Ushi no Koku — A Historical Asian Fantasy Youkai Roleplay Guidebook

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Content Plot

Content History

Content Rules

火水国 Kashuǐ, Land of Fire and Water

Kashuǐ (kah-shwey) is a continent on the planet Gaia, located southwest on the hemisphere. That is where our setting is located: our two mirrored nations of Shuǐyuè and Higanhi. In the human realm, Kashuǐ is called “Higanhi.” The skies are blue, the grass is green, day turns to night, and fire is the sacred flower that heals and purifies all. In the youkai realm, Kashuǐ is called “Shuǐyuè.” The skies are pink, the grass is blue, and water is the sacred gift of life that heals and purifies all in this realm of eternal twilight. Black particles of darkness trickle through the atmosphere at all times. The lands are identical; the locations are identical. But what is South in Higanhi is North for Shuǐyuè; what is west is West, and What is East is East. The two are mirrored images of one another, with different enough atmospheres for the differences to be notable. Wildlife is also different between the realms. A beautiful falcon in Higanhi will be a gargantuan avian youkai, for instance. Shuǐyuè, for all its beauty, is much more dangerous than Higanhi for this very reason. The two realms are connected through liminal spaces, such as (but not limited to) wells, forests, and tunnels. Every so often, a human may get spirited away to the youkai realm, or a youkai might get spirited into the human realm. Be careful. Watch where you step…

OOC Notes

For those that are familiar with Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, this dual scheme is heavily inspired by Twilight Princess' Hyrule realm and Lorule (twilight) realm. Atmosphere is similar, but with different colourations. The main setting of UnK is the Capital of Shuǐyuè, but all of Shuǐyuè and Higanhi are playable. Countries/continents outside of Kashuǐ are not playable. Foreign religions, monarchies, militaries, and other foreign influences are not allowed on UnK, but you can play the common-day foreigner as both a human or as a youkai (but they must be a youkai from Japanese or Chinese mythology, not from Christian or Norse etc mythology). Each player may play up to 1 foreigner.

Content Suigetsu

Content Higanhi

Playable Character Types

You can play as a Jinrui (ordinary human or human with spiritual power) or as a Youkai (low-high ranking demons, and even kami, with players being allowed up to two kami characters). "Half-breeds" (a child born to a youkai and a human) are possible, though exceptionally rare. Half-breeds of a kami parent won't inherent godhood/godliness as that's something that is acquired through ranking up, (false) "summonings," age (e.g. 1,000 years), or other means. Permission of the affected kami is required if in play.

人類 Rénlèi / Jinrui

Type Human Sub-types Average, Spiritually Inclined (Spectrum) Meaning Humankind Pronunciation ren-LAY (Shuǐyuè reading) / GENE-roo-ee (Higanhi reading) Derogatory Terms ~~Naked Guinea Pigs~~ TBA The Jinrui - as they call themselves - are a people who live on the otherwordly shore to the Youkai. And despite the many colours and fur types they come in, their diversity is painfully homogenous in comparison to the youkai’s own. They all have forward facing eyes, most have fur on top of their scalps though some don’t, and most have four limbs in the same position – not unlike powerful youkai. But unlike powerful youkai, the Jinrui are like guinea pigs: if you’ve seen one, you’ve practically seen them all! It’s so incredibly boring. But what challenges that is the spectrum of spirituality the Jinrui have. Most Jinrui can’t see or interact with Youkai in any way, yet can be affected by Youkai all the same.. Most aren’t even aware of youkai. Yet, there are some Jinrui who can sense Youkai to varying levels, with a good portion of that lot only being able sense something or vaguely hear/feel something, while the lesser few have strong enough spiritual prowess where they can see and feel Youkai with or without aid. The more spiritually inclined a Jinrui is, the more they’ll attract Youkai. These often misunderstood few are considered eccentrics within their families and villages. The lucky are integrated into religious orders, or the youkai slaying Seijō zhi Hè. (OOC Note: real world figures like Abe no Seimei don't exist on this setting; ergo, you cannot RP as Abe no Seimei or other notable canon figures. This is OC only.)

