[hider=Race] Human (Yeah, lame- I know. It get's better.) [/hider] [hider=Name] Kojiro Ryukaze of the Ryukaze Clan Age:28 [/hider] [hider=Job] ドラゴンの悩みの種(Dragon Bane(Samurai/Dragoon)) [/hider] [hider=Appearance] (This is more of a general idea of the armor, not necessarily the armor the character is currently wearing. Made from almost all parts of the dragon (ie: hide, scales, skull, and teeth) the armor armor is ceremonial, and crafted from the dragon slain during the 'Ascension' ceremony.) [img]http://devils-lair.org/animangame/outfit/fullsize/datemasamune_tenkabito.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider=Stun] ドラゴンのフレア (Flare of Dragon): Using the highly polished sheen of their weapon, the Dragon Bane draws enough of their blade from it's sheathe to catch the nearest source of light and reflect the glare into their opponents eyes. This technique is used to momentarily blind their target (man or beast) in both an offensive and defensive manner. Though normally used to start an encounter, this same technique can be used with the blade fully drawn, but not in conjunction with the Rapid Dragon strike. [/hider] [hider=Strike] 迅速なドラゴン (Rapid Dragon): Using the momentum of drawing their blade from it's scabbard, the Dragon Bane is able to deliver a deadly blow in a blink of an eye. This fluid strike is able to finish off the unwary and stagger even the most formidable of foes. Combine with the Jump technique, the downward momentum of the warrior's fall can be applied to the strike, known to rend the head from a dragon in a single blow. [/hider] [hider=Defense] ドラゴンのウォード (Dragon Ward): Using not only their physical prowess, but their force of personality as well. The Dragon Bane let's out a might roar while flourishing his blade. This technique not only deflects the assailants attack, but cause them to either fallback or be knocked over by the force of the roar. [/hider] [hider=Disable] ドラゴンの恐怖 (Fear of the Dragon): Delivered in a similar manner as the defensive skill, this particular roar is more targeted. Letting out an ominous howl with a fiery gaze, this technique strikes fear into the prey of the warrior, rendering them unable to act until the fear has subsided. [/hider] [hider=Enable] ドラゴンのブーン (Dragon Boone): The mere presence of a Dragon Bane is enough to bolster the morale of some troops. However, they are able to project an aura of courage about them, strengthening the resolve/fortitude of those around them. [/hider] [hider=Skill] Scouting: Having trained in rapid aerial movements, the Dragon Bane is able to traverse large expanses with ease, all the while surveying the area for any signs of their prey. [/hider] [hider=神々の国 (Land of Gods) History] This bustling kingdom filled with merchants and warriors was not always so vastly populated. Originally inhabited by a small nomadic tribe, this land would provide a very harsh enviroment for these people to survive in. Yet, the fires forged a colony of steel, seeing the people establish a strong foothold on the southern most island. From here, it was only a matter of time before they spread across the Eastern and Northern isles, but with this progress, tensions arose. Three heirs from the families that originally founded this nation rose up, proclaiming themselves as the rightful rulers of this land. From the mountainous regions to the north, the self-proclaimed Dragon fought with the fury and aid of his new found draconic allies, giving homage to the great Dragon Lord Bahamut. From the south isle, proclaiming themselves to be servants of the Great Sea Queen Leviathan, this Mighty Kraken struck at his rivals with his mighty navy and assistance from the beasts of the sea. To the east, with a furious roar of valor and bestial fury, the Furious Tiger struck out from the jungles with his vicious infantry, all in the name of the Great Fire Lord Ifrit. This split the land into three warring factions all vying for control of their homeland. This war has been waged for centuries- even to this very day, all the while seeing one clan rise to power just to simply fall to his rivals in the next few years. Over this time, a new peaceful sept of monks have spread across the land. Though holding no titles or land for themselves, no one can doubt the prowess of these warrior monks and their patron Phoenix. Over the years, the countries did their best to keep themselves isolated from the rest of the world, seeing foreigners as being just another threat to the already dominate power struggle. As time marched on, the features of their forefathers began to twist and change to support a more foreign visage, though the piercing eyes of the warrior still persisted in this new breed of humans. Having all but forgotten their founding tounge, the people of this new found country slowly developed their own dialects, though a universal language was established in order for treaties and terms to be communicated. They also share an uncanny ability to