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Post by Mᴏᴏɴ - - on Oct 30, 2016 14:27:35 GMT -5
BACK TO SAKURACLAN
Important Events
The Siege of the Valley: During Lady Akiko and Lord Kotarou's rule, the clan was invaded by cats of the Oda army; around 90 soldiers in all, including the three commanders. Unprepared for this attack, SakuraClan was forced to fight. The battle lasted for nearly an entire day, leaving SakuraClan exhausted and with many casualties. Even the cherry blossoms were stained red with blood; which is they call this the Era of Bloodstained Cherry Petals. The SakuraClan cats were forced to withdraw at midnight. The Oda cats vowed to come back again and the next day, they did. But this time, SakuraClan was well ready for the fight.
The Oda Clan eventually started to back off, and the valley cats had a great chance at victory. But near the end of the battle, Lord Kotarou, male leader of SakuraClan, was jumped by Lord Nobunaga himself. The two skirmished in the middle of the blood-slicked clearing, but the vicious Nobunaga overpowered Kotarou with ease. He brutally murdered the SakuraClan lord, right in front of Akiko's eyes. After this murder, the 'Demon King' made a chilling reminder to Akiko that he would someday return, and her clan would be his.
Lord Kotarou had a marvelous funeral. His body was adorned with flowers of every kind and laid to rest by the River of the Heavens. As per his mate's request, his body was sent down the river to Mt. Fuji, in hopes that the benevolent leader would climb up to the Heavens. He was the first daimyo to ever have been killed in battle, and the entire Clan honors him as if he were their father.
The Great Contamination: TBA About: The Moon ShrineJundo Mountain refers to the mountain range home to Mt. Fuji, the largest and most sacred of these mountains. Inside Fuji is a dim-lit cave, which contains the Moon Shrine. This is where daimyo and healers go to share tongues with the gods and their warrior ancestors. Leaders go there to receive their nine lives or ask the gods for help. The earth is darker here, the grass coarser underpaw, giving away to bare rocky soil dotted with patches of heather. The opening to the shrine is square and black, and yawns beneath an elaborate torii archway. Once they enter the cave, the cats must stay silent.
Inside Mt. Fuji is a tunnel, leading to the Moon Shrine. The air inside is cool, sometimes cold, with a tang of mint and stone. Cats must find their way through a tunnel by using their whiskers to feel the edges of it, or by following the scent trail of the cat ahead of them. The tunnels of are very rocky and may cut the pads of a cat if they have gone down the wrong tunnel. There are tunnels branching off in opposite directions, but only one leads to the cavern. It is much like a maze. The "right" tunnel - a rough, downwards slope - has tall, smooth walls glistening with moisture. It opens up to a cavern arching high above the cats visiting. The distant rumble of a waterfall can be heard from here, and the water trickles down the vines and rock crevices within.
The farther the cats go, the lighter it gets; the light is blue, in fact. The vast curved walls in the cavern reach to the ceiling, finally opening to a hole. The entrance to the hole is marked by a pair of giant komainu (lion-dog statues). Nature intertwines here, which has allowed vines, mosses, and tiny shrubs to grow in and around them. The plants are kept fresh and green due to the tiny waterfalls that can be seen falling from the ceilings. The statues are several feet tall, and some say that the permanent, glaring snarl that they possess can make even the bravest cat a bit unsettled.
The hole is marked at the top; the kanji for “Moon Shrine” is etched into the rock. Stepping into it leads to a secret, beautiful cavern with a small shrine and a glittering miniature pond that glows with an ethereal blue light. In this pond are two spirits that circle one another indefinitely - a black cat with a white spot, Yang, and a white cat with a black spot, Yin. These two sacred cats are what keep the world in complete balance. The bright blue light is caused by the moon reflected onto the mirror of the shrine from a hole in the ceiling.