妖怪 Yāoguài / Yōkai

Type Demon or Spirit Sub-types Lesser, Major, Divine Meaning Humankind Pronunciation yow-G'WHY (Shuǐyuè reading) / YO-kai (Higanhi reading) Derogatory Terms Monster, Beast, We Yāoguài – or Youkai – are a splendiferous lot. So diverse are we may have scales instead of fur, tails instead of legs, noxious fumes instead of faces – the list goes on! We are a truly diverse people both in body and soul. Rankings, too. There are lesser youkai who pose little harm, such as the Kappa. Major youkai who can pose great harm, such as the Gashadokuro. And even divine beings, such as the kami or divine beasts who the Jinrui (or Rénlèi as we call them) either revere or fear. Many, but not all, Youkai are also capable of the spiritual arts: abilities that extend beyond our physiological talents. For example, the clever shapeshifting Tanuki might be able to manipulate wind, permitting themselves to fly or “make like a leaf” in the wind and vanish as some might say. There are Youkai with good intentions, no intentions, or malevolent intentions. Some Youkai need the Jinrui to sustain their existence and power, such as (but not limited to) the kami needing reverence which tends to be granted by the Jinrui. Lastly: "Youkai" is an umbrella term for all of us, be it oni (demon), ghosts (yuurei), mononoke (vengeful spirits), or otherwise. (OOC note: the following gods are not playable, due to immense roles that could break the site: Pangu, Nüwa, Fuxi, Jade Emperor, Izanagi, Izanami, Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo

夾界子 Jiájièzǐ / Kyōkaishi

Type Half-breed Sub-types N/A Meaning child between the boundaries/realms Pronunciation j'yah-J'YEH-dzuh (Shuǐyuè reading) / K'YO-kai-shee (Higanhi reading) Derogatory Terms Half-breed, Muddy Lotus Child, Vermin, Mutt Ah, yes. The Muddy Lotus Children. In Shuǐyuè, we call these impure vermin Jiájièzǐ, while in Higanhi they’re called Kyōkaishi. They are mistakes brought into either world through the union of a Youkai and a Jinrui. They are, what you say, “so ugly only their mothers could love them.” But sometimes, even their mothers reject them. They appear as a perfect fusion between the two species with all the bad qualities of a Jinrui and all the bad qualities of a youkai. Regardless of either realm, it’s easy to spy one. In terms of prowess, they are always physically stronger than the Jinrui, yet always weaker than Youkai. Though there are exceptions in the rare case there are congenital complications, making the Muddy Lotus Children even more pitiful and frail than the Jinrui. Speaking of curiosities, the Jiájièzǐ are affected by moon phases. Twice a month, something odd happens: during a full moon, they’re overcome by their youkai blood and fully transform for the night where they run feral, completely overtaken by their youkai blood. During the new moon, it’s the opposite: they transform into a human, completely bereft of their youkai prowess. It’s because of this curiosity that there is an urban legend: depending upon how a Jiájièzǐ lives their life, they might become fully human or fully youkai. The Jiájièzǐ are so rare, however, that no one knows if this is true. (OOC note: it’s true. Mixed traits still show, just less obviously. Demi‑god children are allowed, but you need the played god’s permission. If one parent is a youkai, the child counts as a youkai - not a Jiájièzǐ.)

Please note these are mash-ups of Japanese and Chinese words and readings to get that fusion feel. Pronunciations are the closest approximations I could manage by listening to audio. They are likely not accurate, but it’s good enough for RP purposes/basic comprehension.

暮色水面 Mùsèminamo

Nickname Muse (twilight) Pronunciation MOO-suh-mee-NAH-moh Meaning Twilight Water Surface/Reflection

Muse is the pro-youkai faction, and may consist of some anti-human believers as well. Though overwhelmingly consisting of youkai, there are some humans in this faction who sympathise with youkai. The goals and executions of Muse can vary greatly: of peace and hope that youkai and humans can co-exist, of defence and simply wanting to protect their own from the humans, of oppression with the hopes of quelling the humans for the benefit of youkai kind. Though their sense of morals differs from the humans, in their narrative: they are the good guys and the humans? Not so much.

