The Cast

[Ender]

Profiles will go here.

Crane:

• Kakita Ahiru

• Kakita Rin

• Kakita Yuji

Crab:

• Kuni Mitsuko

Dragon:

• Kitsuki Jun

• Togashi Shinko

Imperial:

• Seppun Urusai

Lion:

• Akodo Michi

• Ikoma Aya

• Kitsu Masaru

Mantis:

• Funegao no Hirame

• Yukikaze no Kasumi

Minor Clans:

• Nekoma Seto

• Suzume Rin

Phoenix:

• Isawa Kiriko

• Isawa Natsuko

• Shiba Haru

• Shiba Ichiro

• Shiba Jiro

• Shiba Kuroneko

Ronin:

• Chiaki

• Kaeru Kaori

Scorpion:

• Shosuro Asako

• Shosuro Kaoru

• Shosuro Yuuko

Unicorn:

• Ide Yizhak

• Shinjo Jingyi

[Seppun Urusai]

Name: Seppun Urusai
School: Seppun Miharu
Age: Almost an adult
Height: Average
Build: Lean and trim
Hair: Dark and long
Eyes: Smoldering
Marital Status: Uncommitted

Urusai is a scion of a noble line among the Most Honorable Imperial Family of Seppun, one of whom greatness is expected. He throws himself into his tasks as a way to justify those expectations, gallantly interposing himself into situations as needed. It's attracted attention from one Otomo Kadoko, who found herself pleased with his service, gifting him a remarkably fine fan that he keeps close at hand. And it's attracted attention from his senpai, Seppun Kanze, whose influence is felt in Urusai having the chance at the Topaz Armor.

Urusai's father, Tokaji, however, is less sanguine about his son. He sees the influence of his late elder brother, Fuman, upon the boy, and he remembers how Fuman fell in battle; that the boy takes after his uncle is...problematic. And Fuman's influence is felt in other ways...

Hooks:
Wanna spar? Let's do!
Wanna talk tactics? Sure!
Wanna pray? Seppun are good with that!
Want to tell some stories? Urusai will remember them!
Want some company? Please, please say you want some company...

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Name: Shiba Kuroneko
School: Isawa Elementalist
Age: 16
Height: 5'8"
Build: sturdy
Hair: brown and long looks like a tail
Eyes: Brownish gold
Marital Status: single

Shiba Kuroneko, son of a Shiba and a Kitsune was raised to enjoy the company of those who his mother tend to tend. As a lover of animals he walks about with his small friend Tori a red japanese sable that tends to make trouble when Kuroneko is not watching. Along side this shugenja a black cat tend to follow looking for food. He is mostly happy to give the cat pets and food. He likes the crowd and tries his best to makes friends with everyone he meets.


Hooks:
You like animals? Me too... Have you met Tori and Kiba?
Do you want to go hunting? Sure
Need a friend? I am always here to be yours
Need a creative poem? I can do that.

[Chiaki]

• Name: Chiaki
• School: Da road!
• Age: 17-18 ish
• Height: 162 cm/5' 3''
• Hair: Dark Brown
• Eyes: Light Brown

The ronin that is known by the name Chiaki is a strange sight around the Empire. Not only she is more artistically inclined, but she has thrived in that environment, even without the support of a clan and a family. Largely self trained, nonetheless, it would appear that she has been part of some otokodate in her short life navigating the waves.

Nobody knowns from where she came from, although most people don't care, since she is a ronin. Her artistic focus might suggest she comes from perhaps the Crane lands, although nobody is really sure.

She gained the trust of the Miya family while working for them, and since she has not legally granted a daisho, the Miya gifted her with the great honor of their sponsorship for this Topaz tournament. A good place for her to show her skills and quality as a dignified samurai, just like others.

Chiaki can be charming, if somewhat a bit of naive. She does project some sort of soothing and innocent aura, or at least that is what some people had expressed about her. She seems to be not dangerous and moves around in perfect etiquette and personal groom, unlike many other of her fellow ronin. She does wear expensive clothing, at least for a ronin, and mantains a decent amount of high end kimono for different ocassions. The ronin also has been seen at times showing her martial skills, so it appears she is not completely defenseless.

