Kyo'kou Kurakowa

[Kyo'kou]

Kyo'kou Kurakowa ​

FULL NAME: Kyo'kou Kurakowa
AGE: Unknown (Appears to be in mid-twenties)
SPECIES:Human
HOME PLANET: Scarif

HEIGHT:5'9"
WEIGHT: Undisclosed

EYE COLOR: Varies (Brown is Standard)
HAIR COLOR: Dirty Blonde
SKIN COLOR: White


FACTION: Sith Brotherhood
RANK: Sith Sorceress / Xenozoologist / Cultural Advisor

Appearance​

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Kyo’kou stands at an above-average height of 5’9” and wields a rather curvaceous physique because of it. While her bust is of average to below-average in size, her rear more than compensates for it. She lacks much of a muscle mass due to her focus on improving her mind over body, but can’t truly be considered too thin.

Her dirty-blond hair reaches down to her waist level but is typically worn up in a ponytail or a sophisticated braid. It’s thin in nature and has the tendency to become oily if not washed daily.

An odd feature about this woman is the changing hue of her eyes. On a normal basis they appear a dull, common brown. If angered, however, they have the tendency to burn a brilliant red, due to her emotions awakening the corrupted force she had been taught to utilize. If simply annoyed or irritable, their color retains a constant yellow- also in response to the Dark Side’s imposing nature.

Typically she wears a common black robe with its hood erect to conceal her identity while in Imperial territories, which contains the house symbol of her master’s embroiled over her heart. It represents not just who owns her loyalty, but is a constant reminder of her disheartening position, and what she should never become. While on neutral grounds, she sports a common tank-top-style shirt with a pair of fitted pants; their colors vary. Around her neck rests a necklace with a fine silver chain and a single white crystal pendant (from her homeworld).

Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the Sith Lord does not come from herself directly, but rather the company she keeps. It isn’t uncommon to see her with a Nexu beast following obediently on her side- a creature she had raised from a cub, whom became her utmost loyal and loving companion.


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Personality​

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The Reluctant Sith.


Kyo’kou is unlike many Sith in the galaxy. She is kind, compassionate and caring, choosing the well-being of others before herself. She values their lives, knowing that each individual has a history of their own, as well as those that care (or cared) about them. But the lives she hold most precious are those of aliens, be they beasts, of the avian variety, or otherwise. There are no lengths she wouldn’t go to protect them- she would willingly sacrifice herself or others to keep them safe.

Her views have often brought her into conflict with others of the Sith Brotherhood; she practically became a pariah among them. But those who actually take the opportunity to learn about her- who she is and who she was- would learn better. Kyo’kou is very passive, but when pushed into action, can become a violent storm.

She is quick to anger when her precious critters are endangered and can easily lose herself to the sudden rage, but is otherwise capable of controlling herself.

The woman is a very studious person, one who’d rather spend her free time reading a good holo-file or exploring unknown regions to discover new species of life. She’s the type who contemplates and plans before moving into action, choosing to first understand the risks and mannerisms of the opposition.

Combat is something she is capable of, but unwilling to engage in unless absolutely necessary. She’s more of a pacifist in nature.

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Skills​

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Kyo’kou is very Force-sensitive- a fact that acts as a double-edged sword for her. While being a strong empath definitely has its advantages (such as feeling out her opposition or being warned of potential threats), there are times when she can be easily overwhelmed (large crowds, for example). Because of this, she has learned to adapt and create a barrier using the Force around herself, shielding her mind from outside influences while also blocking others from sensing her attunement. Useful, perhaps, but this shield also causes her empathy to be blocked from detecting the intention of others, making it risky to use as well.

While trained in the manipulation of Dark energy and well-versed in techniques such as conjuring enough violent essence to create lightning, she doesn’t often use it. It’s a skill that’s highly valued and feared, and most certainly effective, but far too harmful for her taste. Kyo’kou prefers to use lightning to stun or simply intimidate- not to kill. Well, that is unless her target has enraged her to the point of moral blindness.

