Fantasy Key to an Oath: Applications

[Nano]

Key to an Oath:
Applications

Interest Check

Lore

Characters

In Character

Application

出願

Basic Information
Name
Race
Subrace (if yokai)
Clan (if onmyoji)
Faceclaim (picture + source)

About the Character
What’s your character pitch? What makes them interesting and unique? Keep it short at around 2-4 paragraphs. Just give me a general idea of their personality and/or backstory. Whatever you think expresses your ideas best.

Abilities
Give me a brief rundown of how your character fights and what their weaknesses are. What kind of onmyodo, yojutsu, or other tools do they have at their disposal?

Notes

注釈

The application should hopefully be short enough so that no one spends a huge amount of effort only to get rejected but detailed enough that I get a good idea of what your character will be like. Anyone personally invited by the GM doesn't need to submit an application. For those applying via the interest check, here are a few things to note:

• One application/character per person. I've posted two sample applications, but this is just to give an example for both races. I will not be playing both.
  
• The deadline for apps is
  November 20th, 11:59PM [EST]
  . I'll be going over applications on the 21st and officially open the CS thread on the 22nd.
  
• If you wish to add or change anything while writing the official character sheet, that’s completely fine and there’s no need to ask me. I’ll see whether or not it’s acceptable once I see the completed sheet. However, you are not allowed to edit major parts of the character such as their race, clan, and general power/skill set. This is to ensure that the roleplay gets a balanced cast.
  
• Players are allowed to apply for influential positions such as the successor/head of x clan, someone from the imperial family, or the protege of one of the demon lords. Always ask first, and take note that this will likely require several exchanges to check that all the details work out and don't conflict with any lore. The same goes for if you want to make up some influential figure of the past (e.g. some famous past clan head) in your character's backstory.
  
• Don’t be long winded. Your application will only become less likely to be accepted.
  
• After the acceptance period, any rejected applications will be kept in the thread. If you wish to delete yours, that’s fine. Just note that I’ll be using the remaining apps as a waitlist in the case more slots open up in the future.
  
• If you struggle with bbcode, it's perfectly fine to submit your application with plain text. Otherwise you may use the app code I'll be pasting below. For the sake of keeping things clean, DO NOT use any other codes for the apps. Save the fancy stuff for the CS thread.
  

Template

鋳型

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Code by Nano

 

[Nano]

Basic Information
Name: Miyauchi Kouun | 宮内幸運
Race: Human
Clan: Gojo
Faceclaim: Miri from Soccer Spirits

About the Character
A cheerful young onmyoji who smiles to cope with being haunted by a phantom of the past. Her words are always incredibly optimistic even in the most dire of situations, and she claims to desire to deliver the blessing of fortune and happiness to those she encounters. Despite the childishly idealistic quality of her words, her judgment is surprisingly sound and grounded in careful observation of the situation. Her words are further backed by the skill in which she handles her parasol and the various talismans at her disposal. However, her evident discipline in martial arts is offset by her vehement refusal to wield a blade even if it is something as simple as a kitchen knife. She claims it is due to an oath she took in the past, yet the trembling of her hands under the weight of a sword makes it clear that she appears to fear them.

In the past, she was once an extremely bitter child born under the stigma of ill omens. Rejected by her own blood as the firstborn who’d pushed aside her twin to be birthed first and cursed her own mother to an early death, Kouun was once someone who detested the irony of her name. Even the fox, her second mother, who breathed life into her name and helped her define happiness eventually ran red upon the tip of the sword in her quivering hands. “If only I didn’t exist,” is a thought that comes and goes like an echo reminding her of her sins, yet she continues onwards if only for the sake of the fox’s last wish. Is her desire to live up to her name her own, or is she forcing herself to walk out of guilt? Swallowing her uncertain answer, the young onmyoji strives to build the world that the fox once wished to see by starting with herself. If it’s for her sake, she’ll suppress her anger at the lack of fairness in the world and her fear of her penance never being enough and hide it underneath the brilliance of the sun.