[Funegao no Hirame]

Name: Funegao no Hirame
Clan: Mantis
Age: About 17
Height: 5'8". Probably done growing?
Build: Well-muscled, a bit lanky
Hair: Dark, mid-length, tendency towards waviness
Eyes: Hazel, flecks of sea-green
Marital Status: Engaged

Hirame is a bright and promising young officer of the Mantis fleet. As so many Mantis samurai, he was born at sea, and spent much of his life there. He's very at home on the waves, and still adjusting somewhat to life ashore. He can scale ropes, stay steady in the face of storms, and sing sea shanties with the best of them... but reciting poetry? Sipping tea? Still, Hirame will don his very fine sharkskin jacket, and do his best!

Physically, Hirame is a athletically fit, a touch tall, and a touch lean. The shape of him suggests that this leanness is not due to any lack of eating, but rather just the last remnants of childhood; a recent growth spurt added height without weight, making him more lanky than thin. His skin is lightly tanned, in the manner of so many Mantis. And while his features are turning from boyish into are more adult rugged, they're not quite there yet. And every bit of him is clearly Mantis, down to the slightly rolling way he walks, clearly used to compensating for the shifting deck of a ship.

Hirame is open, cheerful, and honest. And professional... for a Mantis, where rules are really more like guidelines. He's full of drive, the desire to prove himself, and the desire to impress.

Hooks:
Do you like the Mantis? No?? Why not?!?! Let me convince you otherwise!
If ever a bold heart is needed, Hirame's your guy! Just cause preferred, not required.
Want a boat ride? It's more like a floating tub, but whatever.
If you need some rhythmic accompaniment, Hirame has drums.

[Kakita Ahiru]

柿田 鴨

Name: Kakita Ahiru
Clan: Crane
School: Doji Diplomat
Age: 16
Height: 5'3"
Hair: Black, very long
Eyes: Sea-green
Build: Slight pear-shape, but hard to tell under all the layers
Occupation: Topaz Contender currently
Marital Status: Betrothed???

Ahiru comes from a prestigious and blessed lineage, tracing to Lady Doji, Lord Kakita, and even to illustrious Imperials. Of course, with such noble blood comes all the expectations and pressures of living up to such ideals, but Ahiru so far seems to be up to the task judging by her years of training and her selection to be present for the Topaz Championship. While the name Kakita makes most think of the talented duelists of the Crane, Ahiru has studied with the Doji to learn the ways of the court, but true to her heritage she is no slouch in many arts, martial included. Her grandmother Kakita Kaede was once a powerful figure in the courts during her youth, but in her autumn years she has focused instead of mentoring her grandchildren.

Short with a bit of a childish plumpness to her, Ahiru has the beautiful face one expects of a Crane maiden, wearing only the lightest touch of cosmetics due to technically being still a child. She has long black hair that has been meticulously maintained, and is always well-dressed in perfumed silks of the highest quality. Travel is done with a parasol to keep the sun away from her skin, or in a veiled palanquin (a gift from her fiance's family).

Some claim that such shows of wealth is all an act, speaking of an incident a few years ago where Ahiru's older sister was lost at sea along with her betrothed, and the many gifts and displays of wealth the family had sent along for the voyage.

Hooks

• A proper samurai of good standing and bearing? We should totally hang out.
• A Mantis? Ahiru has some personal interest there...
• Looking for a friendly face who knows Tsuma? Ahiru is well-connected and knows most places and people!
• Dude where's my ship? Ahiru doesn't want to believe that her sister died at sea and is determined to find out where she could be.

[Akodo Michi]

Akodo Michi
School: Akodo Commander
Age: 16
Height: 5'7"/170cm
Build: Despite her best attempts to bulk up, she is still quite lithe due to her height and age.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Marital Status: Unwed, not betrothed.

Michi is relatively unknown outside Lion lands, save for a reputation of cruelty and ruthlessness. Acting without explanation and having a stern and unfavorable glare, the Akodo seems to be a purpose-built instrument of the Lion military. Where others would smile fiercely, she is ice. Where one would greet warmly, she seems expectant, perhaps even disappointed in the manner of others. Even to her fellow Lion, she seems to give no quarter. A story of her dojo days followed her to the tournament regarding young Ikoma students of the War College and a two day forced march up a mountain simply because one of them dared to look her in the eye.

Tall and proud, Michi presents what is expected of a Lion soldier in training, and performs to the standard. Which will be required of her very soon, as rumors persist that after the Championship she will lead a force to retake Kyuden Kyotei from the Crane and visit terrible vengeance upon Tsume Retsu.

Hooks:
Sparring your peers is an honorable pastime.
What could you possibly know about the Siege Tactics Revival of the fifth century? Don't waste my time. >.>
Even enemies deserve sincere courtesy if their honor is worthy.
Wants to one day play Shogi against the greats.

