Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 12, 2011 18:57:44 GMT -5
(OCC: Reopening of this thread, this is the new setting from here on out.)
Kazuma listened to the advice of those around the table. After he heard what he needed to hear he set about creating plans of the areas that he needed more knowledge. He decided that Ame and Agito would be accompanied by Goro and 200 of Goro's men on a scouting mission into the city. He then drew up plans to scout the rest of the surrounding area. When it was all done he confirmed that 1,000 men would stay in camp to defend against any other attacks while the remaining men would be sent in parties of 100-200 men to scout the surrounding terrain.
With his battle plans ready to go he gave the marching orders and the troops moved out. When the troops left Kazuma began to look over maps of the area to begin to formulate a plan that could be used should there be a major battle here. He hoped that Miga could convince Senshi to send re-enforcement as soon as possible. He knew that the force he had would not be able to hold for long in a prolonged conflict.
The hours ticked by and day turned to night. Kazuma stepped out of the tent and looked around worryingly. He had not heard from Goro or any of the scouts. He gathered a quick search party. He sent them out to locate the scouting teams. He personally lead a team into the ruins to try and find Goro, Ame, and Agito. After searching for a bit he managed to locate there personal guard. All look to have been slain by some form of magic. He looked to his right gauntlet and it confirmed his fear. There was taint in this area. He could not find Goro, Ame, or Agito amongst the dead. Kazuma dismounted and proceeded to search the surrounding ruins. He found them in a ruin that he assumed used to be a dwelling of some kind. Ame and Agito seemed to be fine, but Kazuma saw that Goro did not appear to be breathing. Kazuma moved in he looked at Ame and then to Agito.
We need to get out of here. You will have to give me a detailed report when we get back to the camp.
As Kazuma left the ruined dweling he motioned for several yojimbo. The approached and then entered the dwelling, they exited a few seconds later with Goro's body.
Kazuma lead them out of the city and back to the camp. As he got to the camp he was greeted by his second in command. He notified him that the search parties had returned, they had found the scouts, there were no survivors. Kazuma lead Ame and Agito into the main tent. He walked to the other side of the map.
I need to know exactly what happened in the ruin's today. Please give me as detailed report as you can.
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Post by Morito Mori on Sept 15, 2011 21:01:45 GMT -5
As the Phoenix Champion awaits, a modest horde of Heavy Cavalry wearing the green of the Ox clan arrives on the other side of the boarder, poised to swallow the Dragon Heart Plains and the former Chuda Lands for themselves. The personal banner of the Ox clan champion is with them. The Ox are the strongest military in the minor clans (at least according to EE 4th ed.) and their field army awaits. A messenger would arrive for the Phoenix Clan Champion.
"Shiba sama,
My Lord Morito Mori sama, master of the Ox clan and all its lands claims the Dragon Heart plains and all adjoined, unclaimed territory as protectorates the Ox clan. These plains are good forage, which we require and of otherwise no value. He begs that your greatness consider stepping away, for to engage an Akodo trained general with all the Heavy Cavalry in the empire East of Unicorn lands on open soil is asking for greater casualties than this territory would be worth.
Acknowledge our claim and you will be free to deal with the Snake and the Spider, not only without interference, but with our assistance. They can and will be crushed, but should a move be made without this acknowledgement, then you will face us here and you will be weakenned. Not only militarily, but in respect to the Elemental Council. And that is something any Phoenix Clan Champion can ill afford.
With the greatest respect for one so brave,
Morito Mori, Ox Clan Champion"
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 15, 2011 21:21:06 GMT -5
Kazuma listened to the messenger, when he was done he asked the messenger to bring a message back to the Ox clan champion.
Morito-sama,
I will not move until ordered to do so by the elemental council. I am in discussion with them now and will let you know their decision when I get it. I pray you will hold off any atempts to cross the border until that time.
Shiba Kazuma, Phoenix Clan Champion.
