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Potential Tushanshu app
Feb. 2nd, 2014 11:45 pmPlayer Information:
Name: Katy
Age: 24
Contact: AIM: jipaltara Plurk: damua
Game Cast: Newbie
Character
Information:
Name: Taiki - also Takasato Kaname (his earth name) or Kouri (a nickname given to him by his king)
Canon: 12 Kingdoms
Canon Point: After the crowning of Gyousou, about a month into his reign.
Age: 10
Reference: Here
Setting:
World(s)
The world of the 12 kingdoms is actually two worlds. Earth and a second world called the twelve kingdoms. These worlds are connected and there are those who can pass from one to another. Earth is pretty much identical to our own, at the point where Taiki is from it is about 1988ish. Japan (named Horai by the 12 Kingdoms) is the only country seen in the novels and the anime and supposedly where the connection between this world and the 12 Kingdoms lies.
The 12 Kingdoms
As for the twelve kingdoms themselves, after a period where the rulers of the world ruled with injustice and showed no respect to their subjects Tentei made the world anew. Thirteen kingdoms were created, with the center one being Mt. Hou, a holy mountain surrounded by the yellow sea, which is not a sea at all but rather a landmass filled with demons. It is on Mt. Hou that Kirin are hatched.
Tentei is the creator god of the twelve kingdoms. There are other gods, but Tentei is the only one continuously referred to by name. He is also known as emperor of the heavens and it is him that couples prey to when they wish a child. The gods are the ones who chose the king
The other Kingdoms are En, Han, Hou, Kei, Kou, Kyou, Ren, Ryuu, Sai, Shun, Sou and Tai. Each kingdom was given a King chosen by the gods and a Kirin who channeled the will of the gods in order to find the king for the kingdom.
There are four inner kingdoms and four outer kingdoms. The status of each kingdom is reliant on how the King is in that kingdom, with some kingdoms being very prosperous for hundreds of years and others going through strings of kings that only last a few years each, and therefore are constantly in tumult (Kei is a good example of this). However this only affects the country in which the king is failing and does not extend over borders.
In the time that Taiki comes from Hou is unstable and Shun is believed to be coming unstable despite the King having lasted forty years. Kei is still stabilising. The other kingdoms have long standing rulers and are stable and prospering. King Sou is the longest reigning monarch, having ruled for almost 600 years.
There is no violence or war between kingdoms. To someone living in the Twelve Kingdoms such a concept is almost unthinkable but in the case that it does happen the gods would take action and strike the Kirin with shitsedou (see Kirin, Kings and Kingdoms).
Each Kingdom produces and exports different things. For example Tai is famous for gem springs (literally natural seams of gems that come up from the ground) but the climate is not suitable for agriculture.
En is very agricultural, is famous for innovation and its liberal policies regarding refugees from turbulent kingdoms, Earth and also its policies towards Hanjyuu- allowing them to attend higher levels of education or obtain employment. Shun is known for precious stones and medicinal springs. There is trade between the stable prospering kingdoms and some kingdoms such as En try and help the citizens of failing countries though they cannot interfere directly in other kingdoms affairs without the permission of the King of that kingdom.
People of the Twelve Kingdoms
One of the most notable differences between Earth and the Twelve Kingdoms is that the people of the Twelve Kingdoms are born in Ranka (egg fruits). When a couple want a child they tie a piece of ribbon to a sacred tree (called a Riboku tree) and pray to Tentei, a child then grows on the tree in a Ranka and hatches from it.
Because people quite literally grow on trees, family is a little different than many cultures on earth. There are still family units and people still care deeply for their family. But the raising of a child is seen more as a holy duty and less continuing your own line, children do not inherit from their parents but are given land and resources to make it on their own once they reach adulthood.
As well as humans, demons and kirin there are also hanjyuu. Hanjyuu are half beasts that have both a human and animal form, they are born from the Riboku tree like humans (and have human parents). They are just as intelligent as humans but are in many kingdoms considered less than human and have fewer rights.
Taika
As previously mentioned the worlds are conencted and certain creatures (Kirin being one) can travel from one world to another. However there are also storms (called Shoku) which can blow people from one to another.
Those that are blown from earth to the twelve kingdoms are refugees there, they can't speak the language but most of the more stable kingdoms try and provide for them. It is less likely that people are blown the other way but if so it is usually when they are still in ranka (egg fruits) and they are blown to earth and born to a human family, to those of the twelve kingdoms they are called Taika.
Youma, Youjyuu and other creatures
Youma (demons) are monsters that inhabit the Kingdoms. No one knows where they come from (no tree that hatches them has ever been found) nor is it known how long their natural lives are. They mostly roam the Yellow sea, though they are also found in the Kingdoms themselves, especially those Kingdoms that lack a King, where they appear in great numbers.
