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

[Menzo]

Empire of the Setting Sun APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! EMPIRE OF THE SETTING SUN System: D&D 5th Edition. Themes: Intrigue and betrayal. A land torn apart by war. Friendship and loyalty. Flavor: I believe music expresses it better than words ever could. Note: This game will be Whilst I don't intend to insert LGBTQI themes into the game, players who wish to explore LGBTQI themes through their character are welcome to do so.LGBTQI-friendly. About the setting The place was like feudal Japan, and the time might have been five hundred years ago; and they fought and they thought, then as now. Only, not exactly. Imagine a version of feudal Japan inhabited not just by humans, but by fantasy races such as elves, dragonborn, and goliaths. A feudal Japan in which magic and the gods (known as the kami) are real, if not exactly commonplace, and the Emperor is an ancient gold dragon at the end of its life. A land of proud In the context of this game, 'samurai' will refer to the entire noble class, not just katana-wielding warriors.samurai, loyal ashigaru, beautiful geisha, mysterious ninjasshinobi, shrine maidens, warrior monks, and priests with strange powers. A mountainous land, still mostly covered by forest. A land of beauty and poetry, torn apart by war. That land is Shikoku, the Empire of the Setting Sun. Shikoku is a homebrew setting that I have used before in an in-person home game. For RPG Crossing, I will be adapting it to D&D 5e, including incorporating most of 5e's races and classes. I believe that with a little imagination and creative writing, those races and classes can be given a feudal Japanese spin. For example, a goblin rogue or ranger might, in a certain light, look a lot like a shinobi. A female half-elven cleric or druid might look like a shrine maiden. And a mad gnome sorcerer or warlock with the acolyte background might look like a wandering priest. Details Starting level: 1st Number of players: 6-7 Races available: All races and sub-races from the PHB and Volo's Guide to Monsters, except tieflings. I might also consider a As per Eberron: Rising from the Last War, rather than any variant. In the context of this setting, the Warforged would be ancient artifacts of unknown origin.Warforged character, but the application would need to be exceptional. Classes available: All classes and sub-classes from the PHB and Xanathar's Guide to Everything. Backgrounds available: All backgrounds from the PHB, plus Haunted One from Curse of Strahd. Posting rate: 1-2 posts per week, depending on my schedule and mood. Deadline: Probably. It all depends on the response to this ad. If I get a lot of high-quality application, I may bring the deadline forward.15th November 2020 Applications should include: Please use Japanese names and naming conventions.Name, Race and Class Gender and Age This should include two Personality Traits, one Ideal, one Bond and one Flaw. These may be chosen from any PHB background.Background Color illustrations preferred. Tasteful anime pics are okay.Character portrait A couple of sentences each, the main purpose of which is to demonstrate your capacity for descriptive prose.Personality and Appearance Please remember that your character is only Level 1. The early chapters of the game will take place in the plains of western Izu, so placing your character there would be extremely advantageous.Backstory Why are you interested in this game? About me I have been playing TTRPGs for about 30 years, and running them for about half of that. In that time, I have come to prefer character interaction and character development to deep storytelling, and exploration and investigation to combat. Which isn't to say there's no deep storytelling or combat in my games—but they play less of a role, at least compared to most published adventure modules. I am not precious about my settings. Don't be afraid to create your own detail about the setting and insert it into your application. Although I'm using a setting I've used before, I'm very keen on player involvement and will try to incorporate your ideas into my setting and story. Oh, and the reason why there's very little about the setting in this ad? That's because I like to let setting unfold during gameplay, rather the handing out huge slabs of canonical detail before the game even starts. I like players (and characters) that are proactive, adventurous, and take risks. I also like players that work well with the other players. So, please, no evil or selfish characters, and no loners. Take the time to read the other applications. If you see some detail in them that works well with your character, incorporate it into your own application... and build on it. Demonstrate your willingness to collaborate and work with others. Source material and inspiration GURPS Japan, by Lee Gold and Hunter Johnson Tales of the Samurai, by A.B. Mitford In fact, my original game was a 'furries' game.Usagi Yojimbo, by Stan Sakai Samurai Champloo and InuYasha The Lord of the Rings, by To whom much is owed.J.R.R. Tolkien APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

