Ide Baranato, Compassionate Leader of the Unicorn Clan
- Name: Ide Baranato
- Role: Diplomat, Healer, Clan Leader (Unicorn)
- Class: Samurai (Unicorn)
- Occupation: Decision-Maker for the Unicorn Clan
- Affiliations: Unicorn Clan
Backstory:
Though Shinjo Yoshifusa is the official head of the Unicorn Clan, it is Ide Baranato who makes the significant decisions that affect the clan's future. Baranato is a man driven by honor and compassion, known not only for his leadership skills but also for his expertise in healing. His hands are as skilled at negotiating peace as they are at setting bones.
However, Baranato carries deep personal pain. His son Michikane died under tragic circumstances, and Baranato holds a deep grudge against a man named True Word, whom he blames for the loss. This grief has shaped Baranato's stern demeanor, though his sense of compassion and responsibility for his clan remains unwavering. His strength of character is comparable to great warriors and leaders of Rokugan, such as Akodo Toturi or Kakita Toshimoko.
Rings:
- Air 3 (Insightful, Diplomatic)
- Earth 3 (Steady, Resilient)
- Fire 2 (Passionate, Decisive)
- Water 3 (Compassionate, Perceptive)
- Void 2 (Enduring, Unyielding)
Social Attributes:
- Status: 55 (Influential within the Unicorn Clan)
- Glory: 70 (Respected by both allies and rivals for his integrity and skill)
- Honor: 80 (A man of deep moral conviction)
Skills:
- Medicine (Healing) 4
- Courtesy (Diplomacy) 3
- Government (Clan Politics) 3
- Sentiment (Empathy) 3
- Theology (Spiritual Knowledge) 2
- Martial Arts [Unarmed] (Jiujutsu) 2
- Meditation (Inner Strength) 2
Advantages:
Compassionate Healer: Baranato is known for his healing skills, both physical and emotional. When treating wounds or calming those in distress, he gains bonus successes on Medicine (Water) checks to reduce others' pain.
Unyielding Resolve: Baranato has faced suffering and loss but remains unbroken. When faced with challenges that test his emotional fortitude, he gains bonus successes on Meditation (Earth) checks to endure and remain focused.
Diplomat's Touch: Baranato's ability to read the room and navigate delicate negotiations is unparalleled. He gains bonus successes on Courtesy (Air) or Sentiment (Water) checks when mediating disputes or navigating complex political situations.
Disadvantages:
Grief-Stricken: Baranato carries the deep grief of his son's death. His personal vendetta against True Word sometimes clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to remain objective in matters related to Michikane's death.
Reluctant Warrior: Though capable of defending himself, Baranato avoids violence whenever possible, preferring diplomacy and negotiation. His reluctance to engage in physical conflict can be seen as a weakness by more martial-minded samurai.
Armor:
- None (Baranato prefers to rely on diplomacy rather than physical confrontation)
Weapons:
- Unarmed Combat (Martial Arts [Unarmed])
Baranato is trained in jiujutsu but rarely engages in combat unless absolutely necessary. His favored technique is defusing conflicts before they escalate.
Wounds and Fatigue:
- Endurance: 8
- Composure: 10
- Fatigue: 6
- Wounds Threshold: 8
Techniques:
Soothing Word (Water): Baranato can alleviate others’ suffering, both physically and emotionally. He gains a bonus success when using Medicine (Water) or Sentiment (Water) checks to calm or heal others.
Discerning Gaze (Air): Baranato is skilled at reading the emotions of those around him. He gains a bonus success on Sentiment (Air) or Courtesy (Air) checks to detect lies or hidden emotions.
Binding Grief (Earth): Though his grief is deep, Baranato uses it to strengthen his resolve. When focusing on a difficult task or maintaining composure under pressure, he gains bonus successes on Meditation (Earth) checks to center himself.