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Post by Shoju on Nov 1, 2011 8:53:42 GMT -5
[OOC] This is going to be a pretty big RP, and a pretty long RP. It is "closed" in a sense that if your name is not on this list, I would humbly ask that you PM myself before joining, to try and gain entry. Due to the size of it, I'm unsure how many people I will want to add, but there are some I could see coming in.
<-Confirmed Participants: ->
Tamihei Shoju / Tamihei Bonfei (me) Bayushi Haruka / Tenshi (Haruka) Bayushi Senshi / ? (senshi) Tamihei Yun (Zeure) Agasha Shodai / cast of characters (Shodai) Toku Kenpachi (Hirotomo)
<-Possible/Part time Participants: ->
Kasuga Shinobu Morito Mori Morito Asuka Shiba Kazuma
As you can see there are a lot of people who could already be in this RP at times, so..... Let's buckle in, and get things moving. [/OOC]
Ruins of Otosan Uchi
Shoju had made the preparations for his journey. He tasked Unong with dealing with the restoration of the East side of the ruins, and securing the farm land, and dealing with the peasants. Shoju had given him free reign to use the last of what wealth they had to secure the services and provisions of a Kaiu trained Engineer to make the ruins as hospitable as possible while Shoju worked to secure the Clan's ancient home. He was unsure how he would finance any restorations to Shiro Chuda, but that wasn't important right now, and Unong was the man for the job.
Bonfei had silently resented the decision, until he was told he would be traveling with his Champion to meet with the Phoenix and the Ox.
Shoju walked out of the "court" of the Snake Clan, and addressed a young scout personally. Young Tamihei, your task this day is of great importance. In the Monkey Lands, Our young ones wait. They have been wards of the great Toku Kenpachi since our departure from Saisei. You are to take this letter to Kenpachi, and thank him for his care. Bring the Young ones here, and they are to create a new display. I have a feeling that we will need to entertain people soon.
The scout bowed low, and began to make preparations to leave. Shoju reached his quarters, and began making his final preparations to leave. With the troupe on its way home, he could focus on dealing with the two clans who were taking his homelands for their own.
He had but a few hours before Yun, Bonfei, Tenshi, and the two scouts were due to meet him here. He began to meditate.
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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 Nov 1, 2011 12:27:22 GMT -5
The winds roared past Yun's ears as he soared above the clouds. He thought to himself that all Shugenja privately must love the methods of travel afforded them by the Kami. It had been some time since Yun had been outside the shadowlands, where travel could not be so obvious, as there would always be an oni or a bakemono watching for you as their next snack and the terrain was so much less definite that you could easily lose your way. Yun, having an affinity for air had never given up on the pure joy of flight.
Here in the empire, Yun was able to place his mark on the grounds of the ruins near the snake encampment so that he would unerringly always be able to find his way there. As he got close enough that those with the proper senses would be able to detect him. Yun weaved another spell that would make him invisible to almost every form of sensory perception and he stopped concentrating on his flight spell which made it drop to a mere gentle glide, as if the air had given him a parachute with which to land safely.
Yun landed safely and allowed the spell of invisibility to drop as he walked towards Shoju's tent. He looked around for Bonfei so that he could have his Lord's yojimbo announce that Yun had returned, but Yun did not find Bonfei. Yun arrived at Shoju's tent and bowed as he entered. Seeing that Shoju was in meditation, he simply placed the scroll he had been sent to collect on Shoju's table, trying very hard not to make a sound and then walked to a cushion and sat himself down to await the next directive, or for others to arrive.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 4, 2011 11:06:52 GMT -5
Shoju opened his eyes as Yun sat down. Greetings Yun-san. What is it that you have brought with you? Shoju's eyes turned towards the scroll on the table.
Shoju didn't move from his position, and he didn't seem disturbed. He sat, looking the picture of calm as he eyed the situation. He wondered what had kept Bonfei busy, but knowing the man's meticulous nature, he would have the hooves of the horses they intended to ride personally cleaned to a mirror-esque shine before they departed.
It was the thought of Bonfei's meticulous behaviors that made Shoju smile as he looked at the scroll on the table.
