "slay the demon".
Musashi did not wish to harm them, and quickly ran away at speeds no mortal man could hope to match.
Musashi's travels took him to Echizen Province where he was taken in by a single father and his two daughters. When asked his name, Musashi thought on it and replied "Kensei", the title given to him by Izanagi. Over dinner, Kensei learned that the village he had taken refuge in was being terrorized by giant lizard-like creatures. The monsters would come in the middle of the night when the moon was high and terrorize the villagers. As they rampaged throughout the village, they would destroy crops, tear down buildings, and visciously kill any who got in their way. They were cold, remorseless creatures who came down from the mountain caves.
Kensei listened to the man's tale and agreed to aid the peaceful village in it's plight. The man was grateful, but scoffed at Kensei's claim, wondering what good one warrior will be against the monsters.
Night soon came, and Musashi quickly found out the man's story had been true. A dozen lizard-men stormed into the town leaving death and destruction in their wake, but they soon found themselves face to face with Kensei. The battle was bloody, but quick. When the dust settled only Kensei still stood, peices of the lizard creatures strewn around him. He had slaughtered them all.
The man and his family along with the rest of the village slowly made their way to the site of the slaughter. Looking upon Musashi's handywork, the villagers were both jubilent and horrified. Despite what he had done for them, none would approach Kensei out of fear. For no man could do what he had done. Finally though, the man who had took him in moved to stand before Kensei and thanked him, calling him a gift from the gods.
Kensei cut him off though. It wasn't over. It wouldn't be over until he hunted down the rest of the beasts and sent their dark spirits to Yomi.
Kensei tracked the creature's path through the forest. Somehow he could sense where these things dwelled. It was as though he could feel the evil aura these creatures emited. Soon Kensei came to a small cave, the presense of evil simply pouring from it assaulting his senses. Kensei entered, and a great battle ensued. One by one, the Hunter of the Gods stalked his prey and slew them. Soon he confronted the leader of the creatures, a great serpent demon. The demon attacked Kensei, mortally wounding him. But, to the serpent's amazement, Kensei's wounds soon healed and the samurai attacked once more.
The battle was brutal, but Kensei finally claimed victory when he lopped off the demon's head in one, clean stroke.
Kensei returned to the village and informed them that they did not have to fear the night any longer. That night they presented him a small feast in his honor, but Kensei quietly departed when no eyes were upon him.
Kensei traveled the land of Japan, slaying all manor of Oni and monsters, and saved hundreds of lives. Musashi slaughtered the Nue that tried to take the health from the Emperor, he defeated the Ama-no-jaku after it had killed and impersonated the melon-princess, and slew the Bake-kujira which haunted the coast of the Shimane Prefecture. There was no evil too great or too minor that escaped his divine wrath. As Japan grew older and became more modern though, the hero Kensei quickly fell into obscurity and his adventures into legend. He now makes his home in Yokohama where his gathered wealth has bought for him a large property on the city's outskirts. He lives on this property in a modernized version of a large pagoda in seclusion save for visits from his only friends and allies, Hideyoshi Kenshin and Ami Kenshin, whom watches over the property when Kensei is away.
But, despite this his quest did not end.
Musashi continues his work for the god Izanagi, slaying the creatures and followers of darkness wherever he may find them. He has survived through the centuries, a ghost in the modern machine. He does not exist, and it is debatable whether he ever did. His mission is neverending, but his methods have taken a more secretive approach due to the technology of this new age. It does not bother him though. Kensei does not seek glory or fame. All this legendary samurai wishes is to perform his task for his master and to save the innocent lives at peril.
And as long as there is evil in the world, Kensei will live on to eradicate it from existance.