[Menzo]

Q&A Q: Can we get a hint as to what the plot is going to be like? A: My original game centred around a brewing civil war in the western plains of Izu, and the betrayal of a daimyō by a long-standing ally. Whether this game follows that exact plotline depends on the types of characters I end up with. Or rather, I'd prefer to pick good characters/players first, then devise a storyline that works well with them.I am not committed. Either way, that brewing civil war is likely to play a large part in the game. Q: Thinking of making a cleric. Is there a defined pantheon? A: Yes, the Japanese kami will be the pantheon in this game. Everything from Amaterasu and Hachiman (gods) to various local river and forest spirits. A decent-ish list of kami can be found on wikipedia. Also, feel free to create your own in the same style. Ancestor worship is also quite common. Please note: In this game, a priest does not have to be a cleric. Other spellcasting characters with the Acolyte background may also be roleplayed as a priest. Q: I am looking at making a Sorcerer Draconic Elementalist. Can we use 'The Elemental Spellbook' from DnD? A: I won't be making use of any indie rulebooks, including 'The Elemental Spellbook'. Not just for simplicity's sake, but also because I don't know how well balanced the material in those rulebooks is. For the same reasons, I also won't be using any material from Unearthed Arcana. I realise this probably wasn't 100% clear in my ad, but I'd like applicants to stick to the material in the PHB, Volo's and Xanathar's. Q: So you're cool with us making names of places and NPCs? A: 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. Q: It appears there are tons of sorcerer submissions. I'd be happy to change this to a bard... A: 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.

Applications Player Character Race Class Background Completion Arthilian01 Ube Fujio Human (variant) Rogue (Arcane) Sage accepted Sarge67 Norimoto Jiro Dragonborn (Silver) Sorcerer Sage reviewed Schroedingerdude Roberto Greenskin Goblin Monk Outlander withdrawn InMemoriam Saionji Kotori Aasimar (Protector) Cleric (Grave Domain) Hermit early acceptance Daendil Namida Half-Drow Warlock (Hexblade) Hermit withdrawn Thesandwichking Raiku Fukashi Tabaxi Rogue Sailor withdrawn spire Baishō Aasimar (Scourge) Bard Guild Artisan finalised Alemar Fujima, Hiroki Half-Orc Fighter Criminal finalised Ysolde Chikane Kawasumi Human Cleric unknown reviewed Wyrom Eramorn Maccar Dragonborn (Blue) Fighter (Samurai) Soldier reviewed Noquarter19 Kurai Hono Half-elf Warlock (hexblade) Noble withdrawn O2CXt3 Yasui Human Fighter (Samurai) Haunted One accepted Mindsiege Rinshōon Yashiro Aasimar (Protector) Monk (Kensei) Noble reviewed Tenugui Time Mitsu Mori Human Druid Hermit finalised voodoozombie Asano Moriko Tabaxi Ranger (Gloom Stalker) Outlander finalised Bretel Ashikaga Koyama Human (variant) Druid (Land of the Mountain) Noble early acceptance rhaiber Moriko Human Monk Acolyte early acceptance APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

[Arthilian01]

Interested.

[InMemoriam]

Inspiration: Samurai Champloo, Inuyasha, and LotR you say?! I need to get in on this! Can we get a hint as to what the plot is going to be like?

[Menzo]

@InMemoriam My original game centred around a brewing civil war in the western plains of Izu, and the betrayal of a daimyō by his long-standing ally. Whether this game follows that exact plotline depends on the types of characters I end up with. I am not committed. Either way, that brewing civil war is likely to play a large part in the game.

[Daendil]

Interesting!

