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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 29, 2012 4:08:21 GMT -5
As the evening's festivities and events died down, Ryumon, clad in a far simpler navy-blue kimono than the one he had worn to court, oversaw as some servants re-arranged the room in his quarters that he had invited the other Crane Daimyo and senior officers to.
As hatamoto for the Daidoji family, Ryumon was - to his continued consternation - one of the most important Crane currently resident in Kyuden Otomo, which warranted a large suite close to the quarters of the Regent. He had turned over some of them to his attendant, Asahina Isoroku, but even having done so he still felt like he was camping in one corner of a vast hall. The quarters he'd enjoyed in Broken Wave City had been like a rat hole in comparison to this.
Lost in his reverie, he shook his head - one of the servants, occupied in placing an incense burner, looked up, her face alert to any disapproval. Ryumon was almost as shocked and hurried to reassure her. "It's OK, that's fine" The servant gave him a nervous smile. He decided to absent himself - he knew almost nothing about preparing for a meeting like this, and absolutely nothing that Isoroku didn't already know. Summoning his aide, Ryumon retired to his personal bedroom to re-read the copy of Tangen's Lies that he had been assigned. It made his head spin, but at least he could grapple with it in privacy.
After thirty minutes of reading hard enough to make his brow ache from over-furrowing, Isoroku knocked delicately on the shoji frame that separated Ryumon's bedroom from the main room of the suite. "My Lord" Isoroku informed him as Ryumon looked up. "Your guests have begun to arrive. I will withdraw now" Ryumon rose, nodded, checked the tie of his kimono - a reflex by now - and entered the room.
"Brothers, sisters of the Crane Clan" Ryumon murmured as he sat at the side of the head of the table - a seat had been left vacant for the Regent, although he was unsure whether Fitsu-sama would find time to attend. "Thank you for joining me. I think it is time that we had an informal discussion that might help us decide, with Winter Court closing, the spring campaigns beginning and the Truce with the Lion concluded, what our next course of action should be as a Clan"
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 29, 2012 4:28:27 GMT -5
OOC: I should add, this is pretty much a closed thread for Crane characters only... if you feel that your non-Crane should/could be busting in, PM me and ask.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Jan 29, 2012 13:19:24 GMT -5
The soft-hues of winter flowers dance and display, the regal showing of lavender plum maintaining a deific demeanor above the presence of more reserved and stately vanilla; the blushing innocence of rosy tones quickly blossoming attention away from bland elders. Upon the cusp of every petal pollinate the proposals of marriage in their persiflage and play; the flowery persuasion of peace taking center stage as the precipitous snowfall beguiles the hearts and minds of the privileged, at least, for now.
Distracted by such euphoric display, the courtiers and debutants seem unaware, or perhaps, unconcerned with the buzz of servants, that pick and prune the slowly wilting arrangement, filling their glasses, and sustaining their merriment. As the rituals and amusements die down with the banter of musing and music, unconcerned or unaware, a delegation of Crane begin to assemble, to speak of what melting snow will soon show.
Asahina Yuuto, a more naval hue in fashion below his wrinkling eyes in this light, takes a seat in the back, his hand twitching and prodding paper concealed under his sleeve. Nodding his presence, he slumps his cheek upon his palm, waiting to hear of some future plan.
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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 Jan 29, 2012 13:23:55 GMT -5
Kakita Hitoshi sat amidst the guests at the meeting, remembering the last time he had been at a gathering of the good and the great. It had been at Kyuden Doji, before troops had been committed to Toshi Ranbo, and he had been nothing but a simple magistrate. How times change... he thought.
He had been contemplating the war a lot, and when the floor was left open he spoke.
"Samas, I stand before you as the shireikan of the First Kakita Legion. We have seen a lot of combat, both at Toshi Ranbo and Seawatch Castle. Thanks to this truce with the Lion, it looks as though we will not have to fight again here.
"However, the shogun still calls himself emperor, and our allies are caught between two foes. I know that the Dragon did not come to Toshi Ranbo fast enough to aid us, but we should not hold this against them. We have promised not to fight the Lion - so be it. I have been convinced of the wisdom of this decision. But we have made no such promises about the Unicorn.
