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 26, 2011 1:02:45 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso ----------------------
A brief surge of embarrassment washed over Kyuso, I remembering how often the forgot such things at court.
Bowing his head My apologies Isawa-sama, this war has caused me to forget many of my courtesies, I meant no offence.
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 26, 2011 1:08:13 GMT -5
"None taken, I assure you, Ikoma-sama." Kaida smiled, bowing slightly.
(ooc. aaaand bed. Hurricane rolling in tomorrow, so may not be posting all weekend if the power's out.)
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Post by kentaro on Aug 26, 2011 7:10:31 GMT -5
After a brief rest, and time for his armor to be repaired, Kentaro prepared himself for a night raid. Taking only a few handpicked Tsuruchi and Yoritomo, they wore only light armor, in particularly bland and dark shades. No fires were lit, no horses readied.
His small squad assembled, Tsuruchi Kentaro addressed his men:
"We've done this before. Not particularly complicated. We take this tower, on the northeast side of the wall. The Yoritomo will hold the tower, the Tsuruchi, we will fan out throughout the city. Attack any military targets, by any means available: blade, bow, fire. No well poisonings; we fight samurai, not Yobanjin. Avoid enemy contact where possible. No protracted street fights. Once the alarm has been raised, and they begin assaulting our tower, we fall back immediately. Understood?"
As one, the men answered "Hai."
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Moving quietly through the surrounding woods, Kentaro's troops found the tower easily. No alarms had been raised. Perfect.
Three handpicked Yoritomo climbed the wall. A brief scuffle, and the sleepy guards on the tower were finished. Ropes were lowered, then tugged in a particular sequence indicating all clear. Tsuruchi Kentaro and the rest scaled the wall, then proceeded to finish off any remaining garrison in the tower. All was done stealthily, with no alarm raised.
"All right, barricade these doors. A few archers and infantry on the roof; the bulk of the infantry is to hold the tower from within. Archers, follow me, we have wicked work to do."
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Tsuruchi Kentaro and the archers fanned out individually. Some fires had been started, and alarms were being raised, but no one had pinpointed the northeast tower as the source.
As Kentaro approached his current target, a gunso of the defending Hantei forces, he readied his kama to cut the man's throat from behind. The gunso sat on a stool, behind screens from his troops, reading a map by lamp.
As Kentaro brought the kama up for his strike, a cry rang out: "Ninja!"
While he disagreed with the sentries choice of words, Kentaro wasn't about to argue the point. The gunso, apparently a Crane, heard the cry, and immediately wheeled and started to draw. Damn, thought Kentaro, this just got interesting. He swung his kama right handed down on the man's right wrist, inflicting a light wound, but blocking his draw. Kentaro rapidly drew his wakizashi with his left, and across the surprised gunso's throat. The man fell dying, and Kentaro didn't pause to savor the victory, instead leaping through the screen and into a full sprint.
The gunso's men attempted to chase, but rapidly lost him.
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At the tower, archer fire was keeping the Hantei forces at bay as the raiders returned to their escape point. The Hantei forces were preparing makeshift siege barricades to storm the gates, when Kentaro returned. Quickly shinning up a a rope to the top, he saw he was among the last. As the gates were being battered, a few more raiders returned.
Kentaro gave the order: "Retreat!" His 'scouts' didn't need to be told that 'retreat' meant 'retreat to prepare ambush for the pursuers'. More would perish, and they would fear the night.
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Having finally shaken the pursuers, Kentaro and his raiders returned to camp, albeit the long way. He had lost about a quarter of his men, primarily among the archers. Not a bad exchange.
[OOC: If you'd like, my Mantis could stumble across your camp on the way back, Akodo Homura-san. Feel free to have us wander your way.]
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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 26, 2011 10:27:49 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso ----------------------
Straightening his back and signaling his men to ready themselves. Kyuso mounted his horse while speaking to the shugenja and samurai. Then it is settled Nakata-san, you will take custody Isawa-sama and ensure she is delivered to the Lion camp.
Reaching into his saddle bag Kyuso pulls a small tanto decorated in the Ikoma family colors, handing it to Nakata. Present this tanto to the watch at the Lion camp, then ask to speak with one of the commanders if I have not returned by then, they shall see my promises kept.
Moving his back to join his small band of men, he turns to the shugenja and samurai raising his sword in salute. Lions we have refugees to protect and our orders to keep, we ride.
With that Kyuso and his men raise their horse to a gallop and return to the main road.
