Juzo

Gochiso

• He Who Collects
  
  

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  The hawk is probably grieving is it not In the wind's midst even sound stops The wings that grasp the sky Resting is a thing they cannot do

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  鬼

  To what compares the heart? This heart that is like a hawk To what compares the heart? Of grief that seems to circle the sky

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  Always blossoming small The flower is probably sad is it not Of lightly peach-coloured petals Without a hand to love them

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  ➣S H R I N E ▪ In the sickliest part of the hidden forest, a stone shrine resides. It's vast age is distinct, yet it seems as though the forest refuses to reclaim it. Within the heart, an ornate dish stands at the feet of a Komainu, pristine in condition and unlike the decrepitude of its surrounding walls. A terrible mask is embedded into the base of the statue, unlike any kabuki masque you have ever seen. You do your best to ignore it. You hold a coin in your hand -- it feels heavier than ever.

  ➣N I G H T W A T C H E R ▪ Here lie the effigies and images of the Yomawari; an ancient clan of yoma. There are many names tied to the Yomawari, and tales tell of their changing faces and golden teeth. It is known that the Yomawari accustom themselves to the wearing of the traditional oni mask; a chosen token for their descent into the mortal plane, for their true faces are said to be too terrible to bear. Other accounts might claim that rather, their faces are too beautiful. Once upon an old moon, when the shrine was bright and well, the village folk would keep the dish full of coins in return for protection from the Yokai Realm.

  
  

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  ➣C O I N ▪ The coin is heavy in your palm. You turn it over in your fingers. The gold - though scratched and clouded - still glimmers slightly against the night's light. Perhaps you discovered it in the river bed or the dirt. Perhaps it was a gift from a strange relative. Regardless, the odd symbols which embossed each side were a source of both fear and intrigue, for you had never seen anything like it, and wondered if there had ever been more. Research led you to connect the coin to this shrine, and you beheld as the coin weighed heavier with every step towards the shrine's heart.

  ➣O N I ▪ Summon forth, last of the Yomawari! The coin is placed into the basin, and words are whispered. But a whisper will not reach the Yokai Realm, and so you must shout. To have and to devour, collect this gold! Bring forth the wrath and the terrors of old! The chant resonates through the forest, and yet not a single creature stirs. The ill silence is cut by the sound of sconces being set alight, and the shrine bursts to life. The bath fills with water, and light emanates from the dais. Yet; the promised Yomawari is nowhere in sight. In the old shrinemaiden's room, a bed is made. You must close your eyes and rest the night away, for the Yomawari known as Jūzō will not so easily reveal himself to the naked eye.

  
  
  
  
  
  

  起 死 回 生 。 弱 肉 強 食 。
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  ◖Name◗ Yomawari Jūzō ◖Age◗ ??? ◖Gender◗ Male ◖Race◗ Yoma, Oni

  ◖Alignment◗ Chaotic Good ◖Likes◗ Birds, alcohol, gold rain and dance ◖Dislikes◗ Shuten Dōji, his kin The Yokai Realm ◖Traits◗ Kind, protective dutiful & proud

  ◖Virtue◗ Fortitude ◖Vice◗ Wrath ◖Bond◗ The protection of mortal kind ◖Fighting Style◗ Kenjutsu