Her sensitivity to lifeforms does not end at sentient beings but rather extends to beats of all sorts as well. Kyo’kou’s attachment and fascination with the galaxy’s creatures have allowed her to develop a rather unique skill, in which she is capable of communicating with them on a highly sophisticated level. She can telepathically speak with them from a distance, though in a limited manner, or more effectively at close-range with a physical connection. If she had managed to develop a strong bond with a beast (which usually occurs over an extended period of time), she may ask for their aid in combat or for a task in general.

Having studied the art of wielding a Lightsaber for years, one would assume that her proficiency in it should be incredible. And it is. But not by common means. Lacking the physical strength to outmatch her opponents, Kyo’kou instead uses the Force itself to manipulate her blade(s). Telekinesis is utilized to maneuver her weapon for counter-attacks, which allows for her to manipulate several weapons at a time. This, however, requires the utmost of focus and spiritual determination- thus is only used for defensive purposes. While she may be able to throw in a counter-attack now and then, the sudden shift could very well leave her vulnerable to attack. The amount of wear her body and mind experiences increases for each weapon used.

While she can wield a lightsaber in her hands, her strength and endurance are lacking, so going up against another in melee isn’t much of an option. She can use her blade to deflect shots from a distance, though.

Through not the Force but her knowledge of anatomy (of both sentient beings and non), one trait Kyo’kou has become known for is her ability to locate and precisely strike at an individual’s weak point. It requires a lot of preparation, including first reading the movements of her opposition and waiting patiently for the right opportunity, but should she have the chance to strike- it’s an effective one. Due to its required set-up, it requires her to focus on a single target at a time, leaving her susceptible to attack from others.

Kyo’kou has also delved into the art of healing through the Force as well as standard first aid. Rather than to use others to heal herself or another being, she chooses to use her own life-force to mend wounds. It’s a very taxing ability to use, though when utilized in moderation, quite effective and not as dangerous to her vitality.

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Attributes​

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Kyo’kou is a very studious, intelligent individual. Ever since she was but a little girl she found herself fascinated with everything in the world, from the smallest of creatures to the various galaxy systems of the universe. What interested her most, however, were the creatures and sentient beings that inhabited the land. There were so many different species, all of which had their own cosmetic appearances, physical builds, ways of thinking and instincts. No two were the same, even if they appeared to the naked eye to be so. She wanted to learn about how they functioned, behaved..so she did. Her knowledge of alien species is top-notch, and due to this she has become a rather valuable resource for the Empire. Whether someone requires knowledge on the anatomy of an Akk dog, or the cultural aspects of a Cathar, she can be of aid.


An academic at heart, when first introduced to the Force, Kyo’kou’s curiosity was peaked. Upon learning of how each living individual was connected to it, she knew it would be a subject that could never be fully mastered or understood, but she was determined to try. Her research lead to her ability to compensate for her physical lack of capabilities by using the Force itself as a weapon and personal instrument, and also caught the attention of others whom wished to learn how to be more proficient or attuned to the Force.


Strengths: Intelligence, awareness, Force-abilities, spiritual stamina, speed and agility, healing, knowledge of anatomy, precision

Weaknesses: Strength, physical defense, physical stamina, compassion, lack of confidence


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Gear​

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- Lightsaber x2
Kyo’kou’s personal blade consists of a black and silver hilt which has been molded to fit her specific grip. Upon its bottom is a single white crystal- one much like the one upon her necklace. The actual energy blade itself is red, due to her having learned how to manipulate the Dark Side of the Force, but it has the tendency to flicker with a white aura now and then.

The other blade comes from one who had fallen before her, kept not as trophies (though her Sith companions would say otherwise) but as a constant reminder of what true evil is. These are only used in dire circumstances, less they be damaged, destroyed or claimed by another. (See History for more details)

- MCV MK. IV Light Armour
This is only worn beneath her cloak- not while in civilian attire.

- Personal Holo-Communicator
A hand-held device small enough to conceal in a pocket, but packed with enough computer power to allow communication between owners across the galaxy.
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Biography​

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Ever since she was little, Kyo’kou knew she was different. She observed everyone in her community from a distance silently, curious about their mannerisms and interactions with one another. She saw her peers laughing and playing with one another within her little industrial village, chasing one another while screaming with glee. They looked so happy. So careless. Why didn’t they want to share it all with her?


