Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Dec 29, 2011 11:14:43 GMT -5
What remained of Thrakhath's army marched slowly through the twisted landscape of the Shadowlands, making its way back to the City of the Lost. Thrakhath himself marched at the head of the troops, his expression neutral. He had done nothing but replay the battle in his head over and over since the retreat began, looking for what he had done wrong, trying to decide what could have been done differently to change the outcome. His focus on undead troops had been his undoing. As resilient and untiring as they were in battle, they simply took too much effort to create, and their resiliency meant nothing in the face of the Crab, who knew their weaknesses intimately. The Lost were not the way either. As powerful as one Lost samurai fueled by Fu Leng's blessing could be, their numbers were simply too few to storm a castle the likes of Shiro Hiruma. He should have held them in reserve longer.
Goblins were the answer, he decided. The Crab knew goblins just as well as they knew anything else created by the Taint, but goblins were much more plentiful and easier to breed in large numbers. Goblins, as limited in intelligence as they were, could also be directed better than undead and trusted to come up with their own strategies, unorthodox as they were. He resolved to order an increase in goblin breeding in the Big Stink as soon as possible.
He shook his head, dispelling such thoughts from his mind. There was something to be said for learning from one's mistakes, but too much second-guessing would only lead to hesitation in the future. For now, Thrakhath had an unruly army to manage, all the more difficult to control since their defeat. The thought of the number of heads he would have to remove and assassination attempts he would have to endure annoyed him, but it was all part of the job.
"Halt!" He yelled, holding up a fist to signal for the army to stop, and the order rippled back along the Spider ranks. "Make camp here," he said to the nearest officer. "When my command tent is pitched, bring my Chuda Alesha and the leader of the nezumi," he added. "I'm sure those little creatures are somewhere nearby."
***
Later that night, Thrakhath lounged in his command tent, his scimitar lying within arm's reach and his shamisen in hand. Several seats had been seat out in case others had a need to speak with him, or Thrakhath decided the presence of more would be necessary. A collapsible table had been set out with a map of Rokugan spread across it. He strummed idly at the lute, playing chords seemingly at random as he waited for his guests to arrive.
((OOC: At the moment this thread is just for me, Alesha and Zeure. If anyone else wants in, please PM me first.))
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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 Dec 30, 2011 10:33:23 GMT -5
Eventually, the tent flap parted and there stood a Nezumi. He was older than some Nezumi, marked by his white hair and silvery fur accents on a slender black body. He was carrying a long rough-hewn stick to help support what little weight he had. From the stick dangled a number of odd trinkets that would, to any human mind, bear no significance and follow no theme. But apparently they meant something to the Nezumi. For those who would recognize it, this one was a shaman; and probably a powerful one to have been sent on this errand and to brazenly enter the tent without any others to guard him.
Surprisingly he bowed to Thrakhath as he entered the tent and sat down upon one of the stools. Awaiting what would seemingly be many others given the amount of chairs.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Dec 31, 2011 17:35:01 GMT -5
Tent opened, as Alesha came in. In fact it wasn't quite him, not at least the same Alesha you saw before - same height, same mannerism was apparent, but face... He looked almost unnaturally young. Samurai in late 30's now he looked as if he just passed his gempukku yesterday... As candles flicker, the smile looks a little odd, as he fixes the skin a little, fresh skin needed adjustments still. He bows courteously as he enters and his voice, oh yes it was definitely his... "You wished to see me regent?"
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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 Jan 2, 2012 1:08:05 GMT -5
He wore the garb of a Monk of the Order of Venom, black robes and armor dull with use. His face was masked in the traditional white head wrap as well, leaving only cold black eyes to see, glaring out at anyone who came close. His name was Yoshizuto, for anyone who asked that needed to know as he entered the camp of the Obsidian Champion, a jagged naginata on his back and a scroll case slung at his side. He entered the command tent, bowing deeply to Thrakhath, and somewhat less so to Alesha. The nezumi was simply met with an iron stare as the man silently stood in the back of the tent, waiting to be addressed. ![](http://images.wikia.com/l5r/images/3/3c/Michio.jpg)
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 3, 2012 8:38:46 GMT -5
((OOC Sorry guys, it was a busy weekend. I'll try to get a post up today.))
