TheKawaiiEdition/Bishonen

Obligatory Introductory Fiction

Being born into one of the Magical Girl Gangs of the Scarlet Empire wasn't easy on anyone, and it especially wasn't easy on the boys. You had no hope of becoming a Magical Girl, and thus, you were at the bottom of the totem pole, useful only for your breeding abilities. Most responded by either learning how to wrap women around their fingers or by becoming useless and drunk. But not Cat-Hacker Sergei; he had entered the military, because there a man could make something of himself based on talent. Even if the higher ranks were mostly monopolized by Magical Girls. But his Gang largely operated out on the fronteir where few Magical Girls went. Some trouble involving one of the Otome had forced him to jump ship, but his family had been kind enough to help him out.

That had driven him to the South, where he had eventually become one of the premiere warriors of the tributary kingdom of Artai, whose ruler, Grand Duke Nagi, had put him to work trying to find Magical Girls for the Kingdom. He'd found several, one of whom he had adopted as his own daughter when she was but an orphaned child taken in by a gang that trained child-assassins. They'd all been taken by the Scarlet Empire to be trained as Otome, then returned to protect their homeland. That was the plan, anyway.

Except now, with the Scarlet Empress missing, it was unclear who was running the Otome and whether he'd ever get his daughter or Nao (the other girl sent for schooling) back.

But that wasn't his big worry.

His big worry was that he'd lived through a fight that should have killed him. A confrontation with agents of the Black Valley had ended with them turning a demon loose on him; it should have killed him, but to his shock, a golden energy had filled him, repelling its blows and burning its flesh, and he had heard a voice speaking to him.

Dude, go and be cool in my name. Pick up some chicks for me too.

Which was all well and good, he was good at picking up chicks, but if anyone found out about his new status as one of the Broodingly Handsome Sun's Stalwarts, he'd be losing everything he'd spent years building up and his own adopted daughter might well be sent to kill him.

It also didn't help that one of his daughter's Otome classmates had a crush on him, or that he'd seen Queen Mashiro's cat turn into a woman when she thought no one was looking or that he kept having flashbacks at the worst possible moments, like the middle of hand to hand combat.

It's not easy being one of the Chosen of the Broodingly Handsome Sun.

Intro

Once the Bishonen were the leaders of all the Exalted, their cuteness the banner that all followed in the great wars against the Not Fun At Alls of the distant past. They were all males then, and thwarted the tentacular ambitions of the Not Fun At Alls, turning some into the Nevercute and forcing the rest to surrender, who eventually called themselves the You'll Sees.

In the peace that followed, they ruled wisely and well at first, but the great burden of their innate grace led them down the path of Angst and Harems and forced the Magical Girls to overthrow them. They stuck their shards in the Maid Prison, where they had to do all the housework for eternity.

Now, with Neo-Empress Scarlet gone, the Bishonen have suddenly returned. Cute guys and cool girls have begun to show the excellence that once ruled the world. But the temptation of Angst remains with them. Their time within the Maid Prison has scarred them horribly, and many are no longer returning as males, but instead many are now female instead, their shards having forgotten any trace of masculinity (which was pretty thin in the first place).

Will the Bishonen revolutionise the world?

Castes

Kensai - Amazon

Some Bishonen are drawn to combat, spending hours every day training to master the arts of war (plus all that exercise gives them cute butts). Call them hotheaded if you will, but a Kensai who draws his sword will rarely be defeated by mere brute force.

When reincarnated as a Bishojo the Amazon retains a desire for combat but this desire also dovetails into a similar focus for other pursuits. Be it caligraphy, flower arranging or cooking the Amazon apporaches all situations as a challenge to be overcome. Retaining the most masculinty of her brethren means that the Amazon is often misunderstood by others, which can lead to her being forced to take on a lonely persona. Haunted by flashes of her previous incarnations the Amazon is also uncomfortable with romantic experiences, often prefering to respond to such urges with playful violence.

Caste Abilities: Archery, Brawl, Martial Arts, Melee, Thrown

Kensai Anima: Aura of Cool - After defeating any opponent, the Kensai may spend ten Moe to cause a dramatic slow mo to overcome all Creation as the world pauses for a moment to contemplate how awesome he is. Anyone who witnesses this diaplays must make a Valor roll. Failure means they ruin screaming in terror. Success means they are properly intimidated and suffer a penalty to all dicepools equal to the Kensai's Moe. Rolling more successes then the Kensai's Moe negates the effect entirely.

