kushihara
samurai clan
The Kushihara Samurai clan was birthed when a group of wealthy young men began training together in the art of Iaido. Guided by a code of the Bushido religion, the group was able to protect their land during the chaotic times of feudal Japan using their newly developed skills to ward off would-be invaders of the night. Word soon spread about the group’s remarkable fighting ability and settlers began living near them and asking for their protection. Eventually, what was once a small village grew into a large city of which was under the watchful eye of the Kushihara members. The Kushihara clan grew for decades and is now a major samurai force throughout all of Japan.
the kushihara Mondokoro
"Pursuit of Harmony"
The golden circle of the Kushihara mondokoro is used to symbolize the emphasis of tradition and great prosperity for the Kushihara. The twin bamboo symbolizes the adherence to the pillars of righteousness. They are shown in green to commemorate the growth of the Kushihara. The seven lines below the bamboo maintain a dual purpose. Their first is to separate the eight tenants of Bushido (the spaces between being the tenants). The second is to serve as the foundation from which the pillars of righteousness spring. Finally, the single slash from the katana is shown in blue to represent tranquility, loyalty and security learned from the teachings of Ryu Kushai-Do.
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martial arts name and origin
Having the monetary support of a group of wealthy individuals Shimazuki Kurakaimoto had the idea of bringing Minamoto no Shigenobu to their compound to provide for him for several years. In exchange, the sword master was to teach Shimazuki, and his friends the art form of Iaido. For several decades the Kurakaimoto clan developed and grew under the tutelage of Minamoto no Shigenobu providing protection for those who found refuge with them. In exchange, the refugees swore loyalty to the Kurakaimoto. Before long the Kurakaimoto began to be compared to the Emperor in the areas of expansion and resources. This infuriated the Emperor and he made the decision to send his military to deal with the group known as the Kurakaimoto before they were able to become a real threat to the throne. During the war, Minamoto no Shigenobu decided where his loyalty stood and sided with the Emperor. Realizing that Minamoto no Shigenobu abandoned them, Shimazuki Kurakaimoto escaped with a few of his associates. The battle between the Emperor’s army and the soldiers of the Kurakaimoto lasted for a long time before the sheer size of the Japanese army overran the Kurakaimoto. The Kurakaimoto group, vanished from the history books only to re-emerge under the name of Kushihara and began practicing Ryu Kushai-Do: an art that practices the samurai way of life. This art form swiftly grew in popularity throughout the region, and before long the Kushihara, under the command of Daimyo Kushihara, became the strongest samurai group employed by the throne. To this day his descendants carry this tradition.
mystic art
10th Degree Mystic Art: “Hi Rensa Teikiatsu”- Is a high-powered attack where a combination of known attacks (empty hand, or armed) are unleashed at one target.
kushihara characters
Lord ghoda
Daimyo Ghoda is the oldest master in the Kushihara Samurai clan. Although merely seventy-two, he carries himself as if he was one thousand years beyond that mark. His sinus allergies seem to always nag and slow him down and often he complains about body aches. Rarely do his endeavors allow him to leave the confines of the castle, but when he is able to leave his reputation as a warrior and gentle human being to precede him.
Diamyo Ghoda’s intelligence, wisdom, and skills excel that of most martial arts masters. His age and wisdom, as well as his deep connection to Ki energy, proved to be both enviable and formidable. Diamyo Ghoda was a legendary samurai master and accomplished more than most. Small in size but wise and deceitfully more powerful than his feeble outward appearance, he trained Ryu-Kushai-Do and quickly became the head of the samurai clan. Now, in the position of governing, Master Ghoda does not have time to pursue personal endeavors.
Throughout Ghoda’s long life, he proves himself to be a wise and kind, but strict leader. Although quick to comfort and guide samurai, he is equally prepared to warn and to express disapproval in the face of bad behavior. Diamyo Ghoda, the once young adventurer turned diplomat, could easily finish confrontation with the edge of his blade. The weight of responsibility, however, forces him to set an example through diplomacy and order. However, his martial arts practice remains at the ready and is centered on maximum effectiveness through high-powered abilities.
