Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Aug 12, 2011 18:55:12 GMT -5
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TTUBMTInVE&feature=relatedScene MusicThe Sun's Gambit - Flagship of the Mantis FleetThe sun beamed down on my face, warming my tanned skin. I could smell the salt in the air, and the sounds of sea birds close to the bay. With my eyes closed it sounds and feels like paradise. Until I open them. In the distance was Toshi Ranbo Emerald of Rokugan and the seat of the Emperor. War was upon it. In the distance I could hear the rage of combat and soon, very soon the Mantis would be flanking our enemy forces. For the last week or so I have been trying to go through the numbers in my head. Calculations upon calculations. I mean we just ended a War. This entire conflict in my honest opinion was insane. Duty calls though. The only option now was to lessen the damage this conflict will cause. Save as many Rokugani lives as possible. I rubbed the bridge of my nose and temples and felt the stress in my muscles. We were close now and just waiting for the right moment to strike. Such a long journey. "When will we be ready? I grow impatient!" a man growled behind me. The man was Matsu Harushi, an envoy of the Lion armies attacking Toshi Ranbo. The Lion right arm of Toturi Kaneka. He was a tall man for a Lion, about 5'10 heavily muscled with long black hair and a gotee. He carried a No Dachi, and from what I heard he was a master at using it. He was placed with my ship no doubt because the Lion knew he was hot tempered and would get many men killed needlessly, so they place him as the Mantis' envoy. Great now im a babysitter as well. "We will be ready when we are ready. No sooner. No later, my Matsu friend." I had a little bite in my words. Hopefully he would get the hint, but I somehow knew better. "This is not acceptable! We involved the Mantis for......." He very loudly shot off until I nterupted him. "LAST I CHECKED MATSU, YORITOMO MASAMOTO WAS CAPTAIN OF THE SUN'S GAMBIT, YOU KNOW THE FLAGSHIP OF THE ENTIRE MANTIS FLEET! IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH MY ORDERS ON MY SHIP YOU CAN SWIM TO YOUR BROTHERS, THEY ARE RIGHT OVER THERE!" I said with venom in my tone, and I pointed to the raging battle. "Such insolence will not stand!" Harushi said with much hatred in his voice. "Take it up with me after the battle is over, I still might be able to use you as a human body shield as we approach, after that if you survive you can duel me afterwards." I turned my back to him hoping he would take a shot at me. My hand rested on the hilt of my sword. "I HATE dealing with the Mantis!" Harushi very frustrated turned and stormed off to the other side of the ship. I guess he wasn't that stupid afterall. I stood there my hands on the railing looking at the battle in the distance. I couldn't help but think o my friends, and loved ones in that battle on both sides. Such a tragedy I thought.
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Tsuruchi Kimo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan Samurai - Courtier - Magistrate
Posts: 4
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Post by Tsuruchi Kimo on Aug 12, 2011 20:25:45 GMT -5
Right behind Masamoto-sama, Kimo observes the angry Lion with an open smile on his face. He is quite sure that Harushi would love to beat him up, but at that distance his No Dachi would not be as quick and effective and in open field. In a regular situation, Kimo would show him some moves and he wouldn´t even notice what´s going on until he was kissing the deck. But there´s no time to fool around. The situation is getting worse day by day and every man-to-be-lost in this insanity is an unacceptable loss to the Mantis Clan.
Just after the Lion left, Kimo aproaches Masamoto and bow deeply just before saying:
"- Tsuruchi Kimo reporting for duty, captain. I have some bad news from the sea... I was worried that one of our ships was out of sight for too much time. I´m afraid we have had some casualties just before they could even react."
He makes a long pause and thinks carefully about he´s about to say. Masamoto looks to be in a bad mood and not all the balance and agility acquired in all these years of sailling taught him how to give that kind of information.
"- ... and that´s a chance that Yoritomo-sama could be missed in action, sir. I hope it´s not the case, Masamoto-sama, but given the situation, I suggest we should assemble the council."
