Haruka
Uesugi-Forrester
Half-Doman, Half-Gridanian Hyur
Scion of the Uesugi Family
Lady of the Southern River Valley
Twilight Masked and Bearing a Wayward Heart
Balmung Server - Crystal Data Center
One's Act, One's Profit
She has seen a difficult life, one fraught with hardship and peril.
The Wind Sings
Even sailing through the air, a leaf maintains its balance between the sky and the void.
One Life, One Encounter
At her core, Haruka is a solitary individual, and few make it through her indifferent exterior. However, some have breached these walls and made an impression upon her that few have.
Not Seeing is a Flower
Haruka has built walls around herself, but she is supported by the one who stands behind her.
The Breeze in Form
A hint of the woman who stands before you.
About
Gender: Female
Age: 31
Height: 5 fulm, 4 ilm
Weight: 150 ponz
Nameday: 32nd Sun, Fifth Umbral Moon
Guardian Diety: Nymeia and the Kami
Birthplace: Gridania
Orientation: Homosexual and Polyamorous
Romantic Status: Bonded and not looking for more partners
Occupation: Kunoichi, Samurai, Investigator, Tea Mistress, Daimyo of the Uesugi
Hobbies: Training, Reading, Tea-blending, Revenge
Appearance
Piercing blue eyes stare, revealing no emotion. Coal black tresses hang down past her shoulders, often tied in a ponytail in classic Doman fashion. Toned muscles flex with taut precision as she moves, reflecting an economy of movement that’s practiced and ingrained into muscle memory. Small scars are strewn about her body, slight things swiftly stitched and healed with magicks and barely visible even up close. A number of larger scars are spread across her body, including:
- her right shoulder, appearing vaguely like a flower on one side and a small ilm-wide hole on the other;
- her back next to her left shoulderblade, long, jagged, and two ilm wide;
- her left side, where a two-ilm-wide would streaches nearly to her belly button;
- two three-ilm-wide puncture wounds in the right side of her stomach.
- two slight scars, one on each cheek, barely noticeable if not pointed out.
- a scar along the backside of her left hand, light and minimal after receiving healing.
- a stab wound along her waist line on the right side of her abdomen.She is always armed. Daggers are usually strapped to her belt or boot, often next to a katana. Her expressions rarely stray from a neutral, considering gaze or investigatory glare.Clothing: Haruka's clothing is versatile, made for both use and to fit into her surroundings. She is always able to move about with ease in case combat comes up. Despite this, Haruka seems to prefer flowing garments, or ones that are open in front to contrast with her emotionless appearance.Occasionally, she is seen in finer, formal attire, such as kimonos or robes, as befitting her recently acquired station.Regardless of what she wears, Haruka is always seen with a black choker or, more recently, a fine silver chain ending in a crystalline pendant. At times, there seems to be a small glow coming from the clasp or the pendant. Two ornate rings on her fingers accompany the ornamentation around her neck.Voice: Haruka's voice is an unremarkable alto, seeming to fade into the background of a room with little problem. She can change her accent from a light Gridanian to nearly any she had previously spent time practicing. When under stress, she'll take an accent easily pinpointed to Doma, but with a slight Gridanian lilt.Personality: When one first meets Haruka, they will find a woman with a polite smile - and very little else. She wears a metaphorical mask to hide her deeper emotions in public, and it takes some effort to pierce through it. She comes off as very quiet, focused, and and perhaps intense to some.
Skills
Kenjutsu
Haruka can often be seen carrying one of several katanas around, and those who have seen her in combat know it isn't for show. Haruka is nothing less than an expert with a the blade. When in a pitched combat, she can unleash some of that pent up emotion, fighting in a brutal fashion with blade and punches, kicks and thrusts, all intent upon removing her opponent from the battlefield. However, she specializes in iaijutsu, and when Haruka draws her blade, something falls.
Ninjutsu
Haruka is an expert in knife work, having been trained in their use since she was young. Witnesses say Haruka's movements only become faster over the seconds of combat, eventually becoming a whirlwind of blades. Unfortunately, she is less practiced with the more mystical arts of Ninjutsu and has only perfected several forms.
Archery
Haruka knows how to hold a bow, having been trained by her mother when she was young. She can also hit a target reliably. However, she cannot do much more, much to her chagrin.