清浄之鶴 Seijō zhi Hè

Nickname Seijo(u) (pure) Pronunciation sey-JOE jer hoo-AH Meaning Pure Crane / Crane of Purity

Seijou is a paramilitary order whose goal is to eradicate any and all demon/youkai kind. Most present themselves as warrior monks and priests, samurai, and other types of warriors that are not affiliated with any one clan. Ratherm they fight on behalf of their religious orders to protect mankind. In short: they’re a faction of youkai/demon slayers. Their morals are typical to humankind, and in their narrative: they are the good guys, whilst the demons are blood-thirsty, vile monsters that prey on the weak and vulnerable. It's possible for a youkai to fight amongst them, but it's extremely rare for they treat any youkai within their ranks as tools. Even gods.

血君主 Xuèkunzu / Chijunzu

Nickname Unzu ((x)ruler) Pronunciation Xuèkunzu (Shuǐyuè reading): shweh-KOON-zoo / Chijunzu (Higanhi reading): chee-JUNE-zoo Meaning Blood Ruler

In UnK, there are no shogunate. Rather, there’s the empress (youkai realm) and emperor (human realm), as well as the ruling clans. In other words: this is a faction of the courts, their members, and anyone living within their territory (but for this faction, we’re only going with the aristocrats and their immediate members). They uphold the law through the Blood Code. In the human realm, this is mostly symbolic, as the nobles handle their own grievances and the common person goes mostly unprotected; their focus is on the youkai. Meanwhile, in the youkai realm, the Blood Code is enforced by a hierarchy of magistrates so even the weakest of youkai are protected.

芒草の漂泊者 Mángcǎo no Hyōhakusha

Nickname Hyo(u)hakusha (wanderer) Pronunciation mahng-TSOW noh hyoh-HAH-koo-shah (mahng rhymes with song) Meaning Wanderer of the Pampas Grass

This is technically not a faction, but rather a loose concept lumping every and all criminal and vagabond together, whether they’re in the same clan, same line of crime, or not. Mangcao no Hyouhakusha has become a phrase to label the undesirables and unmentionables, with hyouhakusha being a shortened nickname for it. They came to be tied with Pampas Grass for bandits, thieves, assassins, and other cowardly assailants hiding in Pampas Grass before attacking caravans or other people. This is applicable in both realms.

生きる木 Ikiru Mù

Nickname Mu (tree) Pronunciation ee KEE roo MOO Meaning Life Tree

This, too, is technically not a faction, but rather a loose concept lumping every and all commonfolk together. They are farmers, artisans, carpenters, and other labourers: people whose thankless work keeps the two realms alive. Because they quite literally sustain life as the backbones of both societies, the commonfolk are called Ikiru Mu: the Life Tree. Sometimes they are simply called Mu. They may live under a lord’s domain or outside it, religious or not. The Ikiru Mu are simply the people who make the world function in both realms.

For the time being, there is no stats or levelling systems. You may start off with a character that’s anywhere from weak to powerful, just be mindful of our RP etiquette rules pertaining to godmoding, powerplaying, and metagaming. If this gets taken advantage of, this can change and a levelling system will be implemented. While we do have sections on Martial Arts and Spirit Arts that are inspired by Demon Slayer and other popular anime, you have a lot of creative freedom with how your character uses martial arts or spirit arts if applicable, it’s just asked that you adhere to the elements found in the Spirit Arts tab if you have a character capable of spirit arts. You can do 2 types of actions PER post: [[dodge/parry/block]] AND [[attack/prep for next attack/lay trap]]. You can also change this to two attacks in one post, letting your character take the hit. However, you may not write in your post that your characters’ attacks landed, that is up to the affected character’s player. This ties back into RP etiquette. Talk to your RP partner(s) on how you all want the battle to go.