Youma are always male and generally evil unless serving a Kirin. Kirin are the only creatures that can subdue them, they make a pact with them. The Youma serves the Kirin (as a Shirei) and in return on the Kirin's death is allowed to consume the body and therefore the magical energy of the Kirin. The intelligence levels of Youma differs, with some being capable of human speech. A Shirei therefore is simply a Youma that has made a pact with a Kirin. There is no difference in abilities between a wild Youma and a Shirei. Shirei however are good, as they serve the will of the Kirin and revert to being wild Youma after a Kirin's death.
Youjyuu are another kind of monster, one that can be tamed by humans. They make great and powerful mounts. They also do not seem to be have trees (there is no thing as a baby Youjyuu...) and are found in the Yellow sea, they feed off Youma. Youjyuu that have been caught and tamed as mounts are called Kijyuu
Nyokai are nursemaid demons. They are female Youma that hatch on Mt. Hou just before a Kirin and are destined to protect the Kirin's ranka and the Kirin themselves when they are young. They are a mixture of creatures, and the more creatures in the mix the greater they are said to be. Their egg fruits hatch from the roots of the tree that the Kirin are born from. They die when the Kirin die.
Kirin, Kings and Kingdoms
Kirin are holy creatures. They cannot harm or kill others unless ordered to by their king. They become weakened at the sight and smell of blood, and if exposed to a lot of blood develop blood sickness (which results in fever symptoms). They do not eat meat or other products from animals. Meat at least actively makes them ill. Their horns are only seen in beast form, in human form it is nothing more than a faint freckle on their forehead but Kirin dislike it being touched, it makes them feel nauseous.
Kirin grow on a special tree called the Shashinboku in the centre of the world. They typically spend there first few years in beast form before slowly being able to take on a second humanoid form. These first few years are spent in the yellow sea subduing shirei until they finally return to Mt. Hou and the sages there.
Usually once a kirin reaches an age of maturity (which is usually classed as the age they are able to maintain a human form) the gates to Mt. Hou are opened and all those from the kingdom who wish to make pilgramage do so. The Kirin meets with these people and searches for the king. The king has an Ouki (an aura) around them. This aura is the sign from the gods that they are the one chosen to be the king. This Ouki is often more of a feeling, am instinctive knowledge that this is the ruler of their kingdom.
To chose the king the Kirin bows before them and swears an oath, therefore bestowing the will of the gods on them. The King and Kirin then ascend and go to their kingdom. The king and kirin are linked to the land, if the king fails the kingdom and it's people the Kirin is struck with a wasting disease called shitsedou, if the king refuses to change their ways the Kirin dies and a king without a kirin won't live out the year. Without a king the kingdom is thrown into chaos, demons attack and it cannot prosper until the new Kirin finds the next king.
And so the kirin's job is to keep the king on the right path, and successful kingdoms can last hundreds of years (En being a good example.)
Kirin are immortal, except when they die of shitsudou, killed by enchanted weapons (or if they fail to find the king, in which case they will not live past thirty years), kings once they have taken the throne are also immortal and there is a system of sages, whereby those who serve the crown are also granted immortality by a register of immortality.
Kirin are named for their kingdom, so a Kirin's name is the name of the Kingdom (in this case Tai) and a suffix of ki (if male) and rin (if female). Some Kirin are given familiar names by their Kings, or if they are Taika keep their earth names. Taiki's earth name is Takasato Kaname and Gyousou gives him the nickname of Kouri, which is an alternative spelling of Takasato as well as a mountain of the dead, an omen so ominous that Gyousou is sure it will give good luck.
As well as not being able to fight, Kirin can not bow to anyone who is not their king, they cannot make a vow to anyone who is not their king. Whilst with their king they feel blissful and happy but when parted from them they are saddened.
Tai
Is the Kingdom that Taiki is kirin of. Tai is located in the North East of the Twelve Kingdoms, it has a cold climate and long winters. Even when it is warmer it has a constant cold breeze. It's main resource is it's jewel springs though because of the last king these have become depleted. A common story told of the king before Gyousou is that he had a different musician in every room of the palace.
Before Gyousou the last king (named the arrogant king after his death) ruled for 124 years before losing the way. Because Taiki was lost as a ranka and not found for ten years the kingdom fell into ruin without a king. By the time Gyousou is crowned it is torn by civil war and completely bankrupt.
The capitol city is called Kouki (not to be muddled with the male kirin of Kou...). People in Tai are known to be hot tempered and fierce, probably because of how hard they have to fight to survive in a country with no natural food resources and constant bitter winters.
