Cast

[Tassu]

Crab
Kuni Koyuki
Kaiu Setsu

Crane
Asahina Hinata

Dragon
Tamori Baiko
Mirumoto Shigure

Lion
Matsu 'Tactician' Hide
Akodo Reki
Kitsu Kanna
Akodo Inasa
Ikoma Nishi

Mantis
Yoritomo 'Bubblegum' Seika

Phoenix
Asako Heizou
Asako Osamu

Unicorn
Utaku 'Ace' Yasugen
Ide Yamako

Scorpion
Bayushi 'Red' Tenma
Bayushi Ryuhei
Soshi Kazumi
Bayushi Senshuken
Soshi Yuki
Yogo Tamiyo
Yogo Ono
Shosuro Kashinako

Spider
Susumu Sumiko
Susumu Yuji
Susumu Yakumo

Ronin
Yūrei
Okuri
Hato
Dai

MCA
Usagi 'All Ears' Rei
Hotaru Tsuyo
Hotaru Katsutoshi
Hotaru Sakura
Hotaru Jun

Imperial
Miya Nishida

Brotherhood
Taiguno

[Susumu Sumiko]

Backstory
Name: Susumu Sumiko no Kagetsume
Gender: Female
Clan: Spider
Age: 18
Height 4’10
Build Lithe
Occupation: Diplomat
Marital Status: Single
Hair colour: A mix of black and purple
Eye colour: Brown

In front of a computer, Sumiko is brilliant. She made computing look like an art form, but even beyond this she displayed a natural talent for learning. Her skills were incredible, and she finished top of every single class she was in. Once her Gempukku finished, she found herself assigned to a small library, where she studied up on many different topics. She had spent a lot of time researching information of a foreign nature. She couldn’t read most of the writing, but it always fascinated her, and she’d kept a few pieces copied to try and study.

Sumiko is a small woman, with short hair partially dyed purple. Her kimonos are always in the style of the Spider; black, and well fitted to her body. She has a sweet and alluring personality, and a deep interest in any and every knowledge, no matter the subject type. Although she reveres the Dark Fortunes like all other Spider, she has a particular soft spot for Benten in her life, and she will often include prayers to Benten in her morning duties along with the Dark Fortunes.

On her wrist, there is a beautiful piece of art – two rings round her left wrist, with small Spiders linking them all round her arm. Jade, tattooed into her arm to show her purity. It looked painful (which it was!) but stunning.

Hooks

• Do you like to read? So does Sumiko! No topic is off limits and she knows a lot of topics
• She's a friendly girl. How is she a Spider?
• Sumiko enjoys spending time on a Computer. Do you like computers?
• Sumiko has been working quite closely with the Firefly clan, assisting in arranging trade between the two clans

[Matsu Hide]

Name: Matsu Hide
Clan: Lion Clan
Identifies as: Female
Marital Status: Married to Matsu Eriko
Occupation: Marine
Age: 21
Height: 5’4”
Build: Athletic, can lift for days
Eyes: Amber
Hair: Black with white highlights

A bit shorter than you’d expect a Matsu to be, Hide tends to carry herself in a manner that defies her shorstack nature. She is by no means small, and she will have you know that. While off duty, her casual attire tends to either include a nice sturdy jacket, or some shirt shows off the tattoos on her left arm.

Hooks
• Do you even lift? - Hide really enjoys hitting the gym or anywhere with a set of weights.
• Jock incarnate - Sports? Hide likes to play. She's gotten pretty good at oshidama.
• Work hard... Play hard - Hide is no stranger to the nightlife. She loves to hang out after the lights go out.

[Usagi Rei]

Name: Usagi Rei
Gender: Male
Clan: Hare
Age: 24
Height: 5'8"
Build: Fit
Occupation: Embassy Senior Staff
Marital Status: It's Complicated
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Pale brown, hint of amber

A regular in the diplomatic zones of the World of Dreams, Rei has been station in the MCA embassies for several years, and was promoted about a year and a half ago. While he is technically a diplomat, the limited number of personnel means that he ends up doing a little bit of everything.

He's also a regular in the classier bars or the World of Dreams, as well as some of the nightclubs, although he doesn't dance. He's also sometimes seen in more private or seedier locations, but, well, such is the nature of life on the World of Dreams.

Rei is a strikingly handsome young man, with even masculine features, a fit build, and snappily fashionable clothing, in the modern style. He can often be spotted with a drink in hand, or a smoke. Or both. Different hands. Rei has a friendly manner, with cynicism only getting in the way of that sometimes.