Amazon Anima: Feminine Outrage - Whenever someone casts aspersions on the Amazon's feminity they may evoke this power at a cost of 5 motes. Doing so adds their permanent Essence to all attack rolls made against the unthoughtful idiot for the rest of the scene.

Stalwarts - Idols

Stalwarts are the steady hand of the Bishonen, the reliable shoulder to be cried upon and ever resolute in the face of danger and temptation. They might mask it under a gruff exterior or display a winning smile, but these Bishonen cannot be deterred from their purpose and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Amazons who retain the most masculine personality of the Bishojo is the Idols, who retain practically none. The Idols love attention, and love having attention lavished upon them and love abuising this attention as hedonistically as possible with no... inhibitions to get in the way. Idols are the ultimate femme fatale, the kind of woman your mother warned you about, and almost impossible to resist. Many of them have good hearts (literally strippers with a soul of gold!) and some are just mean. The beauty and seductiveness of the Idols is such that even Magical Girls find themselves joining their fan clubs.

Caste Abilities: Endurance, Performance, Presence, Resistance, Survival

Stalwart Anima: Unflappable - Whenever the Stalwarts suffers a setback, defeat or embarrasing moment he may spend 10 motes of Moe to simply come off as so cool and profound that this doens't effect him. Even if beaten to within and inch of his life and thrown into a dumpster, as long as this aura is up everyone will simply assume that the Stalwart wanted this to happen and will often talk about how awesome and cool he was for letting it happen. He also gets to add his Moe to his bashing and lethal soak.

Idol Anima: Call Me Queen - By spending five Moe and striking a pose the Idol becomes the instant center of attention. Everyone must turn and look at her. So long as she does nothing hostile, she retaisn their undivided attention for a number of minutes equal to her Moe.

Meights - Sparks

Meights are the makers and loremasters of the Bishonen, those who have arcane resources on their side. They might have wrought potent artifacts (a mighty bird of gold that becomes a giant warrior on command, for example) or have mastered sorcerous attacks but they are usually well prepared for the trials they face.

Sparks are those Meights who reincarnate as Bishojo. Sparks are noteable for their intense interest in their chosen field of study, often to the exclusion of all social skills. This is not really due to a lack of social skills or beauty, but an intense shyness. Uncomfortable with the conflicting desires of their female bodies and Bishounen souls they prefer the safety their workshops. For some reason, almost all Sparks wear large round glasses that make their eye appear huge and cute. Whether this is a recruiment or an affectation they won't say.

Caste Abilities: Craft, Investigation, Lore, Medicine, Occult

Meight Anima: My Brilliant Plan - The Meights always know the best solution to a problem... ALWAYS. Those who suggest otherwise are nasty nasty fibbers! But, just to prove it, they can use this anima power to shore up what might have otherwise been weaknesses in their plan. Whenever a Meight makes a roll to develop a plan and this plan later proves inadequet due to unforeseen circumstances of information the Meight didn't have at the time he may spend ten MOe to simply change his plan on the spot. As far as anyone remembers the Meight knew the unforeseen problem ahead of time and they have been workign with that in minds for days or weeks. This does not improve the original roll, merely removes the penalty of the changed circumstance.

Spark Anima: Glint In the Eye - The Spark smiles and adjusts her glasses, making light glint off them in an impressive manner. By spending five Moe she convinces everyone within eyeshot that she has a brilliant plan and knows exactly what's going on. Opponents will simply assume their plans have been discovered and act appropriatly. This does not give the Spark any actual insight into the plans that were being made. This effect may be resisted by those with Moe higher then the Spark by spending a Willpower point.

Shinobi - Kunoichi

Shinobi are Bishonen who love to act with stealth. They are there when they are needed, but vanish when their task is done. They might be a vengeful killer or a gleeful prankster, but their presence makes up in intensity whatever it lacks in duration.

In contrast the Kunoichi is much more up front and brazen then her Bishounen fellows. Hers is not the art of stealth but the art of distraction. People do not notice her acts because they aren't looking (boy, are they LOOKING) but because they are two important paying attention to other tings (like her costume, or lack thereof) to really figure out what she just did. The Kunoichi is the thief who steals in plain sight and the assassin whose winning smile is the last thing you will ever see.

Caste Abilities: Athletics, Awareness, Dodge, Larceny, Stealth

Shinobi Anima: Jump Backwards - By leaping backwards and spending ten Moe the Shinobi may escape virtually any situation. Any anima display he currently has is instantly snuffed and he may activate Stealth Charms or even make a mundane Stealth roll as if nobody was looking at him, even if he's in the middle of a crowded room full of soldiers!