Saku Gyousou
Lord Gyousou, the Peace King of Tai is Taiki's king. He was a famous general in the army. He was one of the pilgrims to Mt. Hou in the hope of being chosen as king. However Taiki, misunderstanding the aura, does not chose him until Gyousou is half way down the mountain, once the gates have been closed. He is very proud (for example he is going to step down from the army when he believes himself to not have been chosen as king, as he sees it as a humbling thing). At first Taiki is afraid of him, though he also likes him and wishes to spend time with him. Gyousou is always very patient with Taiki, worries about his opinions and also the fact he is so young. He also shows awe at how strong willed Taiki can be.
Youko Nakajima
Even though Youko's story doesn't start until 5 years after Taiki's canon point and so Taiki has no idea who she is, she is the main character of the central plot arc and so deserves a mention! She is a sixteen year old student in Japan, who is also a Taika. She is taken to the Twelve Kingdoms by Keiki, and becomes Queen of Kei. Her character arc focuses on her growth as queen, from her being a shy student to a queen who knows she is fit to rule.
Personality: If Taiki was writing a report on his life he would conclude "could do better." Taiki is a black Kirin, rare and beautiful, his coming said to bring joy. However he is also a Taika, his Ranka lost in a shoku and taken to Hourai. Growing up in a world not his own he always felt like he was different. He wasn't a strong child and lived with the feeling that he was not good enough. He didn't fit in at school, at home he constantly drew his grandmothers ire. He mentions in the novels about his mothers tears, and how he knew they were caused by him even if she tried to hide them from him. Indeed when we first meet Taiki he has been sent to stand out in the yard in the snow for being disrespectful to his grandmother (he batted her hand away, because she touched his forehead where his horn is). This constant feeling of being a disappointment never leaves him and is a big part of his character and how he reacts to the challenges he comes across in canon.
When he was finally found and taken back to Mt. Hou everything made sense; he had never been a part of that family. He wasn't human that was why he never felt like he belonged. Though he does miss his family he knows that he can't go back, because his place is in the twelve kingdoms.
However the feeling of inadequacy never left him. Becoming worse since being a kirin, something that should be purely instinctive and natural to him, comes hard. Most Kirin spend their first five years in Kirin form, able to transform into human form after a couple of years and slowly able to maintain it for longer. Using the yellow sea as their playground they tame Shirei to protect them. By the time they can maintain a human form and are ready to chose a king they have several Shirei to protect them. Not so for Taiki. Despite Keiki's reassurance that changing form was as easy as lifting your arm, Taiki is unable to do so. In fact he wasn't really sure what he should be transforming into (he translates kirin into the more mundane form of a giraffe and tries to do neck stretches to help the change).
His attempts at catching Shirei of his own were equally unsuccessful and his feelings of inadequacy grow. He feels like he is disappointing the sages, who were so kind to him and he worries about what will happen if he cannot be a proper Kirin. Even when the sages find another Kirin to help him he struggles (mostly because said Kirin is Keiki and Keiki is the last person you should get to help explain anything ever).
Taiki likes Keiki despite the fact he confuses him more. Taiki actually likes most people, he is the sort of person who takes things on face value. If you are kind to him, and aren't murdering people where he can see you he will probably like you. This can (and does) lead to problems, he trusts those he shouldn't and isn't cautious enough around those who seem outwardly good and kind.
Despite his nerves and lack of self confidence he is a very affectionate child who likes being around people. He often seems older than his years, explained mostly by his duty and the fact he spends most of his time with adults; even Enki who looks to be only a couple of years older than him is over five hundred.
When Taiki meets his king he does not recognise the revelation for what it is, mistaking it instead for fear. He acknowledges him as king but believes he has done it out of selfish reasons and has gone against the will of the gods. He spends a long time terrified that the gods will strike down Gyousou and that Tai is doomed. He doesn't tell anyone, because he fears their reaction when they know how much he has failed. Until he finally breaks and tells Keiki, showing once again how much he trusts him.
Even before he knows Gyousou is the king everything about him brings out Taiki's kirin instincts. It is order to protect him that he binds a Toutetsou Youma- so powerful that most Kirin would not survive the encounter, as his shirei. This is an example of Taiki's extra ordinary willpower. It is something that only surfaces when he needs to protect others.
When Gyousou is leaving Mt. Hou Taiki's urge to go after him forces him to transform for the first time. Yet despite all that he still doubts himself.
Despite the fact that he has chosen his king and therefore reached Kirin maturity, and has begun to stop aging (though he hopes to be at least as tall as Enki before he stops growing!) he is only ten years old. He is timid and assumes everything is his fault, or his problem to fix. He apologises unnecessarily and is very open about his emotions, often crying when he is scared or sad.