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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 Nov 4, 2011 11:14:13 GMT -5
Yun eyes his lord with a mixture of fun and patience.
"From the air I've been able to safely scout out a bit of the surrounding forces. There doesn't seem to be a Phoenix presence at any other location in the plains aside from Shiro Chuda."
Yun unfurls the scroll and sats it down in between him and Shoju.
"The Ox are mostly encamped here." *he gestures to a position on the map where a crudely drawn circle with two triangles off of either side of the top is located.* "But they make regular circles around the plains riding in a tight formation. I would imagine our best point of entry is..." *Again he gestures at the map* "..is here. On the low side of the plains south of Shiro Chuda. But I guess that would depend on whether we're sending an envoy, or sending a military force."
He waits for Shoju to speak at this point. Continuing to watch him for any sign of emotion one way or the other about Yun's findings.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 4, 2011 12:23:46 GMT -5
Shoju looked at the map. The Phoenix hold the city. Shodai is honoring his promise to the Master of Secrets afterall Shoju thought in his head. Yun-san, this is fantastic work. Truly fantastic. There will be no military force headed to speak with those who occupy our lands. There will be a small group, of trusted advisors. Bonfei, Tenshi, Myself, a pair of honor guards, and if you would so please, yourself. Shoju stood and walked towards the table, and poured himself a glass of Sake, and gestured towards Yun. I may not be able to enjoy this as I once could, but it still brings me peace from time to time. Care for some?
As he offered Sake to Yun. Bonfei entered the quarters and bowed low. Forgive my tardiness Shoju-dono. My preparations for the journey took longer than expected.
Shoju waved him off and smiled. Bonfei-san, you are predictable. I'm sure that you my horse's hooves will shine all the way to the Dragon's Heart Plain Shoju said with a grin. He began pouring another glass of Sake, still waiting on Yun's answer.
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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 Nov 4, 2011 14:56:41 GMT -5
"Ah, well, if one's lord offers him sake, then one must enjoy sake."
Yun looks down at the table and pours himself a very tiny amount of sake and waits for Shoju to be distracted with Bonfei entering before drinking it down and visibly gagging.
"My that is some...good sake, My lord.
He listens as Bonfei and Shoju have their exchange while setting the cup back down. As they finish, Yun speaks:
"Uh, by the way, I will absolutely accompany you since you are deigning to offer it to me, Sama. I am eager for the change of duty. Talking to people is one of my specialties. I hope I can be of use in this endeavor."
He paused to consider something before he spoke again.
"Also I have something that I need to discuss with you in private. It's of a personal nature but may have impact on what we're attempting to do in the long run. I would suggest whispering winds if you would allow me."
Yun was poking at a scroll in his satchel, obviously speaking of using magic to communicate mentally so that their words would be known only to themselves and certain air Kami. It was not that Yun did not trust Bonfei, but rather he wanted this information so tightly wrapped that there was no chance of escape.
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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 Nov 6, 2011 12:03:49 GMT -5
Toku Kenpachi rode at the head of the column. It was not an easy task to hide a group as large as theirs, especially since the Monkey declared for Toturi. They were travailing under the guise of a pilgrimage. Not the most honorable sort of thing to do, but lately Kenpachi was caring little about such matters, perhaps he spent too much time with the Scorpion. The letter was nice enough, Kenpachi even offered to help them through the lands. Travailing was difficult in peace, a nightmare in war.
"What do you think we'll find when we get there, Sama?" Juta said looking up at his lord. "Probably a ruined castle. Unless the Phoenix collective head's became damaged, I don't think they will give up the Snake's right without a confrontation. So expect them too. I was here studying how to defeat maho with the Jade Magistrates, the Phoenix keep a watchful eye. Still, the war may have drove them to other matters." Kenpachi looked at the younger man and winked. "Expect the worst, Juta-san, then at least you can only be pleasantly surprised."
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Post by Shoju on Nov 7, 2011 10:48:00 GMT -5
Shoju smiled at Yun. Whatever you feel is best Yun-san. I assure you though, anything you tell me in front of Bonfei is just as safe as if you spoke to me through more... secure lines.
