Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 17, 2011 23:07:21 GMT -5
[OOC] This post will follow Yasuki Chad's and continue the story. Sorry about my mishap everyone...[/OOC]
The man patiently waits as Sojiro and Chad respond with their several questions, and then as if a punctuation, Sprinkles asks his. At this the man's demeanor adjusts slightly.
"Ah, yes, well; as I have alluded to, I am not entirely solely responsible for the situation you find yourself in. I am a member of a group that has a vested interest in this area. Unfortunately, our connection to this location is even more tenuous than yours. As you can see from looking at me, my form subtly shifts. I can not appear here as I want to, which you can. Until the links to your realm are disconnected, we will not be able to appear here."
"As to who we are, I can tell you that my name is Yudai; it would be up to the others if or when they can manifest if they want to identify themselves."
"The entities here are numerous, the only one I know specifically is one of your former emperors. He was displaced in your realm and his spirit sought a place to sustain it's existence. But our time here is limited, it takes a lot of our energy to manifest here; so, as I stated, exploration has not been within our ability."
"When you sever their connection to this place, you allow us to make our connection here stronger. Nothing will happen to your realm as a result of this, of that I can assure you."
"As to what I am, I am a person, just like any of you. I'm just not from the place you come from. If there are specific qualities that you would like to know, I will tell you. I'm a pretty ok guy."
"Any others? I do so love talking with people I've never met before."
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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 Oct 18, 2011 20:10:31 GMT -5
"So you would have us strike down one of our Revered Dead? I'm sorry, but i'm not going to attack the honored spirit of a Hantei on some vague promise of aid to myself.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 18, 2011 20:31:32 GMT -5
The man pauses to look directly at Yasuki Chad and measure him up. The man's image wavers for a second and then resolidifies.
"As I said, Yasuki-San, the entities can be settled by different methods. As I've been able to see and speak with this one, I don't think it would come to violence; but I can not guarantee it as I will not be there when you meet with him. It is up to you all how you handle the situations, I will simply point the way not direct how you accomplish the goal. And besides, even if it does come to swords, you're not going to really be killing anything. These entities have already died their mortal death. You should think about it more as.... putting their spirits to rest. Just as you all are bound here by a portion of your mind, they are bound by a portion of their spirit. But I can't let them out as I can you because they didn't come here by choice.
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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 Oct 18, 2011 21:34:08 GMT -5
"I suppose I should at least see for myself these...entities." He turns to Kakita Sojiro and Sprinkles. "Kakita Sojiro? I thought you dead. In any event it is good to see a familier face. What are your thoughts here? Shall we procede, or turn back?"
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 18, 2011 23:14:58 GMT -5
Well, that's actually a wonderful segway into the first goal.
The man's eyes close and it seems like he focuses for a moment.
Each of these paths behind me is the way to one of the entities that you'll have to deal with. I have no particular suggestion as to which one you take first, though I will say that the Hantei I spoke of is on the far left path.
With those words spoken the far left path developes a glowing ball just a little bit in front of it. The ball expands slowly from the ground up leaving behind a stalk like trail which seems planted in the ground. After reaching a certain height the ball expands into a rectangle; then it turns into a wooden sign upon which the glowing kanji read "Hantei".
"As I said, that's the one we've been able to see, so I took the liberty of marking it for you. One of us will wait here for you at all times to answer any more questions you may come up with. Though I can say that I am the most knowledgeable I do have....other things that I have to take care of my realm. Also, it sort of goes without saying that it would probably behoove you for your entire group to go down one path at a time. Thank you for undertaking this again, you Samurai are surely worth the praise that you so often get."
With that, the man assumes a cross-legged sitting position; and before you there are 7 paths to choose from. Only one of which do you know where it leads and what lies at the end.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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 Oct 19, 2011 4:02:30 GMT -5
(OOC: Let's not give Zeure an aneurism, and all of us stick together doing one path at a time. It's the polite thing to do... and no one wants exploded spider brains all over the interwebs ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) )
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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 Oct 19, 2011 4:06:36 GMT -5
Sojiro looked over to Chad and smiled.
