OOC INFORMATION
IGN (In-Game Name):
GuttedValentine
What is your discord username?:
GuttedValentine
What is your timezone?:
Pst
Describe your activity on the server:
I would describe my activity on the server as pretty active, despite being a full time student in University. To be honest, I have been waiting for Shrine applications to open up to better my motivation. I'm on multiple times a week, unless if it is exam week. I
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm | 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm | 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm | 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm | Free All Day | Free All Day | Free All Day |
List your current roles on the server:
I am currently just on Event team
Link any previous applications:
What position are you applying for (Maiden or Priest)?
Priest !
What is your motivation for applying?
The Shrine is already one of my favorite places to roleplay at, so getting to work there ICly seems incredibly exciting to me. I have always liked the detailrp aspect of srp; I know quite a lot about the religion already, considering I have been educated on it oocly quite a lot, so being able to deepen my knowledge and portray it more accurately is something I genuinely look forward to. I also want to expand my roleplay, going out to 'branch off' and meet more people. I want to be able to explore different styles of development for my characters and such.
I know quite a few things regarding the religion, but I am always willing to learn much more about it. I want to learn more!
"What is Shintoism?"
This religion is often displayed as 'the way of the Gods,' a traditional Japanese belief heavily rooted within its history and culture. There are Kami-spirits that can be found throughout nature, ancestral spirits, and in sacred objects or places.
The reason for prayers fall like most prayers do: guidance, protection, and blessings.
Kami is said to be believed they exist in the small aspects of line. Nature, specifically. Wind, rivers, trees, mountains, etc. After passing, it is believed that people could possibly become a Kami as well.
Tori Gate
The Torii gate is a symbol of a transition from the ordinary, every world, into a sacred and safe place where Kami reside. It makes almost a boundary between the physical and spiritual realms; bowing before entering showcases a sign of respect, almost acknowledging that you are stepping into the sacred environment.
Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
These slips are a form of guidance or insight from the Kami. Many visitors pick a number between the many choices, having the possibility of getting a positive or negative one. If it is negative, there is the traditional option to tie it the rack at the shrine so that they bad luck may be left there, and get purified. It is a small, yet important, thing that helps citizens feel more spiritually guided.
Ema (Wishes.)
These are small wooden plaques on the back side of the shrine, expressing wishes or prayers to the Kami. Visitors will write their hopes and desires onto the ema and hang them on a rack at the Shrine, with the help of a worker; These are usually cleared after a period of type.
'Cleansing'
The Shrine is known to be a place of peace and tranquillity, which includes the people too. It is said that you should clense your hands before entering, but I am pretty sure there is more to cleansing before entering the shrine. Of course, you wash your hands.. Alongside, you must wash your mouth, head, face.. or at least, this is how it is in some traditional shrines in Japan.
What is the reason for cleansing? It is to 'purify' yourself as you enter, signifying purification! Almost as a way to step into the spiritual realm.
IC INFORMATION
Character Full Name:
Kirishiki's voice is light, but almost hesitant at first - A question she has not been asked in quite some time. Even then, Kirishiki glances down- Her fingers fidget with the edge of her gloves trying to find a way to get use to everything. She is use to being the one to ask for the introduction, and perhaps having to better showcase herself was going to be a small challenge at first."It is Sunako Kirishiki." A softness in the way she speaks, like she is still getting used to hearing her own name spoken out loud. Introductions, something she has not been use to in quite some time. Even then, she tried. She always did.
Character Title:
She tilts her head, thoughtfully, lips curling into a smile. A slight hum escaping the Kirishiki, brushing away a loose strand of hair behind her ear and tucked into the hair pin. "Lady- or Miss Kirishiki would work just fine." Fought the urge to hide her embarrassment, forcing herself to provide eye contact. She did not want to appear rude after all! This is the same lady who cared TOO MUCH about manners and how she was perceived by others. Character Age:
"I am Thirty-Two." Kirishiki states in a soft yet steady tone. Eyes glimmering with a kind of quiet maturity, just to add. "People stand I speak like a woman from an old black and white film, leaving them confused on my age." She bursted into laughter, glancing away for a short moment- only to face the person with fleeting sadness in her smile. Her usual warmth replaced with embarrassment
Character Marital Status:
A sensitive question! "I am no longer.." Her words trail off, fiddling with her necklace before catching herself daydreaming. Eyes widened as Kirishiki clears her throat. "Married. I think love should feel safe and kind." Was she stating or convincing herself after Ozaki's recent manipulations? "I am still waiting for that."
