Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 15, 2011 0:04:33 GMT -5
Fuzake Chiyuki was miserable, she was sent her an an unofficial observer. Soon it would be clear enough that the Monkey would support Toturi, but no one cared about a single pair of people. Toku-san, she forgot his name did not even take her advances seriously. A pity, she needed a distraction from this place. It was a war council not a court. She felt out of place and the chill was noticeable in her Scorpion cut kimono. She'd have to wash it soon, why was there so much dirt? Hopefully she could resume her post as liaison between the Monkey and Scorpion. Kenpachi-sama was up to something, she just had to follow along. She accidentally walked into a Unicorn bath tent. Why were those men so hairy? She fumbled around until she found a suitable place for her own tent. She sat outside while her yojimbo cooked, or at least she thought he was cooking. It was cold, even during this time. How could these people stand it?
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Jul 15, 2011 2:06:31 GMT -5
A man with a moderate escort trundled past Chiyuki, but then didn't. They stopped and stood before the monkey, trapped in her own thoughts. There was a cough from the man who led them. From where she was it was hard to make out the features of the man, the sun did a good job of blinding the poor girl, after a moment however it was clear that it was Bayushi Senshi and a few of his Bayushi guard.
He spoke to his guards, "No, Mori san, I know for a fact that my wife's tent is near the Unicorn delegation. Please stop steering me to the unicorn baths."
He sighed, then looked over his mask at the monkey, noticing her school mon. Curiosity drove him to speak, "Monkey san, I don't believe we have met before. You trained at the Bayushi courtier school?"
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 15, 2011 8:19:43 GMT -5
The night before... Listening patiently and taking in everything her spymaster had done so far, Yuushahime could only be impressed by his dedication to acquiring intelligence. His methods were deceitful and underhanded but only if he was caught. If the Dragon did declare for Toturi, then he would have every right to share his intelligence. Sometimes the Dragon were seen as pillars of virtue and honour but of course if every Dragon was like that then the Clan could end up at a disadvantage. She was thankful for Shigekazu's assistance.
His words were accurate. She was thankful he hadn't committed seppuku. If Hantei did move rashly, without his Champion's army, then he would likely end up at a disadvantage. The man was known for plotting and thinking ahead so to force him to be headstrong because of popular pressure from his own courts... that would be entertaining.
She felt a need to warn Shigekazu to be careful around the Lost, so as to not become tainted himself. She would relay this later.
When the flute sounded, both her bodyguards became tense and on edge. Even Yuushahime had to glance away from Shigekazu. Luckily he explained quickly, though his haste suggested a group was sighted as coming in this direction.
She gripped the scroll tightly. Its contents would be very useful in the days ahead. She may even be able to interrogate some of the enemy agents to learn the identities of those not on the scroll.
Noting to the stone, she watched as the figures vanished into the tree line. She called out, just audibly enough for the trees to hear "I will contact you by our usual method if there are any major problems. Thank you". She would wait for the copy of niten that would let her cipher his messages.
One of her bodyguards approached from behind, waiting for his Lord to be ready. He pointed to the path and said that a patrol was approaching. Yuushahime nodded, tucking the scroll into her kimono and under her light armour. She gestured for the group to move out normally.
...
The patrol group of five Unicorn samurai that made their way to the isolated shrine were a little on edge, likely due to the sound of the flute and how easy an ambush would be to organise around the shrine. They were surprised to see three Dragon samurai returning from the shrine.
Yuushahime made her move first, raising her naginata while her bodyguards readied their yari. One shouted "who goes there?" in an intimidating voice.
The Unicorn replied and asked the same. Yuushahime gestured for her group to lower their weapons as she replied "We are with the Dragon contingent here. We heard the sound of a flute briefly while we were inspecting the Shrine. Unfortunately we cannot tell where it came from". She made sure not to lie and sound sincere. Her words were believed, the other group assuming hers was a small patrol. The two groups closed and shared information. They then joined and went back to the camp together. Yuushahime was thankful the patrol had accepted their presence.
"We will report the flute and the possibility of spies. We advise you to do the same" She instructed, her voice naturally sounding authoritative and confident. A brief smile sealed the deal. The Unicorn patrol leader grunted once then nodded. With that the group separated, now in the heart of the Toturi camp. It was exceptionally quiet now, only sleeping soldiers and the odd patrol making any noise. She took the opportunity to have her group return to the Dragon tents and she finally made her way to her own tent to rest. Carefully she undressed from the armour and laid the scroll by her futon, resting her wakizashi over the top to make it difficult to remove the scroll without waking her. She would analyse it in the morning. As she drifted to sleep, weary from the long day, she debated about informing Haruka of the scroll.