HOOKS:
Come find him in the bar! He likes to people-watch, and that's always better with a bit of company!
Do you know where your wife is? That makes one of us! Do you know where HIS wife is? Could you tell him?
Rei was trained as a witch finder. Need any witches found? Or anything else?
Do you want to rise above your vices and do the right thing? Maybe that'll be easier with a friend.
Or... do you just wanna have a good time? That's also a choice!

Spine Drake: Airi

[Kuni Koyuki]

Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single, married to the job.
Occupation: Kuni Advisor (Meishozo Operative)
Age: 29
Height: 5'7
Build: Toned, Athletic.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Light Blue

Reaching in toward her thirties, Koyuki is young but storied. However, none of that story is apparent on the surface. Merely it dwells beneath the face paint and stony demeanor. Keeping to herself the woman often avoids crowds that grow too large, and yet always finds herself where they are likely to gather. A largely solitary woman she maintains herself discretely. Most notable of her appearance, for those who catch her in the right environment, are the tattoo's that travel up her arm from just above her wrist. These tattoo's appear fresh with vibrancy, likely touched up or only first done in the last year or so.

Having arrived on planet recently as a member of the Crab embassy, Koyuki is relatively unknown to the common knowledge of the world of dreams. What is almost certainly dug up of her past is that she once served on an expedition squad. However, she was lost for some years only to return later after miraculously surviving. Following a lengthy recovery time she returned to service among the Crab, traveling between different assignments as an attaché to the local Crab diplomatic corps. Utilizing what wisdom and expertise she'd gained during her prior service in these deployments.

Hooks:

• Koyuki is that friend in your contact list you almost forget is there most of the time, but think of first when things get dire. If you've earned that kind of loyalty from her.
• Lost someone in conflict? Koyuki will toast the fallen with you.
• A woman born to twilight, you'll find her at most night-based establishments.

[Akodo Reki]

Name: Akodo Reki
Gender: Female
Clan: Lion
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"
Build: Svelte
Occupation: Operations Staff Officer in the 52nd Akodo Strike Legion
Marital Status: Widowed
Hair: Red-Brown
Eye color: Coppery Brown

Recently arrived to the World of Dreams, Reki is fresh from the fighting in Crossroads and claims to be on vacation. Her stoic demeanor and accomodations at the Lion embassy have raised more then a few questions.

Still by all accounts, Reki has been playing the part of a tourist and has been seen mostly around the more reputable sources of entertainment on world. And what Lion wouldn't be on guard on the World of Dreams?

Akodo Reki is a reasonably attractive young woman. And even with her aristocratic soldier's demeanor, the Lioness has a certain charm about her. As far as fashion goes, it skews in to the more fashionable side of a typical Lion: stylish but lacking the bold flair of a true fashionista. Also she wears a uniform on occasion... because why would someone expect a Lion not to...



Hooks

• Fellow vacationer? Reki is at least trying to have a good time.
• Veteran of the ongoing Mantis-Lion conflict or curious about the Lion side? Reki is not too far removed from the war.
• There is a strange hint of melancholy behind the stoic cynicism of the good Gunso...

[Taiguno]

Name: Taiguno
Gender: Male
Order: Uzuki the Immaculate (Thousand Fortunes)
Age: 22
Height: 5'10"
Build: Martial artist
Occupation: Monk
Marital Status: Married to Uzuki in Spirit
Hair: Shaved
Eye color: Brown

Taiguno is a recent transplant from the spider home world. He has come seeking to expand the devotion and understanding of Uzuki the Immaculate among the people of the World of Dreams. In particular, he has his eye on the New Shosuro Academy, who he sees as individuals devoted to the perfection of their craft. While he doesn't seem to be particularly talented or trained in any skill, this is likely due to his relative youth and the fact that he has been seeking a more rounded bodily, mental and spiritual perfection rather than seeking to perfect any particular skill. Regardless, he carries himself with confidence.

Hooks
Are you seeking to be the best, to perfect yourself or your art? How can I support you in it?
Do you like to enjoy life and all the wonderful perfect gifts of Fortunes? Let's have fun together!