Hero Type (Select one): Supernatural (Divine Agent)
Power Level: World Level
Powers (Be Specific): Granted powers by the Sky-Father of the Japanese pantheon, Izanagi, to become his chosen champion of the Earth: super-human physical abilities; ability to sense evil around him (30ft radius) as well as follow the trails of evil beings (provided the trail is still fresh as after an hour it will grow cold and dissapate); a healing factor (think wolverine); wields the Kusanagi (bronze-age style sword, double-edged straight blade blessed with divine power: can cut through anything, even magical enchantments (think Fable's Vorpal Blade); bonded to Kensei's spirit allowing the samurai the ability to summon the sword to his hand as long as they are both on the same plane of existance; enables Kensei to command the winds when in his possession from a simple breeze to a hurricane-force gale)
Attributes (Select one at each category):
Strength Level: 20
Speed/Reaction Timing Level: 30 Mph (but bursts of up to 50 Mph are possible over short distances, but Kensei is unable to keep this speed for long)
Endurance at MAXIMUM Effort: 2 hours (Kensei was given super-human stamina by Izanagi to perform his task of killing otherworldly creatures)
Agility: 5X
Intelligence: Average (sciences & technology); genius (supernatural myths and legends, demonology, battle tactics, leadership, and the arts of war)
Fighting Skill: Mastered (Kensei is arguably the greatest swordsman that has ever lived, and is a master in many forms of armed and unarmed combat)
Resources: Large (over the centuries Kensei has aquired enough wealth and connections to allow him to further his mission without worry along with a handful of minor mystical artifacts he has liberated throughout the centuries*)
Weaknesses (If your stats chosen are deemed powerful enough by a Game Master with no weakness, the character will fall under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters. Even with a weakness, a Game Master may rule it as a Level 3 or 4 character): None really, but, despite being blessed with divine might, Kensei is still a human at his core. He must eat, sleep, breath the air...everything a normal man must do. Thus he is succeptable to attacks that effect his breath (suffocating, gases, etc), as well as being able to be knocked unconscious as a human would (it'd just take a lot more force to do it). He can be killed, though it is uncertain what will happen if his death occurs...
Supporting Characters (Does your character have a significant other? A mother? Friend? Who are they, what do they have to do with your character?): Kensei grew tired of seeing those die around him a long time ago, so he has tried to distance himself from people to spare the pain of loss. Despite this act, Kensei has had an ally in his battle againt the forces of evil in the form of a family of monks devoted to the gods of old. Through the centuries, Kensei has allied himself with the children of each generation once they come of age.
Currently the monk who is his main ally is a man in his late 20's called Hideyoshi Kenshin, and his sister, Ami Kenshin. Hideyoshi is a fully trained martial artist being taught the ways of his family's duties and history by their father, Ryo. Hideyoshi is a care-free individual in appearance, possessing a strong sense of optimism and humor. Hideyoshi is always trying to look on the bright side of things to brighten his friend's day and get him to loosen up. When the time calls for it though, Hideyoshi can become one of the most serious people you will ever meet. Like Kensei, Hideyoshi puts the lives of others above himself and will do anything to keep his sister from harm.
Ami Kenshin, while taught the family discipline, took a different path. Instead of focusing on hand-to-hand combat, at a young age it became apparent that Ami was adept in the ways of magic. So she was given proper guidence and training in The Art, and soon became a skilled sorceress. Though not as powerful as some of the other mystics of the planet, Ami Kenshin was able to conjure many wards and enchantments to keep Kensei's place and the artifacts housed inside protected. Ami is a beautiful young women in her mid-20's with rare jade-colored eyes. When she first met Kensei she immediately felt an attraction to the noble warrior. At first Ami dismissed it as the fantasies of a young girl, but those feelings soon grew into something more. However, Ami is reluctant to tell Kensei how she feels for him, though Kensei knows. He has the same feeling towards her, but is afraid to get close to someone in a relationship.
Ami is a caring person, and, like Kensei and Hideyoshi, puts the well-being of others over herself. She is a shy person, but tries to keep that from getting in the way of her duties.
List a few reasons why you've created that character: I'm a fan of history and the myths of many cultures, among them Japan, and the challenge of integrating these myths into a comic book-style world interested me a great deal. He's based partly off the real life warrior of feudel Japan, Miyamoto Musashi, and an old D&D character of mine. Thought it'd be fun to try and tell some more modern-ized and adapted versions of said D&D hero's adventures. Not to mention it'll be fun showing how this ancient, stoic warrior has come to grips with the end of the samurai way, and the modern world around him.
