[D&D-5e] Empire of the Setting Sun

[InMemoriam]

I'll probably come back around for edits periodically but Kotori is ready for review!

[Sarge67]

I'm ready too.

[Thesandwichking]

Super cool! Will do some brewing on a character and have one up soon

[Daendil]

Withdrawn

 

Name: TeardropNamida

Race: Half-Drow
Class: Warlock (Hexblade)
Gender and Age: Female, 18
Background: Hermit(ish)
Trait 1: "I place no stock in wealthy or well-mannered folk. Money and manners won't save you from a hungry owlbear." (Outlander)
Trait 2: "I don’t talk about the thing that torments me. I’d rather not burden others with my curse." (Haunted One)
Ideal: "I’m a monster that destroys other monsters, and anything else that gets in my way." (Haunted One)
Bond: "An injury to the unspoiled wilderness of my home is an injury to me." (Outlander)
Flaw: "Now that I've returned to the world, I enjoy its delights a little too much." (Hermit)
Personality: Raised self-restrained and quiet. But born impulsive and fearless. Having spent her childhood wandering between villages and shrines, she knows not much about etiquette and formalities but she always tries to be respectful - unless something upsets her that is.
Appearance: (alternative image) A young lady at the doorstep of adulthood. Her elven blood grants her grace and charm, dark skin and silvery hair. And of course, pointy ears. There is vigor and curiosity in her violet eyes. She has no knowledge of fashion, thus she's clad in simple clothes that don't do a great job highlighting her pretty form.
Backstory:

 

Prelude There were unusually few guests at the cozy inn tonight. A bald man sat at one of the secluded tables. In front of him a nervous looking man in expensive clothes. - "The assignment only concerns the Sasayaku Shi, no one else!" - he demanded. The bald man slowly lifted his gray eyes from the coin he was fiddling with. - "Ah, they're listening. Rest assured, they eagerly await your offer." There was something in his sarcastic tone that made the noble shudder. - "Very well." - he nodded, trying to disguise his unease. - "I want Zamatani village destroyed." The bald man's brow arced. - "Zamatani is in your domain..." - he stared into the noble's eyes, demanding an explanation. - "There are... complications." - he began with a sigh, he'd have wished to keep the details for himself. - "Atop of Zama mountain is a monastery of the Sun Monks. They rely on Zamatani for food supplies." - "A problem perhaps for your soldiers?" - the bald man asked with spite. - "Unfortunately Sun Monks bear the Emperor's protection..." - "I see... And the village is in the way because?" The noble shifted. - "I want to establish a mine there. There have been promising explorations there." The bald man laughed out harshly. - "Yes, we've heard of the gold found under Zama mountain." He closed his eyes. He remained that way as if waiting for something then he nodded. - "And your offer?" The noble put a heavy pouch onto the table. Unexpectedly he heard a cold whisper in his ear: - "It shall be done." Simultaneously a hand dark as coal reached for the pouch from behind him. - "How much?" - the voice whispered. A droplet of sweat appeared on the forehead of the noble. - "500 gold coins, numerous gems and jewelry." - "Impudence!" - hissed the voice - "Your offer is an insult!" - "I... I can give more." - replied the noble trembling. - "Once I open the mine I'll..." - "Too late." - the voice cut into his sentence. - "Zamatani village will perish. And the Sasayaku Shi will claim ownership over the mine." The noble opened his mouth to object, but no sound came through it, only a streak of blood as an ebony blade pierced his heart. - "The assignment is sealed." - the voice declared before vanishing with a vile laugh.

The Sasayaku Shi There are numerous shinobi clans throughout the empire. Some more infamous than others. But none comes close to the legend that is Whispering DeathSasayaku Shi. They say members of the clan take their profession so seriously that even their skin has become like the dark of the night. Common folks imagine all kinds of tales and gossip about the dreadful clan - though they only dare to speak about them after having one too many cups of sake. Some are convinced that they live under the ground - for no one has ever seen a village of the Sasayaku Shi or drow as they refer to themselves. They are so deadly that entire provinces have fallen to their hand. It's said that they never name a price for assignments. The one aspiring to hire them has to make an offer instead. And the offer had better be generous enough...