[Susumu Yuji]

Name: Susumu Yuji
Gender: Male
Clan: Spider
Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Build: Lean, slightly gaunt
Occupation: Aid to the Spider Ambassador
Marital Status: Married, with two children
Hair color: Black, kept about shoulder length, with jagged edges that are dyed dark purple
Eye color: Slightly red, wears glasses

Background:
Yuji is the eldest son of Susumu Dosan and Susumu (nee Daigotsu) Maichiko. His parents were dutiful, if somewhat distant. Yet they made sure that their son, and his siblings Jonetsuhime and Jozen all received excellent schooling on their homeworld of Whispers. They also made sure that even with the distance, they were loved and cared for by their parents and immediate family members. This particular branch of the Susumu family can trace their lineage all the way back to Lord Susumu himself, though they are not a member of the Kuge themselves. Because of this, his parents sought a good match for their eldest son, and through a series of deals, found him betrothed to a member of the Otomo family, Otomo Kimurahime. They did not meet until after their gempukku when he was 16, about ten years ago.

Yuji showed himself to be talented for his duties, and he has a deep admiration for Susumu Gen’ishiro, and took after him by finding joy in Sadane. Through his dedication to diplomacy, as well as his prestigious line and good marriage selection, Yuji has been assigned to the Spider Embassy on World of Dreams for the past five years, where he has done some work with the Shadoworks Combine, but mainly works within the political sphere. His charming, polite, and even warm demeanor where he is more than willing to speak and work with anyone, has earned him many friends and truly a darling of the court at Kyuden Oborozuki. He is often a constant figure there, though he tends to remain from the limelight, and work in the shadows, as the other Courtiers there find it easier to not actively be seen working with the Spider.

Hooks

• Assistant to the Regional Manager - Yuji is often times the public face of the Spider Embassy. Talented, his appointment and tenure on the World of Dreams has garnered him many friends.
• Know It All - Yuji knows a little about a lot of things. Intelligent, he can be a font of information.
• Smiling Serpent - Easily approachable, he will listen and be an attentive host and ear. Especially with the Winter Court, he and Kimurahime look forward to welcoming many guests.
• Creepy and they're kooky, altogether spooky - He is a family man through and through. Doting upon his children, and a united front with his wife.

[Yūrei]

Name: Yūrei
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single and unworthy
Age: 24
Height: 5'2"
Build: Gymnast
Hair: Black, long
Eyes: Brown, occasional golden gleam

"Oh she's a dear, always helps me carry my groceries home. And that one time someone broke in and took the holocorder she had it back in a day."

-Aunty Fu

"Are you Ronin, or Ronout?"

-'Boss' Sanj at Yūrei's first job.

"Oh, her. Isn't she the daughter of [INFORMATION RESTRICTED - CRIMSON ACCESS REQUIRED]"

-Bayushi Magoto, 24th district.

------------------------------

One of the few things harder than just being a ronin is going ronin. Yūrei appears to have been kicked out onto the street not long after her gempukku, if her age is anything to go by. Logically that must mean she was educated as a scorpion samurai, although the dojo is still in question.

Either way, she's had to scramble and struggle ever since. Clawing her way first to a safe place to sleep, then to food, water, jobs and funds. There have been plenty of setbacks, betrayals and moment of violence in alleyways, but she's still here. Given her experience she's actually pretty cheerful and tends to help around her neighborhood and as a Kestrels member most heimin at least tolerate her.

Yūrei is increasingly becoming a go two woman for second story work, something she takes pride in. Still, now that she's found her feet again her friends have noticed the ronin has started hunting down obscure information, dangerous information.

Hooks

Known for being:

• A criminal with a heart of...bronze? - Yūrei supports herself through crime, but has her limits.
• Always hungry - When food is hard to come by you appreciate it all the more. She can finish a ramen bowl before you've cracked open your chopsticks.
• Friendly neighborhood ronin(wo)man - Yūrei tries her best to keep the area around her tiny patch a little safer and a little brighter for its people.
• The lowlife of the Party - She does love a good time though, if life is short might as well live a little.

Webp.net-resizeimage.jpg (140.36 KiB) Viewed 12275 times

[Asahina Hinata]

Name: Asahina Hinata
Identifies as: Male
Clan: Crane
Age: 19
Height: 5'0"
Build: Slender but compact
Occupation: Idol Singer and occasional shugenja
Marital Status: It's complicated . . . single?
Hair color: Blue
Eye color: Blue

Fan 1: I've got the next episode!!!
Fan 2: How? It's not out for three days yet?!?!
Fan 1: I've got contacts. Couldn't wait to see what the Bunny Squad do after that last cliffhanger
Fan 2: Nousagi has to survive. I couldn't stand it if they kill him off.
Not a Fan 3: What are you two idiots talking about?
Fan 1: The latest Inu Tai episode.
Fan 2: You wouldn't understand.
Not a Fan 3: Inu Tai? Isn't that for kids? Oh grow up sometime, why not?
Fan 1: Usagi Drop! are voice actors in it now. Hinata-kun does the voice for the Bunny Trooper Nousagi.
Fan 3: Hinata-kun? What are you waiting for? Start the playback.

