Appearance

Physical Description

Lean but dense muscular build, which is well kept with diet and intense daily exercise. His movements always come across as intentional and practiced.

Body Features

Looks like he is late 20s early 30s, and he is healthy and fit. His demeanor bears a look of unwavering confidence even when he is agitated, but he tends to hunch his shoulders and look down alot, with a fatalistic apathy that permeates his personality. His body bears the scars and calloused hands and feet of a warrior who has seen battles and bloodshed since he was young.

Facial Features

Hard lines reminiscent of one who does not smile much. His Japanese styled eyes are often distant, looking beyond or within. They carry the weight of all his actions and intentions in them. Their golden metallic luster brings the warmth of his compassion and a light to his hardened dark features.

He keeps his hair out of his face and his facial hair is generally sparse even when unshaven for long periods. He prefers a thin cleanly trimmed mustache and chin patch.

Identifying Characteristics

There is a bold scar just under his heart both on his chest and back where a blade once skewered him through and was twisted.

His most prominent marking is a grizzly thick and knotted scar on his left hip, where varicose veins, blackened unnaturally, spiral out in a web from the injury that looks like it never healed quite right. It causes frequent pain and arthritic movement which slows his reflexes significantly.

Apparel & Accessories

He always wears silk or high quality cotton, and rarely wears anything that isn't in the Rokugani fashion. Even his belt of Strength is hidden under his obi. He made his Splint mail in the fashion of Rokugani heavy armor, and uses it's glamour affect to change its colors rather than paint it. He prefers leather guarded sandals and armored leg wrappings over boots.

He is seen in Bronze and copper colors, typically with intricate designs or edgings. His armor is naturally red due to the collaudrm, but he usually glamours it bronze or darkens it to draw less attention. His helm is a very eye catching mix of red colloudrum with a copper crescent moon crest. An oni-like lion faced mempo made of bronze hangs at the neck, available to be worn, which he rarely uses.

His magical green and black solid Jade holy symbol is always visible, kept tied at his hip with his blades where the traditional omamori are worn.

Mentality

Intellectual Characteristics

Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging: Turbulent Advocate

Pros: Resourceful, Insightful, Principled, Passionate, Altruistic

Cons: Sensitive, Reluctant, Perfectionist, Judgemental, Serious

Saigo is reserved and cautious, problem and mission focused. He has a profound regard for the past and very sentimental. He cares about the opinions of others and his self image. He wants to be helpful and tends to worry. He is self reflective, often regretful and gets lonely easily.

Morality & Philosophy

Saigo's code of conduct follows the traditional bushido, but he strives to utilize shorido where possible but never at the expense of his code. He leans to prioritize the tenants as follows:

1. Duty
   


2. Righteousness
   


3. Compassion
   


4. Courage
   


5. Honesty
   


6. Sincerity
   


7. Courtesy
   

He believes Duty is all encompassing, that our duties are more than our job but the playbook to life and the key to enlightenment. He believes that all peoples have a destiny and all struggles are either of our own making or the tests we are challenged to learn the insights our souls have yet to learn to ascend.

person.sexuality

Excuses

Desire is probably the easiest of the sins for him to ignore. He is known for going long periods of time without sexual indulgence. This is partially because he is not easily attracted to those outside of his nationality, let alone his race. The contagiousness of his lycanthropic affliction plays a large part as well, as he must make sure he has spells prepared if he intends on sharing himself with anyone. Then there is the fact that he has a lot of baggage, bringing trust issues and grief that he just chooses to avoid rather than face.

Attraction

For Saigo, there is a time and place for intimacy. It must be private, or an appropriate setting which he is usually not seen doing. Since he is currently not actively seeking a relationship, he will not be the first to make a move. Most of the women he would be with are likely high quality prostitutes anyway, and he would expect them to serenade him.

He is only interested in human women, no younger than their mid 20s since he sees himself much older. He would prefer someone who is more similar or shares features normally found in Rokugani lands, but this is not a must. Races that are monstrous are an absolute no, that even goes for dragonborn and half dragons. He may believe they are sacred creatures but if they cannot shift into a human he would be totally inept and uncomfortable.

Saigo would need to be relaxed, which would usually involve alcohol or drugs, and some form of entertainment that kept his mind from drowning in his thoughts. I think he would respond best to things that activate his senses. Bathing, massage, music, scents and food.

Relationship Material

As far as more permanent relationships, Saigo is burdened by the circumstances of his past.

The woman he killed, was a significant and true love, perhaps even a soul mate. The fact he cannot remember her name is part of his memory loss issue, not a reflection of his attention to their relationship. Their love was subtle but intense, far beyond any friendship. He would have thought that he would do anything for her. Perhaps he would have if his discovery weren't so jarring; had she tried to manipulate him and ease him into it, she might have able turn him to use maho. Which just leads more credence to the possibility that she was innocent. Any thoughts of getting over that trama was shattered by finding that her soul could not forgive him still. He may have moved on from it if he had not known.