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ryu kushihara
The smiling face of Ryu Kushihara is known throughout Japan. His fame and model citizenship are rewarded almost everywhere he goes. However, a deep-seated rage boils beneath this outward display of kindness. Ryu is jealous of the throne and believes that his bloodline was deceived by the noble families, namely the Shigenobu. Though he understands that dishonoring the throne would lead to his execution he is not shy when an opportunity to point out the shortcomings of noblemen arises. This jealousy fuels him in battle.
Ryu Kushihara is a Samurai of great merit. Though an exemplary leader and educator of young soldiers, Ryu Kushihara is misunderstood due to his outwardly angry appearance. Not wanting to be perceived as an angry man, this misconception about Kushihara-san has forced Ryu to consciously present a more inviting persona. The feud that burns within Ryu Kushihara however is not easily quelled, and his efforts are seen as forced or even fake by many, which upsets the master greatly.
Ryu Kushihara is a fearless combatant who enjoys assisting in the elimination of foes from long distances through his accurate shooting. Using his enchanted Yumi, targets are rendered blind, allowing his fellow soldiers easier opponents to defeat. When within close proximity to an opponent, Ryu Kushihara becomes a fantastic grappler, taking opponents to the ground.
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saturo Kushihara
Unlike his older brother Ryu, Saturo’s friendly behavior is truly genuine. Although he is panged by the sight of the Shigenobu family his attitude is much more under control. Saturo is calculating, strong, and has grown to accept his place in society and history. Allowing his martial arts to show his greatness is how Saturo has learned to live in peace.
Saturo Kushihara is a genuine man. Though dealing with the same feud that angers his older brother, Saturo Kushihara has discovered methods to silo his anger. This control gives way to spite whenever he sees a member belonging to his enemy family benefit from the sacrifices his family endured. Outside of this instance, Saturo Kushihara remains an even-keeled man of great report.
Though versed as a swordsman, as all Samurai are, Saturo Kushihara prefers the Bo Staff when engaging enemies. To back up his abilities with the pole, Saturo Kushihara mastered grappling in the instances an opponent is able to penetrate his extended weapon.
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Naohiroshi
The recluse Naohiroshi wandered his way to Kushihara castle as a teen and has lived, trained, and ascended the ranks his entire life. Though a loyal and trusting Kushihara ally, Naohiroshi’s wayward attitude makes his comrades wonder if he is truly loyal. Seeming to never want to assist or lead, Naohiroshi has never failed a campaign. Always difficult to find for missions and reclusive after them, Naohiroshi’s assistance is seldom utilized.
Though the man known as Naohiroshi is thought to be a reclusive wanderer, he has sworn allegiance to the Kushihara and is ever vigilant in advancing the Kushihara mission. His wayward lifestyle is considered complicated and slightly obscure to his colleagues. Naohiroshi is subscribed to the Bushido Code, but his displays of proper etiquette are often subpar. For example, Naohiroshi will often be seen without the signature two swords of the Samurai, and wear tattered clothing despite receiving gifts from the community.
Naohiroshi will engage targets without the use of his katana. He relies on his skills as a striker primarily where his weapon may make shorter work of tougher opponents. He will employ the Striking Renzokuken as a first strike, and follow it with the other strikes before using the “Bonus Attack” Mystic Art to allow him a last final strike.
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Tsuo Tendo
The regal general Tsuo Tendo commands life as he does troops on the battlefield. He is the prototypical man of action. Tsuo Tendo is embraced by the Bushido code and holds the lifestyle dear to his heart in order to remain loyal to his Lord and Master Ghoda. Tsuo's most noted attribute is pride in both his name and position within the Kushihara order. A duelist of the highest regard, Tsuo is a man not to be taken lightly should paths cross on unfriendly terms.
Tsuo Tendo is known as a Samurai Master of great patience, bravery, discipline, and accomplishment and is held in great esteem by his colleagues. He has the ability to keep a cool head in any situation. Tsuo Tendo has complete control of his emotion and is known to never show anger or raise his voice. It is this calm that thrust him into the position of Gensui-Rikugun-Taisho, Field Marshal, in the Japanese army.
Despite his composed personality, Tsuo Tendo is a man of action. Though a highly ranked Elite Samurai, Tsuo Tendo will lead his men from the front leading a charge toward an enemy army. His goal is to be the first to a destination point, using his Kanabo to smash through enemy forces then attack opponents with arrows as his troops follow his lead.