Abilities
Kouun’s jack of all trades, master of none skillset is the product of switching from one discipline to another during her early adolescent years. Her movements are agile and refined, but her physique doesn’t hold a candle to the explosive power of the Rokuyama Clan. In a similar vein, her knowledge of talismans does not go very far beyond the most rudimentary spells. She is nonetheless quick to pick up on opportunities, and the simplicity of the techniques she employs allows for her to easily cycle through various options without concern for conflicting effects.

The parasol Kouun carries around is a special spiritual tool crafted by the Yae Clan to suit her specific needs. Though the deceptively petite girl swings it as if it’s as light as a feather, the metal frame of the parasol is actually extremely dense to the point where a direct hit from the parasol while closed is akin to being hit by a sizable hammer. Combined with the knowledge gained from her previous training in swordsmanship and martial arts, Kouun makes for a tricky opponent to take down even if her opponent’s raw strength eclipses hers.

Her physical abilities are not all that she has in her bag of tricks, and she notably has a quirky manner of fighting in which she occasionally drags the sharpened tip of her umbrella across the floor. Most assume that the engravings on her parasol increase its durability, but its true function lies in its ability to act as a conduit for spiritual energy between Kouun’s hand and the ground. With some clever dodging and quick thinking, Kouun is capable of distracting the enemy while simultaneously drawing an array to ensnare or weaken her opponent. In addition, she’s nowhere near the best talisman crafter, but she always keeps a few up her sleeve to heckle the enemy. The talismans she favors are ones that can track whatever it’s been attached to within a short distance, ones that emit a short but numbing jolt of lightning, ones that generate fire when activated, and a handy escape talisman that burns up and emits a blinding flash of light.

Kouun’s resourcefulness contributes to her strengths but is simultaneously her greatest weakness. She’s no wellspring of spiritual energy nor is she a tactical genius, and her late introduction into formal onmyoji training means she tends to lack in many related areas. To opponents that rely purely on power, she’s as slippery as an eel. However, smarter opponents are more likely to see through her tricks, forcing her to rely on her allies and taking on a more supportive role.

 

[Nano]

Basic Information
Name: Kokuyo | 黒曜石
Race: Yokai
Subrace: Furutsubaki no Rei
Faceclaim: Hagi Ransetsu from Ken ga Toki

About the Character
The tides of war stained the land a deep crimson, and the blossoms of a camellia whose roots fed upon the blood and grudges of the fallen withered away for a final time. From the chilling embrace of the snow-covered tree, a newly-born spirit sprang forth. The scene that heralded its birth reflected the same color of its eyes, as it peered out curiously before gorging itself upon the closest offering.

Their nature lies in carnage, yet nurture has shaped them into the lackadaisical and airheaded yokai they are today. Despite their parent tree having been one that became incapable of producing blooms, Kokuyo carries an infectious cheerfulness akin to Spring. Few would suspect that the gentle spirit who keeps their monstrous claws carefully hidden away so as to not scare others was once hunted down as a terribly vicious monster. However, those with a similar mindset and quick wit like the onmyoji who sealed them centuries ago would note that their naivete is the cause of their former reputation.

Taught by the man who sealed them and tempered by the life and death of a foolish yet beloved child who mistook the tree spirit for a land god, the sole difference between the nameless spirit of the past and Kokuyo is their level of common sense. Ultimately, they are still the same entity that occasionally spouts outrageous suggestions and questions (some even morbidly so) at the most unexpected moments. Many may even find the eerie disparity between the politeness in which they address their prey and enemies versus the manner in which they mercilessly tear into them disturbing. They’re normally peaceful and an advocate for resolving arguments without resorting to violence, yet they are unexpectedly volatile due to their lack of understanding of good and evil in the way most people perceive morals.

Abilities
Despite having been mistaken for a god of medicine in the past, the tree spirit does not possess any yojutsu related to healing. However, their knowledge of plants is encyclopedic, and they’re capable of sniffing out the herbs required for a poultice instinctively. They don’t come close to the medical efficiency of the Nitou Clan or yokai with more specialized yojutsu, but it’s good enough for first aid or treating the merchants who get injured and lost while traversing through forests.