As for how Taiki will react to the news he is now in a state between life, death and dreaming. If I am being perfectly honest he will probably cry. Because that is really scary news and very confusing to a tiny ten year old who has just found his rightful place in the multiverse.
But then he will stop crying, he will be scared to be on his own, and sad because Gyousou is not there (this is part of being a kirin, a general sadness/downness when not near the king). Time back home frozen or not he will want to get back to Gyousou as quickly as possible. He will also be frightened by the idea of a war, since he is a Kirin and not really made for war, or able or inclined to fight one.
Apart from that he will generally do as he is told, being dragged to another world for a purpose he doesn't fully understand isn't exactly new to him and so he will do his best to not cause any trouble and do his best to fit in with the other people there. He is young but resourceful, he has his Shirei who act as caretakers, bodyguards and cuddle pals.
Appearance: This is Taiki isn't he adorable. He also has A beast form
Abilities: Like all Kirin in the twelve kingdoms Taiki has a mixture of abilities. He is immortal and unaging, normal weapons cannot kill him- though beheading him can. His health is linked to his monarch and country; meaning if his king is bad for the country Taiki will be struck down by a disease called Shitsudou.
As previously mentioned Taiki did not grow up in Kirin form, and so only has his Nyokai - a nursemaid demon, his is called Haku Sanshi, and a very powerful Toutetsou Youma called Gouran a shape shifter which often takes the form of a small dog. Though that is not its only form
These Shirei are vital as Kirin abhor conflict, get weak and dizy at the sight and smell of blood and are physically incapable of violence. They make a pact with these shirei- the demons agree to protect and obey them and in return on the kirin's death they consume the body and gain power.When Taiki is in Kirin form he can fly, is fast and can move through solid material. He can also do simple divination and create small storms between his world and our world (earth)
Inventory: Pretty much... just his clothes. So Black trousers and shoes, a white under robe and black over robe with white trim.
Suite: I think Taiki would fit into the water sector, the calmness of the people would probably keep him calm for the most part and he likes water and open spaces. The lack of gangs and crime is also a good thing too! A one floor suite is fine for him, he is rather small and doesn't need much space.
In-Character Samples:
Third Person: Taiki hid quietly behind the large jewelled column, trying his best to not make any sound at all. He could hear Sanshi creeping around looking for him and i was hard not to let out a giggle.
She probably knew where he was already, she always did because she could see his aura even when he hid behind things. But Taiki was just grateful that she was playing with him at all, she rarely came out nowadays, staying in his shadow and chiding him gently for wanting her company. He wasn't a child anymore and he had duties. He could not run around the palace with his Nyokai.
The problem was that he seemed to be always underfoot when he tried to do those duties. Lord Gyousou never sent him away from his presence but he was so busy and he always told Taiki he didn't need to trouble himself with helping with such things as reports, that he should focus on his studies.
But Taiki wanted to help, he hated seeing him having so much work to do. But he also knew that his King was right, he had to learn more before he could be actually useful. Today was a warm day, of course there was still a cold breeze. His tutor had let him off early, Taiki figured he had become annoyed with Taiki's slowness at learning the history that he was trying to teach him.
He had wandered the gardens, feeling sad that he had disappointed his teacher, when Sanshi had suggested the game. The palace gardens had a lot of places to hide, even with a lot of the statues having been sold to try and restore the kingdoms depleted treasury.
He heard footsteps behind him and grinned as he saw Sanshi advancing on him, he jumped up and ran from his hiding place. The Nyokai chased him and he crawled under bench to escape- it had been a long standing rule that she was not allowed to just appear in his shadow and he was not allowed to run through things or fly, but there was nothing against using his size to his advantage. It sometimes made him a bit worried that he might not grow any taller, but he held onto hope that he would at least get as tall as Enki before he stopped growing all together.
He dashed around a corner and halted as he saw a group there, caught between shame at being caught doing such a childish thing and happiness that one of those in that group was Lord Gyousou.
Sanshi disappeared, though her hand lingered on his, invisible but there, reassuring. He bowed to his King and at a gesture went to his side, trying his best to catch up with the discussion the ministers were having.
Network: Um [There is a small nervous looking child looking into the computer screen.] Hello [He smiles though he clearly looks uncomfortable at the idea of making himself the subject of peoples attention]
The Kedan, they said I should make a post to practice using the computer. [He didn't know if it had been an actual order or just a suggestion or if they would check, but he didn't want to upset them or make them disappointed on his first day.] I'm Taiki. Um... [He looks down a moment, and then looks back up; eyes wide]
Do we really have to fight? Um... I mean that's what they said... but... [His voice drops] I can't...
[He looks worried, like he's afraid someone will tell him off and he brings his hand to the mouse, pausing a moment while he remembers how to disconnect.]