The continued longevity of the idol band Usagi Drop! can be attributed to many things. While it is true that the lead singer, Kakita Nazuna, continues to produce high quality music and lyrics for the band to perform, his acerbic personality and his ridiculous feud with that overhyped Spider singer limit his effectiveness. The other members are much more approachable.
Asahina Hinata has proved to be a blessing for publicity. His illusions on stage, affable personality and newfound popularity as a voice actor in a children's cartoon have gone a long way to putting Usagi Drop! at the forefront of the Crane entertainment industry. I believe the band's managers made an excellent choice to give Hinata-san the lead role in the voice acting over Nazuna-san. Diversifying the band members claims to fame can only lead to Usagi Drop! being around for many years to come.

Once again the waste of resources that is the Crane boy band Usagi Drop! have hit our headlines. This time it was the gormless idiot Asahina Hinata at fault. Asked a very simple question by our reporter Kaiu Oboto the waste of space managed to spend over an hour gushing about a children's cartoon. The crowd of onlookers forced to listen to this airheaded drivel blocked a major crossroads for nearly two more hours as the idiot stopped to sign tacky merchandise and pose for pictures with those under his standing. A total waste of time, space amnd resources. The Crane Clan of today is a brainless embarrassment.

Profile and Chara Art by Foxpirate.

Hooks

Singing? Dancing? - Hinata loves both! Literally does it for a living!
Want to chat about clothes? boys? celebrity? - Hinata loves to chat!
Shugenja? - Hinata is still technically a priest and can do priest things

[Susumu Yakumo]

進 八雲

Name: Susumu Yakumo
Nickname: Kumohime to her fans
Gender: Female
Faction: Spider Clan
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Idol Singer
Age: 20
Height: 5'8" / 173cm without heels
Build: Hourglass
Hair: Black
Eyes: Violet
Voice: Many different ones when singing!

It is not unheard of that other clans are allowed to train with the illustrious Kakita Artisans, and Susumu Yakumo is one such person. It is of course the only way to explain her exceptional talent and star-power, as she was taught by the very best. Though she has often entangled herself in personal drama with Kakita Nazuna of Usagi Drop! as the two seemed incapable of just burying the hatchet, but it should be remarked that Susumu-san seems to have dropped that rivalry after she signed with the Imperial. She has since been focused on her career with her Imperial sponsors, achieving great success, but it's only a matter of time before a solo star fades, as statistics show greater stability with performance groups such as our own successful Usagi Drop! ensemble.
Previous years often had Susumu-san's appearances cut short or cancelled due to health-related reasons, but those have been fewer and far between in the past year. With the exception of the Crab-part of her tour, where she declined to show up for any public appearances outside of her concerts and the exclusive fan meet-and-greets on the day of those performances.
Still Susumu-san has an impressive vocal range, capable of a wide register, as well as shifting and what we call "layering" her voice. She has at some point claimed to be channeling voices of the universe, but that is complete rubbish.

*Kurisu's blonde hair is dishevelled as the video begins, and judging by the streaks of makeup on his cheeks, he has been crying. No. He's still crying*

How [beep] dare anyone out there make fun of Kumohime after the incredibly hectic year she's had! She is a singer, of course she is going to protect her lungs. She's had health problems in the past and now she's touring the entire Empire. All you people care about is... flashy news and making money off of her! SHE'S HUMAN!

*Kurisu spends a moment wailing*

What you don't realise is that Yakumo is working hard for all of us and all you do is write a bunch of crap about her. She's never had an audience this big. Her song is called "I Hate You As Much As I Love You" for a reason because she loves all her fans and you people just hurt her and BREAK HER DOWN!!

LEAVE HER ALONE! You are lucky she even perform for you Crab BASTARDS! LEAVE YAKUMO ALONE! *whimper* ... Please.

Kaiu Oboto talked about professionalism and said if Kumohime was a professional she would've showed up to the interview no matter what. Speaking of professionalism; when is it professional to PUBLICLY BASH SOMEONE WHO IS GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME!

