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Post by Shoju on Oct 5, 2011 10:03:46 GMT -5
On the Ships
Unong nodded. The horrors of war know no bounds sadly. He walked towards the captain on the deck. I don't know that I'm worried, more that I'm wondering if anyone is prepared for the blight they will see. The Isles of Candas have held the mark of the Shadowlands at bay for a long time. Many believe that it is the Ningyo guarding the Naga City of Candas that have done so.
Unong leaned forward looking out at the water from the rail of the deck. I just wish hope that the Spider who attacked us, haven't moved on to find my Lord.
ON the Shore
Shoju had returned to his tent, and sat contemplatively. The ningyo were a protective race, and Shoju could understand why. They had been charged as the keepers of the sleeping Naga, and their holdings. Shoju had encountered a Naga what seemed to be a lifetime ago while tracking down a group of bandits who had entered Shinomen. The Naga wasn't sleeping, and he was very angry. Qu'naol was what he called himself. He was massive, even by naga standards, and assured The Magistrate that the Bandits would never make it out of the forest again.
Nothing held Shoju's interest like that of Tenshi. Her mind and Emotions passing freely between them now. It was a connection he hadn't shared with another being in a very long time. As he sat, he heard Bonfei coming. Bonfei was not a large man, but he moved in a way that made him seem larger than he was. In the sand, that ended up with him sloshing a bit in the soft ground. Shoju smiled, knowing his old friend would never be a stealthy scout.
Bonfei waited outside the entrance to Shoju's tent. Come in Bonfei, tell me you have good news.
Indeed Shoju-dono. Bonfei spoke calmly. more so than he had since they left Saisei. Our Scouts can see a fleet of vessels aproaching this way. I believe that Unong and his men have returned.
Shoju opened his eyes. The hour of our success has arrived. Tear everything down. Get it ready for transition to the ships. We will need as much of these supplies as possible once we reach the Dragon Heart Plain.
Bonfei left, and orders could be heard around the camp. Shoju smiled. It seemed he was able to save his people afterall.
[OOC] I stopped here to give others a chance to make preparations, see the ships, see the coast, and the camp, see the isles, and prepare. Make your final preparations, I think it's about to get stabby in here.
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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 6, 2011 9:44:11 GMT -5
Isoroku could feel the water saturating his body, and he worried that it would slow his troops down too much to be effective. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea after all, he thought to himself. He worried that if the attack didn't proceed soon, the attack would fail before it even began.
It was in the middle of this dark thought that he looked up and say his scout giving the signal that he should swim up. Isoroku kicked for the surface and emerged in front of the undead soldier. "Report," he said, his voice more whispery than usual.
"Sails on the horizon, Isoroku-chui," he said, pointing.
Isoroku scanned the line where sea and sky met until he could make out the sails the scout spoke of. "It's about time," he muttered under his breath, figuratively speaking. An idea occurred to him just then, one that made him smile with what little of his lips remained to him. "Return to the troops below," he told the scout. "I have something to attend to."
"Yes sir," the scout said with a salute. Isoroku saluted as well, and the scout dove beneath the waves. Isoroku, however, went searching instead of rejoining his troops. He wanted to prepare a little surprise for Shoju.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 6, 2011 10:38:51 GMT -5
It was a glorious sight to behold. Unong had succeeded admirably. There were enough ships here that the Snake would be free of the awful blight of the Shadowlands in one movement. Shoju directed those without the taint towards the boats making landfall at the isles of Candas with instructions for a pair of small vessels to come in as close as possible for the few whom the Ningyo might object to being on the Isles. The Shugenja were ferrying the Snake accross to the isles of Candas, and the call went out.
Mizu's body floated in the shallows, rolling in on the waves Towards Shoju's position. Shoju patted Tenshi, and walked towards the water. he would leave no body in the Shadowlands if possible.
He called an air Kami who took him to Mizu's body. As he reached Mizu, he could see had been dead in the water for some time. the wound to his neck was awful. Shoju sighed, and allowed the waves to carry the body to the shore. As the small boats were landing, Shoju Removed his Kimono, and wrapped the body in it. He would find a way to lay his body to rest honorably on the way out of here.
Shoju looked out, and saw that there were some who were unhappy with the crew of the Ships. There was no fighting... yet. Shoju picked up the wrapped corpse and made his way to a small boat. The small crew of the row boat objected for a moment, but at the sight of Shoju's eyes, and the determination in them, they begrudgingly allowed it.