Namida How Namida's mother, a clan-member of the secretive Sasayaku Shi met her father, a free spirited wandering warrior is a nice story, but a sad one. A story perhaps for another time. It ends with her father being dead and her pregnent mother fleeing. Fleeing from her former clan, her family who now relentlessly wanted her dead. They almost succeeded. Almost. But due to luck or fate a wise firbog pilgrim found the wounded woman and saved her life. The pilgrim's magic kept her safe from her enemies until she gave birth to her child. But she wouldn't want to risk her daughter's life with her presence. Thus shortly after, she vanished returning to the darkness of the night. She left nothing but a single teardrop on the baby's cheek behind. Namida was living peacefully and in safety with the firbog druid in the woods. Wandering from village to village, visiting shrine after shrine. But lately she's been having strange, unsettling dreams. A cold voice whispers to her in her sleep every night, talking about great power, her destiny and her birthright. What truly frightened her is that one dawn as she woke up she found a beautiful ebony tanto in her grasp. "Slice their throats..." - the voice still echoed in her ears. She decided she needed to see the world. She needed to find out who she was. And she needed to find out more about the strange voice in her dreams. When she told that to the pilgrim that was like a father to her, his answer was strange: - "We reach the next village in two days. You should stay there. You have a lot of questions in you, I can feel it, and you need to seek the answers." Namida nodded silently. They continued to eat their soup quietly for a while, before the druid added: - "You won't find any answers though." - he chuckled - "All the answers are already there with you. But you absolutely must seek them first."

Why?: jewe-jewe-Jin

[Thesandwichking]

Across the tiled rooftops he ran... Name: Raiku Fukashi Race: Tabaxi Class: Rogue (MC to Fighter after 1) Gender: Male Age: 21 Background: Sailor Quirks: Tall Tales- I stretch the truth for the sake of a good story. Gambler- I never pass up a friendly wager. Ideal: Rebellious- The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. Bond: Honorbound- My honor is my life. Flaw: Resentful- I remember every insult I’ve received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who’s ever wronged me. Appearance: Keen amber eyes reflected the flickers of torchlight. Realizing he'd been spotted, the lithe figure rose from its crouch atop the shadowed rooftop, and dropped nimbly into the street below. He was tall and lean, typical of his kind, and covered in orange fur striped with black and white. His garb was light and dark: soft leather boots, a set of linen pants and a hooded, sleeveless leather tunic. His right arm sported a gallery of masterfully crafted tattoos telling the tales of his years at sea, culminating with the symbol of the first ship he'd crewed on his shoulder- the Water Lily. A small trinket on a leather string about his neck caught the torchlight- a smooth stone with a hole in the center. Anyone looking closer would see that it is the petrified remains of some tiny, ancient, spiral shelled sea creature, polished to an iridescent sheen by a millennia beneath the waves. Over one shoulder loomed the hilt of his katana. Over the other was slung a short bow and quiver full of black feathered arrows. A pair of tanto lurked in his belt, and the torchlight now blazed in his eyes. His stance was relaxed, but poised and ready. He lowered his hood with a low growl. Personality: Raiku is a free spirit above all. He acts in the interest of the good of people, not in the service of lords or lands. He loves a good story, a friendly wager, and to view the wild places and things of the world. He is fiercely merry with his friends, and fiercely hard with his enemies. He doesn’t scare easy, having faced down storms and pirates and crew mates tougher than either of these. His personal honor is paramount, as important to him as the very air he breathes.   Backstory: Raiku was born the son of a fisherman in Okohagine, a humble port town on the western coast of the plains of Izu. His mother died in childbirth, so he was raised by his father, Raishi, himself the son of a fisherman. Raishi was a bitter man, for he'd lived a hard life, but he loved his son. He raised the boy under the code of honor that he himself was grown up with, and could tell from an early age that Raiku had a good heart. Raiku spent day after day on his father's boat, fishing and selling their catch. As Raiku grew into his adolescence, he began to think about the scope of his life, and how narrow it seemed. He could feel himself growing bitter as well. Every day he fished. Every day he ate fish. Every day he smelled of fish. Every day was the same. They spent their days on the water just off shore, and Raiku could see the vastness of the ocean and see the ships that came to the port. They were all different sizes and makes, flew different flags, and their crews spoke languages from all over the world. One night, his curiosity got the better of him; he simply had to meet some of these sailors and hear about the wide world beyond Okohagine. That night in a tavern near the harbor, he met a band of rowdy sailors and his life was never the same as the day before again. After one night of drinking and tale telling (and more than a bit of friendly fisticuffs), Raiku was enamored with their life of adventure. The very next day, he told his father he'd found employment and would be leaving port. Raishi was saddened, but proud of his son. He'd raised him to be honorable and true, and knew that whatever far off land he sailed to, the people there would know they were better off for his coming. The Water Lily was a merchant ship, and a respectable one at that. It was larger and finer a vessel than what typically came to port in Okohagine, but it's Captain knew that the silks and pottery of Bozen would sell well in any port along the coast of Izu. Its crew were a swarthy bunch, but honest enough. They were men, dwarves, orcs and goblins all working together under an Elvish Captain, Sir Alymer Thorodruin. Captain Thorodruin took a quick liking to the young Tabaxi; he was light on his feet and quick up the rigging. The Elf saw a bit of himself in the lad as well, he said more than once. He spent his nights tutoring the deckhand, teaching him the languages of his home and the.. rougher elements of the crew. The sailor's taught him swordplay as well, though he took the bow a bit quicker. Raiku found he liked being up in the rigging. It offered a view of the sea he never had aboard his father's tiny fishing dinghy. His days were now spent shimmying up and down the ropes and mast, keeping a weather eye on the horizon and wondering at the lands and people they encountered. The Lily primarily plied the trade routes between Bozen and Shikoku, taking luxury goods from one port to the next. The Lily was well known about those seas, both for its noble Captain and capable crew. Only once in his 4 years aboard the vessel did they have a run in with any pirates dumb enough to try their steel. The Captain alone slew 20 men that day, and decided to maroon the rest on a little island with naught but a cask of wine between them. The rest of the pirates' hold was taken to their next port of call, as recompense for their audacious attempt, you understand. Raiku enjoyed a life of plenty and adventure aboard the Water Lily, just he'd dreamt he would, for 4 beautiful years. Then, the Captain received a summons. They'd just returned to the eastern coast of Shikoku from another voyage to Bozen, and when they went to sell their wares in the nearest port, they were bombarded with news of war. Some Daimyo in the west of Izu- Raiku had never heard of him- had been betrayed by one of his lieutenants, and the whole of the country was picking sides and tempers were boiling. None of these politics interested Raiku whose main concern was the freedom to do his will in life, but the ludicrous offers in gold and silk to privateer vessels to serve this slighted Daimyo certainly interested the Captain. If the rumors were to be believed, they could make more in a year of service to this man than in 5 years plying the seas! Captain Thorodruin changed course at once; as soon as their goods were sold, they sailed North to the passage between Musashi and Shikoku, and rounded its northern cape back toward the waters of Raiku's birth. They made birth in Okohagine, and Raiku ran back to his childhood home to tell his father of all that he'd seen and to ask his advice before making his next move. They talked for a long time, and Raishi was overjoyed to see his son. But he told him, that ship was no place for the Tabaxi during war time. He was better off to move inland, to avoid the fighting. Surely someone of his skill would end up in the fighting if he wasn't careful, either by being pressed into service for some local lord or being made an offer he couldn't refuse. So Raiku listened, and decided he was better as a shinobi in service to the people of these lands. He met with the Captain at night in the tavern to tell him of his decision, and the Captain graciously understood despite no small grief at his parting. He thanked the Tabaxi, then in his bitterness at the loss of his comrade and mentee, he sent him off into the night to begin the next chapter of his wandering life. Why are you interested in this game: I love the flavor of the setting, and the idea of a Tolkienesque storytelling game. Both of these are what I've been looking for for a while now.