Their physical strength is typically reserved for carrying people or large loads, but they’re an effective fighting force when the situation calls for it. Their claws and the dense plating of their arms act as natural gauntlets which allow them to easily crush or tear into prey. Due to the nature of their birth, they fight fiercely and recklessly like a wild beast and disregard the use of any external weapons or tools. Fortunately, the tenacity of their body as well as their enhanced regeneration allow them to remain on equal footing with most enemies despite using yojutsu solely to bolster their body and empower their strikes.

They’re not much of a picky eater, but their nature draws power specifically from their hematophagous tendencies. The roots which extend from their limbs are capable of digging into and embedding themselves within flesh and directly siphoning blood. The more blood they consume, the more powerful they become. Even if their roots are cut off before they can feed, it’s a rather painful process to completely remove the roots from the flesh. As they only feed on people and animals whom they determine to be “bad”, they’re weaker compared to the past.

 

[Arnalia]

Basic Information
Name: Araki Hatsumi | 荒木初弥
Race: Human
Clan: Nitou
Faceclaim: By MinG. lu on artstation

About the Character
Just as snow was push away by spring, a couple snatched the coveted title of parent. Ambitions and a future already planned for the newborn months before. An old but lower ranked family of onmyoji, the goal of every child from the Araki was simple. Rise and rise until they could fly no more. And bring the rest with them before.

Hatsumi carried those expectations during all her childhood. However despite all her efforts she was considered a failure. Competent enough in the Nitou art but unremarkable, tall for a girl, not charming, more brash then graceful, all on top of being rather headstrong. Her parent soon abandoned and focused on their other children. Leaving Hatsumi to her own device with only one rule to follow. Not bring dishonor to the family until she come of age. With the silent and implicit end being "And go far away," as such the young girl was free to roam or do as she please beside her lessons.

And she didn't need to be tell twice, soon Hatsumi would act reckless and venture into places she wasn't suppose to be. Almost been imprisoned multiple time. To this day she wonder what would have been if her parent caught her, or worse, the Seiryu patrol. Oni or human it soon didn't matter much for the little girl. She befriended and fought both equally. Her rebellious nature fully in bloom, not afraid to be blunt, uncouth, and a nightmare for polite society. Hatsumi soon used the Nitou art to help friend and stranger alike. Usually the poorest or the outcast that no one wished to help. Seeing a bit of herself in them, abandoned but with an unbreakable will to live. This period gave the aimless teenage girl a new resolve. She decided she would learn all kind of onmyodo techniques and practical skills that could be used to help the vulnerable and weak.

Once she reached adulthood, the young woman engaged in the army, aiming to improve her combat skill and not liking to deal with often well off but entitled clients. She began training in the Rokuyama art as well as throwing others onmyodo she found useful here and there. Hatsumi practical knowledge acquired by roaming into tough neighborhood and getting into fights proved invaluable. And despite being rough around the edge her dedication and honesty toward patients made her a liked figure among soldier. Most seeing her as a very caring older sister under her cranky exterior. As despite her tactlessness, Hatsumi is known for how fussy she can be about her allies well-being, sometimes being worse then a mother hen according to younger soldiers. They often tease her by complaining that she is as delicate as an ox, or calling her the "Rokuyama nurse" before running. As every of them know Hatsumi is fast.

Abilities
Raised to be a healer, she is a skilled field medic. Having to make do with what she had when she healed patient in the street coupled with her experience in the army. Hatsumi has a lot of practical knowledges with dealing with physical wounds without using much or any spiritual energy. She like to make healing poultices or pastes and know a lot about nature and animals. As the woman love hunting and camping and can hold her own far from civilization for a long time. She know a few very rudimentary sigils and incantations but it's clearly not her speciality.

Brawling a lot during her youth and picking up some techniques from the Rokuyama, Hatsumi is a better fighter then one would expect for a healer. She is nowhere near their level but they would find her a decent opponent, albeit with rather crude techniques and no qualm throwing dirt in their eyes. But what Hatsumi lack in strength she make up in speed. She is surprisingly fast and have a good deal of stamina. And doesn't hesitate to run away if she know she won't win or will take too much damages. Calling her an opportunist would be spot on, as she take any opportunities she can get. Not above using traps or worse methods to kill her enemies. Fighting dirty is just being smart according to her.