Martial Arts

Martial Arts is the manipulation of the breath and body – to enhance one’s senses, to empower one’s movements – in order to perform powerful feats of combat. Both Youkai and Jinrui – regardless of spirit art capabilities – can learn and perform martial arts. The style they learn depends on their school or discipline, yet regardless of the style each discipline relies on the foundation of breathing. It lays out the building blocks for the other pillars of martial arts: ki, timing, rhythm, stances, power, emotional regulation, and altered states. For those who are not spiritually inclined, their attacks will have no elemental flare yet still be very powerful; for those who are spiritually inclined, their attacks can be imbued with their element to balance or imbalance the playing field. Not all disciplines will specialise in each of these pillars, but they’re here for reference:

Kokyuuhou 呼吸法 – Breathing Techniques

In every fighting style, proper breathing techniques are essential. It literally powers every pillar in Martial Arts. Without proper breathing techniques, a martial artist cannot hope to reach their full potential. They also risk needlessly injuring themselves by overexerting unoxygenated muscles, and potentially disrupting their own ki. Depending upon their breathing technique, they may be able to flow like water, dance like fire, shred like wind, rupture like earth, or tap into endless possibilities like spirit.

Ki 気 – The Flow of Breath

Ki isn’t separate from breath. In fact, it is breath; energy and intent given form. Those who learn how to channel and read ki can see the current of life flowing through others, allowing them to predict how their opponent might move. However, this is not foolproof and may not work for all opponents, such as (but not limited to) ghost-type youkai, fellow ki experts, or someone holding their breath. Blocked ki is a metaphor as opposed to an actual thing. It’s a metaphor for hyperventilation/panicked breathing, getting the wind knocked out of them, disrupted breath, or holding their breath under strain. These things can cause dizziness, numbness, temporary paralysis, or even fainting. They feel terrifying and in some cases they might feel like they’re dying, but they aren’t actually dying or in any lethal danger (opponent aside).

Kamae 構え – Stances

There are as many stances as there are disciplines, some being better known and some being more obscure. Each stance represents an element, however, with the flow of their techniques embodying nature in some capacity. Stances consist of high, low, flowing, and explosive stances:

High stance (Joudan 上段): the centre of gravity is raised within their body; their torso tall, the body is open and aggressive; and their weapon (or hands) are lifted up high. This stance requires a sharp breath. It’s best for downward or forward attacks.
Low stance (Gedan 下段): the centre of gravity is low and heavy within their body; their knees are bent and their hips are dropped; their body is grounded and defensive. This stance requires a deep breath. It’s best for defensive and grappling moves.
Flowing Stance (Nagare 流れ): the centre of gravity shifts continuously as the body never locks; the movement is soft, flowing, and adaptive. It requires a continuous flowing breathing technique to match their uninterrupted motion, keeping the muscles relaxed. It’s best for evasion and repositioning, creating openings, and linking other stances seamlessly.
Explosive Stance (Hassou 八相): Are sudden bursts of movements, from leaps, charges, changes in direction, and finishing blows. It’s stored tension, like a cobra coiling before it strikes. It requires compressed breathing technique. It's typically associated with upward or diagonal cuts.

Maai 間合い – Time & Distance

This technique is basically psychological pressure. It’s the space betwixt foes. Simultaneously, it’s rhythm, timing, and distance, which effectively creates the battlefield. Be too far from your opponent and you can’t hit them; too close and they can hit you first; step before they’re ready and you control the fight; step after they move and you’re reacting, math their rhythm, and you become predictable; break their rhythm and you create an opening; and so on.

Mushin 無心 – No Mind

A state of total calmness where thought is dissolved in order to allow instinctive movement. This state cannot be reached without breath control.

Zanshin 残心 – Remaining Mind

This technique opens senses and relaxes the body, allowing the mind to remain steady. This state allows them to extend their awareness, making them more perceptive. Like with Mushin, this state is impossible to achieve and maintain without breath.

Kiai 気合 – Spirit Shout

This is a breathing technique where one channels their energy within and focuses inner power into a booming shout. It destabilises the opponent, but its effectiveness relies on the element of surprise.