If he found someone

If Saigo were to find someone who could overcome his baggage they would need to be someone that was internally strong. Strong enough that they could not be manipulated, that they could handle that his Duties will always come first. They need to be someone that if his enemies were to target them to get at him, that they would not break under the weight of it. They have to be ok with the idea that death is sometimes preferable to the alternative. But Saigo would also not be happy being second, they could not be so strong that he could not keep up with them. He doesn't want to be the weak one in the relationship.

Children?

Saigo does not want more children, but he would not abandon them or the person who would give them to him. It is a painful thought that he had to send his children away at such a young age and never returned to them. Any thoughts of having another family comes back to that. He cannot reconcile raising a family when he knows that his son and daughter are/were out there somewhere. Its partially not knowing what happened to them, but also that he wasn't there for them. Either when he was alive or after his death. It also instantly draws on those feelings when he has thought about adopting Daisuke. The idea of even having another heir depresses him, but its a legitimate and current problem since death seems to be around every corner.

Taboos

Blood Magic, aka Maho. He believes Duty gave him permission to use the essence of blood in order to accomplish his duties, promising that if his intentions remain pure so will his essence. But that is as far as he is willing to take it. He is constantly vigilant, looking out for signs of corruption.

Necromancy is a big taboo. He is even hesitant about resurrection, believing it can be abused and that the natural order is there for a reason. Anything necrotic makes him weary, and corrupting influences, even if they aren't the taint should be limited if not outright condemned.

Known Languages

Rokugani: The language of his people. It took a long, long time to learn any other language as he did not want to know the gaijin.

Sylvan: This came next, Luag taught him the language as it is the language used by the fey and many of the other yokai

Dwarven: The memories are vague but he spent several years with the Dwarves and generally fit in well with them. It was a time of recovery and necessity, but they ultimately would not or could not help him with his crusade against the miasma. He doesn't remember why.

Common: He learned the 'world's common language' very shortly before Fhi Shi found them, his accent is still strong and he still occasionally misunderstands. He doesn't remember learning it and believes that it may have been imparted on him at some point.

Nox: was imparted through using a language crystal in the Treasure Hunt. Even he surprised himself when he chose to learn it in order to better understand the dangers of the locations and items of the hunt.

Personality

Motivation

There is only one thing Saigo truly wants deep down. There are many other things he could say that he wants but the only thing that will bring him peace is in earning absolution. He could not simply accept a declaration of forgiveness, the load of resentment and fell karma must be released and all the teachings of his ancestors prove to him that it can only be done dedications to one's duties and the acceptance of one's destiny.

He doesn't need to know what he has done wrong, sometimes people gather it unknowingly as their actions wreak unintended havok on the world around them. Saigo has regrets, and has yet to move on, its not over. That is enough for him to know he is not done.

As long as Duty continues to provide him her blessings he will not give up. Even if her light stops, he will then think he has strayed to far from her path, and will likely redouble his efforts.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:

Routines, Loyalty, Authenticity, Service, Rules/order, status and wealth without outward signs of greed.

Favorite Smells: Cherry blossom and wheat pollen. Smells are particularly nostalgic for him, and he will remember a smell if he has smelled it before.

Favorite Colors: Purple and Copper, he is drawn to color pallets with complimenting oppositions.

Favorite Foods: Ramen and rice dumplings. He likes subtle flavors with strong aromas. He is drawn to dishes where presentation and smells are artistically perfected. Texture is important to his palette and will turn him away from the dish if it isn't right.

Favorite Drinks: Prefers the sting of spiced shochu and sake but will settle with spiced tea. He loves hard liquor over beers. Unlike his food, he prefers stronger flavors in his drinks.

Dislikes:

Surprises, uncleanliness, rudeness, inappropriateness, chaos

Hated smells: sulfur and chemical smells.

Hated Colors: Neon Green or really any neon color.

Hated textures: Oil, especially if it has grime in it.

Hated Flavors: Blood, the taste of blood makes him nauseous. He hates licorice, coconut, and mango.

Vices & Personality flaws

Saigo is an alcoholic, it may not show obvious signs of addiction, but he definitely uses alcohol to relax and generally does not relax with others if alcohol is not present. He is a bit of a prude with it too, and will vocalize and even to the point of offending someone if he finds the alcohol that is offered to him to be undrinkable.

Personality Quirks

He hates being touched, and gets offended when someone touches him without being invited to do so. He will respond with violence if someone persistently tried to touch him and ignores his demands to stop, and has taken more than one person's hand as punishment for this grievance.

Hygiene

Saigo likes to be immaculately clean, and the more public he expects to be the more care he takes in his appearance. He carefully shaves, brushes and tends to his long hair, taking care to remove greys and not damage it's length. His clothes are constantly being washed, and he keeps a separate Kimono for non-combat so it never stains with blood. Tending to his equipment is a daily chore that he will miss sleep to finish.

