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 Sept 17, 2011 21:12:15 GMT -5
(OOC: Open with some restrictions; keep your descriptions somewhat low scale regarding damage to the fortifications.. No "The catapults were super effective, the wall is breached!" type of thing. Remember, however that the Lion at this point are winning and the Hantai forces are barely holding the gate. This thread should wrap up when we know Who won the battle at Toshi Ranbo. It should also be noted that this can be considered a sequel to "In defense of an Enemy" as the Pallisade and it's purpose are described there.)
The Lion army attacking Toshi Ranbo has brought their full might against the hastily built fortifications the Loyalist have built around the Western entrance. After weeks of Fierce fighting on the fields before the Capital, the defending Imperial Legion has been routed. Unicorn Battle maidens harry the survivors fleeing toward the safety of the Gate.
"Light the Barriers! Cover the retreat!" , Yasuki Chad Roars from the Battlements and at his command dozens of flaming arrows arc into the fields. Hissing snakes of sparks erupt from where they land for mere seconds before explosions rock the nearby area. The pepper charges disrupt the Calvery charge somewhat but the disiplined Shiotome recover quickly.
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Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Sept 19, 2011 5:21:09 GMT -5
(OOC: Yasuki Chad-sama, if you concur, I would like to roll back a bit to RP the retreat itself. Is that OK? If not, I will delete my post.)
Before...
Kakita Hiroshi surveyed the field, and shouted to his men: “Fall back, fall back! Line after line, if I see someone break formation during retreat, he can have the honor of me seconding his seppuku! To the walls!”
He looked down to the Daidoji bushi defending the lower fortifications, looking for a familiar face, trying to remember a name from all the nights at the camp, when he was joining various fires to talk to the soldiers. Finally, he found one.
“Daidoji Yuushi, come with me, we will have the honor of collapsing the outer gate,” he shouted and started making his way up the stairs.
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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 Sept 19, 2011 18:15:36 GMT -5
(ooc: It's cool Hiroshi)
The Lion Vangaurd screams a warcry at the overcast sky. The ashiguru in the front charge toward the Western Gate. Every ten feet or so they carry long ladders and in the center of the charge a unit of samurai push a great ram. The Remaining knots of orginized resistance outside the wall began to be overwhelmed, only the ditches and dragons teeth gave them a chance of reaching the safety of the gate. The defenders let loose punishing volley after volley of arrows into the horde, but far too few attackers fell.
Some of the Field Army did not reach the gate in time. Yasuki Chad held the gate open as long as he could, but when he ordered it closed nearly 50 men ended up on the wrong side of the wall. Brutal fighting erupted between the Lion Ashiguru there and the loyalists.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 19, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Sojiro watched from the wall, dismayed, as the Ashigaru pressed forward through the hail of death the Crane archers laid down to cover their retreating forces. Hinto's crack squad of archers were no longer waiting to pick off valuable targets and officers - they were now firing as fast as they could into whatever threat presented itself, in an effort to save whatever Crane lives they could. A ladder suddenly slammed into the rock wall in front of him and Saiko. Without missing a beat, the two men each grabbed something - Sojiro a rock, Saiko a bucket of boiling water - and dropped them on the attackers. The rock slammed into the head and shoulders of the first man climbing the ladder, killing him instantly and knocking the next few men behind him off the rungs and onto their comrades below. The water came next, producing a cacaphony of screams as it discouraged those below from climbing back up again. For the moment. And so it went on the wall. Sojiro, his former student and friend Mirumoto Saiko, and his new companions Kakita Hitoshi and Doji Kenna used whatever means were at their disposal to repel the Lions as they scaled the walls of Toshi Ranbo, like a twisted version of cats climbing a tree in search of prey. Meanwhile, Hinto and the rest of Sojiro's squad did what they do best, raining death from above, trading dead Lions to the fates in order to keep Cranes alive. They fought wordlessly, Sojiro not even having the time to throw out his usual biting comments to his foes because the assault was so ferocious. Some of the ladders were shattered by rocks, others were toppled back over, into the ranks of steel clad Lions, but the men on the wall couldn't possibly stop every last one. Some of the ladders stayed. Some of the Crane arrows had to be diverted from the battlefield to keeping the wall clear. Finally, the men heard Yasuki Chad's voice over the roar of battle as he ordered the gates closed, and they breathed a collective sigh of relief - If the gates were closed, the men guarding them could return to the