speak the tounge of their companions, most likely due to the countless generations that grew alongside these powerful creatures. [/hider] [hider=Dragon Bane History] ドラゴンの玉座 (Throne of the Dragon): [img]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/15063349258_ed63cdafef_o.jpg[/img] Throne of the Dragon is a capital city to one of the three warring factions in that area. Though considered a martial giant in it's own right, the country has suffered more infighting and inner turmoil then it's rivals. Having been home to countless generations of dragons, the people have formed a symbiotic relation with some of their primal neighbors -offering tribute and homage for protection. Needless to say this does not apply to all the dragons, some have taken to pillaging and raiding different villages to bolster their hoards. Other's however banded together with the humans under a single great dragon, know as the Head Wyrm. It was during these raids that a warrior clan known as the Ryukaze came up with an idea. Who better to teach you to fight a dragon, then a dragon itself. Needless to say, at first the relations were tense between the beastly masters and their human students. Rogue warriors would kill their masters and proceed to use their new found strength to become bandits, or the dragon would kill the student due to impatience and draw the ire of his people. But over time, a mutual respect was formed and the warriors saw new heights to their training. This created the Dragon Bane culture, a breed of warriors that had been taught the way of combating dragons while in flight. Though most of the training is done in practice over application, a ceremony is held for those who've reached the end of their training and are ready to assume the mantle. Called the 'Ascension' ceremony, the trainee must slay a dragon in a duel. Most of the time, these dragon's were captives that were held for the very purpose of fighting in the Ascension, others were dragons too maimed and wounded to continue fighting and would request to die in combat. This practice is observed by the Head Wyrm and Shogunate, to ensure that the honor of both warriors remain intact, while acting as a witness to this rite of passage. Once the final blow has been struck, the warrior will recite a prayer over the corpse of his foe, and turn to the Head Wyrm. If the Dragon Lord is pleased, a simple nod would be all that is needed to excel this warrior forward to this new status. However, should the drake shake his head, either displeased or insulted by the display, the warrior will have to start training from the start or commit ritual suicide to atone for his dishonor. Those that do succeed, have their armor and weapons crafted from the very dragon they faced in combat, wearing it as a badge of honor and pride. At this point, the weapon is up to the warriors choice, but most favor a Nodachi for it's size and striking power. Considered nobles of the land, they act as peace keepers and key retainer's in their daimyo's armies. However, it is not uncommon for the warrior to become more then an entitled tyrant or bandit, yet those caught in the dishonorable acts have their titles stripped and forced from the land, if they don't attone for their sins first by their own blade first. [/hider] [hider=Kojiro's Departure] Having grown up in the shadow of his family name, Kojiro has always been the target of unwanted attention, both good and bad. Never able to live up to the ideal of perfection his father pushed him towards. Easily a master of the sword, the more subtle aspect of his culture eluded him. He believed in the strength of his draconic allies, but the more spiritual side of his training was more of a bore. Why should he have to learn about the great 'Dragon King'? Why should he have to learn draconic prayers and customs? Still, he persevered. On the day of his Ascension, Kojiro knew that this was not going to be easy... Consider that an understatement. Being an heir to the Ryukaze bloodline, he was pitted against a massive elder dragon that had been caught in a raid. It took every ounce of strength and cunning he had, but he was able to slay his foe. It was only after seeing the corpse of the noble beast -still steaming with the heat of battle and blood streaming from his fresh wounds- that he understood what his training was set to teach him. With this revelation, he'd offer a prayer to his foe, and turn to face the Head Wyrm. The Lord paused a moment, nodding shortly after as the observing crowd erupted in cheers from their balconies and bleachers around the courtyard. It was that night he was presented with his armor and nodachi... It was that night that he also fled his home. Though he knew what purpose his training served, it also served to show him that he was an unfit heir. Maybe in time he'd grow to assume the mantle of Shogun... But for now, he needed to continue his training, without the judging eyes of his family. [/hider]