Stealth and Espionage
Naturally silent, Haruka is a ghost among the raucous throngs of Eorzea. Her steps, even when she's endeavoring to not be silent, are quiet and sure, and hiding in shadows comes naturally to her. She is proficient in forging, sabotage, and minor explosives, though she is rarely forced to use these arts.
Impersonation
With more practice, Haruka could be an actor. When called upon to impersonate someone else and given enough time to study, she's adept at copying mannerisms and speech patterns, and to some extent whole voices. She is an expert in accent play, and can copy nearly any accent in Eorzea or Othard. Unfortunately, the kunoichi is distinctive in both Eorzea and Doma, making her easy to discern.
Painting
Haruka as had a couple cycles to pursue painting as something of a hobby, an art she has a passion for but previously had little time to pursue. She specializes using varying amounts of ink to do shading using a Doman ink brush, but has delved into the use of color and even special pigments. She enjoys doing portraits of her friends and allies, and one can find a number of them hanging in her bedroom, none spectacular but at least accurate and recognizable. A fair few of her more recent paintings tend toward scenes of either Reenah or Suna in various situations.
Flute
Haruka was given a flute some years ago. She has been practicing on occasion, but if she is honest, she doesn't have the talent for music. Despite this, she enjoys trying to play, even if she is very shy about it.
Acting
When she was a child, Haruka enjoyed sneaking out of her home and watching the plays at Min Khetto's Amphitheatre, and her passion for acting has not waned. Being skilled at impersonation, she has tried to put those skills to work in melodrama, and she has collected a number of plays that she enjoys reading and performing, much to the embarrassment of her attendants and joy of her wife.
Tea Blending
A part of her training and upbringing, Haruka is an extremely adept tea-mistress. She can tell when a cup of tea is ready by time and the feeling of heat, the scent of the leaves, and by pure intuition. This knowledge and experience has led her to not only build her own business - Spring Wind Teas - where she makes and sells her own tea blends in nearby establishments, she also has some experience in other medicinal uses and mild poisons.
Relationships
Player Characters
Honored Ally and Partner
A Spearmaiden from the Fanged Crescent of Othard, Haruka met Suna some time ago and has gone to her for help many times. Soon after their first meeting, Suna saw the sign of a "Friend of the Yari," a dagger passed down through her family, and Suna carried on with the Yari tradition. Haruka trusts the Raen with her life and her heart, and they have seen more than enough danger together. Despite a fair many mistakes on the wayward half-Doman's part, the two are together in one another's hearts, understanding of their mutual ways and supporting the other in their lives when they are able to meet once again. Haruka is quite dedicated to Suna, and the feeling is quite mutual. Haruka wears a ring on her right hand, dedicated to the Spearmaiden and ornamented in the fashion of her spear.
Reenah Uesugi
(nee Talbor)
The Rose with Thorns
It was all unexpectedly swift. First it was compliments, then Haruka heard her strum her harp. They found time away from the other patrons and employees of the Pearl to learn of one another. It was hardship that brought them together, the Keeper finding her after what nearly became a brawl and speaking of her feelings.Thrice-bonded, with the ring on her left hand and the chain she wears around her neck dedicated to their mutual love under the light of Menphina and in the eye of the Spinner, Haruka is fiercely devoted to Reenah. With little provocation, Haruka will speak nearly endlessly about her love, revealing her heart even to strangers. They have trained together, fought together, weathered trials with one another. She trusts the Keeper's judgement and will listen to her when she wouldn't others. There is only one other she trusts as much with her heart as "her princess, her moon, the light in her night."
Senelle Silverlight
Unflinching Grace
There are few Haruka admires more than Senelle Silverlight. What started off as mutual attraction and desire became a deep and trusting friendship, the sort between two individuals who don't need to say anything to understand how they feel. The hyur can tell her closest friend anything, show her the true emotions that lie far beneath the surface. It's because of Senelle that Haruka has resolved to let the mask fall away for select individuals she feels she can trust, though her lover-turned-deepest friend was the first to truly breach that barrier.Their bond only became stronger as Senelle and Ason's child was born and the two asked Haruka to be little Shayne's godmother.