What can you bring to the RPG?: Experience in RPing, both in tabletop RPGs and on the Hype. A honorable hero, who will stop at nothing to defend the helpless and destroy the forces of darkness, no matter what form they take.
Do you know how to post pictures on the hype boards?: Yes
Sample Post (Minimum Four paragraphs containing dialogue):
The figure waited on the rooftop of the Imperial Palace, quiet as death. He sat shrouded in a cloak as black as the night itself, concealing him from all eyes. The man did not move a muscle, not even the slightest of twitches. He simply sat in the shadow of a large bronze dragon that adorned the palace rooftop across from the Emperor's private chambers, a long bow resting at his side.
For the past several weeks, Emperor Konoe had been having troubled dreams and had grown ill. No medicine seemed to work and the Emperor got weaker by the day. His aids grew frightened and desperate, so they called in the services of an Itako from the surrounding fiefdom. The blind mystic performed his rituals and made a devestating discovery. The Emperor's condition was due to a supernatural blight infecting his mind. It would not be long until he died. The Emperor's attendants did not know how to proceed, but the Itako suggested summoning the services of the Demon's Bane...
So the call went out and Kensei, Izanagi's Chosen, came to the Imperial Palace and took up the task of freeing the Emperor from this curse.
Kensei examined the Emperor as the lord lay unmoving in his bed, pale as a ghost. The Celestial Samurai quickly had an idea of what troubled the monarch, and so he climbed up to the top of the palace with his long bow and waited. Soon enough his hunch became reality as a large cloud of utter blackness descended upon the palace and came to rest on the roof above the Emperor's chamber. Kensei slowly raised his mighty bow and fitted it with a White Arrow, a blessed item created from the carved fang of a dragon. The warrior drew back the bow string, took aim at the center of the cloud...and fired.
As the arrow hit the cloud as though it were a tangible thing, a great, beastial roar rang out into the silent night. Guards came running towards the source of the scream on the ground below, and men and women alike rushed to their bed chamber balconies to see what was amiss. All bore witness to the darkness as it rolled off of the roof and crashed into the earth below. It had taken solid shape as it fell, it's true form now revealed.
One of the guards cautiously moved towards it and proded it with the tip of his spear.
<"It...it's a Nue! A big one too">, yelled the guard loudly for all to hear as the Emperor's attendants rushed into the courtyard to inspect the foul beast.
Kensei leaped off of the roof and landed in front of the men on the other side of the Nue's corpse. The guards and the attendants jumped back in surprise at the sudden appearance of the Swordsman.
<"The Emperor will be fine">, Kensei stated in a calm voice as he retrieved his arrow from the monster's corpse, <"The Nue's influence over Konoe's spirit is no more.">
Kensei made his way to stand in front of one of the guard. In his long years of life, Kensei became a fine judge of character, and this man possessed the will and ability to carry out the task he was about to appoint. Kensei was certain of it.
<"You">, Kensei asked as he stared at the guard, <"what is your name?">
The guard shifted himself to stand up straight and raised his chin in pride, <"My name is Yorimasu Minamoto, Captain of the Palace Guard and servant to the Emperor.">
Kensei bowed in respect, <"Yorimasu, there is a task you must carry out, and it must be done this instant. If you do not succeed in this, the entire palace and all who dwell within will be cursed. Do you understand?">
Minamoto kept a stern visage and nodded his head.
<"Good">, replied Kensei, <"You must take this Nue's corpse and wrap it in linens. It is important that none of the beast be exposed, or else. You must then take this creature's covered body and wrap it in heavy chains, again making sure none of it is exposed. Once you have accomplished this task, you must take the beast to the Sea of Japan and sink it beneath the waves. Only then will you and the Imperial City be spared. Do you understand?">
Minamoto nodded, <"I do. I will wrap the creature in linens, and then chains. All the while making sure none of the Nue's body is exposed. I will then take the beast to the Sea of Japan and sink it's corpse beneath the waves.">
<"Excellent">, replied Kensei, <"I suggest you begin immediately.">
Minamoto bowed respectfully to Kensei and moved off, calling to his guards to aid him by fetching linens and chains.
Kensei made his way towards the aids.