Shoju walked over to a low stand, and retried his No-Dachi. It was a curiously large weapon for a shugenja, but few could argue with the ability in which Shoju wielded it. He drew the blade from its home, and the glow was surprising. He focused his mind, and awaited Yun's thoughts.
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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 Nov 8, 2011 3:06:42 GMT -5
"It's not that I don't trust Bonfei-san, Shoju-sama; I have known I could trust him since I saw how admirably he fought on the boats. If I felt I could not trust him, I would have already been trying to convince you of a suitable replacement for him as your life is important. It's just that I've been around for long enough to know that you never know who is listening and this secret is something I want to keep as personal as possible."
Yun withdrew the scroll he had been fingering from his satchel and he looked over at Bonfei with an apologetic look on his face. "I really do trust you, Bonfei-san."
Yun unfurled the scroll and spoke the proper words to entreat the kami, and they formed a sort of pathway between Shoju's mind and Yun's. A more experienced, less scrupulous, Shugenja would be able to use this link to their advantage and read the memories right out of the other's head. But Yun had no intentions of such a thing.
Yun stared as Shoju and inside his mind he spoke: "My Lord, over the past several weeks, I have been using my more than considerable talents with air magic to plague the dreams of Bayushi Senshi to make him incapable of directing his forces and maintaining a clear mind. But the last time I did so, something strange happened. At the same time that I was setting up my next link, a gaijin called Sprinkles was contacting Bayushi Haruka in the same manner. Our spells somehow crossed and I ended up in her dreams rather than Senshi's. Haruka and I...spoke for some time, and in the conversation she talked about you. She offered to help us if you had something that you would like her to do. I would be more than willing to contact her again to deliver whatever message you wanted."
Yun's tone was excited as he offered to contact her again, as if there was an anticipation of doing just that.
"Secondly, I know that my spell was crossed with Sprinkles because afterward, we were drawn into another place entirely where we spoke with each other. He tried to draw me away from you to join his side and he told me that he has some nasty plans for you and several others. He was too clever to say exactly what, but I think the threat was legitimate. We should destroy him."
Shoju might recognize that the last part of Yun's speech was forced and quick. Yun's gaze never wavered, but he tilted his head and cracked a smile at the "we should destroy him" part.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 8, 2011 11:45:29 GMT -5
Shoju processed what Yun had said, and thought for a moment. His response seemed measured.
The Gaijin is a fool. He will be destroyed, but it wont be by our hand, unless we are forced. His madness is a plague upon his machinations. He only seeks to destroy me because he holds a position of power I once held, and he fears I would come to take it back. We make no moves against the gaijin unless we are moved against. We have far more important tasks at hand.
As for Haruka... Shoju's expression was hard to read I would only ask that she continue to believe that I am trying. I fear that the coming conflict with her husband will draw her further into this. Her contact with myself, yourself, and the gaijin are troublesome. I fear there is an angle at play I may have not been aware of before.[/i]
Shoju walked towards the table where the sake was kept, and let his head hang low for a moment. He then spoke out loud. As we look to the north, and the Lands that belong to the Snake, we must remember that while the Phoenix and the Ox move to block us from our home because the obvious blinds them from the subtlely, Not all of the Empire's heroes look upon us with such disdain. It is part of the reason that I hope to settle this with a small party of trusted advisors, and diplomacy. Only through peace will we ever call those lands home again.
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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 Nov 8, 2011 13:30:42 GMT -5
Yun allowed the spell to cease functioning and released the air kami back to their other duties.
"Yes, Shoju-Sama. I will do as you directed. And I too hope that at least one thing that we or the spider try to do can be handled through peaceful negotiations."
Yun moved back to the cushion he had occupied while awaiting Shoju to allow him to speak and took a seat. He seemed to be thinking about something his mind still conflicted, perhaps distracted.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 10, 2011 10:11:29 GMT -5
Shoju walked towards Bonfei, and and smiled. As soon as Tenshi is ready to depart, we will begin making our way towards the Dragon's Heart Plains. Much tragedy has befallen the lands of the once proud Snake. It is my hope to reclaim the land, and forge a new history upon it.