Without looking up, Kimo stays still. Waiting to be dismissed.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Aug 14, 2011 22:22:47 GMT -5
The Champion I thought gone! The shock took me for a second, but growing up as a child that was the first thing we learned to control. Being brought into the Mantis as I had, by a relative of the current champion and acting as her consort, that put me in charge of the fleet. The woman known as Eisho had saved him and her band of ronin. Little to my knowledge she was related to the current clan champion. For saving my life I have agreed to aid her. Her son Ken was an odd child able to see spirits without the ability to use magic. They were bound to the fate of a gajin item that placed a curse on them, after I defeated the spirit within it they were free once again and revealed their true identity.
I married her after finding out about my love. My heart belonging to her, but my body apparently belonging to the politics of the clans. Once returning to the silk islands I was welcomed with open arms. The Yoritomo leaders knowing my true name which I refuse to use anymore, for on that day by the river Toku Sanjuro died. All that remains in Yoritomo Masamoto. Its amazing what a beard can do when you want to hide your identity. I took peace in knowing I wouldnt have to run a clan again even a minor one like the Monkey was hoing to kill me one way or another. Now I find myself leading the Mantis, a least for a time. Please be alive champion, please you have better not burden me with a great clan.
"Dammit!" I snarled through my teeth. I slammed my right hand fist down hard onto the railing.
"That Kimo barbarian fellow is staring at your gloved hand" the arrogance overflowed with the comment and I instantly recognized the deep voice of Sahir the spirit plaguing me ever since I defeated it. I heard his, erm its voice in my head. It had benefits though. It warned me of incoming danger and shifted magics around me making it harder to effect me both good and malicious magic.
"I told you to shut up!" I noticed Kimo tensed when I said that. The other thing I constantly come off as a little crazy. Talking to a voice that no one else can hear, except Ken.
I walked over to Tsuruchi Kimo. "Not you Kimo-sama, I am sorry for letting my anger get the better of me. Make contact with the captains of all the vessels we have to talk about our plan and these current events. Get our most talented Kitsune here, I need someone who can get messages out to our allies fast." I placed my hand on Kimo's shoulder. "We have a Empire to save." I couldn't help but laugh.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 15, 2011 0:47:43 GMT -5
Two months ago, Manji bid a sad farewell to his mother, Kitsune Maya, leaving the ancestral grounds of his Family intent on traveling straight to Shiro Tamori in order to meet his granddad, Tamori Moriya, and finish the last steps of his alchemical training, a rare honor bestowed upon few members of other Clans. But, alas, he lived in interesting times and the Fortunes were fickle.
During his time on the road he went everywhere but where his heart truly wanted to, as confusion and war spread like wildfire throughout the Empire. The last week of his journey brought him to Toshi Ranbo, where the Crane amassed its armies in hopes of successfully defending the Imperial City against the fury of the Lion, already being unleashed outside its walls, and those who had pledged themselves to the Shogun. Lately, he had been plagued by ill omens and visions, seldom managing to sleep. And now he stared intently into the still waters of a large ofuro, located in a bathroom outside the inn Roar of the Origami Lion.
"We have an Empire to save.", he heard the wind kami whisper in his ear, as he saw Yoritomo Masamoto-san and Tsuruchi Kimo-san, two known faces from his dreams, aboard The Sun's Gambit and amidst a whole fleet of Mantis' ships, on their way to join the civil war. He ran a hand across the surface of the water, to dispel the vision, and finished his meditation. He put on a set of plain travel robes, devoid of the mon of his family and Clan, said to himself, "Better get something to eat while I still can. It will be a long night" and went after the innkeeper, an old sly man named Shinnosuke. After supping, to replenish the strength drained by the spell, he bid the innkeeper goodnight and retired to his quarters.