Take Away

Have fun creating stances. Draw inspiration from Demon Slayer or other anime you enjoy. Don't worry about it being historically accurate and replicating real life fighting styles (unless you want to). But do refrain from attempting to min-max or creating the ultimate powerful/unbeatable character.

Those with spirit art abilities have an affinity one to three elements within the Godai. Only powerful youkai and demon slayers can use up to two spirit art forms (elements), while the rest can only use the one spirit art they were born with. There is one exception: S ranked youkai (including Kami). S-ranked Youkai can use up to three elements at a time. More on that in the Ranks tab.

Elements of Godai

Earth ち

The earth element represents the physical world: solidity, stability, and foundation. It’s the body, the bones, and the mountains. It is the element of being. Earth imagery from minerals to flora to fauna falls under the earth element. In the Godai, elements aren’t weak to one another like in Western or Chinese mythologies, but rather inform or balance one another. Earth (rigidity) is balanced by Water (adaptability). Examples of Youkai that could fit into this category are…

Yamawaro (mountain-dwelling spirits)
Gashadokuro (giant skeleton)
Hone-onna (bone woman)
Tsuchigumo (earth-spider)
Dorotabou (mud-covered ghost)
Kodama (tree spirit)
Okuninushi (deity that built the land)
Oyamatsumi (mountain deity)

Water すい

The water element represents responsiveness and adaptability; of emotional intelligence and intuition; and of change. It can change its course or erode away stone. It is the element of feeling. In the Godai, elements aren’t weak to one another like in Western or Chinese mythologies, but rather inform or balance one another. Water imagery from ink to ice falls under the water element. Water (directionless) is balanced by Fire (will). Examples of Youkai that could fit into this category are…

Iso-Onna (siren-like spirit)
Yuki-Onna (snow woman)
Kappa (river creature)
Mizuchi (water serpent/dragon)
Umibouzu (sea monk spirit)
Kouri-youkai (ice spirits)
Ryuujin (sea dragon deity)
Suijin (water deity)

Fire か

The fire element represents transformation and energy; of will and passion; of desire and destruction, and also of inspiration. It is the element of action. Fire imagery from lava to lightning falls under the fire element. In the Godai, elements aren’t weak to one another like in Western or Chinese mythologies, but rather inform or balance one another. Fire (destructive) is balanced by Wind (intellect). Examples of Youkai that could fit into this category are…

Wanyuudou (flaming wheel)
Enenra (smoke spirit born of fire)
Hi-no-tama (wandering fireballs)
Raijuu (thunder beast)
Kaminari-kozo (thunder boy)
Inazuma-no-sei (spirits of lightning)
Raijin (deity of thunder and lightning)
Kagutsuchi (deity of fire)

Wind ふう

The Wind element represents movement and freedom; of intellect and curiosity, and also the ability to move beyond one’s limits. It’s the element of thinking. Wind imagery from air to sound falls under the wind element. In the Godai, elements aren’t weak to one another like in Western or Chinese mythologies, but rather inform or balance one another. Wind (unfocused) is balanced by Earth (stability). Examples of Youkai that could fit into this category are…

Tengu (wind-aligned mountain spirits)
Kamaitachi (wind weasel)
Yamabiko (echo spirit)
Fuuryuu (dancing wind apparitions)
Azukiarai (azuki-bean washing spirit)
Biwa-bokuuboku (tsukumogami of a biwa)
Fuujin (deity of wind)
Benzaiten (deity of music)

Spirit くう

The Spirit element is perhaps the loftiest and most abstract of the elements. It represents endless potential and unlimited space like that of the sky or of a void; of emptiness and formlessness; of life and death; of dark and light; of creativity and also the unseen. It transcends the physical world, and is thus considered the highest of all elements. But the spirit element is not omnipotence. In the Godai, elements aren’t weak to one another like in Western or Chinese mythologies, but rather inform or balance one another. Spirit (detached) is balanced by Earth (embodiment) or Water (emotion). Examples of Youkai that could fit into this category are…

