Shikage Jotei

Profile

Name: Shikage Jotei Alias: The Soul Reaver Species: Human (with possible supernatural lineage) Physical Description Height: 5'9" (175 cm) Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg) Build: Slender yet toned, with a lithe frame that hints at agility and martial prowess. Her figure is athletic but retains a feminine allure, with subtle muscle definition in her arms and legs. Complexion: Pale, almost ethereal, with an undertone that seems to shimmer in moonlight—a hint of her necromantic power radiating from within. Hair: Long, silky jet-black hair, reaching her mid-back. It's often styled with a few loose strands framing her face, enhancing her haunting beauty. Eyes: A sharp, mesmerizing shade of violet, flecked with hints of silver, as if the souls she’s claimed dance in her gaze. Her eyes turn ghostly white when she summons her undead army. Scars/Tattoos: She bears a single, intricate tattoo of a spectral dragon that coils from her left wrist up to her shoulder, symbolizing her bond with death. Her back has faint scars from past battles, some from mortal combat and others from dark rituals. Full Body Measurements Bust: 35 inches (89 cm) Waist: 25 inches (64 cm) Hips: 36 inches (91 cm) Shoulders: Broad enough to convey strength without diminishing her elegance, approximately 15 inches (38 cm) across. Legs: Long and toned, allowing for agile movements and a wide reach in combat.

Outfit and Armor

Shikage Jotei’s attire merges the traditional elegance of a samurai with the ominous elements of her necromancy: Kimono Armor: She wears a dark, fitted kimono-like garment reinforced with light armor plates. The sleeves are slit for freedom of movement, revealing glimpses of her tattooed arms. Color Palette: Her clothing is a deep black with dark purple and silver accents, embroidered with skeletal motifs. The hems are adorned with ghostly flame patterns that give an illusion of flickering shadows as she moves. Accessories: A long, dark sash ties her armor together at the waist, and she wears a necklace bearing a silver charm that resembles a skull—a token from her first necromantic ritual.

Weapon

Katana: Her weapon, Reikonmaru (Soulblade), is a masterpiece, crafted with dark steel and inscribed with ancient runes. Its hilt is wrapped in black silk, and the blade emits a faint, eerie glow when it captures a soul.

Personality part 1

Shikage Jotei is an enigma—a woman whose soul rests on the razor’s edge between honor and darkness. Beneath her stoic exterior lies a complex blend of resilience, loyalty, and an almost paradoxical sense of compassion for the spirits she commands. 1. Calm and Collected: Shikage Jotei embodies the samurai's discipline, rarely showing outward signs of anger, fear, or frustration. Even in life-or-death battles, she remains almost eerily calm, her presence unsettling those around her. This trait makes her a formidable opponent, as her emotions don’t sway her decisions or cloud her actions. 2. Intensely Private: The experiences that shaped Shikage have left her guarded and introspective. She opens up to very few, finding solace in solitude rather than the company of others. Her silence and enigmatic aura make her seem aloof, but in truth, she is wary of connecting deeply with anyone. 3. Mourning Yet Ruthless: Though she holds deep reverence for the dead, Shikage does not hesitate to take life when necessary. She sees her necromantic powers as a way to honor fallen warriors, believing that giving their souls a purpose in her fight is a form of respect. However, her empathy has limits; she will strike down anyone who threatens her or those she cares about, viewing death as a natural consequence of conflict. 4. Driven by Honor and Vengeance: Shikage’s sense of honor is unconventional. Her dedication to her family's memory drives her, and she sees herself as a guardian of their legacy. She believes vengeance and honor are intertwined and that wielding dark powers to uphold justice is a necessary sacrifice, not a moral failure.

Personality part 2

5. Pragmatic and Perceptive: Her years of mastering necromancy and samurai combat have taught her to observe, adapt, and make swift, practical decisions. She values strategy over brute force and often thinks several steps ahead. Her perceptiveness extends to people, allowing her to read intentions and motives, which she uses to her advantage in both combat and conversation. 6. Darkly Compassionate: While she commands an undead army, Shikage doesn’t see them as mere tools. She treats the souls she summons with a somber respect, often silently apologizing to them for disturbing their peace. This compassionate outlook is rarely visible to others, but it’s her way of maintaining a balance between her powers and her humanity. Despite her dark abilities, she is not inherently cruel; she simply sees death as a tool and a transition rather than an end. Her beauty and grace mask a ruthless drive, making her a mystery to those who encounter her.

