Kaizen

**"You have taught me much, teacher. But even the master must soon one day dust off his old humility."**

*- Kaizen to Seer Rizien*

## Kaizen

A younger Kaizen, training in the Monastery

## Traits

### Skills

Discipline, Restraint, Martial Arts, Chi Focus

### Hobbies

Meditation, Training, Walks, Teaching, Quipping

## Description

Kaizen is a thin man compared to most, but he is far from frail. Decades of disciplined exercise and practice have toned his body and reinforced his bones and structure, making most misunderestimate his physical strength by first glance. There is no bodily hair visible on him, even his head, which remained a smooth, if not smoother than the rest of his skin. His eyes are a vibrant jade color, contrasting the equally vibrant color of his cloth. Kaizen is of average height.

### Armor

The monk is never seen wearing a manner of armor in any way, be it chainmail, leathers, or plates. Instead, he adorns his torso with a tightly knotted cloth that protects him from minor elements and covers some of his tattoos. From his waist down is a combination of various orange cloths fashioned into a lightweight robe, stopping just below his ankles. Aside from those two pieces, he often wears nothing else in the way of clothing- not even so much as sandals or foot covers.

Outside of apparel, Kaizen is always seen with what only looks to be a huge, weighty, spiked collar around his neck, made of a single metallic material. It appears to have no way of removing it or putting it on.

On his hip resides the only other source of metal, where a sturdy chain binds a thick book to his girdle, where it rests alongside his hip.

### Arms

Much like his apparel, Kaizen does not wield conventional weapons, not even so much as a staff.

## History

It is known that Kaizen the monk once belonged to a Monastery in another world outside of Astoria, but little is known beyond that, other than he once died and was sent to these lands through means of the Soulforge.

### Skills

Kaizen is an exceptionally skilled martial artist, having trained for decades in several different forms on how to fight defensively, and even offensively. More importantly however, Kaizen is a master of the Chi arts, which is most commonly used to become in tune with one's self in order to perceive things in other light, commune with oneself, mend wounds and scars, and even harness spiritual energy to use offensively. Kaizen is a devoted monk, devoting his life to discipline and restraint, which allows him to operate in confidence, seldom doubting himself, and being able to survive almost indefinitely on his own off of very little.

### Vices / Flaws:

Whether or not it could be considered a flaw is up to debate, but Kaizen's dedication to a pacifist lifestyle, abstaining from war, avoiding violence as frequently as possible, and being unable to solve certain issues more easily is something that has and will always remain a constant test to him in his life.

Considering that most of his life he had spent training in a monastery, or residing in the company of the same five-hundred or so people, his social capabilites have always been very limited. At times, he can come off as extraordinarily blunt, awkward, or offense to some.

## Personality

Kaizen is best described as a neutral acquaintance, somebody does not hesitate to aid another soul, but one you would not earn a smile from by telling a joke or confessing your love to. It is difficult for others to perceive how Kaizen views them, but one thing can be certain to the fullest extent, and that is that the monk is very loyal to those who can co-exist with his way of living. It is rare that he is ever seen showing emotion to any particular thing, and would rather restrain it to leave room for rational thought. It is unknown if he is able to hold physical attraction to others. To many who he calls his companions, he takes up a place as a sort of teacher or mentor, or if not- then a advisor, or somebody that lends his view and experience to other at all times when neccesary.

### Beliefs

Kaizen believes in the presence of greater beings with immense power, but he does not refer to them as gods. Even the term 'Celestials' is not something that he particularly takes to openly, though it is a convenient word. He sees them as creatures that have amassed enough power to elevate themselves, and that many, especially known legendary Chi Masters before him, have harnessed the potential capability to do similarly.

Besides gods, there is only one figure present in Kaizen's lifestyle and routine that earns a modicum of respect more than the average person, and that is the figure of the 'owl', which is often depicted as a figure of balance and wisdom. They are not mythicalized, however, and are simply respected as wise creatures that embody many of the same traits as the monks.

### Relationships

#### Jastre Lazivelt

Jastre is one of Kaizen's companions, though technically an employee of sorts. While Kaizen takes respite in his mellow attitude and behavior, making him easier to get along with than the average other person, he also views him to be a thoughtful individual, which earns a moderate amount of respect from the scholar.

#### Lialxa

Lialxa is another one of Kaizen's immediate companions, and the first of them all to join him. Her resourcefulness and surprising amount of wisdom as a goblin has continued to surprise him, though in a way that he takes very generously.

#### Charity

The tiefling restaurant owner has earned a modicum of Kaizen's affection, though more importantly in his eyes, she has the heart for what he believes the core of his fellowship should abide by, much like his other companions. She is the newest member of his cadre.