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 17:53:56 GMT -5
Interesting interpretation. Kenpachi thought as the play showed how "forced" the Snake were to commit maho to survive. The music was appropriate and quite lovely. Perhaps he would speak to the musicians after this. Curious that Shoju would have the performers necessary to provide a well performed play. Perhaps this rendition was true, perhaps not. A trace of sympathy appeared on his face when the Great Clans rejected aid. Not all among the Minor Clans were as fortunate in allies as the Monkey. Many thought of them as little better than ronin.
The rest showed mixed reactions. Chiyuki's eyes watered during the reenactment of the five nights of shame. Gozu's face remained passive, Fusashi's eyes furrowed during the scenes where Maho was depicted as the savior of the Snake, or that it was normal to practice it. Juta sighed when he saw the scene of father killing son, and still had a melancholic look at the end of the play.
"Well performed, and quite interesting." Kenpachi said after the play was finished. "Your musicians are quite talented as well." Kenpachi loathed the very idea of maho, but he was here as a diplomat, not a hunter. "Perhaps we could offer our praise directly, if they are available. Kenpachi said with a smile.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 26, 2011 18:54:45 GMT -5
"Well, I believe that could be arranged." Shoju smiled to the monkey. He took a step back and towards the 'stage' area. A servant ran up to him, and bowed then knelt. Shoju murmured to the servant who lept up, and moved down to the right corridor, and disappeared for a moment. When the servant returned, a group of just over a dozen young people barely past gempukku filed in behind the servant.
May I introduce the Koiru-jō no hebi Kabuki troupe. Shoju was beaming with pride. Each of these young people is a Tamihei, and represent all that I hold sacred. Life. You see Kenpachi-san, what many don't realize is that my abhorrence of most bloodspeaker cults runs deeper than just their own folley in a quest for power. It is also that they take young people such as these and destroy them in a bid for power. These children were all rescued from those who abuse a powerful artform. All are here of their own accord, and all have sworn fealty to the Snake.
Shoju walked back towards the Monkey. Please, feel free to speak with them, and investigate my claims. And you will also see that they are the reason we must leave Saisei soon. I wish not for my people to succumb to the madness of not accepting the mark willingly.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Aug 26, 2011 19:14:42 GMT -5
Tenshi had maintained her rather still and silent self as ever. Even through the displays and acting. It was not as though she did so without interest, those catching glances of her could see she watched intently and intensely.
She continued to remain at Shoju's side as he continued to pander to the Monkey's wishes. Tenshi didn't mind the Toku so much, she simply understood that even with all the effort they had put forth that they might in the end fall back on a promise. Tenshi was seemingly preparing her mind and keeping some distance from them, since she wasn't certain how committed they might be to the cause of the rising Snake clan.
However in a silent and strange gesture, Tenshi placed her hand on Shoju's clothed arm. Her touch was delicate as she seemed to relax her form at last and allowed herself to settle as a companion instead of a constant yojimbo. There was no threat 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 29, 2011 14:15:05 GMT -5
Kenpachi walked to the troupe. "I must congratulate you on a splendid performance. The play was magnificent. Thank you for your hard work." he said to the group assembled. Perhaps this was true, perhaps they had no taint. Though the only way to be sure was for Juta to test them. That would be improper at the moment, and perhaps there was something else happening. Talking with them might prove valuable.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 29, 2011 14:26:59 GMT -5
Shoju felt himself reaching across his body towards Tenshi's hand, and he placed his calmly over top of hers, and gave a delicate squeeze, and then left his hand over hers.
The young children were taken aback that their lord's guest had taken the time to speak with them. They all bowed low and smiles broke out upon their faces. One small boy spoke first. "Thank you Toku-sama. Your words honor us greatly." The others chimed in, and spoke quickly thanking him, and bowing and smiling. The small boy moved towards Kenpachi and bowed again. "We have prepared a long time for this. We seek to honor The Snake Clan, and Tamihei-dono for all that he has done for us." The young boy seemed to be more outgoing than most of him. Judging from the costumes that he wore, he had been Tamihei in the performance.
Shoju smiled as the boy took the lead. This young one, is Tamihei Osuo. The Kami willing, one day he will be a man of much importance in the Empire. His knowledge of Lore, and Etiquette are astounding for one of such an age, and his proficiency with a katana is unmatched for one of his age. He is a natural leader, and a gifted samurai. Shoju beamed almost like a proud father as he looked over the children.
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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 29, 2011 19:30:25 GMT -5
Previously...
Khamul made the almost imperceptible shift back to his previous position, and the wary guards almost universally exhaled in relief, though they remained near, just in case. Their captain groaned and stirred somewhat on the ground.