Hobbies and Interests part 1

Shikage’s hobbies reflect both her warrior spirit and her profound connection to death and memory. They are quiet pursuits that allow her to process her past and find some semblance of peace: 1. Soul Weaving: Shikage spends hours meditating with her katana, connecting with the souls contained within it. She whispers stories of the world to these spirits, honoring their past lives and calming any lingering anger. This practice, which she calls "Soul Weaving," is both a form of respect and a way to keep her mind grounded, helping her find balance between life and death. 2. Calligraphy and Poetry: Shikage finds solace in the art of calligraphy, using it to express emotions she cannot speak aloud. Her poems reflect her inner turmoil, her reverence for the dead, and her memories of loved ones. She writes these verses on delicate rice paper, often leaving them on gravesites or as offerings to spirits, blending art with ritual. 3. Tea Ceremony: The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is both an art and a meditation for Shikage. She has adapted the ritual into a private form of prayer, dedicating each cup to those she has lost. She takes time preparing the tea with precise, deliberate motions, allowing herself to find calm and focus before or after battle. 4. Martial Arts Training: Though it is a daily part of her life, her martial arts training is more than just preparation for battle; it’s a meditative practice. She views her training as a dance between life and death, often practicing in quiet, secluded areas to connect with nature and center herself. 5. Graveyard Visits: Shikage frequently visits ancient battlefields and forgotten graves. She pays respects to unknown warriors, feeling a kinship with the souls who rest there. She occasionally leaves tokens—flowers, food, or personal poems—at these sites, believing that every soul deserves recognition.

Hobbies and Interests part 2

6. Alchemy and Herbology: Necromancy requires knowledge of various arcane substances, and Shikage has developed a fascination with herbs and alchemical concoctions. She creates potions to fortify herself or her summoned warriors, blending the mystic and the practical. This interest has also deepened her appreciation for life, as she recognizes that life and death are but two sides of the same coin. 7. Haiku and Songwriting: Expressing herself through the haunting beauty of haiku or song allows her to channel her sorrow and loneliness into something more. She performs these songs alone under the moonlight, in what feels almost like a ritual of remembrance.

Abilities and skills part 1

Abilities 1. Soul Capture Reikonmaru, Shikage’s katana, possesses a unique curse that binds the souls of any she strikes down, effectively trapping them within the blade. Once captured, these souls can be summoned as spectral warriors or empower Shikage’s physical and mystical abilities. The more souls she collects, the stronger her aura and influence grow, making her a force on the battlefield. 2. Necrotic Aura When Shikage channels her necromantic power, a dark mist emanates from her, draining the life force of those who draw too close while simultaneously strengthening her summoned spirits. This aura weakens the resolve and vitality of her enemies, making them more susceptible to her attacks and amplifying her undead army’s potency. 3. Phantasmal Strike With the power of Reikonmaru, Shikage can channel her energy into a single, powerful attack that splits into multiple ghostly blades, allowing her to overwhelm multiple opponents in a single motion. Each spectral blade carries a fraction of her katana’s soul-capturing magic, meaning anyone struck by these phantasms risks being bound to her service if felled. 4. Wraithbound Legion Shikage can call forth the spirits trapped within Reikonmaru to fight as an ethereal army, each warrior retaining faint memories of their combat skills. This undead legion is semi-corporeal, able to strike foes but also able to evade many physical attacks, making them invaluable for both offense and defense. 5. Spectral Command Through her bond with Reikonmaru, Shikage can command a single powerful spirit from her katana—usually a fallen warrior of high skill or renown. This summoned spirit enhances her own strength, agility, and combat awareness, essentially doubling her battle prowess and making her a nearly unstoppable force for a limited time.