Even the adults seemed to always look away from her when she was around. It made her feel ugly. Worthless. She could hear them whispering about her all the time, but couldn’t quite make out what was being said. Kyo’kou could, however, feel their hatred and disgust. It seethed of from their bodies and radiated towards her so strongly it was suffocating.


It became intolerable to spend her spare time in the town.


Kyo’kou began sneaking off into the jungle- it wasn’t too hard to do, seeing how her parents were never around. They were busy with their careers; raising a child came second to their duties. And it wasn’t like anyone would offer to babysit her. In fact, she could have sworn a cloud of delight and relief hung over the village every time she disappeared. Perhaps they hoped that one of the jungle’s many dangerous creatures would end her existence. Why? She didn’t know. And she started to not care.


Within the depths of vegetation lurked a vast variety of critters. Strange insects buzzed through the air or skittered across the earth, fleeing from sharp-clawed avian monstrosities or matted-furred mammals. Predators and prey played out their individual roles mere meters from her hiding spots amongst the thicket, a dance that enticed and entranced. She felt more comfortable watching them than her fellow humans- they bore no ill-will towards her, nor one another. Everything was just..natural.


One day while making passage through her town on her way to her new sanctuary, Kyo’kou noticed a group of unfamiliar adults congregating around one of the shopping streets. Many strange sounds chirped and growled from cloaked boxes they stacked beside one another, all of which she was keenly familiar with. Knowing the calls of her jungle friends well, the young girl made a beeline for the group, completely disregarding everyone else around her. She felt a swell of anger as their pleas grew clearer and her skin burned with heat.


One of the grizzled men noticed her approach and his cold-eyed stare stopped her dead in her tracks. He was immersed within a slimy, sticky malice, and arrogance beamed from his sideways grin. Recognizing the fear in her eyes, he decided to pry into it more and lifted one of the veils, revealing a thick steel cage that contained a ravenous beast within. Its fur was littered with filth, four black eyes swollen and oozing with discharge. It hissed and growled, tiny paws with sword-sharp nails raked at its bars harmlessly, forked tail lashed back and forth, desperate to escape. She heard gasps from all around her but paid them no mind- she was completely focused on the stolen cub before her.


The laughter continued from the scumbag. He truly thought that what he had done was amusing. All it was, in truth, was infuriating. As if the curious crowd around her sensed the hatred she bore, the people started to squirm in place then depart one after the other. But not that man. No- he continued to mock her with that disgusting grin, his teeth stained a rancid yellow which failed to compliment his pale, wrinkled facial skin. ”Do it. Release all of your hatred, your anger, your disgust.” Despite his sickly appearance, the man’s voice was youthful and strong, unnerving even. Kyo’kou could feel some unknown power pump through her veins the harder she focused, the more she felt. It was exhilarating. Noticing a rather archaic lock on the cage, the young girl concentrated on it and crunched her hands into fists, her brow furrowed. The lock snapped open. The cage door swung open. All that she imagined to be came true.


She was so caught by surprise that she failed to notice the cub leap from its cage at her. Thankfully, the beast was rather small and didn’t have enough momentum to knock her over. Even more fortunate, she caught it instinctively in her arms and held it close. Holding the stilled, calmed creature helped sooth her soul and she relinquished all of her anger. Kyo’kou felt an instant bond with the youngling and it seemed to return the sentiments. The man’s presence was felt before she noticed him approach, his grin spread even wider, lips visibly cracked. The cub started to shake so she held it closer against her tiny chest, eyes burrowing deep into the man’s own red ones. It was funny- she felt no fear, just determination to keep the beast safe. He raised a hand towards her but stopped mid-way, attention diverted elsewhere. From the corner of her eye she noticed her father approaching. The scumbag of a human being seemed to cower into himself ever-so-slightly. When her father at last returned, he looked right over his daughter and to the stranger, whom simply nodded in acknowledgement before departing.


