whans_whale.2
Level 3
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IGN (In-Game Name):
whans_whale
What is your discord username?:
User: whans_whale
Display name: ⋆｡˚꒰ঌ ᴋᴜᴊɪʀᴀ ໒꒱˚｡⋆
What is your timezone?:
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PST (GMT-7)
Describe your activity on the server:
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IGN (In-Game Name):
whans_whale
What is your discord username?:
User: whans_whale
Display name: ⋆｡˚꒰ঌ ᴋᴜᴊɪʀᴀ ໒꒱˚｡⋆
What is your timezone?:
⋆⭒˚.⋆
PST (GMT-7)
Describe your activity on the server:
꒰ঌ - Monday | - Tuesday | - Wednesday | - Thursday | - Friday | - Saturday | - Sunday ໒꒱ |
3pm-10pm | 3pm-10pm | 3pm-10pm | 3pm-10pm | 3pm-2am | 10am-3am | 11am-10pm |
List your current roles on the server:
[Grade-12] x2
[Grade-7]
[Cat]
[Dog]
Woof..!
Link any previous applications:
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Lawyer application [Accepted]
Other application [Accepted]
Other application [Accepted]
Language Application [Accepted]
-
Reporter application [Denied]
Other application [Denied]
What position are you applying for (Maiden or Priest)?
Priest
What is your motivation for applying?
Meeting New People
What draws me most to joining the shrine isn’t any single rule or ritual - it’s the way people treat one another there. Each time I visit, kindness shows up without fanfare, respect flows naturally, nobody has to force anything. Connection happens easier when you’re somewhere smiles aren’t rare, judgment is rarer. New faces don’t scare me; actually, they pull me forward, especially if we trade stories or simply sit together in silence. Watching someone move through their day, noticing small habits - that teaches me more than lectures ever did. Growth sneaks in sideways when you least expect it, often wrapped inside ordinary moments. This space? It holds room for that sort of quiet change. Long stretches matter - belonging shouldn’t vanish after week two.
Interest in the Religion
What grabs me about Shinto is the layers beneath the surface. Because each part, rituals, customs, ideas. fits into something bigger, diving deeper feels natural. One thing leads to another, then another after that. Over time, understanding grows, even if full clarity stays out of reach. That mystery? Keeps pulling attention back. Experiencing aspects firsthand adds weight, compared to only studying from afar. While it isn’t the sole reason for looking closer, doing instead of just observing matters.
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The experience
overall from where I stand, Getting into this faction feels wide open and kind of exciting. Once inside, maybe it turns out even better than expected. Structure shows up alongside chatter and chances to juamp inside, that blend pulls me close. Spending time with others matters, forming bonds slowly through small moments. Belonging isn’t just said, it’s built, day by day. Both online chats and real-life hangouts count when shaping that sense of place. Strong threads in each space make everything richer. New faces and people pop up often, mixing things up in a quiet way. Talking back and forth keeps ideas moving, nothing forced. Growing closeness happens without rushing, one message or meetup at a time. That slow shift from outsider to someone who fits. that’s what waits ahead.
What do you currently know about Shintoism? Are you willing to learn more about it?
My knowledge of Shintoism is small as I don't practice it in real life but I am willing and I want to learn more about it
ˎˊ˗ Kami ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ
Kami are the spirits found in everything around the globe, from nature such as trees and flowers, streams, mountains, and even your own ancestors or important items. They are not necessarily omnipotent beings but creatures that require reverence and recognition. Kami form connections with humans via offerings, prayer, and ritual acts, ensuring balance between the earthly and spiritual realm. The job of a priest is to protect the area where kami supposedly exist and worship them appropriately. The character may have an understanding of their existence, revering their surroundings in a way that any object could contain a spirit. Shinto is the worship of Kami. The kami is how they stayed alive for so long. Kami can be god like and also be nature phenomenas
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꒰ঌ Ritual Purification ໒꒱
Ritual purification Purification, or cleansing, is an important part of Shinto. It helps remove impurity and restore balance. This process isn’t about punishment or judging someone’s actions. Instead, it focuses on being clean and respectful before engaging with the kami. Purification can be simple. For example, washing your hands and rinsing your mouth at the water basin before entering a shrine is common. In more formal cases, a priest may perform rituals using items like paper streamers or branches. They move these objects steadily to symbolize cleansing a person or space. The ritual is usually calm and repetitive. Its emphasis is on intention rather than on the actions themselves. Overall, it allows people to clear their minds and approach the spiritual realm in a more respectful and balanced way.