[Menzo]

@Thesandwichking Really love the pic, but would it be possible resize it to no more than 400 pixels height?

Edit: Thanks for that!

[Arthilian01]

I can help with that, if you want to PM the link to me and I'll send a resized link back.

[Thesandwichking]

@Menzo: Thanks! Looking forward to fleshing Raiku out, so you're cool with making names places and NPCs?

@Arthilian01: Thanks for the new picture! It came out great

[Preacherwolf]

I rather like the sound of this. I'll edit/post an actual application when I get home from work. I'm thinking of a warlock/shinto wandering priest kind of character.

Menzo do you think this would be an acceptable flavor/substitute for a great old one styled warlock?

[spire]

A Geisha that performs magic through dancing sounds really fun.

STATUS: Done

Name: Baishō
Race: Aasimar, Scourge
Class: Bard
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Background: Guild Artisan
Personality traits:

• Loyal: Baishō has never been late or missed a day, and is selfless and caring. She has a great fear of letting others down, which lets others ask her to do things she wouldn't otherwise do.
• Imaginative: You can often spot her staring out into space, lost in thought. She has a knack for coming up with clever solutions to problems, even if those solutions occasionally fail spectacularly.

Ideal: Art reflects the soul
Bond: I will bring honor to my family
Flaw: Baishō struggles to tell a lie. She can mechanically do it, but her body/facial expressions gives her away nearly every time.
Personality: Baishō is typically quiet, but only out of respect. She is friendly and kind, focused and determined.
Appearance: Baishō is taller than most other Geishas. She wears a white and gold kimono, indicating that belongs to the Chiyoteru hanamachi (a highly respected hanamachi consisting entirely of Aasimar Geishas: Geishas that "come from heaven").