He had rented a small room in the inn's second floor just before the siege started, avoiding to use his Clan name in order not to raise suspicion. After all, his Clan was, theoretically, supporting the Shogun. The room was simple, with only a futon, a window with view of the back of the inn and a table, where rested several small sheets of paper and a calligraphy kit. "I guess its finally time to test my control over the white fox's lessons", he thought as he settled himself on the ground, prepared his calligraphy set and wrote a careful message to his clansmen. Afterwards, he mentally summoned Kaminari, a peregrine falcon he had befriended during his travels, and bound the paper to its leg. "Fly my friend!", were his words to him as the bird took to the skies. Soon afterwards, Manji made himself as comfortable as possible, took a deep breath and extended his consciousness to the falcon. The initial moment when their minds merged was always the hardest part, as his thoughts and the falcon's became one. He could still hear the white fox's words ringing in his ears, "Be always mindful of how long you wear the skin of another animal. You must be able to control your thoughts and remember who you are because the risk of losing yourself is always present.". Soon, as he darted across the twilight sky, above the fires of war that threatened to engulf Toshi Ranbo, a single thought occupied his mind, "As fast as the wind".
It was night when Kaminari reached the fleet and glided towards The Sun's Gambit, his spotted feathers invisible against the dark sky...
(ooc: the idea is for the falcon to arrive with my message amidst the reunion, so, go on and gather all the meaningful NPCs. I'll insert my parts when appropriate. Also, I'm assuming that, since Toshi Ranbo's port is small, the majority of the fleet is still far from the city)
EDIT: added little details to the story and edited the color of the text.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Aug 15, 2011 21:05:44 GMT -5
One thing about being the old Monkey Clan champion, I notice everything. Is it training? Is it a innate talent? Is it a gift? I don't know really, but what I do know was I could see the movement against the night sky. At first I began to brace for an attack but I noticed a falcon. One of a spiritual nature. Most likely a Kitsune construct.
"It is a spiritual being. I want to eat it." I could sense a malignant hunger in Sahirs voice. He wanted nothing more than to rip that falcon apart. Desperately.
"You are mine to command! Stand down!" I exerted my iron clad wall of will against Sahir's and felt him bucket under my sheer will, or stubbornness. I haven't quite figured out which it is.
"Definitely stubbornness.......master." Sahir chimed in comically.
I once again notice the people near me looked strangely at me. To divert their attention and give a reason for the recent madness I pointed to the spiritual falcon. They nodded in a limited understanding.
"That being has a tether going into that city on the horizon barbarian Masamoto." I could feel the gawkiness coming from Sahir. I looked really annoyed. After giving Sahir the spiritual version of a bitch slap using my will err stubbornness. I saw the falcon land on the railing. I understood the meaning and purpose behind the falcon. A messenger.
Good I thought its time to begin.
"Welcome honored Kitsune, I am Yoritomo Masamoto. May I ask whom I am communicating to?" respect was in my tone. This was a auspicious thing to happen at this moment. Good we need all the inspiration we can get.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 15, 2011 22:58:52 GMT -5
Kaminari observed the individuals in front of him for a moment, then made a harsh kak sound and used his beak to indicate the message bound to his leg.
A young shugenja, named Kitsune Ren, that had been escorted aboard The Sun's Gambit by Tsuruchi Kimo, moved forward, bowed respectfully to Yoritomo Masamoto and said: "I know this bird Masamoto-sama, he's one of the animal companions of Kitsune Manji-sama. He being here means that Manji-sama is aware of our reunion. With your excuse". Ren moved up to Kaminari, unbounded the message, carefully unfurled the paper and read: "Lion attacks en masse. Crane focused on the war. Other Clans on their way. I know your intent and will be your envoy, it should be easy to find Yukihime-sama. The falcon will watch. Manji". Kaminari followed Ren's speech with loud kak and bobbed his head.
Ren walked back to his place and said "Yukihime-sama is a renowned air shugenja of the Asahina family. Masamoto-sama, if I may be so bold, what is this intent Manji-sama speaks of? What would you have us discuss?". With that, the reunion started as Manji watched his clansmen through Kaminari's eyes.
[ooc: Ren will be my voice in this reunion. As such, I'll roleplay through him.]