➤ Rituals and Tasks ᓚᘏᗢ
The various rituals which are performed by the Shinto priest are the daily routine tasks which need to be done to look after the shrine and pay respects to the kami, including ensuring that the shrine is always neat and organized, cleaning the pathways surrounding the shrine, preparing food offerings such as rice, water, salt, and sake for the kami, and placing the food on the shrine altar.
Some of the specific rituals which can be performed by the priest are blessing devotees, performing cleansing rituals, or conducting prayers during particular occasions; while doing these rituals, the priest needs to ensure that a bell is rung twice, clapping their hands twice, and bowing while performing the ritual. Other rituals that can be performed by the priest are assisting worshipers to make their requests in the form of ema (prayers).
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Shinto Events ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Shinto events are called matsuri and these are festivals held to honor the kami, mark seasons and celebrate traditions. Some things that often happen at a matsuri can vary to Traditional music and dancing, food stalls with games. Lanterns and decorations and much more!.
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Examples can be..
Shogatsu - The new year celebration where people visit shrines so they can pray for luck and health
Hatsumode - the first shrine visit of the year!
Shichi-go-san - A celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7.
Setsubun - A festival to drive away bad spirits and welcome good fortune
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IC INFORMATION
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Character Full Name:
-He sat down in the chair reaching his hand out to the person in front of him before sitting himself down in his chair. He kept his hands resting down in his lap as he began to speak-
“ My name.. Yuu Ogawa.”
-He spoke respectfully. His words seemed ever so slightly slurred together. His hand reached up to his ear as he tapped it carefully-
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Character Title:
-Nodded awkwardly adjusting his.. Ear? Before speaking confidently. He had a warm smile on his face as he did so-
“Just Mr. works perfectly thank you”
Character Age:
-tilted his head to the side with a warm smile-
“I am 36 years old, born September 26th thank you for asking that!”
Character Marital Status:
-He seemed to shiver ever so slightly as they mentioned marital status..-
“Single, I like women! I do! Yes.. yes women”
-He stuttered out quickly lowering his head awkwardly-
Character Nationality:
“Jappanese born, Raised in Korea though! Its a long story..”
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Degree/Certifications (If applicable):
“Oh yes! I was a preschool teacher in kore- No that is not applicable for me!”
-He nodded firmly as he spoke. He was a preschool teacher in Korea for only three years before the kids started teaming up against him to get him quiting.-
Backstory
Its poorly written i know I need to add more..
CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE / SITUATIONS
How does your character act around shrine grounds? How do they interact with guests and other staff?
As far as communication around the shrine ground is concerned, Ogawa appears to be a rather peaceful person, however quite social and communicative. He is to be active in movement and in what he does; however, Yuu Ogawa is neither silent nor reticent, on the contrary, he frequently communicates actively by means of gestures and writing, in addition to which his verbal expression is quite effective.
While communicating with the guests, Ogawa is always polite, patient and friendly, he likes guiding them through the ritual of visiting the shrine and explaining their actions. It does not matter how long or complicated it might be for the visitors to comprehend, he always tries to communicate in such a manner that does not put anyone in an uncomfortable position, especially because he is unable to hear anything.
As regards the other shrine staff members, Ogawa also behaves in a sociable way and cooperates efficiently with all the employees he works together with. In fact, he frequently communicates during work, talking to his co-workers quite freely without losing professionalism and reliability, gradually becoming one of those people who boost the moral spirits of others.
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[!]
/me turned his head to the guest a warm smile coming onto his face as he planted his feet on the ground firmly as he spoke. “Hello loves, welcome to shrine if you want anything feel free to talk to me” He went down to a 30-degree bow.
You see a guest jumping around the roofs of the building and overall disrespecting shrine grounds, how would your character handle it?
Since he is deaf, Yuu is likely not going to detect the incident immediately as he will probably be unable to hear anything. This particular guest would have to be already at the rooftop in order for Yuu to notice him. Nevertheless, there will be some signs of his presence like unusual movements of shadows or guests' responses to him.
