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unfinishedlibrary]
Mar. 22nd, 2026 04:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bakegarasuPlayer Name: Matt
Player Contact(s):![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
atrypical, Discord: artematthew
Are you over 18? Yes
Do you have any other characters in game?: Nara'a Sunvara (WoL), Jun Ushiro (I have made Bonus AC with both characters)
Who invited you?: N/A
Character Name: Yosuke Otoha
Canon: Karas
Canon Point: Post-final fight
Age: No one knows, canon doesn't say. Probably mid-late 20s, so... 27?
History: Wikipedia does an okay job.
Is this character an AU? What type?: Nope.
Personality:
Otoha does not really know the meaning of the word fear. Since he can't feel pain, he has no sense of limits in terms of physical abilities outside of ones he places on himself. His past does haunt him, to the point that he's reluctant to get truly close to anyone (though he may be friendly, it takes a lot for him to call someone a 'friend'). He's not terribly social, like the crow or raven his role is named after, but he is fiercely protective of those in 'his' city, particularly those who can't defend themselves. He has a slight soft spot for children, wanting them to have a better childhood than he had, and will risk his life to save theirs without a thought. This extends to adults, as well - he was severely injured while protecting civilians from a mikura. Even mikura themselves aren't exceptions to his kindness - as long as they're not rampaging, he'll help one, even going so far as to feed them his own blood. After all, his life has no real value other than to do what he's told to do.
Otoha understands sorrow, like all who have become true Karas. His mother died after giving birth to him, his father was also his brother and raised him in the yakuza as a 'monster' and a cold-blooded killer. He was (practically) killed and his best friend was nearly killed when they tried to rob a yakuza safe to get money to run away - and yet he does not give up on life. He sees the good in people (and yokai, and mikura, and...), though is pragmatic about it - just because everyone has a bit of goodness in them doesn't mean that you should let one person kill so many people. He's quiet and a good listener, and very observant - but when it's time to fight, he'll fight until his last breath, and beyond. He tends to be the sort of person to kill first and ask questions later. He has a sense of 'right and wrong' as most people do, but he doesn't stick to it for his own matters. He knows his actions would be seen as wrong by many people but simply doesn't care. In theory, what Otoha has seen and done should traumatize anyone, but he was brought up to believe it was normal, or at least normal for anyone in the yakuza. Otoha either doesn't care or doesn't express caring or regret over what he does. He does 'good' acts because they're useful or because he sees no reason not to do them, and he treats 'evil' acts the same way. If it gets the mission done, then it's fine. Killing is no exception from this. He's not even human anyway - not what most would consider to be human at least - so why does it matter?
One of the central points of his personality is that he does not think of himself as human. He was raised not to believe that he was really a person - just a tool. Thus, without direction, he's somewhat aimless. The lack of structure that comes with making his own decisions is... strange. He's had limited amounts of freedom, but it's telling that his first instinct once he's got some freedom from his contract is to go take care of 'business'. He doesn't relax. He's not really allowed to relax. The only reason he ever does is because someone else tells him to. His way of life is fighting and killing and when that's taken away he becomes much more awkward. This is a person who was never really allowed friends, who was brought up with allies but no comrades. He doesn't know what to do in social situations - he looks for possible points of attack rather than possible conversation topics. Unlike the other (debatably good) Karas shown in the series, he never questions his orders. He doesn't talk back to his Yurine. In fact, he barely talks at all. Otoha is more 'do' than 'say'. Why waste words when he can just get the job done?
Underneath everything though, he does have a heart. He helps the yokai brought to him for treatment. He seems actually happy when he's helping someone heal, and dives into books to try to find a way to keep the yokai alive. If he cares about someone, he cares deeply - even if he never shows it. Messing with what he's claimed as 'his' is grounds for 'correction' - yakuza style. In canon this takes the form of a revenge killing, and the way he acts it doesn't really seem like he thinks this is at all strange. In fact, it's not - this is a very normal yakuza reaction, though generally not within the same group. But when he's enraged, all the boundaries of friend and foe go out the window. He will fight, and he will die if needed - all to protect what he's claimed. He gets up and keeps going even after injuries that have caused massive visual problems and blood loss. If he loses a limb, he keeps going until he simply can't anymore. The point is clear - you do not mess with what is his.
He does have a rough style of speech - it isn't quite rude, but it's on the edge of what could be considered casual without being offensive. He also often looks like he's not listening - but he hears every word. His training since he was young has made him alert and sharp - but not book-smart. When it comes to academics, he suffers greatly, having spent much of his youth hanging out with his yakuza cell rather than study math or science. He's not dumb in any way... but just don't ask him to do your taxes.
