Matsu Yoshino
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Bushi * Brash*Tomatsu's Yojimbo * Matsu Elite Guard
Posts: 128
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Post by Matsu Yoshino on Aug 24, 2011 14:52:44 GMT -5
(To: Keisuke-sama) Yoshino bows deeply, her mane nearly touching the floor. Hai Lord. I believe he has, though Tomatsu-sama has not tasked me anew.Another Lioness enters, bowing deeply, eyes low to show respect and quietly passes Yoshino a note. Good news, my Lords! It seems the training I have had with the Unicorn has finally been passed to enough of my Guard that I can join our Unicorn and Scorpion allies in attacking from horseback! Banzai! (OOC: Just got to high enough horsemanship! ) (With/to Haruka-san) As the mighty Scorpion on her pure black steed leads her forces around, Yoshino rides behind those forces with her own mounted Lionesses. Many of them sit their saddle strangely, fighting a desire to drop to the ground and shout the Soul's Roar and rush into battle. However, with the mighty Scorpion on horseback breaking into the lines, Yoshino's forces easily fall into order, protecting the flanks of the bold Scorpion! Over the roar of battle, Yoshino maneuvers herself close to the Scorpion on horseback. Scorpion-sama, what is your name? Should you fall, I wish to remember it in my prayers at the Kitsu temple! I am Matsu Yoshino!----------------- (To Yasuki Chad) Later, in the middle of the night, an arrow whistles through the fortified tent, a whistling bulb alerting everyone to it's presence. Tied to it is a note. To Yasuki Chad, Your family and mine are different in how we define honor, but we can both agree that honor is found in obedience! You have defied your Lords as they risk themselves to recapture your home! I do not understand how an otherwise honorable man can do such a thing! Though I have a strong desire to duel you and show you and the others who follow your example in disobeying their betters the error of your ways, this is not a threat. I wish to speak with you tomorrow morning in the No Man's Land by the bamboo grove between the rice paddies and the cherry trees. Feel free to bring as many men as you wish. I myself shall bring only my personal retinue, 4 Lionesses and one Archer. I will be wearing no armor, so if treachery suits you, you may shoot me down where I stand, but I feel there is honor in you, and that perhaps a conversation could be had!(She will do as she says and arrive early. She is clothed in her elegant kimono, her ancestral sword at her side and headdress on. Her guards are at least 10 feet back. The archer, a man wearing the Matsu mon, is even further back, ready to cover the Lionesses if treachery is planned)
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Aug 24, 2011 17:18:01 GMT -5
(OCC Not to step on your toes Yoshino But I am going to step back a bit to when Bayushi Haruka first arrives.)
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The heavy cavalry thunder across the plain, Keisuke at it's lead his karo and retainers flying the twin banners of the Akodo Daimyo the ancient Akodo war standard.
Bringing a stop to his troops Keisuke rode up to the Scorpion cavalry and their commander. Raising his yari in salute Bayushi Haruka-Sama, it is good to see you. I must apologize for our last conversation being cut so short, however it is good to ride next to you on the field of battle.
Bowing slightly, Any news from the scorpion lands? does your arrival portend which way the Scorpion will side in this conflict?
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 24, 2011 17:47:30 GMT -5
(OOC. Whichever side says they get to me first gets a hostage healer for a little bit.)
Towards nightfall, and seemingly in defiance of the battle raging on the opposite side of the city, a rider could be seen making their way towards the eastern gate.
Kaida paused at the top of a small rise along the road, a faint frown pulling at her lips. After a moment she spurred her horse, quickening her pace slightly as she ventured toward the city.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Aug 24, 2011 18:09:28 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso
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Ikoma Kyuso, and his small band of scouts three mounted spearmen and three mounted archers, had been assigned to guard the road between Toshi Ranbo and Kyuden Otomo. Those not wishing to fight, or those unable to fight where leaving Toshi Ranbo and making their way down this road. It was Kyuso's duty to make sure to made their way unharmed.
Suddenly a lone rider rounded a grove of trees, i Halt! He cried, as his archers readied their yumis.
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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 18:15:29 GMT -5
Aw, the Lion-san won the race.
Nakata looked over with interest, the Lion appeared to have captured someone. Perhaps he would ask later. The small Tonbo and Fuzake force were busy healing the wounded. Another attack would happen soon, and Nakata wanted to be ready. He rode through the ranks of the ronin, barking orders. They were mercenaries alright. While their weapons were clean, their armor was stained and pitted. He wished he had time to equip them better, but the forges of the Monkey were small. Perhaps when the Crab came, the Kaiu could bring more equipment. Sighing, Nakata rode back to the front. Another wave would come soon.