Shortly after Kazuma dismissed the messenger he took the gems from his gauntlet and placed them on a table. He then began to speak into them, contacting all of the elemental council at once.
(OCC: I put his words into the Phoenix clan private forum to save space here)
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Post by Morito Mori on Sept 15, 2011 22:02:27 GMT -5
The Ox forces set up camp on the Dragon Heart Plains, giving the Phoenix plenty of room to decide, a very large herd of oxen being driven into the camp, the animals grazing around the Ox clan's encampment.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Sept 16, 2011 17:19:34 GMT -5
Agasha Agito and Shiba Ame looked downcast at their Clan Champion's map as the two Inquisitors covered the events that occurred after the planning meeting that ended with the death of Isawa Goro...
~*~
Isawa Goro and his cadre of handpicked guards marched behind Ame and Agito as they checked the ruins of Shiro Chuda for any signs of recent tampering. It had been over seven centuries since the ruins of Shiro Chuda had been a centralized source of power, but it did not stop the fools who joined the ranks of the Bloodspeakers or simply became unaffilitated maho-tsukei from trying to squeeze some residual power from it. They checked the obvious spots first - every Inquisitor was taught every detail of the ruins during their training - but found nothing.
Until they reached the blood pool.
The blood pool was a vile artifact of the Snake clan: it was a massive open-air tank where the maho-tsukei whom had run the city could make their vile blood sacrifices and then drain and store the blood they didn't need for a later time. The tank was magically enchanted to keep the blood fresh and vital for weeks at a time. The foul device had proven resistant to attempt to dispel the magics woven within the stone, nor could it be destroyed, so the Inquisitors had chosen to seal it and bury it.
A state which it was not within when the Phoenix samurai found it. Someone had broken the seals, removed the lid, and had even spilled blood into the pool. Isawa Goro - despite the Inquisitors' protests - had decided that he wanted to look into the pool.
As the former Lion's heavy footsteps disturbed the pool's surface, tendrils as thick as a Crab bushi's upper arm crafted from a mixture of blood and earth flashed upwards faster than the eye could follow, wrapping around Goro's ankles, wrists and waist; pinning him in place. When the man's guards moved up to try and cut their master free, more of the blood tentacles snared them until only Ame and Agito remained free, having stayed far enough away from the pool to keep out of reach.
A low cackle reverberated as a massive blister of blood rose from the depths of the pit that popped as it reached ground level. Contained within the blister was a twisted deformity of a man, heavily corrupted from excessive maho use, wearing a robe fashioned from flayed Zokujin hides. As the two Inquistors shifted position to have a clear line of sight on the maho-tsukei, dozens - hundreds - of needle-tipped tentacles rose from the pit, looking like a nest of blood-colored snakes.
"Feed. Grow. Kill."[/b] The maho user gasped, clearly straining his vocabulary - the corruption that had twisted his body had degenerated his mind as well, as Ame and Agito began encanting spells from memory (a crucial ability for warrior shugenja.)
As the spells flew across the plain to strike the maho-tsukei controlling the blood beast, the needle tipped tendrils stabbed Isawa Goro and his men. The spiked tips punched through the light armor of Goro's Phoenix troops as if the steel was mere parchment, killing them instantly, and the tendrils began to pulsate as it tainted abberation drained the blood from them and tossing them aside like rag dolls.
Goro was not so lucky.
The needle tentacle meant for him was unable to puncture his heavy armor, but struck with sufficient force to dent the cuirass and there was a sickening *CRACK* as the man's breastbone snapped like a chicken's wishbone. The former Lion's ribs, freed from their natural shape, splintered and must have punctured his lungs as he coughed up a massive bollus of blood that dribbled down his chest. The spiked tentacle reared back, splitting open like a wormy apple, and forming a dozen new tips.