<"Thank you, Kensei">, said one as he bowed to the Swordsman, <"Izanagi chose his champion well. We shall pray to him, giving thanks for all that you have done this day. Here...take this as reward...">
The attendant reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. Kensei inspected it and took it from the man. Emptying the contents out in his hand, Kensei found that it contained a dozen precious gems.
<"It is the least we can do for the great service you have done">, stated the aid, <"think of it as a donation...to help you continue the battle against the growing darkness.">
Kensei placed the gems back into the bag, and put the bag into a container in his armor. Kensei bowed to the aids, thanked them, and then walked off into the blackness of the night...
<> = translated from Japanese
Alias: Demon's Bane (alias); Hunter of the Gods (alias); The Celestial Samurai (alias); Izanagi's Chosen (alias); The Swordsman (alias); Miyamoto Musashi (true name)
Speech Color (Actually say what you're using, don't go "Like this", or what not): Teal, Bold, Franklin Gothic Medium
Character Alignment: Hero
Identity: Secret
Character Personality (Give information on how your character acts, what he/she believes in, how they handle situations): Kensei is a honorable warrior who puts the lives of others ahead of his own. He is a stoic figure, rarely opening up to people, save his only friend (descibed later in supporting characters). Kensei tends to be blunt and to the point at times, which can rub people the wrong way at times. Due to his training he is a respectful man, but it is difficult to gain his trust. Once gained however, you will find Kensei to be a generous, good hearted soul with, surprisingly, a decent sense of humor though he rarely lets it show.
Uniform/costume: Standard Samurai Armor
Origin Info/Details: He is the ancient japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, and his life story is the same as that of his real world self. However, he did not die as he appeared...at least not as we perceive it.
His spirit traveled to Takama-ga-hara, The High Plain of Heaven, and was met by the god, Izanagi. The Sky-Father of the Japanese pantheon was here to honor the swordsman for his deeds on the mortal plane. Though he did not die in battle, Musashi was still an honored warrior and was spared a life of eternal rot in the Yomi (the Underworld). Izanagi was going to grant Miyamoto Musashi a great honor, one never before bestowed upon a mortal.
Izanagi granted him the title of Kensei, sword saint, for his prowess in battle, and offered for Musashi to become his agent on Earth. Musashi could not say no to a god such the Primordial Sky, and agreed to the offer. Izanagi smiled and placed his hand on Musashi's spirit form, imbuing him with the power to carry out his mission. Musashi would become Izanagi's hand on the mortal plane. He would be the Hunter of the Gods, seeking out the evils of the world and sending them back to Yomi.
Musashi's spirit was taken by Izanagi and rushed back to the material plane where it entered the young body of a recently slain samurai on a now quiet field of battle as an enemy was about to take it's head. Musashi sudden awakening upon returning to the mortal coil, caused the trophy-seeking samurai to waver and flee in terror of what he beleived was a demon. Musashi payed him no heed, instead the warrior took in his surroundings and found sword laying before him on a cloth of silk. The sword was of amazing quality and bore no signs of wear or battle damage. The weapon seemed to glow with a faint white aura as a single ray of bright sunlight beamed down upon it.
Musashi heard a voice in his head, the voice of the sun goddess, Amaterasu. She bade him to take the sword as a gift from her and the gods. The sword was the legendary Kusanagi (Grasscutter Sword), and would be a great asset to Musashi in his quest. Musashi graceously accepted the weapon and placed it in his belt. When he returned his gaze to where the sword was, he saw that the silk and sunlight were gone. The warrior did not dwell on this, in fact he did not have time to. The samurai who ran off had returned with a small band of his allies to "slay the demon".
Musashi did not wish to harm them, and quickly ran away at speeds no mortal man could hope to match.
Musashi's travels took him to Echizen Province where he was taken in by a single father and his two daughters. When asked his name, Musashi thought on it and replied "Kensei", the title given to him by Izanagi. Over dinner, Kensei learned that the village he had taken refuge in was being terrorized by giant lizard-like creatures. The monsters would come in the middle of the night when the moon was high and terrorize the villagers. As they rampaged throughout the village, they would destroy crops, tear down buildings, and visciously kill any who got in their way. They were cold, remorseless creatures who came down from the mountain caves.