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 24, 2011 18:27:38 GMT -5
The shugenja pulled her horse up short, her head turning towards the guards.
"Hai, Lion-sama?" In the growing gloom, she could make out no family mon from this distance.
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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 24, 2011 18:34:57 GMT -5
To the Matsu and the Akodo she bowed as her gaze softened for the moment, certainly ever prideful of the female lead family of the Matsu. "I am Bayushi Haruka, wife to the Scorpion Champion Bayushi Senshi-sama, and former shiotome."
Turning her gaze to Keisuke, "As of yet, no. But I was never a woman of the court Keisuke-sama. The Scorpion will continue to discuss while I will ride with my brothers under the banner of Toturi!"
She said, bowing in return. "Though Senshi-sama is assisting with the Crab forces in the south, I have the pleasure of the Lion's company this day."
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Aug 24, 2011 20:37:40 GMT -5
Half-molten armor. And ashes. That was all that was left after the front wave of the charging Monkey legion got blasted by a huge fireball that came crashing on them from the western wall of the Imperial Capital. On top of the wall stood the Tamori daimyo, his face a mask of rage, and in his hand a still smoking katana pointed towards the area where the Monkey were just a few seconds ago. " DISHONORABLE RABBLE! Betrayers of Bushido!" Koichi's voice boomed out from his position on the wall. " Your chattering defiles the Righteous Emperor's home!! Allow me to shut your mouth!" With one fluid motion, Koichi swings the wakizashi in his other hand and points toward another group of advancing enemies. A grand fireball once again rains down and incinerates the Hantei's enemies. (ooc: I hope nobody minds that I join in. )
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Post by kentaro on Aug 24, 2011 20:41:36 GMT -5
Having presented himself to Akodo Keisuke, Kentaro bowed to the assembled commanders. Not being better acquainted with any of them, he sticks to nods for most.
One, he has met. Upon seeing him, Kentaro smiled warmly.
"Toku Hirotomo-sama! I must have done something right in my past lives to keep finding myself in your presence. I was just about to lead my horsemen on an attack along the perimeter. If you would like, you may join me for tea or sake after. Obviously, if you are busy, I will not impose on you."
Kentaro, realizing he has perhaps slighted a tent full of important samurai, hastily adds:
"Please forgive me; my manners are perhaps still stowed aboard my kobune. I would be honored should any of you choose to pay visit at the Mantis camp we have established. We have fresh provisions, as well as a variety of sake and tea."
Kentaro bowed and departed, looking a bit sheepish about his poor manners.
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Kentaro returned to the Mantis camp, did a final check of his weapons and armor. Yes, all was in order.
He mounted, and led his cavalry troop off to attack a small outlying garrison.
After some hours of maneuver and fighting, and bring his infantry to bear in a surprise attack, the garrison was taken, and the banner of Toturi flew from the flagpole.
A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
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Weary from a long battle, Kentaro returned to his command tent. Checking his armor, he removed several arrows. The fools should have held their fire until he was closer; then they might have penetrated his armor, or found an opening. Thumbing his ono, he found a chip in the blade. Ah yes; next time I aim for the shoulder instead of trying to go straight through the kabuto.
Kentaro headed to the temporary bathhouse his men had erected; no sense living like savages. Cleaning the grime from himself, Kentaro sank into the tub, feeling the heat unknot his muscles. Next stop, sake.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Aug 24, 2011 21:26:28 GMT -5
As the morning light begins to illuminate the battered west gate, Yasuki Chad faces his advisors for what seems the hundredth time. " This is foolish, you can't expect them not to make an attempt on your life." "You can't really mean to abandon your resbonsibilities here just to answer a question of honor.""This is an obvious attempt to capture or kill you. I could have a unit of men there and bring this women to you.""At least take your full bodyguard, this is unneccesary."" Enough!" he shouts. " I have made my decision and you will abide by it! The Crane have taken over the defence of the Capital. Tamori Koichi and Kakita Mitsouko know my plans for this encampment and how to activate them. I am expendable in the grand scheme of things. Besides," he smirks " My safety is promised. A Matsu would not allow her honor to be so easily stained." " My bodyguard Koji will go with me. And you," he points to one of the others, " and you." Taking these three samurai with him, he exits the front gate. (ooc: the first two Hantai supporters who are not Koichi or Mitsouko to post will be the rest of my escort. I wear my Armor, the no mans land is still patroled and I have not taken complete leave of my senses. )
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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 22:33:03 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled at the Mantis. "It's good to see you again, Tsuruichi-san. I'll join you for the sake, I've to lead my men. To Victory my friend.