PS.: Kaminari may emit a faint magical aura while our consciousnesses are merged but he's a common animal. This technique is roughly akin to the bloodspeaker one that allows a maho-tsukai to transfer his soul to another body. The fundamental difference is that, instead of forcing myself into an unwilling person and snuffing their soul in the process, I merge myself with an animal for a time. While in this state, me and the animal whose skin I'm "wearing" share the same body and we can be considered a sole entity. In case the animal dies I still feel the pain and shock of death but my consciousness returns to my original body. This is a rare water technique taught by the white foxes who are the messengers of Inari.
EDIT: fixed some typos and other errors. EDIT 2: Kitsune Poxo and Tsuruchi Kentaro, feel free to include yourselves in this reunion, we are aboard a big ship after all.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Aug 16, 2011 16:58:25 GMT -5
Heavy foot steps heralded the approach of a towering man from below decks. Kitsune Daichi wore what would be considered more of a traditional sohei garb then a samurai garb. Ashigaru armor hung over his loosely fitting robes, both colored in the greens, golds, and browns of both clan and family. His reddish orange hair tied back into a warriors knot and his emerald green eye left exposed, both showing off his unusual heritage.
"I hope my intrusion into this conversation is forgiven, Yoritomo-sama, Tsuruchi-sama, and Kitsune-sama, but I felt it time leave my seclusion." Daichi said as he approached then stopped a few feet away. The stench of a sake works would soon waft to anyone who would find themselves to close to the large man. Though the way the man spoke, walked, and held himself showed no sign or hint of being inebriated.
"The spirits tell me of a questioning as to our current position in this war?" Daichi posed as more of a question then a statement.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Aug 16, 2011 19:30:08 GMT -5
I studied everyone for a moment. Resting my forefinger and thumb across my chin. The problem is to convince everyone to a certain point of view. I already knew of the course of action. I just needed to get everyone else on board. I could see a small group forming near us. As well as Matsu Harushi was nearby with his guard Yoritomo Nenkai, a rather new samurai to the clan. She had just passed her Gempukku a month or so before we set sail. There was going to be blood soon, and I didn't intend it to be any Mantis blood.
"Yes indeed, what is this position in this war Captain?" a very snide and sarcastic tone came from the Lion. Harushi stood very aggressively trying to exhibit his physical stature to intimidate his guard Nenkai as well as the other Mantis near him. Nenkai although intimidated by the man didn't waiver in her duty.
I sinister laugh echoed around me. "This barbarian wishes to kill you, it reeks off of him in waves of anger and a delightful spice of pride added to the mix. I like this barbarian!" Sahir apparently liked Harushi. That was it. No more.
In one quick glance I saw what would happen. Harushi had decided to either lure me into a fight or prove cowardice in me to get me replaced. Childish. He was a master at the No Daichi. First Nenkai would try to stop him. Harushi would be ready and block the attack and throw her aside while unsheathing his long blade while slicing her midsection mid air. Nenkai would bleed out in savage pain in little under a minute. Kimo would draw an arrow but Harushi would close faster and shoulder Kimo then chop him from shoulder to kidney.
I would not permit it at all.
"You attempt to draw me into conflict Matsu or convince my clan mates of cowardice. You come on my ship. Order my people around as though they are yours to command. Things do not go to your liking you complain like a spoiled child. My goal is a simple one Matsu. I plan of saving as many Rokugani lives as possible. Even yours." As I talked I inched forward to about 10ft or so. My tone getting steadily loader. "You are no longer welcome on my ship Matsu. You may leave in peace off my ship now. Swim to your brothers. If you want blood however I cant stop you from drawing your weapon, but I can sure as hell break you of the habit!"
I saw his legs tense up and his waist shift. He was about to make his move. Matsu Harushi began to move. Nenkai was seconds behind. He grabbed her and began to shift his weight to throw her when a sickening crunch and wet thump echoed around. A throwing knife was stuck to the hilt in Harushi's head between his eyes. He twitched and ripped part of Nenkai's weather breaker at her shoulder away. As he turned still holding his hilt Harushi managed to begin to make a noise when I planted the soul of my foot into the center of his chest. Pinning him against the railing of the ship. I felt 3 of his ribs shatter one probably puncturing his lungs. The momentum of this attack knocked the wind from him and lifted him up and over the rail.
