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Post by wgerrrard3 on Aug 19, 2011 14:34:25 GMT -5
A young samurai, dressed in a fine red and black kimono with matching mask and bearing just a wakizashi appears from the Shadows and exchanges brief words with the self-proclaimed Snake Champion before falling in at his left hand.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 19, 2011 14:47:48 GMT -5
[ooc] I assume Ren will be catching up with me when I'm done in my meeting [/ooc]
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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 Aug 19, 2011 16:32:21 GMT -5
Haruka's eyes narrowed. Shoju had never seen her more guarded or analyzing than this, as it seemed every word and motion was planned. Clearly there was more than she had let on. More interestingly, Haruka seemed to keep her mask in place for the time being, but what true meaning this would have was not yet evident.
Finally she answered him calmly. "With the civil war in full motion the great clans are in true upheaval. If you do not draw attention to yourself, you will not find the Scorpion clan's ire.
I have come to realize there are many in my clan with a divided perspective, all a very interesting question of loyalty. I suspect there are even a few Scorpion who might be able to assist you, as there are many who are far more keen to seeking power and knowledge before events occur in the empire.
But as with any ally you seek, Shoju-san, be wary. Brothers are turning on one another. Clans are shifting like the tides of the sea, and the fighting has only just begun in the capital. Where I will be returning soon...
Regardless of my clan's fate now, I will remain as a loyal rider to Toturi-dono."
Haruka finally finished and watched the Maho Tsukai carefully still. She did not need to look around alertly anymore as she simply was focused on the matter at hand.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 22, 2011 12:26:48 GMT -5
Shoju and Haruka
Shoju pondered Haruka's words. It was something he had never thought about before, even within the former Spider. Would there be those who would turn against him now that he left? He shook his head and cleared his thoughts. Tell me Haruka-san. Have you found a way to speak with the Hantei? I had brokered for a meeting in my discussions with him, but I fear that meeting will never happen now.
Shoju wondered what had Haruka's mind so preoccupied. There are rumors of you well along with child. I do hope that while you remember your loyalty, and your duty, you remember the future. Shoju hoped he could coax her into being more talkative about her state of mind, but he wasn't sure it would happen.
The Monkey
A little while later
A soft knock followed by the door opening came a little while later. "Mooooonkeeeey-samas.... I have dinner!" It was Sansi, as well as 3 servants all carrying large portions of food. Sansi bowed as she was fully in the room, and the servants placed the food and began preparing the table for the meal.
"I hope that you enjoy this dinner!" Sansi seemed genuinely excited to be tending to the needs of samurai. She had always seemed as though she were a courtier, but at times like this, it was curious, could she be simply a servant? Would there be a difference in a clan like this?
"When you have finished eating, I have been asked to escort you back to court where we will watch a Kabuki presentation about our History." Sansi bowed low, and stood next to the door while the servants filed out.
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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 Aug 23, 2011 0:13:55 GMT -5
Haruka set out a deep sigh. The mention of her child and the future seemed to strike a nerve. "It's why I will fight, for our future Shoju-san." Her eyes did fix on him as she said that, as it seemed she knew the weight of the task at hand. In spite of his previous exchange where he stated that they would be on opposing sides. Clearly whatever future she had envisioned included him at least.
"I have not been able to secure any audience with Hantei.. and I've abandoned all hope of finding a answer through the means of peace. I will be riding to assist the lion soon. The fighting has already started in the capital.
Meanwhile these Scorpion continue to rend and tear at one another in their own lands."
She looked away with spite in her eyes. "I cannot stand innaction."
It seemed Shoju got a little better picture. Depending on what information he got from those who were positioned in the courts of the Scorpion, clearly the truth was evident that the battle maiden had been trying to fervently win over her clan without a resounding success. Her presence over the previous weeks in court was near constant.
((OOC- my apologies if this isn't worded perfectly, I've got a bit of a head cold XD ))
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Post by Shoju on Aug 23, 2011 12:43:52 GMT -5
Shoju began to understand. the position that the Scorpion had now found itself in this war was tearing the Unicorn apart. Haruka-san, While I appreciate your position, I do hope that you will take care of yourself. I believe I have kept my guests waiting long enough sadly, and should return to them. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, One day I hope it will be in person again. Shoju would bow and give her time to respond.
After the conversation with Haruka, Shoju stood, began walking towards Tenshi and the the exit from his chambers. He smiled at her, and thought out loud The Scorpion position is precarious at best, duplicitous at worst. If only we had the scouts to spare to find out.
As Shoju and Tenshi left their quarters, a young new face to the Snake Clan introduced himself. Greetings Ren, I'm sorry I haven't been more available lately, and at present I'm en route to meet our Monkey guests. Walk with us. Tell us how you came to the Snake Clan.