Character Nationality:
"I am Russian-Japanese." Her voice shifted into something with pride, straightening her posture just a little. The question leaving a sad feeling within her heart; despite just having returned from Russia, it was always a place she felt awfully homesick.
Degree/Certifications (If applicable):
"I have a degree in Biochemistry." There was that confidence she carried when it came to certain subjects, this being one of them. 'Alongside a minor in Psychology.' Her eyes brightened slightly as she continued speaking, just to add, 'I actually worked as a psychiatrist for quite some time.' Then with a faint and kind smile, she continued her statement- 'I just believe that there is something so intriguing and fascinating on how science and empathy can overlap into one another- Showcasing the importance between the two.' But that was not enough to showcase her dedication and importance to the topic. Not at all. Sunako sat back, posture still 'perfect' for her standards as she scrunched her nose up. 'I guess I have always wanted to help people.. find a balance between that.'Backstory
0-15
Born into the prestigious Kirishiki family of Moscow, Sunako grew up surrounded by wealth, pressure, and expectation. Her parents demanded perfection for their children, more specifically their father. Ryūtarō Kirishiki, a surgeon and covert mafia figure, demanded for all his kids to meet his standards. Nothing less than a doctorate degree, and he was willing to provide all they needed if they met this standard. From a young age, Sunako was forced into the role of 'parent' for her siblings, excelling academically. Despite these heavy plans to become a doctor, Kirishiki's true passion relied on a pair of skates and ice. It was the place she found peace - a rare sense of control that her life at home never gave her.
18-20
It was late, the sun was already setting. She was fixing the laces on her skates, prepping to go home.
“You skate like you’re trying to outrun something,” he said one evening, leaning against the railing.
“Maybe I am,” she replied softly, shoving the skates into her bag.
OH! How dangerous for her to respond. A Japanese exchange student white sapphire eyes and a smirk that broke her composure; Tooru ozaki was everything her father despised. Free-spirited, and utterly disobedient to power- He was sure to ruin his daughter's life. Yet still, between study sessions and secret midnight meetings, she found something she had never known; choice.
Sir Kirishiki banned his daughter from chasing after the blue haired boy, but still. . She knew how to constantly sneak out.
That night, she ran and ran- until she got to her sanctuary, the rink. Running to her, he made the effort to warn her the truth about Ryūtarō.. But a motorcycle is much faster than legs. Ozaki's hands reached for her first, shoving her aside as the bike crashed past. Metal, ice, and blood painted the snow white. Her leg shattered, her dreams gone. Everything she ever knew was destroyed by an unknown motorcycle rider. Or at least it was unknown to her-
"Marry me."
Sunako was far too stunned to even think of a proper response. What would her parents think? What would her siblings say? Filled with shock and horror of the many tragic outcomes, she’d stare at him. Was it okay to be 'selfish' this once? She did raise her siblings as her known, took care of her drunken mother- And now, this?
"You can not save those who never wanted saving, my Sun. Choose yourself- Choose me. Choose a future by my side."
A bit manipulative, don't you think? And with that, she was off to pack her bags. Two parents who stared down at her as she admitted what was yet to come. The real tragedy was her drunk of a mother who suffered and relied on poor Suni to raise her siblings. Wasn't he a total romantic..? I mean, he did cheat on her once on a reporter trip. . Leave her to take care of SAID-PRODUCT of the affair, and proceed to beg for her back..
The Present
Now. We all know Sunako vanished for a year. But where? But why? Was it the fact a man was ready to settle, leaving her shaken and confused after being used to being neglected? Was it her ex-husband back in town demanding she takes him back? Or perhaps the incident where she got kidnapped and stabbed?