Name: Katy
Age: 24
Contact: AIM: jipaltara Plurk: damua
Game Cast: Newbie
Character
Information:
Name: Taiki - also Takasato Kaname (his earth name) or Kouri (a nickname given to him by his king)
Canon: 12 Kingdoms
Canon Point: After the crowning of Gyousou, about a month into his reign.
Age: 10
Reference: Here
Setting:
World(s)
The world of the 12 kingdoms is actually two worlds. Earth and a second world called the twelve kingdoms. These worlds are connected and there are those who can pass from one to another. Earth is pretty much identical to our own, at the point where Taiki is from it is about 1988ish. Japan (named Horai by the 12 Kingdoms) is the only country seen in the novels and the anime and supposedly where the connection between this world and the 12 Kingdoms lies.
The 12 Kingdoms
As for the twelve kingdoms themselves, after a period where the rulers of the world ruled with injustice and showed no respect to their subjects Tentei made the world anew. Thirteen kingdoms were created, with the center one being Mt. Hou, a holy mountain surrounded by the yellow sea, which is not a sea at all but rather a landmass filled with demons. It is on Mt. Hou that Kirin are hatched.
Tentei is the creator god of the twelve kingdoms. There are other gods, but Tentei is the only one continuously referred to by name. He is also known as emperor of the heavens and it is him that couples prey to when they wish a child. The gods are the ones who chose the king
The other Kingdoms are En, Han, Hou, Kei, Kou, Kyou, Ren, Ryuu, Sai, Shun, Sou and Tai. Each kingdom was given a King chosen by the gods and a Kirin who channeled the will of the gods in order to find the king for the kingdom.
There are four inner kingdoms and four outer kingdoms. The status of each kingdom is reliant on how the King is in that kingdom, with some kingdoms being very prosperous for hundreds of years and others going through strings of kings that only last a few years each, and therefore are constantly in tumult (Kei is a good example of this). However this only affects the country in which the king is failing and does not extend over borders.
In the time that Taiki comes from Hou is unstable and Shun is believed to be coming unstable despite the King having lasted forty years. Kei is still stabilising. The other kingdoms have long standing rulers and are stable and prospering. King Sou is the longest reigning monarch, having ruled for almost 600 years.
There is no violence or war between kingdoms. To someone living in the Twelve Kingdoms such a concept is almost unthinkable but in the case that it does happen the gods would take action and strike the Kirin with shitsedou (see Kirin, Kings and Kingdoms).
Each Kingdom produces and exports different things. For example Tai is famous for gem springs (literally natural seams of gems that come up from the ground) but the climate is not suitable for agriculture.
En is very agricultural, is famous for innovation and its liberal policies regarding refugees from turbulent kingdoms, Earth and also its policies towards Hanjyuu- allowing them to attend higher levels of education or obtain employment. Shun is known for precious stones and medicinal springs. There is trade between the stable prospering kingdoms and some kingdoms such as En try and help the citizens of failing countries though they cannot interfere directly in other kingdoms affairs without the permission of the King of that kingdom.
People of the Twelve Kingdoms
One of the most notable differences between Earth and the Twelve Kingdoms is that the people of the Twelve Kingdoms are born in Ranka (egg fruits). When a couple want a child they tie a piece of ribbon to a sacred tree (called a Riboku tree) and pray to Tentei, a child then grows on the tree in a Ranka and hatches from it.
Because people quite literally grow on trees, family is a little different than many cultures on earth. There are still family units and people still care deeply for their family. But the raising of a child is seen more as a holy duty and less continuing your own line, children do not inherit from their parents but are given land and resources to make it on their own once they reach adulthood.
As well as humans, demons and kirin there are also hanjyuu. Hanjyuu are half beasts that have both a human and animal form, they are born from the Riboku tree like humans (and have human parents). They are just as intelligent as humans but are in many kingdoms considered less than human and have fewer rights.
Taika
As previously mentioned the worlds are conencted and certain creatures (Kirin being one) can travel from one world to another. However there are also storms (called Shoku) which can blow people from one to another.
Those that are blown from earth to the twelve kingdoms are refugees there, they can't speak the language but most of the more stable kingdoms try and provide for them. It is less likely that people are blown the other way but if so it is usually when they are still in ranka (egg fruits) and they are blown to earth and born to a human family, to those of the twelve kingdoms they are called Taika.
Youma, Youjyuu and other creatures
Youma (demons) are monsters that inhabit the Kingdoms. No one knows where they come from (no tree that hatches them has ever been found) nor is it known how long their natural lives are. They mostly roam the Yellow sea, though they are also found in the Kingdoms themselves, especially those Kingdoms that lack a King, where they appear in great numbers.