As Hatsumi fighting style is hard-nosed, swift and efficient. Utterly unconcerned about how it look or what it is as long as it do the job and allow her to survive. Taking her field medic role seriously she generally stay at the back with her bow so she can concentrate on making sure her allies aren't hurt too much. Not wanting to deal with near death companions. Hatsumi draw her sword and go to the front only to take care of weaker enemies, help allies when needed, or as a last resort. Hatsumi bow was made specifically for her by one of her friend from the Yae clan, it enhance the reach of her arrows so they can hit opponents that are further then normal. She also coat them and her sword with poisons, although she is no toxic specialist and is better at healing them.

Hatsumi need her allies to unlock her full potential. As she lean on them to make the main damages while she make sure they stay alive. She is able to go against weak to average opponents alone but any fighter that know more refined and polished techniques will cause her great problems. Due to her not formally been trained but picking it up as she grew up, she doesn't know more effective techniques or many way to fight. Hatsumi is also in difficulty when she is not able to move freely as her speed is among her greatest asset. The healer greatest strength and flaw is that she is very good at a few things but need help for the rest.

 

[Sunsmiter]

Basic Information
Name: Eiyuu-Ou(英雄王)
Race: Yokai
Subrace: Tatsu
Faceclaim:
Source
About the Character Serene and neutral, this spirit has the disposition of a saint. One may wonder how they came to be, but their reason, if twisted, is sincere. They are nature's reclamation, the fury and rot of a wronged saint.
They rose from a torn orchard nourished by the wails of the fallen. They were born from a tainted river that ran so thick with blood that fishes choked to death on the gore. Striding through the ruins of a once magnificent orchard, the earth torn and ravaged by both man and beast, the sins of the ancestors burned the souls of the fathers. They walked through fury's embrace, the child of springtime who arrived too late, far too late to stop them, far too late to even mourn.
And as such was their nature. Wandering, travelling. Visiting torn-apart hamlets and plundered fishing villages, the travelling monk's nurturing nature always bringing them to the weak, or perhaps drawing the weak to them. They did not want to bring carnage, to bring misfortune, yet their very touch was bile. For the harbinger of plague to walk within a village, one may know plague and misfortune was soon to follow. The cold eyes of onmyoji that sealed them away saw a monster who would cradle an stillborn child, whispering to it a few words of comfort for the dead yet letting them die just the same. A monster whose very laughter was a curse, whose existence was a burden, the shrine guardian of a forgotten monastery where nature reigned supreme.
To put it simply, Eiyuu does not care. They seek the weak both to protect them yet to end the runts who were not meant to live. They are both kind, yet cruel. Run. Flee. Be a demon, a saint, a god, a king. It matters not. Death will not care, and neither will Eiyuu, as such is the law of nature. They are sometimes seen as emotionless and almost cruel, when it is simply due to their rather...eccentric worldview.
Their travels would bring them to a monastery, where they would spend years as a shrine guardian(or at least fancying themself to be one). While they may have been loyal, and endless, their companions were not. When a shrine would vanish, out of old age or simply out of negligence, the shrine guardian would move on, carrying with them the burdens of misfortune.

Abilities
Eiyuu is surprisingly agile, capable of using their claws to their advantage, fighting in a surprisingly graceful unarmed fighting style. They tend to prefer capturing prey via grapples and tackles or traps instead of brute force. Due to their creation, their affinity with nature is tied greatly to water sources. While touching any source of water, they can choose to return to their native form, a serpentine dragon with white to gold scales. They can hold their own in a fight, if only because they're quite used to taking beatings and have quite the health pool to drain.
They have an almost uncanny sense for when things will go on, a false kind of clairvoyance if you will. While this won't really help but demotivate people in a fight, it's...somewhat useful for knowing when to run away.
Their main power is their endurance. They have high regeneration while touching water, leading to how they were many times mistaken as a guardian or false deity of nature and springs. While their regeneration is less powerful outside of water sources, it still functions. They can fly in draconian form, and swim quite proficiently.
While they abhor needless fighting, when forced to fight, they often rely on their endurance and agility to evade and tire out opponents.
As a guardian of nature, their yojutsu can heal, and extend life, and they are extremely proficient with their healing abilities. It can heal them in combat, or aid their friends, but its primary functions is to sustain themself when there's no water source nearby. It can mold their form like living clay, allowing them to push the limits of life or death.
While in their native draconian form, they obviously can't use unarmed fighting style(they...don't have hands then, partly why they prefer humanoid form), but can constrict enemies before attempting to drown them.
Otherwise, when push comes to shove, Eiyuu's main (and only!) offensive ability is their affinity with plants. They can more or less 'speak' with the nature around them, capable of sometimes even persuading plants to grow in certain ways, convince animals to do their bidding. They cannot force a tree to suddenly jump upon a fire, but they can create a tree root to trip up enemies and/or restrain them.
Some believe that a side effect of Eiyuu's presence is an aura of misfortune, yet Eiyuu claims this is simply part of their false clairvoyance.