She packed her bags, and fled. No explanation, no letters. Just a tiny note that said 'I'm sorry - Sun.'
Guilt consumed her waken days, just having left as such, creating for the action in returning. As she did, she hid well- Not wanting many to see her. Learning that Neko Heddo had passed away sent her into a spiral, only for her brother to disown Sunako as a sister. Let us not forget the chaos her kids bring. All she has wanted was peace. All she has begged for is starting a new. . and maybe that is what she'll get this time. Allowing herself to move on, no longer blaming herself for the death of Heddo. No longer blaming herself for the way some of her family turned out- Kirishiki just wants to move on.
Born into the prestigious Kirishiki family of Moscow, Sunako grew up surrounded by wealth, pressure, and expectation. Her parents demanded perfection for their children, more specifically their father. Ryūtarō Kirishiki, a surgeon and covert mafia figure, demanded for all his kids to meet his standards. Nothing less than a doctorate degree, and he was willing to provide all they needed if they met this standard. From a young age, Sunako was forced into the role of 'parent' for her siblings, excelling academically. Despite these heavy plans to become a doctor, Kirishiki's true passion relied on a pair of skates and ice. It was the place she found peace - a rare sense of control that her life at home never gave her.
18-20
It was late, the sun was already setting. She was fixing the laces on her skates, prepping to go home.
“You skate like you’re trying to outrun something,” he said one evening, leaning against the railing.
“Maybe I am,” she replied softly, shoving the skates into her bag.
OH! How dangerous for her to respond. A Japanese exchange student white sapphire eyes and a smirk that broke her composure; Tooru ozaki was everything her father despised. Free-spirited, and utterly disobedient to power- He was sure to ruin his daughter's life. Yet still, between study sessions and secret midnight meetings, she found something she had never known; choice.
Sir Kirishiki banned his daughter from chasing after the blue haired boy, but still. . She knew how to constantly sneak out.
That night, she ran and ran- until she got to her sanctuary, the rink. Running to her, he made the effort to warn her the truth about Ryūtarō.. But a motorcycle is much faster than legs. Ozaki's hands reached for her first, shoving her aside as the bike crashed past. Metal, ice, and blood painted the snow white. Her leg shattered, her dreams gone. Everything she ever knew was destroyed by an unknown motorcycle rider. Or at least it was unknown to her-
"Marry me."
Sunako was far too stunned to even think of a proper response. What would her parents think? What would her siblings say? Filled with shock and horror of the many tragic outcomes, she’d stare at him. Was it okay to be 'selfish' this once? She did raise her siblings as her known, took care of her drunken mother- And now, this?
"You can not save those who never wanted saving, my Sun. Choose yourself- Choose me. Choose a future by my side."
A bit manipulative, don't you think? And with that, she was off to pack her bags. Two parents who stared down at her as she admitted what was yet to come. The real tragedy was her drunk of a mother who suffered and relied on poor Suni to raise her siblings. Wasn't he a total romantic..? I mean, he did cheat on her once on a reporter trip. . Leave her to take care of SAID-PRODUCT of the affair, and proceed to beg for her back..
The Present
Now. We all know Sunako vanished for a year. But where? But why? Was it the fact a man was ready to settle, leaving her shaken and confused after being used to being neglected? Was it her ex-husband back in town demanding she takes him back? Or perhaps the incident where she got kidnapped and stabbed?
She packed her bags, and fled. No explanation, no letters. Just a tiny note that said 'I'm sorry - Sun.'
Guilt consumed her waken days, just having left as such, creating for the action in returning. As she did, she hid well- Not wanting many to see her. Learning that Neko Heddo had passed away sent her into a spiral, only for her brother to disown Sunako as a sister. Let us not forget the chaos her kids bring. All she has wanted was peace. All she has begged for is starting a new. . and maybe that is what she'll get this time. Allowing herself to move on, no longer blaming herself for the death of Heddo. No longer blaming herself for the way some of her family turned out- Kirishiki just wants to move on.
CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE / SITUATIONS
How does your character act around shrine grounds? How do they interact with guests and other staff?