wall. Reinforcements were on the way! Then Sojiro looked down, and realized the fate of the brave Crane soldiers standing outside the gate as it closed, fighting to keep the Lion at bay even though they knew it would most likely cost them their lives. He was not willing to let this stand. Looking around, he noticed three ladders up against the wall, and another one of his crazy plans came to mind. "Saiko-san, Hitoshi-san, Kenna-san! We have to get those men up these ladders, they're trapped between the gate and the ashigaru!" Running to the nearest ladder, he prepared a quick-and-dirty wind spell and released it straight down. Normally, the spell wasn't strong enough to do more than create a strong gust. But normally, that gust wasn't directed at Lion soldiers climbing a ladder. They toppled like dominoes, falling onto the men below them and creating a tangled, snarled mess of metal and flesh. Sojiro looked back up at Hinto's position and shouted "Hinto-san, we have to have covering fire, or we're all dead! I'm depending on you!" The young archer nodded an affirmative and began dropping feathered death into the Lion pressing into the trapped Crane. Sojiro took one last look down, and then slid down the ladder with his companions, to drag his Crane brethern back out of hell. (OOC OK guys, I know I didn't really clear this with you before writing it, but it seems like a chance for an epic story and I couldn't let it slide If you would like to be somewhere else, doing something else, I can edit the post and remove you from it.... but you're gonna miss one hell of a party ;D)
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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 Sept 19, 2011 22:15:20 GMT -5
(ooc: It's good so far. I'm not the one who just jumped into a few thousand ashiguru.)
The archers on the wall no longer needed to even pretend to aim. It was virtually impossible to miss hitting something. Unfortunately, the defence was not the only ones to have archers. Even worse, the main body of Lion Samurai had begun to make their advance now that the archers were fully engaged. It was clear the Lion Commander intended to take the City by whatever means before it could be reinforced by the Pheonix or Emerald Champion.
From the Top of the Gatehouse the Yasuki Daimyo Watched the Battle. He watched in disbelief as a Crane warrior jumped into the press of bodies and attempted to link up with those trapped below.
"Focus Fire on the Ram, don't let it reach the Gate!"
Those men were going to die, best to focus on the true threat.
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Sept 19, 2011 23:14:57 GMT -5
Time seemed to stand still for Saiko as he watched his old sensei leap over the wall into the seemingly endless tide of ashigaru below, and despite himself, he laughed. The sheer suicidal ridiculousness of it; this battle, this war, everything that had happened over the last few months, and the madness of it all just washed over him in wave of hysterical laughter. He walked over to the dead Lion in which his katana was embedded, pulled it free with a spurt of blood, and followed Sojiro over the side.
What he found himself in at the bottom, however, was anything but laughable. In fact, it had seemed as though he had jumped into the jaws of hell itself. The cries and stench of men, while nothing new to Saiko, rung home to him more in this baqttle than any other. Perhaps he was simply to used to fighting the abominations on the wall, but more likely it was the fact that as he wrenched his katana from yet another poor soul, he saw underneath the spreading bloodstain the telltale black and green mon of his own clan.
He shook such reprehensible thoughts from his head; these men were traitors to the Emperor, no matter where who they were, and as such must pay for their dishonorable activities. Sojiro-sama, he cried over the roar of battle. We need to find a way to stop that ram, if they breach the gates it will be the end of us!
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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 Sept 19, 2011 23:40:15 GMT -5
Working together, Mirumoto Saiko and Kakita Sojiro Manage to reach the stranded Crane. Each of them bear a number of minor wounds by the time they manage to reach the two dozen or so Samurai still alive in front of the gate. The Ram approaches steadily, omionously, the creak of its wood clearly audible even over the battle
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Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Sept 20, 2011 4:38:20 GMT -5
Earlier, on the outer defenses...
Hiroshi and Yuushi made their way up the tower. They looked through the gaijin powder, making sure everything was as the Crab had planned. Hiroshi couldn't tell, if it will work or not. For him, these were just bags here and there, he wasn't sure, what to check. But Yuushi looked like he knew what he was doing. It made Hiroshi wonder about his past...
“All set, Taisa-sama,” said the Daidoji.
“Good, let's go then. For the Empire!” shouted Hiroshi, and the men rushed down the stairs, to a side trench, Yuushi unwinding a long, dry cord. When they reached the trench, the Daidoji prepared himself for lighting the fuse, while Hiroshi scouted the field from the safety of the trench.