Leave Yakumo alone please! Leave her alone! Right now! I mean it! Any of you Crab have a problem with her you deal with me, because she is not well right now!

LEAVE HER ALONE!
*incoherent sobbing*

Original art by StarTwo

Hooks

• Famous and rich - Yakumo is currently one of the big popstars of the Empire and is filthy rich because of it. We should hang out if you are rich and/or famous too.
• Crab-allergy? - Yakumo doesn't have a great reputation with the Crab, her diehard fans among the Crab not included. She has a jade tattoo (intricate spider lilies on her shoulder and up to the nape of her neck), but is it real...?
• Staying at the fancy hotel? - Maybe we're neighbours in luxury?
• Somehow still single??? - So far, no suitor has caught the diva's attention. Maybe that will change?

[Okuri]

Name: Ōkuri
Gender: Male
Clan: Ronin
Age: 28
Height: 5'10"
Build: Wiry
Occupation: “Information Broker”
Marital Status: Single
Hair color: Brown hair, worn in a long ponytail
Eye color: Brown

The man known as Ōkuri is a relatively new arrival, washing up in the World of Dreams along with the rest of the flotsam and jetsam that the city churns out. People began to notice him a few years ago, as he had a tendency to stand out among some of the more disheveled and desperate in the seedier parts of the planet. He was a touch too well spoken, a bit too polished, but the years have added tarnish to these areas to have friends in low places. He is still squeaky by the standards of the area, but has slowly worked his way into a niche of an information broker, and rumor is that he can get his hands on data from specific targets…for a price. He is a bit more expensive than many, but has a reputation for keeping to his word.

He typically operates out of the Shrine of Passion, joining other wayward souls looking to make ends meet, and is lumped in with the Devout, though the group membership is extremely loose.

Personality: The man has a dark, dry sense of humor that tends to be a bitter. He sends to be sardonic, but takes his word seriously as a manner of honor, and feels a need to step in to an unjust situation when he can, and is bitter when he cannot.

Hooks:

• There’s pretty good odds he was a samurai in a past life, but that’s a tough story to get out of him.
• Smoke break? He is happy to bum one off of you.
• Looking for general information? Maybe he has something.
• Do you have a specific target for information? Well, you’ve found the right man for the job.

[Kitsu Kanna]

Name: Kitsu Kanna
Clan: Lion
Occupation: Journalist
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Married
Age: 22
Height: 1.60m (5'3")
Build: Courtly

From: ikoma.setsuna@ikomapress.ln
To: kitsu.kanna@ikomapress.ln

Dear Kitsu Kanna-san,

This is Ikoma Setsuna, editor-in-chief of Galactic Honor, your monthly magazine about what's happening in the cosmos beyond the borders of the Lion clan.

Akodo Junichi-sama has been quite pleased about your work on his biography, and your book was likewise well received by the public. A review of your previous works also showed the same steady commitment to highlighting the virtue of your subjects of significantly less renown.

For all these reasons, I and the other members of the board have agreed you would be the perfect samurai to carry out our next big project: A series of short portraits of honorable samurai from other clans.

You will receive more instructions soon. It is however already certain at the moment that this mission will take you off-planet, for you will go to your subjects and not the other way around. Please prepare accordingly.

Best regards,

[lengthy professional signature]

PS: Congratulations for your baby.


Hooks:

• Some (honorable) accomplishment you're particularly proud of? Tell the tale to Kanna and if the story is good it might become a laudatory article.
• Kitsu + Ikoma, so of course a lengthy discussion about history, the (honorable) ancestors or bushido is always on the table.
• Not to abide by the cliché young parents are always taking about their (honorable) children but...

Art:
https://gevoel.artstation.com/projects/GX5JZV

[Bayushi Tenma]

Name: Bayushi Tenma
Gender: Female
Nicknames: Hummingbird, Ten, Enma, Firecracker
Clan: Scorpion
Age: 18
Height: 5'2" (157cm)
Build: athletic, like a swimmer or gymnast
Occupation: Clan Magistrate
Marital Status: newlywed
Hair color: As red as freshly spilled blood
Eye color: Red, like a rose petal on snow

Blurb:
Young, short, energetic, daring... Bayushi Tenma is a firecracker, waiting to be lit. Rising through the ranks of Scorpion law enforcement due to her dogged determination, hard work, and unmatched drive, she only recently graduated from being a deputy into becoming a full blown Magistrate in her own right, something quite impressive for one so young if she does say so herself. Newly married as well, this trip to the World of Dreams feels like a big transition for her, from her old life as a student to one as a fully grown woman.