Once spotting the guest on the roof Yuu would usher them telling them it isn't safe to be up there. Once the guest is down he will give a gentle but firm lecture informing them about how he only wants them to stay safe and how it is disrespectful to the kami. Of course he would include the fact that it is disrespectful to the other guests and workers for causing a ruckus. Keeping the guests safety at his concern.
[!]
/me He paused quickly jolting at the shadow on covering the ground looking up at the man on the roof..! He waved his hands around quickly in worry before collecting himself calmly. “Please get down from there this instance..!”
Why does your character want to become a shrine maiden/priest? What do they wish to achieve?
Yuu Ogawa wants to become a priest since Shinto provides him with a sense of order, calmness, and purpose that he has never felt before in his life. Yuu has experienced numerous problems in his life, such as poverty, migration, loss, and emotional instability. He found a way to overcome those problems by creating routines, practicing ritualistic behavior, and concentrating on his deeds. As time went on, he became more interested in Shintoism since it was not merely a way to deal with his problems anymore but an activity that he enjoys.
Firstly, what Yuu wishes to accomplish is to create a sense of harmony and stability in his life. He wants to become a person that will allow others to visit him and share their concerns, hopes, and emotions. As a result, people should leave the priest's office feeling somewhat relieved, which is the main goal of his life. Furthermore, Yuu wants to focus on performing the daily activities at the shrine in order to organize the environment and his thoughts
Underneath the surface, Yuu wishes to create an existence in which his past does not seem to weigh him down but is merely a means through which he was able to become someone who could help others. To him, becoming a priest is not only a profession; it is a means to be peaceful and serve others silently.
[!]
/me he bowed his head respectfully as he spoke
What are the core values of your character?
Wanting to learn, Respect, Fairness
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Learning
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Respect
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Fairness
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₊⊹ ₊⊹
Character Full Name:
-He sat down in the chair reaching his hand out to the person in front of him before sitting himself down in his chair. He kept his hands resting down in his lap as he began to speak-
“ My name.. Yuu Ogawa.”
-He spoke respectfully. His words seemed ever so slightly slurred together. His hand reached up to his ear as he tapped it carefully-
⋆⭒˚.⋆
Character Title:
-Nodded awkwardly adjusting his.. Ear? Before speaking confidently. He had a warm smile on his face as he did so-
“Just Mr. works perfectly thank you”
Character Age:
-tilted his head to the side with a warm smile-
“I am 36 years old, born September 26th thank you for asking that!”
Character Marital Status:
-He seemed to shiver ever so slightly as they mentioned marital status..-
“Single, I like women! I do! Yes.. yes women”
-He stuttered out quickly lowering his head awkwardly-
Character Nationality:
“Jappanese born, Raised in Korea though! Its a long story..”
⋆⭒˚.⋆
Degree/Certifications (If applicable):
“Oh yes! I was a preschool teacher in kore- No that is not applicable for me!”
-He nodded firmly as he spoke. He was a preschool teacher in Korea for only three years before the kids started teaming up against him to get him quiting.-
Backstory
Its poorly written i know I need to add more..
Back then, little Yuu came into the world in a part of Tokyo called Chiyoda - silent right from day one. For him, silence wasn’t an absence; it just was. From the start, his mind mapped things through motion, faces, stillness - the soft ways his mother moved near him. Voices? Never registered. Those first flashes of memory stay foggy now. Things shifted fast before he turned three.
Back then, his mom chose to move without warning, taking him from Japan into South Korea for safer ground. Not much was said about why as he got older - just that staying meant risk. After that came years shaped by uncertainty, where getting through each day beat any idea of ease. In time they landed in Guryong Village, a neighborhood worn down by hardship and unrelenting pressure.
From day one, life held little ease. Shifting from cramped flat to short-term shelter, nowhere settled into something resembling home for Yuu and his mother. She spent endless days on her feet, worn down by effort, simply securing what they needed to survive. Being deaf while young added layers of quiet separation in a world already loud with struggle. Words never came easy. Still, Yuu picked up meanings through glances, gestures, little notes - ways people moved when they spoke. Over time, watching closely turned into habit. That quiet skill let him move through days where everything seemed slightly too fast, just beyond grasp.