Youma are always male and generally evil unless serving a Kirin. Kirin are the only creatures that can subdue them, they make a pact with them. The Youma serves the Kirin (as a Shirei) and in return on the Kirin's death is allowed to consume the body and therefore the magical energy of the Kirin. The intelligence levels of Youma differs, with some being capable of human speech. A Shirei therefore is simply a Youma that has made a pact with a Kirin. There is no difference in abilities between a wild Youma and a Shirei. Shirei however are good, as they serve the will of the Kirin and revert to being wild Youma after a Kirin's death.
Youjyuu are another kind of monster, one that can be tamed by humans. They make great and powerful mounts. They also do not seem to be have trees (there is no thing as a baby Youjyuu...) and are found in the Yellow sea, they feed off Youma. Youjyuu that have been caught and tamed as mounts are called Kijyuu
Nyokai are nursemaid demons. They are female Youma that hatch on Mt. Hou just before a Kirin and are destined to protect the Kirin's ranka and the Kirin themselves when they are young. They are a mixture of creatures, and the more creatures in the mix the greater they are said to be. Their egg fruits hatch from the roots of the tree that the Kirin are born from. They die when the Kirin die.
Kirin, Kings and Kingdoms
Kirin are holy creatures. They cannot harm or kill others unless ordered to by their king. They become weakened at the sight and smell of blood, and if exposed to a lot of blood develop blood sickness (which results in fever symptoms). They do not eat meat or other products from animals. Meat at least actively makes them ill. Their horns are only seen in beast form, in human form it is nothing more than a faint freckle on their forehead but Kirin dislike it being touched, it makes them feel nauseous.
Kirin grow on a special tree called the Shashinboku in the centre of the world. They typically spend there first few years in beast form before slowly being able to take on a second humanoid form. These first few years are spent in the yellow sea subduing shirei until they finally return to Mt. Hou and the sages there.
Usually once a kirin reaches an age of maturity (which is usually classed as the age they are able to maintain a human form) the gates to Mt. Hou are opened and all those from the kingdom who wish to make pilgramage do so. The Kirin meets with these people and searches for the king. The king has an Ouki (an aura) around them. This aura is the sign from the gods that they are the one chosen to be the king. This Ouki is often more of a feeling, am instinctive knowledge that this is the ruler of their kingdom.
To chose the king the Kirin bows before them and swears an oath, therefore bestowing the will of the gods on them. The King and Kirin then ascend and go to their kingdom. The king and kirin are linked to the land, if the king fails the kingdom and it's people the Kirin is struck with a wasting disease called shitsedou, if the king refuses to change their ways the Kirin dies and a king without a kirin won't live out the year. Without a king the kingdom is thrown into chaos, demons attack and it cannot prosper until the new Kirin finds the next king.
And so the kirin's job is to keep the king on the right path, and successful kingdoms can last hundreds of years (En being a good example.)
Kirin are immortal, except when they die of shitsudou, killed by enchanted weapons (or if they fail to find the king, in which case they will not live past thirty years), kings once they have taken the throne are also immortal and there is a system of sages, whereby those who serve the crown are also granted immortality by a register of immortality.
Kirin are named for their kingdom, so a Kirin's name is the name of the Kingdom (in this case Tai) and a suffix of ki (if male) and rin (if female). Some Kirin are given familiar names by their Kings, or if they are Taika keep their earth names. Taiki's earth name is Takasato Kaname and Gyousou gives him the nickname of Kouri, which is an alternative spelling of Takasato as well as a mountain of the dead, an omen so ominous that Gyousou is sure it will give good luck.
As well as not being able to fight, Kirin can not bow to anyone who is not their king, they cannot make a vow to anyone who is not their king. Whilst with their king they feel blissful and happy but when parted from them they are saddened.
Tai
Is the Kingdom that Taiki is kirin of. Tai is located in the North East of the Twelve Kingdoms, it has a cold climate and long winters. Even when it is warmer it has a constant cold breeze. It's main resource is it's jewel springs though because of the last king these have become depleted. A common story told of the king before Gyousou is that he had a different musician in every room of the palace.
Before Gyousou the last king (named the arrogant king after his death) ruled for 124 years before losing the way. Because Taiki was lost as a ranka and not found for ten years the kingdom fell into ruin without a king. By the time Gyousou is crowned it is torn by civil war and completely bankrupt.
The capitol city is called Kouki (not to be muddled with the male kirin of Kou...). People in Tai are known to be hot tempered and fierce, probably because of how hard they have to fight to survive in a country with no natural food resources and constant bitter winters.