To communicate with the gods, all the cat must do is press his or her nose to the water, and they fall asleep almost immediately. It is said to be very cold, and some cats believe they are not dreaming until they open their eyes, realizing they have assumed a sleeping position. Cats come here as part of various ceremonies, such as healers sharing tongues with their ancestors every half-month, and daimyo gaining their nine lives. When leaders go to the Moon Shrine, they are forbidden to eat or drink anything beforehand, including traveling herbs. They receive nine lives and have their name replaced with the prefix "Lord/Lady –" to honor their new rule. Daimyo and healers also come here if they need guidance from their ancestors, but cannot wait for members of the Celestial Plains to walk in their dreams or have not seen them for many months and need guidance. About: The Afterlife
The Celestial Plains are a golden landscape covered in eternal spring, a land of sun and clouds. Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi control the time of day in the mortal realm. Like Earth, the Heavens have day, evening, and night (as well as weather). For the living cats, the Plains appear as a large, cloudy-looking swath of stars by night. Clan cats believe that, upon dying and joining the Heavens, a new star appears in the sky. On the other hand, the stars are sometimes regarded as representing the living cats instead of the dead ones. Yomi, the Underworld, is the Plains' polar opposite. Instead of walking the golden skies with friends and family, cats here are cursed to walk through a gloomy forest in solitude, eventually becoming evil seishin. There seems to be no limitations on who the cat demons can visit, although if a cat consciously decides that they don't want to be visited any more, it seems to prevent it from happening again. Upon waking up from the dream, the dreaming cat will retain all characteristics acquired (for example, if they get wounded in Yomi, they will have the same wound in reality as well. This also applies to fatigue, and skills practiced in the dream).
~ Seishin are able to pass into Yomi or the Plains if they need to, but by doing so, they risk the chance of becoming lost and never finding their way out again. From the Celestial Plains, there is a barrier consisting of a tall, black torii gate surrounded by a cloud of mist, that eventually leads down into Yomi. Important Cats
Emperor Hebi - One of the earliest rulers of SakuraClan. Emperor Hebi, meaning 'snake', was said to bring pure despair to the clan, as he was revealed to have been conspiring with evil spirits in an attempt to control the clan cats like puppets. The clan banished him to Nageki no Mori as they chased him out of camp. Senko - The first hunter. Kasumi - A popular tactician in the Era of Bloodstained Cherry Trees. He is best known for acting as an ardent strategist under Lord Kotarou. During his service, he was said to have been known by the SakuraClan vassals for his valuable wit, thus leading to his nickname "Kasumi the Sagacious". Lady Yamako - The first known healer of the clan. She was a wise cat who ultimately gave her life at the siege of the valley. Kaze - An adventurous she-cat; the first to discover the Moon Shrine. Odoriko, Hana, and Oka - The founders of Hana Valley. Lord Kotarou - A young, righteous tom who became the leader of SakuraClan, with Lady Akiko as his consort. He died heroically in the Oda Clan invasion, leaving Akiko to rule her kingdom on her own. Important Battles
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Post by Mᴏᴏɴ - - on Oct 30, 2016 14:27:56 GMT -5
Predators Red Foxes - It is very hard to kill a fox on your own; only an immensely strong and quick cat can do so, and even then, it is a risk. However, it is very possible that one can fight one by having a large group of cats constantly slash and bite at the vulpine until it flees, weakens, or dies altogether.
Kitsune - They look like foxes, but kitsune are usually a little larger than an average fox, have glowing foxfire floating around them, and (not always) have more than one tail. Kitsune have magical powers like shape-shifting, life-force absorption, and illusions. Being possessed by one is not a pretty sight to see or endure. Even though they're in a very deep part of the bamboo forest, they're still a huge threat. With their supernatural abilities, they are impossible to fight. You will be cursed, or worse, get killed trying. Do not attempt to fight them; it is best to run.
Tanuki - A raccoon dog is a relatively harmless little creature. It won't really hurt you, but it may try to outsmart you by pulling a trick, so be careful.
Mamushi - It is very hard to fend off a large snake like this. Although it's body is not very quick, the mamushi's neck can lash out like lightning, delivering an excruciatingly painful bite. It's fangs are rumored to be two inches long, filled with fatal poison. It is best to attack a mamushi from behind. If you can get around it, quickly find the nape of it's neck and pounce. Once a hard, long bite is delivered to it's sensitive throat, it will die. However, this method is highly risky, and can only work with a swift and silent cat. It is best to run, as it cannot slither too fast.
Taimen - Although more of a rare delicacy than a predator, the mighty four-foot-long taimen can become one if great caution is not taken. Fishing out one requires a horde of strong felines to hold it still. Even so, the taimen's weight and thrashing tail can easily break a cat's spine or drown them underwater. Usually when fishing one out, a cat will have to bite it's head or it's gills to slowly immobilize it which the other's drag it away from the water. Once it perishes from lack of oxygen, the cats can safely pull it out.