Matsu Harushi splashed into the water. He would still be alive for a few more seconds as he crept into the blackness of the waves below.
"A pity, I always hate to see potential wasted of idiocy. I also really liked that knife." I saw the shock on many faces around me. However I saw more smiles and gratifying looks of approval. "We will convene soon. Get messages out to the other captains to arrive. What I wish to discuss is the end of this madness. We need to unify Rokugan again and it starts here. We need to get word to both the Crab and Crane nearby. We need representatives whom have authority to make pacts. Once they arrive we will start. I turned to look intently at Ren. "Can you help in this? Getting a Crab and Crane with authority to come here soon? It is imperative."
I looked to the horizon in hope of a better future.
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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 16, 2011 20:06:26 GMT -5
"I don't particularly care which one, Fisherman-san. Just one of them." the Monkey said with irritation. It was not the hapless fishermen, the man was annoyed with. The sea never set well with him. He loathed boats, but there was no way around it. A young Monkey was throwing up over the side. "Remind me why we're going out into the ocean, sama?" he said wiping his mouth. Another Monkey, even younger than the other came from port, munching on raw ginger. "Because The Mantis declared for Toturi. They may not know the situation on land, and they don't get along with The Lion." the young man said while offering the other his ginger. The other Monkey shook his head and resumed throwing up. Hirotomo shrugged and moved to his father. "I hope this is important, I need to go to Kyuden Bayushi. We need the Scorpion, not only to help preserve our lands, but to help in the war as well." "It is, My Lord. Once our business is finished here, I would like to accompany you to the Scorpion. I need to speak to the Mistress of Secrets."
Hirotomo shrugged and continued his snack. A Tortoise once told him ginger helped ease the stomach at sea. He did not want to end up like Juta. "If that's what you want, Father. Chiyuki will be glad to see us. She's been busy trying to negotiate, some company may be welcome." Kenpachi nodded. He did not want his son to know that he'd not only just seen her, but they spent time in the Shadowlands.
Suddenly, a body was thrown off of one of the ships. "We have to save them!" Hirtomo said, ordering the fisherman closer. Kenpachi put a hand on his son's shoulder. "We're too far away. They will be long gone before we get there." Hirotomo slammed his fist on the railing. "What the hell did they do that for?" "The Mantis are odd. They treat boats as estates. A captain's word is law. Apparently one luckless soul forgot that." Juta said wiping his mouth.
"That's as good as anywhere." Kenpachi sighed. "Fisherman! Raise our flag, and steer towards that big ship! Maybe we can get answers there!"
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 16, 2011 22:55:50 GMT -5
Kaminari bobbed his head curiously as the Lion bushi was kicked overboard and fell into the water. He sounded a loud kak, ruffled his wings noisily and took to the skies.
Ren was baffled by the sudden display of violence, sometimes he forgot how brash bushi could be. He said in a cautious, low voice, "Captain, please, let's try to refrain from further bloodshed, especially amongst our own. As much as we may agree with you, killing bushi from our allied Clans will only serve to make others deaf to our pleas", he paused a moment and added "as for your request, there's no need to, that's in the hands of Manji-sama now. We should turn our eyes to our other guests" as he pointed towards the small fishing ship with an unfurled flag that bore the Monkey mon.
Manji flew through the night sky for a while, while thinking about the consequences of what had just happened, and saw the Monkeys but thought that going back to the ship wouldn't do any good. He glided for a while, emptying his mind of all thought and savoring the cool night air. Gradually, as his consciousness returned to his body, he opened his eyes and saw that he was back at the inn. He exercised his body a bit, to fend off the dormancy that started to settle in his limbs, and went to the window, knowing that the hardest part had finally come, it was time to take a side. He prayed for a moment for the kami to send him a messenger and raised his right hand when the skylark arrived, for it to land. He murmured a message to it and sent it flying to find Yukihime-sama.
Now, the only things left for him to do were to prepare and wait.
