[DunBroch castle, a particularly rough place for Ryuji to return to, remains stalwart as the largest citadel in the Highlands, towering high and mighty from its vantage point over the sweeping hills and flower blanketed canvas of greenery. Particularly so, because the warring families of the region: Macintosh, MacGuffin, and Dingwall have all taken up residence in its once great halls. A curse has been placed on the DunBroch family, leaving Ryuji's father- King Fergus and three younger brothers frozen as bear statues all throughout his home. The lack of leadership among the clans and the inability to break the curse had led to infighting and old conflicts reared their ugly head, once again.

The three heirs to the competing families had once vied for Ryuji's hand in marriage, but shutting them down and claiming his own stake to his freedom by competition had left him pleasantly single and without the interference of someone else's claim over the DunBroch family line. Which was fine, and all, except for the minor fact that Ryuji was next in line to rise up unite the clans of Loch Abar. With his family out of commission for the time being, of course, those demands for marriage rose up once more.

Demanding time, Ryuji had staved them off for as long as he could, trying to find a cure for the ailment that struck his family down, but they were persistent nonetheless. He had to leave in the cover of night, locking down a new sort of conflict where the Macintosh's, MacGuffin's and Dingwalls all took up residency in waiting for the clan prince's return.

If only King Fergus were here. If only his mother wasn't trapped in a spectral essence of a bear form, a companion to Ryuji's lifelong struggle to avoid being forced into a loveless marriage. They'd be able to help, surely. But with the state of the world the way it is now, Ryuji returns by moonlight to nab something he's long loved and left behind: his prized bow. Simply put, it was being kept ransom while he was out trying to find a cure.

Here's where you come in: either you've met Ryuji before hand and agreed to come help him steal his prized weapon back from the castle, or you're here on business of your own, perhaps to steal his father's legendary magical helmet. Either way, he's going to need all the help he can possibly get. Especially in the distraction department. The last thing he needs is someone recognizing him and rekindling the marriage vows.]

[They're said to lead a person straight to their fate, their destiny, and catching one is as powerful as holding a shooting star in your hand. For whatever reason, they've helped him out before; the ancestral spirits of those long gone have always smiled upon him in one way or another, and he has to hold out hope to find one again. He needs their help to lead him towards finding a cure that will revive his family and restore order to Loch Abar.

And he's hunted for days on end, frustrated that the Enchanted Forest isn't acquiescing to his desires, but determined nonetheless.

Two weeks in, he's come across a pattern of towering rocks in formation, deep within the forest. Ever since he was a little boy, he was warned not to go into the forest, but being brave and standing on his own had always been Ryuji's strongest point. The faint light of a will-o'-the-wisp flickers around the pillar and he gasps out.]

C'mere ya little bugger.

[The chase begins! Just... forgive him if he crosses your path, either figuratively or literally, in his hunt of this rare and ephemeral creature. He's definitely a klutz, so landing right on top of someone else as he stumbles down a hill isn't out of the question either. Or maybe you're looking for one yourself- they're said to be extremely good signs of fortune and luck, guiding people to their fate. But that only works for the first person who catches them. This might be a competition.]

[She stands in river, giant paws sweeping down into the water as she hunts and grabs fish for her and Ryuji to share for their supper. It's a slow go; his mom has taken quite a while to get used to the idea of being a bear and although she retains a lot of her human qualities, it's hard to overlook the fact that she's 800 pounds and lethal at best.

He's beginning to think Mor'du must've had it easy.

Except for the minor fact that someone seems to have crossed her path and looks ready for a fight, a hunt, or... maybe just terrified out of their wits and begins running away.

Ryuji calls out upon either one of those circumstances.]

Hey! What're ye think yer doin'!?

[And in response, Mama Sakamoto-DunBroch roars out defensively.]

[Don't see something that tickles your fancy? Ryuji is desperately looking to find a cure for his family's curse- the one that's turned his mom into a bear and the rest of his family into bear statues back at Loch Abar. To that end, he's probably visiting the Kingdoms of Fanelia to find out as much as he can- slowly making his way up to Divinoa to find out what magic can be used to help. If you're a fellow royal, he might stop by your keep and ask questions, but expect him to be about as princely as a rock during his journey.

Eventually, Fanelia might be a stopping point as well, but the big city feel it has is sure to make Ryuji feel like a fish out of water.

Lastly, if you'd like to plot anything or ask questions, please feel free to hit me up on discord: trash#2958 or over at centerfold!]