Shogun's Reign

The Palace

Set within wide stone walls and quiet courtyards, the palace rises with calm grandeur rather than harsh height. Foundations are laid in massive fitted stone blocks, pale grey and weathered, raised high above the ground. Buildings are long and low, arranged in orderly clusters connected by covered wooden walkways. Timber is fine-grained cedar, left polished and natural, its grain glowing softly in sunlight. Roofs curve gently upward at the edges, layered with dark lacquered tiles or thick cypress bark, their ridges carved with subtle decorative patterns that catch the light. Wide wooden verandas wrap around the rooms, sheltered beneath deep overhanging eaves that cast soft shade. Sliding doors of translucent paper and fine wood frame open to reveal polished wooden floors and tatami-covered rooms. Interior screens are painted with delicate scenes—mountains, cherry blossoms, birds in flight—on silk or paper in soft ink and mineral colors. Courtyards between wings hold carefully arranged gardens: raked white gravel, smooth stones, moss, flowering trees, and still ponds that mirror the sky above. Stone lanterns stand along quiet paths, and wooden gates of varying sizes mark each section, simple yet beautifully crafted. Every line is balanced, every proportion considered. It feels less like a display of power and more like a space built to hold dignity, grace, and quiet strength.

Village Houses

Simple cedar frames, slightly raised on posts. Walls of woven bamboo and clay plaster, or plain wood. Thick rice-straw thatch roofs sloped for rain. One main room with a central hearth and packed earth floors. Paper sliding panels open to light. A narrow veranda runs along the front. Small garden and stilted storage shed out back.

Merchant Townhouses

Narrow, side-by-side along winding streets. Dark wood or white plaster walls, dark tiled roofs. Solid wooden shutters for the street front. Front room often serves as a shop. Paper screens divide inner rooms. Small walled courtyard at the back with a well.

Samurai Residences

Set within low earthen walls and wooden fences. Solid timber gate. Low, graceful buildings with wide tiled eaves verandas. Rooms spacious, laid with tatami mats. Paper sliding doors. Separate quarters for servants, kitchen, and storage. A quiet garden with stones, moss, and a small pond.

Shrines

Stone path leading through wooden gates. Main sanctuary raised on stone foundations, natural wood, curved cypress-bark or tiled roofs. Simple, unadorned interior. Stone lanterns line the approach. Fences mark the sacred boundary. Quiet, open space before the entrance.

Roads & Bridges

Main roads packed earth or gravel, edged with drainage ditches. Narrower paths through fields. Bridges: solid timber beams, flat stone slabs, or simple arched planks across water. Low wooden railings or none at all. Public wells ringed with stone.

Workshops & Common Buildings

Wooden frames, sturdy posts, sloped roofs. Open fronts for light and air. Stone hearths for forges or cooking. Simple interiors—wood or earth floors, few partitions. Functional, built to last.

Chaya
Chaya is the place where the entertainers perform, on the first floor there's places for the guests to sit, drink tea and eat, and on the second floor there are small dorms for the entertainers to practice, dress, rest, etc.

You ALWAYS have to take off your shoes before going indoors.

Ryusei

Age: Appears in his mid-twenties, ancient beyond counting
Height: 196cm / 6'5"

Appearance: He has an elegant, powerful build—broad-shouldered and lithe, moving with the slow, fluid grace of deep water. His skin is a smooth, iridescent deep teal that shifts like sunlight on lake surfaces, faint pearl-blue scales dusting his shoulders, forearms, and the sides of his face. His hair flows like dark river water, midnight blue streaked with strands that shimmer like moonlight on waves, falling thick and loose past his shoulders. Slender, curved horns of polished pearlescent blue rise from his forehead, tapering gently backward. His eyes are vivid, glowing aquamarine with slit pupils, bright and calm as a clear lagoon. He has high cheekbones, a firm jaw, and lips that rest in a calm, knowing line—when he smiles, it feels like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. He wears flowing robes of deep sapphire silk embroidered with silver wave patterns, lightweight and rippling as if underwater. A long, scaled tail the colour of storm-blue water ends in soft fins, and it sways gently when he stands.