Without a word he grabbed Kyo’kou’s arm and pulled her along with him back through the village, which an eerie silence had fallen upon. Not a single soul dared stray into their path, those who saw them approach quickly retreated into the nearest building. Though hushed, her ears were ringing with their nonsensical whispers. Once at their home on the edge of town, they entered in absolute silence and proceeded into the living room where a small unfamiliar group awaited their arrival. Like the bastard back at the alley they all wore black robes with the hoods either erect or down. Much to her surprise, her mother stood amongst them. She was smiling with a sense of something she never saw before- pride. “It is time.” The woman announced. “Much overdo.” Concurred her father. Still cradling her cub tightly, Kyo’kou stood stock still as the group closed in around her until all she could see was the blackness that enveloped them.


Korriban was where all Force-sensitive Imperial youths wound up whether their parents were willing to part with them or not. Kyo’kou’s were part of the former. She was left to the care of several Taskmasters, Sith Overlords and other military officials to secure her discipline in both being a servant of the Emperor and a tool of the Empire itself. At least she had her friend, which she learned was a Nexu cub, to keep her company. At first the companion was frowned upon- Sith viewed such attachments as a weakness. But once they discovered just how far the young girl would go to protect it and keep others away (often at times taking them by surprise or completely overwhelming them), it was left alone.


Her time at the academy was anything but pleasant. The training was grueling, bringing her body to the breaking point nearly each day. What was even harder, though, was dealing with the other acolytes. They saw her as weak, teased her about her lack of endurance and pitiful strength. None of them saw fit to show any mercy- they were relentless with their attacks, which sometimes ended with physical blows. No one ever cared. Well, except for her cub. The beast was the only one that ever even attempted to comfort her. He was the only thing that could bring her joy. Kyo’kou spent all of her spare time tending to him, showing him what she learned each day, drew strength from his presence. With him at her side she felt the will to continue living.


Her bond did not go unnoticed by the academy’s staff. In fact, a man, whom was nicknamed the Beastmaster, took quite an interest in it. While not a Force-sensitive himself, he understood that her bond with the beast went deeper than it appeared; they had a true connection. Having raised a multitude of monsters for years himself and found happiness in it as well, he decided to approach Kyo’kou and offer her an opportunity. He was willing to teach her about his beasts in exchange that she helped take care of them. She agreed on one condition- her Nexu was to remain at her side at all times. A deal was struck and her side-apprenticeship began.


Over the years, Kyo’kou came to terms with her abilities. She learned about her true strengths and how to use them to compensate for her weaknesses. While weak in the physicals sense, her true calling came from her mental capacity. The growing girl was capable of wielding the Force with the precision of acolytes twice her age, though she was reluctant to do so. Even with all the abuse she suffered day in and out, she refused to seek revenge on those who mutilated her self-esteem. The Sith disapproved. She was approached on many occasions and this issue addressed, but she stood firmly defiant to give in to her hatred. Had it not been for her obvious capabilities and unusual prospering talents, she no doubt would have been dismissed dishonorably from the academy. But she was powerful. Her abilities were unique. The potential was too great to ignore.


It wasn’t much longer before her peers started to recognize her ability. Kyo’kou started to outshine them in practices that revolved around Force manipulation. During sparing matches, she was able to stand her ground through the use of her agility and speed, keeping her safe from the powerful strikes of others with evasive maneuvers until they tired themselves out. But it wasn’t enough. She needed to learn how to inflict harm to end quarrels quicker. Thus, she sought out the academy’s extensive holo library. Since she knew she couldn’t enhance herself physically, intellectually would have to do.


The archives were filled to the brim with all sorts of information. The discs she focused on revolved around anatomy- to learn how to defeat one’s foes they must understand them inside and out, after all. If she could understand how the body functioned, she could learn how to stop it more efficiently. Her interest in this new subject grew immensely in a short amount of time. Before she knew it, she had gone through all of the discs available. Still unsatisfied, Kyo’kou boldly approached one of the academy’s medics on site and asked for more data. Instead, she earned herself another apprenticeship. Apparently, word of the acolytes’ abilities spread far and wide throughout the academy.


