Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 29, 2011 14:22:56 GMT -5
Hirotomo looked at one of the guards as they passed. "Please send word to your commanders that we bring this guest to them on behalf of Ikoma Kyuso. Nakata readied the knife to be handed over. He was thankful his lord had taken the time to help escort her. It would have been painful to walk in silence. "You can rest assured, Isawa-san. I will protect you. I doubt the Lion will have any nefarious things in mind for you, but I will prevent things from becoming too out of hand. Though, such worry is unwarranted, just giving you peace of mind. "
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 29, 2011 14:29:46 GMT -5
"I do not doubt the Lion's honor, Toku-sama." Kaida smiled, brushing an errant lock of that shockingly white hair behind her ear.
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Aug 29, 2011 21:13:12 GMT -5
Two burly Lion Bushi escorted the Monkey and Phoenix into the command tent. It was rather large and arranged with numerous tatami mats covering the floor. Various weapons and armor were staged here and there, providing an inescapable clue to its purpose. A large, short table of dark lacquered wood stood at the far end, surrounded by several allied commanders discussing the ongoing battle. Messengers emerged through a secondary entrance off to the side, delivering up to the minute reports from the battlefield. As the newcomers entered, a guard approached the table and alerted the busy samurai of new visitors. Akodo Taiyo excused himself from the table moved towards the entrance.
Bowing low Greetings Toku-sama. You honor us with your presence. It is an auspicious day when our friends from the Monkey Clan brighten this humble tent. The skill and renown of your magistrates proceeds you, and the Lion honor you and your clan for your continued dedication to the safety of the empire.
Turning to the Phoenix and bowing slightly less low Twice we are blessed today, for a mighty Phoenix has come to roost in our humble camp. I only hope that we can provide you with adequate accommodations while you are here. Unfortunately we were not expecting visitors from your Clan, and have not made the proper preparations. But where are my manners…have you eaten rice today? We can adjourn to a more comfortable location and share a meal while we talk, if it suits you?
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 29, 2011 22:38:37 GMT -5
Kaida bowed perhaps a bit deeper than necessary and when she rose, carefully kept her eyes somewhere around ankle-level.
"The fault is mine, Akodo-sama, for it was not my intent to intrude upon the hospitality of your encampment. If it is not an interruption, I would be honored to share Inari-kami's blessings with you."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 29, 2011 22:53:34 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled at the assorted Lions. "Thank you, but the honor is mine. The chance to fight beside the paramount warriors of the Empire is an honor unto itself. I hope my men will follow your shining example in these coming days.
Nakata stood silent. They were speaking formal, not exactly a skill he used. Perhaps Kenpachi was right, he should have taken that post as a magistrate. At least then he'd be able to add something other than tactics to the conversation.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Aug 30, 2011 9:24:09 GMT -5
The Tamori daimyo leapt down from the battlements where he had unleashed his wrath on the never-ending wave of attackers on the Imperial Capital. No matter how many enemies he took down, more seemed to replace them. He landed a bit clumsily onto the safety of the castle's wall walk. His left leg was bleeding, the result of a lone arrow that he had failed to deflect and thus tore through his flesh. " Lord Tamori, let me help you." said one of Koichi's aides who helped him sit and rest his back on the wall. The man took a look at Koichi's wound and reached into his bag for a bottle. " This is going to sting my Lord." And without second thought he poured the liquid contents of the bottle on the Tamori daimyo's wound which bubbled and dried instantaneously. Koichi ground his teeth at the searing pain. " Has HE been found?" asked the Tamori daimyo to the man as he was finishing the bandages. The man gave Koichi a surprised look but he quickly bowed to answer. " No my Lord. Our troops haven't seen Takezo-sama yet. There are Dragons among the enemy but we haven't seen the champion or his personal guard." Koichi looked to the sky and sighed. Rain started to fall. This war, he thought to himself, was breaking the Dragon apart. He needed to see Takezo, to talk to him, to end it, one way or another. The Tamori daimyo