"Not quite, Chad-sama, although the walk to Kyuden Otomo after the battle came close to killing all four of us. Apparently, I am either harder to kill or just plain luckier than I have any right to be."
"Tell me, sama, how are the Lion treating you? All of us are concerned about your situation. As for this," he gestured to the paths in front of them. "I suggest we deal with the Hantei first. At least we'll have an idea what we're dealing with starting off in this strange place."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 19, 2011 22:30:17 GMT -5
[OOC]Waiting on everyone to agree/disagree.[/OOC]
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Post by sprinkles on Oct 19, 2011 22:37:01 GMT -5
(ooc agree)
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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 Oct 20, 2011 7:45:00 GMT -5
(ooc agree)
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Oct 20, 2011 16:03:49 GMT -5
All of the gathered samurai move down the pathway past the Hantei sign. Again, as they move the path seems to bend and shift around in on intself. At one point it even seems to form a spiral pattern, yet the samurai all remain firmly rooted to the ground of the pathway. The inky darkness that surrounds you as you walk seems inviting, almost as if you decided to jump off the pathway you might be able to just float out there forever...
The pathway goes on and on for a very long time, but you see in the distance a small circle of light. Seeing the light causes you to pick up your step and move faster to reach it as the darkness all around you is starting to feel oppressive. You come right up to the edge of the circle and looking at it, you realize that you can see something on the other side, as if this was some kind of a portal leading you to another area entirely.
You see what you would guess is an entry room of a courtly building. It's opulence is inviting and you step on through into the room. And as you do, you pause to look back and find yourself staring at a closed door. The feeling crosses your mind that you may have to finish this "encounter" before you are able to leave; which is in direct contradiction to what the man at the crossroads said to you...
As you are standing in the doorway, a servant rushes forward, the servant is a small woman wearing emerald green robes with the seal of the chrysanthemum upon them. She bows deeply to the assembled samurai and says:
"Greetings noble Samurai, if you would please take off your shoes and put them in that small area over there, you may enter the court of our most resplendent emperor. I must say it is an incredible honor to be able to attend this meeting.
She gestures to a small cubby that has many other shoes and boots laid upon it. There are "inside" sandals set out for those who wish to use them. Additionally, you will find in your traveling pack, if you brought one, your own pair of "inside" shoes.
The woman contines to stand and watch you, and she offers: "If any of you would rather go to a private room for whatever reason, I can direct you, otherwise these truly magnificent and ornate doors directly opposite the entry way are where the court resides."
[OOC]I will not direct your actions, but I will say these things: 1: it is an offense to your host to wear armor in their court, it is sort of like saying "you can't protect me, so I have to wear armor". 2: usually, when entering a fancy court you wouldn't wear the same clothes you arrived in. 3: Wearing your swords with the tip pointing down is seen as an aggressive posture, as that is the position that makes them ready for drawing.[/OOC]
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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 Oct 20, 2011 19:57:36 GMT -5
"Please, servent, direct me to these rooms. I fear I am unsuitable to present myself at the moment." The Crab gives a polite bow and follows to the private rooms. Once there he removes his armor. He considers but discards the idea of making his weapons harder to draw, counting on such little paranoias as being accepted crab faux pas. He then changes into a magnificent kimono, with accented shoulders and images of crab and fish over a port scene. Sharp eyed viewer would recognize a beautiful, and accurate, image of Clear Water Village.
When he returns to the Doors he settle in to wait for any other preperations the others have.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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 Oct 20, 2011 21:13:05 GMT -5
"I would like a room as well. To attend Hantei-dono dressed as I am would be disgraceful, to say the least."