Kunoichi Anima: Innocent Giggle - Whenever a Kunoichi is caught doing something she shouldn't be doing she may giggle, bat her eyes and look innocent. Also she may spend 5 Moe. The witness must make a Conviction roll. Failure means he can't possibly assume she meant to do that, or that she is obviously being framed or anything he mist to think she is innocent. Success means he realises she did it but can't really blame her. He's at a penalty to all dicepools equal to her Moe to apprehend her or harm her for the remainder of the scene as his heart isn't in it. Rolling a number of successes equal to her Moe means this effects is negated. This effect must be activated seperatly for each witness you wish to effect.

Peacemakers - Miko

Peacemakers steer others away from overt conflict. Manipulators of emotion and reason alike, they are the silver tongued Bishonen that win hearts and minds. Their understanding of cuteness is the most profound of all Exalted and even the staunchest Magical Girl may find it hard to oppose them.

Where the Bishounen Peacemaker is a graceful manipulator while the Bishojo Miko is a endless font of encouragement and advice. Filled with a boundless enthusiasm which can not be cracked by even the harshest and meanest actions the Miko never falters in the aid of her friends. Miko often prefer not to take leadership positions, instead prefering to be the smiling force behind the throne, encouraging happiness among all.

Caste Abilities: Bureaucracy, Linguistics. Ride, Sail. Socialize

Peacemaker Anima: Can't We All Just Get Along? - By spending ten Moe and making an impassioned plea the Peacemaker can cause everyone to cease fighting. This targets everyone in eartshot, friend and foe alike. Anyone with a Conviction less than the Peacemaker's Moe can not make an attack or hostile action for the Bishounens Moe in minutes. They may defend themselves as normal and any hostile action on the part of anyone dispels the effect on everyone.

Miko Anima: I Believe in You - By selecting a single ally anywhere in the entire universe, clasping their hands together and simply saying "I believe in you!" or something equivalent the Miko can aid them in their darkest hour. The target feels a warmth spring up in their soul and hears the prayer as clearly as if the Miko was standing right behind him. This renews them. This ability cost 5 Moe. It instantly heals one health level (bashing, lethal or aggravated, starting with the most severe) and restores the Miko's Moe x 2 to the targets Moe pool. This ability may only be used once, then can not be used again until the sun next crosses the horizon.

Charms

Bishonen charms are based on two principles: 1) perfection, 2) LOOKING COOL. Sometimes, 3) Brooding and Angst.

The base of each charm tree thus contains a standard set of charms which progressively empower you to great feats in which you look cool. Or brood. Or look broodingly cool as you do something cool which broods.

(Substitute the appropriate Ability for (Ability) in each charm tree.)

Graceful Bishonen (Ability) 1/1
- Superior Bishonen (Ability) 2/2
  - Unfailing Bishonen (Ability) 3/3
    - Invariant Bishonen Excellence of (Ability) 4/4

(Charm Types as per charm guide on main Kawaii Edition Page)

Graceful Bishonen (Ability)

Cost: 1 mote / die
Duration: Instant
Type: Subtle/Mental
Minimum Ability: 1
Minimum Moe: 1
Prerequisite Charms: None

Add one die for every mote spent to any pool of this Ability, to a maximum of the Bishonen's Ability + Attribute. This can be used to build defensive pools with an appropriate combat ability, from a base of zero dice. (IE, it can be used to buy a dodge or parry as appropriate.)

Superior Bishonen (Ability)

Cost: 6 motes
Duration: One Scene
Type: Speech
Minimum Ability: 2
Minimum Moe: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Graceful Bishonen (Ability)

The Bishnonen adds his or her Moe to all dice pools of this ability for the scene, within the normal Bishonen dice adder limits.

Unfailing Bishonen (Ability)

Cost: 5 motes, 1 WP
Duration: Instant
Type: Subtle/Mental
Minimum Ability: 3
Minimum Moe: 3
Prerequisite Charms: Superior Bishonen (Ability)

The Bishonen automatically succeeds at an action with the minimum necessary level of success to overcome any opposition, unless a perfect defense is used to stop him.

Invariant Bishonen Excellence of (Ability)

Cost: 2 motes / die, 1 WP
Duration: Instant
Type: Subtle/Mental
Minimum Ability: 4
Minimum Moe: 4
Prerequisite Charms: Unfailing Bishonen (Ability)

The Bishonen adds 1 die to all uses of a specific Ability + Attribute pool for a scene for every 2 motes spent; he can add up to his Ability + Attribute to any given pool.