Appearance:
Despite thinking of herself as a 'fully grown woman' now, Tenma is still on the short side and only eighteen, having a youthful appearance. Her skin is pale and sets off her bright red hair and eyes, two features no one sees her without regardless of how people have tried to catch her natural hair or eye color. Her body itself is graceful but curvy, with the lithe toned curves of an athlete or duelist as opposed to a weightlifter or soldier. Her usual outfit is dramatic in a way that matches her bombastic personality and appearance, wearing a mix of black leotards and jackets with Scorpion mons emblazoned in red. For her lower half, off the clock, she prefers short skirts and dark leggings underneath, while on the clock she tends to wear black form fitting leggings and high boots, better to move and dodge and climb in.

Known Background:
Tenma is from some backwater Scorpion world, and seems to have a RATHER large family, with at least a dozen siblings people may be aware of. Her school and dojo records are impeccable, and she was top of her class for a few years in a row back in secondary schooling. It is known by many, especially amongst the Scorpion, that she was the primary apprentice of the decorated Senior Magistrate Soshi Korobuto, a man who is famed for his dueling prowess and uncompromising interpretation of the law. That she has been promoted to a full-fledged Magistrate at such a young age surely shows that he is a great teacher and mentor as well. More recently she was one of the Scorpion sent to Asakaze for the miai there, where she fell in love with and chose one Moto Ruhe, a long haired Unicorn musician and bushi who she seems absolutely infatuated with. The tall, grim looking man has been seen with the little red haired bundle of energy at his side many times since then, all smiles and teasing and happiness.





Hooks:
* Law enforcement or law enforcement adjacent? Tenma would love to compare notes.
* Athlete? Tenma did REALLY well in swimming and gymnastics in school and was Top of Clan her senior year at the dojo for gymnastics. Would love to compete against you :3
* Parkour? Tenma's down for some exploring the city!
* Like to go fast? Tenma LOVES to go fast, whether it be riding, driving, or piloting. Let's have a race or a drive around!
* Do you have cute plushies? Tenma has a secret weakness for cute, fluffy, girly fuzzballs.
* Tenma's a big fan of mood music, loving metal and techno to make her feel PUMPED UP, and other things for other moods. Musicians and those who enjoy music will find a good friend in her.
* Miss the country? Tenma would love the chance to talk about woods and hills and things now that she's been away from home so long.
* Love to dance? So does Tenma! Let's dance together or maybe have a dance off :3
* Speaking of competition, besides a dance off, race, or athletic competition, Tenma also wouldn't mind wrassling or other things (just ask); She's a very driven and competitive person and likes pushing herself.
* Know a lot about the Unicorn? Tenma would love to hear more about her husband's Clan from other perspectives.

[Utaku Yesugen]

Name: Utaku Yesugen
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Unwed
Age: 20
Height: 5'4"
Build: Wiry
Hair: Black Bob
Eyes: Brown

This lady adheres to self-made standards of the "ideal pilot body": she is on the smaller side but able to still reach everything, durable but not weighed down by excess muscle, and intelligent! She does love to think of herself as a learned woman; those glasses of hers aren't even necessary for her vision. Oh and her hair is definitely the peak of both fashion and utility.

Despite all those wonderful qualities, she doesn't find herself much of a socializer. Make no mistake, she's not a complete shut-in, but she's not the first person someone would approach with an innocuous question.

Hooks

• Single and Not Looking to Mingle - To the woe of her parents, Yesugen has shown little interest in any sort of pursuit and has been extremely picky. Well, at least the Utaku want to be particular about who joins.
• Veteran of the Short War - Yesugen's flight, after combatting "pirates" and the like, has recently arrived on official shore leave. But is that all she's really here for? Why does she ask so many questions?
• One Book, Please - There should never be a wasted moment in a day for an ace pilot. Yesugen loves carrying around her densai wherever she goes.

[Hotaru Tsuyo]

Name: Hotaru Tsuyo
Clan: Firefly
Occupation: Sculptor
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Married
Age: 30
Height: 1.52m (5'2")
Build: Stocky
Hair: Red that's just over the edge to unnatural
Eyes: Deep brown

Hotaru Tsuyo is a short, sturdy woman with all the upper body strength you’d expect from someone who carves giant stones. Her left leg is an obvious prosthetic, the fabric of her usually pragmatic pants hangs loosely over the lean fabrication of metal and duraplast and her heavy boot moves with the clumsiness of simple hinges rather than a complex ankle joint. A cane carved of some sturdy wood acknowledges her reduced mobility, while the delicate carvings swirling up the length of the wood advertise her skills-completely unaffected by the loss of a leg.