Personality: Calm and regal, slow to anger but immense when roused. He guards waters and rivers, keeping the balance between tides and rain. He speaks softly but his voice carries weight, like distant thunder over the sea. He is patient and deeply wise, though he can be solitary and distant. He values respect and honesty, and will protect those who honor the waters fiercely. He is gentle enough to cradle a fish in his palms, yet strong enough to calm a hurricane.

1. Tsurayuki

Appearance: Pale skin that looks faintly translucent in moonlight, dark hair that always seems slightly damp no matter the weather. His eyes are a washed-out grey, and his hands are perpetually cool to the touch. He wears layers of plain blue and grey clothing that never quite hides the faint, silvery marks winding up his wrists and toward his elbows.
Curse: He cannot remain in one place for long. If he stays more than three days, he begins to fade, becoming less real until he must leave or vanish entirely. He always remembers everyone he meets, but they rarely remember him for more than a few days. He travels alone, carrying only what fits in a small cloth bundle, never letting himself grow too attached to anyone or anywhere.

2. Kiyoaki

Appearance: He has warm brown skin and dark hair, but his shadow does not match his movements—it always lags a little behind, or moves when he stands still. His own shadow has eyes that watch everyone around him. He keeps his cloak pulled close and walks where the light is dimmest. He looks tired, and flinches when people point toward the ground.
Curse: Whatever joy he feels passes to the person nearest him, leaving him with only quiet emptiness in return. If someone laughs beside him, he feels their happiness but his own heart stays quiet. He does not resent it, but he has learned to stand apart, to speak little and smile less, so that others might keep what is theirs to keep.

3. Umeko

Appearance: She looks like she should be much older, yet her face stays young. Her hair is streaked with silver at the temples, and her eyes hold a weariness that does not match her smooth skin. Flowers bloom where she steps in the dirt—even in winter, small white blossoms spring up and with away within minutes. She wears heavy woven skirts and keeps her hands folded so no one sees how they tremble when she speaks of the past.
Curse: She cannot speak of her own life without changing it.

There's only 1 kitusne.
Kensuke

Age: Appears in his early twenties, far older in years
Height: 180cm / 5'11"

Appearance: He has sleek black hair tipped with strands of gold, falling loosely to his jaw. His eyes are warm amber with a bright, knowing glint, and when amused, the corners crinkle in a way that feels both charming and a little mischievous. Two fox ears, black with golden fur inside, sit atop his head and twitch at the slightest sound. A full, fluffy tail—black with a golden tip—curves behind him, swaying gently when he walks. He carries himself with easy grace, light and quick on his feet. He wears deep crimson and black robes, simply cut but well-cared for, fastened with a braided cord the color of polished amber. He often has a faint, pleasant scent of cedar and wild flowers about him.

Personality: Clever and quick-witted, he loves a good story and a lighthearted joke. He is friendly and warm to those who show him kindness, though he can be wary of those who do not. He enjoys small pranks—hiding things only to return them moments later, or speaking in riddles that make people think—but never means any real harm. He is deeply loyal once trust is earned, and will watch over those he cares about from the shadows, stepping in only when truly needed. He values gratitude and sincerity above all else, and will remember a kindness shown to him for years.

No one within that circle is recognized.
Naoya Koku: A modo thirties merchants who sells various stuff at the province. Gray hair, grumpy man. Human.

Komono

1. Sada — Short and slight, with soft dark hair tied simply back. Wears plain practical cotton robes in muted grey. Light on his feet, moves almost silently. Alert and quick, anticipates small needs before they are spoken. Modest and unassuming, takes pride in doing his work well.

Chugen

2. Gosuke — Broad-shouldered and sturdy, in his middle years. Has a short beard and calloused hands. Wears durable indigo clothing. Walks steadily, never hurries unnecessarily. Reliable and calm, people know they can count on his word.

3. Hachiro — Tall and strong, young but capable. Dark hair cut straight, open earnest face. Wears rough but well-kept clothes. Moves carefully even with heavy loads. Good-natured, whistles softly when he thinks no one is listening.