Kensei listened to the man's tale and agreed to aid the peaceful village in it's plight. The man was grateful, but scoffed at Kensei's claim, wondering what good one warrior will be against the monsters.
Night soon came, and Musashi quickly found out the man's story had been true. A dozen lizard-men stormed into the town leaving death and destruction in their wake, but they soon found themselves face to face with Kensei. The battle was bloody, but quick. When the dust settled only Kensei still stood, peices of the lizard creatures strewn around him. He had slaughtered them all.
The man and his family along with the rest of the village slowly made their way to the site of the slaughter. Looking upon Musashi's handywork, the villagers were both jubilent and horrified. Despite what he had done for them, none would approach Kensei out of fear. For no man could do what he had done. Finally though, the man who had took him in moved to stand before Kensei and thanked him, calling him a gift from the gods.
Kensei cut him off though. It wasn't over. It wouldn't be over until he hunted down the rest of the beasts and sent their dark spirits to Yomi.
Kensei tracked the creature's path through the forest. Somehow he could sense where these things dwelled. It was as though he could feel the evil aura these creatures emited. Soon Kensei came to a small cave, the presense of evil simply pouring from it assaulting his senses. Kensei entered, and a great battle ensued. One by one, the Hunter of the Gods stalked his prey and slew them. Soon he confronted the leader of the creatures, a great serpent demon. The demon attacked Kensei, mortally wounding him. But, to the serpent's amazement, Kensei's wounds soon healed and the samurai attacked once more.
The battle was brutal, but Kensei finally claimed victory when he lopped off the demon's head in one, clean stroke.
Kensei returned to the village and informed them that they did not have to fear the night any longer. That night they presented him a small feast in his honor, but Kensei quietly departed when no eyes were upon him.
Kensei traveled the land of Japan, slaying all manor of Oni and monsters, and saved hundreds of lives. Musashi slaughtered the Nue that tried to take the health from the Emperor, he defeated the Ama-no-jaku after it had killed and impersonated the melon-princess, and slew the Bake-kujira which haunted the coast of the Shimane Prefecture. There was no evil too great or too minor that escaped his divine wrath. As Japan grew older and became more modern though, the hero Kensei quickly fell into obscurity and his adventures into legend. He now makes his home in Yokohama where his gathered wealth has bought for him a large property on the city's outskirts. He lives on this property in a modernized version of a large pagoda in seclusion save for visits from his only friends and allies, Hideyoshi Kenshin and Ami Kenshin, whom watches over the property when Kensei is away.
But, despite this his quest did not end.
Musashi continues his work for the god Izanagi, slaying the creatures and followers of darkness wherever he may find them. He has survived through the centuries, a ghost in the modern machine. He does not exist, and it is debatable whether he ever did. His mission is neverending, but his methods have taken a more secretive approach due to the technology of this new age. It does not bother him though. Kensei does not seek glory or fame. All this legendary samurai wishes is to perform his task for his master and to save the innocent lives at peril.
And as long as there is evil in the world, Kensei will live on to eradicate it from existance.
Hero Type (Select one): Supernatural (Divine Agent)
Power Level: World Level
Powers (Be Specific): Granted powers by the Sky-Father of the Japanese pantheon, Izanagi, to become his chosen champion of the Earth: super-human physical abilities; ability to sense evil around him (30ft radius) as well as follow the trails of evil beings (provided the trail is still fresh as after an hour it will grow cold and dissapate); a healing factor (think wolverine); wields the Kusanagi (bronze-age style sword, double-edged straight blade blessed with divine power: can cut through anything, even magical enchantments (think Fable's Vorpal Blade); bonded to Kensei's spirit allowing the samurai the ability to summon the sword to his hand as long as they are both on the same plane of existance; enables Kensei to command the winds when in his possession from a simple breeze to a hurricane-force gale)
Attributes (Select one at each category):
Strength Level: 20
Speed/Reaction Timing Level: 30 Mph (but bursts of up to 50 Mph are possible over short distances, but Kensei is unable to keep this speed for long)
Endurance at MAXIMUM Effort: 2 hours (Kensei was given super-human stamina by Izanagi to perform his task of killing otherworldly creatures)
Agility: 5X
Intelligence: Average (sciences & technology); genius (supernatural myths and legends, demonology, battle tactics, leadership, and the arts of war)
Fighting Skill: Mastered (Kensei is arguably the greatest swordsman that has ever lived, and is a master in many forms of armed and unarmed combat)
Resources: Large (over the centuries Kensei has aquired enough wealth and connections to allow him to further his mission without worry along with a handful of minor mystical artifacts he has liberated throughout the centuries*)
Weaknesses (If your stats chosen are deemed powerful enough by a Game Master with no weakness, the character will fall under rules of Level 3 and 4 characters. Even with a weakness, a Game Master may rule it as a Level 3 or 4 character): None really, but, despite being blessed with divine might, Kensei is still a human at his core. He must eat, sleep, breath the air...everything a normal man must do. Thus he is succeptable to attacks that effect his breath (suffocating, gases, etc), as well as being able to be knocked unconscious as a human would (it'd just take a lot more force to do it). He can be killed, though it is uncertain what will happen if his death occurs...