Powers and Abilities:
- Expert swordsman (in the case of sword versus gun, in his case the sword wins a lot of the time)
- Knows how to handle a gun (but prefers swords)
- Knows how to subdue someone in hand to hand combat (and probably won't stop there)
- Extremely fast in combat (even without supernatural aid)
- Decent knowledge of herbs and medical knowledge/field first aid as relates to treating yokai
- Seems to have a slightly accelerated healing rate (or it's just anime)
- Blood is extra tasty to mikura/those who drink blood
- Has the ability to see the yokai that hide themselves from human sight - at least in his city (I guess it might translate into a higher than normal spiritual sense?) as well as travel to their realm or pocket dimensions (he does this with mikura, I assume if other yokai can do it too he can go there as well)
He also literally can't feel pain - he has Congenital Insensitivity to Pain.
When he uses the amulet his Yurine gave him - which contains his soul - he gains many more abilities as the Karas, though he leaves his physical body behind:
- Incredible speed (time seems to slow down or stop for humans when he or other Karas fight)
- Greatly augmented strength (he punches heavily armored machine-creatures great distances)
- Increased durability (he's gotten slammed through buildings)
- An array of weapons Batman would be proud of (forearm blades, exploding shuriken, retractable feather-cape that doubles as a shield, grappling hook, demon-slaying katana that morphs into a scimitar, a spinning blade, or just becomes a broadsword when needed - also seems to respond to very limited psychic commands)
- Vehicle modes - car that shoots missiles and shuriken, jet fighter that shoots magic laser bolts and has the katana mounted on front; both can use the grappling hook as well
However, he can't transform without his Yurine... but maybe there's another way here?
Inventory: His katana. His amulet is also coming with, but as that contains his soul that's a given.
Sample: TDM link.
When presented with a choice, is the character more likely to stick with tried and true methods? Or make something new up on the fly? Otoha sticks with what works, and what works for him is 'kill the problem'. He can be convinced to try something new, but it does require significant effort and convincing.
What is more important to your character, preserving the past or forging a future? Forging a future. He shows little interest in the past other than to use it as a weapon. He wants a future for his city, for his people, for those who he considers part of his territory.
How does your character influence their own story? What about the stories of others? Despite being the protagonist he doesn't actually do... much other than 'fight' and 'be determined'. But for other people he's a big influence on their stories! From saving a little girl to literally saving the entirety of Shinjuku, he's a hero to most. For those yakuza who oppose him, he's a villain. For Eko, he's a reminder of what he once was. But to Otoha? The only people that matter are the ones who get in the way.
Are you alright with your character’s canon being used as a Recommended Reading?: Yeah though it's got a bunch of CWs. It is available on Archive dot Org though!
Player Contact(s):
Are you over 18? Yes
Do you have any other characters in game?: Nara'a Sunvara (WoL), Jun Ushiro (I have made Bonus AC with both characters)
Who invited you?: N/A
Character Name: Yosuke Otoha
Canon: Karas
Canon Point: Post-final fight
Age: No one knows, canon doesn't say. Probably mid-late 20s, so... 27?
History: Wikipedia does an okay job.
Is this character an AU? What type?: Nope.
Personality:
Otoha does not really know the meaning of the word fear. Since he can't feel pain, he has no sense of limits in terms of physical abilities outside of ones he places on himself. His past does haunt him, to the point that he's reluctant to get truly close to anyone (though he may be friendly, it takes a lot for him to call someone a 'friend'). He's not terribly social, like the crow or raven his role is named after, but he is fiercely protective of those in 'his' city, particularly those who can't defend themselves. He has a slight soft spot for children, wanting them to have a better childhood than he had, and will risk his life to save theirs without a thought. This extends to adults, as well - he was severely injured while protecting civilians from a mikura. Even mikura themselves aren't exceptions to his kindness - as long as they're not rampaging, he'll help one, even going so far as to feed them his own blood. After all, his life has no real value other than to do what he's told to do.
Otoha understands sorrow, like all who have become true Karas. His mother died after giving birth to him, his father was also his brother and raised him in the yakuza as a 'monster' and a cold-blooded killer. He was (practically) killed and his best friend was nearly killed when they tried to rob a yakuza safe to get money to run away - and yet he does not give up on life. He sees the good in people (and yokai, and mikura, and...), though is pragmatic about it - just because everyone has a bit of goodness in them doesn't mean that you should let one person kill so many people. He's quiet and a good listener, and very observant - but when it's time to fight, he'll fight until his last breath, and beyond. He tends to be the sort of person to kill first and ask questions later. He has a sense of 'right and wrong' as most people do, but he doesn't stick to it for his own matters. He knows his actions would be seen as wrong by many people but simply doesn't care. In theory, what Otoha has seen and done should traumatize anyone, but he was brought up to believe it was normal, or at least normal for anyone in the yakuza. Otoha either doesn't care or doesn't express caring or regret over what he does. He does 'good' acts because they're useful or because he sees no reason not to do them, and he treats 'evil' acts the same way. If it gets the mission done, then it's fine. Killing is no exception from this. He's not even human anyway - not what most would consider to be human at least - so why does it matter?