4. Roku — Average height, quick and neat. Keeps his hair tied back tightly. Wears simple dark work robes, always clean. Has sharp eyes and a polite manner. Remembers faces and names easily, greets everyone with respect.

Kashira

5. Yasu — Middle-aged, upright and dignified in bearing. Grey streaks at his temples, calm steady eyes. Wears finer dark robes, always neat. Speaks clearly and fairly. Firm but kind, staff naturally look to him for direction.

6. Matsu — Older but sharp and alert. Silver hair pulled back neatly, calm wise face. Wears simple but well-made robes in deep brown. Moves with quiet authority. Listens fully before speaking, her advice carries weight throughout the household.

Ashigaru

1. Jiro — Foot soldier from a farming family. Carries a long spear. Steady and dependable, fights to protect his village as much as to serve his lord. Modest about his skill.

2. Kisaku — Quick and alert, serves as a messenger and scout. Lightly armored, moves easily through rough ground. Sharp eyes and quiet footsteps.

3. Shinbei — Veteran foot soldier. Fought in many skirmishes. Patient and calm under pressure. Often helps train newer recruits. Values loyalty above all.

Gokenin

4. Hirotada — Lower-ranking samurai who holds a small plot of land in return for service. Quiet and dutiful. Skilled with both bow and sword. Values honor and self-discipline.

5. Kagemasa — Lives in the castle town with his family. Reports for duty when called. Calm and polite. Known for keeping his word and tending his armor carefully.

6. Tomonori — Serves as a guard and messenger. Quick to stand his post but slow to anger. Friendly with villagers. Fierce only when his lord’s people are threatened.

7. Masaharu — A middle-aged gokenin. Wise and observant. Keeps his gear in perfect order. Will speak up if he sees something unfair, even to those above him.

Hatamoto

8. Kagetoki — Direct vassal to the ruling lord. Commands troops and advises on strategy. Composed and sharp-minded. His judgment is trusted. Carries himself with quiet authority.

9. Sanetomo — Elite warrior and skilled tactician. Leads with courage but thinks carefully before acting. Demands much of himself but treats his men fairly.

10. Morihisa — Senior hatamoto. Oversees the castle guards and security. Stern but just. Strict about discipline, yet remembers those who serve well. Respected throughout the domain.

Five Kukushi

1. Mitsu — Wanders the countryside gathering wild roots and leaves. Learned remedies from her family line. Soft-spoken, never asks for more than a handful of rice or a warm meal in return.

2. Bunzo — Lives beside a quiet stream. Makes poultices and brews from what grows nearby. Slow to speak but quick to help. Trusted by villagers for treating aches and fevers.

3. Sachi — Specializes in childbirth and everyday illnesses. Uses warm compresses and gentle teas. Often stays until morning. Believes kindness helps the healing as much as herbs do.

4. Chubei — An older healer who knows which plants calm pain and which clear sickness. Carries them in woven pouches. Remembers old stories that go with every remedy he uses.

5. Ume — Walks from valley to valley. Keeps dried flowers and barks tied in cloth bundles. Observant and practical, she watches how each person responds before choosing what to use.

Five Isha

1. Kiyoshi — Studied medicine in the capital. Uses pulse reading and carefully measured medicines. Keeps his workspace neat. Clear and thorough when explaining care.

2. Takeshi — Skilled at mending wounds and setting bones. Direct and steady. Works quickly but gently. Teaches people how to avoid further harm once they heal.

3. Fumio — Focuses on balance and daily habits. Advises on diet, rest, and warmth. Calm and thoughtful, treats the person rather than just the complaint.

4. Yoshio — Keeps detailed notes on illnesses and treatments. Well-read and careful. Often called upon when others cannot tell what ails someone. Respectful to everyone regardless of rank.

5. Hiroshi — Makes regular rounds across several villages. Carries a wooden chest with prepared medicines. Remains calm in crises. Good at putting nervous patients at ease.