Supporting Characters (Does your character have a significant other? A mother? Friend? Who are they, what do they have to do with your character?): Kensei grew tired of seeing those die around him a long time ago, so he has tried to distance himself from people to spare the pain of loss. Despite this act, Kensei has had an ally in his battle againt the forces of evil in the form of a family of monks devoted to the gods of old. Through the centuries, Kensei has allied himself with the children of each generation once they come of age.
Currently the monk who is his main ally is a man in his late 20's called Hideyoshi Kenshin, and his sister, Ami Kenshin. Hideyoshi is a fully trained martial artist being taught the ways of his family's duties and history by their father, Ryo. Hideyoshi is a care-free individual in appearance, possessing a strong sense of optimism and humor. Hideyoshi is always trying to look on the bright side of things to brighten his friend's day and get him to loosen up. When the time calls for it though, Hideyoshi can become one of the most serious people you will ever meet. Like Kensei, Hideyoshi puts the lives of others above himself and will do anything to keep his sister from harm.
Ami Kenshin, while taught the family discipline, took a different path. Instead of focusing on hand-to-hand combat, at a young age it became apparent that Ami was adept in the ways of magic. So she was given proper guidence and training in The Art, and soon became a skilled sorceress. Though not as powerful as some of the other mystics of the planet, Ami Kenshin was able to conjure many wards and enchantments to keep Kensei's place and the artifacts housed inside protected. Ami is a beautiful young women in her mid-20's with rare jade-colored eyes. When she first met Kensei she immediately felt an attraction to the noble warrior. At first Ami dismissed it as the fantasies of a young girl, but those feelings soon grew into something more. However, Ami is reluctant to tell Kensei how she feels for him, though Kensei knows. He has the same feeling towards her, but is afraid to get close to someone in a relationship.
Ami is a caring person, and, like Kensei and Hideyoshi, puts the well-being of others over herself. She is a shy person, but tries to keep that from getting in the way of her duties.
List a few reasons why you've created that character: I'm a fan of history and the myths of many cultures, among them Japan, and the challenge of integrating these myths into a comic book-style world interested me a great deal. He's based partly off the real life warrior of feudel Japan, Miyamoto Musashi, and an old D&D character of mine. Thought it'd be fun to try and tell some more modern-ized and adapted versions of said D&D hero's adventures. Not to mention it'll be fun showing how this ancient, stoic warrior has come to grips with the end of the samurai way, and the modern world around him.
What can you bring to the RPG?: Experience in RPing, both in tabletop RPGs and on the Hype. A honorable hero, who will stop at nothing to defend the helpless and destroy the forces of darkness, no matter what form they take.
Do you know how to post pictures on the hype boards?: Yes
Sample Post (Minimum Four paragraphs containing dialogue):
The figure waited on the rooftop of the Imperial Palace, quiet as death. He sat shrouded in a cloak as black as the night itself, concealing him from all eyes. The man did not move a muscle, not even the slightest of twitches. He simply sat in the shadow of a large bronze dragon that adorned the palace rooftop across from the Emperor's private chambers, a long bow resting at his side.
