The Toukiden

## Utakata Village

Home of the Toukiden, Utakata Village lies deep in the forests of Aokigahara, magically hidden from view and open only to those who know the way. The village itself has existed before records began, home to the original members of those who would become the Toukiden and their descendants ever since.

An anomaly among settlements, Utakata Village is home to not only humans, but also to various spirits that live in harmonious coexistence. Due to the very nature of Aokigahara being Japan's most mystical forest and where the barrier between the human and spirit world is at its thinnest, the natives born in Utakata show a much higher inclination towards Onmyo magic than usual. While it is home to the Toukiden, not all residents of Utakata count themselves among the group, with many living as ordinary citizens and living ordinary lives.

Utakata is also shielded from the presence of the Oni by the Shrine Maiden, with the demons being unable to enter it and therefore ensuring its residents will never come to harm from them or fall to their influence.

## The Toukiden

The Toukiden are an ancient order of Demon Slayers, centuries ago to combat the Oni that ravaged the world. Comprising of both men and women alike and in equal measure, members of the Toukiden can be of Utakata itself, or if found worthy, accepted into their fold from elsewhere.

From the moment they enter the Toukiden, members begin their training to form them into the nemesis of the Oni. Training is both lengthy and arduous, testing an individual to their limits. If they make it through and join the ranks of the Toukiden, they are granted access to secret rituals to enhance their mortal abilities and senses. Once initiated, a member will go through a rite of 'Purification' that enables them to not only harm, but vanquish Oni, a feat that cannot be carried out by any normal human. While humans may cause harm to an Oni, only a Toukiden is able to truly destroy them and prevent them from rising once again.

### **Toukiden Mark**

Once an individual has joined the ranks of the Toukiden however, they can never return to their former life, and are required to serve until their death. All members of the group receive a brand mark in the form of a tattoo that not only reminds them of their cause, but can never be removed and will also glow and resonate in the presence of Oni.

The mark can also be used to enhance a Toukiden's abilities beyond mortal limits, but only in times of near death situations. While the mark provides power, it also rapidly saps life and if activated for too long, it can cause an abundance of stress on the body that can lead to utter exhaustion and even death.

### **Toukiden Members**

#### **Captain Yamato**

    The current Commander of the Toukiden. A Toukiden veteran, Yamato now oversees the operations of the group from Utakata, his days in the field as a Oni Hunter all but spent.

#### **Ruki Ishizaki**

The de facto second-in-command of the Toukiden. A soft spoken yet disciplined man whose mastery of the katana is near unmatched.

#### **Akane Kiyama**

A young woman who leaves the battlefield a 'brilliant red' like her namesake. Uses deadly dual ninjatos to slice through her enemies with speed and ferocity.

### **Utakata Residents**

#### **Arisu Watanabe**

The Governor of Utakata. A somewhat stubborn, but well meaning man whose duty to his subjects in of the most paramount importance to him. Unlike typical Daimyo of the era, being the head of a hidden village results in him having far less contact with the regions other rulers than usual, answering in general directly to the Emperor. Having forged somewhat of an alliance with the Oda however, Arisu now liaises more frequently with Nobunaga.

Having grown up alongside Yamato, Arisu harbors certain feelings of inadequacy next to his friend, who is respected by all in the village for the veteran that he is. Growing up weak and frail, Arisu was never able to compete alongside Yamato, and the two still butt heads on occasion to this day.

#### **Akemi Watanabe**

Akemi is the daughter of Governor Arisu, and the Shrine Maiden of Utakata Village. As such, it is her duty to see to tasks ranging from applying sacred blessings unto the inhabitants of Utakata, to performing cleansing rituals and heading ceremonies. She is a well mannered young woman, always showing the utmost politeness and humility towards those around her, and is popular throughout the village. Her displays of dance in particular are always a crowd gathering spectacle and well enjoyed among festivals and feasts.

#### **Yoshida Umetzu**

Yoshida serves as the Toukiden's personal blacksmith, forging and repairing all of their weapons, armour and gear. Despite his advanced age, having been regarded as well past his prime when even Yamato was a child, there is no finer metalworker to be found for leagues throughout Japan. Able to not only fold iron and steel, but also use Onmyo to infuse the metal with various blessings and attributes, from protection wards to elemental seals.

Gruff and no-nonsense on the exterior, those who interact further with Yoshida will find him to be a wise and insightful man, eager to pass on his lifetime of unique experience.

### **Associates**

#### **Nobunaga Oda**

Nobunaga Oda, known by many names, including 'the Great Fool of Owari', is the Daimyo of Owari, and a well known, feared and respected warlord. Seeking to unify all of Japan, he will stop at nothing to achieve his ambition. Though it is overall peace he seeks, he will employ any method to crush those in his way, no matter how brutal, having earned him the moniker of 'Demon of War'.

Unlike many, Nobunaga is also aware of the Oni threat to the world, and in response, learned of and sought out the Toukiden to combat the demonic tide, forging an alliance with them in return for providing them with the resources needed for their fight. While he was once considered a kind, gentle and considerate lord, events throughout his life have steered him down a darker path, with many seeing him as emotionless and unforgiving.

#### **Nōhime**

Nobunaga's late wife. Her real name was Kichō, though she was often referred to by given names of Nōhime or Nō. The daughter of the once powerful Daimyo of Mino Province, Dosan Saito. During a campaign in Nobunaga's youth, the Saika mercenaries were hired to take him out, with Nō spotting the glint of a firearm hidden in the bushes at the last second, and taking the fatal bullet meant for her husband. She died in his arms, and was one of the catalysts for his change into the cold and ruthless man he has become.

#### **Oichi**

Nobunaga's younger sister, and current wife of Katsuie Shiabata, one of Nobunaga's most stalwart retainers, and former wife of Nagamasa Azai, Nobunaga's deceased retainer who betrayed him. She is a soft spoken woman, and famed across the entirety of Japan for her beauty. Dutiful to both her brother and husband, she often serves as a bridge between the two.

#### **Yasuke**

Yasuke, more commonly known as the 'Obsidian Samurai', is Nobunaga's most loyal retainer. Originally a slave from the lands of Africa, he was freed by Nobunaga, who commended his character and made him a Samurai. Yasuke will protect his lord to the very death if it calls for it.

#### **Mitsuhide Akechi**

A samurai of legendary renown and skill, Mitsuhide serves as one of Nobunaga's closest and most trusted retainers. Regarded far and wide for his military and strategical genius, Nobunaga has come to rely on his mind as much as he does his own. Among so many others that have caused Nobunaga pain, Mitsuhide would seem to be one of the last to ever betray his lord.