Obasan (background) (Yaranaika)
Prerequisite: Of a species that don't generally live over 150 years (i.e. no half-elfs, elfs, dwarves, gnomes, etc.)
Ability Scores: Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom
Origin Feat: Edurance
Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Intimidation
Tool Proficiency: Any three Artisan's Tools
Equipment: 120 GP
Obasan (おばさん) are the terrifying old women of Mythic Japan. Feared, respected (as much as old men), and indestructible. Despite the name, you can choose any gender. Old men are called ojisan (おじさん, means "uncle") - not to be confused with ojīsan (おじいさん), which means "grandpa".
So, your character begins adventuring at an old age. You are often much more direct than younger people, because you just don't care anymore. They figure they're almost dead, why step on eggshells now? I think this is why Japanese obasan are so damned strong – essentially, they're Klingons. "Yes, today would be a good day to die. Now get the fuck outta my way.[1]
Azrael of Gaijin Smash (formerly "I am a Japanese School Teacher",) comments periodically on what a terror an angry oba-san can be. In one entry he describes how a field trip up Mount Fuji was cut short by a terrible typhoon, and on the way down his group was passed by a troop of obasan who had already reached the top through the building winds, and were now marching down.[2]
References
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