Light in the Darkness
A slow-but-brewing friendship formed between the Sagolii Seeker and the Half-Doman. Like a good tea takes time to steep, Haruka and I'ason have taken their time to get to know one another, and thus far the results have been rewarding for them both. Their friendship deepened even more upon his bonding with Senelle Silverlight. To the hyur, Ason is the brother in her found family, a beloved man whose strength is in his heart. She would likely bury anyone who hurt him - if she got to them before Senelle. Then she would merely help rid the star of any evidence.
Kindred Spirit
Both reserved warriors with strict codes of honor, I'kaya and Haruka forged their friendship in the fires of adversity. When their family and friends went missing after an operation, the two immediately hatched a plan to investigate. Since then, they've been slowly getting closer, finding their stride in a world where expectations create rigid lines.
Kumiko Fujimori Uesugi
Dutiful Adopted-Daughter
Of mostly Doman descent, the youngest of the impoverished Fujimori family happened upon Haruka by accident while residing as a refugee in Mor Dhona. She held a romanticized view of the woman's quest, at least until they met again after Haruka and Suna managed to prove the former's heritage. The Fujimori were vassals before the Uesugi's exile, and with the restoration of their status, she asked Haruka - bluntly - to restore the Fujimori. Though her attempts were foiled by politics, the two remained close, Kumiko growing from friend to ally to retainer and confidante.Haruka has confirmed that Kumiko was, in fact, adopted officially by her and Reenah, as well as the Uesugi family, in a ceremony in Doma that also made her heir. Since then, she's been proud to call the young woman her daughter and seems far more open about her esteem for her. Kumiko is, thankfully, even more vocal, even if she finds being heir intimidating.
Raiden Takanashi
The Half-Kinsman
On some level, Haruka aspires to be like Raiden. Calm, quiet, and self-assured in his duties, Raiden is more Doman than Haruka will ever be. Deep down, this makes her disappointed in herself. Rather than wallow in this revelation, she has decided to tread her own path. Haruka values his friendship, and though they are somewhat uneven footing with one another due to their mutual, natural inclination toward silence. However, both have come to the aid of the other when combat was to be done, and they see one another as valued comrades.
Xihra Goldpaw
Sensitive Suncatte
It all started with a misunderstanding and discovering the Seeker's head stuck in a stove. After working out their differences, Haruka befriended the young engineer and found someone with a rich inner world too bashful to reveal any of it to anyone. Despite not seeing one another often, the half-Doman finds it easy to fall into a sense of comfort around them. Kind and loyal, Xihra has gained Haruka's trust more than a time or two.
Lihrit Lightfoot
The Light of Bushido
Young and bright, Lihrit bounded into Haruka's life at Senelle's recommendation. After some prodding, no small encouragement, and something of an interview, she took the Miqo'te as her third student of Bushido, her first in some time. Lihrit has thus far been far more attentive than her previous students, and she does not sense a darkness inside that plagued others.For some reason, Lihrit no longer comes for her practice sessions. She merely says she no longer needs instruction in Bushido, having been focusing on her growing bakery business. Haruka herself will attest to the taste of her treats.
Boisterous Nuisance
A friend of some friends, Haruka met T'leiah while tending the bar at the Hidden Pearl, and they instantly rubbed one another the wrong way. Their dislike of one another is quite mutual: Haruka views T'leiah as too loud and views half of what she says as lies, while T'leiah sees Haruka as too stodgy and stiff. Their mutual enmity has grown, though Haruka takes a much more avoidant tactic toward the now-quite-angry Seeker.
L'rinhi Kett
Wayfarer Lost
Boss. Friend. Complication. In her time at the Wayfarer's Rest, Haruka both loved and hated the Miqo'te. They were quite close to one another, but a rift between them forced Haruka's away. She left in the middle of the night, leaving an empty room and a note.She returned recently, walking into the Pearl as Haruka was bartending. Despite the initial shock -- and near panic -- Haruka and L'rinhi had a pleasant conversation and talked about the past and future. Haruka has volunteered her service to her old friend when she opens the bar again and L'rinhi will sell her teas. She has made it clear she will never leave the Pearl in favor of the Wayfarer.
A'muro Moonsea
The Ambitious Pupil
Haruka's fourth student, A'muro approached Haruka to be his teacher after they fought side-by-side to aid Raiden Takanashi against a malevolent shinobi clan. He convinced her through his determination to learn and protect his family. He also shows signs of shinobi training himself. Such a student intrigues her, but she also hopes that her own teachings can supplant those of his past. The instructor is confident this can happen.Between a disastrous leve and a night of drunkeness, Haruka and Muro have become quite close, more friends than teacher and student.