As the row boats made their way to the Kobune, Shoju could see two boats waiting. Unong stood proudly at the helm of one boat, and awaiting him on the other ship was a young sailor garbed in a brown Kimono. Shoju placed the heap of a corpse on the deck, and bowed low. Many thanks for all that you have risked. I am Tamihei Shoju, Champion of the Snake Clan. Shoju I would assume that as custom dictates, we will be relinquishing our blades. Shoju released a clasp on the leather across his chest, and held the No-Dachi out open palmed. I request that the one responsible for all of this care for this blade personally. This is Himitsu no Akumu, My personal blade.
Shoju held the blade out and smiled. And who do I have the pleasure of thanking for this... wondrous display?
[ooc] will get to the plan here in a sec Thrak. Shinobu wanted to a chance to do something here.
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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 6, 2011 22:38:47 GMT -5
The man that Shoju spoke to looked a little nervous, and he motioned for a sailor to take the blade, the man doing so very carefully. "The name's Michi Samurai-sama, the captain of the Ill Wind. You have a lot of Captain's t' thank for all this, that's all I can say, and all I WILL say by the Heavens... my men will care for yer blades like new born babes Samurai-sama."
He looked around nervously before motioning the small boats to start back off for the boats in deeper waters. He clapped his hands twice and murmured a prayer as they boats moved. It seemed painfully obvious that the sooner they were gone, the better for the pirate captain.
------------------ Aboard the Fallow Field
The old captain known as Kaien, and the smaller sailor known as Maneshi watched as the boats made their ways back to the kobune. All hands not manning the small boats were at battle stations, keeping an eye on the shore as well as the sea all around. A few looked nervous, but most looked more bored than anything else.
Maneshi gave a soft cough. Dark eyes peered out over the boats, coming to rest on the nervous Michi. The small boat was too far to make out many details, but Maneshi's eyes could easily tell where they needed to go as they came to rest on the Snake Champion. The boat was not heading to the Ill Wind, but straight for the Fallow Field, as was directed. "Prepare the ropes. Shoju will be here soon. Make sure all the men understand that the safety of him and his men is more important than their own."
Kaien gave a nod and a grin. "Only YOU would still expect danger at this point Maneshi. Not an enemy in sight, and you're talking about losing lives. I'll go get it all done though, don't you worry."
As Kaien walked off, Maneshi looked out to the approaching boat. "You're a fool Kaien. This is far from resolved..."
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Post by Shoju on Oct 7, 2011 8:09:27 GMT -5
As the Small boat came abreast of the Fallow Field, a sailor made a move towards the heap that was Mizu's body. Please, let me handle him. No need to dirty yourself with the body of the dead. I will prepare him, once we are free of the Shadowlands, We will release his body.
The sailor backed away. The aura around Shoju made the sailor leery, though his words were cool and calm.
Shoju arrived on the Fallow Field with his companion, Tenshi, who was obviously with child, and Bonfei, one of his most trusted Samurai ([occ]as well as a few other samurai if space in the small boat would have permitted[/ooc]). As they reached the deck of the Ill Wind, Shoju bowed low.
I must say, Unong will need to be commended for his work. I never expected he would be so fruitful in his search. Shoju turned and looked at Bonfei. When this is all said and done, we will need to reward him properly. He turned back to Tenshi, looking her over, making sure that she was as comfortable as possible, and as safe as possible.
Shoju stood, clearly relieved to be closer to the end of his life in the shadowlands.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 10, 2011 14:42:37 GMT -5
[ooc] This is a slight aside, (backtrack if you will) to catch Zeure up to the rest of the Rp[/ooc]
The night before the boats arrive, Shoju's Tent
Bonfei led a shugenja to his lord's tent. "Shoju-dono, this Shugenja has requested to see you, I thought better of it at first, but.... " Shoju looked over the young Shugenja in front of him, and bowed slightly. Its alright Bonfei-san, I'm willing to meet with anyone. Greetings, tell me who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"
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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 10, 2011 14:50:16 GMT -5
[OOC] Sweet! My first RP on here![/OOC]
Greetings my lord, I am Chuda...my apologies, Tamihei Yun. I am a shugenja of some moderate talent. I requested to see you because I felt that in crossing words you might find a better ability to use me than just having me follow along with you. I know what you are doing is a heavy burden, and I do not feel that you need to take it all upon yourself.
Even as Shugenja, we are still Samurai, if there is a way I can better serve than waiting on us to get to the Dragon Heart Plain, then please use me. I am not a stranger to the courts, and my abilities as a Shugenja could further boost my talents.
I've skirmished in the past with various entities, but battle is not my strongest point; however I do know the appropriate incantations to excite the fire kami into burning those who have crossed me.