1. Lord Kagetora

Rules a mountain province known for harsh winters and sturdy pines. Quiet and thoughtful, he prefers reading and archery over court gatherings. He treats his people fairly and rarely raises taxes, even in hard seasons. Many seek his advice, for he listens fully before he speaks. He wears simple but well-kept robes, and carries himself with calm dignity rather than display.

2. Lady Ayame

She inherited her father’s coastal domain and rules it with sharp practicality. Her harbors are busy and safe, her trade routes well guarded. She is direct and speaks her mind, which some find bold, but no one doubts her judgment. She wears elegant deep-blue robes embroidered with silver waves, and keeps a short dagger at her waist—not for war, but for principle.

3. Lord Motonobu

His lands lie in fertile river valleys, and he takes great pride in making them bloom. He is warm and generous, often hosting festivals and markets. He can be overly trusting at times, but his genuine goodwill wins more loyalty than stern laws ever could. He wears rich but comfortable silk robes in soft greens, and is rarely seen without a small pouch of seeds at his sash.

4. Lord Arimasa

A stern border lord whose fortress has never fallen. He values discipline, loyalty, and duty above all else. He seems distant and severe, and expects order in everything—but he is also the first to send aid when his people face trouble. He wears dark, formal robes and carries a well-crafted katana he has used to defend his lands for many years. He smiles very rarely, but when he does, it means something.

5. Lady Chiyo

She governs a small but wealthy province where scholars and artists gather. She is clever and quick-witted, and knows how to navigate difficult conversations without losing her grace. She values wisdom and peace, and often settles disputes between other lords before they turn to bloodshed. She wears refined lavender and white robes, and carries a delicate folding fan.

Kaito — Male

Appearance: Short, soft silver hair and matching cat ears tipped with darker grey. Warm honey-brown eyes that glow faintly in dim light. Slender and nimble, around average height. His fluffy silver tail twitches constantly when curious. Usually wears loose cream-colored kimonos and simple cloth sandals.
Personality: Friendly and endlessly curious, a little nosy. He wanders everywhere and knows everyone's business but never means harm. Loves food, especially fish and sweet rice cakes. Easily distracted—will stop mid-sentence to watch a bird or a butterfly. Gentle, quick to forgive, and hates seeing anyone upset.

Kage — Male

Appearance: Sleek jet-black hair, pointed ears with tiny white spots inside. Bright emerald-green eyes that stand out sharply. Taller than Kaito, lean and quiet on his feet—you rarely hear him approach. His long black tail moves slowly when he is thinking. Prefers practical dark clothing: black hakama and a plain grey top.
Personality: Calm and observant, a little reserved at first. Seems distant but is deeply loyal once trust is earned. Quietly protective. He does not speak much, but will leave food or help without mentioning it. Thinks deeply and worries quietly about those he cares for.

Miyo — Female

Appearance: Warm chestnut-brown hair in loose waves, soft cream ears with pink inside. Large amber eyes and a graceful, petite build. Her fluffy chestnut tail often curls around her lap when she sits. Wears soft pastel kimonos in blues, pale pinks, and lavenders, embroidered with small flowers.
Personality: Kind and nurturing, but with a quiet stubbornness. She tends to everyone's comfort—offering tea, mending clothes, listening. She is gentle but not weak. She dislikes conflict but will stand firm if someone is being treated unfairly. Soft-spoken, warm-hearted, and braver than most expect.

Shogun: Naomasa

Age: Appears late thirties
Height: 182cm / 6'0"

Appearance: Pale, dignified skin, calm and sharp dark eyes that miss nothing. His hair is jet black, pulled back neatly and perfectly beneath his formal eboshi hat. He has a strong, balanced face—firm jaw, high brow—carrying an expression that is mostly composed, rarely showing what he truly thinks. He wears the finest formal robes: deep rich purple and silken black, embroidered with subtle golden family crests. His bearing is upright and commanding, every movement deliberate and steady. He carries himself like someone who has held authority his whole life—calm, unshakable, and impossible to read.

