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Post by Shoju on Oct 16, 2011 7:31:37 GMT -5
[ooc] huh... I thought I had posted soemthing in this thread. My apologies Kasuga. I could have sworn I did [/ooc]
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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 Oct 17, 2011 8:20:37 GMT -5
Isoroku tossed his latest kill overboard just as a brilliant explosion lit up the night sky. Instinctively he turned toward the sound and saw the remains of a fireball dissipating into the air near one of the ships. That must be Shoju's ship, he thought. There was no time to contemplate what to do with this new knowledge, as the unmistakable sound of men in heavy armor moving around came to his ears. he readied his weapon and turned to face this new threat. "To me, brothers," he hissed, and several of his undead troops rallied behind him, blades held at the ready. With an unearthly cry, they charged the line of chain-wielding men, and the tortoise troops roared to meet them.
As unprepared as the sailors had been to face undead horrors, Isoroku's troops were similarly unprepared to face chain-wielding troops. Their unnatural resilience continued to be a significant advantage, but these men were clearly trained to face sword-wielding troops, and they knew their business well. Isoroku soon found that his weapon was no longer in his hands, and with no recourse left he simply threw himself at his opponent, scratching and biting at his opponent like some kind of twisted animal as they struggled on the deck. The fight soon degenerated into a brawl as his surviving troops did the same, and Isoroku couldn't help but wonder how much longer they could keep this up.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 17, 2011 10:09:36 GMT -5
On the Fallow Field
Shoju delighted in having his Sword in his grasp, and a foe to slay. It made him remember his life as a magistrate, when things were simple. He began to pray aloud as he moved through the undead on the boat, uttering defensive spells over the crew as he moved. He reached the Undead in charge of the attack on the Fallow Field and stopped. I know not what your commander told you, but this attack will earn you the ire of your lord if you survive the day! And with that, Shoju struck out at him, the blade beginning to blow as it neared the undead, and it scream with delight in Shoju's mind.
As the fight became more of a Melee, The Snake Clan Shugenja began to see the dire situation. While they might survive, if something wasn't done soon, their existence would be taint. Tamihei Menzuno stood tall on his ship, and tore a scroll open. Several of the Shugenja on his boat joined him in the ritual.
As the ritual progressed, the sea calmed, the sky began to shine brighter, and the living began to glow. As a samurai stuck an undead, the wound was real, and the undead knew pain again. Slowly, the Snake Clan and the sailors were pushing back against the undead.
Curiously, the glow that surrounded 2 passengers on the fallow field was... different. Shoju, and Tenshi seemed to emanate a glow slightly more subdued than those of the others that fought back the undead on the ship. Shoju smiled as he and the undead battled. With the commander slain, Shoju began scouring the boats. He called the Air Kami to assist him. He knew that this was a planned methodical attack. He just had to figure out which one of these monsters was leading the charge.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 17, 2011 10:58:52 GMT -5
Yun moved in defense of the crew and the snake that were fighting the undead. His armor spell had limits, but it was holding up well against the attacks of the undead troops. Just as one would lash out at a member of Yun's group, he would position himself between the attack and take the hit, the sword resounding off the armor leaving the undead vulnerable as they attempted to reacquire balance; which was again taken from them by the ship's crew swinging chains. Yun kept up this act of bait and switch as he made his way to where Shoju was fighting. Shoju lashed out with his blade and severed the head of the seemingly more powerful undead that he had previously been fighting.
Yun approached and said: "This isn't the normal shadowlands stuff is it, Lord?"
Tamihei shook his head as he scanned the other ships.
Yun began to look more carefully at the assembled kobune, trying to find something that stood out.
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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 Oct 17, 2011 12:43:22 GMT -5
At Sea
Thrakhath stood at the prow of his brand new kobune, which he'd rechristened Silence, his hands spread out on the ship's railing in front of him. "The view is quite impressive, is it not?" a voice from behind him questioned.
Thrakhath turned to face his latest convert, a former Moshi by the name of Otsu. "The sea isn't new to me," he said flatly, turning back to face the sea.
"But commanding a ship is," Otsu said.
Thrakhath heard rather than saw Otsu's smirk at that comment. He's clearly going to be an insolent subordinate, he thought to himself. He turned so that his back was to the rail, leaning casually against it with his elbows resting on the wood. "I had hoped it wouldn't be that obvious," he said in the same tone.