The next day... Yuushahime had awoken a little later than normal. Annoyed at this, she had gotten ready while shouting off instructions to her attendants. Dragon magistrates and their aides were ordered into position and individual agents, told to wear nondescript clothes, were commanded to meet with and tag alongside known Scorpion agents. They would all work together whether the Scorpion preferred it or not. It would increase their unity and would provide valuable cross training. Some Scorpion agents would almost certainly remain independent as they were not all known but the majority and any Scorpion patrols, would be accompanied so information would swiftly be attained if any maho users or Lost were encountered. Or even other individuals of interest. All the plans made with her advisors the night before were put into motion. Now, all that remained was the scroll.
After reading it twice over and having it copied by a scribe, Yuushahime was finally ready. She was still somewhat shocked to learn of the number of enemy agents within the camp. Shigekazu had discovered much about the anti-Kaneka plot and if his further intelligence was anything as detailed as this, then Hantei and his supporters would lose all credibility and respct. Leaving her tent in her finest kimono, a dazzling mix of greens, blues and gold, Yuushahime and her escort made their way to Kaneka's tent. Her hair was tied up neatly and respectably. Her beloved hairpin rested next to the scroll inside her kimono. Delivering the message and explaining its content was her primary mission now. She had been a long time ally to Kaneka, before he had become Toturi the 3rd. He would hear her regarding this. She only hoped he would choose to act on the intelligence immediately.
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 15, 2011 9:58:02 GMT -5
The Ronin awoke as Haruka was eating her food, His eyes darted side to side, and he hoped he hadn't been snoring. "Pardon me Haruka-sama. I must have fallen asleep while you spoke with your visitor." The ronin stood, and bowed deeply to the Mistress of Secrets. "I thank you for your hospitality, and sharing your wonderful food with an old ronin like myself. I will take my leave and allow you to do.... well, anything would be more important than sitting with an old ronin." He grinned, and walked outside her quarters, and down over the hill just a little. He sat down on the ground and looked up at the stars, and resigned himself to finding the Shogun in the morning.
As morning approached, The ronin cleaned himself up the best he could and began walking around the camp, taking in the sights of all those who were in attendance. He could here a Dragon barking orders from her camp, he passed a beautiful young Monkey Samurai-ko sitting outside her tent.
Yes, this had all the makings of the 'new' Toturi's Army, but was this the right thing to do? The Ronin was unsure, but continued to mill about while munching on a piece of jerky.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jul 15, 2011 10:26:25 GMT -5
Although her tent remained, the morning would reveal that both Haruka and her Utaku stallion took up a solitary standing apart from it. She stood with her mount gently on the slight rise overlooking things, but her gaze was directed towards the outer edges of the camp rather than the center of it.
She simply seemed to be taking silent solace in stroking the horse's neck while she kept a vigil. Strangely she had not appeared much or very vocal in the court of Toturi and rumors of her lack of energy in the social setting was noted. While she may have given some practical tactical advice, she was always said to have this labored gaze and aura about her, but when addressed on the matter she always seemed to dodge it tactfully and seek solitude.
While the occasional Scorpion did approach, she did not turn to look when speaking. For now she just remained alone over the scene while many others were still rising and beginning their comings and goings in the camp.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 15, 2011 11:17:40 GMT -5
In another part of the camp, the man known as Togusa groggily opened his eyes and lifted a hand to shield his face from the morning sun. "Morning is the worst part of the day," he grumbled to himself as he pushed himself up on his elbows. The camp looked today much like it did every day. Soldiers broke their fast on rice and whatever else was handy, or stayed in their beds (such as they were), snoring loudly. He heard the ringing of steel nearby, a sure sign that some of the early risers were back at their practice. What's the point, the battle's been over for days, he thought. Now they were an army without a purpose, something Togusa couldn't help but find unsettling. The men were clearly restless. Many of them were just conscripts; undisciplined peasants without the training of a true samurai. They were here to fight, and now that the fight was over many of them were starting to whisper about going home where the samurai couldn't hear them.
Togusa grunted as he slowly got to his feet, shaking his head to clear the last bit of sleep from his eyes. He donned his scarred black-and-gold armor and strapped his polearm to his back. He was an odd sight in this particular camp, but then again, an armored sohei armed with a nasty weapon would be an oddity no matter where he went. Except one place, he thought to himself, grinning slightly. He picked his way across the camp to his companion's fire and squatted, resting his arms on his knees. "What's for breakfast?" he asked idly.
"Rice, in two different forms," Suk-batar replied gruffly. The big man spooned a bit of rice from a bowl and gobbled it down unceremoniously, then grabbed a water skin that smelled suspiciously of sake and took a long gulp. He held the skin out to Togusa and he took it graciously, sipping the rice wine gingerly and screwing his face up as it burned its way down his throat. Suk grinned as Togusa handed the skin back to him. "You drink like a woman," he said.