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Shin Kuno "The Emperor's Executioner"
The imposing figure of Shin Kuno is one that is seldom seen. As the Emperor’s Executioner, he spends most of his days deep in meditation in order to deal with the weight of his responsibility. Ever serious and training to hone his craft there is no one more dedicated to the throne than Master Kuno. The image of his low-hung rice farmer’s hat, Katana slung over his shoulder and leading his horse-drawn cart carrying the famed Trunk of Five Blades, is synonymous with death. Shin Kuno is a very difficult person to friend as most of his concerns revolve around the subject of death, justice, and punishment, but he is a trusted member of the Kushihara samurai.
Shin Kuno is a man of few words or no words at all and follows a harsh and impenetrable ethic. His word is absolute, once he agrees to the assassination and is paid, he will pursue his missions regardless of the risk. Because Shin Kuno often has the responsibility of killing people of notoriety, after an assassination, he will meditate and pray in solitude. Shin Kuno is a legend throughout Japan and amongst his peers is seen as a rare extremity of commitment and practice. Despite his inscrutability, Shin Kuno is sympathetic, can be very straightforward with people, but also well mannered. He loves his horse Daino, even though that love is secondary to his mission.
Shin Kuno approaches combat as a person employed to protect the empire, and under the law, anything that interferes with the will of the Emperor is given a death sentence. Shin Kuno’s legend has numerous times indicated that he is willing, and capable of, decapitating multiple people in a single encounter. He is known to be merciless and his mere presence strike fear in those who know of this legend.
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Hyosuke Kushimoto
Hyosuke Kushimoto is the celebrity of the Kushihara masters. His popularity has led him to become the “face” of the organization. Often seen in taverns drinking and partying with locals alongside Benisatori, Hyosuke is misunderstood and not thought to be that serious of a samurai. Mistakenly so, Hyosuke contributes to businesses frequently, cares for the sick in their homes, and acts as a dignitary in times of need. Though his path may outwardly appear crooked, his walk is that of the straight and narrow.
Hyosuke Kushimoto is extraordinarily gifted in the practices of RyuKushai-Do. Many wonder if his ability to use Ki Energy exceeds even that of Grand Master Ghoda. For his age and level of experience, Kushimoto is also an incredibly skilled duelist. Hyosuke Kushimoto’s greatest hurdle is controlling his emotions of empathy and adherence entirely to the Samurai Code. His status in the national limelight causes him to help those in need to live up to his legend despite what is required by the Code of Bushido.
Hyosuke Kushimoto can be both merciful and merciless in his decision-making, considering how a decision may affect his celebrity. Hyosuke Kushimoto uses high-level Mystic Art abilities to aid him in combat further develop his legacy as a Samurai warrior.
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Benisatori Furikken
Hyosuke Kushimoto’s right-hand man is Benisatori Furikken. Though 14 years older, Benisatori saw promise in the young man. Master Furikken took him under his wing and taught Hyosukethe ways of the Samurai through Ryu Kushai-Do. Now, Benisatori does what he can to keep up with his prodigy and frequently challenges him to contests of art, song, dance, and love to gauge himself and his life as he progresses through the years. The friendliest man In the clan is also misunderstood like his prodigy. Willing to share all that he has, Benisatori is a gem in the Kushihara Samurai clan.
A legendary Samurai Master, Benisatori Furriken is a nobleman and gifted in the ways of the Ryu-Kushai-Do. Master Furriken trained, and now mentors Hyosuke Kushimoto focusing on meditation to try to understand his extreme empathy, Furriken also taught Kushimoto to live in the present and trusting his instincts. The Master remains by the side of his underling constantly molding Hyosuke to be the perfect Samurai. Though he understands that Hyosuke is an adult, he continues to view him as the young man he began training so many years ago.
As a character, Benisatori Furriken will consider the effects of how his actions will impact his impressionable understudy, and then move forward. Benisatori is a grappler by nature and will use his skills to finish opponents quickly. Though a person who prefers close distance hand-to-hand combat Master Furriken’s weapon of choice is the Nagamaki, using its superior length to his advantage.
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