Sojiro looked over to Sprinkles. "Sprinkles-san, it is very poor etiquette to visit such a place wearing armor, or to do so in the same clothes you traveled in. I suggest you take advantage of one of these rooms as well. I suspect you will find something quite fitting and appropriate for you." With that, Sojiro followed the servant into a room of his own.
Once there, he stripped out of his armor and traveling clothes. Searching through the room, he found a stunning kimono depicting Tsuma city at dusk. The top of the kimono around his shoulders was black and decorated with stars, and the night sky continued down both arms. Beneath this was a scene of Tsuma in all her glory, with shades of orange, purple, and red capturing the beauty of the fading sunset as the city came to life beneath it. On the back was a scene depicting three men bearing a striking resemblance to Hitoshi, Hiroshi, and Sojiro standing together and dressed for battle, with a large Crane in flight above the men done in blues, greys, and white.
Sojiro had never even seen such an amazing kimono before, let alone having actually owned or worn one. He quickly donned it and tied his daisho back into the proper place for visiting someone of such a high rank as a Hantei using an obi that was made to be a great dragon done in green. The obi was not simply a belt depicting a dragon, it was literally cut and shaped to BE a dragon.
Beneath the kimono and obi he found a jade comb and a long cord to tie back and braid his hair, set with alternating white and green pieces of jade. He quickly fixed his hair, slipped his feet into the proper shoes for such a visit, and re-emerged from the room.
It is a pity, he thought, that this is all taking place in my mind. I doubt I've ever looked this good before, or ever will again.
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Post by sprinkles on Oct 20, 2011 22:32:38 GMT -5
Sprinkles looked himself over. He had come here wear his grey and black kimono and mempo. He was barefoot to begin with. He knew the etiquette and as always cared nothing for it. He didn't trust this realm either. He carefully moved his hand to his dagger to see if it had made the trip as well. It had. That made him feel a bit better. "I am fine. I have no need of anything further."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
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 Oct 20, 2011 23:19:40 GMT -5
Upon stepping out, Sojiro took a look at his companions. Chad was dressed nearly as well as he was, proving that the Crab clan could, when they felt like it, clean up quite well.
Sprinkles, on the other hand....
"No no no, this won't do at all."
He disappeared back into the room for a second, leaving the door open as he rummaged around and generally making a mess as he searched for something that would simultaneously make Sprinkles more presentable without offending his sensibilities.
The problem here is that I know next to nothing about this man.
He could here Sprinkles making something sounding vaguely like protest as he went about the task, but he paid it no mind - he would not have his new companion making a fool of himself, or worse yet offending the spirit of some long dead Hantei emperor. Sojiro just didn't want to deal with that headache.
At length, he remembered the man's story about coming from the burning sands. Sojiro had seen travelers from that area a few times, but was far from an expert in their clothing - for the love of the kami, he was a warrior, not a damned Otomo courtier! This was foreign territory for him. Literally, given the man's origin.
At length, he found another kimono that looked like it had been stitched from the fabric of night itself - simple but elegant. wrapped in it's folds was a mempo that looked a little less blatantly like armor than the one Sprinkles was currently wearing, colored the same hue as the desert sands (or at least what Sojiro imagined those sands to look like, having never seen them first hand.)
A simple pair of sandals woven from some type of black straw-like plant completed the basic necessities, along with a long length of grey silk that would serve to keep his dagger within easy access but still have it sheathed in the proper direction. He grabbed the clothes in a bundle of chaos and stepped back out into the room, handing them to Sprinkles as he did so.
"There. I think these will work much more nicely. Remember to fasten the dagger in such a way that the tip is not pointing towards the ground, Sprinkles-san. A weapon pointing in such a way is a sign of war and aggression." He patted his daisho, still blatantly displayed at his side but pointing upwards, to emphasize what he meant.
"Step inside and make your self a little more presentable, san. We can wait. Who knows, you may even find something in there you like that I missed."
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