Otsu shrugged nonchalantly. "Only to me," he said. Otsu was a lean man with long black hair that he kept unbound. His hand rested in the sleeves of his long kimono, and his features were sharp and angular. The expression on his face seemed to be one of perpetual amusement. "Then again, my lord," he said, "I have spent most of my life on one ship or another; I have an eye for such things." He turned to face the deck of the ship. "What matters is how the crew feels, and in their current condition, their captain could be a turnip and I don't think they would notice."
Thrakhath laughed heartily at that. The crew moved diligently in their work, oblivious to the conversation between the two men. Their dead eyes seemed to see nothing as the went about their tasks, though Thrakhath had made sure to leave them just enough intelligence to competently do their jobs. "It was a necessary step, Otsu-san," he said. "In their natural state, the crew might have been averse to taking my orders."
"No doubt they would," Otsu replied. "It must be useful having the ability to turn anyone into a blindly obedient slave," he said, musing. "I will have to learn the methods."
"You will learn that and more, I promise you," Thrakhath said. He turned to face the sea again and frowned. "I don't suppose you could conjur up a wind to make this trip a little shorter?"
Otsu smirked again. "Getting impatient, are we?" he said.
Thrakhath's frown became a glare. "I will only tolerate so much insolence, Otsu," he growled.
Otsu's smirk disappeared, but his eyes betrayed his continued amusement. "I could do as you ask, Thrakhath-dono," he said. "Tampering with the wind is dangerous, however, and somewhat unpredictable. Such things are best done when one cares nothing for the consequences."
Thrakhath waved a hand as if to dismiss the idea. "Forget I said anything," he said irritably.
Otsu's mouth twitched as if to suppress a smile. "If I may ask, my lord," he said, "where do you plan to put into port when we arrive in the Shadowlands? There are no harbors in that part of the world that I am aware of."
"I have a place in mind," Thrakhath said simply. "It should be uninhabited, but one never knows with the Shadowlands." That seemed to quiet Otsu, and it was Thrakhath's turn to grin.
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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 Oct 17, 2011 13:25:43 GMT -5
The Tortoise Fleet Near CandasIsoroku's teeth ripped into the samurai's throat and tore it out violently, the taste of the flesh threatening to drive him into a mindless frenzy that he could barely suppress. He stood hunched over in a feral combat stance, leaving the now-tainted body in place in case it decided to get up and join in. He was disappointed to find, however, that the ship he had boarded was very nearly subdued, though his own troops were significantly reduced. He reached down and tore a chunk of flesh from the man at his feet, chewing thoughtfully as he contemplated what to do next. Just then he felt a breeze pass by his ear, and he snapped at it instinctively. Were he thinking more clearly, he might have surmised that such a fast breeze was unnatural in the comparatively calm air, and he might have even deduced that there was a shugenja out there searching for him. Unfortunately it was all he could do to keep from joining the feeding frenzy currently taking place on the deck of the ship. "Feast, my brothers," he hissed under his breath. He went to the rail and looked out at the fleet, trying to get a feel for the progress of the battle. [OOCC: The "progress of the battle" can be whatever you guys decide, as far as I'm concerned. I had no illusions about winning this battle overall. If either of you want to PM me with ideas about the course of the fight feel free. ]
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 17, 2011 16:31:20 GMT -5
In the Greater FleetAbout two thirds of the ships fared much the same as the Fallow Field. The ships all had troops, most with light armor and chain weapons. None wore the mon of the Tortoise, though none wore any mon at all, so they could have been ronin for all anyone was concerned. A few ships had shugenja, and those fared better. Those that didn't were closer fights, but it seemed the ships had come prepared for trouble. The other one third were much harder battles. These ships had sailors clearly decked out in pirate garb, including the Ill Wind. The troops on these ships were very experienced sea fighters, but they all had short swords and no armor. That made the battles much more harrowing. ==================== Aboard the Fallow FieldCaptain Michi could see his ship was hard fought from his position on the upper deck. His men that had been with him on the row boat were mostly dead, but those that were still alive stood side by side with the Snake. He wheeled around with a growl, and his eyes rested on the sailor who was still surrounded by the 4 well armed men. "DAMN you Shinobu! Ye' planned this all along, didn' ye?" The sailor coughed, body shaking with them. The battle was too loud for voices to carry much, so only those closer or specifically listening could hear the quiet, weak reply. "If you wish to try to take the row boat over to your ship Captain Michi, I suggest you do so now, before I change my mind and keep you here."(( ooc - Up to you two what ultimately happens. I have no cares about the pirate ships, though I'd appreciate the Fallow Field to remain up for now, along with at least a good number of the Tortoise ships. ))
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Post by Shoju on Oct 18, 2011 8:59:58 GMT -5
[ooc] I don't plan for the Tortoise to get hurt, and I would imagine it could be played off as an indebtedness to the tortoise for the losses.[/ooc]
Shoju looked at Yun. No, Yun-san, The Lord of Spider promised this would not come to pass. This is most assuredly not his work. Shoju finished off an undead before him, thrusting the massive No-Dachi through his Skull. Those close would wonder if the sword truly was screaming in delight as it finished off foes.