The second wave of the Monkey was far more effective than the first. Hirotomo led the charge, smashing into Dragon and Crane alike. A shujenga was casting a spell, but an arrow from a Tsuruichi felled him before he could utter another word. Hirotomo slid off his horse and charged into the line, backed by his new ronin and Monkey brothers. He'd heard what they had done to his Ashigaru. He would make them pay. Many bushi died that day, and Hirotomo returned with the head of one of the gunso, a Tamori bushi according to his mon. Time would tell if this battle would go their way, but for now, another small victory.
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Post by Usagi Yoshimitsu on Aug 24, 2011 22:44:20 GMT -5
Usagi Yoshimitsu listened intently as Yasuki Chad went over his plans. For what seemed like weeks now the Yasuki and the Crane had been battling the forces of the Shogun for control of the capital it brutal skirmishes that saw casualties on both sides.
Despite fighting along side these men and women for weeks, Yoshimitsu still felt out of place among them. Being of a Minor clan this was his first real taste of warfare on a large scale, it was so different compared to his duties as a Magistrate. Standing against an enemy that out numbered them was bad enough, what was worse was the fact that members of his own clan stood with the Shogun. The Hare Clan having been split in support, Yoshimitsu had officially pledged his support and the support of his men to the Hantei Dynasty.
Still, he relished the idea of coming face to face with Tsuruchi Kentaro once more so that they could settle their dispute on the battle field.
Yoshimitsu nodded at the Yasuki as he was picked for escort duty.
"It would be my honor Yasuki-sama. I assure you that no harm will come to you under my watch."
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Matsu Yoshino
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Bushi * Brash*Tomatsu's Yojimbo * Matsu Elite Guard
Posts: 128
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Post by Matsu Yoshino on Aug 25, 2011 2:07:51 GMT -5
Yoshino is on her knees in the grove, meditating her cadre having taken positions of cover and security. She has her kimono on, her Lioness headdress, and a netsuke. Her wakizashi rests at her hip, her katana, still in it's sheath as she contemplated it.
As the Yasuki and his honor guard enter, she rises, bowing to the Yasuki, a little lower to his bodyguard, then deeply to the Hare.
Welcome, Yasuki-san. It is an honor to have a conversation in the midst of this war.
She turns a little towards the Hare, her eyes softening in true sadness.
Little brother. How hard this must be for you and yours, divided amongst itself. I can't imagine my family divided, much less my clan. But for you. What a terrible burden. I do not envy you the task Shinsei has put before you.
Bringing her attention back to the Yasuki, she says,
I see you have come, and with about as many guards as I have. Prudent, and thus far honorable. I had high hopes, and you have met them. Well done, Yasuki-sama.
She bows again, then returns to her semi-seated posture, legs bent under her as she kneels on the still soft grass in the grove.
I asked you to come because I am confused. Our duty is to obey our Lords. They know much more than we, and that is why the heavens have appointed them to their positions. If my Daimyo and my Champion say that a thing is righteous and honorable, it must be! As the Second Day of Thunder showed us, if we simply samurai follow our Lords, the Heavens will ensure that the one they favor succeeds in the end. So. How do you go against that and defy your Lords, knowing that if you win, they and those that follow, your family, die, and that if you lose, you die alone and dishonored, not remembered by those who come after you?
Her voice is soft, but strong, tinged by sorrow as she watches brother turn on brother.
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Aug 25, 2011 2:25:51 GMT -5
Before leaving the command tent to resume the last of the days duties the old lion samurai bowed again and said:
"In these times my fellow lion-samas and those representing other respected clans, I invite you to apply the context of the song of the Lion Soldier to your own forces and this moment. If you do not know the song, any lion who has seen battle can recite it for you from memory."