"And you fight like one," Togusa replied with a smirk as he picked up a bowl and began filling it with rice.
Suk eyed him curiously, that grin still on his face. "Clearly you haven't been fighting the right women." They both laughed at that. Togusa had met this one on the field of battle, saving him from a Yobanjin blade that would have claimed his life. The two of them had fought together since that day, and they owed each other their lives many times over. "What are the women like where you come from?" Suk asked, scooping another bit of rice into his mouth.
"Dreary," Togusa said simply. This wasn't the first time Suk had tried to find out about his past. It most certainly wouldn't be the last.
Suk frowned. "You are as cryptic as you are good with that polearm," he said, his tone clearly conveying his annoyance.
"What kind of monk would I be if I weren't?" Togusa replied with a wink.
Suk grunted with disapproval. "Monks," he said simply, and attacked his food in earnest.
No more conversation this morning, I see, Togusa thought. He picked up his bowl and stood, producing a pair of chopsticks from the sleeve of his white robe. "I'm going to get some exercise," he said. Suk did not respond, and Togusa shrugged and wandered off toward the edge of the camp, looking for a clear patch of land where he could swing his bisento with out fear of injuring anyone. He could tell the men were restless as he moved among them, munching lightly on his breakfast. The shogun Kaneka had apprently named himself Toturi, planning to declare himself emperor and move against the capital. Togusa cared little for such things. One emperor was much the same as any other, as far as he was concerned. Clearly the peasantry cared just as little, except that it meant more fighting for them, and more time spent away from home. This was a samurai's game, and as usual, the peasantry were simply tools to be used and thrown away as the nobles pleased.
One man among the men stood out to Togusa as he surveyed the troops. He looked plain enough, but something about him seemed off in a way that only someone trained as Togusa had trained would notice. The man also seemed to be looking for something, until his gaze fell on Togusa. The recognition on his face was clear, and the odd man started moving toward him. Interesting, Togusa thought. When the man reached him, he offered a short bow. "You are the monk known as Togusa," he said, clearly a statement rather than a question.
"I am," Togusa replied anyway. "And who are you?"
"My name is irrelevant," the man said mysteriously. Is this how Suk feels when I talk to him? Togusa thought. "I bear a message for your eyes only, from your sensei," the man said, lowering his voice to a whisper.
That caught Togusa's attention, and he had to be wary not to let his face give away his startled reaction. "What is this message?" he said just as quietly.
The man reached into the folds of his robe and handed Togusa a scroll, its red seal containing no visible symbols. Togusa eyed the scroll as he took it from the messenger. When he looked up again, the man was gone. Somehow, Togusa was not surprised.
Some time later, Togusa managed to find an unoccupied tent to slip into. He knelt on the grass and slowly unrolled the scroll, reading over its contents. He read it one more time to be certain of its message. This is a death sentence, he thought to himself. Fear was a weakness he would not allow himself, but all the same he felt an anxiety building in him as he read the message for the third time. He checked the scroll's seal, but as before, no visible marks presented themselves. Togusa reached behind him and pricked his finger on the point of his bisento, and smeared a bit of blood on the seal. Sure enough, the mark of the Spider swam into view, black on the red material. So it's time then, he thought. A moment he never thought would come was now before him. Rolling the scroll tightly and tucking it away within his armor, Togusa turned and pushed the tent flap aside, standing in the noon-day sun. Nothing in the outside world had changed, but he couldn't shake a strong sense of foreboding, as if a great storm were on the horizon. He spied a single sentry on horseback, a woman by the looks of her, standing on a hill overlooking the camp, and for a moment their eyes met. The last woman you'll ever lock eyes with, eh? he thought to himself sarcastically. He looked away quickly at the thought. Steeling himself, he began his march toward the massive command tent at the center of the camp, and the court of Toturi III.
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 15, 2011 12:26:04 GMT -5
In the afternoon, The Ronin was practicing his kata when he saw an armored Sohei headed towards the command tent. There was something different about him. The Ronin couldn't put a finger on what exactly it was about the Sohei that made him curious about him, but there was an unnatural draw to the figure. The Ronin sheathed his sword, and began walking casually in the direction of the Sohei. If nothing else, the ronin thought it would be a fine time to make his own way to the command tent, and make his presence known to Toturi III. It was hard to think of him as an Emperor, but he knew that there would be time between now and then to get comfortable to the idea... If that is the path he chose.
The Ronin followed in behind the Sohei, and was even more enthralled.
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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 Jul 15, 2011 13:55:00 GMT -5
Sunrise on the plains, with a brisk wind whipping at her face and the gallop warming the muscles of her steed underneath, Mai made her prayers to the spirits of earth and air, of the approaching sun and disappearing moon. This, more than any temple in Rokugan, showed the true majesty of the kami.
