Hattori Saburo

-I am a samurai! -squeaked the boy with dark tousled hair and crystal blue eyes, clad in homemade armor and clutching a broken wooden branch in his scraped hands. Letting out a fierce battle cry, the lad jumped onto the nearest stump and began hopping in place, depicting a brutal battle.
-Take that! Get this! Here you go! Ha, pierced right through! That's what you get, Tartarus! Who is the strongest man in Ertenia? I am! -the young fighter proudly beat his chest.
-Go eat, human! -a stern fatherly voice called out from behind the door of a rickety hut nestled against a rocky ledge on the riverbank at the very edge of the village on the border of the Matsubara clan lands. Saburo, shedding his battle gear, dashed home like a bullet, where he received a good cuff to the head.
-Ow, what for? -the boy cried in surprise.
-What did your mother ask you to do? Well, answer me! Did you gather greens? Bring water? Playing again, I bet? Oh, what on earth are we going to do with you. Now move it!
Instantly catching the anxious notes in his parent's stern voice, Saburo hurried to fulfill the responsible task. Having finished the work, the lad rushed back.
-And go wash your hands! You plan to eat with dirty hands? Hurry up, everyone is waiting for you!
Finally, when the tedious chores were over, the large family gathered around the dinner table.
-Now, let us offer our prayers to Arcadia. -said the father, an aging but still sturdy countryman in charge of household affairs. Beside him sat the mother, her face as white as chalk, nervously biting her lips. From her red swollen eyes, Saburo immediately guessed that something troubling had happened in the family, though he had little doubt that the adults would tell him nothing regardless. The youth had long since learned that parents discussed matters only among themselves, occasionally involving the older brothers and sisters in the conversation.
Finishing the prayer, the father turned his head and met the mother's gaze with an encouraging nod, then began the meal.

-I just don't know if auntie will return. -the mother spoke softly in the evening, gathered with the father and Saburo's older brother by a single candle in the kitchen. It had long been dark, the world plunged into nocturnal slumber, but the boy would not close his eyes, listening intently.
-They say they burned the whole village, slaughtered the residents. The second one this week. You probably saw the smoke to the north this morning? I knew it. -the father echoed anxiously.
-And the dead... -the brother began timidly, but was immediately cut off mid-sentence. A heavy blow of a fist against the table followed.
-Don't spout nonsense. What a fool.
-Oh, now forgive him, he's grown into a big lad, yet he spouts such things. -the mother lamented. -It is sinful even to think of such things.
-We aren't some kind of Kalevrites, why are you so angry? -the eldest didn't understand. -An acquaintance from the northern settlement told me that he and the boys went to rescue survivors, and well, you know, they only saw a man who was resurrecting ghosts. They say Utiyama bastards...
-Enough of your nonsense! Go to bed! -the father finally flew into a rage. -Clearly, you're still too young to discuss adult matters.
-Fine then. -the eldest huffed resentfully. Hearing approaching footsteps, Saburo squeezed his eyes shut and sniffed. However, the annoyed brother seemed to pay him no attention.
-In general, it's all not very good, of course. -after some time, the conversation resumed. -But taxes these days, as you understand, and there is nothing to pay with. That is why I am leaving for the city tomorrow; perhaps something can be sold.
-Oh, don't go, please! -the boy heard quiet sobs. -I swear by Arcadia, you mustn't. Will you leave the house to me?
-Now, now, don't worry, worse things have happened. Now come on. I'll leave at dawn and be home by evening. Don't fear, Arcadia sees it, everything will work out. The samurai lords will surely protect us. All right, let's go to sleep, we've stayed up too late; look, it's already dawning.