[Nekoma Seto]

Nekoma Seto

School: Nekoma Ni . . . Nekoma Sh . . . Nekoma Dancer . . . yes . . . Dancer
Age: 16 . . . so rude to ask like that
Height: 5'4" . . . I'm still young! I might grow some more!
Build: Slender, some might say waifish but they'd get stared at if they did.
Hair: Blonde. What? No it isn't dyed . . . sheesh.
Eyes: Grey. Normal, totally not cat like.
Marital Status: Do we have to? Ok single. Not looking. OK? . . . well yes, Mom is looking for me but she's very busy.

Seto is the boy your mother warned you about. Except she didn't, because unless she's a Cat she doesn't know he exists. Also they should have been warning the boys and not the girls, not that even Seto himself has figured that out yet. Oh so pretty, charming and lithe . . . sickening isn't it? At least he's short so he can't loom. Always ready with a smart and funny comment that's just the funny side of getting him punched. Don't you just want to punch that attractive, smiling, fun-loving face that is . . oh so pretty and . . . where was I?

Oh yes, he's a dancer and an actor and apparently knows a thing about designing kimono and the like. Where does his talent end? Or begin as there is precious little actual evidence of this wealth of artistic talent. Perhaps we'll see it at Tsuma, or maybe someone will punch him in the oh so pretty face after all.

Hooks
Do you smoke? Seto does. It's cool don't you know . . .
The arts, that's where it's at. Are you there? Seto is.
Want a distraction? Sit next to Seto, he's bound to draw attention somehow.
An actual performance? Well let's have a drink and discuss renumeration . . .

[Kakita Rin]

Name: Kakita Rin
Clan: Crane
Age: 16
Height: 5'7"
Hair: White and thick, worn long
Eyes: Blue
Build: Slender, boyish.
Occupation: Future Bushi
Marital Status: Complicated, please see Doji Atsumu, matchmaker, for details.

Like Ahiru, Rin is a cousin of the main Kakita line. Although her blood ties may be a little too distant to be properly kuge, her parents have been assiduous in their political activities and have kept themselves and their children close to the ruling members of the family in friendship, if not in blood. Rin's personal resemblance to Kakita Yoshi has helped somewhat in that regard. That and her dedication to the art of the sword has won her a few admirers among the Rokugani political classes.

Perhaps to spite her broad shoulders and narrow hips, Rin's choices of dress and accessories strongly emphasize her femininity. She tends toward the formal and traditional when not expecting combat, and has begun to experiment with cosmetics to soften the sharp angles of her face. Her hair is done in the regulation maiden's foxtail, and a silver tsuba dangles from her obi.

Unlike many Crane maidens, Rin is not afraid of fun. She doesn't leave herself much time for it, but famously arranged for a friend of her second mother Doji Shizue to send a pleasure barge down to Tsuma for a party for the Academy. She does, however, keep a firm handle on her schedule, and never budgets time for nonsense when the stakes are high.

Hooks
Contacts in the Imperial City? Her parents have many connections there.

Rin's uncle cheated in a high-profile duel, killing his opponent in the process. When his subterfuge (having a confederate supply his opponent with a great deal of liquor) was discovered, he took off for the hills. Perhaps you or a family member met him wandering as a ronin? Perhaps you were family to the unfortunate tippler who lost his life? Rin and her family have unfinished business with him.

[Shiba Haru]

Name: Shiba Haru
School: Shiba Guardian
Clan: Phoenix
Age: 18
Height: 5'10"
Build: Average
Hair: Black, shoulder length, tied up
Eyes: Amber
Marital Status: Single



Whereas his brother is trained in many arts Shiba Haru has focused primarily on the art of the blade. His goal is simple, to best the yojimbo he can, hopefully serving at his brother’s side. Haru adores his brother and finds he is in a better mood when around him.

When not at his brother’s side he can often be found finding novel ways of practicing his swordsmanship such as trying to strike a leaf on a pond without disturbing the water or in the midst of a cloud of fireflies trying not to hit any of them. He believes that their invitation to the Topaz Championship is reward for their deep dedication to their teachings and looks forward to meeting the best the empire has to offer; believing that strong alliances made here with each clans future leaders can lead to a lasting peace in an empire obsessed with warfare.


Hooks:
Wanna spar? Haru is your man.
Do you enjoy nature? Lets go for a ride together.
Have a sense of humor? Come trade japes with me over tea.
Do you think war is necessary and inevitable? Debate me about it.