Another wave of horsemen and bushi came towards the defenses. “Now!” yelled Hiroshi. Yuushi lit the fuse. “Run!”
The two men rose and ran through the trench, towards a retreating unit of Crane ashigaru. A few moments later, the tower exploded, collapsing on a unit of Lion ashigaru passing through it. Killing or wounding few of them, but more importantly, stalling their assault and trapping the cavalry in the camp.
Hiroshi looked towards the walls, seeing his archers had already reached the safety of the city. A moment after the explosion, archers fired a volley of flaming arrows, setting the oil drenched tents on fire.
The two men reached the unit of ashigaru a minute later. Just in time to repel some stray Lion, not without losing some men of their own.
“Quickly towards the gate!” ordered Hiroshi. The ashigaru commander forwarded the order and they started making their way towards the gate.
When they reached it, there were maybe half of them, probably less. Last units of archers and bushi were hurrying through the gate to safety, but the gate was already closing. The Lion were too close. Seeing that, Hiroshi rallied the men. “Form a half circle, do not let those traitors reach the gate before it closes! For the emperor!”
He's seen the fear in the soldiers' eyes, but it quickly changed to determination. It was the best they could do. They quickly executed the order, joining a small unit of extremely tired samurai that also noticed they won't reach the gate in time and decided to buy others the time they need.
(OOC: any Toturists willing to join? )
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Sept 20, 2011 8:51:58 GMT -5
Breathing heavily, Hitoshi flashed a wild grin at Sojiro. "I'm not sure why I let you talk me into this!" Adrenaline was coursing through his body after their wild flight, temporarily keeping the pain of his wounds at bay. "Now what's part two of this crazy plan?"
Conversation was interrupted as another ashigaru tried to impale Hitoshi on his yari, causing the young Crane to sidestep and concentrate on not getting killed. Striking out with his katana he left the unfortunate farmer in a heap on the ground, but was unable to avoid the lunging movement of the man next to him. The point of his spear impacted on Hitoshi's armour, cracking through the lacquered wood and opening up another small cut on his leg.
Grunting in pain the Crane recovered and allowed Sojiro to cut down his assailant. "Because whatever you're thinking we had better do it fast. I'd judge we have about five minutes out here before we're all killed!"
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Post by Doji Kenna on Sept 20, 2011 9:02:24 GMT -5
The walls of Toshi Ranbo were neither as tall nor as strong as he Doji Kenna would have liked, and they were certainly inadequate for the task of defending the capital appropriately against such a host as the rebel followers of Kaneka had put into the field. Yet day after day, time after time he saw demonstrated clearly in blood and sweat and loss the simple truth that true defence was afforded by the commitments of soldiers not by mere walls. With that said, he would have happily taken some more walls, and some more defenders.
He was busy directing the packed ranks of archers arrayed under his command at the Northern Tower of Toshi Ranbo's great Western Gate, it was tiring work. The Rebel host outside was vast and with every passing hour it offered a new crisis to the increasingly strained defenders. Orders from Yasuki Chad had come in not long ago, that the approaching ram was to be stopped at all costs. It was an order that he wholeheartedly agreed with.
His men were doing excellent work. at his side Shuen, his long-time friend and loyal second-in-command was knocking an arrow when he suddenly stopped and turned, 'Doji-sama! Sojiro-sama has just slid down onto the field.' Kenna looked and sure enough, saw the rapidly descending form of Kakita Sojiro, a noble man whom he had come to regard very highly ever since his assistance in rescuing him from a Lion patrol on his way back to the capital. Noting the shrinking know of Crane soldiers near the gate he could see only to well the intent of Sojiro's path. 'Maintain...maintain fire on the ram,' he said with a heart that suddenly weighed in his chest, his duty was clear; admirable and brave though Sojiro's actions were, Kenna's place was not to be by his side today. Then a sudden thought came to him, the weight in his chest eased is fractionally he gave quick instructions and in moments a blue silk flag was being waved in Sojiro's direction, he hoped the crazed Crane recognised the signal from their initial battle together and knew to make for the tower, it was all he could do for him.
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Post by Shoju on Sept 20, 2011 11:38:40 GMT -5
[ooc] I hope this doesn't bother anyone, I don't plan to interject in the action, just a quick word, and nod at the spider no longer being there. If people have a problem with the post, I will remove it, and we can pretend it was never here
As Yasuki Chad bellowed orders to the defense of Toshi Ranbo, He began to notice that there was someone new on the battlements with him. The man was dressed in simple Sohei clothing, save the fearsome mask of a dragon adorning his face.