In essence, I wish to do more than wait, if there is anything I can do. If you wish me to wait, then I will, but as I do not know more about the over-all plan, then I do not know if my talents are being wasted.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 11, 2011 9:18:02 GMT -5
Shoju walked around his tent, eyeing the Shugenja. I here your words, and I see your passion Yun-san. I think that we might yet find a use for your talents. Shoju looked at Bonfei, and back to the shugenja. I believe that I have the perfect assignment for you to begin with. Shoju smiled passed the shugenja at Bonfei. When the ships arrive tomorrow, I wish for you to join myself, Tenshi, and Bonfei as we meet the men responsible for our rescue from the plight. I have a feeling that there is more to this situation than we see, and we must remain cautious. You may yet gain the prowess in battle that makes men fear the Dragon Yamabushi.
Shoju walked back and sat on a cushion. Rest this evening Yun. In the morning meet me Bonfei in front of my tent, and be ready.
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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 11, 2011 13:43:30 GMT -5
[The Night Before] Yun's head swam with thought as he bowed graciously to Tamihei Shoju and left his tent. Tamihei Shoju was clever enough to not let on any of the specifics of the plan to Yun, so he really had no more of an idea about what was going on than he had before he met with the Snake Champion. However, he had taken the most important step a Samurai could take, he had shown his lord a fervor in his heart. Yun walked back to his own modest accomodations, a small single person tent he had taken from a Hiruma encampment that had been over run by a force from the Shadowlands. He stopped for a moment as he gazed at the tent, trying to think about what the Samurai that had owned this tent before him had been doing.
Shrugging it off as he had nothing specific in his mind for the former owner, he entered the tent and sat down to prepare his scrolls for the next day. He would keep Bob at the front, as he was inextricably bound to this once great Samurai whose real name had been forgotten to Yun and time. Yun paused to reflect on the thought that he would have to bury Bob in different clothes the next time he summoned him, something that covered up his face and skin entirely. Perhaps a budoka outfit with full straw face mask. He spent the rest of the night in quiet contemplation and then restful sleep, well, as restful as one that had been filled with taint.
[The next day as he waited outside the tent] Yun stood outside the tent alongside Tamihei Shoju and Bonfei. He had a pensive look about him, which Tamihei Shoju would no doubt notice. Without waiting to be asked, Yun spoke: "My Lord, I have a feeling about today. I just feel that we should be careful and wary of anyone that we meet today. I don't know any specifics, you know of course that divination doesn't work that way, but....just....be careful."
[As he boarded the ship] Yun paused as he stepped from the smaller ship onto the Kobune. His legs had not had enough time aboard a ship to not be shaky stepping from one rocking boat to the next. He boarded the Kobune and adjusted his outfit. He bore no weapon himself, so he had nothing to surrender and if they attempted to remove his scroll satchel, they would have to take it by force. He looked around him at all the men working in unison to prepare everything, it was something to be admired; usually one could not see as many men working in such precise fashion outside of the military or the undead.
Yun nodded at the captain, and waited for his Lord to make a move.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 13, 2011 9:29:15 GMT -5
[OOC] I've waited for Kasuga, but in the interest of keeping this moving, I'm going to move this RP on, and have Kasuga join us again, when able. [/OOC]
As the Snake Clan Retinue was exchanging pleasantries and formalities with the captain of the Fallow Field, Something was happening to the dead scouts body that had up until now laid dormant, and dead on the deck of the ship. The movements were slight at first, and then slowly they became more fluid. It wasn't until the corpse thumped against the deck that everyone stopped and paid attention.
As the men on the ship grew quiet, the body twitched, and heaved itself hard against the deck again. One of the sailors let out a laugh. "OI! Me thinks your friend met a fishy after his demise!" He sauntered over to the body, confident. "I be puttin' it back in da sea, and you be havin' your conversa..." and with that, the hand flew from under the wrapping, and tore the front of the sailors throat out.
It was at that point that Shoju realized what the Ningyo had meant. It wasn't a single beast in the water.
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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 13, 2011 11:24:10 GMT -5
Yun took a few steps back, making a quick glance at Tamihei Shoju's face to see if this was expected or not. Not seeing a recognition, he repositioned himself in front of his Lord. Yun made a mental note that old habits die hard. Yun paused when his hand went over Bob's scroll, but he decided it was too soon, and he drew forth a scroll that bore an air symbol. Yun took a moment to yell as he felt that the ship's crew may have been stunned by the sudden action and vocalizing this may draw them out of it.
"DID EVERYONE CATCH THAT WHOLE NECK RIPPING THING!?"