[Shiba Jiro]

Name: Shiba Jiro
School: Shiba Artist
Clan: Phoenix
Age: 18
Height: 5'10"
Build: Average
Hair: Black, shoulder length, tied up
Eyes: Amber
Marital Status: Betrothed

Jiro is accompanying and accompanyied by his identical twin brother Haru at the Topaz Championship. He is quite fond of his brother, but doesn't seek to spend all of his time with him. The younger twin knows that if one of them doesn't go out and meet new people, neither of them will. Jiro loves spending time with people, preparing tea for them and playing games. And he does so with an easy air about him. Even just sitting and watching him fold paper can be an exercise in relaxation with his slow deliberate movements.

He has a deep love for creating, but also an intensity that demands the best of himself. He has likely thrown away more pieces than he's actually finished since starting his schooling. And some of them were likely perfectly reasonable. Beyond this glaringly obvious obsession with his own capabilities, he is extraordinarily friendly and spirited. He loves joking and playing around much like his brother. Finding enjoyoment in a harmless joke or prank at his own or another's expense, as long as it's tasteful and not mean spirited.

Hooks:
Allow me to provid you tea service. I enjoy it immensely.
Share a game of Go or Fortunes and Winds with me?
I might be able to make that for you. Let me know.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

Name: Yukikaze no Kasumi
School: Storm Fleet Sailor
Age: 16
Height: Low-end average
Build: Whipcord wiry
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Marital Status: Her parents, when they speak to one another (which is seldom), and when they speak about her (which even more seldom), don't speak about that.

Kasumi's mother Ryoko is the captain of the kobune Kaga, one of Yoritomo's most formidable vassals, famous for her fury in battle and her iron disicpline. Her father, Jin, never really rose beyond junior officer, and is better known for his vast array of drinking songs than for any particular accomplishments. They produced four children before Ryoko's rising arc and Jin's descending one got too far apart, and Kasumi was the fourth (and the only daughter).

She ended up apprenticed to Yukikaze no Kaito, and has spent the intervening years proving to be a promising lookout, a very able sailor, and a reliable hand in a crisis.

What she's doing in Tsuma is something of a mystery to her, because when she looks at her rope-callused hands, her sun-browned hair, and her decided lack of social graces, she knows, deep-down, that she's the goshi-est goshi ever to goshi. When she opens her mouth, she hears nothing but the deck and the docks. And if her family tree includes some relatively esteemed bloodlines here and there, that just makes it all worse!

Hooks:
- Kasumi rescued the courtier Asako Akari during a chance meeting at sea between the Yukikzae and a dismasted Phoenix vessel, spotting the older woman in the water in time to save her. The aftermath of the meeting left an impression on her.

- Apparently she's distantly related to the Hantei through an acknowledged bastard of Hantei XIV. She's not sure what to make of that.

- She desperately wants to be at least a bit classy, and would welcome help. Wanna play Go or talk about bonsai?

- Like music? So does KasumI!

- Got something to say about the Mantis? Better be sure you can do more than talk.

[Togashi Shinko]

Name: Togashi Shinko
School: Mirumoto Two-Heavens Adept
Clan: Dragon
Age: 18
Height: 5'8"
Build: Lean and lithe
Hair: Black, shoulder length, tied back into a messy bun
Eyes: Amber
Marital Status: Single. Why, are you looking?

Shinko is considered a bit of an oddity, even by the standards of the individualistic Dragon Clan. Within the Dragon, it is remarked that she seemed to enter training on the later side, and unlike most Togashi did not enter the Order and instead undertook training with the Mirumoto. In spite of that late start, she is precocious with the blade, treating it like a performance piece.

While this leads to some dark murmurs from more conservative elements of the Clan, it seems that she has a knack for drawing the right kind of attention. For her, the use of the blade is an art, and she carries a natural showmanship and allure that make her fun to watch, even if she doesn't always win. In general, she is bubby and vivacious, always looking for an interesting time and to make a statement, in one way or the other.

Hooks:
- To Shinko, her swordplay is an art form. She will gladly work on mastering it with partners.
- The village elders seem really intent in marrying her off to someone outside the Clan, but she wants whatever match to meet her standards
- Do you want to do something splashy? Count Shinko in!