Kyo’kou learned from the medics the physical act of mending wounds with instruments and advanced machinery, even the chemical composition of kolto and herbs that aided in restoring health. A Sith mentor taught her the manipulation of life from one to another, through which she could heal even the most dire of wounds so long as the sacrifice was great enough. This technique did not sit well with her. While a valuable trait, harming others to mend a patient wasn’t an option. Her lack of will to do so made the Sith turn up her nose and refuse any further guidance- so she was dismissed. Kyo’kou didn’t mind one bit. She learned what she needed to and now had the foundation to improve upon it on her own way.


Upon graduation from the academy, Kyo’kou was approached by her former mentor, the Beastmaster. He bestowed upon her a list of personal contacts for her to pursue should she be interested in continuing her education in xenozoology. To her surprise, the Sith medic did the same, knowing the art of healing through the Force was rare amongst the Sith, and only a select few had the capacity to even attempt it. Yet a third official caught her before departure, one whom represented a Sith Lord of high standings. He offered her a possible apprenticeship, should she prove herself worthy to his Master first-hand. The choices were quite delectable, but there was no reason to choose just one. The apprenticeship offered her the most reward (should it be earned and survived) with the greatest being her eventual freedom to act on her own, and she could still contact the medics and xenozoologists in her free time to discuss topics over her holo communicator.


The meeting was arranged to be in a standard week, leaving her time to take care of some unfinished business.


She returned to her home planet of Scarif, determined to set right something that should have been long ago. It wasn’t easy returning to those grimy streets and run-down, oxidizing buildings. It was even sickening to see older but still familiar people, whom she watched through narrowed eyes while her own features were obscured by her newly earned black cloak’s hood. Everyone she neared stopped upon her approach and bowed respectfully- something she didn’t expect, nor desire. Instead, completely focused on the task at hand so she could depart the forsaken planet as soon as possible, Kyo’kou ventured to the same alley she discovered long ago in her youth, where her dear Nexu was first encountered. With him still ever-present at her side, it wasn’t a shock to feel fear all around her, as well as a hint of curiosity. It came to a peak when she spotted a deranged, sickly man surrounded by a group of muscular goons. He recognized her, and she him.


“I knew you would eventually return.” He sneered, voice laced with venom. “And I know why you have as well. Which is why I waited. Patiently.” A hand fell to his side, from which he produced a lightsaber. It ignited into a blaze of red energy so strong that it audibly hummed. He dismissed his goons with a nonchalant wave and stepped forward. The man suddenly ducked as a lightsaber whizzed over his head, spinning top-over-bottom relentlessly. “Hah. It seems the academy didn’t teach you much about aiming.” Kyo’kou simply raised her right arm just in time to catch her lightsaber in its hand, it having returned through her will alone. “I didn’t miss.” She declared, her tone colder than the ice on Hoth. The man quickly turned around to come face-to-face with a juvenile rancor. The bipedal beast easily towered over the man despite its hunched posture, saliva ran thick as rivers from its protruding fangs and danged off from its chin. “This creature can’t harm me.” He declared, pointing to a taming collar on its neck. As soon as he did, the metal split in two and fell with a heavy thud to the earth. The two cut ends burned a bright red- clearly having been cut by the woman’s lightsaber.


“You fool!” The bastard exclaimed, half-turning to the monstrosity as it reared back and bellowed a deep-chested howl. “Do you really think that this pathetic thing could so much as harm me?” Kyo’kou’s gaze raised into the Rancor’s own. “I do. But it wouldn’t be fair for him to be the only one to claim vengeance.” A sickly green-scaled Boma stepped beside the Rancor, its beady yellow eyes sunken deep into its misshapen head, as did a crippled Wraid. Though the creatures were born on different planets and normally would never encounter one another, they seemed eerily united against the cloaked soul. He finally hesitated. Before he could lift his still-ignited blade in defiance, it flew from his hand and into Kyo’kou’s own. “You used sedatives to render them defenseless. Placed collars on their necks so they couldn’t rebel. Now, it’s your turn to fear for your life- though it won’t be for long.” A large, meaty claw came down upon his back, pinning the man to the ground. The Rancor culprit moved aside just enough for the Wraid to grab hold of one of the human’s arms while he snatched the other. The Boma waddled forth, rounding the two with difficulty to face the doomed fool’s head.

The screams that followed would lull her asleep each night for years.

(More will gradually be added..)



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