A series self-dishonoring scream escaped Isawa Goro's bloody lips as the now paddle-like tentacle struck him full in his face, spearing his eyes, nose, and lips. As Goro's face was destroyed, the Inquistor's attack reduced the maho-tsukei to a burning smear crushed between to boulders of pure jade.
And then it got gruesome.
The beast, maddened by the death of its creator or Goro's screams - likely the samurai's screams, went berserk. The spiked paddle pulled back, forcibly ripping the full length of the man's tongue from his body and reducing Goro's cries to a bloody gurgling moan as his ruined eyes wept blood and ichor from his emptying sockets. Then the paddle rolled back up and forced itself down the dying samurai's gullet to extract the man's lifeblood.
Isawa Goro's death rattle was a gurgling gag as the monster drained the blood out of him.
After the beast hurled the heavily armored corpse aside, it took Ame and Agito only a handful of spells to vaporize the blood beast and reseal the blood pool. In the end, Isawa Goro only had himself to blame for his death...
~*~
The Inquistors finished conveying the last grisly detail when the Ox Champion's messenger arrived in the tent and conveyed his own message. The Phoenix Clan Champion acknowledged the messenger and sent him on his way before initiating a conversation with the Elemental Council. The two shugenja remained silent, knowing it is not their place to express their feelings at the words of the minor clan messenger.
As Shiba Kazuma began setting out the crystals, Agito shot Ame a glance, raising an eyebrow in a silent question; was she interested in playing their game they played whenever the Void Master got bad news and they were within earshot. A subtle nod from the samurai-ko caused the two Inquistors to swiftly reach into the coin purses tucked behind their obi and pull out a single gold koku each.
Agasha Agito got his coin out first. "Righteous indignation."[/b] He said softly.
"Damn it, that's what I was going to pick!"[/b] Shiba Ame hissed at him. "Hmm... Oh, Implied Threat."[/b]
"Nice..."[/b]
The two remained silent as they listened to the Void Master's reply. After he finished, they glanced at each other shrugged - Agasha Shodai had responded with BOTH righteous indignation AND an implied threat - and put away their coins.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 19, 2011 6:29:47 GMT -5
(OCC: This is not dead I am just waiting for a response to a question that I asked Jay before continuing. Sorry for the delay)
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 22, 2011 18:26:28 GMT -5
Kazuma let a smile cross his lips as he heard the words from Shodai. The gesture from his old friend was welcome in these troubled times. After a brief second he looked back down at the stones.
I will have to hold you to that Shodai-sama.
After that he collected the stones and placed them back into there respective places on his gauntlet. He then motioned for a messanger.
I want you to bring a message to the Ox clan champion.
Honorable Moito-sama, I can not move my forces from this land as a result of the Maho-taint. I am claiming this land for the Phoenix clan invoking the history of this land. It was an Isawa that created the Snake clan and the Phoenix clan was the clan to cleanse them from this land. So I pray you will retire your forces and allow the Phoenix clan the ability to conduct their cleansing in peace.
Kazuma dismissed the messenger and then looked at the map displayed in front of him. He looked at his two inquisitors.
Now we wait for a response.
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Post by Morito Mori on Sept 23, 2011 0:36:43 GMT -5
A messenger would arrive under a flag of peace as the Ox clan camp does not move.
"Greetings Honorable Phoenix sama,
My Master askes you to please reconsider. He will give you until mid day tomorrow to reconsider. He would rather make peace than war, but will not move. "
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 23, 2011 5:40:46 GMT -5
Kazuma dismissed the messanger without harm. He strolled over to the map that he had arrayed. As he surveyed the map and the reports in front of him his hand rested on the hilt of Ofushikai. After over an hour of looking at reports and maps he called a war council of the two inquisitors and his second in command.