As a few faces turned towards him, Yun gestured with his scroll in hand at the corpse that had just made another corpse. Corpses were not a new thing to Yun, but he couldn't help but feel a moment of fear pass by him as the corpse apparently not under anyone's control shuddered and moved again.
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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 14, 2011 14:25:00 GMT -5
As if to punctuate Yun's exclamation, there was a scream from one of the ships running formation with Shoju's, followed by a gurgling sound as the scream was cut off. Isoroku finished hauling himself onto the boat with a roll and came up with blade in hand, cutting a man down even as he'd gone for his own weapon. Many of his fellow undead boarded the ship in the same manner, and it wasn't long before the surprised crewmen found themselves overwhelmed.
It would have been a very short battle had a dozen samurai bearing the mon of the Snake not charged out of the cargo hold, blades drawn and screaming challenges. The samurai fought valiantly, but these were no mere zombies they faced. These troops were awakened undead, handpicked and trained by Thrakhath himself, and they fought with a viciousness and cunning that few of them had possessed in life.
One of them ran full-tilt toward Isoroku with blade extended, and Isoroku made no move to stop the samurai as he ran Isoroku though. Isoroku simple grinned in the man's face and shoved his blade into his guts. The Snake's eyes went wide with shock, and Isoroku contemptuously kicked the man off of his sword and allowed him to fall. In the night around him, he heard the ringing of steel against steel and the cries of the living in pain, and his grin widened. Tonight is a good night, he thought before stalking across the deck to find his next victim.
(OOC: That's all I got so far, sorry. Been to hectic around here to concentrate very hard on writing. ><)
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Post by Shoju on Oct 14, 2011 14:37:32 GMT -5
AMBUSH! Shoju screamed as loud as he could. He reached for his No-Dachi, but it wasn't there.... Oh how many of his men had given up their blades already? Yun-san, Dispatch of that filth, and guard the crew. As Shoju began to turn and look at Tenshi, he saw the undead climbing the railing. How did they know![/color] Shoju's mind was racing. Shoju closed his eyes, calling the Fire Kami to him, sending a massive fireball over side of the ship, incinerating three of the undead coming over the side. Their Ashes floated down into the water, and disappeared.
Shoju turned and looked at the captain of the Ship. I would humbly request my blade back now Captain, and signal for other captains to do the same. This battle wont be won with Wakizashi alone. Shoju turned back as he felt the swoosh of a sword that had come dangerously close to his side. His face grew dim, and he kicked the undead back. As he did, he simply uttered; burn.
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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 14, 2011 16:31:31 GMT -5
Yun's eyes focused on the undead wrapped in cloth aboard their ship, though it was obviously someone of import, or his Lord would not have carried the body aboard the ship, the more pressing matter of the threat it posed won out as Yun unfurled the scroll and held his hands out palm and fingertips extended forming a cone. A blast of air issued forth, Yun directing it first at the wrapping catching it on the underside, then he flipped his hand in an up and to the side motion and the wind followed sending the package sailing through the air back towards land. Where it would land with a hard thump and the body would issue a cracking sound of bone breaking.
"Hopefully that won't come back..." Yun muttered to himself.
Yun released the handle of the scroll and it rolled back up as he slotted it back into his scroll case and drew forth another one bearing an earth seal. Yun turned and saw another corpse running full tilt towards him, sword at the ready. The sword stroke fell as Yun prayed. Just in the nick of time Yun finished his incantation, the sword rung off shining etherial armor that had surrounded Yun. Yun drew back and punched the corpse sending it sprawling backwards and while trying to catch it's feet it fell backwards over the ship's railing.
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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 15, 2011 14:57:30 GMT -5
(( You said you were waiting for me Shoju, but I was under the impression we were waiting for Thrakhath so he could enact any plans he wished. If you wanted me to say something my PM box isn't full. ))The crew on deck were ill prepared for the ambush at first, and many died. However, it seemed most of the crew on the ropes and on the top deck were carrying weapons, and they formed a small line that protected the weaponless Snake. A moment later, after about a minute or two, a group of 20 or so men in armor carrying chain kama came onto the deck. The sailors with the small blades fell back, at least those that had survived. The new men took up a stronger position, seeming quite skilled with their weapons. Kaien had been by Shoju, and at the request of weapons, he looked nervously. He looked up onto the top deck where Maneshi stood, surrounded by four more samurai well armored and equipped. The sailor gave a small nod before Kaien motioned. All the sailors that had been above deck immediately handed their daggers over to any Snake next to them, then ran off for the below decks to get more weapons.
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