Way of Blood

The Way of Blood. It is a path chosen by the Bakufu not through action, but inaction. Over the years they have grown weak and frail while remaining content to sit lording upon their foundations of decay, foundations of which are held up by the farmer, the soldier, the wife and the child whose brows drip with sweat, and their backs snapping under the weight. The many that are forced to endure and suffer for the pleasures of the few.
Inaction is the rot coursing through the black veins of this nation, and those veins at the foot crack and spill forth the blood of the innocent. Action must be taken to stem the tide, to cut a little higher and begin a long sought sense of equality. What method this action takes is unheeded so long as it is taken, for only blood can cleanse blood.Lords and ladies struggle and vie for power over this rotting carcass, dependent and caring only upon their next bite of rancid flesh while ignoring the plight of their lessers. Though there are those of higher status who can see the corpse in front of them, those that choose not to fight over the meagre scraps like so many insects, but to incite change for the better and burn the swarm.The Way of Blood is a way chosen by Lord Gekkoha in reflection of the blood spilled with inaction, and it is a way chosen by all that might desire that change. It is a desire to tear out the roots of society, to burn it to ash and watch it crumble from your hand so that something new may rise in its stead. To this end allies are sought on both scales of right and wrong, for the ends justify the means.

The Way of Blood is a Yakuza themed group on Balmung based almost entirely within the Far East. It is primarily a place for eastern characters to roleplay within a familiar setting surrounded by like-minded players. The general goal of the group is to destabilize the current ruling Bakufu in Hingashi; doing so with clandestine and underhanded methods if need be. They operate mostly within the shadows but have some ties to actual Hingan nobility. As this is a Yakuza themed group the concepts within can be expected to be those of a criminal intent and darker themes in general. While non-eastern characters are welcome within the group their progress is stunted by being Ijin, a foreigner, within an otherwise isolated and generally xenophobic society. Foreign characters may find it more slow to progress through the ranks and may expect to be looked down upon by others, but should note that it's all IC flavor.The Way of Blood headquarters is located at Balmung, Shirogane, Ward 2, Plot 16.

Oyabun - The head of the Family. The Oyabun is the supreme leader of the group and their word is second to none.Lieutenants - Though usually being numbered from one and forward (denoting rank) the Lieutenants are the very hands of the Oyabun, carrying out both their will and their way.Chokei - Meaning 'Eldest Brother'. The names of ranks within the Yakuza are primarily male orientated but have since taken on a meaning of their own and held only for tradition. The Chokei is the greatest position of prestige a member may achieve before moving into power. They are the Lieutenant's most trusted and can act as advisors for them.Kyodai - Meaning "Big Brother". They are the ones the Shatei may look up to for advice and guidance without going into the power structure for such. Kyodai are proven members of the Family and should be granted the respect of the Shatei.Shatei - Meaning "Little Brother". The Shatei are the newest accepted members of the Family. They have demonstrated their willingness to follow and have many paths before them.

Retainer - Often the Way of Blood might take on Retainers to serve their ends. These Retainers should be given respect but note that they are not part of the Family itself.Kaikei - Meaning "Accountant". While the name might mean such literally they also serve an administrative role in guiding the Family around and through the law, as well as managing its funds and helping the Lieutenants and perhaps even the Oyabun plan their way forward. They are mostly a non-combative role.Gekai - Meaning "Surgeon." As the name implies the Gekai serve to heal and stitch the wounded. Often times the Family may have injuries among them and not having the luxury of going to any typical place of healing they must employ their own.Trialist - Simply put; they are the unproven. They must first demonstrate their willingness to follow the Way of Blood before they may truly be considered a part of the family.Ijin - Meaning "Foreigner." The Ijin are similar in way to the Retainers, but it is not demanded that they be shown respect. They may work within the Family but may never truly be a part of it without great commitment and sacrifice.

Yuzuki Gekkoha - The current Oyabun and Lord of the Estate.

Akane Yatsukahagi - The Second Lieutenant and Spymaster.

Kuroki Matsukawa - The First Lieutenant and Shinobi Hunter.

If you're interested in joining the Way of Blood please send an in-game tell or mail to Yuzuki Gekkoha or Kuroki Matsukawa.
Otherwise you can contact kaitlyn or sugar_latte on Discord.Or simply send an application to the FC directly in-game.

IC Rules

Above all; respect the Oyabun.Respect those above your station.Do not cause unnecessary conflict within the Family.Do not steal from the Family.Do not betray the Family.Do not cause unnecessary public issues for the Family.

OOC Rules

Those joining must be over the age of 21 to better ensure a mature and calm atmosphere.Always be respectful towards other members regardless of IC rank.Do not bleed IC with OOC, we're better than that. If you find yourself becoming overly invested, take it to an officer to resolve the situation.Adhere to the lore as much as you can. That being said, no bending or breaking of it. If you've a unique concept, please discuss it with an officer first.No underage content within any channels related to this FC. There is no tolerance for a break of this rule.No hate speech. Like above there is no tolerance for a break of this rule.

The Way of Blood as a Yakuza themed FC takes various ideas from not only the real Yakuza but the Yakuza as depicted in games and general fiction. As a result the hierarchy is largely its own thing and perhaps not entirely accurate as a result. Regardless we're not trying to make a carbon copy of the actual real life Yakuza hierarchy but include the parts that might be fun and engaging, and that people would want to actually roleplay. If you see any mistakes it is likely out of choice but if you have ideas that may enhance the roleplay of a Yakuza themed FC you're free to suggest them to an officer.That being said; drama is inevitably going to unfold within such a setting, and any that negatively impacts the experience of a player should be brought to an officer rather than potentially escalating the issue publicly.But with that in mind please take into consideration that we're all here to play a game that we pay a subscription fee for. The players around you are here for a good time just as much as you are, and should problems be presented, do also keep in mind that your fellow members are not therapists or psychologists. By all means feel free to ask for help should you need it, but remember that we're not here to solve issues of mental health and shouldn't need to serve as an emotional punching bag for anyone.Lastly keep in mind that you are responsible for your own actions and behavior. If you become too problematic for the FC to deal with and constantly hamper the enjoyment of fellow members then you will likely be removed from the FC for the betterment of the group as a whole, and we reserve the right to carry out that action if the need should arise. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable within the group and being removed is a last resort if other methods do not succeed.For any further concerns or questions regarding the FC please contact one of the officers listed in the 'Apply' section.