Background:

• At a young age, Baishō was enthralled with Geishas. They would visit her family, and she would be entranced with their mesmerizing colors and movements. Her parents noticed her acute interest and decided to let her become a Geisha.
• She started her training at 7. Her okā-san, Eiji was a kind lady that quickly took Baishō under her wing. Eiji encouraged Baishō to dance, and arranged for Geishas to come and teach her. As she grew older, she excelled as a dancer; as she danced, the air around her would seem to shimmer and play. Despite her young age (she wasn't even a maiko), people would come and visit to watch her dance.
• When she turned 17, she started apprenticing. Her okiya, Matsuko comes from a long line of Odoriko (This title is passed down from magic dancer to magic dancer), and noticing Baishō's innate magic, took her as an apprentice. Apprenticeship was not easy; Baishō, preferring dance to all other activities, had neglected her training in homemaking and hostessing. Matsuko did not approve of this, and refused to teach dance until Baishō's hostessing skills were up to par. Finally, at the age of 19, Matsuko started teaching her how to infuse magic into her dancing. Baishō had intuitively been doing this from a young age, but this formal training had allowed to control the effects of her dancing.
• As she improved, her services continued to grow in demand, with one family (the Motos) in particular taking an interest. At 21, Baishō became a full Geisha, and the Motos started hiring her full time.
• The Motos treated her well, and over many years she grew to love them as family. One day, she was asked by Hanzou (the father) if she could deliver a package to another family that had hired her the next day. Not wanting to disrespect Hanzou, she accepted, beginning a life smuggling for the Moto family.
• This went on for many years, until she received a note indicating that they knew she was a smuggler and to meet at a local izakaya, otherwise they would bring dishonor to the Moto family.

Game Appeal: I like interaction-heavy games. What makes one game different to another are the different characters and their relationships. It's also a good excuse to learn about Japanese culture!

ome details about Matsuko and what makes her knowledgable about "true dance" is something you should think about adding to the background. That is something you can use as a connection from one section to another if you choose to lay things out in paragraphs.

[Menzo]

Originally Posted by Thesandwichking

so you're cool with making names places and NPCs?

@Thesandwichking Absolutely. I'm perfectly fine with you inventing names of places and NPCs. If your application is successful, I will try to find a way to insert them into the setting.

Originally Posted by Preacherwolf

Menzo do you think this would be an acceptable flavor/substitute for a great old one styled warlock?

@Preacherwolf I could definitely see Ryūjin as being the patron of a warlock, but it's hard to think of such a benevolent creature being a 'great old one'. I would be more inclined to classify Ryūjin as an archfey or Xanathar's, pp. 54-55celestial patron.

Originally Posted by spire

It appears there are tons of sorcerer submissions. I'd be happy to change this to a bard, assuming I can substitute "music" for "dancing".

@spire Yes, group balance would have to be one of my considerations when selecting players for the game, but ultimately it's up to you whether to stick with Sorcerer or switch to Bard. If you do switch to Bard, however, the problem with substituting music for dance is that although it'll work fine with Bardic Inspiration, what would your spellcasting focus for bard spells be? I would need you to come up with a workable solution for that before signing off on the 'dancing' bard.

[InMemoriam]

@Menzo An Aasimar typically has an angelic guide that gives guidance in dreams and such, and the Hermit's Discovery feature has them making a potentially campaign-significant revelation. If Kotori is chosen, I realize this would mean more work/effort on your part, so would you prefer I drop them or roll with them?

[Menzo]

Originally Posted by InMemoriam

@Menzo An Aasimar typically has an angelic guide that gives guidance in dreams and such, and the Hermit's Discovery feature has them making a potentially campaign-significant revelation. If Kotori is chosen, I realize this would mean more work/effort on your part, so would you prefer I drop them or roll with them?

@InMemoriam I'm fine with both of those features.

[Preacherwolf]

Originally Posted by Menzo

@Preacherwolf I could definitely see Ryūjin as being the patron of a warlock, but it's hard to think of such a benevolent creature being a 'great old one'. I would be more inclined to classify Ryūjin as an archfey or Xanathar's, pp. 54-55celestial patron.

Well great old one's don't necessarily have to be malevolent, just alien to us. There are plenty of Lovecraftian horrors that aren't evil, simply thier wants and desire are utterly incomprehensible. I was more thinking of stylising it as he's an unknown, benevolant but also simply a mystery. He did cause a hurricane that sunk the Mongolian fleet and is responsible for the tides, so people worship him as a force of good, but at the end of the day, what do we know about him? He is a beyond ancient dragon who lives in an impenetrable undersea fortress and who has power over the oceans, and thats terrifying.

Still, I see your point. I just really love the Great Old One Warlock Spells and Abilities. I'll do abit of reading, maybe try a kami that fits better for a Great Old One, and write up an actually application in the next couple of days

[spire]

Originally Posted by Menzo

I would need you to come up with a workable solution for that before signing off on the 'dancing' bard.

Wouldn't a hand fan work?