[Arthilian01]

Wizard's pupil: Name: Ube Fujio Race: Human (Magic InitiateVariant) Class: Rogue (Arcane) Gender: Male Age: 18 years old Background: Sage (Wizard's pupil) Personality traits: -I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. -I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. Ideal: -Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) Bond: -I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. Flaw: -I am easily distracted by the promise of information. Personality: Fujio is patient and thoughtful, but when he makes up his mind he is quick to act and is usually good at thinking on his feet. He is voracious for new knowledge and tends to love reading pretty much anything. He sees knowledge as the best way to better oneself. He is always willing to learn something new, whether it be from an old text or from a person offering something. His curiosity is a big driving force behind his life and wanderings. He can be open to those close to him but even to the closest of his friends, he seems to always keep something hidden. The promise of learning something new usually outweighs most risks in his mind. Appearance: Fujio is a small sort of boy, standing no more than five and a half feet tall and he looks just on the upside of being underfed with a slim build that doesn't give away the little bit of muscle tone that he has accumulated. He keeps his hair long but tied into a topnot except for the wild bangs that he can't seem to tame. His young eyes are tempered by hardship at a young age and the lack of innocence. He wears a thin, leather tunic of sorts beneath a brown, cotton kimono and umanori hakamas. His sandals are made of reeds and a bit of twine, looking quite rough as he tends to spend a lot of time on his feet. He spent what little money he managed to purloin on a shortbow and an open quiver, and arrows because the world is a dangerous place. It wasn't until recently that he pilfered a well-made wakizashi from a forge while the smith was away, making for a very good chase and a thrill. Backstory: Fujio is the last surviving member of the Ube clan, wiped out when he was but a very young boy. Before he was truly old enough to understand, his clan and it's hidden sanctuary was attacked and nearly the whole household was wiped out except for his father's advisor, A sage by the name of Fusao who took the boy along with several manuscripts and escaped into the wilderness. For a time, Fujio was taken care of in a small cave only miles from his former home, hidden by magics woven by the old sage. Once Fujio was better able to travel without as much fuss, Fusao and the boy traveled the lands, going from library to monastery and anywhere else that held a large volume of scrolls or manuscripts. It became obvious that the old man was searching for something and out of curiosity, Fujio began to steal looks at the parchments and documents that the sage had read. Many of the scrolls contained magical secrets that started out as gibberish to the young boy but after finding more references, started to make sense and in time, he managed to teach himself some very simple tricks, the basics of doing magic himself. One night, Fujio and Fusao took refuge in a tea house that was frequented by a group of pirates. This is where Fusao first left him, the first time the sage trusted the boy to remain hidden while he set out on an errand, all very unplanned and improvised. While the sage was away, Fujio was assailed by the boisterous noises downstairs and his curiosity got the better of him. He tiptoed down into the main room and stumbled into a situation that seemed quite out of hand. A group of drunken pirates had started a little less than a brawl and Fujio found himself right in the middle of it but one of them 'came to his rescue'. An old pirate that called himself Kar fended off the wild swings of one of his own crew and ushered Fujio out the back door. For the next couple days, Land-bound Kar and Lost Fujio wandered the streets and the old pirate taught the boy how to survive a little better. The boy found his was quite a natural at lifting coin purses with his quick little hands, not to mention the thrill that he felt in his blood when he got away with something that he wasn't supposed to do. After a week with Kar, it crossed Fujio's mind that he should go back to the Tea House and try to find Fusao, He owed it to the old man who had saved his life to not leave him outright. When Fujio found the sage, he got received a terrible tongue-lashing but the old man was none the wiser about where Fujio had been. Fujio was able to help Fusao on further incursions, able to survive on his own or get into places that weren't meant for public eyes...which seemed to be where Fusao needed to get to. Fujio couldn't keep his curiosity at bay and began asking Fusao many questions about what they were looking for and that lead to many mysteries being uncovered and much talk about Fujio's family but there was always something there that the sage didn't seem keen on telling Fujio about. It had been nearly fourteen years since Fusao and Fujio had fled the boy's former home but it became apparent that the people who had nearly wiped out the Ube clan were still searching for the errant boy who had escaped so long ago. A very close call ensued that led Fusao to split up from Fujio, in an attempt to lose their pursuers among the maze of buildings. Fusao must have stumbled down the wrong path or was in some way forced to stand his ground and from the rooftops, Fujio could see the illusions that leapt from the alley as the old man fought the attackers. Once the fighting had died down, Fujio deemed it safe enough to search for Fusao. He found the old man, lying on the cobbles, bleeding from more wounds than Fujio had ever seen. The old man shoved a piece of rolled parchment into the boy's hand and uttered one word, "Find." before his spirit fled his body. At first, Fujio didn't question the rolled parchment as he heard the noises of the pursuers coming back his way and Fujio ran and hid. After the pursuers had left and Fujio had fled, he unrolled and investigated the parchment, finding that it was covered in strange letters and markings that barely resembled letters but Fujio knew better than to throw the parchment away. Fusao had died for this parchment and for Fujio, that meant something and Fujio would find out why. Game Appeal: I have a hard time feeling the right fit for a Japanese style character in a run-of-the-mill DnD campaign and I have quite a few pictures on my comp that deserve to be used. Not to mention, I do love the Japanese setting but lack the knowledge to run one myself. Thank you!