Personality: Reserved and thoughtful. He speaks little, but his words carry weight. He rules with a sense of duty first, though the burden of the seat shows in quiet moments. He is fair but firm, balancing tradition with what he believes is best for the realm. He watches everything carefully, listening more than he speaks, and his trust is something few people truly earn.

Kyo

Age: Appears early twenties, much older in truth
Height: 213cm / 7'0"
Appearance: Deep warm crimson skin, like polished lacquer. Smooth ivory horns sweep back from his forehead, tipped with soft gold. Bright amber eyes with slit pupils, thick dark lashes. Strong jaw, high cheekbones, a wide knowing smile showing neat sharp fangs. Thick wavy black hair to his shoulders, often half-tied with dark cord. Broad-shouldered, lean and graceful, moves lighter than he looks. Loose indigo robes draped over one shoulder, faint old scars visible on his arms.
Personality: Playful, easy confidence. Loves lingering near the shrine, watching kitsune maikos. Teases them gently—about twitching fox tails, how they sniff the air when suspicious, how they scuffle when flustered. Never cruel; just enjoys making them huff or blush. Will help instantly if they actually need it.
Ren

Age: Appears nineteen or twenty, older than he seems
Height: 198cm / 6'6"
Appearance: Rich burgundy skin with soft violet undertones. Short, sturdy dark horns rising from his temples. Deep violet eyes, long lashes. Softer features—full lips, slightly rounded nose—but his smirk reveals one sharp canine. Sleek straight black hair cut just past his ears, strands falling forward. Solid build, steady hands. Fitted black-and-red clothing, simple leather bracers, silk sash. Calm and still until he speaks.
Personality: Quiet but mischievous. Fascinated by kitsune maikos—their quick movements, cleverness, the way their ears flatten when annoyed. Leaves small gifts: berries, shiny stones, sweet flowers… then hides nearby to tease them, acting innocent when they find them. Keeps a straight face then grins the moment they catch on.

Shouko Makio: Black long hair, pale skin, black eyes, short height, 27 years old, she's guji. She's very intelligent but stoic.
Miko:

1. Hana — Long black hair tied with a pale pink ribbon, soft round face, gentle eyes. Wears plain white kosode and deep red hakama, always carries a small sakura branch behind one ear

2. Rin — Sharp almond eyes, short black hair, quick and upright in posture. White robes with slightly shorter sleeves, red hakama, often has a faint smudge of ash on her wrist from tending the fire

3. Suzu — Warm brown eyes, wavy black hair held with a white flower kanzashi, bright smile. Standard miko attire with small gold bells sewn to her obi, wears simple woven sandals

4. Kiyo — Silky hair that falls past her waist, pale skin, quiet dark eyes, slender frame. White robes that look slightly loose, red hakama, walks barefoot on warm days

5. Aya — Straight black hair tied high with a thick red cord, steady clear eyes, firm stance. Crisp clean white kosama, deep red hakama, carries a folded chihaya over one arm during ceremonies

Kannushi:

1. Elder Tadao — Silver hair tied back, deeply lined face, kind but sharp eyes. Wears a pale grey kariginu robe, dark blue hakama, simple eboshi hat that sits slightly askew

2. Haruaki — Neat dark hair streaked with grey, firm jaw, serious expression. Wears formal white robes with light blue hakama, carries a wooden staff, eboshi hat always perfectly straight

3. Michio — Warm crinkles around his eyes, salt-and-pepper beard, gentle face. Wears soft indigo robes, light blue hakama, often without his hat, hair loosely tied

4. Genta — Broad build, weathered face, short grey hair, keen watchful eyes. Wears simpler white robes with faded blue hakama, worn leather sandals, carries a wooden amulet around his neck