Bakeneko - You can tell if one of these cats are nearby from their rancid smell. Even though bakeneko are similar in shape and nature to a cat, never attempt the fight them. Like the kitsune, they can shape-shift, curse a cat, and create illusions. There are no known ways of fighting a bakeneko. The only option is to run or hide quickly.
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Post by Mᴏᴏɴ - - on Nov 19, 2016 16:44:52 GMT -5
Playlist
1. Nijiiro Chouchou - Waggaki Band
2. Cherry Blossoms In Winter - Yoshida Brothers
3. Anegawa (Azai) - Samurai Warriors 4 OST
4. Reset - Ayaka Hirahara (Okami OST)
5. Tribe of Heavenly Kami - Okami OST
6. Rain Shower - Samurai Warriors 4 OST
7. Tadakatsu Honda's Theme - Samurai Warriors 3 OST
8. The Spinning Song - Kagamine Rin & Len
9. Kamiki Village - Okami OST
10. Raging Waves (Toyotomi) - Samurai Warriors 4 OST
11. Beginning - Samurai Warriors 4 OST
12. Princess Kaguya's Theme - Okami OST
13. Seian'kyou Nobles' Quarter I-II - Okami OST
14. Strong Fate - Wagakki Band
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Post by Mᴏᴏɴ - - on Nov 19, 2016 16:45:11 GMT -5
About: Ceremonies
❀ B E C O M I N G D A I M Y O ❀ - - When a cat becomes a warlord, he or she must travel to the Moon Shrine and share tongues with the ancestors and gods of the High Celestial Plains. The Clan's healer accompanies them on the journey but leaves them alone for the ceremony, in which the cat is granted eight extra lives and a new name with "Lord/Lady" at the end. This process can be surprising and painful, but it is important for the new leader to be able to fight fiercely for their Clan and live long enough to pass along their wisdom and prepare a new leader. After touching the Moon Shrine, the cat cannot move for a short period of time, because their old life is being ripped away so they can receive nine new ones. During the ceremony, each life is given to the new leader by a cat whose life was significant to them in some way. When a daimyo loses a life, they black out for a short period of time, during which that cat visits the Celestial Plains and speaks with their ancestors. On returning to consciousness, the daimyo must recover from the injury or illness that felled them. Healers can usually tell how many lives a daimyo has left, though it is often kept a secret from outsiders and, in a lot of cases, the Clan itself.Life-Giver: [ Touches nose to the top of the new daimyo's head ] With this life I give you [ gift ]. Use it well (to, in, as, for, etc). [ use of gift ] x9( When all of the lives have been given, normally Amaterasu herself says these words: )Amaterasu: I hail you by your new name, Lord/Lady ____ Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a daimyo, and the gods grants you the guardianship of SakuraClan. Defend it well; care for the young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the bushido code; live each life with pride and dignity." During the ceremony, nine lives are given to the new daimyo. Those lives are virtues or traits that they might lack in and aims towards making their leadership fair to all cats they lead. Getting nine lives does not necessarily mean that a daimyo will live longer, but they can survive certain accidents or injuries that would claim the life of a normal cat. However, they cannot survive if they have major injuries.
❀ C O M M A N D E R C E R E M O N Y ❀ SakuraClan's commander is chosen by the daimyo, to assist in taking care of the Clan. To qualify, a samurai must have had an apprentice and must be strong and brave, with the qualities needed to take on leadership of the Clan if necessary. According to the bushido code, when a commander dies or steps down, the daimyo must announce a new one before midnight.Commanders stop their jobs if: - the daimyo dies, leaving the commander to take over as leader.- the commander retires and becomes an elder.- the commander commits a crime against the code and is demoted or driven from the Clan.- the commander dies or is killed in battle.If the commander dies: Daimyo: "I say these words before the body of [ fallen commander’s name ], so that his/her spirit may hear and approve of my choice. [ New commander’s name ] will be the new commander of SakuraClan."If a commander retires or there's a new leader: Daimyo: "The time has come to appoint a new commander. I say these words before the gods, that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve my choice. [ Name of cat ] will be the new commander."
