Author's Games: Samurai

Clan 8: Hirotei Imagawa

This was written by ZSB2000. 

Name: Imagawa Hirotei (Im-ah-GOW-uh Hee-ROH-tay) "Hirotei" means "not exposed" or "hidden". A very similar word to "Imagawa" is "imigawa" that means "meaning side" as in "meaningful" or "significant". So he is the "hidden meaningful side".

Age: 35

Gender: Male

Appearance: Hirotei is 5'7" with a wide frame and strong muscles. He has sleek, straight black hair that reaches just below his shoulders which he always keeps tied in a ponytail. His pitch black eyes are slanted and often hold a solemn, sad look. His posture is straight and he always walks with an air of confidence. Some might call it pride, as he intends to look the way he does. The way he strides when there are immediate and dangerous scenarios, is very quick (as much as is possible with his small stature) and intimidating so even without his knowledge. Hirotei's general expression is a discerning frown that adds to his mysterious exterior.

Weapon of choice: Katana and wakizashi. Hirotei invented what he called Ude-ni-ha which means "blade on arm". It is a tough cloth that is wrapped around the lower arm with blades fastened onto the outside. He keeps this invention a secret, and only uses it in the most intense battles in order to surprise and stagger an opponent.

Personality: Hirotei is extremely reserved and analyzes everything. His outward emotions are always neutral. Sometimes he may appear to be arrogant or resentful, but he only does this for intimidation purposes. In reality, he may just be contently listening or analyzing. Hirotei has been under extreme stress and pressure for the last three years. This has caused him to shut up all his personal feelings and ignore them. Recently he has become cold in his manners and it has had an affect on the people who see him. He is greatly respected already, but he is also feared. Most of this fear comes from his unpredictable actions. Sometimes he is merciful, and sometimes he is cruel. This vaguely extend to his strategies. In fact, his strategies are quite predictable. When he says something, he means it, and he always does what he says he will do. He uses his predictability to do something... unpredictable.

Background: Hirotei's father is Imagawa Yoshimoto, the diaymo. He is the eldest of two sons and chief advisor to his father. As a small child, Hirotei was labeled weak because he was so attached to his mother. His younger brother, Yoshitada, was much tougher than he and gained favor with his father. However, when Hirotei became jealous, he used any talents he had to try and outdo Yoshitada. Yoshimoto was impressed by his strong will and quick reflexes and trained both his sons equally as samurai, but different depending on their skill. Hirotei and Yoshitada's relationship grew stronger and they sealed the rift Hirotei's jealous had created. They were around 10 and 12 when this happened. When Yoshitada had reached 20, he rebelled against his father, clan, and bushido to become a ronin. Yoshimoto cursed dishonor on Yoshitada and forbid even the acknowledgment of his existence. Hirotei was hurt by his brother's choice, but did not think it was unjustified. He knew, however, that if he ever said, or even hinted at agreeing with Yoshitada, he would be cast out as well. When Hirotei was 29, he was married to Lady Hayakawa for tactical advantage. It was considered odd he married so late, but the advantage of this unification justified it. Hirotei does not treat their marriage as a relationship, and while he does not treat her unkindly, he mostly ignores her. Hirotei knows that his father is aging and becoming weak in battle. Although it pains him, he knows it is likely Yoshimoto will die in battle and Hirotei will take his place as diaymo. He hopes that he will live up to his father's legacy and honor.

Important side characters with them: Yoshitada used to be his closest friend until he became rogue. Hirotei is still very close with his mother, and shares everything with her; even the taboo mentioning of Yoshitada. He has great respect and love for his father, but disagrees with many things. He dares not speak against anything his father has set. That is one of the things he disagrees with.

What influences their decisions in battle: Hirotei his hesitant to go into any battle. He only goes if necessary either for advantage, or defense. While most may strategize one battle at a time, Hirotei plans them into the future. During battle, he makes quick and accurate judgments based upon the rough man count, and their odds, whether to keep fighting or do otherwise.

Belief: Hirotei actively believes in bushido and his katana as his father taught him. His strongest belief, however, he hides away. The cherry blossom speaks to him deeply, especially after what happened to his brother. Even though he may not show it, he cherishes anything sweet while it is there. However, this doesn't mean he's not ignorant to other sweet things.

Additional information about their clan: I want to add that Yoshimoto was the Imagawa diaymo in real life. He died in 1560, leaving the Imagawa clan to his son, Ujizane. Hirotei is basically Ujizane, although I have changed his name, and many other aspects. He did marry Lady Hayakawa for tactful advantage. She was the daughter of Hojo Ujiyasu.

Nobunaga Oda: "Yoshimoto has always been a formidable enemy, and the Imagawa clan is strong. I suppose we'll see if you can follow in your father's footsteps or become a disgraced samurai, as your brother did."

Mitsuhide Akechi: "Becoming a ronin, whether forced or willing, is never something to be disgraced of. Though a samurai should always have a master, sometimes we must go our own way, in order to find what we most believe in. I myself know of this personally."

Hideyoshi Hashiba: "Losing someone close to you is never easy. I'm sorry that your brother was forced to leave. I often watch the cherry blossoms fall to remind myself that this is only temporary. Soon, things will change. Hold onto that, Imagawa-san."

Magoichi Saika: "I've fought for the Imagawa clan many times, and they're a tough clan. It'll be hard to be the man your father is."

Ishida Mitsunari: "I understand what it is like to be banished from your clan. Your brother has been wounded in a way that no samurai ever should."