For context, there are 7 types of races. Humans take up to 90% of all the population. Nekos take 2%. Ghosts take 2%. Oni take 0.50%. Kitsunes take 0.25%. Cursed take 5%. Ryujins take 0.25%.
Human: No powers, and nothing to pay for them.
Neko: Part cat. Always lands safely and slow to warm to people. They never take fall damage, never. They can occasionally sense people through walls. They have cat ears that usually match their hair color, and a cat tail that usually matches their hair color.
Ghost: Said to have died and still stayed. Nothing hurts them, they never get hungry. If they get a job, they're never paid. They can't vote, and nothing you hold can pass into living hands. Merchants inside the province won't serve them. They can't use poison amd lanterns gutter when they pass by while unseen or using their invisibility power.
Oni: Big, strong, always hungry. People fear them more than they should. They get tired less easily, they don't feel cold. Hey are very fast, and very big and tall. But they have a huge appetite.
Kitsune: A fox spirit that walks. Lifts what the weather does to people, and it is trusted for it about as far as a fox usually is. They absolutely never get dirty or tired. They have the ability to purify up to three people close by, they put out fire, drie off rain and cleans off bad omens. But they catch illnesses more often.
Cursed: Basically a normal person carrying something that is not. Their prayers work more often and their Omamori charms are stronger. But they get sick more often.
Ryujin: Dragon blood, from the sea god's line. Slow to forget, and slower to forgive. While it's raining, they don't get hungry or tired. The rain never soaks them or makes them sick. It makes them stronger. They can heal people in the rain. While they're dry, they have the appetite of a beast.

1. Shogun: The maximum authority inside the province. There can only be one shogun and this can lead to people trying to kill or poison them.

2. Feudal Nobles: The maximum of Fedual Nobles are five, all if them are the same level even though some can be considered more trustworthy than others. They confirm the authenticity of certain documents.

3. Shrinekeepers: The maximum of shrinekeepers is 10. Inside them there are the Miko, the kannushi, and the Guji. The Miko helps run the shrine. The kannushi are the shrine presta, and the guji are the head of the shrine and can only be one.

4. Physician: The maximum of physicians is 10. There are divided physicians, the kusushi and thr Isha. The kukushi cuts and grins herbs and sells them. The Isha treats the sick people and also gathers and grins herbs to sell.

5. Samurai: The maximum of samurai is 10. Inside the samurai people are the ashigaru, the gokenin, and the hatamoto. The ashigaru are basically foot soldier with a katana. The gokenin are higher up soldier, more trusted. The Hatamoto are thr top officially, serving the lord.

6. Servants: The maximum of Servants is 6. Around the Servants are the Komono, who just clean Around the province the dust or dirt, the Chugen, they clean the palace, and the Kashira, they are the Feudal Nobles' helpers.

7. Entertainers: The maximum of entertainers is 10. Inside the entertainer circle are Maikos, Jr. Taikomochi, Geikos, and Taikomochis. Maikos are still learning how to dance. Jr. Taikamochi are drummers in training. Geiko are full dancers and entertainers, and taikomochi are full drymmer and entertainer.

8. Townsfolk: Anyone can be in this. Inside townsfolk are unemployed people, farmers, fishers, tailors, bakers, miners, merchants, hikyaku and shisho.

The land knows order. For centuries, the islands have bowed to the will of the Shogun — the general who rules in the Emperor’s name, holding the sword that keeps peace and shape over the realm.

This is the time of the Tokugawa. Roads wind through rice fields and misty forests; villages hum with quiet work; and great stone fortresses stand silent on the hills, watching over all. Society is woven tight — every place known, every duty clear. Yet beneath the calm, the air is never still.

Some tend the earth, catching fish or growing grain, earning coin and respect day by day. Some craft things of beauty, or trade goods across distant villages. Others walk with swords at their hips, bound by honor to serve their lords, the great Daimyō who rule vast lands and answer only to the Shogun himself.

But power is a heavy thing — and many eyes look upward. Alliances shift in quiet rooms. Whispers travel faster than messengers. Loyalty is prized above gold, yet ambition burns in every corner. One may rise through honesty and hard work; another through sharp words and clever plans. Some win glory; others lose everything.

At the very peak sits the Shogun — most powerful of all. But that throne is watched by many who dream of sitting there. To hold it is to stand in a gale that never ends. For in this realm, fortune can turn like the seasons: today a peasant, tomorrow a lord — or nothing at all. Everyone climbs. Everyone watches. And the story of the land… is still being written.