Biana Willow
History's Memoria
Seemingly spacey for a viera, Haruka was at first somewhat unnerved by Biana's demeanor when she first arrived. Despite this, they became friends and colleagues, fighting alongside one another. Biana has helped the samurai more times than she can count, and after gaining some unique insight into her friend, they are far closer than most. Haruka privately credited her with not only working out a private matter with Reenah, but also helping her drudge up the courage to propose. Biana helps her on occasion in less mundane ways, helping preserve flowers so they live far longer than they should.Haruka is seeking ways to show her appreciation for her friend's kindness, but she is having trouble. After all, what would Biana want?
Artist's Heart
Beauty and grace, the viera Mimir left an immediate impression upon Haruka. She danced and sang, leaving Haruka breathless. They have spoken since, have learned much of one another, and she even convinced the kunoichi to break out of her shell. As close as they are, however, Haruka feels she still has much to learn about the Veena woman, much to her delight.While dealing with the difficulty with the darkness that dwells deep within Haruka's heart, Mimir and Haruka became close friends, sharing stories of both pleasure and pain that they would share with few others. The half-Doman worries for Mimir, though less these days as the dancer delves into the deep relationship with Naohiro and Biana. There is little the kunoichi wouldn't do for her friend, even allowing her own name to be besmirched if it means saving Mimir from an embarrassment - something that Mimir denies could happen.
A Pearlescent Mystery
Over the years, Haruka has learned much about Naohiro, perhaps more than she bargained for. A friendly - if private - individual and a fellow tea lover, as well as the lover of two of her closest friends, was at first intrigued by him but unsure of how to speak to the quiet Raen. That changed when she volunteered to help him, and she and a few others became became far, far closer than they could have imagined, learning secrets about Hiro few would ever know. Since then, Haruka has been a steadfast ally, wanting to help and waiting to be called into action.Naohiro was instrumental in Haruka being given her sanction to sell her tea blends at the Hidden Pearl.
Mori no Kuina
The Boss
It's a rare person who intimidates Haruka. Kuina scares the hell out of her. They officially met after the disappearance of their comrades, and after a bit of conversation, Haruka was put on her back foot and shown her position in their budding relationship: she was the subordinate, Kuina the master, and there would be no negotiation no matter the context. Despite this, the Raen is a fair manager at the bar, nearly demanding that Haruka take time to rest, especially after outside tasks and leves leave the bartender indisposed for a time.
Non-Player Characters
Katsuyori Uesugi
Father (deceased)
The former heir to the Uesugi Clan-in-Exile, Katsuyori committed a crime that none could forgive for the sake of the future. On the run, he arrived in the Twelveswood and met a lone poacher. Despite their solitary natures, love won out, and Haruka was born several years later.Katsuyori was not a kind man. He forced his daughter into training at a very young age and kept her isolated by preying on her pride and withholding affection. He was harsh in his training, as well, demanding perfection and punishing her if he didn't see it. Still, Haruka cared for him despite the abuse, and the day and method of his death triggered her descent down the path she is on now. She has kept a lone dagger of his since.
Eadwynn Forrester
Mother (deceased)
A former Twelveswood poacher, Eadwynn was always an independent soul. She had a band once, but after several deaths, they separated and Eadwynn made her own way. At least, until she met Katsuyori. They settled on the outskirts of Gridania to live and eventually raise a child, and she joined those hunters who went out daily to provide the city-state's vendors with food.Eadwynn was a stoic woman but kind and understanding. She knew about Haruka's nature early on, even helping her disobey her father on occasion. Unfortunately, the Calamity brought despair upon those close to Eadwynn; she died of a wasting illness shortly after. Her death affects Haruka to this very day.
Isette
Gridanian Flutemaker and First Love
They met early in Haruka's life. The daughter of a flutemaker, Isette tumbled into Haruka's life like a warm breeze and refreshed every aspect of it. The Wildwood woman was uncompromising and passionate, and overtly so. She went after what she wanted, and for a long time, what she wanted was Haruka, and damn their fathers' wishes and all else that would stand in their way.Then Haruka left Gridania without warning or word of why. When she reappeared years later, Isette was understandably distant and filled with a righteous anger. That anger has only recently cooled after an honest conversation and some admissions.