Ren slowed as they reached the path to Mountain Watch Keep with barely a twitch at her side. Such was the nature of her bond with the Utaku steed, that Mai often thought the horse was reading her very thoughts. She did her part to imagine fresh oats and boar bristles at the conclusion of the journey. Soon enough Ren's head perked at the new sounds and smells of the war camp as they made their way to the camp, with hastily-cobbled corrals to accept the sudden influx of cavalry.
Only after the animal was settled with the promised oats and brushing did Mai tend to her own needs. A few discreet retainers had already come ahead to set up the tent, and a pot of rice was simmering over a small campfire. Mai removed her armor and carefully set it on its stand, reciting prayers on behalf of the one who wore it previously. While the metal plates were ancient, they hardly showed their age, and the joins of silk and leather were brand new, replacing pieces stained beyond use with blood and gore.
While settling down with her meal, she noticed a put-out monkey woman pacing in the cool morning wearing a thin kimono against the elements. "Hail, samurai-ko. Would you like some hot porridge on this cold morning?"
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 15, 2011 13:57:11 GMT -5
Distracted as he was, Togusa was not so heedless of his surroundings to miss when he was being followed. Especially by someone who didn't seem to care whether or not he was noticed. He continued to walk for a few moments after he'd noticed the one behind him, mulling over what he should do about it. In the end he simply sighed, and turned around to face the man directly.
The daisho at the man's hip did not escape his notice, and he bowed politely. "Greetings, samurai-san," he said cordially. "Is there something I can do for you?" The man's lack of clan mons indicated to Togusa that he was a ronin, though even one of his status demanded a certain measure of respect, and the last thing Togusa wished to do was cause offense and make a scene.
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 15, 2011 14:02:04 GMT -5
The Ronin smiled as Sohei greeted him. "Greetings to you traveler." The ronin looked him over from head to toe. "I don't know what it is about you, but I was performing my daily Kata today from that rise.." The ronin turned and pointed, "And I noticed you making your way to the command tent. There was just something about you that drew me in. Maybe it was the Bitsumen. Maybe the lack of mons signaling another ronin, I don't know. And since I haven't formerly declared my support for Toturi-dono, I figured I would see what brings you to camp, since we are headed in the same direction."
The ronin stood passively, a smirk on his face that read as more mischievousness than anything.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 15, 2011 14:19:40 GMT -5
"You are a riddle solver, then," Togusa said. "Very well then, walk with me if you will," Togusa said, extending an arm invitingly. "Though you may find I am somewhat more mundane than I appear." The two men fell into step beside each other. "As for my status, I am not a ronin, as I was never a samurai," he said. "My allegiance is to the Brotherhood, though our sect is somewhat less well known than others." He watched the ronin our of the corner of his eye as they walked. "Does my new traveling companion have a name?"
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 15, 2011 14:24:06 GMT -5
"In my time, I have been known to solve riddles, shine light on shadows, and the like yes." The ronin smiled a little. "I had a name a long time ago, but it has been lost by the sands of time I'm afraid." The ronin looked at the sky. "Sometimes, I can almost hear it. Its like the wind carries it past my ear, just out of reach. But the tales of that story are far more complicated."
"What about you, what is your name?"
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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 Jul 15, 2011 14:26:34 GMT -5
Chiyuki looked up and recognized the Scorpion Champion. She rose quickly and bowed low. "Ah Bayushi-dono what an honor to meet you. Yes, I was trained in your lands, I will forever be grateful for their teachings. I believe the Bayushi way is superior to all others.
She was not expecting this. He Kimono was not perfect, and she had not had time to bath. She smiled at him, with a tinge of lost child, around her eyes. He was Haruka-sama's husband. He was quite good looking, but she imagined that was the least of the reasons why they married.
"But, my lord I am most likely keeping you from your duties. I would never think to waste your valuable time with one such as I." She looked up at him with watery eyes. This tactic usually worked. He was a Champion though. He may see through her training. Seduction and helplessness. Her two greatest weapons.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 15, 2011 14:33:34 GMT -5
This one is a romantic, the sohei thought. He uses dozens of words when a handful would do. "Togusa," he said simply, in response to the ronin's question. Some of the soldiers they passed watched the unlikely pair with curiosity, but none bothered them. "What brings a ronin all the way out here, if I may ask?" A half-grin touched his scarred face. "A simple love of a good fight, perhaps?"
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 15, 2011 14:40:20 GMT -5
"I feel lost to be honest Togusa." The ronin looked around the camp. "I'm here to see if I find in Toturi III what my father found in his father. My father was an ally and eventual friend to the Wolf, and I remember him from my childhood. He was a great man." The ronin looked at the Sohei and wondered "What sect are you from Togusa? I have served as a Yojimbo to several from the Temples of Osano-Wo in their travels."
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