Alone so much, Yuu turned toward silence. Not noise, but order pulled at him - patterns needing neither words nor voices. Over time, faith stood firm where little else did. What stuck were Shinto ways, discovered slowly: washing hands before entering shrines, forests treated like elders, objects holding unseen weight. Spirits lived in trees, rivers, even old tools. Presence mattered more than proof. Though far from home, he kept Shinto close, tucked inside like a quiet habit. Stability found him there, a fixed point amid shifting ground.
Even though life was hard, Yuu kept going to school. Not fast, not loud, but steady - he built small habits that held firm each day. When high school ended, he stepped into work at a preschool. Kids showed feelings right away, moving hands or faces instead of talking long sentences, and that fit well with how he saw things. They didn’t need reasons for everything - they just were - and so did he.
That part of his life held more feeling than most. Back in high school, a boy slipped into Yuu’s world - his first real love, also his last. Quiet moments stretched between them, shaky ground under unsure feet. Fear lived inside him then, whispering doubts about what he wanted. Acceptance came slow, though the emotions ran deep. Yet somehow, in those fragile days, he found a rare thing - he felt known.
One day, without warning, the bond broke when the child died. Quietly, Yuu let grief settle beneath the surface, never spoken aloud. Though he seldom brings it up now, that moment still colors the way he lets people near. Feelings stayed locked inside him more tightly after that, despite learning how to move through days like nothing was wrong. Stillness followed him, even while talking, laughing, standing close to others.
Still today, those moments from childhood linger close to Yuu. Quietly noticing everything, he moves through days with calm steps, guided by what repeats. A rhythm wraps around him - each task, each hour fitting into place like stones set in sand. Becoming part of the shrine wasn’t forced; it unfolded without noise. Silence here isn’t empty - it speaks back. In sweeping courtyards, lighting lamps, folding robes - he finds a way of being that does not rush. Purpose lives inside small acts repeated morning after morning.
Still, Yuu carries strong feelings beneath a calm surface. Moving gently through days, he finds himself easing burdens for people around him - without noticing he's doing it. Old memories stick close, pieces of what once was remain untouched, unspoken. Quietly, always quietly, he holds them in.
Back then, his mom chose to move without warning, taking him from Japan into South Korea for safer ground. Not much was said about why as he got older - just that staying meant risk. After that came years shaped by uncertainty, where getting through each day beat any idea of ease. In time they landed in Guryong Village, a neighborhood worn down by hardship and unrelenting pressure.
From day one, life held little ease. Shifting from cramped flat to short-term shelter, nowhere settled into something resembling home for Yuu and his mother. She spent endless days on her feet, worn down by effort, simply securing what they needed to survive. Being deaf while young added layers of quiet separation in a world already loud with struggle. Words never came easy. Still, Yuu picked up meanings through glances, gestures, little notes - ways people moved when they spoke. Over time, watching closely turned into habit. That quiet skill let him move through days where everything seemed slightly too fast, just beyond grasp.
Alone so much, Yuu turned toward silence. Not noise, but order pulled at him - patterns needing neither words nor voices. Over time, faith stood firm where little else did. What stuck were Shinto ways, discovered slowly: washing hands before entering shrines, forests treated like elders, objects holding unseen weight. Spirits lived in trees, rivers, even old tools. Presence mattered more than proof. Though far from home, he kept Shinto close, tucked inside like a quiet habit. Stability found him there, a fixed point amid shifting ground.
Even though life was hard, Yuu kept going to school. Not fast, not loud, but steady - he built small habits that held firm each day. When high school ended, he stepped into work at a preschool. Kids showed feelings right away, moving hands or faces instead of talking long sentences, and that fit well with how he saw things. They didn’t need reasons for everything - they just were - and so did he.
That part of his life held more feeling than most. Back in high school, a boy slipped into Yuu’s world - his first real love, also his last. Quiet moments stretched between them, shaky ground under unsure feet. Fear lived inside him then, whispering doubts about what he wanted. Acceptance came slow, though the emotions ran deep. Yet somehow, in those fragile days, he found a rare thing - he felt known.
One day, without warning, the bond broke when the child died. Quietly, Yuu let grief settle beneath the surface, never spoken aloud. Though he seldom brings it up now, that moment still colors the way he lets people near. Feelings stayed locked inside him more tightly after that, despite learning how to move through days like nothing was wrong. Stillness followed him, even while talking, laughing, standing close to others.