Ichiro Saito
Father's Murderer and Head of a Rival Clan
Ancient rivals of the Uesugi, the Saito clan gained the upper hand when the Uesugi splintered and was officially disavowed and disbanded. It has since come to light, however, that the head of clan, Ichiro, has himself betrayed Doma. Haruka just needs solid proof, and will do nearly anything to get it.Ichiro is a cunning man, well used to strategy and warfare. Even more, he is not afraid to use whatever resources he has at his disposal to act against his enemies, and especially Haruka and her family, who has become the biggest threat to the Saito. After Haruka killed two of his sons, he vowed vengeance.
Noriko
Miqo'te Attendant
One of the attendants assigned to watch over Haruka while she is in Eorzea, Noriko is a low-born Kugane native who was adopted into the family before the Uesugi were restored. Trained as a kunoichi like Haruka but in the Hingan tradition, she has a great deal of respect for the hyur and often chastises Akane for her brusk demeanor around her.
Akane
Au Ra Attendant
One of the attendants assigned to watch over Haruka while she is in Eorzea, Akane was born to a small Au Ra vassal family of the Uesugi. She is a strict traditionalist, and she views Haruka's often negligent attitude regarding her duty to Doma with some disdain. However, she is immensely loyal to the family and her duty. Despite her demeanor, she is quite fond of Eorzean clothes that are frilly in nature.
RP Styles
Versatile, adaptable style, from short posts to paragraph
Long- and short-term plots
Adventure RP
Relationship RP (the dance card is currently full, however)
Slice-of-life/Bar RP
Dark and Adult-oriented RP (let's talk first)
Playlist
Aesthetic Board
RP Hooks
Haruka is often found either attending to duties involving the rebuilding of Doma (focusing mainly in the southern lands on the One River), as well as in Gridania where she helps train new scouts for the Twin Adder.
Haruka is the head of house of an old Samurai clan of Doma. Her surname would likely be recognizable, though it was only recently reinstated by Lord Hien. She carries the family sword, Harukaze, with her almost anytime she is outside of her home.
In Doma, Haruka is something of a scandalous figure. Though outsiders are well accepted these days, being of a samurai family means that traditionalists find her exploits in Eorzea and her choices in companionship to be disdainful. Rumors have been circulating about her attitude regarding intimacy, but also her her style of fighting, leading some to label her a oni or sorcerer. Bonding (and the recognition of the marriage) to Reenah has not helped matters, who has her own rumors of swirling about her being a witch.
Haruka grew up on the outskirts of Gridania. When she was growing up, there were rumors that Haruka was cursed or actually a ghost, and was shunned in some circles.
Haruka joined the Twin Adder as a scout, first joining the White Wolves, being recruited into a Red Badgers unit, then finally transferring to the Yellow Serpents when she left Gridania. She's currently a First Lieutenant.
Many conjurers, thaumaturges, and a fair number of less legitimate mages and back-alley leeches could speak to the half-Doman's quest to cure some sort of "Darkness" inside her. Those with aethersight in some form would find something very odd about Haruka's aether, discovering a dark spot that seems to grow when her emotions become more intense.
There are rumors that someone fitting Haruka's description has been seen visiting local acting companies in search of possible roles she could take on.
As a secondary business to fund her exploits in Eorzea, Haruka has started Spring Wind Teas, marketing her tea blends to various establishments throughout Limsa Liminsa and the Mists, as well as one in the Lavender Beds.
OOC Information
I have a life and a full-time job. Please understand that RP cannot be my main gig, as it doesn't pay the bills. Therefore, Real Life Comes First for both myself and my RP partners.
I live in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT -8, -7 during accursed daylight savings time)
Discord RP is very convenient due to work and other activites, but either in-game or Discord RP work for me. Introductions are best made in-game, please.
Haruka practices a form of Bushido and is Doman nobility, neither of which, as far as I know, really appears much in lore. If this bothers you, I'm sorry but it's not changing unless there is some significant lore reason why it definitively doesn't work. Please understand it's my happyfuntime, too.
I have a hard rule: keep OOC drama away from me. I have seen too much from various RP communities for me to have any tolerance for it. If you want me to be involved in whatever enmity you have with someone else, miss me with that. I don't want it in my life.
Racism, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, or any other form of bigotry will NOT be tolerated on any level.
