Age: 17
Gender: Male
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'10"
Build: Wiry
Profession: Bushi
Marital Status: Available, and being actively shopped
Hikaru is the second son of House Ikehara of the Doji, set behind his older sister Amari. The house is relatively recent, a branch of of the current ruling Doji from a generation ago. As such, Doji Ikehara, his father, raised his son to the standards of what he had held as a potential heir but rather than a courtier, Hikaru was instead sent to the Kakita dojo for training. House Ikehara was positioning itself as a small group looking for outsized importance through ties to the current Champion. While not particular strong or fast, Hikaru showed razor sharp reflexes and proved quick with a blade and his wits.. He has recently finished his gempukku and this court is a way to introduce him to the Court. Despite being secondborn and his oldest sister being the official heir, many speculate that Hikaru is
Ikehara’s favorite.
Hooks:
- Marriage bait (if anyone wants him): As the second child of a recent cadet branch, the odds of inheriting anything are severely limited, with his greatest value being the proximity to the bloodline. As a result, he is likely to be shopped to other Clans in a hope the recent uptick of Crane marriages can continue.
- Driven to prove himself: Growing up in the shadow of a sister set to inherit, it has been made clear that Hikaru will need to forge his own path in the world, one way or the other. Introduction to Court is as much of an advertisement of his abilities as much as it is a celebration of his family and this might be the best chance he will get.
- Swordsman: Trained by the Kakita, Hikaru is a quick blade and a duelist eager to prove himself to anyone who dares take their shot. A bit of bulk shows that he's willing to take a hit or two as well.
- Port Guardians: The Ikehara have established their castle at the mouth of the river by Kiashi Mura, and have invested in a small fleet rather than heavy ground forces. As a result, they are positioning themselves as the caretakers of a secure port to increase their fortunes. Do you want to do business there? Do you want to join in some sea ventures?
- Warrior Poet: Hikaru's training with the arts was, perhaps not quite as focused as bushi training, but deemed important enough pursue. You might like his stuff, and he will gravitate towards those who similarly care about it.
- Ambitions: In the short term, he wants to stand out at Court, ideally for his skills as a duelist and arts as a way to prop up his reputation. Longer term, he wants to open up doors that will strengthen House Ikehara and through that either prove himself a worthy heir over his sister, or establish a foothold secure enough to go his own way.