Still today, those moments from childhood linger close to Yuu. Quietly noticing everything, he moves through days with calm steps, guided by what repeats. A rhythm wraps around him - each task, each hour fitting into place like stones set in sand. Becoming part of the shrine wasn’t forced; it unfolded without noise. Silence here isn’t empty - it speaks back. In sweeping courtyards, lighting lamps, folding robes - he finds a way of being that does not rush. Purpose lives inside small acts repeated morning after morning.
Still, Yuu carries strong feelings beneath a calm surface. Moving gently through days, he finds himself easing burdens for people around him - without noticing he's doing it. Old memories stick close, pieces of what once was remain untouched, unspoken. Quietly, always quietly, he holds them in.
CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE / SITUATIONS
How does your character act around shrine grounds? How do they interact with guests and other staff?
As far as communication around the shrine ground is concerned, Ogawa appears to be a rather peaceful person, however quite social and communicative. He is to be active in movement and in what he does; however, Yuu Ogawa is neither silent nor reticent, on the contrary, he frequently communicates actively by means of gestures and writing, in addition to which his verbal expression is quite effective.
While communicating with the guests, Ogawa is always polite, patient and friendly, he likes guiding them through the ritual of visiting the shrine and explaining their actions. It does not matter how long or complicated it might be for the visitors to comprehend, he always tries to communicate in such a manner that does not put anyone in an uncomfortable position, especially because he is unable to hear anything.
As regards the other shrine staff members, Ogawa also behaves in a sociable way and cooperates efficiently with all the employees he works together with. In fact, he frequently communicates during work, talking to his co-workers quite freely without losing professionalism and reliability, gradually becoming one of those people who boost the moral spirits of others.
⋆⭒˚.⋆
[!]
/me turned his head to the guest a warm smile coming onto his face as he planted his feet on the ground firmly as he spoke. “Hello loves, welcome to shrine if you want anything feel free to talk to me” He went down to a 30-degree bow.
You see a guest jumping around the roofs of the building and overall disrespecting shrine grounds, how would your character handle it?
Since he is deaf, Yuu is likely not going to detect the incident immediately as he will probably be unable to hear anything. This particular guest would have to be already at the rooftop in order for Yuu to notice him. Nevertheless, there will be some signs of his presence like unusual movements of shadows or guests' responses to him.
Once spotting the guest on the roof Yuu would usher them telling them it isn't safe to be up there. Once the guest is down he will give a gentle but firm lecture informing them about how he only wants them to stay safe and how it is disrespectful to the kami. Of course he would include the fact that it is disrespectful to the other guests and workers for causing a ruckus. Keeping the guests safety at his concern.
[!]
/me He paused quickly jolting at the shadow on covering the ground looking up at the man on the roof..! He waved his hands around quickly in worry before collecting himself calmly. “Please get down from there this instance..!”
Why does your character want to become a shrine maiden/priest? What do they wish to achieve?
Yuu Ogawa wants to become a priest since Shinto provides him with a sense of order, calmness, and purpose that he has never felt before in his life. Yuu has experienced numerous problems in his life, such as poverty, migration, loss, and emotional instability. He found a way to overcome those problems by creating routines, practicing ritualistic behavior, and concentrating on his deeds. As time went on, he became more interested in Shintoism since it was not merely a way to deal with his problems anymore but an activity that he enjoys.
Firstly, what Yuu wishes to accomplish is to create a sense of harmony and stability in his life. He wants to become a person that will allow others to visit him and share their concerns, hopes, and emotions. As a result, people should leave the priest's office feeling somewhat relieved, which is the main goal of his life. Furthermore, Yuu wants to focus on performing the daily activities at the shrine in order to organize the environment and his thoughts
Underneath the surface, Yuu wishes to create an existence in which his past does not seem to weigh him down but is merely a means through which he was able to become someone who could help others. To him, becoming a priest is not only a profession; it is a means to be peaceful and serve others silently.
[!]
/me he bowed his head respectfully as he spoke
What are the core values of your character?
Wanting to learn, Respect, Fairness
⪩. .⪨
Learning
⋆⭒˚.⋆
Respect
⋆⭒˚.⋆
Fairness
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Would like to thank everyone I took inspiration from! and everyone who listened to me complain. id also like to add. Thank you pintrest for all the words..
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