Yuurei (ghosts)
Daitengu (highly spiritual tengu)
Tanuki & Kitsune (illusion duo)
Baku (dream eater)
Tsukumogami that represent emptiness, creativity, or potential (books, masks, instruments)
Shikigami (spirits animated by life-force)
Tsukuyomi (moon deity, not playable)
Ame-no-Uzume (dawn deity)

Spirit Art Forms

Spirit arts is the manipulation of the Godai elements; both Youkai and spiritually inclined Jinrui can manipulate the elements. For those awakened and aware of their abilities, they may integrate Martial Arts practices and stances (elaborated in the Martial Arts tab), or they may manipulate the spirit arts in the following ways: ofuda, norito, kagura, mudra, mantra, rituals – or something wholly unique to your character and their school’s discipline. The following are primarily used by Shinto Priests and Priestesses:

Ofuda 御札 – Paper Talismans

Ofuda are paper talismans used for banishing and warding off spirits/youkai, as well as purification and sealing. Individual disciplines might have found a use for Ofuda in other unique ways.

Kagura 神楽 – Sacred Dance

The Kagura dance is a sacred dance that invites spirits, cleanses the area, and can reveal hidden things. It’s often attributed to laying the dead to rest, preventing them from becoming youkai.

Norito 祝詞 – Ritual Chants

Norito is a formal prayer that is said to invoke the kami. It can purify spaces and dispel impurities as well, though depending on the prayer that’s chanted there may be other results as well.

Shimenawa 注連縄 – Sacred Ropes

These ropes can bind spirits, seal dangerous areas or youkai away, or mark sacred areas. It’s effectively a barrier or seal, but perhaps these ropes could be used in other ways. The following are primarily used by Buddhist Warrior Monks (Souhei):

Mantras 真言 – Sacred Scriptures

Mantras are chants that can be used to exorcise youkai, protect, empower, or perform rituals like fire rituals. They’re very versatile depending on the scriptures.

Mudras 印 – Hand Seals

These are symbolic gestures that can channel one’s spiritual power and release it.

Goma Ritual 護摩 – Fire Ceremony

This is a ritual where monks summon divine fire to burn away impurities and manifest blessings. It can also empower others’ spirituality. Please note that there are no Onmyouji/Onmyoudou. Instead, we have Youkai Slayers that primarily use Martial Arts and ki control to channel their spirit arts. There are also Youkai Slayers that are basically onmyouji by another name: summoners and necromancers.

Restricted Spirit Art Skills

Resurrection — Resurrection is possible for exceptionally powerful kami or youkai, but not Jinrui. The youkai has to resurrect the dead within 49 hours of their passing, or the person is gone for good. If a person died with strong emotions or improper rites, their soul may transform into a youkai before resurrection. The resurrected person returns as they were before death, not as an animated corpse. (OOC: may have added restrictions if abused.)
Necromancy — Resurrecting corpses is impossible, but necromancers can bind ghost-type youkai (shikigami). The person must have died more than 24 hours ago or under extreme circumstances that created a ghost immediately. A necromancer can have up to 4 spirits. To capture a spirit, they must be the same rank or higher.
Summoner — Similar to necromancers, but they can summon other types of youkai. They can also have up to 4 spirits. To capture a youkai, they must be the same rank or higher.
Clairvoyance / Mind-reading — Allowed with OOC permission. Clairvoyants may see short distances into the future or past; mind-readers may sense surface thoughts. Must avoid metagaming. If someone (including staff during events) says “no,” the ability fails.
Blood Manipulation — Characters may manipulate their own blood to create weapons or tools. They cannot manipulate others’ blood. Excessive blood loss has consequences. Blood may be stored in vials beforehand.
Power of Suggestion — Characters may influence others, but not control them. Suggestions must align with what the affected character might reasonably do. If it’s out of character, it fails.
Regeneration — Some powerful youkai can regenerate (e.g., Gashadokuro), but Jinrui cannot regenerate under any circumstances. Some youkai may require sealing instead of exorcism.
Memory Erasure — Allowed for plot purposes with OOC discussion. Memories must be recoverable; permanent erasure is not allowed.
More to possibly come?

