Phylicia N. (PHILLY) Joachim 11-27-10

Freshman/Sophomore ENG 203-01

Fairest of Them All

Setting: In feudal Japan, circa 1500s; during the war: a battle between 5 Ladies/Princesses in Japan to see who is the best lady in ALL of Japan.

WARNING: Characters in this play are real; however what they are isn't… This is NOT copy written; everything is true except for (maybe) their weapons, their physical features & the fact that some of them are ninjas.

Characters:

Kai Narita: Eldest daughter of the Narita clan—known as Lady Kai or Kaihime; The Female Samurai in the Narita Clan & one of the commanders of the Hojo army; said to be of unparalleled grace and beauty. To appease her father, who lamented only having daughters as his heirs, she also possessed bravery and cunning that was unlike other princesses. Weapon: Serpent chain, a "snake sword" said to extend when used a certain way. Longing for the end of war & to prove that she's more than just a "Daddy's Girl". She fights with daring, masculine pride sparks occasional teasing from more experienced warriors. Kai worries constantly, yet respects people who immediately fit her ideal image of herself. She talks in an honest & modern-like dialect, although she's more aggressive with her words regardless of her "sometimes seen" child-like tendencies. Age: 20. Well known quote: "They'll soon see I'm a lot tougher than I look!"

Nō (Nōhime) Saito Oda: Known as Lady Butterfly, a sadistic yet elegant lady who revels in the battlefield's chaos. She helped defeat her own clan to be with Nobunaga Oda; her father ordered her to kill Nobunaga. She didn't agree to the request immediately, replying that she would personally need to judge if he is unworthy enough to live. During her stay with Nobunaga, she became enchanted with him and struggles with her judgment. In her lower path story, she remains loyal to her lover and abandons her mission. She was planning to leave his side but Nobunaga invites her to stay with him. "Rumored" to have killed a whole army to prove her beauty. Weapon: Claws & bombs; acts just as evil as Nobunaga but is lustful; age 24. Well known quote: "What's the point in battle if you can't enjoy yourself a little?"

Nene (Lady Nene): In spite of her profession, Nene is an optimistic and cheerful woman who shares her husband's dream of happy unification. She therefore considers every character, be they ally or foe, to be her own child. As a loving and considerate "mother" to her "children", she nurtures the ones closest to her and is more than willing to punish those who she thinks are out of line. After battles, Nene is the type of person who likes to make meals for her family to bring them closer together. Truly known for her cooking. Weapon of choice: twin daggers; acts motherly; age 26. Well known quote: "Don't worry, my Lord. I'll take care of everything!"

Okuni Izumo: Priestess who uses her dancing to pay for her funds to create her shrine; creator of Kabuki-style dance; a flirty yet graceful maiden who is easily allured by the land's impressive generals. She strives to add a touch of elegance to the field, a feat which impresses most of her audience and is known to stop fighting with her graceful dancing while using her cherry blossom designed parasol. Okuni cares more for her own personal beauty, wanting everyone to watch her dance. Weapon: her parasol (no joke); age 23; acts kind when around men—especially those who admire her dances—but shrewd when people tarnish dancing; can also act eccentric because she believes that past and present are "dreams within dreams". Well known quote: "There's nothing wrong with a bit of flair on the battlefield!"

Ina (Inahime) Honda: Daughter of Tadakatsu Honda & skilled archer of the Tokugowa army; known as a tomboy because of her tough attitude—however shows soft side around flowers & people in need; age 22. Weapon: Double-edge bow & arrows. Well known quote: "None can escape the sting of my arrows!"

Extras:

1. Kotarō Fūma: He strives to perpetuate endless chaos. He possesses various powers such as telling the future and becoming invisible at will. He is a demonic ninja who sides with Kai whenever a battle erupts. Weapon: Clawed Gauntlets. Well known quote: "I am but a conduit for the winds of Chaos."

2. Nobunaga Oda: Nobunaga is an eccentric conqueror who believes he has the heavens on his side; husband of Lady Nō Nobunaga acts cold and indifferent to the suffering of innocent people and of others' opinion of his methods. Boldly declaring that he is predestined to rule as a part of heaven's and the land's design, he therefore sees any resistance to his conquests as useless pursuits. He aims to continuously shock people with his campaigns, forcing them to continuously grow past their dated expectations by destroying the old. He adopts a devil's advocate motif, often asking others their desires and a way for him to grant them. An ingenious individual with sadistic traits, he also presents poetic barbs for his opponents in a quizzical and superior manner. In the second title, he enjoys the prospect of facing death, believing that all battles should be fought to conquer one's fear of dying. Weapon: Glowing sword. Well known quote: "My conquest begins now!"

3. Hideyoshi Hashiba Toyotomi: Hideyoshi is a happy-go-lucky guy who has a love for gold, women and ingenuity. Commonly known as "Monkey" by several of Nobunaga's generals, Hideyoshi gains respect for his craftiness in battle (while he screeches and yelps like a monkey in the first game, his monkey mannerisms are downplayed in the sequel). He wants to fight to end the people's suffering and create a happy Japan. With eyes set on this prize, he is willing to make any sacrifice that is necessary, no matter how painful it may be. Usually, he is willing to negotiate with his enemies for them to surrender and treats them kindly in return. At the same time, his gigantic wealth and extraordinary number of vassals are also the cause for fear and concern with others; husband of Nene. Weapon: Sansetsu (a three section staff). Well known quote: "I believe some things are worth fighting for!"

4. Keiji Maeda: Keiji is a fun-loving brawler who doesn't give a hoot about rules or laws. He enters campaigns with unabashed confidence, often thinking that every battle is one big and crazy party. His most gifted trait is his ability to live life as it comes, never worrying what others think of him and treasuring his own personal values. While others may see him as a simple rogue, he does have some code of personal ethic and will stand for the common people. He feels that fights should be fought fairly and doesn't condone killing innocent bystanders or weak-willed women. He also admires bravery and often feels compelled to stick up for the underdogs. Weapon: Sasumata Pike. Well known quote: "Time to stir things up around here!"

5. Goemon Ishikawa: was a bandit during the Warring States period. Little is known about Goemon's origins and he is meagerly mentioned in historical writings. He is generally believed to have been born in Iga, Kawachi Province. He strikes exaggerated poses, speaks in a loud and sing-song manner, and often mentions his full name and self-proclaimed title with pride. On the other hand, he can also be cowardly when faced with a greater danger, putting a dent in his theatrical bravado. He is bashful while in Okuni's company and considers Keiji his rival for her affections. Weapon: A spiked club and cannon on his back. Well known quote: "I'm Goemon Ishikawa, King of Thieves! Clearly you've heard the name before."

6. Motochika Chōsokabe: He is best known in history for conquering the entire Shikoku Island with his own resources. Nobunaga historically disfavored him and called him "the bat without a bird in his home". Motochika is an artistic and mature leader who is deeply moved by the loyalty of his men. Connected to the tides of history, he wants the lost lives in the war -as well as his name- to never be forgotten. Though seemingly quiet and introverted, he is a rebel who feels he should never accept an intangible fate. He values simple principles and respects those who can stay true to their desires. Over time, he believes that a peaceful future is vital for the land and learns to not dwell on past transgressions. His noble and brave nature impresses many Toyotomi generals as well as Ieyasu. Weapon: Shamisen; known quote: "The sounds of our rebellion will echo through the annals of history."