Shoju was pacing. His mind was full of questions and worries. When he had led those willing to follow out of the City of the Lost, he was confident that he could reforge his destiny and find a place in the Empire. The Lord of the Spider had granted him leave. At the time, Shoju had believed Daigotsu saw the desire in Shoju. Now, Shoju saw that it was because Daigotsu simply had no use for him.
First, the Gaijin "Chuda" had assaulted the Snake seemingly against the orders of Daigotsu. Then, the Dark Moto, Thrakhath, Daigotsu's personal 'hand' had led an assault as the Snake were leaving the Shadowlands. Thrakhath knew that they had headed for the Isles of Candas. Someone had tipped him off.
Shoju's mind thought of the Samurai and peasant who had lost their lives fighting against Thrakhath's guard. Thrakhath had underestimated Shoju, and not come himself. He knew that the next time, he wouldn't be so lucky. If, Shoju was correct, Thrakhath would be planning to erase the mistake. And if it were with the full backing of the Lord of the Spider, it would be soon.
But then, What of the Master of Secrets? What of The Mistress of Secrets? Shoju knew that Haruka saw the honor in him. Probably because while she wore the name, she wasn't a scorpion from birth. She knew the customs of the clan, and she practiced the customs of the clan, but she her affiliation with the underhand was through marriage. He feared that her perspective would only stray from that of the rest of the Scorpion for a short time longer, before she too wished to plan him in the grove.
What about Tenshi? What of the child? Shoju's mind was clearly pre-occupied. His thoughts were plagued with doubts of the success he sought. If The Ox and Phoenix would not honor his right to the land, there would be no military victory, and again, that which Shoju yearned for, would be burned in front of him.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Nov 10, 2011 10:21:52 GMT -5
As if summoned by her name on the wind Tenshi made her appearance at his door. She had refrained from entering since she saw that he had company in his quarters and thought it best not to intrude. But her wide form gave her appearance away as she bowed to Yun and Shoju.
"You needn't delay your journey a moment longer my dear Shoju-sama. I am ready when you are."
Tenshi never was seen without at least one hand on the child within her, as if always trying to hold it inside her. She had forced herself to shed her armor and only keep to her deep purple cloth kimono, as her armor wouldn't fit over her changed form.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 10, 2011 10:34:32 GMT -5
Shoju's whole demeanor changed as the woman entered. The look on his face changed from that of a man lost in thought, to a man enthralled. He walked over to Tenshi, and smiled. Your arrival couldn't have been more perfectly timed Tenshi-san. He walked towards her, his emotions welling in his mind. Surely she would have 'heard' his thoughts before, but now, his whole mind was occupied with her, and the child that she carried for her sister. I do hope that Bonfei has planned for your... condition in our travels.
Shoju looked sideways at Bonfei who stood taller. Of course Shoju-sama. All preparations have been made. [/b] Bonfei turned and looked at Tenshi. I have spoken with a pair of woman would would be willing to join us as Handmaidens in an effort to aid you as well, but that is a choice I leave for you to make. They can be summoned in a moments notice.[/b]
Shoju looked at Yun, and smiled. Rise Yun-san, and make your final preparations. We are leaving within the hour
Shoju walked over to his table, and retrieved a Scroll Case. It was small, capable of holding very few scrolls, and his No-Dachi. as he put himself together, he walked back to stand next to Tenshi.
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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 Nov 11, 2011 9:29:39 GMT -5
Yun, obviously still distracted, was lost in thought when Shoju spoke, and it took a few moments for the words to impress upon him.
"Hmm? Oh! Yes Shoju-sama."
Yun stands up from the cushion hurriedly readjusting his clothes. He bows.
"Aside from my scroll satchel, I am ready to go. I'll run and get that really fast."
Yun made his exit from the tent, taking note of how different Tenshi acted from the way that Haruka acted. Maybe it was only cause Haruka hadn't been pregnant in the dream. Yun did not know and was not likely to find out at any decent speed.
*sigh*
Yun ran back to his quarters and packed up the last bit of what he had left out. He attached his satchel to his obi and looped the strap over his shoulder. Thoughts still plagued him; which he made a mental note about. As soon as we are on the road I will have to make a concentrated effort to push her from my mind. I must be focused today or I will be of no help and might hinder our chances.
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