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Post by kentaro on Aug 17, 2011 8:21:06 GMT -5
A kobune, flying both the Mantis banner, and that of Toturi the 3rd, approached the suggested meeting place of the Mantis fleet up the river.
Kentaro, seated on the aft deck of his kobune, heard the lookouts report "The Sun's Gambit is ahead at anchor!"
Kentaro wearily rose from his seat, though successfully hiding his weariness. He felt a stiffness in his right thigh. Perhaps I should have taken it easy in the sparring last night. Still, the style the Yoritomo sailor had used was intriguing, many kicks, and little of the traditional Rokugani jiujutsu.
Kentaro made his way below decks. It wouldn't do to appear less than composed. Eschewing the aid of any servants, Kentaro cleaned his face, shaved the stubble that clung to his chin, and proceeded to change out of his traveling clothes, and into that exquisite kimono he had picked up in Toshi Ranbo. I imagine these will become harder to obtain as this war conitnues. He then put on light armor over his kimono, hoping to achieve that ideal of refined violence. He stuck his daisho into his belt, put quiver and bow on his back, then fastened on his Wasp armband, followed by one with Toturi's mon embroidered upon it.
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Kentaro's kobune, The Arrow's Path, drew up alongside the much larger Sun's Gambit. After greetings and a permission to board were shouted across the respectful distance, Kentaro and a handful of Yoritomo were lowered in a small launch, and rowed to the Sun's Gambit. Kentaro easily climbed the lowered rope unaided.
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Kentaro made his way to the cluster of important Mantis in discussion, then bowed to Yoritomo Masamoto as Captain of the ship. All others received respectful nods.
Addressing Masamoto, "Yoritomo Masamoto-san, I am Tsuruchi Kentaro, a samurai of little note. I am here as I had received a message requesting my presence. I regret that I cannot enjoy your hospitality longer, but I must be away by nightfall to continue warring."
Kentaro, slyly noticing the conspicuous lack of support for Toturi, began to wonder how poorly this meeting would go. Having visited Scorpion courts, he let no sign of this show. He hoped.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Aug 17, 2011 21:51:55 GMT -5
I looked to the Kitsune displaying a face devoid of emotion. "With all due respect Ren-san that man was shown hospitality and threw it back in our face. He tried to usurp command of this very vessel. Also I only shed blood when the man was commited to killing his personal guard that we provided him. I'm sure Nenkai is very appreciative I acted faster than Harushi. He sealed his fate when he drew steel." I bowed to Ren to show my respect. "Thank you for showing concern in these actions, but you need to know something about me. I protect me and my own. Anyone who even acts like they will threaten any Mantis Clan member had better be faster than me. Otherwise they will end up just like Harushi."
"For someone whom has alot of rage and anger you manage to restrain yourself quite miraculously." Sahir's arrogance seeped across me like a tar. It turned my skin damp and I suddenly felt sickly from it. I closed my eyes for 3 seconds and steeled myself. I refused to let that spirit affect me so.
I turned into the breeze of wind. The coolness of it was very pleasant. It helped me further gather my resolve. I looked into the horizon and for a second my heart stopped. A boat with my kin aboard. This was not going to end well. I took a deep breath in and tried to keep it in hoping this was a dream. I would wake and the Empire would not be at war. I opened my eyes and found nothing but disappointment. A solemn look crept onto my face.
I looked around and saw many of the captains arriving onto the deck. the gathering was about to commence, and it appears my family would be present. Great I thought.
"Please, welcome the Monkey aboard." I managed the words as hard as they flowed. I looked to Yoritomo Nenkai for this to be done. She bowed deeply "Hai!"
I saw the man known as Tsuruchi Kentaro approach me and bow. "To me Kentaro-san every man is of note. You are humble my friend. My old Sensei would always tell me that is the true trait of a man of wisdom. You have my respect." I bowed to the man and my sincerity was bold and true. "I understand about the hospitality a Captain has things that need to be attended on ones ship of course."
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Yoritomo Nenkai met the monkey visitors where smaller ships would dock to The Suns Gambit. She bowed deeply after seeing the Monkey Clan Champion was aboard.