Saku Gyousou
Lord Gyousou, the Peace King of Tai is Taiki's king. He was a famous general in the army. He was one of the pilgrims to Mt. Hou in the hope of being chosen as king. However Taiki, misunderstanding the aura, does not chose him until Gyousou is half way down the mountain, once the gates have been closed. He is very proud (for example he is going to step down from the army when he believes himself to not have been chosen as king, as he sees it as a humbling thing). At first Taiki is afraid of him, though he also likes him and wishes to spend time with him. Gyousou is always very patient with Taiki, worries about his opinions and also the fact he is so young. He also shows awe at how strong willed Taiki can be.
Youko Nakajima
Even though Youko's story doesn't start until 5 years after Taiki's canon point and so Taiki has no idea who she is, she is the main character of the central plot arc and so deserves a mention! She is a sixteen year old student in Japan, who is also a Taika. She is taken to the Twelve Kingdoms by Keiki, and becomes Queen of Kei. Her character arc focuses on her growth as queen, from her being a shy student to a queen who knows she is fit to rule.
Personality: If Taiki was writing a report on his life he would conclude "could do better." Taiki is a black Kirin, rare and beautiful, his coming said to bring joy. However he is also a Taika, his Ranka lost in a shoku and taken to Hourai. Growing up in a world not his own he always felt like he was different. He wasn't a strong child and lived with the feeling that he was not good enough. He didn't fit in at school, at home he constantly drew his grandmothers ire. He mentions in the novels about his mothers tears, and how he knew they were caused by him even if she tried to hide them from him. Indeed when we first meet Taiki he has been sent to stand out in the yard in the snow for being disrespectful to his grandmother (he batted her hand away, because she touched his forehead where his horn is). This constant feeling of being a disappointment never leaves him and is a big part of his character and how he reacts to the challenges he comes across in canon.
When he was finally found and taken back to Mt. Hou everything made sense; he had never been a part of that family. He wasn't human that was why he never felt like he belonged. Though he does miss his family he knows that he can't go back, because his place is in the twelve kingdoms.
However the feeling of inadequacy never left him. Becoming worse since being a kirin, something that should be purely instinctive and natural to him, comes hard. Most Kirin spend their first five years in Kirin form, able to transform into human form after a couple of years and slowly able to maintain it for longer. Using the yellow sea as their playground they tame Shirei to protect them. By the time they can maintain a human form and are ready to chose a king they have several Shirei to protect them. Not so for Taiki. Despite Keiki's reassurance that changing form was as easy as lifting your arm, Taiki is unable to do so. In fact he wasn't really sure what he should be transforming into (he translates kirin into the more mundane form of a giraffe and tries to do neck stretches to help the change).
His attempts at catching Shirei of his own were equally unsuccessful and his feelings of inadequacy grow. He feels like he is disappointing the sages, who were so kind to him and he worries about what will happen if he cannot be a proper Kirin. Even when the sages find another Kirin to help him he struggles (mostly because said Kirin is Keiki and Keiki is the last person you should get to help explain anything ever).
Taiki likes Keiki despite the fact he confuses him more. Taiki actually likes most people, he is the sort of person who takes things on face value. If you are kind to him, and aren't murdering people where he can see you he will probably like you. This can (and does) lead to problems, he trusts those he shouldn't and isn't cautious enough around those who seem outwardly good and kind.
Despite his nerves and lack of self confidence he is a very affectionate child who likes being around people. He often seems older than his years, explained mostly by his duty and the fact he spends most of his time with adults; even Enki who looks to be only a couple of years older than him is over five hundred.
When Taiki meets his king he does not recognise the revelation for what it is, mistaking it instead for fear. He acknowledges him as king but believes he has done it out of selfish reasons and has gone against the will of the gods. He spends a long time terrified that the gods will strike down Gyousou and that Tai is doomed. He doesn't tell anyone, because he fears their reaction when they know how much he has failed. Until he finally breaks and tells Keiki, showing once again how much he trusts him.
Even before he knows Gyousou is the king everything about him brings out Taiki's kirin instincts. It is order to protect him that he binds a Toutetsou Youma- so powerful that most Kirin would not survive the encounter, as his shirei. This is an example of Taiki's extra ordinary willpower. It is something that only surfaces when he needs to protect others.
When Gyousou is leaving Mt. Hou Taiki's urge to go after him forces him to transform for the first time. Yet despite all that he still doubts himself.
Despite the fact that he has chosen his king and therefore reached Kirin maturity, and has begun to stop aging (though he hopes to be at least as tall as Enki before he stops growing!) he is only ten years old. He is timid and assumes everything is his fault, or his problem to fix. He apologises unnecessarily and is very open about his emotions, often crying when he is scared or sad.
