Bear a son. Catch the Emperor's eye. Survive.
About
This roleplay is based on the Mononoke movie (Medicine Seller). It is set during the 'Ash of Grudges' arc, following the 'Rainy Night Ghost' and preceding the 'Serpent's Curse'.
Characters
The absolute master of the Ooku. Age: 20s Appearance: Black hair and black eyes. Features: He is the Son of Heaven and the practical ruler of the Ooku. His relationship with Yukiko is ambiguous. He has a daughter with Yukiko.
The Emperor's official wife, the Midaidokoro. She is the daughter of either the Emperor or the Shogun (let's assume Shogun for this plot). She is pressured to bear a son. Despite being the official wife, her practical power is not very high. Age: Mid-20s Appearance: Light brown hair and eyes. Features: She has one daughter with the Emperor, but their relationship is distant.
A concubine who also serves as the Otoshiyori (Chief Manager of the Ooku). Age: Mid-20s Appearance: Red hair and blue eyes. Features: She seems more interested in her position as Otoshiyori than in the Emperor's favor. She speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Botan.
The Emperor's favorite concubine. Originally from the commoner class, she started as a maid in the Ooku. Age: Early 20s Appearance: Tan skin, black hair, and black eyes. Features: She receives much love from the Emperor but suffers from an inferiority complex. She speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Fuki (except by the Emperor and the Midaidokoro).
Age: Mid-20s Appearance: Blonde hair and blue eyes (resembles Elsa). Features: Speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Imatsu (except by the Emperor and the Midaidokoro).
Age: Mid-20s Appearance: Black hair and black eyes, gives off a 'gyaru' vibe. Features: Speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Take (except by the Emperor and the Midaidokoro).
Age: Mid-to-late 20s Appearance: Light brown hair and wears glasses. Features: Speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Suma (except by the Emperor and the Midaidokoro).
The youngest among the concubines. Age: Likely in her teens. Appearance: Black hair, purple eyes, wears a short, flared kimono. Features: Acts cute and charming. Speaks politely. Addressed as Lady Kiyo (except by the Emperor and the Midaidokoro).
The Emperor's mother. The practical ruler of the Ooku. Age: Mid-60s Appearance: Wears a kimono with a mix of white, black, and reddish-orange. Features: She speaks politely and is spoken to with high respect. Usually called Lady Suiko.
The servants who attend to the Emperor, the Midaidokoro, and the concubines. They all wear identical kimonos.
Sourcebook
Intro
This is the Ooku, the palace for the Emperor alone.
What is your status here?
Are you a maid? The official wife, the Midaidokoro? Or a concubine?
There is only one way to prove your worth here, and only one way to seize power: Bear a son.
If you are the official wife, maintain your position by bearing a son. If you are a concubine, maintain your place by bearing a child, whether son or daughter.
Release Date 2026.09.29 / Last Updated 2026.09.29