A great deal of visible skin is heavily tattooed. Charms of protection are worked into flowing clouds and flowers, small creatures peeking out within the swirling inks. The soft edges and meditative flow of this art stand as contrast to the straightforward gaze and blunt manner of the woman they adorn. It's quickly obvious to the socially skilled that Tsuyo certainly knows the correct forms, but judges carefully where to apply them.

The Firefly has achieved some modest fame through her pursuit of large-scale sculpture, very large scale. There aren't many asteroid sculptors around, after all. (Nor is 'asteroid' sculptor entirely accurate, since not all large space rocks are asteroids. But the term has stuck. The Crane embraced it when the Kakita first decided to tackle carving in space, and nobody has seen fit to challenge the term since.) Tsuyo has been resident on World of Dreams for the past year working on an installment near the moon, for viewing during this winter's court. It will be her 5th at this scale.

Her works are known for their frequent use of spiritual themes and ambitious scale-even when using merely terrestrial materials. Additionally, there is a small, curled up cat that has shown up tucked into her work so frequently that fans are sure it's hidden somewhere in all of them. While she has referred to the cat as 'Maru' when asked, she has not provided any other information to quell the speculation about what it means or where (or whether!) it's hidden in those works that have not had a cat found in them yet.

Hooks:

Tsuyo has been on WoD for the past year, her wife joining her for the first half but heading back to pursue her own research for the last six months. So locals may know her, and those far from their loved ones may have some commiserating to do.

Past connections? Art at this scale doesn't happen without a *lot* of other people. Construction assistants, extra explosive specialists, pilots, drone and documentary crews (drone footage is how most people experience these works), gallery-related folks, patrons, even fans. Additionally, her wife was originally Seppun, so connections may come from that direction as well.

Art lover? Critic of 'defacing' stellar objects? Feel free to chime in.

Just curious to check out the MCA embassy? We have the most interesting tables for sure.

[Bayushi Ryuhei]

Name: Bayushi Ryuhei 龍平 (formerly Moto Rúhé 如何)
Clan: Scorpion (formerly Unicorn)
Gender: Tenmasexual Male
Occupation: Musical Warrior
Marital Status: Very Much Taken
Age: 20
Height: 187 cm
Build: Metal
Eyes: Dark Brown
Hair: Black

A metal-head with an unenviable childhood. Originally from Kuwagata, he spent his teens in the Three Castles System. Played in several bands, known a bit for his power horsehead fiddle virtuosity and stage charisma, but his involvement in any serious effort is usually a flash in the pan. The upside is he can easily get excited by what excites you, and try it. He has his peeves but is usually very open-minded and easy-going.

Also, the most eligible bachelor of Asakaze miai, now in awesome wedlock. His first album, 'Extraordinary Renditions', is now out, garage edition. Some stickler Scorpion registrar played tricks on his name, but he's a lazy beast, so...

Hooks:

• Actually a Shinjo bushi
• Straight from the boot camp of hell, my abs is metal
• Scorpion ropes welcome
• Metal? Metal! Yeah!
• I'm her hubs.
• Chickenmeatfuckingburns!

[Soshi Kazumi]

Name: Soshi Kazumi
Marital Status: Single
Gender: ?
Age: 26
Height: 5'7"
Build: lean
Hair: black with red towards the ends
Eyes: Black

Kazumi is of middling height and slender frame as far as can be determined as their usual garb is usually layered and loose fitting. Kazumi is also almost never seen in public without their mask leaving their lower face a bit of a mystery to all but close friends. Their hair is usually worn slightly longer than chin length and Ombred from black to red at the tips. Their dark eyes are often intense but not hostile or closed off. While the Soshi can be quiet they are rather friendly once engaged.

Kazumi has a bit of a roller coaster of a public history. An accomplished data architecture specialist for Soshi Biopharma by day people in the field respect their input even if Kazumi is just slightly above entry level. Most of their renown comes from how Kazumi spends their off time. For those that frequent clubs like the Wicked Wasp or some of the less upscale warehouse and pop up raves throughout the City of Dreams Kazumi goes by another name, Moonshade. Kazumi mixed and released a number of tracks online under the moniker that gradually bloomed into popularity in the city. After doing this for a couple years a few smaller clubs reached out to have Kazumi dj the success of this propelled the young artist into minor celebrity.