The Shugenja's ritual had begun to turn the tide some, and most ships, while suffering casualties of pirate, and Snake alike seemed to be turning the tides against the undead attackers. The crew of the Fallow Field had suffered just 2 casualties, and several minor wounds.
The Air Kami returned to Shoju giving him no known leader of the undead forces, but had pointed towards a ship that had been almost a complete loss of life. Shoju reasoned that this would be a good enough place to begin. As Michi roared at the Guarded Leader, Shoju walked towards him. Michi was your name yes? I promise you, we will rescue your ship, and you will have a crew again. Right now, I was hoping that you might aid me. Yun! Bonfei! To arms! Shoju turned to see them falling in line behind him. As they did, he turned back towards Michi. I think I know where to find the one behind this attack, but I need someone to get me there.
Shoju turned and pointed at a ship floating several hundred yards away. That ship, has been a complete loss. I have a feeling it holds the one responsible for this assault. I need to get closer to engage it.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Oct 18, 2011 10:20:14 GMT -5
Michi gave a grunt to Shoju. He could tell this one deserved some respect, but damn it he was a pirate. Besides, his ship was all he cared about at the moment. Regardless, at least the Snake was offering a lifeline of sorts. "I can row ye' over to that ship in the dingy right there with 10 men at most, if ye' think that'll be enough. Might even be able t' do it sneaky with all the commotion goin' on. If'n ye' want a larger ship, this one ain't mine. Ye'll have to talk t' THAT no good dog." His thumb jabbed back over his shoulder at Shinobu at that.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 18, 2011 10:35:01 GMT -5
Shoju smiled. I would think that the more subtle, the better, The small boat will be just fine. Shoju looked back at Bonfei and Yun. The three of us will be enough for the battle, but I would appreciate a few crew who can stay in the boat until we have dealt with the incursion aboard. I'm afraid that the three of us aren't a seaworthy crew.
They made their preparations, and the boat was lowered. MIchi was adept in the craft, and they reached the ghastly quiet ship. The fighting on other vessels was dying out, and it appeared that 4 ships were lost. This was the first to fall, making it stand to reason Those on this ship, were the cream of the crop. They came alongside the ship, and they Shoju grabbed at the rope. Bonfei grunted and grabbed it as well. If it please my champion, I would take the first climb. My life is forfeit without your guidance.
Shoju nodded, and Bonfei began to scale the side of the vessel. As he reached the top he slowed. As he reached the deck, he surveyed the scene, and made a gesture to keep quiet and scale the ship.
As they reached the top, Shoju saw the undead desecrating the crew, and snake clan in a horrifically grizzly scene. It had been a slaughter. There was a lone figure on the other side of the ship, leaning against the railing watching the rest of the battles unfold.
Shoju looked at Yun as he scaled the railing, and at Bonfei. We deal with the filth first, and then... That one. IS MINE. .
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 18, 2011 11:11:56 GMT -5
Yun had grabbed hold of the rope; and he thought preperation was probably better suited, so he let go momentarily to grab a scroll. Looking down at his scroll case he saw Bob's scroll. His hand reached for it as his mind clouded with visions of Bob slaying anything that could come against Yun. Yun snapped to, realizing what had happened and thought to himself:
Damnit Bob, not now! I havn't had time to explain anything. Yun, I have to protect you, I will kill everything that would harm you. Let me out! I can't. I have to explain or something bad will happen, you know your....condition. And I can't risk both of us...not yet. Very well, I will continue to wait, but don't get yourself killed or...
The sentence trailed off in Yun's mind as he grabbed a scroll marked with a air seal. This one would be good for clearing the top deck, assuminng that everyone on there wasn't rooted to the ground. Yun scaled the rope and got to the top. Knowing stealth was in mind, he began muttering his prayer quietly to not break the "revelry" of the undead aboard the ship. Yun could understand one of the reasons that Shoju-Sama had forbade undead as he watched the grisly scene on top of the ship.
