Author's Games: Samurai

Clan 2: Kyou Asai

This was written by ariel_paiement1

Name: Asai Kyou (Ah-sigh-ee Key-oh) My character's name means "unite" or "cooperate" according to the Behind the Name.

Age: 24

Gender: Male

Appearance: Kyou has shaggy black hair, which he never bothers to tame. For official ceremonies, he'll tie it back into a low, short ponytail, which is unusual for his time but will become popular in the Edo period. He also pulls it up out of his face when in fights or battles to keep it from interfering with his vision. He also shaves, which isn't particularly common or well-thought of in his time. Beards and moustaches are considered marks of manhood, and it was a point of mockery among some of the Samurai he trained with. However, he's not the sort one takes lightly, so the mockery was usually done quietly or behind his back. Physically, Kyou is quite fit. He isn't bulky like some of his men and opponents, but he has a runner's lean build and a ninja's grace. With his 6' 5", muscular frame, he still intimidates most people. He usually wears a contemplative, serious expression on his tanned face, and people often remark about that. The first things people usually notice about Kyou, however, are his eyes. His father married a woman from Italy; she was half Japanese and half Italian, but her son inherited her piercing gray eyes. Beyond that, his appearance is relatively common. He typically wears mundane grey and brown kimonos like an older Samurai would while his counterparts wear slightly more colorful variants of the same kimono style.

Weapon of Choice: Tekko-Kagi (Early variant of brass knuckles that sort of look more like claws depending on what type you use... Wikipedia has some information on them, but if used properly, according to one source, they can ensnare, disarm, or even break a katana. So facing an opponent who knows how to use these wouldn't be fun if you were the one wielding the katana, my friends.) or Neko-te (claw-like weapon that attaches to the hand, allowing wielder to safely grab the opponent's weapon or attack. They were, more typically, a female ninja's weapon, not a man's. But that's beside the point... It was common to dip them in poison for added effectiveness.). Both weapons are, as mentioned, more Japanese ninja weapons than Samurai, but they are from 1560 according to my research (They are, at the very least, Japanese weapons, though they could be earlier or later in the timeline... But they were around the right time period if the sources were correct). Kyou also uses the more traditional katana and wakizashi when reasonable. He prefers to wear a Tekko-Kagi on one hand and use a dagger or his wakizashi with the other. If he doesn't do that, he typically uses the Tekko-Kagi or Neko-te on both hands.

Personality: Kyou is known for his intelligence and fairness. He doesn't act without thinking, but if punishment is necessary, he metes it out without mercy. His people know they can count on him to be fair and generous so long as they follow the rules set out for them. He is fiercely loyal to family and those who make into his circle of friends, but he isn't someone who facilitates easy conversation with outsiders. Despite the fact that his clan trusts him, they don't view him as a companion in their daily struggles because he is closed off. While always cordial to everyone and gentle with those beneath him in rank, he won't tolerate disrespect or misbehavior. If you asked his people to describe him, they would tell you that Asai Kyou-dono is cool-headed and calm. They would likely inform you that they've never seen their leader ruffled or annoyed by anything outwardly. However, there have been a few occasions where he became angry about something, and no one wants to be around when that happens. If his friends and family are asked, they would tell you that he has a debilitating habit of pulling everything inside and hiding his emotions from the world. They would tell you, in no uncertain terms, that their leader is a great man despite his faults, and they fully expect him to go far in life as he's quite determined. He never sets a goal he can't keep.