A burning beam collapsed a few centimeters from Saburo's face, raising a pillar of bright sparks. Drops of burning resin, landing on charred skin, left burned blisters, and the poisonous stench evaporated the lungs, making it hard to breathe air.
Making one last weak movement, the boy crawled out from under the ruins of the hut and, coughing hollowly, crawled across ground soaked in mud and blood. Right above his head came the vile cawing of gathered crows, mixed with the crackle of burning wood and the squelching of swampy soil under the feet of the living dead. Reaching the nearest dried tree, the lad huddled against its dark trunk and, clutching a burnt branch with weakened fingers, snapped it in the middle and held the improvised weapon before him.
-I am a samurai! I am a samurai. Matsubaras, where are you? You'll help us, won't you? Really?..
But only new cawing served as an answer to Saburo's weak whisper. And in the distance, approaching footsteps and the clinking of metal against stone could already be heard.
In the next moment, on a path hidden in the descending orange haze, appeared the vague outlines of a person in dark-toned robes. His face was not visible behind the hood pulled over his head, and numerous rings adorned the thin pale hands on the fingers.
-So here you are, spawn of the Utiyama clan! -a heavy male voice called out from afar, belonging to a Taoist in a snow-white kimono with the Matsubara family crest sewn on the chest, back, and sleeves. In his hands, the samurai tightly gripped a katana, its bright blade shimmering in the moonlight. -How dare you devastate our lands, practicing your loathsome sorcery? The time has come to pay for your deeds!
The samurai made a swift dash and a second later was right before his enemy. With a sharp whistle, the katana sliced through the thick air, but the blow failed to reach its target. The opponent stood slightly apart as if nothing had happened, and a slight smirk seemed to appear on his lips.
-How did you... -hiding his own surprise, the samurai launched another attack, but this time three dead blocked his way. The strikes of the risen were weak, their attacks slow, but this was quite enough to briefly distract the warrior's attention.
-This doesn't look like Utiyama sorcery! -the samurai growled, deftly dodging a rusty axe used as a weapon by one of the zombies. Immediately, the warrior counterattacked swiftly, cleaving the opponent in two with a powerful blow of the katana. The next swing of the deadly weapon finished off the second enemy. Throwing back the last foe and jumping sharply to the side, the samurai unexpectedly rushed toward the sorcerer who had frozen in place, knocking him off his feet and swinging for the final blow.
-I don't know who you are or why you came to these lands, but there is no forgiveness for what you have done. -the warrior finished the sentence and lowered the weapon onto the head of the defeated enemy. The attack, however, failed to reach its target. One of the rings on the unknown man's hands, whose setting held a neat hexagonal emerald-colored gemstone, flashed with a crimson glow, and in the next moment, the samurai's entire body was engulfed in bright flames. Screaming deafeningly in pain, the warrior cast aside the charred katana and fell to the ground, rolling in unceasing agony. When the victim finally grew still, the unknown sorcerer slowly rose to his feet, dusted off his cloak and, glancing briefly toward the stunned Saburo, said quietly, as if speaking to himself:
-Eh, who knew I'd end up here. Though, that's even better. Well then, fine, I'll take a trophy for memory at least. Can always resell it to someone.

-Remember this for all the rest of your life! You are tresi! You are a slave! A pathetic nonentity! Food for the strongest! What can you do? You cannot even hold a weapon. No strength, no wit. -finishing the monologue, the speaker swung a whip. A light whistle of a blow cutting through the air was heard, but the attack failed to reach its target.
-Ah, so you're a nimble one, are you?! You like to dance, do you? Well then, let's dance! It will be amusing, slave!
-I am a samurai! -Saburo boldly threw back at the speaker. A second later, sharp pain pierced his back, forcing the youth to bend convulsively.
-Ha-ha-ha, a samurai? You? I've heard of these Taoist tricks of yours. Even in your own homeland, you were a pathetic commoner serving the warrior class. So rejoice, nonentity! Here you will serve the worthiest of the worthy! Congratulations on the promotion!
-Never! Mad fanatics! -stifling the tears welling in his eyes, Saburo quickly muttered, awaiting a new blow.
-Is that so? It would be too simple to kill you, slave! Even easier to force. But you know. -the Teyosian paused for a second. -It would be much more fun to break you, yes-yes, exactly so, ha-ha-ha! Hey, drag him to the laboratory! Who cares, the main thing is to find out the effect of my developments! Hear me, boy? Want to prove your righteousness? Well then let's see how long you last!

-Look at that! Ha-ha-ha! Unexpected effect! How the pupils have dimmed! Wow, look, looks like he kicked the bucket!
-Not... yet. -the Taoist whispered softly, spitting blood flowing abundantly from his nose and eyes. -Enough... better kill me. I won't anymore...
-Oh, well now, if only it were always so, slave! -the speaker laughed. -But it is already too late, or do you think I should forgive every one of you like that? Think you're so special? No way, your own fault! So, this seems to have had no effect. Let's try the next one!