She was slightly tall for a woman. Standing at 5'6' with hair down to her mid back. A sailors outfit was adorned with meritorious awards. Her light armor was well maintained for being near the oceans spray.
"I am Yoritomo Nenkai, Guard and liason to visitors aboard The Sun's Gambit. Yoritomo Masamoto welcomes you aboard. Hospitality will of course be offered and honored." She still looked slightly down when addressing the Monkey visitors.
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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 17, 2011 22:34:17 GMT -5
Juta had managed to keep his seasickness at bay, though he was still looking green when he climbed aboard the Mantis ship. Hirotomo climbed easily, and was the first to greet the Mantis. "Greetings, Toritomo Nenkai-san. I am Toku Hirotomo, the ill seeming man is Fuzake Juta, and the man having trouble with the ropes is my father, Toku Kenpachi. We are honored by the offer of hospitality. Your Captain runs a fine ship."
Kenpachi finally managed to come aboard the Mantis ship. I hate boats. he thought bitterly. At least one of them was moderately comfortable. Perhaps he could find answers to the rumors surrounding the Mantis fleet from this Masamoto. He must be a minor figure, he knew most of the high ranking Mantis, by name if not by face. It was the only good thing to come from the debacle at Kyuden Gotei.
Hirotomo was looking around at the ship. The Sun's Gambit, the woman had said. It was a clean ship. More so than the ones off the Monkey coast. The ginger had fortified his system, and he was smiling and chatting with the woman as she took them to where ever she was leading them. War was making samurai sour. He wanted it over. The war, the arguments. Was this how his father thought during the Four Winds war? Melancholy thoughts were useless he decided. He remained vigilant. He was irritated that they would throw a man overboard to his death, but he should find out why before he cast judgement. Perhaps the Captain could offer an explanation. He wondered what kind of man this Yoritomo Masamoto was. He wanted to ask his father who he was, as he knew many Mantis, but chose not too. He may be a luminary and did not want to give offense before he even met the man.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Aug 18, 2011 10:23:06 GMT -5
'That is not going to go over well.' Daichi thought to himself as the body splashed into the ocean below and catching the sails of a monkey vessel approaching out of the corner of his eye.
"'Perfect timing to witness Yoritomo hospitality, I see. Who knew the message would get out so fast." Daichi grumbled to no one in particular other maybe the kami themselves before producing a gourd taking a heavy draw from it then offered to who stood near him.
While he appeared to have been ignored he showed no distaste of the situation as his thoughts soon wondered back to returning his seclusion but talks of wisdom snapped him back to the situation at hand. "Forgive my continued interruption, Yoritomo-sama, but while being humble can be a mark of true wisdom it can also be worn easily like a mask and easily used for deception into the believe one can be trusted. One must always be careful in spotting true humility specially if you ever find yourself playing games in the courts."
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Post by kentaro on Aug 18, 2011 11:25:01 GMT -5
At Kitsune Daichi's implied insult of his honesty, Kentaro raised an eyebrow quizzically, but made no other hostile move.
"Kistune Daichi-san, you do make an excellent point about false modesty, and how it can disguise a manipulative heart. Sadly, I have seen much deceit in my short life. Luckily, I was raised a Mantis, not in Ryoko Owari.""Your advice about taking care in court is wise; many have ignored the subtexts of the words at great peril. Or, worse still, have carelessly insulted others when they meant no such thing. I have personally seen several men killed by an off-handed remark that carried a dire insult."
Kentaro paused, smiled wryly, and continued:
"Thankfully, we are all allies and family, and no misunderstandings will occur. Hopefully, any disagreements that may arise can be had without offense. For my part, I am simply a Tsuruchi, bringing bow and blade to bear in service of our Clan. I seek only to advance the agenda of the Mantis. and the Mantis' support of Toturi the 3rd. If I am unwelcome here, I would sooner leave than cause unneeded strife among my brothers and sisters. While we may soon fight on opposite sides of a regrettable war, I am loathe to draw steel on my family. Only a dire provocation could force that, not a mere civil war."
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