Inorder for you to reclaim the lands of the Snake along with their name, the Empire will need to be reminded of their honorable (this last word spoken almost with contempt) beginnings.
You wish to know how and why I would aid you in this, yes? At Shoju's nod, Khamul continued. As I am sure you know, the Dark Lord has largely given those of my order leave to pursue enlightenment as we will. I have found that my own path has not followed that of the taint, but rather of Shourido. In my quest for perfection, I have come to the conclusion that only in testing myself against worthy opponents can I reach that state, and within Rokugan itself, the only worthy I have found in my travels has been the Shogun, Kaneka, the self-styled Emperor Toturi the 3rd. In order to reach my goal however, I will need a distraction, and so my proposal.
I propose to construct a small shrine to Isawa Chuda near the ruins of the former Snake capital, ostensibly to honor his previous honorable (disdain at this word again) and glorious service to the empire. I will also send invitations to the various shinseistic orders to attend for prayer and instruction. The monks who come I will take under my tutelage, converting them to a reborn Order of Venom. The others from the great clans who will surely come to investigate, will be reminded of your ancestor's deeds and that the shrine is meant to bring peace to the restless spirits of the region.
Khamul paused for a moment to allow Shoju to consider his proposal before continuing. This will insinuate in the minds of the clans, particularly the Phoenix and Dragon, the memory of what the Snake could have been and may yet be. It will also give me followers to use to open Kaneka's forces enough for me to challenge the would be Emperor.
Khamul paused again, allowing the possibilities to grow in Shoju's mind. Finally, when Kaneka has been crushed, and the current threat to the Hantei has been ended, the whole of Rokugan will be forced to acknowledge that the monks of the shrine to Isawa Chuda, and their benefactors, the resurgent Snake Clan, were instrumental in his defeat. This will clear many obstacles from your path.
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Post by Shoju on Aug 31, 2011 12:11:17 GMT -5
with khamul
Shoju thought over the propostion. That would work out well I think. I will warn you that the area near the ruins of Shiro Chuda is a haunted place, and in the meantime while we work to rescue our lands from the hauntings, we will be constructing a small home in the Dragon Hear plains. Shoju looked over the Sohei and smiled I hope that this endeavor brings many under the wings of our tutelage Khamul-san. Is there anything I can do to assist you in getting ready? It will be some time before we as a whole are able to leave Saisei, but it will be soon.
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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 31, 2011 16:56:59 GMT -5
"I've no doubt that you have already honored you clan, and your Lord." Kenpachi said to the young man. He turned to address the rest. "As I am sure the rest have as well. I may be an old bushi, and I may not know a great deal about politics, but what you do is vital. You are needed. More than bushi to defend your lands, more than courtiers to deal in courts, art is the soul of the Empire. You bear the burden of showing others that your clan's arts are to be cherished along with all the rest. Know that I am envious of your abilities. I wish my clan had such able actors, or such wondrous musicians. Alas, we are magistrates. A necessary duty, to be sure, but I only guard the Empire from criminals. You guard its very soul, and though I believe you know the gravity of that duty, all I beg from you is to guard our souls with care. When you are granted admittance into the Alliance, perhaps your lord will allow you to travel to the rest of the Minor Clans. Show them what you have shown me, and they will see that art binds us all. Your gift should not wither in the Shadowlands, perhaps, just perhaps, one day you may even be able to show your gifts in Winter Court." Kenpachi meant what he said. His words oozed with sincerity, and his wide smile was almost Ikoma like.
"Which reminds me, Shoju-san. When you reclaim your home, I've been trying to gather support for an Alliance Winter Court. No doubt you have work enough, but perhaps there you can gain true tolerance, if not full acceptance. I may not be a Crane, but I think with your actors, you may very well find more allies.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 2, 2011 14:32:01 GMT -5
Shoju smiled Things were going well. The monkey, even though a tentative ally, was one more ally than Shoju had before. The Display of the Children worked, and it would continue to work. it was going to be the one thing he had to convince people of his honor until they could see it with their own eyes.
If I an my clansmen live to see Winter Court Hirotomo, We will be there. My next move will be to begin moving north. I believe that we will need to move soon, while a set of pincers stay emboiled in other webs. Shoju made a motion and the children all bowed deeply to the Monkey and departed. Tell me Toku-san, do you think I have a chance of taking our land? some days, I wonder if we wont be crushed under foot.
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Post by wgerrrard3 on Sept 3, 2011 9:00:58 GMT -5
Elsewhere in Saisei
As Shoju is making his way along between meetings, the young Tamihei Ren steps out of the shaodws.
Tamihei-sama, I seek you premission to follow up on some leads in the Phoenix lands. I believe I have tracked some Lore to Kyuden Isawa.
