Post-Post-Nuptials
Apparently I stilled missed a few things on my second try, so I guess I'll just have to keep nesting prefixes until I'm satisfied.
First of all, I've been worried for a while that having Isabel as Riku's maid comes a bit too close to the African slaves thing that was so big in the U.S. (and in Britain, too, judging by the movie CMs I saw over the summer). (I did like the fact that flower＊flower in YuriHime S gives a counterpoint.) Adding Ms. Itoya, whose skin is even darker, might only aggravate the problem. However, there are two mitigating factors. First, Ms. Itoya has more of the demeanor of an executive than a servant, as she has to manage the rest of the Templars. Also, the fact that I've added the rest of the Brides means that the two dusky ones are now middle management. Unfortunately, as named characters, they're a lot more visible than their subordinates, so the thematic prejudice appears to remain. We'll see whether I have to do anything else about that.
Also, it might appear odd that the senior member of the Templars is in charge of such mundane things as uniforms and armaments. However, the fact is that this was a tradition long before Riku added civilian members for cooking and cleaning. No one questions Ms. Itoya's physical or animistic capabilities, either.
The Templars' signature armaments are the bastard sword and heater shield. Besides the iconic image provided by this archaic gear, it also fits well with their duty of protecting the Mangetsu Spire itself. In a typical corridor in Mikazuki HQ, a three-wide shield-wall of élite Templars provides a much higher concentration of might than most any intruders could bring to bear. The standard-issue shield is just large enough to cover the wielder's body in a crouch while still allowing a bearer with enhanced physical strength to utilize reasonable maneuverability in tight spaces. An opening in one side is designed for thrusting with the sword or firing a shotgun (another weapon useful in close quarters) carried as a sidearm.
Despite the standard-issue equipment and formal training, Templars are highly skilled individuals, and they are encouraged to take advantage of their own propensities. A prime example is their Deaconess, Itoya Angel. She is of a bloodline in which Yoriko has long been perfecting the shaping skill. Angel herself specializes in crafting of textiles, and shows it in a fight, where she relies on monowire and adaptive armor.
Incidentally, you may note that I mentioned the Mikazuki Board of Directors in the original post. This is a new idea I've been developing, so I'll expand on it later.
I think in terms of comic books, so I come up with a lot of dialogue when I'm planning my projects. I'm thinking that I should start typing actual scripts so I can have a record of the lines before I forget. The current plot synopses are kept on the computer in the bedroom, but I should probably move them to Mother's, which I actually use. With a job like this, I'm not going to be getting my own Internet connection anytime soon.