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 3, 2012 16:01:55 GMT -5
The Obsidian Champion greeted each of his guests with a nod as they arrived almost simultaneously, though there was confusion on his face as the third man entered. He shrugged and set his lute aside, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "Thank you for answering my summons," he said. He kept his voice under control, but a trained ear might catch the quiet fury boiling within him. "The two of you were instrumental in the battle at Shiro Hiruma, and I thank you for your contribution," he said to the two he had summoned specifically, ignoring the monk for now.
"I did not summon you hear to lavish you with praise, however," he said. "You have both pledge yourself and your troops to Daigotsu-dono's cause, and this is what I want to discuss." He faced the ratling first. "First, I think an introduction is in order," he said. He placed a hand on his chest. "I am Thrakhath, Obsidian Champion and general of the Spider legions, second in authority only to Daigotsu-dono himself." He lifted his eyebrows curiously. "An army of Nezumi was the last thing I expected to see assisting us at Shiro Hiruma; who are you, and what possessed you and your tribesmen to come to our aid?"
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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 Jan 3, 2012 16:36:13 GMT -5
Nezumi, not having the facial construction of humans, often had the little twitches they showed in place of them confused for other things. This one however could not be misunderstood. With a snort, some of his teeth became visible and he had to be smirking. In a deep throaty rasp that would make one believe that his voice had at some point become damaged he began to speak.
"This one understands you, and see-sees your... authority. *he placed a hand on his chest* Jerak'it-tch, shaman of the stained paw tribe. Ikm'atch-tek is our chieftain and told us to help here. Your chieftain, he speaks to him. So we come."
He was leaning forward on the staff, his tail lazily swishing back and forth on the other side of the rough wooden chair he was sitting on.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 4, 2012 8:56:53 GMT -5
Thrakhath's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see," he said. "You say Daigotsu-dono and your chieftain, Ikm'atch-tek," he fumbled a bit as he tried to work out the pronunciation, "you say they've worked out some sort of deal on their own?" He leaned back in his chair and looked off to the side, thinking. "If that's true, I doubt either of us will ever get the whole story." He directed his gaze back at the ratling shaman. "Is there anything else you can tell me about this understanding our chieftains seem to have with one another?"
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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 Jan 9, 2012 17:33:22 GMT -5
He 'smiled' again, showing teeth in a way that looked unnatural at the supposition that they did not know what was going on. There was a slight rumble from his throat, as rock being crunched under a press, that must have been laughter.
"This one knows what Ikm'atch-tek has planned, but obsidian chieftain is mystery. Jerak'it-tch is ordered to follow-follow you and help as best as able. And Jerak'it-tch knows that you are *he paused to consider the term for a moment* lesser chieftain. Nezumi will follow you, but will not suicide for you. Jerak'it-tch thinks you understand."
He stamped the staff once roughly on the ground. One could take this as a signifier that he was done speaking unless questioned further.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 10, 2012 9:02:34 GMT -5
Thrakhath nodded. "We are lucky to have you and your fellows with us, Jerak'it-tch," he said, leaving out the usual honorific. Saying his name was difficult enough without tacking on extra syllables. "Had you not arrived, I'm sure the battle would have turned out much worse than it did."
"Which leads me to our other unexpected ally," he said, turning to face Alesha. "You began an interesting ritual at the battle, Crane-san," he said with a smirk. "Had there been time to complete such a complicated procedure, I'm sure the tide of battle would have turned." He cocked his head to the side slightly. "Tell me, Crane-san; what brought you to us?"