As for how Taiki will react to the news he is now in a state between life, death and dreaming. If I am being perfectly honest he will probably cry. Because that is really scary news and very confusing to a tiny ten year old who has just found his rightful place in the multiverse.
But then he will stop crying, he will be scared to be on his own, and sad because Gyousou is not there (this is part of being a kirin, a general sadness/downness when not near the king). Time back home frozen or not he will want to get back to Gyousou as quickly as possible. He will also be frightened by the idea of a war, since he is a Kirin and not really made for war, or able or inclined to fight one.
Apart from that he will generally do as he is told, being dragged to another world for a purpose he doesn't fully understand isn't exactly new to him and so he will do his best to not cause any trouble and do his best to fit in with the other people there. He is young but resourceful, he has his Shirei who act as caretakers, bodyguards and cuddle pals.
Appearance: This is Taiki isn't he adorable. He also has A beast form
Abilities: Like all Kirin in the twelve kingdoms Taiki has a mixture of abilities. He is immortal and unaging, normal weapons cannot kill him- though beheading him can. His health is linked to his monarch and country; meaning if his king is bad for the country Taiki will be struck down by a disease called Shitsudou.
As previously mentioned Taiki did not grow up in Kirin form, and so only has his Nyokai - a nursemaid demon, his is called Haku Sanshi, and a very powerful Toutetsou Youma called Gouran a shape shifter which often takes the form of a small dog. Though that is not its only form
These Shirei are vital as Kirin abhor conflict, get weak and dizy at the sight and smell of blood and are physically incapable of violence. They make a pact with these shirei- the demons agree to protect and obey them and in return on the kirin's death they consume the body and gain power.When Taiki is in Kirin form he can fly, is fast and can move through solid material. He can also do simple divination and create small storms between his world and our world (earth)
Inventory: Pretty much... just his clothes. So Black trousers and shoes, a white under robe and black over robe with white trim.
Suite: I think Taiki would fit into the water sector, the calmness of the people would probably keep him calm for the most part and he likes water and open spaces. The lack of gangs and crime is also a good thing too! A one floor suite is fine for him, he is rather small and doesn't need much space.
In-Character Samples:
Third Person: Taiki hid quietly behind the large jewelled column, trying his best to not make any sound at all. He could hear Sanshi creeping around looking for him and i was hard not to let out a giggle.
She probably knew where he was already, she always did because she could see his aura even when he hid behind things. But Taiki was just grateful that she was playing with him at all, she rarely came out nowadays, staying in his shadow and chiding him gently for wanting her company. He wasn't a child anymore and he had duties. He could not run around the palace with his Nyokai.
The problem was that he seemed to be always underfoot when he tried to do those duties. Lord Gyousou never sent him away from his presence but he was so busy and he always told Taiki he didn't need to trouble himself with helping with such things as reports, that he should focus on his studies.
But Taiki wanted to help, he hated seeing him having so much work to do. But he also knew that his King was right, he had to learn more before he could be actually useful. Today was a warm day, of course there was still a cold breeze. His tutor had let him off early, Taiki figured he had become annoyed with Taiki's slowness at learning the history that he was trying to teach him.
He had wandered the gardens, feeling sad that he had disappointed his teacher, when Sanshi had suggested the game. The palace gardens had a lot of places to hide, even with a lot of the statues having been sold to try and restore the kingdoms depleted treasury.
He heard footsteps behind him and grinned as he saw Sanshi advancing on him, he jumped up and ran from his hiding place. The Nyokai chased him and he crawled under bench to escape- it had been a long standing rule that she was not allowed to just appear in his shadow and he was not allowed to run through things or fly, but there was nothing against using his size to his advantage. It sometimes made him a bit worried that he might not grow any taller, but he held onto hope that he would at least get as tall as Enki before he stopped growing all together.
He dashed around a corner and halted as he saw a group there, caught between shame at being caught doing such a childish thing and happiness that one of those in that group was Lord Gyousou.
Sanshi disappeared, though her hand lingered on his, invisible but there, reassuring. He bowed to his King and at a gesture went to his side, trying his best to catch up with the discussion the ministers were having.
Network: Um [There is a small nervous looking child looking into the computer screen.] Hello [He smiles though he clearly looks uncomfortable at the idea of making himself the subject of peoples attention]
The Kedan, they said I should make a post to practice using the computer. [He didn't know if it had been an actual order or just a suggestion or if they would check, but he didn't want to upset them or make them disappointed on his first day.] I'm Taiki. Um... [He looks down a moment, and then looks back up; eyes wide]
Do we really have to fight? Um... I mean that's what they said... but... [His voice drops] I can't...
[He looks worried, like he's afraid someone will tell him off and he brings his hand to the mouse, pausing a moment while he remembers how to disconnect.]