stood. The aide rushed to help him but Koichi waved him away. " Recall my honor guard. I am returning to Shiro Tamori. Hopefully the Dragon council would have reached a decision by now, and we can mobilize." " Tell Tobushi to coordinate with the Kakita and Yasuki daimyo in maintaining the defenses. Use the Dragon's Breathe if necessary." Koichi looked to the battle beyond the wall. It would be a hard journey back to Shiro Tamori. He had already used the Agasha daisho's power for the day. Good thing he could still depend on the blade's sharpness. (ooc: going back to Shiro Tamori since technically I should be there. I won't probably be able to RP and play much anymore with the new work. If I totally disappear, feel free to assume that Koichi died. The Dragon can find a new guy for the Tamori daimyo. I'm sure they would love to have a Pro-toturi fill my spot. If this happens I'll push through with my plan to fake my death and be more active for the Kolat. That's all. It was nice playing with all of you. Keep having fun! )
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Aug 30, 2011 10:40:37 GMT -5
Mai rode slowly behind the last of the limping Akodo wounded as they entered the war camp that evening. Their attitude was happy, almost giddy. A joke rippled through the ranks, leading to laughter that could not stop once it had started. So it was with men who had stared death in the face yet still lived. The Akodo were a sturdy bunch; most of them would heal even if some may never return to their peak fighting form. All of them gave Mai their personal thanks for their lives. Mai only wished more could have been done.
After tending to Ren, removing the barding for cleaning and scrubbing the blood and grime from her flank, Mai made her way to the command tent. Her own bloody armor had been removed, and she was wearing a quilted hitatare over hakama and kosode for warmth. A field bandage was wrapped around a gash on her left arm, but she was loathe to see a surgeon when there were many more serious injuries to be had.
She found a familiar face outside the command tent, the young boy who had delivered the message just that morning. She smiled at him, and acknowledged his bow. "Please tell the Akodo commander that I wish to speak concerning his battle plans. I have collected useful information he should be made aware of."
The move was a bit presumptuous for a mere chui, but the information could save lives.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Aug 30, 2011 12:22:38 GMT -5
Tomatsu reappeared from the tent. He wore his armor, still covered in dust from the road, however he now he held an old map in his hands, drawn on some old skin with great detail, he finished consulting the map before he looked up to see Mai standing there. He made a slight bow in her direction.
Hello Utaku-san. Akodo Keisuke is not available at the moment, he is out amongst the troops from what I've been told, along with the Kitsu Daimyo. I, on the other hand, will be happy to hear your report, if you wish. He smiled that warm smile of his, finally happy to be with his clansmen and friends, doing the Rightful Emperor's work.
Would you care to join me in my tent for some tea? I have only just arrived here and I would care for a full report on the situation at hand. As you can tell, my generals are very busy, so I do not fault them for carrying out their duties before indulging their commander. He gestured as he spoke to a large tent being erected just a short distance away, with a rather commanding view of the battlefield.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Aug 30, 2011 16:01:55 GMT -5
Mai was surprised to find audience with such a high ranking samurai, but regained her composure and gave a low bow. "It would be my honor to take tea and deliver news from the field, Akodo-sama, though my information is mostly from the Northeastern front. I myself only arrived this morning. My troops could have been here much sooner, but it would have taken days of rest for the horses to be of any use."She put the tea to her lips and drank, allowing herself a small moment to savor the hot liquid as it warmed her to her toes. "Lion forces are fighting bravely and well. They had taken much of the surrounding marshland by the time I had arrived, including two imperial granaries; here..." she gestured to a small spot on the champion's map, "...and here. The city itself is still closed to us, and will be so long as the archers and shugenja are able to maintain their defenses. They still have enough stores to supply the city for some time, and the Crane have mobilized to defend a supply line to their lands. Lion forces are engaging the Crane to draw them out, but it carries much risk. My own forces had to break through