Social

Birthplace

Castle of the swift sword; Rokugan

Contacts & Relations

Akodo Yamato Aka Goju Itachi; last seen alive in 1200;

Kaji's best friend growing up, became drinking buddies as adults. He was a silly character, a jokester who was sometimes seen as a bully. Always hidden truths and wisdom in his games. He was charismatic and great at drawing Kaji out of his brooking and made him feel better.

When Yamato got into trouble he was being investigated, Kaji was to busy with his grief to take the time and have his back. Yamato was innocent, but the damage to his reputations was too great. He took it as a betrayal, and never forgave Kaji for it. Betrayed and his reputation in ruin, Yamato defected to the treasonous spider clan and took the name Goju Itachi. Kaji still feels responsible for the demons he saw in everyone.

Daisuke: Still alive;

The peasant family who had found his sister along the road took a risk when bringing her to Takeo's house. They could have been blamed for her condition. Instead the peasant family was rewarded for her return and were given the option to directly serve their house. In 1189, Daisuke was born in the peasant family. When he was 7 he was assigned to Kaji as his manservant to handle all of Kaji's needs. He has been by Kaji's side ever since.

After Kaji's death, Daisuke was found on the road and begged him to return to his service, he was approximately 11 or 12 at the time. They have been on the road ever since and Daisuke has served loyally.

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Champion of Duty, Leader of the Alundrian Colonies,

Family Ties

Mother: Kitsu Rey (Akodo descent Last Seen Alive in 1199;

She was a very loving mother. Mildly, untalented shugenja who took the caretaker role in the home. She loved cooking and took pride in her work with the house and home. She took great care in raising her children and was the most prominent authority figure in his life. After the loss of her husband and daughter she returned to her duties with the clan. She used her duties to deal with the pain of her losses, and was adamant her children were consistent even if only with their duties.

Hibiki sent her to the colonies when the war against the spider clan began, along with his own children and Kaji's children. He had hopes she would be able to take advantage of the many opportunities the colonies offered while keeping the children away from the forefront of the war and the corruption growing in the empire.

Father: Kitsu Sota; Died 1185;

He was a strong shugenja and tactician who worked as a karo for the Lion armies. He was loving but strict, a typical depiction of Lawful Good. As far as Takeo knew him he exemplified Bushido. He spent more time with Takeo than with his older brother, believing that he needed more help becoming what the family needed him to be. Many hours spent schooling him on swordsmanship, tactics and archery, as well as how to control his emotions. His death was sudden and coincided shortly with the death of his daughter. The circumstances of Sota's death were given via a messenger that he had been killed in a border skirmish, but the clan or nature of the skirmish was never discussed.

Older Brother: Kitsu Hibiki; Last Seen Alive in 1200, 30yrs old;

Hibiki was 2 years older than Takeo, and was the chosen head of house. He loved attention and was notoriously jealous. He did not forgive easily, but still cared deeply for his family, which was often hidden by his overbearing personality. He was smart and hot headed, not very wise or strong which was unusual for a Kitsu shugenja. Takeo looked up to Hibiki in a lot of ways, and often went out of his way to appease him, but was often met with rivalry. Hibiki always believed he would try to take the household from him, and was prone to bouts of paranoia. But Takeo never wanted that and was always willing to give his older brother the world if he asked.

Younger Sister: Kitsu Kana Died 1185, 9yrs old;

3 years younger, beautiful and kind hearted. She was known for generosity and naive playfulness. She had a way with people, and often acted as a stopgap between the brothers, turning their anger into playful annoyance. She was loved and doted on by everyone in their house. Her death was earth shattering, bringing much pain and turmoil. She was found far outside of town, beyond what she likely would have walked, battered like she had been run over by a horse and cart. She remained unconscious for over a day but died from her injuries, never waking to reveal what had happened. Her death was deemed an accident, even though it could have been and likely was something more. Takeo blamed himself, it was his job to watch her. Shortly after her death, Takeo began to have unusually sour luck, he believed she had cursed him for not keeping a better eye on her.

Wife: Kitsu Emika (Akodo descent Died 1198, 26yrs old;

Kaji married shortly after gempukku. It was an arranged marriage. She was a quiet and forgiving woman, and often sang to her children, and never raised her voice even in anger. Their relationship was loveless, but warm. They pretended to be happy and were like longtime friends, but their marriage lacked lust. She died shortly after giving birth to their second son who was stillborn about 3 years after the birth of their daughter. It is unknown why the midwives and the healing magic of his brother were unable to save her. Akodo Yamato suspected Kaji's concubine was involved somehow in her untimely death.

Son: Kitsu Kota; Last seen Alive 1199, 7yrs old;

The heir of his house and oldest child. He was well groomed, very happy and high spirited, always looked up to Kaji. Kaji always humored him even when he didn't feel up for seeing him.

Daughter: Kitsu Yui; Last seen Alive 1199, 5yrs old;

Took after her mother more than Kaji, was likely to young to remember much of him when she left with Rey for the colonies.