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 16, 2012 3:05:51 GMT -5
"Almost is not quite what it takes though..." - he said softly in a very elegant, and thus creepy way... - "As to what brought me here. Taint would be the most sincere way to answer it."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 16, 2012 10:58:59 GMT -5
"Many of those blessed by Fu Leng seek us out, it is true," Thrakhath said, "though just as many choose to walk their own path." He nodded his head, as if confirming something. "If it is acceptance and escape from the Empire that you seek with us, you will find it so long as you remain loyal."
"Now," he said, turning to the third member of their little discussion circle. "You came here uninvited, and are a mystery to me," he said. "I have great respect for the Order of the Venom and its members, though I would like to know what brought you here unannounced."
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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 Jan 16, 2012 11:21:29 GMT -5
The man seemed to unfold from his statuesque position by the door of the tent, rising to his full six foot three frame that anyone who had ever trained warriors could tell was pure killing power, before bowing low before Thrakhath as he was addressed. "Thrakhath-dono, I am called Yoshizuto, formerly of the Matsu. I owe my life to a man who came to these lands recently, and while my former masters had betrayed everything I once held dear, he told me of another chance to serve faithfully. He is called Saiko, formerly of the Mirumoto, and it is on his behalf that I come before you today."
His cold eyes flashed toward Alesha as he mentioned his master's name; he knew that they knew each other in a different life, but such things were not his concern. "My master wishes me to tell you that he apologizes that he could not be here in person to introduce himself to you, and that he arrived too late to be of any help during the battle. Lord Daigotsu-dono quickly realized the worth of an agent that nobody in the Empire knew had come here, or who had not been affected greatly by the Taint, so he has returned to the Empire to enact Daigotsu-dono's will."
With this the man pulled a green and black scroll case from his bag, and held it before him to Thrakhath. "My personal dishonor was such that I could not follow, but a place was found for me among the Order in the meantime. Before he left, he bid me to come to you, and give you this from him." Handing the scroll to Thrakhath, he takes a knee once again, his eyes firmly to the ground.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 16, 2012 14:30:20 GMT -5
Thrakhath lifted an eyebrow as he took the scroll from the sohei. "A Crane and a Dragon in the same week?" he said. "I was unaware that turning renegade was the fashionable thing to do this season." He broke the seal on the parchment and unrolled it, reading over it quickly. A slow smile crept across his face as he finished and rolled the scroll back up. "Very interesting," he said, setting the scroll aside. "I accept you into my service, Yoshizuto, and I hope I'll have the privilege of meeting Saiko-san in person one day." He gestured toward one of the seats. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
He leaned forward in his seat. "All three of you are allies of the Spider, and I am not above accepting advice from my allies when the situation calls for it." His eyes flickered between each of them as he spoke. "I have ideas about the direction the Spider should take after this most recent setback, but I'm curious to know what you think as well." He nodded toward Yoshizuto. "I don't know how well you know Saiko-san, or whether or not you are permitted to speak for him, but any insight you can provide as his proxy or as a monk would be appreciated as well."
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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 Jan 16, 2012 15:16:41 GMT -5
The Nezumi looked on at the monk as he rose and fell back into position. He was a curiousity to Jerak'it-tch. Nezumi had no monks, and nothing equivalent. So everytime he had seen one, he had puzzled at them. He did recognize that this monk looked a great deal more dangerous than several of those he had seen before. Comparing brotherhood monks to Shinsei'en or Fortunist monks was difficult at best. While the former was not afriad to use their deadly arts, and often so did, the latter still knew those arts and would employ them if they had to. Jerak'it-tch for his part, merely knew that these men called 'monks' could not be trusted and one should probably be wary of them.
"Hmmm. Jerak'it-tch thinks it is backwards. Have advised on plans before, but need to know plan first. Useless to comment on a direction not taken. Us not chieftain. *he said this while indicating each of the group that is not Thrakhath* So, us not-not able to say where we go."
He sniffed once as he leaned back away from the conversation. His tail moved back and forth, sweeping the ground behind him and then curled around itself, providing him with something to balance against. The bones and loose trinkets that adorned his staff jingled as he moved. His gaze was fixed on Thrakhath, waiting for the "chief" to make his plan known.
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