[Shiba Ichiro]

Name: Shiba Ichiro
School: Ishiken Initiate
Age: 17
Height: Average
Build: Athletic
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Marital Status: Single

As blades have not yet been given out one would be forgiven for mistaking Ichiro as a bushi at first glance. Not just due to their intricately embroidered Shiba mon but they carry themself with the poise and bearing of one trained for combat. It is only upon seeing their robes and scroll satchel or, more rarely, recognizing the mon of the Starry Heaven Sanctuary that it becomes apparent they are shugenja and, in the case of the latter, Ishiken. However, for those that do not recognize the mon of their school, they would also be forgiven for never assuming that Ichiro was one in communion with the Void. Rumors and stereotypes tend to portray such shugenja as strange, otherworldly, or out of touch with reality - none of which describe the grounded young person. Whether this is due to their late induction to their school, their Shiba blood, or just their personality and approach to the Void remains up for debate.

The advent of their gift left them with a voice that only the kami could hear but it does not seem to have held them back. Between expressive body language and their ever-present calligraphy set they manage to make do when communicating with other mortals.

Hooks:
Need someone to talk to? I can't speak but I'm a great listener.
I dabble in calligraphy, a bit of a necessity really, as well as painting.
Spirit troubles? I can probably help with that.

[Shinjo Jingyi]

Name: Shinjo Jingyi
School: Shinjo Outrider
Age: 16
Height: 5' 5"
Build: Slim
Hair: Black
Eyes: Amber
Marital Status: Single

Behind the dog, beside the horse, under the hawk, carrying the monkey, you'll find Jingyi. She's a Unicorn, specifically a Shinjo, so that explains the horse and the leather boots. Her tanned skin suggests she spends significant time outdoors, which might help explain the other animals. With the bow she carries, she may hunt, and the dog and hawk would be helpful there. The monkey? Well, it's cute.

If nothing else, it's obvious that Jingyi loves animals. She's somewhat less comfortable with people, but she's very friendly, especially if you want to tell her about your homeland.

Hooks

Hayakawa
Jiyukaze
Aiyama
Odoruhonō
Unmei
Hunting
Travel

[Ikoma Aya]

生駒 恵

Name: Ikoma Aya
Clan: Lion
Age: 16
Occupation: Topaz competitor - to become a temple guard in the near future
Marital Status: Not really thinking about such things
Gender: Female
Height: 5'5" (1.66m)
Build: Slim but athletic
Hair: Dark brown, long, most often in a low ponytail or bun
Eyes: Amber
Complexion: Slightly tanned
Theme

A shortish Ikoma with Lion-golden eyes ought to be somewhat noticeable. Even more if these golden eyes have a confident, almost driven look to them. For some reason, though, Aya doesn't seem to call much attention to herself. Her diligent training and feline reflexes make her a skilled swordwielder, accomplished enough to be sent as one of the few representing the clan in the 1023 Topaz Championship - and even so most wouldn't bat an eye at her. It's almost as if she herself exhaled some sort of lack of appreciation for her own deeds - her confident eyes hiding something beneath the surface. Uncertainty? Fear? Grief? Whatever it is, it seems to deflect the attention her accomplishments might otherwise garner... and make her apply herself to her studies and training with even greater dedication.

The few moments when she allows herself to relax (if that can be called relaxing), Aya dedicates either to a shakuhachi flute always found on her obi, or to reading. Often Akodo's Leadership, unsurprisingly, but she seems to be one of the rare Lion to carry their own copy of the Tao. Relaxed conversations on one of the two books, a melancholic song played on the Shakuhachi - or an unexpected joke or witty comment in a surprisingly deep voice thrown here and there in conversations - are the reminders that behind all the hard work and obstinacy there is a young girl with actual, complex feelings and insecurities.

Hooks:

• Do you do your best always? Do you always feel your best is never enough?
• Are you also your own harshest critic? We can criticise ourselves together!
• Rituals and traditions make one feel comfortable, don't they?
• Honour before victory (and reason)!
• You do study Akodo's Leadership, right?
• What about... the Tao? Maybe we can talk about it?... quietly
• Do you have siblings? Do you appreciate them? Like... properly?
• A tragic story to share? Maybe she'll share hers, at some point.
• Wanna pour your soul into a sad song together?...

[Isawa Kiriko]

Name: Isawa Kiriko
Clan: Crane
Age: 16
Occupation: Shugenja-ish
Gender: Female
Height: 5'0" (1.52m)
Build: Petite
Hair: Black, very long, slightly wavy
Eyes: Blue

If one were to dress Isawa Kiriko in neutral colors, one would guess from her delicate features and blue eyes that she was a young Crane woman. Instead, though, she wears the bright reds, oranges, and yellows of the Phoenix, with the mon of the Isawa and her dojo displayed prominently. The style is light, airy, and easy to move in, easy to adapt to whatever situation she might find herself in. With her tendency to be a little bit spacey (to put it mildly), anything like that does seem like it might come as a surprise to her. She can often be found, studying meditating, or stargazing on her own time, or following some hunch or another into the unknown.