Eiyuu's greatest and weakest blessing is their durability in both forms. Their strengths are tied directly to how many hits they can take, focusing on locking down enemies and forcing them to deplete a continuously regenerating creature who's literally slippery as a snake. They lack in offensive functions, relying on unarmed blows and their own grace. They face difficulties in extremely dry conditions or conditions where they are forced to take offensive action, since they lack damage output. Even though they do have healing, it mostly only affects themself. Their main contribution would be shouldering the damage for their allies and relying on them for damage.

 

[AiDEE-c0]

Basic Information
Name: Inushiki Sue | 犬式・スエ
Race: Human
Role: Inushiki Shrine Maiden
Faceclaim: [1]

About the Character
Do not be tricked by this creature's unassuming appearance, it is a vengeful little seedling of malice. Sue is the current and last inheritor of the mantle of Inushikimiko, the shrine maiden of the fledgling Inushiki shrine. Though in the distant past, before onmyōji became a common sight, the shrine used to be a sprawling and venerated place of worship, nowadays it has fallen into total disrepair. The poverty of the shrine has reached such a point that Sue's predecessor was forced to sustain herself on dew and berries, and much of the same fate has befallen Sue. Because of this, she harbors a strong grudge against the onmyōji, who are nothing but usurping pretenders in her eyes. Matters aren't helped by the notebook left behind by her predecessor, which not only includes guidance on maintaining the shrine, but plenty of personal ramblings about the sorcerers and yōkai. Sue uses this book as a day-to-day guide to life, grudges included.

Ultimately, the grumpy miko has trouble getting along with others. Due to a distinct lack of socialisation, she struggles with understanding people, and will thoughtlessly blurt out brash demands and ultimatums as she sees fit. At times, she appears emotionless or distant, but in reality, the girl just has no idea how to express her true feelings. On the other hand, due to the lackluster nature of her upbringing, her cooperation is very easily bought with something as simple as a ritual dumpling or a cup of cold, fruity tea. This goes even for the onmyōji, to whom she otherwise feels a major superiority complex.

Abilities
The frailness of Sue's body well represents the deterioration of the Inushiki tradition. She used to be too weak to even pull back a bowstring, too fragile to wield a sword, and too weightless to ride a horse without tumbling off. Since her predecessor understood that this couldn't be fixed easily due to the shrine's meagre diet, all of her training was instead dedicated to the creation of powerful talismans and seals, so that any enemies could be dispelled before they had a chance to lay a hand on the miko. Thanks to this and a latent talent for the craft, Sue has learned to manufacture a myriad of talismans for a variety of purposes, but mainly the obliteration of yōkai through fire and lightning. When an encounter is inevitable, she prefers to lure her opponents into talisman infested traps, dealing with them without having to exhaust herself.

What saves her from becoming a pure glass cannon are the magical barriers, or seals, she is capable of conjuring. These are usually short-term and quite draining to manifest, but their lifespan can also be greatly expanded through the use of sacred talismans called shide. Shide also power the last trick in the Inushikimiko's arsenal, the gohei. This staff is dangerous to both yōkai and onmyōji, as it disperses any magical energy it comes into contact with. This effect is similar to blowing at a dandelion and spreading its seeds over a vast area, or scattering lightning into thousands of harmless sparks. The shide tied to the staff burn up as the gohei is used, and need to be replaced rather frequently. Without them, the gohei becomes just another useless piece of wood.