Despite appearing out-right awkward at times, Sunako is somebody who is very welcoming. When given the chance to speak, she takes it; a welcoming smile as her tone remains warm but never intrusive, speaking gently. Kirishiki will offer guidance or directions if she needed- Wanting a person to feel comfortable and enjoy their time at the shrine, as she does. To guests, she is perhaps seen as endless patience and kindness. A polite bow and warm smile is seen by them, always.
Around the other staff, she keeps that patience in kindness - Though of course, Kirishiki cares to make friends with those around her. It is important to build a strong relationship with people she will be seeing every day, wanting to branch off to better get to know them. She chooses for her words to be wrapped in comfort rather than command; despite constantly carrying this professional and classy look, there is a quiet empathy beneath it. Caring about the issues and troubles those she is surrounded by go through. With that, Kirishiki is there to offer her support, and/or help if needed.
You see a guest jumping around the roofs of the building and overall disrespecting shrine grounds, how would your character handle it?
It takes a lot for Kirishiki to get angry, unless if you are Ryosuke Kirishiki. Scolding or public shaming is not something she stands by, but instead- She would very much rather speak with a calm reasoning that disarms hostility. A simple, but steady, 'Please come down from there now.' Adding emphasis to the now in attempt to showcase she is providing that respect most civilians deserve, but must stand her ground to state. 'This is a place of respect- and I would hate to see you get hurt.'
If the guest appears to dismiss her or get angry, then she approaches. Eye contact added to the conversation as she is steady and understanding. 'There is peace here. You are very much welcome to stay with guidance from me, but only if you honor and respect that.' Is it harmful to say her approach is more psychological as it is moral? She heavily believes in understanding the reasonings as to WHY in many behaviors. It is a goal of hers to correct through empathy, with a splash of dominance.
Why does your character want to become a shrine maiden/priest? What do they wish to achieve?
'I am searching for peace - Not just within myself, but for others too.'
After years and years of studying and practicing medicine and mental health, she began to hit into the realization that science could only explain so much. Funny, no? Within her time in the hospital, she would actually often come to the shrine for peace and guidance. It was a longing of wanting to heal through understanding, but perhaps it is now through stillness- Her goal is not duty, but restoration. Wanting others to reconnect with themselves.
Things fall into something heavier as she recalls what she lost; Her desire to serve as a priest is rooted within grief and devotion. Her best-friend, and sister-in-law, passed away. That person being the one to better introduce her to the Shinto religion. After their passing, Kirishiki would return alone to the shrine. Visiting her just to feel their presence; wanting that heavy connection of a bridge between memory and spirit.
To become a priest, it feels almost like a way of honoring that bond and preserving that beautiful peace they both cherished. It is much more than that, for it showcases healing- hoping to guide others to that quiet reconciliation between loss and love.
What are the core values of your character?
Compassion
To Sunako, compassion is not just sharing kindness- but it is about being able to see. She believes that true compassion starts when deciding to understand the pain beneath the surface, rather than just reacting to their outright behavior. It is important for her to understand the depth of a person, seeing them for more than they display- A place to feel safe, and rediscover the strength they forgot they had. . Or, find a place of peace. She showcases this in a quiet tone, being willing to listen with no judgement.
Remembrance
This is something very sacred to Sunako; it is both a form or love and keeping the soul connected to what matters. She fully believes that those who have passed away never fully leave. Memories, stories, rituals are important to Kirishiki- Finding new ways to honor them. Her best friend's passing shaped this belief deeply.
It also was extended to the living, making an effort to remember small details about them because the small details matter in understanding a person. Their favorite flowers, their quiet habits- She knows that being remembered helps a person feel more real, valued, and seen. Things she wants to provide in the safety of others.
Understanding
THIS is very important to Kirishiki. There is empathy through perception - The ability of not only seeing what a person says, but understanding what they mean beneath it. Again, she cares deeply about believing every emotion; anger, sadness- She wants to understand every message carried between these negative feelings. Genuine connection only begins after listening to a person without the intent to reply. . or at least, that is how Kirishiki sees it!
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