One of the central points of his personality is that he does not think of himself as human. He was raised not to believe that he was really a person - just a tool. Thus, without direction, he's somewhat aimless. The lack of structure that comes with making his own decisions is... strange. He's had limited amounts of freedom, but it's telling that his first instinct once he's got some freedom from his contract is to go take care of 'business'. He doesn't relax. He's not really allowed to relax. The only reason he ever does is because someone else tells him to. His way of life is fighting and killing and when that's taken away he becomes much more awkward. This is a person who was never really allowed friends, who was brought up with allies but no comrades. He doesn't know what to do in social situations - he looks for possible points of attack rather than possible conversation topics. Unlike the other (debatably good) Karas shown in the series, he never questions his orders. He doesn't talk back to his Yurine. In fact, he barely talks at all. Otoha is more 'do' than 'say'. Why waste words when he can just get the job done?
Underneath everything though, he does have a heart. He helps the yokai brought to him for treatment. He seems actually happy when he's helping someone heal, and dives into books to try to find a way to keep the yokai alive. If he cares about someone, he cares deeply - even if he never shows it. Messing with what he's claimed as 'his' is grounds for 'correction' - yakuza style. In canon this takes the form of a revenge killing, and the way he acts it doesn't really seem like he thinks this is at all strange. In fact, it's not - this is a very normal yakuza reaction, though generally not within the same group. But when he's enraged, all the boundaries of friend and foe go out the window. He will fight, and he will die if needed - all to protect what he's claimed. He gets up and keeps going even after injuries that have caused massive visual problems and blood loss. If he loses a limb, he keeps going until he simply can't anymore. The point is clear - you do not mess with what is his.
He does have a rough style of speech - it isn't quite rude, but it's on the edge of what could be considered casual without being offensive. He also often looks like he's not listening - but he hears every word. His training since he was young has made him alert and sharp - but not book-smart. When it comes to academics, he suffers greatly, having spent much of his youth hanging out with his yakuza cell rather than study math or science. He's not dumb in any way... but just don't ask him to do your taxes.
Powers and Abilities:
- Expert swordsman (in the case of sword versus gun, in his case the sword wins a lot of the time)
- Knows how to handle a gun (but prefers swords)
- Knows how to subdue someone in hand to hand combat (and probably won't stop there)
- Extremely fast in combat (even without supernatural aid)
- Decent knowledge of herbs and medical knowledge/field first aid as relates to treating yokai
- Seems to have a slightly accelerated healing rate (or it's just anime)
- Blood is extra tasty to mikura/those who drink blood
- Has the ability to see the yokai that hide themselves from human sight - at least in his city (I guess it might translate into a higher than normal spiritual sense?) as well as travel to their realm or pocket dimensions (he does this with mikura, I assume if other yokai can do it too he can go there as well)
He also literally can't feel pain - he has Congenital Insensitivity to Pain.
When he uses the amulet his Yurine gave him - which contains his soul - he gains many more abilities as the Karas, though he leaves his physical body behind:
- Incredible speed (time seems to slow down or stop for humans when he or other Karas fight)
- Greatly augmented strength (he punches heavily armored machine-creatures great distances)
- Increased durability (he's gotten slammed through buildings)
- An array of weapons Batman would be proud of (forearm blades, exploding shuriken, retractable feather-cape that doubles as a shield, grappling hook, demon-slaying katana that morphs into a scimitar, a spinning blade, or just becomes a broadsword when needed - also seems to respond to very limited psychic commands)
- Vehicle modes - car that shoots missiles and shuriken, jet fighter that shoots magic laser bolts and has the katana mounted on front; both can use the grappling hook as well
However, he can't transform without his Yurine... but maybe there's another way here?
Inventory: His katana. His amulet is also coming with, but as that contains his soul that's a given.
Sample: TDM link.
When presented with a choice, is the character more likely to stick with tried and true methods? Or make something new up on the fly? Otoha sticks with what works, and what works for him is 'kill the problem'. He can be convinced to try something new, but it does require significant effort and convincing.
What is more important to your character, preserving the past or forging a future? Forging a future. He shows little interest in the past other than to use it as a weapon. He wants a future for his city, for his people, for those who he considers part of his territory.
How does your character influence their own story? What about the stories of others? Despite being the protagonist he doesn't actually do... much other than 'fight' and 'be determined'. But for other people he's a big influence on their stories! From saving a little girl to literally saving the entirety of Shinjuku, he's a hero to most. For those yakuza who oppose him, he's a villain. For Eko, he's a reminder of what he once was. But to Otoha? The only people that matter are the ones who get in the way.
Are you alright with your character’s canon being used as a Recommended Reading?: Yeah though it's got a bunch of CWs. It is available on Archive dot Org though!