For the past several weeks, Emperor Konoe had been having troubled dreams and had grown ill. No medicine seemed to work and the Emperor got weaker by the day. His aids grew frightened and desperate, so they called in the services of an Itako from the surrounding fiefdom. The blind mystic performed his rituals and made a devestating discovery. The Emperor's condition was due to a supernatural blight infecting his mind. It would not be long until he died. The Emperor's attendants did not know how to proceed, but the Itako suggested summoning the services of the Demon's Bane...
So the call went out and Kensei, Izanagi's Chosen, came to the Imperial Palace and took up the task of freeing the Emperor from this curse.
Kensei examined the Emperor as the lord lay unmoving in his bed, pale as a ghost. The Celestial Samurai quickly had an idea of what troubled the monarch, and so he climbed up to the top of the palace with his long bow and waited. Soon enough his hunch became reality as a large cloud of utter blackness descended upon the palace and came to rest on the roof above the Emperor's chamber. Kensei slowly raised his mighty bow and fitted it with a White Arrow, a blessed item created from the carved fang of a dragon. The warrior drew back the bow string, took aim at the center of the cloud...and fired.
As the arrow hit the cloud as though it were a tangible thing, a great, beastial roar rang out into the silent night. Guards came running towards the source of the scream on the ground below, and men and women alike rushed to their bed chamber balconies to see what was amiss. All bore witness to the darkness as it rolled off of the roof and crashed into the earth below. It had taken solid shape as it fell, it's true form now revealed.
One of the guards cautiously moved towards it and proded it with the tip of his spear.
<"It...it's a Nue! A big one too">, yelled the guard loudly for all to hear as the Emperor's attendants rushed into the courtyard to inspect the foul beast.
Kensei leaped off of the roof and landed in front of the men on the other side of the Nue's corpse. The guards and the attendants jumped back in surprise at the sudden appearance of the Swordsman.
<"The Emperor will be fine">, Kensei stated in a calm voice as he retrieved his arrow from the monster's corpse, <"The Nue's influence over Konoe's spirit is no more.">
Kensei made his way to stand in front of one of the guard. In his long years of life, Kensei became a fine judge of character, and this man possessed the will and ability to carry out the task he was about to appoint. Kensei was certain of it.
<"You">, Kensei asked as he stared at the guard, <"what is your name?">
The guard shifted himself to stand up straight and raised his chin in pride, <"My name is Yorimasu Minamoto, Captain of the Palace Guard and servant to the Emperor.">
Kensei bowed in respect, <"Yorimasu, there is a task you must carry out, and it must be done this instant. If you do not succeed in this, the entire palace and all who dwell within will be cursed. Do you understand?">
Minamoto kept a stern visage and nodded his head.
<"Good">, replied Kensei, <"You must take this Nue's corpse and wrap it in linens. It is important that none of the beast be exposed, or else. You must then take this creature's covered body and wrap it in heavy chains, again making sure none of it is exposed. Once you have accomplished this task, you must take the beast to the Sea of Japan and sink it beneath the waves. Only then will you and the Imperial City be spared. Do you understand?">
Minamoto nodded, <"I do. I will wrap the creature in linens, and then chains. All the while making sure none of the Nue's body is exposed. I will then take the beast to the Sea of Japan and sink it's corpse beneath the waves.">
<"Excellent">, replied Kensei, <"I suggest you begin immediately.">
Minamoto bowed respectfully to Kensei and moved off, calling to his guards to aid him by fetching linens and chains.
Kensei made his way towards the aids.
<"Thank you, Kensei">, said one as he bowed to the Swordsman, <"Izanagi chose his champion well. We shall pray to him, giving thanks for all that you have done this day. Here...take this as reward...">
The attendant reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. Kensei inspected it and took it from the man. Emptying the contents out in his hand, Kensei found that it contained a dozen precious gems.
<"It is the least we can do for the great service you have done">, stated the aid, <"think of it as a donation...to help you continue the battle against the growing darkness.">
Kensei placed the gems back into the bag, and put the bag into a container in his armor. Kensei bowed to the aids, thanked them, and then walked off into the blackness of the night...
<> = translated from Japanese
t:
