Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 17, 2012 1:50:09 GMT -5
"Now... Fashion has its perks. Spider clan can count on me, so long as they support the bloodcraft. But I'd rather offer dedication then loyalty, it bears more commitment." "Now that we speak of future actions - assault failed, but not everything is lost. We need to consider the options, so long as there is civil war in Empire, chances will present itself again and again. This is why we need to keep fueling it. Winter Court in Kyuden Otomo needs to be monitored carefully, perhaps one of courtiers need to be posessed. We also need to get Scorpion fighting Crab proper, this is why we need to organise provocations so that the two become bitter enemies. Perhaps some atrocities commited in Scorpion's name on our behalf should do."
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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 17, 2012 4:38:51 GMT -5
Yoshizuto rose to his feet and nodded, before taking a seat near to the map. "While Saiko-sama gave no specific instructions, he put me at your disposal while he is gone, and during my time with the Matsu I have been trained in the arts of war, so I will aid you any way I can, Thrakhath-sama." His gaze wanders over the map, and in turn the other two in the tent while Alesha gave his opinions. His gaze settled upon the nezumi once again for a moment, breaking once the man finished his contribution.
"I know that one of Saiko-sama's first main destinations was the Winter Court, so I am sure his reports will be to Thrakhath-sama before any such long subversive actions are taken. The main focus here, from what I can tell, should be the build up of forces. The new Scorpion advances should draw more support away from the wall; it is unfortunate that these developments did not take place during the siege of Shiro Hiruma." He shifts slightly in his seat, making sure that he is not out of turn, before continuing.
"The best option would seem to be another mustering of forces and then as soon as weakness is spotted, another vicious assault, this time when they are not so ready to defend themselves. Of course, this is only my point of view."
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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 17, 2012 8:40:44 GMT -5
"I would be wary of this Matsu's advice, Thrakhath-sama..." He looks at the monk warily.
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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 17, 2012 10:36:26 GMT -5
Thrakhath sat with elbows resting on his knees and hands folded in front of his face as he listened to the two men debate. His hands fell from his face. "Trust a Matsu to suggest going on the offensive," he said with a smirk, "and normally I would agree with you. Unfortunately, recent events have shown me that we cannot achieve victory over the Empire through strength of arms; at least not yet." " He stood and began pacing in front of his seat, arms clasped behind his back. "I think Alesha-san is on the right track with his thinking, and in fact he and I are of like mind in many ways," he said. "Subtly influencing the civil war and undermining any peace efforts that might crop up should be our top priority, and that, unfortunately, rules out any more outright attacks from us. The samurai of the Empire may be at each others' throats right now, but if we grow too threatening in their eyes, make no mistake they will unite in a heartbeat to destroy us. More subtle action is required." He faced Alesha as he paced. "I don't suppose you brought any of those famous Crane diplomats with you when you defected?"
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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 17, 2012 11:08:59 GMT -5
He smiled softly to him "I have something much much much better then a diplomat. I have a key to heart of Kakita Daimyo's most trusted attendant courtier."
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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 17, 2012 11:18:54 GMT -5
Thrakhath stopped pacing and his eyes narrowed at Alesha. "Pardon my directness, Alesha-san," he said, "but that's a little bit difficult to believe. Feel free to explain further."
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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 17, 2012 15:19:13 GMT -5
His eyes tightened slightly at Alesha's words, though this was the only sign he gave of any emotion. He nodded as Thrakhath gave his counterargument, and shifted slightly in his seat, his legs crossed, but his hands where he could easily grab the naginata he had set at his side. "Of course, Thrakhath-sama, you are correct that I know little of the arts of infiltration and subterfuge, and was simply giving my advice as best I could. Though I must say, if Alesha-sama is thinking what I believe he is, I would urge against his advice as well."
His gaze returned to the former Crane, fixing him with a dark stare, a look of some small amount of hate and distrust there. "And Alesha-sama, I would appreciate it if you refrain from calling me Matsu, just as I shall refrain from calling you Kakita. They are remnants of our past life, are they not? And correct me if I am wrong, for I will humbly apologize if it is so, but this plan of yours would involve summoning an oni, would it not?"
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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 18, 2012 3:24:46 GMT -5
"While there is always a place for Oni in any plan... This time it might be a pleasant extra rather then a core... You see I share a blood tie with her, unbeknown to her. This allows me to use maho to posess her. Which is precisely my plan. She will do exactly my bidding. I also know Kakita daimyo well enough to get her to act in our interests, unknowingly naturally. Now the oni part - there is never a plan without oni, so I'll summon Oni no Sojiro. " - he laughs suddenly as its most funny thing ever...
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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 18, 2012 8:35:20 GMT -5
Yoshizuto shook his head, his eyes narrow, and he gazed at Alesha with dark fury in his eyes. He looked back to Thrakhath, his eyes like cold steel, and stood. "Thrakhath-sama, this man is being hunted in the Empire because when he defected he bound an Oni to a prominent member of the Crane clan. What do you think will happen if he does it again? That will cause them to give us notice just as surely as another attack on the wall." The man seemed to stand down after this, becoming less aggressive, sitting back down and assuming a meditative position.
He seemed to calm, for when he spoke again it was more collected, less fueled by anger. 'My apologies, I did not mean to lose my temper. I have a great distrust for a tactic that involves summoning something and losing the ability to control it, not to mention the publicity it entails when subterfuge is the strategy we are going for."
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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 18, 2012 9:01:55 GMT -5
He shakes head... "This is precisely why we will do it. So that no one will expect a subtle manipulation from us. Veil subtle actions with unsubtle one - it is way of strategy."
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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 18, 2012 9:24:47 GMT -5
Thrakhath held up a hand, asking for silence. "Yoshizuto-san has a point, Alesha-san," he said. He lowered his arm and clasped his hands behind his back again. "Winter Court is full of the sort of people that could root out oni corruption if they suspected such a thing were occurring. Your agent, so to speak, might have the ear of the Kakita daimyo, but if the demon is discovered, the plan could very easily backfire."
An idea seemed to come to him just then, and he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We may be able to use her corruption to our advantage however," he thought aloud. A slow smile crept across his face as a plan began to formulate in his head. "I'm just shooting in the dark here, so feel free to chime in, but we could use her to argue for peace, then allow her possession to be discovered." He faced his "advisors" once again. "If the samurai at Winter Court believe an oni, or a bloodspeaker, wants peace between the clans, how would they be likely to react?"
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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 18, 2012 9:47:30 GMT -5
"Now now... I was thinking to summon Oni ELSEWHERE. So that we route out the hunters out of winter court... But... Allowing posession to be discovered. We lose a tool we can use later." - He is obviously not a big fan of the idea... - "What we could do INSTEAD, is try to get Toturi to suspect Hantei of being corrupted and vice versa, and forge undeniable proof. Perhaps sacrifice some cultist among their supporters in process... Some Chuda perhaps."
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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 18, 2012 9:53:14 GMT -5
The man sits in silence as Thrakhath lays out his plan, eyes emotionless again. "Of course, Thrakhath-sama, whatever you feel is the best course is the one we should follow. I am still learning of such things." A slight grin appeared on his face, although it couldn't be seen, as Alesha protested the plan to the Spider commander, and he relaxed for a moment. This could be good...
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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 18, 2012 10:06:21 GMT -5
"An oni is only a tool if random chaos and destruction is the goal, Alesha-san," Thrakhath said. "Though the longer this woman remains possessed, the longer the demon has to gain a foothold in her mind." He gave Alesha a hard look. "If we do decide to use her on day, mark my words, it will be the first and only time, and if the puppetmaster is discovered, you will be on your own in dealing with the repercussions."
"As for your other idea," he said, switching gears, "it's amusing to think of what might happen if Haneti or Toturi suspected the other of bearing Fu Leng's blessing," he said. "Providing undeniable proof, however, would require exposing one or both of them to the Taint, and that would not be so simple. Did you have something else in mind?"
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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 18, 2012 10:18:14 GMT -5
"Why not taint them? You have spirit for this, do you not? Evil that moves in human skin, or little ones that bear-bear the mark and spread it in courts? Why not use them? Why can the hantei or the toturi not be tainted?"
Jerak'it-tch had been silent for a long time, he finally spoke up and just as quickly smote the ground with his staff lightly indicating he had finished. Perhaps this was some weird nezumi custom. But he looked at Thrakhath and Alesha in alternating gazes trying to weigh each man. He thought that the monk was an unmeasurable thing, and thus gave up on him. But the crane warrior turned maho-tsukai and the warrior made even more potent by the taint was not something that he could not gauge.
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