[Sarge67]

Name: Norimoto Jiro
Race: Dragonborn (Silver)
Class: Sorcerer (Future multiclass with Monk)
Gender: M
Level; 1
Age: 5
Sorcery Origins: Powers arise from family bloodline.

Appearance: 6’ 190lbs, His draconic like scales are silver with Ice blue streaks flowing in decorative designs. His eyes are a deep ocean blue which intensifies his intimidating image. He wears the dark blue with gold robes representing his draconic clan Norimoto.

 

Background: SAGE
Specialty; Researcher
Personality Trait; There's nothing I like more than a good mystery
Ideal; The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself.
Bond; I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
Flaw; I am easily distracted by the promise of information.

 

Personality:Curiosity for Humans, admiring their drive and zest for life. He is inquisitive in regards to discovering the nature of humanity and the history associated with humans. Jiro presents himself in a humble and calm manner, but deliberate in his actions. He has little interest for those that do not show motivation for survival. “Those who feel entitled to another man’s labor will demand greater sacrifice with each donation.” is a favorite teaching he received. Jiro also finds the practice of charity a perplexing concept as even the good dragons gather hordes in safe lairs.

 

Over two hundred years ago, the Norimoto clan swore loyalty to the Emperors and the people of Shikoku. The dragon Takusan no Ryu (Many Dragons) village has established several institutions were established to train young Dragonborn in professions that serve the emperor. The traditions began with Jiro's paternal grandfather and have been passed down the generations.

Norimoto was hatched in the highest peaks of Izu Mountains. His parentage father silver dragon and mother human remained together; raising him in the mountainous village. The village is of moderate size with the schools operating; the population includes the students, the six silver dragon instructors, and the mates to the draconian members. Jiro discovered his special abilities in sorcery while training in his draconic skills prior to his coming of age. Now that his core skills have been taught, the young man has been sent out to prove his abilities and discover the importance to defending the common people. This moral lesson is important since the young dragonborn has limited experience around humans.

 

Why are you interested in this game: First it sounds fun, secondly I want to learn Japanese culture for future games.

[InMemoriam]

Thinking of making a cleric. Is there a defined pantheon?

[Menzo]

@InMemoriam Yes, the Japanese kami will be the pantheon in this game. Everything from Amaterasu and Hachiman (gods) to various local river and forest spirits. A decent-ish list of kami can be found on wikipedia. Also, feel free to create your own in the same style.

Please note: In this game, a priest does not have to be a cleric. Other spellcasting characters with the Acolyte background may also be roleplayed as a priest.

[Arthilian01]

Alrighty!, Kuro-Tora is complete, I think. Let me know if I'm missing anything or misunderstood anything.