 

[Steve Jobs]

Basic Information
Name: Kazetani Tsurugi | 風谷剣
Race: Human
Subrace: N/A
Clan: Mikazuki
Faceclaim: Tsuzuramaru (Ken Ga Kimi)
About the Character
In a family where speed and productivity are key, Tsurugi feels closer to a breeze than a gale. Time slips through his finger more easily than his siblings and what may be a five minute endeavor can easily turn into an hour if not given proper supervision. With a meandering speech pattern, sleepy eyes, and proclivity to leave things unfinished, it's easy to mischaracterize his disinterest as laziness and that's fine with him. He far prefers chatting with passerbys, cloud watching, or playing his shamisen to anything resembling labor. Unlike his brothers, he views being an onmyoji as a career rather than a sacred duty. While he feels a general obligation to protect those weaker than himself, vanquishing evil spirits doesn't fulfill him anymore than household chores. It's a means to an end and the only trade that he happens to be proficient in. Being written off means that people will lower their expectations and their guard.

Whether he's eating, napping, or preparing to do both people seem more than happy to interrupt him for counsel. He likes to think that its due to his silver tongue but it's more likely that they just need someone to vent their frustrations to. Even without using his shikigami, it's easy for him to fish for information and trickle gossip into a conversation if he wants to provoke a reaction. The only time he stops himself is under the threat of exile or physical danger. He understands his shortcomings and will do whatever it takes to keep his livelihood.

The more perceptive members of the Mikazuki clan have learned to use this to their advantage, often assigning him missions that were either too dangerous or troublesome for other onmyouji. Though he used to freeze in fear, experience has turned the gentle wind into a gust. He thrives under pressure, finding that it's the only way to bring out his full potential. Time seems to halt as he sweeps the terrain for a solution and his fingers already poised to summon his shikigami. Resigned to his fate, he replaces his jibber jabber with whispers of a half-formed plan while Yatagarasu caws back at him in agreement.

As they say, if a bird doesn't sing, make it.
Abilities
Given that he's the only one in his family with multiple contracts, Tsurugi has been regarded as wasted talent. Despite his seemingly endless spiritual energy and emotional stability, he cannot summon more than one shikigami at a time (nor does he have any interest in learning).

Tsurugi primarily summons a red-eyed bird by the name of "Yatagarasu." Far from the guide of legend, his shikigami operates more as a scout. Splitting into a murder of black crows, Yatagarasu becomes Tsurugi's eyes in the sky and ears on the rooftop. Information is the Mikazuki's greatest currency and few can rival his ability to synthesize Yatagarasu's points of view. Whether the target is a person or yokai, stationary or moving, he can follow their trail so long as at least one of Yatagarasu's birds is still active. In dire cases, Yatagarasu has been known to fight off malevolent entities, though the whole flock is required to deal meaningful damage. Unfortunately, his shikigami is not indestructible. Though more durable than its mortal equivalent, Yatagarasu can still be harmed by yojutsu, onmyodo, and physical weaponry.

His second shikigami resembles a large, black dog with red antlers and facial markings beneath its eyes. Far fiercer than his primary summon, Makami appears with bared fangs, sharp claws, and a lust for battle. Unlike his primary summon, Tsurugi doesn't share sensory input with it and therefore, can only deliver simple commands to hunt, defend, or track objects. As with Yatagarasu, staying stoic is of utmost importance and therefore, he must stop himself from becoming too emotional lest he become spiritual fodder.

On the off chance his shikigami disappears, his physical and tactical capabilities are not insignificant. Like the rest of his family, he wields an uchigatana, favoring quick, reactive strikes to all out attacks. Sparring with his siblings taught him that chaos yields to consistency and no man is free of imperfection. He believes that with enough time he can find anyone's weaknesses, but when you're being tackled by a rogue Oni, all plans are thrown out the window.