a Crane line on the North side after a battalion of Akodo were pushed to the city defenses and surrounded." She had no false sense of modesty at this declaration, but does not offer any heroic embellishment, either. *(OOC: This description is mostly for color, and the general narrative I'm trying to point to right now is a stalemate between the Hantei and Toturi factions, where one side could still overpower the other; it made sense considering where we are in-game. If I'm taking too many liberties, let me know and I'll change it.) "The spirits were with us today, but I chanced upon a vital clue as we rode the field today. We are accustomed to the marshy grounds, but I happened to look at the low point here to the East where many samurai had fallen into the mud. By the time we had mobilized the wounded back to camp, I saw that the bodies were now floating. The water level is rising, Akodo-sama. I may not have even noticed it were it not for that chance glimpse at the fallen. Rains seem to have waterlogged the land, and it is moving downhill. So far the effect has been slow, but it won't take too long before the water level will make the horses susceptible to injury before the enemy is even engaged. If you want to use the cavalry to their full advantage, it will have to be on the higher ground."(OOC: I remember Chad discussing the marshy landscape, and thought it sounded cool, so I went with it.) Mai finished her report with relief, glad that her news was delivered to one who could plan accordingly. Tomatsu-sama's demeanor seemed kind, even grandfatherly. She continued to drink her tea, determined not to favor her injured arm in front of such a proud warrior. "While I do not represent the whole of the Unicorn or even the Utaku family, those of use who ride under Toturi's banner are here to serve him. "One last OOC: For reference, Mai is very young, about 17 or 18, so even if I'm making Tomatsu out to be older than he is, it's okay, cuz everyone is a grandfather to her.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Aug 30, 2011 16:13:09 GMT -5
(OOC: For clarification, the water level is rising because the earthworks that drained the water have been destroyed. The land is reverting into the marsh it was roughly a decade ago.)
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Aug 30, 2011 16:19:36 GMT -5
(OOC: No Tomatsu is old for a Samurai of Rokugan, hes 28 years old. I can understand the grandfatherly feel)
He sighed at the news of the water but waited for her to finish her report. Utaku-san I thank you for your report. I will pass this information on to my generals and your heroism will be entered in the Ikoma histories. As soon as Keisuke-san and my other generals return from their duties, I welcome you to give your report directly to them, if you wish.
He took a tea from his serving girl and took a sip. He marveled that no matter how opposed the samurai of Rokugan get, no matter how much blood is spilled, we can always sit for tea. He broke his reveille with another sip before returning to the conversation.
Tell me about yourself Utaku-san. I am very familiar with your family, and have visited your lands within the year. I do enjoy the hospitality of the Unicorn, so different from my own. But tell me, who are your parents Utaku-san, which branch of the family are you from?
Me marveled to himself that he must have looked like her at one point. Wide-eyed, in fear of making a mistake and ending up giving some great offense. Now he only has to fear the Emperor, at worst he causes an offense to another clan champion, but these days most seem to want to work with the Lion, as opposed to their past, so most things get glossed over.
He mused to himself that he needed to speak to more of the youths of Rokugan, there were promising samurai among them, like this young Samurai before him. Ah to be young and beautiful, war is nothing but honor and glory to her. Ah to see the world through her eyes again. Then again, it is nice to no longer have those social fears. He took another sip of his tea.
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Aug 30, 2011 19:49:13 GMT -5
Taiyo smiled and at his two new companions and led the way out of the command tent, two burly Lion bushi falling quietly into step behind. Walking slowly he took them on a circuitous route through the camp. It became apparent that the Lion had carefully organized the encampment into different quarters with specific purposes. Here were the cavalry, with the boisterous Wardens and newly arrived Unicorn vanguard tending to their horses while exchanging tales of victory. Over there were an endless field of brown tents, with a multitude of ashigaru milling about as they returned to the relative safety of the encampment.