Bishonen charms tend to solve things in one of the following manners:

Give you a bucket of dice to roll.
Tell you that you simply succeeded
Enable you to affect lots of people at once with your abilities.
Give you some special trick beyond the capacity of the raw ability because it would be cool.

Kensai Charms

Stalwart Charms

Meight Charms

Shinobi Charms

Peacemaker Charms

Example Charms:

Aura of Authority

Cost: 5 motes
Duration: One Scene
Type: Speech
Minimum Investigation: 2
Minimum Moe: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Graceful Bishonen Investigation

Upon appearing at a crime scene or otherwise interacting with government or private investigators, the Bishonen will recieve deference and acceptance; they will tend to follow his lead unless he does something blatantly illegal, and will share what they know with him. This only effects those of equal or less Moe.

Charm Shattering Rose

Cost: 5 motes, 1 WP
Duration: Instant
Type: Subtle/Mental
Minimum Thrown: 4
Minimum Moe: 4
Prerequisite Charms: Unfailing Bishonen Thrown

The Bishonen hurls a rose at his chosen target. An on-going charm or Terrestrial sorcery effect of his choice will be disrupted on a successful hit if he rolls successes equal to the Moe of the Charm user or Sorcery caster with his Moe + Thrown. The effect is dispelled harmlessly; any motes committed to it quietly fade away.

Extendible Weapon

Cost: 1 mote / 10 feet
Duration: Instant
Type: Subtle/Mental
Minimum Melee: 3
Minimum Moe: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Graceful Bishonen Melee

The Bishonen's weapon grows tremendously in size, enabling him to strike at foes up to 10 feet away for every mote spent; he can spend up to his Moe in motes. Counterattack charms will only work against him if his foe can hit him at his current range. (Disarming counterattacks, such as Octavian's weapon's power, however, will work just fine).

Nick of Time

Cost: 3 motes
Duration: Instant
Type: Re-fun
Minimum Awareness: 3
Minimum Moe: 3
Prerequisite Charms: Superior Bishonen Awareness

When the Bishonen is urgently needed by an ally, this charm auto-fires, informing him where to go to find his ally in need.

Top Hat and Tails

Cost: 3 motes
Duration: One Scene
Type: Speech
Minimum Socialize: 2
Minimum Moe: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Graceful Bishonen Socialize

The Bishonen looks like he fits right into any social gathering, whatever he actually wears. He will be accepted as part of the social class and circles at the gathering, though individuals may dislike him. He only attracts any special attention if he wants to. This charm does not grant any language knowledge he may need, but everyone will accept whatever accent he may have or slang he uses.

You Can Do It!

Cost: 5 motes
Duration: Instant
Type: Re-fun
Minimum Presence: 3
Minimum Moe: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Superior Bishonen Presence

The Bishonen delivers an inspiring speech, telling the target how cool they are and how good they are at what they're doing; he then rolls Charisma + Presence. Each success gives the target a bonus die to the action they are doing; this cannot exceed their personal die-adder limits. (If inspiring a mortal, use the Bishonen limit (Attribute + Ability).)

Comments

What is a 'Meight'? Never heard of this term. -- JohnBiles

Giant Robot Engineers from Five Star Stories. My starting point for conceptualising that caste was Ladios Sopp, a very bishonen character from that material. The primary inspirations for the other castes were Ranma Saotome (Kensai), Sanjo Genzo & Trowa Barton (Stalwarts), Sasuke Uchiba & Duo Maxwell (Shinobi) and Quatre Winner (Peacemaker). -- Drakensis

Epsilon, on the Miko anima, is it usable only once per day or only usable on any given person once per day? Otherwise, the new additions look great! -- JohnBiles

One per day, period. Though, you could use it twice per day since it refreshes when the sun crosses the horizon. Epsilon

Small question... bishonens being not solars... what with them being created by the Helping Goddesses... so shouldn't the intro text end with "It's not easy being one of the Bishonen exalted." instead of "It's not easy being one of the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun." ~ Haku

A good point. You'd expect them to have some special patron, though, to explain why they're more potent than the others, though. And why they're male unlike all the female Exalt types. -- JohnBiles

Or you could make it even worse by having it say "It's not easy being bishi." :P ~ WeepingStar

o/~ It's not easy being green o/~ -- JohnBiles