We have been given an ultimatum by the Ox clan champion. I can not attack him as a result of an imperial edict preventing that, but we will defend our claim to this land. He has the decided advantage in any battle where he gets to decide the field. Dragon Heart Plain is flat and open terrain with little cover. He has heavy cavalry. He will be able to surround any defensive possition we put up and attack us at our flanks and our rear. We have two tactically sound options should he decide to attack. We can either hold the high ground here, force his army to attack up hill and a numerically superior force in prepared positions. The only problem with that is that we will be surrounded with our supply lines cut. He could take the rest of Dragon Heart Plain including Shiro Chuda and we would not be able to stop him unless we attacked him. Thus moving onto ground of his choice in unprepared positions where his cavalry would have the advantage. Kazuma took a deep breath and released it slowly before voicing his next option. Our second option is to move our forces into Shiro Chuda before I send my reply to him. This will allow us a defense in a sound position where he would have to dismount his horses before pursuing us into the city. This will also prevent him from capturing Shiro Chuda and then when the reinforcements arrive we can push him off of the rest of Dragon Heart Plain. I don't think I need to state the problem that we will have with this second option. Not only will we be fighting the Ox Clan, but we will also have to contend with any Maho users that may reside in the city itself.
Kazuma looked at the maps on the table including several diagrams that he had drawn which showed possible battle formations of both his forces and the enemy forces. It was clear to all of those gathered that he had already made his decision on what choice to make.
I can not allow the Ox clan to take Shiro Chuda from us. Not only would I fail in my mission, but then we would have to then contend with the fact that every single member of their clan may be tainted for stepping foot inside the city. We will move our forces as soon as possible. I will lead the first part of the army into the city. The fate suffered by Goro shall not befall any other troops. May Shiba and the Kami guide and protect us.
Kazuma looked to his second in command.
Give the order, I will move with the lead elements within the hour.
Kazuma then turned to Agito and Ame.
You two will be by my side during the entirety of this battle. I will be fighting a two sided battle and will need your help in determining what the second side is capable of. Gather your belongings and meet me within the hour.
Less then an hour later Kazuma stood in full battle attire outside of the command tent as it was starting to be torn down. He waited by his horse with 500 of his men for Agita and Ame.
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Post by Morito Mori on Sept 23, 2011 12:03:13 GMT -5
(I need to know when night falls.)
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Post by Shoju on Sept 23, 2011 14:12:10 GMT -5
{OOC} I find it interesting that the two of you are going to such lengths to claim the land. Especially, since the only thing that any "PC" has done is set up a small shrine to Isawa Chuda on the Dragon's Heart Plains {ooc}
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Post by Morito Mori on Sept 23, 2011 14:27:58 GMT -5
(OOC) I had intended to take this land quietly all along during this civil war, but the Phoenix moving in forced my hand
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Post by Shoju on Sept 23, 2011 14:28:43 GMT -5
{OOC} The battle for the Dragon heart Plain should be a very fun endeavor... I just need to wrap up Rp's to get there.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 23, 2011 15:54:59 GMT -5
(OCC: I am going to wait until Shodai posts before moving time along. Also I look forward to what this is going to turn into.
Edit: I am giving fair warning that this thread does have a lot of conflict between player characters. As such I am going to say this now, if you do not want to deal with PVP or want no part of an RP that has PVP, please stay away. If you have no problem with PVP and can have a reason to be in this rp, by all means post your introduction [though please PM me first, need a little warning])
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Sept 29, 2011 11:39:46 GMT -5
(OCC: I am just going to jump ahead)
Kazuma lead the first half of the troops into Shiro Chuda securing the city on his way in. Kazuma issued orders to re-enforce the walls and prepare for an attack from any direction. He then organized a small unit of soldiers and Shugenja including Ame and Agito. This small team searched the city for any signs of Majo users and purged the inside of the city as best they could.
The other half of his army arrived just before nightfall. Camp was set up in the center of the city and all of the wall were reinforced. Kazuma moved to the top of the wall looking out at the Ox clan champion's camp as the sun finished setting.
(it is now night)
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