She's friendly and an eager conversationalist, even if what she says doesn't always make the most sense. She's eager to hear the stories of others and share those of her homeland and others she's heard. If things get awkward or uncomfortable, she begins fidgeting and folding and unfolding her hands.

Hooks:

• Let's trade stories of our homes!
• Come exploring!
• Social conventions are confusing, but she's doing her best to learn.
• Want talk about life, the universe, and everything?
• Stargazing and meditation are fun activities to do with others.
• She clearly has some sort of Crane lineage, so she's particularly interested in talking to members of that Clan.

[Shosuro Asako]

晶朱露 朝子

Name: Shosuro Asako
Clan: Scorpion
School: Shosuro Butei Academy
Age: 17
Height: 5'6"
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Build: Sinewy
Marital Status: Single

Shosuro Asako is, perhaps to some, the less-refined twin due to her more brazen tendencies. She doesn't have much patience for fineries, only giving in to when Yuuko asks her to. Likely the hairpins that identify each one clearly was her sister's idea to make it easier for others to converse with them.

When not in the middle of a performance, her near-constant expression is scowling. Perhaps it is a testament of her family's training that she is even able to go onto stage when necessary.

Hooks

• Nature is much more lovely than urban life. Still, that isn't an invitation to tag along for exploring.
• She typically leaves the talking to her sister. Probably for the best not to ask why.
• How does a woman who enjoys hunting end up being an actress anyways?

[Shosuro Yuuko]

晶朱露 夕子

Name: Shosuro Yuuko
Clan: Scorpion
School: Shosuro Butei Academy
Age: 17
Height: 5'6"
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Build: Sinewy

One of a pair, Yuuko is the younger of the twins by seconds. Of the two Yuuko is seen as more refined by those who have a particular eye for that sort of thing. Where Asako is open, Yuuko is reserved. Patience being the defining trait for the younger of the twins who has painstakingly paid attention to the demands of society and decidedly risen to meet them. Dedication which she exhibits through interactions between the twins and others as she takes the forefront of any proper conversation.

Together, they are as if two sides of a single coin each reflective of the other. Yuuko's demeanor is ever calm, as if the requirements of maintaining composure that comes with being samurai is natural to her being. Each of them has strengths which complement well that there is no doubt these twins will serve best together, and it is proven even now in the synchronous quality of their performances.

Hooks:

• Yuuko was born to be samurai, and she exudes that influence on her destiny in every detail of her life.
• Like her sister, Yuuko takes a slight fancy to hunting. Although, the focus of her pleasure is in studying the Way of the Bow.
• Yuuko has a hunting Hawk, same as her sister. Often the two ensure the birds get the fresh open air they require.

[Kitsu Masaru]

Name: Kitsu Masaru
Clan: Lion
Age: 17
Occupation: Courtier/performer
Gender: Male
Height: 5'5"
Build: hard to say under the kimono, on the thin side
Hair: Deep red
Eyes: amber

One would be forgiven for wondering why Masaru was sent to the Topaz to represent the Ikoma Bard School. On paper he is a skilled musician but not the best the Bard School has, a competent orator but others can deliver better speeches, a fair shot with a bow but certainly no bushi. The young man is certainly not lacking but doesnt have the standout ability of one being sent to the most prestigious gempukku in the Empire.

When one meets Masaru some of the mystery is solved. He is an affable young man easily able to enamor people to him and put them at ease. He can seem a bit clumsy with his words or actions at times but that usually comes across as more endearing than anything else.

The Kitsu boy lacks the ability to interact with the kami that is common in his family but if this bothers him he doesn't ever show it. He is usually seen in rather fine kimono and with some form of instrument on him. And while he has a frame on the thinner side he doesn't seem to be entirely estranged from the dojo.

Hooks:
- do you enjoy music? Masaru is a trained musician in many instruments. Maybe you can play together or just listen if that's your preference.
- Masaru enjoys a good hunt, maybe you do too!
- or maybe a walk through the gardens or forest is more your speed?
- talking to fellow artists is always a worthwhile endeavor
- and so is practicing his form in the dojo