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Post by wgerrrard3 on Aug 24, 2011 12:12:55 GMT -5
Ren, apparently a little surprised by being addessed directly, bows deeply and answers the new Snake Champion.
"Tamihei-sama, since the formation of the Chuda family here in the Shadowlands, I have been wandering the Empire in search of secrets and lore. Amongst many things I have come to the conclusion that the benefits provided by use of Maho are often outwieghed by their cost."
He pasuses as if considering his words carefully.
"When you called Lord, I answered because I sensed that you saw another path as well as some strange sense of belonging. I also saw the chance to change my name and restablish a sense of self."
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Post by Shoju on Aug 24, 2011 14:07:45 GMT -5
Yes, Ren. There are many things we must do in order to elevate Maho from what it is, to what it was. We will purge those who abuse Maho from the land, and we will begin to unravel the secrets of Isawa's pure maho. Shoju spoke as they walked. Tell me, have you been to the Dragon's heart Plain? Have you seen what will be our homelands? If all holds true, we will be headed there soon, and hopefully with the blessing of other clans.
Shoju smiled as they walked. The idea of having a home, and lands, and a clan around him made him think the future looked alright.
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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 24, 2011 16:01:24 GMT -5
Kenpachi greeted the lady. Juta smiled and thanked her for the meal. The rest looked wary until Juta finished his prayer. The food was surprisingly good. "I wonder how they managed to keep the food fresh, and in this good a condition." Juta mused. "Sweet on the hostess are you?" Chiyuki said arching an eyebrow. "Hardly. Though we are guests, she is to take care of our needs. One can at least be polite and grateful. She seems eager to help."
"We're probably the only human company she's had in awhile." Gozu mused. "Those that joined with the new Snake did so due to the fact that they missed their old life. I don't imagine swimming in the Shadowlands is pleasant, even for the Lost.
"Or perhaps there is some honor left in them." Fusashi said after his third helping. "My Sensei would have my head if he heard me say that. We know taint does not affect the mind until later stages, perhaps there are those born with no taint here. Kept pure for various reasons. Or perhaps they simply want civil company before madness takes them. I've fought oni. Not the type of thing I'd want over for tea.
"How can you talk about the shadowlands and still eat?" Chiyuki said pushing her bowl away after barely eating anything. "Blame it on the Crab, Little Sister. You get used to such things after awhile."
The meal was removed, and Kenpachi ordered the others to change to see the play. It may prove enlightening. It seemed odd here, familiar, but alien. Perhaps their version of the play would differ as well.
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Aug 24, 2011 21:30:15 GMT -5
Some time previously, during the renovation of Saisei
The renovations went apace with surprisingly few distractions from the creatures that called the Shadowlands home. The most of the prospective members of the newly forming Snake Clan believed that it was due to the power of Chuda Shoju. Some others felt that Daigotsu kept the creatures at bay for his own enigmatic purposes.
Whatever the cause, Chuda Gen felt it must surely have failed today, just before his face hit the ground before his lord and unconsciousness took him.
A sohei of the Order of the Spider had suddenly appeared in the courtyard without warning near Shoju and one of the guards had attempted to get in his way as he approached. That guard had paid for his mistake as the monk had dropped him without even bothering to use the ornate yari he held.
Khamul's strange eyes looked dispassionately at Shoju, the would-be lord of the Snake Clan. "If this 'guard' is the best your followers can muster then your plan is doomed before it begins Chuda."
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Post by Shoju on Aug 25, 2011 10:36:41 GMT -5
Before the arrival of the Monkey (and Tenshi for the sake of argument)
Shoju looked over the Sohei. He had felled the man whom had been appointed as the captain of the guard. The name Chuda is not mine anymore Sohei. That is a name that stayed with the Lord of the Spider, and daimyo of the Chuda Family when I departed. You may call me Tamihei Shoju, Champion of the Snake Clan. Shoju smiled as he responded. He was unsure what the Sohei was after. I must say, that the fortunes are with you Sohei. Had you attempted this with my Yojimbo present, She surely would have sent you to the Meido. Shoju unfolded his arms, and adjusted his shoulders, moving the No-Dachi on his back into an arced position that could be drawn. To what do I owe this visit?
With the Monkey Retinue, present day
Sansi made mental notes of the conversations while they ate, while they changed, Sansi spoke allowed, addressing the room. "Monkey-samas. You must understand, not all of us here bear the mark of the Ninth Kami, and not all of us here are former members of the Spider. I can tell you, that unlike the Spider, we do not have members of the undead among our ranks save one. And I have been told that anyone questioning the right of that one to serve our lord has not survived the response. " Sansi seemed scared when referencing 'the one'.