-Excuse me, I believe there was a village nearby. Yes, over there, on the riverbank.
-Yes-yes, of course, mister! Come, I'll lead you! -a young girl giggled cheerfully, dashing forward along a sandy path running alongside a thick forest. The man, wrapped in impenetrable gray clothing with his face bound in cloth, followed her cautiously, trying not to trip over another tree root protruding from the ground. After several dozen minutes of travel, the path turned sharply down the slope of a hill, revealing the outlines of a young village filled with newly built houses.
-Here we are! Who are you looking for, uncle?
-No-no, thank you, I'll go on my own from here. -the traveler nodded gratefully, after which he slowly proceeded to the edge of the settlement. There, as it was several years ago, the charred remains of his parents' house still remained. Pieces of twisted wood were covered by a dark layer of thick dust, the ruined half-rotten remains of a cart before the crooked gates, ruins of a chimney littering the ground overgrown with young greenery. Saburo slowly followed along the dilapidated fence, pulling the bandage from his eyes. A single pale pupil stared blindly at the outlines of the ruins. His vision had gradually restored since staying in Teyos, although he had to rely more on other senses.
-I am home. -after a few seconds, the Taoist whispered softly. -You know, it wasn't so bad in Suentan. But believe me, I have not forgotten. Not forgotten what they did. And I will never forget.

-Unfortunately, at this moment we are not interested in your services. -another polite answer sounded.
-But why? I can be useful to you! -the Taoist was surprised, preparing to listen to the reasons for the refusal.
-You see, currently we have no need for the services of a blind commoner with that simple sword of yours.
-But I am not blind! Well, more accurately, not completely. And it doesn't hinder me in any way, I assure you! And this is not a sword, but a katana! A Taoist weapon. And I am not a commoner, but...
-And who are you? -the speaker asked snidely. -Perhaps a samurai?
-Yes, I am a samurai! -Saburo answered proudly.
-We've seen enough of such samurai. Forgive me, but our conversation comes to an end here. We have many other candidates, so would you be so kind as to leave this office?
-But... yes-yes, of course. -the Taoist nodded gloomily, rising from his seat. -Sorry for the disturbance.
"Did I really train all this time for nothing?" -he pondered, leaving the walls of the building. "Perhaps Teyosians are bad, but I did learn one thing from them. Yes, exactly so. Physical or magical strength is not always decisive in battles; self-improvement has no objective limits, and with an unbending fighting spirit, correct tactics, sound strategy, persistent effort, and hard work, success can be achieved despite all obstacles arising on the path."

"I've really landed in it now." -Saburo thought sadly, listening to Lutros's speech among the numerous crowd of people gathered in the main square. "Came to visit the Covellian temple of Shameimaru, and ended up trapped in the city because of those cursed Elulu-Suenians. How could they take into service the third legion, full of traitors like this Darius? Anyway, it's none of my business." -sighing wearily, the samurai slowly walked away.


Samurai (Taozia)
+4 to BN, Ken-ryu skill cost reduced by 1.


Domain: Suentan (land of warriors)
Origin Bonus: +2 OD for combat specializations, +30% fire resistance.

Religion: Shameimaru
* +4 OD for combat specializations
* Each kill in battle refreshes the character's turn.


Characteristics:
Strength: 10
Agility: 30
Perception: 30
Endurance: 25
Consciousness: 25
Magic: 0


Skills:

Ken-ryu

First Step
Penalty when using Taoist weapons is negated. Taoist weapons deal 50% more damage. ACC +10, AGI +10. (2)
Second Step
Additional attack. ACC +10, AGI +10. (2)
Third Step
Additional attack. ACC +10, AGI +10. (2)
Fourth Step
Additional attack. ACC +10, AGI +10. (2)
Fifth Step
Additional attack. ACC +10, AGI +10. (2)
Sixth Step
Chance to deal critical damage increased by 30%. ACC +20, AGI +20. (3)
Seventh Step
Character's attacks have a chance (strength*2-opponent endurance) to maim them. -10% if light armor is present, -25% if heavy armor is present. (2)
Eighth Step
Character cannot be counterattacked in any way; their attacks are not blocked or parried. (3)
Ninth Step
Parrying attacks, shots, or targeted spells. Number of attacks = number of attempts per turn. (3)

Tao-ryu

Piercing Sword
Two additional attacks.
ACC -30%
Style. (2)

Art of Death

God of Death
Agility+perception/3=chance to instantly kill opponent in melee combat.
When used with onslaught, the chance is twice as low. (3)


Inventory:
Hand of Shameimaru (katana) - Saburo's faithful companion, accompanying him in heavy battles. The lightness and convenient design of the weapon allow for particularly dangerous damage to opponents, preventing health restoration.
Wrath of Shameimaru (wakizashi) - a short blade, not as dangerous in dealt damage, but capable of partially ignoring, damaging, or piercing enemy armor, making it especially effective against heavily armored foes.
Dream of Shameimaru (tanto) - a samurai dagger used in battles for finishing off wounded enemies and beheading.
Gift of Shameimaru - a ring that seems like an ordinary piece of metal at first glance, increasing the character's initiative and movement speed.
Other junk, money.

*Modified second image, thanks to everyone (special thanks to Revan) for help in searching and choosing!