LORE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The Kouzoko universe is a place where you can let your creativity shine, but we also need to make sure that all of our characters are creating stories with some cohesion. Please use this information to ensure your submission is accepted.
kouzoko lore
Kouzoko exists in a richly imagined universe where traditional Japanese culture collides with a modern, stylized edge. Set in Kouzoworld, a realm shaped by magic and martial discipline, warriors rise and clash in pursuit of honor, power, and the balance of things.
Some follow the path of Zen, masters of their craft, seeking clarity, precision, and ultimate awakening. Others are born of Chaos, thriving in disorder, driven by fury, and unshaken by danger.
Every warrior has a story—an origin, a lineage, a legacy.
A craft, a code, a reason to fight.
What’s yours?
THE REGIONS OF KOUZOWORLD
TSUNOMA
Dual village that controls the lower parts of Kouzoworld. Often referred to as Tsunoma, the two alliances are known for their hospitality and enormous political power.
HOMURA
Homura is a brutal war state known for its unforgiving environment. Their militaristic prowess is legendary, honed through countless battles, and they are feared by other regions. The emperor is selected every three years through a ritual where chosen soldiers fight to the end over the boiling Gap of Kazan Ô. Homura remains the destination for travelers seeking glory as anyone with enough strength will earn the islands respect.
YUKIME
Yukime is a harsh land, covered in snow and ice-laden winds. Life is considered a war against nature and the environment creates warriors from birth. Despite the isolation and cold landscape a resilient community thrives, bound by tradition and the shared challenges of their wintry abode. Only the strong survive.
MIZUMURA
Mizumura is a serene oasis of harmony. The villagers, known for their warmth and hospitality, live in tandem with nature. Although being independent, the village often acts under the orders of Tsunoma, serving as its supporting region in political, militaristic and economic affairs. Some see this alliance as a risk to the balance of things and the disagreement on the matter is becoming increasingly dangerous.
soraike
Placed high atop mist-shrouded peaks, Soraike stands as a beacon of prosperity and innovation. Renowned for its wealth and technological prowess, the city embraces diplomacy as its foremost tool for conflict resolution.
focus
Your character will gain additional skills depending on their focus.
Any character that is holding or using an item is considered a specialist in that field. They will receive a badge to signal this and will enjoy a considerable attribute boost in any relevant skills. Specialists' focus are automatically assigned and can not be changed.
There are five options available to non-specialist characters:
- Weapons
- Magic
- Hand to Hand Combat
- Knowledge
- Trade
You can update your character skills and lore anytime up until they are selected for a product or event activation. Once the IP has been used you will no longer be able to edit that character.
LEANS TOWARD?
How do you lean? In the world of Kouzoko, this isn’t just a casual greeting—it’s a question that cuts deeper than words like “how are you” or “what’s up.” It’s a pulse check on your spirit.
Warriors in Kouzoworld constantly walk the line between Zen and Chaos, mastering both stillness and fury in a world shaped by conflict, legacy, and balance.
When someone asks, “How do you lean?”, they’re not just asking about your mood, they’re reading your energy, your intent, your current state of mind.
Are you calm today, centered, aligned, prepared to flow with the world? Or are you burning, driven by unrest, emotion, and ready to disrupt?
In Kouzoko culture, this question can shift how allies interact, how enemies react, and how events unfold. Your answer could be a warning, a signal of trust, or a challenge in disguise.
It’s more than a greeting, it’s a mirror held up to your essence.
In Kouzoko, every character leans toward either Zen or Chaos, but this isn’t about good or evil.
Zen reflects precision, patience, and perfection. Chaos reveals instinct, unpredictability, and raw energy.
Neither path is right or wrong—they simply are.
Every character holds light within them, even those lost in chaos.
Even the calmest warrior can be shaken. Even the wildest soul can find clarity.
There are no villains here.
Only those in balance and those who are not.
So… how do you lean?
Character lore
This is your chance to get creative. Here you can create a story about the background of your character. Anything goes, it's totally up to you how far you wish to go back in time and how you wish to introduce your character to the Kouzoko universe.
Please Keep the overall lore of Kouzoko in mind as you create yours, it is important that all submissions have cohesion. We may reach out to for clarity on certain points or ask you to make changes to ensure this is upheld.
Having trouble? Feel free to use the prompt below to get started! Simply fill in the [Blanks] and add or remove elements as you see fit.
Prompt:
In the world of Kouzoko, where traditional Japanese culture meets a modern, mystic twist, warriors walk a fine line between harmony and chaos.
Some follow the path of zen—calm, disciplined, and in pursuit of higher awakening. Others embrace the fire, thriving in conflict and channeling rage into power.
Magic, martial arts, ancient bloodlines, and shifting alliances shape the fate of this realm.
Every warrior in Kouzoko has a story.
This is the story of [Your Character's Name].
They were born in [Region of Origin], raised among [type of people / culture / philosophy], and trained in the art of [Main Focus/Skill].
Their family was known for [Legacy Trait: e.g., forging enchanted blades, healing arts, sword skill], but [Your Character's Name] took a different path.
Motivated by [Internal Drive: e.g., revenge, duty, glory, redemption, self-mastery], they began their journey after [Inciting Event: e.g., a betrayal, a vision, a war, a forbidden duel].
They now walk the lands of Kouzoworld as [Main Focus/Skill], guided by [Zen or Chaos], hunted or revered by others.
Their tale is still unfolding...