[Schroedingerdude]

APPLICATION READY FOR REVIEW

Roberto Greenskin AKA Morimoto Hanzo Name: Roberto Greenskin (Name within his clan); (one who lives) near the forestMorimoto HANZŌ (Japanese Name that he uses when interacting with those outside his clan) Race: Goblin Class: Monk (Tribal nomad) Gender: Male Age: 19 Background: Outlander Personality: I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups. I once ran twenty-five miles without stopping to warn to my clan of an approaching orc horde. I'd do it again if I had to. Ideal: Glory. I must earn glory in battle, for myself and my clan. Bond: My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing in my life, even when they are far from me. Flaw: There's no room for caution in a life lived to the fullest. Appearance: At 3'-5", Roberto is often overlooked by the taller peoples of society. His verdant skin and features are unusually smooth and soft for a goblin, not having the scars and lines that come from hard manual labor. His robes are threadbare and barely held together by frugal stitchings made to keep the garments lasting longer. His emerald skin, pronounced brow and somewhat large nose stand out to any outside observer. Backstory: The Greenskin clan make their living as woodcutters in the forests of western Izu. Roberto was often considered the "outlier" of his clan. While his compatriots were interested in woodworking and keeping mostly to themselves, Roberto was interested in the world outside the clan's forest. He'd often venture and meet others, selling the clan's handiworks and bringing the profits back to them. Realizing that his name was difficult for others to pronounce, he adopted the name "Morimoto Hanzo". His favorite people to talk to were the travelling monks and ronin. Inspired by their tales and lifestyles, he imitated them in dress and mannerisms. While his clan considered this a foolish waste of time, Roberto considered it a harmless hobby. Once during one of his excursions, Roberto found out about an orc bandit attack that was heading near his home. He tried pleading with the local villages for help, but none responded, for why should they help a "backwoods" clan. After paying two ronin to accompany him, he as fast as his little legs could take him. Having reached his forest, his clan was able to fend off the bandits. After the incursion had passed, Roberto begged the ronin to train him. Out of pity, they were able to teach him the basics but couldn't stay any longer. Given a wakizashi and having a newfound sense of wanderlust, Roberto left, vowing to become a samurai and raise his clan's status. Why are you interested in this game: You had me at Usagi Yojimbo. This would make for a wonderful change of scenery than the usual "Medieval Europe" fare. This would be a good opportunity to play a goblin samurai apprentice

[InMemoriam]

STATUS: CompleteExcept I'll be changing the name of the shrine (and likely Kotori's last name along with this) so it's more in line with Shinto conventions. Waiting for Oghain's suggestions~*