Looking into public records one would see a bit of a wild streak in the young Scorpion, citations for public disturbances, unlicensed gatherings, property destruction. Until a couple years ago when Kazumi retreated from the public scene. Somewhat recently Moonshade has released a few new tracks and made a number of appearances. Though while their music retains the same energy and power as before, the artist themself seems to be much more mellowed out. Kazumi seems to simply relax and chill after sets rather than amplifying the party.

Hooks

*Artisan and Courtier - While Kazumi's Talents clearly lie in technical knowledge and skill they also seem to be rather charming when engaged in casual conversation.

*Underground celebrity - Kazumi originally found popularity in The City of Dreams Underground and maintains many less legitimate contacts, maybe that's you or a mutual friend.

*surprisingly good shot - the Artist seems to be a pretty practiced hand at shooting for a computer person. Certainly practices, wouldn't mind company while doing so.

*More than electronic? - among Moonshade's many tracks a unique voice can be heard on a handful of songs. Raw but with much potiential it hasn't been attributed to any other known musician.

*Night Owl - Kazumi is often seen around the province in the late night hours. Other denizens of the night have probably bumped into them.

[Akodo Inasa]

Name: Akodo Inasa
Gender: Male
Clan: Lion
Age: 24
Height: 5'11"/181 cm
Build: Wiry
Occupation: Investigator/Liaison
Marital Status: Single
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Brown

Inasa is a tall, somewhat gangly man with permanent dark circles under his eyes and a caffeinated beverage glued to his hand at all times. Despite the apparent eternal state of mild sleep deprivation, he's a somewhat Akodo-stoic but friendly and charismatic person who is always willing to lend an ear or a hand to those around him. He gives little regard to social standing in that regard, likely because of his role as a liaison to ronin the Lion might need the services of and his own somewhat loose conception of honor. Practical considerations and the needs of the Clan come before that, in his mind.

In line with his practical approach to life, he wears relatively simple business casual outfits and a short haircut to minimize anything getting in his way and maximize situations he can fit into without changing. He rarely parts with his sidearm or a small medical kit.

Digging into his past reveals little of substance, though he has an oddly tense and distant relationship with his immediate family. He's also known to be about as dedicated to piety and the ancestors as he is to his personal honor. He's shown little interest in marriage, suspecting he'll end up on a list of names to be betrothed for political considerations at a Winter Court somewhere and content enough with that (for the moment, anyway).

Hooks

• Inasa likes learning, but doesn't have much time off. Let's talk about your interests.
• Hey ronin, need some work?
• Inasa is committed to investigation and digging into the truth of things, and would likely get along with like-minded people.
• He could probably stand to interact with some more cheerful people.

[Hato]

Name: Hato
Gender: Female
Clan: None
Affiliation: None
Occupation: Ronin Jill of all Trades
Age: 25
Height 1.62 m
Build: Slender
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Martial Status: Single

Among the waves of ronin who’ve crashed upon the shoals of the World of Dreams, Hato is a young woman who is quite poised and intelligent. Those who care to guess at her origin must wonder whether it was her failure or her lord’s that left her without a mon. The World of Dreams leads many astray, be it with drugs, romance, or simply becoming too enamored of luxuries.


Hooks:

Are you new to the World of Dreams? Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do? Why not schedule a tour with Hato? For just 1 bu (plus expenses) Hato has several packages to meet your interests! Whether it's touring the centers of power, enjoying the very best botanicals, visiting the hottest shops, or dining in the very best hidden hotspots, let Hato handle it!

Do you have a looming computer project deadline? Perhaps there is a problem with your computer that you'd rather not bother your staff with? For just 1 bu per hour (plus expenses) Hato can take on any computer project big or small. Why spend your time in World of Dreams pounding away at a terminal, when you can be out enjoying the best nightlife? Just let Hato handle it!

Would you like to impress your guests with your amazing karoke skills? Are you concerned that you might embarrass yourself when you pick a song you definitely cannot handle? For just 1 bu per hour (plus expenses), Hato can help you with your karoke, whether it's just getting used to singing in front of someone, feedback on your music selection, or a ready duet partner, let Hato handle it!

All of this and so much more. So whatever your need is, why not just let Hato handle it?