System: FATE Core (Evil Hat Productions)
Genre: Oriental Fantasy
High Concept: Onna-Bugeisha (Woman Samurai Warrior)
Trouble: Daimyo’s Legitimized Half-Sister
Aspect: Steel Beneath Silk
Aspect: My Friend Sango (spirit companion fish)
Aspect: Clan Terasu Heirloom Armor 1
REFRESH: 3
Stunt 1: Sango
Stunt 2: Ukenagashi (flowing block): Gain a +1 to any defense against an opponent you attacked with your naginata during your last turn.
Skills:
Rank 3: Melee
Rank 2: Presence, Resources, Alertness
Rank 1: Charm, Riding, Scholarship, Physique, Ranged
Equipment: Armor 1, Naginata 1
katana, wakazashi, clothing suitable to rank.
STRESS
Physical OOO
Social OOO
Mental OO
Backstory: Amaya is the illegitimate daughter of the old Daimyo Terasu Masaru of Kosui, an important coastal province of the Shizukana Empire. While his legal wife had made it quite clear that her dowry and the traditional “Heir and a Spare” were all Masaru would ever get from her, she was not best pleased that he would often seek companionship elsewhere.
So Amaya spent much of her early years keeping well out of the way of her father’s Lady, often exploring the seaside capital and nearby lands. The girl eventually attracted the interest of a very minor kami (spirit), Sango (meaning “Coral”), who appeared in the form of a misty fantastic fish “swimming” in the air. Sango has stayed close to Amaya since, to her delight. Sango follows her around, twines about her, even hides beneath her armor–for Sango is more shy than brave. Although Sango has the form of a fish, he is a spirit of air & can “speak” to her in a “voice” reminiscent of wind chimes.
As Amaya grew up, she learned the warrior’s art, and favors the naginata, the polearm often used by women warriors. Shortly before his death, Daimyo Masaru–over his wife’s objections–legitimized Amaya, which allows her the right to bear the daisho (paired katana and wakazashi) of a samurai warrior along with her naginata. He also gifted her with a set of heirloom armor, newly fitted to her.
Amaya’s two half-brothers, the new Daimyo Terasu Chojiro and Gen. Terasu Ichiyo, fortunately do not share their mother’s antipathy to her. Ichiyo is especially fond of her. She is glad of her brothers’ affection, which she returns. Amaya is the youngest of Masaru’s children; Chojiro, though young for a Daimyo, is several years her senior, but Ichiyo is only a few months older.
Upon Chojiro’s succession, she swore fealty to Daimyo Chojiro and serves him, sometimes as a bodyguard to him or his bride, but most often as a courier.
Design notes: Amaya is a fairly basic warrior woman, who could also be used–with appropriate backstory and equipment–in other medieval/feudal fantasy settings. Her Resource rank of 2 is suitable for a retainer of an influential lord.
Her Trouble, now that she is acknowledged and legitimized, usually means that the Daimyo has a task for her, or perhaps she has encountered someone who serves a rival or enemy of Chojiro’s. Amaya also worries, now that she has the status of a true-born sister, that she might be married off to cement an an alliance to benefit Kosui.
As an Aspect, Sango may be compelled by either player or GM, perhaps as a distraction, to scout, or when dealing with other spirit entities. To represent Sango’s advantages, his aid is purchased as a Stunt. The Heirloom Armor 1 Aspect is useful above & beyond the combat advantages of armor with a bonus. For example, it can be used by Amaya in social encounters, positively influencing those who recognize the armor’s quality. Steel Beneath Silk is an Oriental-flavored name for familiarity with the noble class–including the intrigues often hidden beneath fine manners and rich dress.
Credits: The Gamer Nation’s Doctor Xerox created the Shizukana Empire campaign. Thanks to him & my fellow players who helped stat the original PC, one of my first efforts at a FATE character. Also thanks to my husband, Mark, who provided me with information about traditional Japanese arms, armor & history for inspiration.
Character portrait is Copyright 2015 by Linda Whitson.
Linda Whitson
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