Abilities and Skills part 2

6. Ethereal Binding With a focused incantation, Shikage can bind a soul freshly absorbed into Reikonmaru, temporarily borrowing the skills and strength of the fallen foe. This allows her to adapt quickly in battle, utilizing specialized combat techniques, weapon knowledge, or even magical abilities from her latest adversaries. 7. Gravewalker’s Insight Shikage has developed an almost supernatural intuition for the battlefield due to her connection with the undead. She can sense death and danger around her, allowing her to predict her enemies' movements or find hidden threats. This ability makes her nearly impossible to ambush, as her senses extend beyond the physical realm. Skills 1. Katana Mastery: Expert in close-combat techniques with her cursed katana, Reikonmaru, blending precision and deadly power. 2. Necromancy: Skilled in summoning undead warriors, manipulating souls, and amplifying her power with necrotic energy. 3. Enhanced Agility and Reflexes: Swift and fluid in movement, allowing her to dodge, strike, and reposition quickly in combat. 4. Phantasmal Strike: Can split her attacks into multiple ghostly strikes, overwhelming opponents with a single blow. 5. Tactical Precision: Skilled strategist, using her environment and necromantic forces to gain an advantage. 6. Deathly Aura: Creates a dark aura that weakens foes and strengthens her undead allies. 7. Stealth and Infiltration: Proficient in moving unseen, blending shadows and silence to gain the upper hand.

Backstory part 1

Early Life and the Fall of Her Clan Shikage Jotei was born into a respected family of samurai, renowned for their loyalty and devotion to their clan. Her father was a master swordsman, known for wielding an ancient blade that had passed through generations, while her mother, a skilled strategist, taught Shikage the importance of cunning and intuition in battle. Shikage grew up with these values, dedicating herself to the way of the sword and carrying her family’s pride with a fierce determination. One fateful night, their lands were ambushed by a rival clan harboring old grudges. The siege was swift and brutal, resulting in the massacre of her family and the destruction of her home. Barely escaping, Shikage was left with nothing but haunting memories and a relentless drive to avenge her family’s honor. Seeking Power in the Shadows Desperate to gain the power needed to bring her enemies to justice, Shikage wandered through the farthest reaches of the land, searching for ancient secrets that could rival the strength of an entire army. Her quest eventually led her to an old shrine hidden deep within the mountains, where whispers spoke of a legendary katana with the ability to harness the souls of its victims. The shrine’s guardian, an elderly monk, sensed Shikage’s unyielding resolve and revealed the existence of Reikonmaru, the “Soulblade.” This katana was said to contain the spirits of warriors who had wielded it in the past, as well as those it had struck down. Its blade glowed faintly with an eerie light, an indicator of the countless souls bound within.

Backstory part 2

The Trial of Souls The monk warned Shikage that Reikonmaru was not a weapon one could wield lightly; it required a trial to prove her worth. Shikage would need to face the spirits trapped within the blade in a duel of willpower, each spirit testing her determination, skill, and commitment to her cause. Undeterred, she took up the challenge, entering into a trance-like state where the spirits of former samurai, fallen warriors, and vengeful souls manifested before her. For days, she battled these restless spirits in a dreamscape, enduring every test with a resolute heart. The spirits taunted her with visions of her family’s death and her darkest fears, but Shikage’s unbreakable will carried her through. When the last spirit was subdued, she emerged victorious, having proven her strength to the ancient katana. The blade accepted her as its master, and the monk bestowed upon her Reikonmaru, marking the beginning of her rise as a soul-wielding warrior. The Emergence of the “Soul Reaver” With Reikonmaru in hand, Shikage returned to the lands of her enemies, confronting the rival clan with her newfound power. As she cut through their ranks, her blade absorbed the souls of each fallen enemy, harnessing their strength and adding them to her growing undead legion. Her enemies soon realized that to die by her blade meant to serve her, even in death. Her chilling combat style and the swath of spectral warriors who fought alongside her earned her the title “The Soul Reaver.” Tales spread across the land of the warrior who wielded a cursed blade, one that trapped the souls of her foes, ensuring her vengeance continued with each life she claimed. This title became a legend unto itself—a warning to those who dared cross her path, as they knew death by her hand meant eternal servitude.

Backstory part 3

The Rise of the Shadow Empress Over time, Shikage’s reputation grew beyond mere vengeance, as she used her power to protect the oppressed and offer justice to those with no hope. Her skill as a strategist and her ability to summon the dead to her side inspired both fear and awe. Villagers began to speak of her not only as “The Soul Reaver” but also as an empress of the shadows, leading an invisible empire of spirits. Yet, her moniker as “The Soul Reaver” remained the most infamous, capturing the essence of her mission and her acceptance of the darkness needed to achieve it.