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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 Sept 3, 2011 14:16:28 GMT -5
"The war is tasking the Empire. Most try to hide behind a thin veneer of strength, but even the victors will be hard pressed to do anything other than hold on their tentative grip. Do you honestly think either side will go down without a fight, or easily? No, Shoju-san they will be weak. Weak where we will be stronger. My son is at Toshi Rando, attacking the city. If we win...well then we will be able to say the Monkey stood where others would not dare. They will speak of our bravery and it will strengthen us. If we lose, we still have our allies to protect us should some seek vindication. They will still speak that we alone stood, we will strengthen."
Kenpachi smiled. "I have friends in the Great Clans. I know them, I trust them. The Great Clans as a whole, will never see me as an equal. Save for the Bat, we are the youngest Clan, with the youngest Champion. The war will weaken them, taking the fight out of them. Then the Snake come along, postulating peace, reconstruction, backed by the Alliance, which the war only makes more powerful. The fields of the Crane burn, who but the Monkey can boast abundant rice, we normally sell what we do not need to the other minor clans at no profit, but what if we use that rice to help feed a starving Empire? With your aid, and the others, we will no longer have to live at the sufferance of the arrogant Greater Clans. I have friends in the Great Clans that like me. I know that is an aberration in our society. I do this for the downtrodden among us, those that are treated as barely above ronin."
"You are correct, all are correct when they state that the war weakens the Empire. Not all will feel war's firey kiss though. We will get back your home, restore you to your place, and the Alliance will be more powerful. Your time among the Spider showed you how cruel the Greater Clans can be. Perhaps it is time that they see that men chosen to lead clans because of deeds are worthy of their respect after all."
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Sept 3, 2011 17:05:47 GMT -5
Previously...
Khamul tapped the haft of his ornate yari (or was it a yari at all? On closer inspection, the haft was slightly thicker than would be expected, and the tip looked more like a short blade and there was a duplicate on the "bottom" of the haft.)
Ghosts do not concern me. However, there are two things I would ask of you. The first is an item that could be connected to Isawa Chuda; this will give the shrine and our claims concerning it legitimacy to any investigators. The second is your word that, if you succeed in reclaiming your lands, I and my followers will be allowed free movement into, within, and out of them.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 6, 2011 10:24:29 GMT -5
Previously
Shoju nodded as he listened to the Sohei talk. When he finished, Shoju smiled. Follow me. Shoju walked into the temple, and over to a small low shrine in the main hall. It was a beautiful exhibit, full of Snake Clan treasures both old and new. From inside it, he withdrew a kimono. It was a beautiful green hue, and the beadwork was intricate. This was a Kimono Isawa Chuda wore to Winter Court during the first court of the Clan's Existence. Guard it. Shoju stood and presented the kimono. Now, about you and your followers in Snake Lands. As long as there is a temple to Isawa Chuda maintained in our lands, you and your followers passage in and through the ancestral lands of the Snake will never be questioned.
with the monkey
I fear you are right Toku-san. And while I know that we may have differing opinions of the war, I know we will both show honor and virtue in the conflict. I can only hope that you are right about the empire left after this conflict is what you say. Shoju looked into the eyes of the woman at his side, and then back to the Toku. I hope your friends, my enemies, give me a chance to prove them wrong. Shoju bowed to the Toku. I fear I must retire for now. There is much work to be done tomorrow as we plan to leave Saisei soon. Thank you for your time Toku-san. You have been insightful to say the least.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Sept 6, 2011 11:46:44 GMT -5
"It was an honor and a treat to meet you all." Tenshi spoke more softly, but only bowed lightly, as she still maintained her tender grip on Shoju's arm.
"I would wonder if we should be expecting another visit again, perhaps when we are home now that you know we are nothing to fear or loathe. Perhaps we can only wait and see." Her gaze then wandered to her hand, gently held as a smile actually blossomed on her face. Tenshi would follow along with Shoju's pace step for step, allowing him to lead.
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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 Sept 6, 2011 14:46:40 GMT -5
Chiyuki was still stiff when the ronin spoke, but Juta smiled and stepped in front of her, blocking her face from view. "Indeed, my lady. May all our dealings be as peaceful and fortuitous as this. My Lord is correct, the Alliance needs members to grow in power, and I think the Noble Snake is in need of such power and friendship as well.
Kenpachi bid Shoju goodnight, and farewell. The Monkey would be leaving in the morning, Kenpachi still had much to do. Gozu and Fushashi would be taking supplies and men to the Crab, and Juta and his son needed to speak to the Mantis. There were unsettling rumors he was hearing. Then his son would likely need to speak with the Scorpion, then his desire to see combat would lead him to the Capitol. Perhaps he could speak with some to help guard his son. Nakata would be there though, it would not be the first time he helped a young Monkey avoid getting himself killed.
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