❀ S A M U R A I C E R E M O N Y ❀ Samurai are the lifeblood of the Clan. They patrol the borders, keep the fresh-kill pile supplied, and defend their Clanmates against attacks from enemy cats or predators. They fight to protect the Clan for as long as they are able and are often called upon to mentor apprentices, passing on the skills they were taught.Daimyo: "I, [ name ], leader of SakuraClan, call upon my ancestors to look down upon this minarai. S/he has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him/her to you as a samurai samurai in his/her turn. [Name of apprentice], do you promise to uphold the bushido code, and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"Apprentice: "I do."Daimyo: "Then by the powers of the heavens, I now pronounce you as a true samurai of SakuraClan. The gods honor your [ characteristic ] and your [ characteristic ] and we welcome you as a new samurai." [ daimyo rests muzzle on cat's forehead ]
New Samurai: [ licks daimyo's shoulder respectfully, then bows low ]
❀ M I N A R A I C E R E M O N Y ❀ Before a cat can become a samurai, he or she must be trained to fight and hunt and defend the Clan. At the age of six moons, kittens leave the nursery and become apprentices. The daimyo assigns each apprentice a sensei - an older samurai to guide the apprentice on the path to being a samurai. Apprentices are responsible for chores around the camp, such as tending to the elders, in addition to their training. If they work hard, listen to their mentors, and live by the bushido code, soon they become samurai, and hopefully, one day, the chance to be a sensei themselves.Daimyo: "I've called you together for one of the most important moments in the life of a Clan; [ Name of kitten(s) ] has/have reached his/her/their sixth moon, and it's time for her/him/them to become a minarai. [ Name of kitten ], may Great Mother Amaterasu be your guide. Set your on the path you must follow to become a samurai."[ Beckons cat that was chosen to be the new sensei. ]"[ Sensei's name ]. You will be the master to [ name of apprentice ]. You are [ qualities that the cat is good at ]. I know you will pass these qualities on to [ apprentice's name ]. [ Sensei and apprentice touch their noses together. ]
❀ H E A L E R C E R E M O N I E S ❀ Most healers are born to their destiny. From a young age, these special kitten are drawn to the healer den. They are fascinated by the herbs and often have strange dreams of their own. A healer can spot which kitten would make a good apprentice. If the kitten agrees, he or she is brought to the sacred Moon Shrine and initiated into the ranks of healers through a secret ceremony. The life of a healer is not easy, but it is very rewarding. Although healers cannot have a mate or kittens, they are beloved and respected by the whole Clan. They devote their lives to protecting their Clanmates in a way that ordinary samurai cannot. And they know that there is a special place waiting for them in the High Celestial Plains.Healer Ceremony Former Healer (Sensei): "I, [ Name ], healer of SakuraClan, call upon my ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he has trained hard to understand the ways of a healer, and with your help s/he will serve his/her Clan for many months. [ Name of apprentice ], do you promise to uphold the ways of a healer, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?" Apprentice: "I do." Former healer: "Then by the powers of the heavens, I now pronounce you as a healer. The gods honor your [ characteristic ] and your [ characteristic ]. Now it is time for you to share tongues with the gods as a full healer." [ New healer is to touch nose to the Moon Shrine. ] Healer Apprentice Ceremony: Healer: "[ Name of apprentice ], is it your wish to share the deepest knowledge of the gods as a SakuraClan healer?" Apprentice: "Yes."
Healer: [ Faces the Moon Shrine ] "Warriors of the Celestial Plains, I present to you this apprentice. S/he has chosen the path of a healer. Grant him/her your wisdom and insight so that s/he may understand your ways and heal his/her Clan in accordance with your will. [ Name of apprentice ], lie down and touch your nose to the Moon Shrine."
❀ B E C O M I N G A W I S E O N E ❀ The life of a samurai is difficult and dangerous, and many die young -- in battle, of disease, or from a natural disaster. Those cats lucky enough to live a long life may eventually retire from their samurai duties to become elders. These elderly cats are viewed with the deepest respect by the rest of the Clan. Many months of experience make them an invaluable source of advice for the Clan daimyo, and they keep alive Clan history by passing down the old stories. Daimyo: "[ Elder's name ], is it your wish to give up the title of samurai and go join the elders?"Elder: "It is." Daimyo: "Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us. I call upon the gods to give you many seasons of rest."
❀ O T H E R C E R E M O N I E S ❀
Deceased Apprentice Ceremony: *NOTE: This is done when an apprentice that is almost old enough to be a samurai dies/is expected to die before s/he becomes one.*Daimyo: "I ask my ancestors to look down on this apprentice. S/he has learned the bushido code and has given up his/her life in service of his/her Clan. Let Amaterasu receive him/her as a true samurai.Summoning the Clan: Daimyo: "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the cherry trees to hear what I have to say!"
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Post by Mᴏᴏɴ - - on Dec 25, 2016 15:47:27 GMT -5
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