Character Road Map
Haruka is learning the balance between the Eorzean and Doman sides of her heritage. It is - and will continue to be - a difficult journey for her, as she often sees the traditions she's forced to live under in Doma as being constricting and draconian compared to the normally stodgy but otherwise somewhat open Gridanian upbringing. This conflict is an ongoing theme for Haruka, and won't be solved any time soon.
Her management of the Southern River Valley takes up much of her time now, even if she does keep her distance to keep from interfering with her people's work. She has become interested in leadership skills, farming, land upkeep, and meteorology in an effort to best understand how to serve her people. She will continue to find ways to expand the reach of her people and better their lives.
Haruka has taken her role as head of clan, but she rankles as she's stifled by the leadership of the Uesugi elders, eight men and women who seek to guide her. They are unofficially led by Haruka's uncle Osamu. This struggle between Daimyo Haruka and the council is ongoing and has become more dangerous with time, as she and Reenah seek to bring them over to their way of thinking.
In Eorzea, Haruka is a relatively unknown figure, and she likes it that way. She has begun pursuing acting as a way for her to take some control back, free from society's expectations.
Haruka has discovered the source of the darkness festering inside her. Despite warnings that it wasn't possible, she - with her wife and partner - works to find a way to extract or destroy it, permanently. Until then, she works to live with the curse residing near her heart.
Journals
Stories
- The First Body
- To Return a Second Time (Isette Sidestory #1)
- Not One for Torture
- Untitled (Isette Sidestory #2)
- To Keep a Promise
- A Return to Form
- A Gift Rescinded (Isette Sidestory #3)
- The Howl of Wolves
- The Key
- On the House
- Balance
- A New Face
- Idle Thoughts
- Finding One's Home
- Voices
- Eyes
- Never Finished
- Shroud
- Fracture
- Distance
- Sacrifice
- Goodbye
- Sleep
- Found
- Practice
- Home
- Purpose
- Meeting
- Stormclouds
FFXIV Write 2021
Art And Screenshots
Commissioned Art and Gifts
Art by Koyorin
Art by Starry-Summers
Art by my FC Leader, Naohiro
Art by Brioche
Art by the wonderful Bhryn
Screenshots Created by Raiden Takanashi
From Raiden's "Haruka Uesugi - Daughter of the Wind" Set
The rest of Raiden's set can be found here.
My Screenshots
Spring Wind Teas
Small batch blends for the discerning tea connoisseur
Green Tea Blends
Morning Blend: Coerthan green tea and lemongrass
Moon Flower Blend: Coerthan green tea, rosebuds, and a hint of lavender
Mint Spice: Coerthan green tea and spearmint
Storm God's Blend: Othard green leaves with dried pieces of persimmon
Genmaicha: Othard green and popped white rice from the Uesugi-owned paddies of Xiatien
Black Tea Blends
Talbor Spiced: An unorthodox blend of Coerthan black leaves, cinnamon, peppercorn, and shaved cocoa beans.
Hannish Moonlight: Radz-at-Han leaves, rosebuds, and a hint of Othard black tea
Gridanian Breakfast: Coerthan and Ala Mihgan black tea
Faery's Spice: Coerthan black leaves with Pixie Apple chunks and cinnamon
White Tea Blends
Peach Cat Blend: Othard white peony leaves with dried peach and a touch of zesty hibiscus
Menphina's Touch: Othard white peony leaves and lavender
Summer's Dawn: Othard white peony leaves with pear and shredded coconut
Herbal Tea Blends
Orange Spice: Ala Mihgan red leaves, orange peel, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon
Ginger Spice: Ginger root, lemongrass, peppermint, and peppercorn
Rest Easy Blend: Chamomile and Valerian
Mint Blend: Spearmint and Wintergreen, both from Coerthas.
Non-Tea Offerings
Summer Breeze Coffee: A pure, medium roast coffee made from Sharlayan beans
Pearl Roast Coffee: Dark roast beans blended with chicory from southern La Noscea in a very precise ratio. Best served with cream.
Specialty Tea Blends, by request only
((mostly for OOC knowledge))
Unnamed Blend: North Doman Oolong, Vylbrand Saffron, Vanilla beans, Gridanian rosehips.
Uncut Hannish Moonlight: Radz-at-Han leaves and rosebuds, reserved for one person.