He begins to recite a poem to a heavy and low musical melody. It does not match the rhyming scheme of a haiku, but it has its own beauty without a doubt. The old lion sings:
"We have bled, We have suffered, We have burned, And we did this all, For you"
He then turns to the dignitaries and says:
"You see when a lion first enters combat it is the duty of his kitsu brothers to maintain the song of our ancestors who have fallen many times before in battle. They have made great sacrifices. I pray to our ancestors that you remember your men today and that the choices you make are wise and with great precision. I thank you for your patience in regards to the mutterings of an old man. I pray that at the end of this war, our great empire will be made all the better for our efforts."
With that the old samurai bows again deeply, after being excused he returns to his post.
As both the Toku and Tsuruchi meet at the sake house and enter in they find two samurai sitting together. One far older with a lion-mon attached to his kimono. His armor shed, the older man sat there drinking his sake a few sips at a time savoring the taste of his drink. The older man's companion sitting across the table pours a cup and then gulps it down as quickly as possible. The older samurai turns to his companion and remarks:
"Tsubo-san, i think you may have had a little too much tonight. I know you toast to your comrades from times past, but i must say they were my comrades too. Let me take the toast for you."
the old samurai moves his hands as though to take the cup from the wobbly man across the table from him.
"Jin-sama, we ha... ha.. *hic* have been on many battlefieds together... but *hic* you'll never truly understand the life of *urp*a wave man. The.... day to day exhaustion... the *hic* comradery when you meet another wave man with some .... *hic* sense of decency.
At that the poor fellow leaves his cup on the table and picks up the bottle of sake itself, while Jin tries to stop him, the old ronin swigs the a bit of the bottle and shouts:
FOR THOSE WAvE mEn *HIC* WhO hAve FoUnd ThEIr HonOr in deAtH *Hic*
He stumbles around a bit spills the last of the bottle near the monkey and the mantis and plops down at his seat laying his head on the table. At that Jin motions for a younger heimin servant to come to his aid. Handing the young man a few coins he quietly says:
"Please take Tsubo-san back to one of my guest-tents. He has witnessed much, he may be a ronin, but is still a creature of the celestial order and deserving of respect.
After getting up and helping the ronin to the servant, he collects himself slowly. At that he turns to see the Mantis and the Monkey. He gives a slight bow and calmly yet apologetically says:
"I apologize samurai-sans, an old friend of mine sadly has let his own inner demons get the better of him this night. While he is a ronin, he is a good man. He once came to my aid when a caravan i was traveling in was attacked by bandits. He is an expert swordsman and a great friend. He just needs the occasional patience and to be kept from drink. Sadly I met him in here and tried to persuade him that he should rest for the morning, a proposition i fear he did not accept.
Is there anything I can have brought for you? As it was my friend who ruined your moment of serenity, I do wish to share your company and make amends for any problems he may have caused."
With that a light and warm smile appears on the face of the older samurai, his cheeks turning a little warm red fueled by earlier sake. He gestures to the seats at his table.
OoC: Thanks for letting me use Tsubo the drunk for RP purposes... thats right for one day he fights for toturi... only to probably be bought out by another samurai for Hantei's purposes the next day hahahaha.
Any spelling or grammar errors you have noticed are due to me being tired and it being 330 in the god damn
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Aug 25, 2011 7:06:51 GMT -5
"Matsu Yoshino.... I thought I had recognized the name. You were one of the Honor Guard in the Capital when news of this sorry affair broke out. You watched me renew my vow of loyalty to the Hantai," he kneels opposite her, perhaps five feet away. He removes his daisho and places them on the ground to his right, his helmet is placed to the left.
"I guess the answer to your "question of honor" depends on to whom you think your ultimate loyalty is owed. Every samurai swears to serve his Champion and his Emperor at their Gempukku. I believe the Emperor is the more important oath, using your own reasoning he is the lord over our champions and they owe him their loyalty regardless of weather they understand or approve of his motivations."
"I may die dishonored, or alone," he begins with an odd expression, " but the Crab do not write out their history when it does not agree with them. I will not be forgotten, even if my tale becomes a cautionary one. I also must ask that you do not presume to know Setsuro-sama's mind. When this buisness started he gave us leave to support as we wished," he begins to remove his armor, placing it neatly with his helmet. Underneath he wears white, the color of death.
"I have accepted my death will come due to my choices. Sometimes, that is the price of honor."
He sighs, and looks very old and tired for a second, "Yoshino-san, I have been down this path before. I do not believe anything I can say will sway your support of Kaneka. My mind is set on who I support. Hantai-dono is the true Emperor. He holds my loyalty unto death, so I swore to him in the throne room. So you witnessed firsthand. And so I will serve him."
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