 

[Sunsmiter]

Basic Information
Name: Eiyuu-Ou(英雄王)
Race: Yokai
Subrace: Tatsu
Faceclaim:
Source
About the Character Serene and neutral, this spirit has the disposition of a saint. One may wonder how they came to be, but their reason, if twisted, is sincere. They are nature's reclamation, the fury and rot of a wronged saint.
They rose from a torn orchard nourished by the wails of the fallen. They were born from a tainted river that ran so thick with blood that fishes choked to death on the gore. Striding through the ruins of a once magnificent orchard, the earth torn and ravaged by both man and beast, the sins of the ancestors burned the souls of the fathers. They walked through fury's embrace, the child of springtime who arrived too late, far too late to stop them, far too late to even mourn.
And as such was their nature. Wandering, travelling. Visiting torn-apart hamlets and plundered fishing villages, the travelling monk's nurturing nature always bringing them to the weak, or perhaps drawing the weak to them. They did not want to bring carnage, to bring misfortune, yet their very touch was bile. For the harbinger of plague to walk within a village, one may know plague and misfortune was soon to follow. The cold eyes of onmyoji that sealed them away saw a monster who would cradle an stillborn child, whispering to it a few words of comfort for the dead yet letting them die just the same. A monster whose very laughter was a curse, whose existence was a burden, the shrine guardian of a forgotten monastery where nature reigned supreme.
To put it simply, Eiyuu does not care. They seek the weak both to protect them yet to end the runts who were not meant to live. They are both kind, yet cruel. Run. Flee. Be a demon, a saint, a god, a king. It matters not. Death will not care, and neither will Eiyuu, as such is the law of nature. They are sometimes seen as emotionless and almost cruel, when it is simply due to their rather...eccentric worldview.
Their travels would bring them to a monastery, where they would spend years as a shrine guardian(or at least fancying themself to be one), guarding rivers and ponds they saw fit for their attention. While they may have been loyal, and endless, their companions were not. When a shrine would vanish, out of old age or simply out of negligence, the shrine guardian would move on, carrying with them the burdens of misfortune.

Abilities
Eiyuu is surprisingly agile, capable of using their claws to their advantage, fighting in a surprisingly graceful unarmed fighting style. They tend to prefer capturing prey via grapples and tackles or traps instead of brute force. Due to their creation, their affinity with nature is tied greatly to water sources. While touching any source of water, they can choose to return to their native form, a serpentine dragon with white to gold scales. They can hold their own in a fight, if only because they're quite used to taking beatings and have quite the health pool to drain. While they abhor needless fighting, when forced to fight, they often rely on their endurance and agility to evade and tire out opponents along with their hand-to-hand combat.
They have an almost uncanny sense for when things will go on, a false kind of clairvoyance if you will. While this won't really help but demotivate people in a fight, it's...somewhat useful for knowing when to run away. Some believe that a side effect of Eiyuu's presence is an aura of misfortune, yet Eiyuu claims this is simply part of their false clairvoyance. In fact, from the legends of tatsus, Eiyuu apparently has a small degree of “control” over luck, or at least knows when the winds of fortune are about to change.
Their main power is their endurance. They have high regeneration while touching water, leading to how they were many times mistaken as a guardian or false deity of nature and springs. While their regeneration is less powerful outside of water sources, it still functions. They can fly in draconian form, and swim quite proficiently. Their form is like water, shifting, reforming, eternal. They can choose to shapeshift, changing their face and form when around water, and as thus, their wounds regenerate rapidly. They can weave circles, dodging and ducking as if one had tried to fight the sea.
While in their native draconian form, they obviously can't use unarmed fighting style(they...don't have hands then, partly why they prefer humanoid form), but can constrict enemies before attempting to drown them.
Otherwise, when push comes to shove, Eiyuu's main (and only!) offensive ability is their affinity with water. They are capable of water manipulation, lulling the waves into doing their bidding. As such, the yokai is capable of great devastation in throes of woe or anguish, calling down great tempests that ravage fishing villages or scattering wind and water across the spring fields as a blessing towards farmers when they were feeling merciful.
Eiyuu's greatest and weakest blessing is their durability in both forms. Their strengths are tied directly to how many hits they can take, focusing on locking down enemies and forcing them to deplete a continuously regenerating creature who's literally slippery as a snake. They lack in offensive functions, relying on unarmed blows and their own grace. They face difficulties in extremely dry conditions or conditions where they are forced to take offensive action, since they lack damage output. Even though they do have healing, it only affects themself. Their main contribution would be shouldering the damage for their allies and relying on them for damage.