Shamisen

Courtly Melody

"The plectrum teaches what the tongue cannot. Strike too hard and the note becomes anger. Strike too softly and it becomes regret. Between those two lies harmony, and harmony is the first duty of every servant of the Emperor."

— Court Shugenja Hoshin Takeru

The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument distinguished by its clear, percussive tone and elegant simplicity. Featuring a long, slender neck and a square body covered with stretched skin, it is played using a large plectrum that strikes both the strings and the body, giving the instrument a crisp, expressive sound unlike that of any lute or guitar. Capable of producing both delicate melodies and sharp rhythmic passages, the shamisen is prized for its remarkable emotional range.
Its origins trace back thousands of years to the Xi'an Empire, where it has accompanied storytellers, theatrical performers, court musicians, and wandering minstrels since the days of the Eokan Empire. Over countless generations, its construction has been carefully refined while preserving the qualities that first made it beloved. Even today, many musicians proudly perform compositions whose origins are said to predate kingdoms that have long since faded into history.
Constructing a quality shamisen demands exceptional craftsmanship. The neck must be perfectly balanced, the body carefully assembled, and the stretched skin fitted with great precision to achieve the instrument's characteristic clarity and resonance. Master artisans often lacquer the wood, carve intricate decorative details, and fashion elegant fittings from ivory, horn, or polished hardwood, producing instruments that are admired as much for their beauty as for their voice.
Though uncommon beyond the Xi'an Empire, the shamisen has gradually found admirers throughout Aerith. Merchants, diplomats, and traveling performers have carried both the instrument and its musical traditions across the world, where its distinctive voice immediately sets it apart from more familiar stringed instruments. Bards who devote themselves to mastering the shamisen are often recognized by ear before they are ever seen, its bright, articulate notes unlike those of any other instrument.
Whether accompanying an epic tale, a dramatic stage performance, or a quiet evening of music shared among friends, the shamisen possesses a voice that is both disciplined and deeply expressive. In the hands of a skilled performer, every note seems intentional, carrying as much meaning in the silence between phrases as in the music itself.

Shamisen

Ability: Charisma

Utilize: Play a known tune (DC 10), or improvise a song (DC 15)

Item type: Musical Instrument

Rarity: Common

Weight: 5 lb.

Base Price: 75-125 gp