Talbor Cocoa: Shaved dark cocoa in hot milk and mixed with cinnamon and peppercorn. Never as good as Reenah's, and also not tea.
Sweet Oolong: A sweet blend of a slightly darker North Doman oolong and osmanthus petals for a more balanced, yet still mildly sweet, taste.
The Uesugi Clan
An old clan of Doma, the Uesugi were once disgraced. An incident before the occupation left the clan exiled and splintered. Only since the return of Lord Hien has the clan returned to the fold. Their lands slowly recovering, the clan stands ready to aid Doma through the coming trials.
Colors: black and red
Mon: two flying sparrows
Current Leaders: Haruka and Reenah Uesugi
Lands: Xiatien, also known as the Southern River Valley, close to the border with Nagxia
Key Allies: Yari no Suna, Spearmaiden of the Yari
Known Enemies: The Saito Clan, The Uesugi Splinter
History
The Uesugi are an old clan. Among those the Rijin did war with before the founding of Doma, they fought viciously with blade and spell. However, between the losses inflicted by greater forces and the entreaties made by the Rijin, the Uesugi eventually relented and joined in the Rijin alliance. With the founding of Doma, they became among Rijin Ganen's greatest supporters, backing his claim with the same weapons previously used to fight against them.As a clan, they developed a reputation for being dilettantes, never truly focusing on only one art. Indeed, they almost took pride in their shifting interests and desire to know about the world, leaving those who focused on only the warrior arts or only ninjutsu and espionage to be the more unusual individuals amongst their number. Many clansfolk tended toward studying the arts and crafts, and learning about such matters as woodworking, pottery, and calligraphy was common. For a time, Xiatien was not only a source of the ever ubiquitous rice for Doma, but also the origin for a number of works of art. The clan's leaders were prime examples of such skill, with Uesugi Shigetaka being known for fantastic vases.A year before the occupation was made firm, the Uesugi were disgraced. A schism had formed between two factions of the family; the majority were loyal to Doma to a fault, while a smaller set of families turned to favor Garlemald and began covert action against their old lords. The discovery of such a betrayal caused Doma to exile the clan in disgrace. Officials were sent to reclaim the family sword, Harukaze, from the recently promoted daimyo, Uesugi Katsuyori. However, he could not be found. In an effort to potentially regain the clan's honor, he took the sword far away and hid it. Katsuyori disappeared, and the Uesugi -- along with their vassals -- were made low in the eyes of Doma.
Martial Pratices
Clan warriors fought with a variety of weapons, but the katana was most common and was closely followed by the bow. Rank and file soldiers, both ashigaru and vassal families, would use what weapons they were provided with, or that which was found locally, with the spear being most common. Uesugi yojimbo were traditionally trained in both katana and yumi, but current practices have adapted the Eorzean bow. Those of the clan who enter the priesthood of a kami all tend to have some sort of martial training, most often with spears.A portion of the clan specialized on more covert tactics while blending in with the rest of the populace. Such talented individuals were skilled not just in the dagger, but also in espionage and sabotage. However, such efforts were rarely implemented after the Rijin took control, becoming rare among those loyal to the clan.
Present Day
Harukaze was found and brought back to the fold after Doma's usurpers were overthrown by Lord Hien and his ally, the Warrior of Light. Uesugi Haruka returned it to Doma, and by Hien's grace and her actions to redeem her clan, the Uesugi were redeemed and their hereditary seat returned to them.The province of Xiatien was a backwater of a backwater for Garlemald. Scarred by constant battles between the Garleans, the Resistance, and Nagxian troops, many of the regions peoples were lost or left. Those few were downtrodden and beset upon by both Garleans and bandits. The return of the Uesugi was ill received at first, but as those who were originally of the clan and their vassals returned to the fold, the clan began to rebuild the main village of Takko and attract people in need of a home. Now, Takko is a bustling town nestled around the House of Summer, currently being rebuilt.The clan is governed by the Ladies Uesugi, Haruka and Reenah. Their heir, should the worst befall them, is Uesugi Kumiko Fujimori, formerly of the Fujimori family. Seven elders, the heads of larger families who survived the occupation and remember the times before, aid and advise the couple as a council. There was an eight, but a recent betrayal nearly brought the remaining clan to the brink of chaos until Osamu, Katsuyori's brother, was brought to justice.