"I'm wondering if you believe this to be a good day to die Yasuki-san. This wall, and this city are going to fall." The man looked out from the battlements as the full force of the Lion crushed against the wall. "At least, that is how it appears from my perspective." The figure turned and bowed low. "Forgive me. we have an acquaintance in common who asked me to keep tabs on the defense of the City for him. Sadly, it appears the Hantei court may well have doomed themselves with their decision to send him away. "
The figure stood there, watching the Yasuki, watching the action unfold. He wore no mons, but it was clear who he was speaking of.
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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 Sept 20, 2011 12:39:11 GMT -5
Chad turned and stared at the Sohei, uncomprendingly for a moment. Then his expression hardens.
"Shoju." The Sohei nods.
"It was not my decision. And the battle is not decided yet. They've yet to take the Palllisade, let alone the West Gate behind it. We are not dead yet." He returns his attention to the battle. The lion ashiguru had secured two of the ladders on the wall. He signaled a reserve company to that location.
"Leave or join the fight. I've no time for spectators."
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Post by Shoju on Sept 20, 2011 12:52:12 GMT -5
[ooc]well...... maybe I will join the fight. Yamuso has to die sometime right?[/ooc]
The man chuckled. "You are a fiesty one Yasuki-san." he undid the silk ribbons holding the mempo in place, and tossed it at the feet of The Yasuki. "When you see our acquaintance again, and trust me you will, give him the mempo."
Yamuso removed his shirt, and pulled the short blade from its saya on his back. He scaled the outside of the battlement for a moment and then lept off, arms spread like a bird, blade in hand. he landed on another part of the battlement, and lept again and then again. Soon, he was falling right towards one of the Ladders. But really, was falling the right word?
He stopped his moment this time with his blade. Shoved right through the chest of the unfortunate soul who had climbed to the top of ladder. The man began fighting. Something was odd about the way he fought. As if at times, his movements were blurred by Shadow, even when there seemed to be no shadow present.
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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 Sept 20, 2011 14:44:49 GMT -5
Keisuke stood at the vanguard of the Lion armies, his golden armor shown brightly in contrast to the tides of battle that raged before him before him. For days now his armies had fought the defenders of Toshi Ranbo enacting a heavy toll on those samuria that still sided with the Hantei. His men had fought bravely and with honor, and now the imperial forces had been pushed back to the Western Gate. The sea of blue silver defending the gate was beginning to fade, then came the arrows came raining down like bitter tears from the towers on either side of the gate.
He extended his right arm out from his side a ancient silver war fan in his hand pointed at the gate. With that the shugenja next to him eyes turned a pale shade of blue, sky filled the sound of two rapid thunder claps followed by a pause then two more rapid thunder claps. Somewhere hidden among the samurai pushing the ram shugenja began to weave their spells and a wall of air wiped up above the ram sending many of the arrows off in harmless arcs away from the the battering ram. This time Keisuke, raised his right arm towards the sky pointing the fan directly at the walls them selves, with three rapid thunder claps rang from the sky. The Lion Ashiguru closed in on each other forming four open channels in their ranks. Large ladders could now be spotted making their way through the open ground, twice the size of those ladders already on the the wall the ladders could hold two men side by side, and were topped with spikes that would grip the wall once in place.
Keisuke, drew his sword, and his battle cry came out such as a mighty roar, For Empire, For Kaneka, For the Lion Clan. He charged the Palllisade, hundreds of his fellow samurai following his lead.
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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 Sept 20, 2011 15:37:14 GMT -5
Flaming arrows arced toward the Ram, only to suddenly veer off in a random direction. Some were thrown back among the defenders.
The Gatehouse possesed some defences that would be usefull against the Ram, but with the Crane directly in the killzone Yasuki Chad was unwilling to use them.
Not yet anyway.
Grabbing the Shugenja next to him he shouted, "There is a shugenja, possibly more then one, with the ram. Send a message to the stranded Crane. The shugenja with the ram must die or the ram will make the gate and this battle is lost."
As the dragon sent the message on a gust of wind, a bitter taste filled his mouth. He always hated sending others on suicide missions.
He signalled most of the rest of the reserves to the wall, keeping only the Yasuki House Guard in reserve.
He spotted the Akodo Daimyo preparing to Charge in the wake of the Ladders.
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