The Bakumatsu (幕末, bakumatsu, "Late Tokugawa Shogunate"), are the final years of the Edo period (1853-1868) during which Japan ended its isolationist foreign policy, known as Sakoku, and transitioned from a feudal shogunate to the Meiji government.

The Bakumatsu started with the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry's black ships to Japan on July 8, 1853. Perry's objective was to incite Japan, through force if necessary, to open its borders to trade with the United States of America. In reaction to the arrival of those black ships which would end a 220 years isolationist policy, the country was divided. The pro-imperialist Ishin Shishi (nationalist patriots) fought to return political power to the Emperor of Japan, while the shogunate forces, including the elite Shinsengumi (newly selected corps) swordsmen, fought for the Tokugawa shogunate to keep its position. The country is currently embroiled with the Boshin Wars, and the assassins class with Samurai in Kyoto. The country's peasants rise up to fight the Shogunate due to the corruption in the government hampering, and destroying the common lives the peasants have lived. The Shogunate fight to protect their emperor, and their way of life. With the Imperialists seeking more power to be seceded to the courts many wonder what will happen once, or if a Meiji reformation will happen. Samurai on both sides have their heroes, and their villains and the people see an period of ruthless bloodshed as many slayers prepare to fight each other to the death.

A simple premise for a roleplay we will be playing either the Ishin Shishi, or the Shinsengumi (whoever has the most in favor) in an attempt to fight for our side in the conflict that is happening within Kyoto. We won't be really having any massive battles this will focus more on a personal setting. I will be looking for a co-gm to help with the story which will be flexible. Depending on what the rp's in this want we can veer off into non-canon with a tokugawa victory (which didn't happen in real life) or keep with canon, and real life with a Meiji victory. This will mainly focus on assassinations, and samurai on samurai combat.