"But, all the same, we strive to leave the wretched Shadowlands. Shoju-dono has worked long and hard to secure a place for the Snake amongst the Empire. Our only hope is that we are given the time to prove our worth prior to hasty judgements being made against us."
After they were all dressed for dinner, Sansi began to lead them towards the court for the Kabuki display. Shoju rounded the corner and met up with them, with Tenshi and a young Tamihei in tow. Greetings Kenpachi-san, Let me introduce to you one of our shugenja. This is Tamihei Ren. Tamihei Ren, this is Toku Kenpachi, and his retinue. Shoju turned and looked towards the court It appears they are ready for us. Shall we?
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Aug 25, 2011 20:13:15 GMT -5
Previously....
Though there was no visible reaction in his eyes to the clearly defensive posture Shoju had taken, Khamul almost imperceptibly shifted his stance.
The remaining guards all around approached slowly, clearly nervous about what might happen at any moment; their unconscious captain's prone form all that stood between the monk and their lord.
Khamul nodded slightly. Tamihei Shoju then. I am called Khamul. I had heard that you were attempting to revive the Snake, and believe we may be of some aid to each other. Am I correct in surmising that you wish to reclaim your ancestral lands?
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Post by Shoju on Aug 26, 2011 9:12:02 GMT -5
Shoju raised his hand in a calming gesture to the snake assembled, and took a step towards the Sohei. Khamul, You say? Yes, I am reviving the snake. All who stand inside the walls of Saisei, save you of course, are members of the Snake Clan. I am indeed looking to reclaim the lands, but of course, time has displaced them, and they are in a precarious place right now. I'm looking for a peaceful way to retake them. Shoju relaxed a little, but it was curious to find a member of the Order here.
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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 26, 2011 16:25:00 GMT -5
Kenpachi bowed politely to the new introduction. "Your family is growing already, Shoju-san. The loyalty you instill is to be commended." Kenpachi walked beside Shoju and looked at him as they walked. "I must confess an anticipation to see your play. I've seen something similar from the viewpoint of the Phoenix. I am curious as to the point of diversion your play may have. I'm sure it will be quite illuminating.
The rest followed behind. Juta was making a bet with Fusashi about the content of the play. Chiyuki walked demurely beside a stoic Gozu. She privately pondered about the hostess' words. Not all bared the taint. Some were merely looking to survive. Perhaps be a part of something greater. How many ronin would fall to these temptations? It may not bode well.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 26, 2011 16:57:37 GMT -5
A description of the Kabuki
The Kabuki began with the Isawa Chuda's daring defense of the Empire that left him wounded. The music was bold and empowering. Lying there injured, The image of the Emperor turned the broken shugenja into a snake. It was beautiful theater to behold.
The scene changed, and it looked like the dragon heart plain, and a montage festive music and dancing ensued to show the passing of time, and then the moment when Isawa Chuda's family was attacked by the maho cult, the music stopped. Cornered the images of mother and son were flanked by men in sashimono of the phoenix and dragon staring down upon them as the maho tsukai attacked. The samurai figures never intervened in the attack, and dissapeared when the woman was forced to shed blood for maho to save her family. The music turned somber.
The boy was now Champion, his father, the snake, gone. Another montage of time, with more festive music. This time with the mother figure in the back, appearing to perform maho while the boy led, and a child, Choro was born. Throughout both montages so far, a wispy apparition could be seen to the left. An eye too focused on the main action would miss it. As this montage ended, a new champion emerged, This, was Chuda Choro. As his life progressed through the next montage, the image of the mother practicing maho was replaced by the wisp apparition in tighter on the scene.
Suddenly, Choro fell, and was placed on a bed. death hung over the bed, and Choro's son was called. The wisp hung over his shoulder. words exchanged, pleas made, and son killed father. As son took the mantle of champion, a sister was brought on stage, and her death to the apparition was apparent. As she died, the wisp was replaced with a figure in white, as the Shuten Doji was realized. Tamihei fell to his knees and pleaded with the Shuten Doji. The Samurai with Sashimono were highlighted on the edge of the stage. This time, instead of facing towards The center of teh stage, they faced outward.
As the Doji took control, every actor was removed from the stage and replaced by a white actor. The possession by the shuten doji complete. At this time, the music hit a crescendo, and the phoenix samurai rushed the center of the stage, and the five nights of shame were tragically realized, the music, capable of leaving many in the audience with tears in their eyes.
As the Kabuki drew to a close, Tamihei Shoju turned and looked at the Monkey retinue, scanning their faces for a reaction.
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