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Kitsu Natsuki
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Daimyo * Shugenja * Sodan-senzo * Loyal * Ambassador to the Dragon
Posts: 162
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Post by Kitsu Natsuki on Aug 26, 2011 11:01:31 GMT -5
The lady of the Kitsu had been present since the beginning of the siege of Toshi Ranbo, directing the Kitsu there as they acted both as healers and as spiritual counsel for the warriors of the Lion armies. As she entered the command tent, her grey, drawn face betrayed her exhaustion, as she had pushed her skills with the kami to their considerable limit to restore as many Lion samurai as possible to health over the past weeks.
She headed closer to the Akodo Daimyo and spoke quietly to him. "Greetings, Keisuke-dono. How goes the battle? I am glad to report that most of the wounded from the last assault on the walls have recovered. Nonetheless, if I may overstep my bounds a little, may I humbly suggest that we acquire reinforcements as soon as possible? The attrition rate is growing by the day, and despite our best efforts, the Kitsu cannot heal every wound suffered by our brave warriors."
Just then, Natsuki felt the kami of fire growing more excited, and the muffled sound of an explosion tearing men to shreds echoed distantly from the direction of the city walls.
"Pardon me, Keisuke-dono. It appears that the defenders of the city have begun to employ priests of the kami in its defense." The look on her face suggested she found this vaguely distasteful. "I will need to go and see to having appropriate countermeasures taken promptly."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Aug 26, 2011 16:13:02 GMT -5
As the Lion war camp finally came into view, Mai finally ventured Ren toward a full run. The steed was as fresh from the long journey from Unicorn lands as if she had merely gone for a morning trot. The horn on the barding gleamed, and she could sense that battle was close at hand. Mai too could sense a tingling in the air and let it wash over her, energizing her.
An aide-de camp, a young samurai a few years shy of his gempuku, was sprinting in her direction. Her presence had been noticed, it seemed. She spoke gruffly, heading off his attempts at courtesy in favor of information as quickly as possible. Such niceties had no place when lives were being won and lost in the moment.
"Boy, tell me quickly, what news is coming from the front lines?"
The courier stopped mid-bow, but caught his composure and spoke simply and quickly. Quick study, that one. "Stalemate, at the moment. We are taking steady losses against the archers and shugenja stationed at the city's defenses. We just received word of Crane forces cutting off two Akodo battalions to the northeast. They will fight to the last man, but it will end in a terrible loss if we can't break the crane lines..."
Mai raised a hand to silence the boy. "There isn't much time, then. I know where my duty lies." Without another word Mai turned her steed toward her company of cavalry a few paces behind, and with a silent gesture they rode, full tilt, to the northeast. Words were useless now, and only her actions would speak for the glory of the true emperor.
The Utaku had arrived.
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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 16:14:07 GMT -5
Nakata took the knife and stowed it safely. "Lady Isawa-san. If you would please, the ride must have been far and difficult. You can rest if you like before you present yourself to the Lion."
She seemed formal. Nakata may be no Kenpachi, but he knew enough of formality. Living as a ronin taught him good manners around Clan Samurai.
Nakata gestured in the direction of the Alliance area, "If you wish that is, Lady Isawa-san."
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 26, 2011 16:32:02 GMT -5
"It will not be necessary, Toku-san. The ride from Kyuden Otomo wasn't very long." The shugenja smiled faintly, the dismounted, preparing to lead the horse she'd been riding the rest of the way. Once on the ground, her height was rather obvious.
"The Lion are encamped on the other side of 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 27, 2011 1:30:33 GMT -5
Keisuke, reviewed the map table one last time as he took in Natsuki words. Most of the pieces where in place now, and with reports of the Crab on the march and with reports of Scorpion commanders taking the initiative and joining the war he could start to feel a shift in the fortunes. So far the battle goes well Lady Kitsu, and I agree with that we need more troops. Legions are massing at Crossroads Castle ready to deploy to march to Permission City and Toshi Ranbo.
From the corner of his eye he noticed Natsuki, pause as if time stopped for her. There was a well of silence around the two daimyos, then came the explosions from the city. No pardons necessary Lady Kitsu, go quickly may the strength of our ancestor protect you.
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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 27, 2011 12:58:29 GMT -5
(To Yasuki Chad!)
Yoshino stands for a few moments, her face clouding with the familiar Matsu battle fury, then slowly fading as the silence after the Yasuki's challenge echos. When she speaks, her voice is tinged with remembered horror.
Nay, Yasuki-sama, I would never say such a thing, even if it were not blasphemy to say so. I have been to the Shadowlands, fought against the creatures there beside Hida and Hiruma. I have defended the walls with the Hida, Kaiu, and others. Akodo help me, but I have assisted the Kuni with their experiments. The fallen Kami, she spits in the ground, then kneels, reverently taking other dirt and covering it, leaving her hands dirtied, is the largest threat to Rokugan. There we are in agreement."