Banned Skills

Copycat — Cannot copy others’ skills, even via transformation (e.g., tanuki). This opens too many problems.
Body or Mind Control — Powerplay is prohibited. Characters cannot take control of another character’s body or mind.
Off-limits Gods’ “Broken” Abilities — The off-limits kami are: Pangu, Nüwa, Fuxi, Jade Emperor, Izanagi, Izanami, Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo. Example: you cannot make an Izanagi-by-another-name who creates land/worlds.
More to possibly come?

Contents Char Creation

Welcome to Korok’s Studio!

Korok’s Studio offers custom 2D artwork of your youkai and other original characters, hand drawn by Korok (artist handle: iotaSAGE). My standard commission rate is $18/hr, but active members of UnK receive significantly discounted pricing as part of our community perks. You can visit my carrd for more examples of my work and links to my older socials. All commissions require a brief art agreement signed with your legal name (and preferred name, if applicable). This protects your rights as the commissioner and mine as the artist. Your personal information will never be shared. Please note, Korok’s Studio runs on mutual respect. My rates reflect the time, skill, and care that go into each piece, so they aren’t up for negotiation or comparison. If the pricing doesn’t fit your budget, that’s okay. This space is meant to support creativity, not turn it into a competition. Want to learn how to draw instead? I love seeing people take up the brush! I'll gladly give the occasional tips and tricks - no charge. If there's enough interest, I could set up a Gumroad where I create in-depth tutorials for mass-buy, making them as cheap as possible (I'm thinking between $1-3 a piece). Scroll down for my dos and don’ts, pricing tiers, and art examples.

tier i

Sketch bust: $15 USD
Sketch half-body: $25 USD
Sketch full-body: $35 USD

25 IC posts to order

tier ii

Bust: $35 USD
Half-body: $55 USD
Full-body: $75 USD

50 IC posts to order

tier iii

Bust: $60
Half-body: $90
Full-body: $140
Full scene (bg): $180–$350

100 IC posts to order

add-ons

Complex clothing: +$10–$20
Weapons / props: +$10
Timelapse: $5-$10
Use outside of forum: +$30

+5 IC posts to order

You can also order manga style art. This counts as a Tier III alternative. Same prices and post requirements apply.

Dos & Don'ts

Will do

Various fantasy races
Hands, etc.
Objects/items
Backgrounds, some perspective
Mildly risque themes
Darker scenarios (e.g. fighting club)
Original off-site characters (DnD, FFXIV, WoW, other +)
Fanart of your FCs
Never drawn vehicles/mechas/robotics, but I'd give it a shot.

Won't Do

Political content
Hateful content
Furry style (I'll do characters, but it'll be in my style)
Imitating other artists' styles
Fanart of certain companies IP (e.g. Disney)
Your art homework
Generate AI artwork, everything's hand-drawn
Pornography, ecchi
Any sort of illegal content in the state of MA

The Process

After you reach out to me via the message centre on UnK, I will confirm if you meet the minimum requirement of IC posts for the community discount. This is to make sure we don't get anyone joining the site for the sole purpose of heavily discounted commissions, and leaving immediately after.
I'll then contact you and let you know if I can or can't take your order at that time. If I can't at the moment, I'll contact you again to let you know I'm ready to take your order.
If there's a queue, I'll wait 24 hours for a response before moving on to the next person in queue. Please make sure you're ready with all your references within that time period. References can be anything from photos to other art. Yes, you may even share gen. AI art if it captures the essence of XYZ.
Once I'm able to take your request, we'll discuss what you want and then I'll ask for you to sign the aforementioned art agreement (for copyright reasons) via Google Forms, as well as payment. You only need to sign this once unless I update the agreement and you commission me again after said update.
For payment, you may use PayPal, Stripe, or Ko‑fi. Ko‑fi is new to me, so I’m still learning its fees and policies. Please be aware that PayPal and Stripe both charge additional processing fees on top of my listed rates (and even more if currency conversion is involved). Per their Terms of Service, I cannot charge you extra to cover these fees, nor can I lower my rates to offset them. Thank you for understanding.
I will create a few rough sketches/thumbnails to map out a composition or pose for you to choose from. If none are to your liking, I'll repeat the process one more time based on your feedback.
Throughout the drawing process, I will give you occasional WIPs of the drawing. You can ask for changes up to 3 times in the drawing/sketching stage. Once it gets inked, there will be no changes to the drawing itself. At the colour stage, you're able to ask for colour changes up to 3 times. Extra edits that adhere to these terms will require an additional fee.
Once complete, I'll send you the original size, a browser-friendly size, a, size that fits UnK’s dimensions, as well as both the coloured version and line art if applicable.