Samurai and peasants alike traveled in all directions through the small paths between the quarters, bowing and showing deference to the small group that walked through their midst. Here and there a gunso kept the flow moving quickly and efficiently, barking orders while looking grim and commanding. All in all the camp gave the appearance of a living, breathing city, albeit caked in the blood, sweat and mud of one hundred thousand men, women and children; not quite a reflection of Toshi Ranbo, but definitely a striking contrast.
They eventually passed the troops and moved on to a more quiet area, where the snorting horses and flinging mud was a bit less intrusive. Here were the tents of the sick, wounded and dying. Eta moved furtively through the landscape, collecting the bodies of those who had passed on while the Kitsu shugenja ministered to those who still had a chance of surviving. Faint, floating laughter from the other end of camp came to the companion’s ears, but in this setting it seemed to have lost its joyfulness.
Without pausing, Taiyo led them to a nearby tent, slightly larger than most of the others in the vicinity.
Welcome, I am Akodo Taiyo and this is my home away from home. I apologize for its spartan appearance, but we travel light while on campaign and do not have many luxuries available to us at the moment. Taiyo removed his sandals and entered the tent, bent slightly at the waist due to the limited height of the silk flaps that acted as both roof and ceiling. Crossing to the far side, he took a seat on a bamboo mat facing the door. An armor stand, empty save for the kabuto sat in one corner while an empty daisho rack stood in the other. He removed his katana and placed it to his right side.
Please come in and make yourself comfortable Indicating one of the guards and addressing him with a no nonsense command voice Bring rice, fish, tea and saki
Snapping to attention the guard yelled HAI! Taisa-samaand quickly vanished outside.
Turning to his guests Hirotomo-sama, I know you by reputation but have not had the pleasure of meeting you before today. But you, Lady Phoenix, I do not know. Please, enlighten me while we await our refreshments.
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 30, 2011 20:22:43 GMT -5
The shugenja had followed along quietly, hardly glancing around as they walked. When they reached the tent, she followed the Akodo's lead, slipping off her own sandals and entering, quite unconcerned with the entry way's height. She knelt where indicated, offering the Lion another bow.
"Isawa Kaida, priestess of the Phoenix." Her soft voice carried a light, musical lilt that carried well and she finally allowed a small smile to curl her lips. "I was overseeing a small library outside of Nikesake before I received orders to aide my clan here in Toshi Ranbo."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Aug 31, 2011 0:10:25 GMT -5
Mai smiled at Tomatsu's inquiry, the tea and evening insects making a pleasant hum, allowing the memories of stories told around the fires of the Shiro Utaku dojo to return to her mind's eye. "My mother was one of the few left with the Otaku bloodline after the War Against Shadow, being a distant cousin of Otaku Kamoko, the Unicorn thunder. Their numbers were so few, they feared that the family, and the way of the battle maidens, would die out, but Kamoko gave them one last blessing -- for three years Utaku women bore healthy baby girls in great numbers, allowing the line to continue. It is in the final year of this blessing that I was born, and later the shugenja figured I was the last, since the next birth after mine was a boy child." She chuckled. "May the gods forgive my Utaku sisters and I for what we put that poor stable boy through growing up!"
She moved to drink again, only to find that her teacup was empty. She frowned. "My father is actually of the Daidoji, and I think held out some hope to raise me in the ways of his clansmen. While I took some time to study war and tactics for his benefit, I always knew my place was with the shiotome." Her voice takes a sudden turn, losing its former laughter. "The last I saw of him was at my honored mother's funeral, after she fell at Mountain Watch Keep. Circumstances...being what they are, our duties pulled us in different directions not long after. He may very well be at the city now, helping to coordinate Naseru's defenses."
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Aug 31, 2011 10:57:01 GMT -5
Kazuma made his way into the camp. He made no attempt to announce his arrival and tried to keep a low profile as he made his way through the camp. He walked towards the large tent that he assumed was the command tent. He let the guards know who he was as he entered, but did not let them announce his presence to the tent. He surveyed the surroundings and found who he was looking for. Kazuma walked up to Tomatsu and gave a slight bow as he said.
This is not a day I expected to see Akodo-san.
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