Application Art by GUWEIZ (linked) Name: Saionji Usually written to mean "little bird" (trapped in her plum blossom cage eyyy), but instead 子捕り meaning "catch-the-child" as a fun little wink-wink to the fact that the temple wants her back Kotori (西園寺 子捕り) Race: Aasimar (Protector)Okuninushi's Favored Class: Cleric (Grave Domain)Fusha Gender: Female Age: 18 Background: HermitSacred Maiden of the Onamuchizan Saion-ji Personality Traits: (1) I feel tremendous empathy for those who suffer. (2) I've spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world. Ideal: Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with the people. Bond: I protect those who cannot protect themselves. Flaw: My naivete and excitability often get me into trouble. Personality: Unlike the caretakers at Ume-dera, Kotori's convictions are altogether more fierce than her family's. Her calling to help the people went far beyond her assigned duties at the temple, and she instead prefers being out on the field in the thick of their plights, solving their problems at the root instead of simply dealing with their consequences. Her aptitude for kindness and care lends itself well to her work, but her time spent sequestered away has made her inexperienced and naïve. In addition, she is excitable and overly-curious of "the outside world" and her enthusiasm can be either bane or boon to those around her, in opposition to her usually well-mannered temperament. Appearance: Kotori's youth is plain for all to see in the soft curves of her face and her doe-eyed, glacial blue gaze. At just a little over 5ft tall, the young shrine maiden is of a rather slight and delicate build, with raven hair haphazardly cut into a messy bob. The red ribbon that used to hold her hair in a long ponytail now ties off the small braid on her right side. Her open and pigeon-toed stance is indicative of her nature, and she wears the distinctive red and white clothing of a miko, usually overlayed by a dark blue haori. Kotori carries around a Bamboo flute used for Shinto musickagurabue, which she enjoys playing though she isn't particularly good at it. Backstory:   On the far west edge of a prosperous city in Izu stands a shrine surrounded by mysteriously ever-blooming plum blossoms, aptly named the Onamuchi = other name for Okuninushi -zan = typical naming convention for temples Saion-ji = West Garden TempleOnamuchizan Saion-ji and commonly called the Plum Blossom TempleUme-dera. Its many visitors come here to receive the blessings of Okuninushi-no-kami, and the shrine's caretakers perform rites in his name. Little is known of Ume-dera's history, only that the city around it was first established because of and thanks to the blessings and services of the Onamuchizan Saion-ji itself. Its grounds serve as both home and workplace to its caretakers, the Saionji clan, whose lives have been so associated with the shrine that their original name has long been lost to the annals of time. They dutifully serve any and all who would come to the Ume-dera's hallowed grounds: farmers and nobles, criminals and lawmen—a fact that has garnered some controversy amongst the people. Of the Saionji, a rare number of its blood is born with a curious touch of the divine—an otherworldly aura to them that marks them with Okuninushi-no-kami's favor. These chosen caretakers serve as the figurehead of the Onamuchizan Saion-ji, a prided symbol of their direct connection to the gods. Saionji Kotori is the Seventh of the chosen few. Like her predecessors, Kotori's godly favor was recognized from the moment of her birth, and as such, her existence is hailed as a divine event by the shrine's caretakers and worshippers alike. Her life at Ume-dera was carefully regimented and sheltered, and she was never allowed off of the grounds. Though she performed her duties well as a shrine maiden and had a true passion for her work—comforting the plights of the people, overseeing marriages, administering healing, and such—Kotori felt stifled and all to idle. She had very quickly gotten bored of her meticulous lifestyle and thought that her work was far too passive to be of any real use to the people. She longed to experience the world beyond the Onamuchizan Saion-ji. Secluded and revered behind a screen, barely even allowed to see or be seen by the people; this was not the life she wanted. No, what Kotori wanted—needed like an incessant pull on her soul—was to be out in the world actively serving the people in the name of her god. Sitting pampered and safe in the shrine while she listened to the woes of the people filled Kotori with guilt, especially once rumors of civil war had reached her ears. Her family, predictably, did not agree with her supposed calling. On a dark, moonless night, guided by a tingling in the back of her head, Kotori snuck away and out into the rest of the world. Her disappearance was noticed the very next morning and the Saionji clan discreetly set about finding her. Again, she felt as if something was guiding her, and Kotori managed to leave her beloved city tucked away in a merchant caravan. The varied tales she had heard at the temple from people of all walks of life painted a rather muddied picture of the world for the inexperienced shrine maiden. Now out on the streets for the very first time in her life, Kotori witnessed the gray shades of society and decided that unlike the caretakers of the temple, she did not believe everyone deserved her god's blessings. She understood there were nuances, but also that there was a line that should not be crossed, and Kotori would judge for herself their worth. Why are you interested in this game? Definitely the setting! I love fantasy edo concepts but haven't seen any on RPGX, and I've got a deep love for the culture as a whole.

[Menzo]

Originally Posted by Sarge67

Question: I am looking at making a Sorcerer Draconic Elementalist. Can we use 'The Elemental Spellbook' from DnD?

@Sarge67 I won't be making use of any indie rulebooks, including 'The Elemental Spellbook'. Not just for simplicity's sake, but also because I don't know how well balanced the material in those rulebooks is. For the same reasons, I also won't be using any material from Unearthed Arcana. I realise this probably wasn't 100% clear in my ad, but I'd like applicants to stick to the material in the PHB, Volo's and Xanathar's.

[Nade]

Oh yes please