The Art Agreement

Here is the Art Agreement so you know the terms before you contact me for a commission. It will be in a Google Form, and you’ll receive a copy of your signage in your e-mail for your own safe-keeping. +++ Your name and email are only used for this agreement and for communication about your commission. They are never shared or published. This form collects the minimum information needed for a valid art agreement. When signing, please include your legal first and last name, your chosen name if it differs (optional), the date of signing, and an email address where you can be reliably contacted (no anonymous or bounce emails). From hereon, {Not disclosing publicly. Korok’s Name will be here in the form} will be referred to as “The Artist” or the conjugations of “her.” You, the commissioner, will be referred to as “The Commissioner” or the conjugations of “they.”

✔️ The Commissioner Is Allowed To…

Repost or use the commissioned work on non profit websites, galleries, or communities, provided you credit the Artist, {Korok’s Name} (links available on the commission website).
Print the artwork professionally or at home for non profit personal use, including gifts for friends or family.
Use the artwork as a tattoo design for yourself, provided you discuss it with the Artist first and obtain the tattooist’s permission (tweaks by the tattooist are fine).
Colour the commissioned linework and share it with proper credit as above.

✘ The Commissioner May Not…

Re-sell the commission.
Print or sell the artwork for profit.
Publish, distribute, or sell the artwork in any profitable or non personal context.
Use off Ushi no Koku on Forum Spark without paying an additional fee of $30 USD.
Claim the artwork as their own. (In joint projects, you may credit your own contributions while crediting the Artist for hers.)
Cancel the commission after payment; no refunds will be issued in this case.
Libel or slander the Artist.
Claim the Artist’s intellectual property as their own.
Feed the artwork into AI systems for any purpose, including but not limited to: removing the signature, altering the background, or generating derivative works.

✔️ The Artist Is Allowed To…

Use the commissioned artwork in her portfolio, artbooks, and social media galleries.
Include the work in her résumé (you may request to be named or remain general).
Make minor tweaks or alterations for portfolio presentation at no extra cost to the Commissioner.
Print the artwork for personal use outside of artbooks.

✘ The Artist May Not…

Outside of artbooks or biographies (which compile the Artist’s work), the Artist may not print, re-sell, or publish commissioned works, nor claim your intellectual property as her own.
Claim any work she did not create.
Disclose your personal or private information, including payment details or commission specifics, to anyone.
Exception: Situations where disclosure is required by law (e.g., court orders).

Refunds

Refunds are only available in the following situations:

If the Artist is unable to finish the commission for personal reasons, a full refund will be issued.
If the Commissioner behaves in an exceptionally unpleasant or hostile manner, the Artist reserves the right to cancel the commission and issue a 30% refund instead of a full refund. No artwork will be provided in this case.

If the Commissioner chooses to cancel after the art process has begun, no refund will be issued. The Commissioner may not collect interest or make claims against the Artist; likewise, the Artist owes nothing further.

Disclaimer

Work will only begin once payment is made in full, or once half of the payment is received. If half paid, the Artist will only complete and deliver the final product once the remaining balance is paid. The Artist retains the common law copyright to all works created, including all reproduction rights and the right to claim statutory copyright.

Contact

{Not disclosing publicly. Korok’s contact will be listed here on the form}

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