I may disagree with your words. In fact, I do where my Champion is concerned. But I am a simple Samurai, and the Heavens will determine the worth of those we follow. As to your challenge...I would dearly love to accept, as I have trained with the Hida, the Damned, and the Ichiro in wrestling, and believe you have as well and it would surely be a battle worthy of the best Ikoma to record. However, I obviously am not dressed for such at the moment. Her hands indicate her kimono, beginning around her shoulders and gesturing down to her hips and passed. Both retinue feel color coming to their cheeks as they see the figure hidden beneath.
As is my duty as a Samurai during this time of warfare, I will bring your challenge to my Champion and seek his permission. If it is alright with you, I would prefer a venue not so close to this spot of relative beauty and tranquility. Perhaps this evening we could have another moment of truce, speak of whether I am allowed to face you now or if it will have to wait until I have discharged my duties? While we do that, I feel that our Shugenja and those inclined could either remove our fallen from the field, or give them a proper funeral."
She bows, awaiting response.
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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 27, 2011 14:06:54 GMT -5
Slowly Chad exhales, only then realizing he'd been holding it. Without a word he retrieves his swords and replaces his armor.
Finally, after a few minutes he bows back to Matsu Yoshino. "I am willing to respect a ceasefire with the intent of recovering the dead. All involved must wear distinctive clothing to be recognized at a distance. And Only for the first two hours of daylight. Hantai Loyalists shall wear white armor or clothing. Prisoner exchanges could also be done during that time, say.....at this location. I do not have the authority to grant any more without confering with Kakita Mitsouko or Tamori Koichi."
"I will take my leave now, but before I go a word of warning. Shortly after Kaneka's announcement the Bat clan Daimyo was assasinated in the Palace. He was there warning of a hidden threat, working behind the scenes to manipulate this war for unknown reasons. He seemed to believe goading Kaneka into this course of action was only the first step. The war stopped most investigations into this allegation, but on my honor, I beleive it to be true.."
With one final bow, he turns and walks away. His retinue falling into step behind him.
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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 27, 2011 14:32:08 GMT -5
Nakata bowed in response, he whispered a few words to a gunso, and the man ran off. The walk to the Lion was rather silent, Nakata not having much to say other than battle, years of being ronin, and good sake houses. The thunder of hooves came from behind them, and Nataka spied him young Champion riding to them. The young man slid off his horse and smiled. "Good to see you again, Nakata-san. I was wondering where my general ran off to." Hirotomo looked at the Phoenix woman with surprise, then a smile.
"We have a guest it seems. Greetings Isawa-san. I am Toku Hirotomo, Champion of the Monkey. What brings you to the battle?" Hirotomo gestured that they walked to the Lion Camp while they speak. The youth of the Champion was readily apparent. He was perhaps barely past gempukuu. He shouldered the burden of leadership well though. His eyes were bright and alive. The recent skirmish had gone quite well.
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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 27, 2011 14:35:03 GMT -5
With this revelation, Yoshino calls out. Yasuki-sama! I wish to know more of this! The Bat clan is a friend of mine, as are all but one of the minor clans. If you cannot tolerate my presence anymore, I can understand this, but please, let us continue this discussion in some manner. If there is indeed a force behind this, I feel that two samurai, though we be on opposite sides for the moment, working together, could be exactly what they feared!She sits down on the earth, her kimono exposing slightly more leg than is normal as she sits, a daring tailor made this indeed! Assuming that the Yasuki does not turn back, she falls into a deep mediation, mouth moving in silent conversation with her ancestors before coming to and returning to the camp, seeking out Tomatsu-dono. If the Yasuki comes back, this obviously doesn't happen.
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 27, 2011 15:33:59 GMT -5
Kaida bowed politely, a faint smile tugging the corner of her lips.
"Alas that our meeting could not be in happier times, Toku-sama. I am Isawa Kaida, priestess to the Phoenix. It is an honor to meet you. It is duty that brings me to Toshi Ranbo, Toku-sama."
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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 27, 2011 17:18:22 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled faintly at the comment. "I believe that is why we are all here, Isawa-san. Duty. Bushido can be a difficult master, and opinions on it can vary between clans, and even individual samurai. Though I think everyone here felt the call of duty, or at least envisioned themselves to. I too wish it were happier times. It seems the Empire has not liked peace for quite some time. It makes the lives of Clans who seek peace, such are ours, quite interesting. I must confess, as a bushi, I've had little time to devote to the study of theology. It's managed to intrigue me though, perhaps once the unpleasant mess is over with, I'll have more time to devote. Tell me, what has the heavens told us?"
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