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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 Oct 18, 2011 11:44:03 GMT -5
Many of the ships Isoroku studied seemed to be moving under control. Coupled with the dying sounds of battle in the night around him, it certainly seemed as if things were going badly for his troops. We weren't ordered to win anyway, he thought, only to fight. He nearly began to give the order to retreat when, in his peripheral vision he saw someone standing up straight, very uncharacteristic of a feeding ghoul.
When he turned to look and saw the man's face, something unexpected happened. Shoju, he found himself thinking, and suddenly he was no longer in control of his own body. His awareness remained, but his limbs would not respond to his commands. Something that Goju did to me? His mouth opened to speak, but the voice that emerged from it was not his. "You will not live to betray my lord," he said. The voice was unmistakeably that of Thrakhath. Isoroku watched through his own eyes in shock as his body charged forward to meet the shugenja, his blade raised high.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 18, 2011 12:33:52 GMT -5
You have succeeded in betraying him yourself Thrakhath! Shoju whirled out of the way of the attack. Shoju knew the voice. He had spent considerable time with its owner. But this body, well... It wasn't Thrakhath. Shoju could smell the Maho thick in the air, Thrakhath was no where nearby. You shouldn't have sided with the gaijin Thrakhath. His goals have put you at odds with your Lord....
As The Undead and Shoju began to circle each other, The Ghouls on the deck began assembling for the assault. Yun! Bonfei! Destroy the undead. I will deal with this one. Shoju withdrew the No-Dachi from his back. Do you recognize this blade Thrakhath? You should... You retrieved it for me. And now, you will realize the terrible power which I command, and you..... Shoju chuckled. You should fear.
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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 Oct 18, 2011 13:18:16 GMT -5
Aboard the Kobune Silence
"... My lord?" Otsu raised a tentative hand toward Thrakhath, but dared not touch him. Thrakhath made no move as if he'd noticed, or that he had even heard Otsu's question. Otsu leaned over the forward rail to look at Thrakhath's face, and what he saw froze his blood. The expression on his lord's face was calm, but his eyes were a shade of black so deep that Otsu found he could not look at them; as if the Void itself had possessed him. He took a step back, experiencing true fear for the first time since Thrakhath had approached him not so long ago and suddenly feeling very alone. Fortunes, what have I gotten myself into?
The Tortoise Fleet
"Gaijin?" Isoroku continued to watch helplessly as Thrakhath's voice issued from his throat. Thrakhath laughed as he parried Shoju's blade stroke for stroke. "I have sided with no gaijin, Shoju," Thrakhath's voice rasped. "I serve my lord, as I always have; whether he knows it or not." Isoroku had seen Thrakhath fight before, but he'd never experienced his lord's ability firsthand. He watched in awe as his hands wielded his blade better than he could ever hope to manage. "You bloodspeakers are all the same," Thrakhath continued as the swordsclashed over and over. "You claim to serve Daigotsu, but eventually you all go rogue and get delusions of grandeur. Someone has to take you down when that happens." Isoroku felt what was left of his mouth twist into a grin. "There is one and only one in this world that I fear, and it certainly will never be you." As the battle raged, it was clear to Isoroku that not only was Thrakhath's skill far beyond his own, but Thrakhath's skill and Isoroku's body would not be able to keep up with each other for long. In that moment, Isoroku did the only thing he could think of.
He prayed.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 18, 2011 13:20:50 GMT -5
Yun, realizing that all pretense at stealth had been lost finished his prayer aloud to give it that characteristic power that Yun had always had. He put his back against the mast of the kobune and faced away from Shoju and Bonfei down the other side of the ship.
"...and though I am but a man, I importune the kami to use their breath to shred my enemies! SLAYERS KNIVES!
A torrent of air rushed from Yun's fingertips with more force than his previous incantation, the swirl created by the sudden gust forced the kobune to lurch a little in the opposite direction. A hurricane's gust directed forward in such a small, tight cone formation was incredibly unnatural; and it could be clearly heard for quite a distance. The pressure pushed Yun hard against the ship's mast as he held his hands outstretched. The air, seemingly made of knives cut through the undead crew on Yun's side of the ship. Bit of flesh, of what remained on both crews was slashed free of where it had stood on the bodies. Several of the corpses were just pushed off the boat entirely, but the ones who managed to stay were not in better shape as the sheer force of the torrent had been enough to sever bone from cartilage.
Yun paused afterward to catch his breath from having not breathed during the effects of his incantation.
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