"I would ask you to let me take the First Legion and ride for the Castle of the Swift Sword. A small elite unit may travel much faster than a great army so we should well reach there in time. Let us show that the Crane honour our allies. We can be deployed against the Unicorn and Kaneka only - if we encounter any Lion on the field I swear upon my honour that we would not raise arms against them. But Kaneka is in the field and that makes this battle a critical one. If he can be captured then this war can be brought to an end."
Hitoshi waited for a moment to let his words sink in, then returned to his seat to see what effect they had.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Jan 29, 2012 13:41:40 GMT -5
Disconcerned with the banter, Yuuto handwaives such strategy away.
"Hitoshi-san, would you be content to allow the Lion to fight the Phoenix and Scorpion upon our land, after all, they gave only their word to not raise their sword to the Crane?"
Shaking his head, a look of annoyance already showing in his face, he continues.
"No -- we committed ourselves to peace, and such action risks the Emperor and this very court to reprisals from the Lion. If we are to be productive, and honest, we must now turn our efforts to enemies that have no concern with regard to our sovereignty. The Phoenix and Dragon must stand alone."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 29, 2012 18:39:39 GMT -5
*Ryumon nodded at Yuto's words* "I agree with Yuto-san. The provisions of the treaty are quite clear, we cannot fight on Lion lands, and the Castle of the Swift Sword is clearly within Ikoma territory"
"We are still able to influence the battle, though. We cannot lend our sword arms to assist the Dragon and Phoenix, but we can provide them with supplies. Our harvest has not been compromised by the war, kami be blessed, so we should be able to continue to generously supply their field forces with rice. This may not make them feel less of a sense of betrayal towards us, but it will help them to win the battle against the Lion"
"Hitoshi-san, I would say that you and your legion would be best employed against Lonely Shore City. Even though Lonely Shore's fortifications are light, and the Scorpion are attacking their supply line, we face a formidable task in attempting to evict the Crab from the city and we will need our best warriors to complete the task - although perhaps your men would be employed just as profitably by assisting the Scorpion in their attack on the Crab as they would assaulting Lonely Shore's walls directly"
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Jan 29, 2012 19:27:58 GMT -5
A startled look is quickly replaced by a more apathetic face as the Daidoji references Scorpion movements. Yuuto’s ear had only just recently heard of the standoff at Kyuden Kitsune, and could only be left to imagine what maneuvers and machinations were being hidden from public display.
Returning to the current conversation, Yuuto quietly adds, “Unfortunately, we failed to fight united in the beginning of the war, and ultimately our current recourse, for now, will be to fight it divided.” Breathing deeply, the shugenja continues, “I do not know whether it is ever wise to link our strategy with a Scorpion’s 'interest,' but my mind would be at ease if we could convince the Crab it more wiser to turn their back to our lands than risk something far worse from a poisonous 'tale'”
“For the time being, they now sit upon a damaged wall, Scorpions to their back, and Crane with attention undivided,” pausing for effect with eyebrow raised, Yuuto continues, “perhaps they would do well to be reminded of their true obligations.”
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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 Jan 29, 2012 21:53:53 GMT -5
Sojiro walked in shortly behind Hitoshi, but unlike the rest he was not dressed for court. For many of the assembled Cranes it was the first time they had seen him in full battle armor, as opposed to the light armor he generally wore in many of his engagements. His eyes bore the look of a man with much on his mind, and he looked as if he hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. He took a seat beside the Kakita Shirekan, a grin crossing his face as he did so - he could imagine what was going through the man's mind right now.
"I don't believe we can trust the scorpion to actually follow through with their promises to attack the Crab. I would not be surprised if they pursued the Mantis army instead, seeking easier prey that, as usual, they will suffer no real loss in engaging. As it stands, my reports tell me the the scorpion army currently in Mantis lands is comprised almost entirely of ronin as opposed to the actual scorpion army."
"Nonetheless, this peace treaty with the Lion gives us two things to use to our advantage. The first is that at least for now, Hantei-dono is safe in Kyuden Otomo. No Toturi army threatens to attack this place right now. The second thing is a chance to focus our attention fully on retaking our lost territory in Lonely Shore."
"My reasons for wanting to attack Lonely Shore are numerous. For one, I have reports stating that the Crab are currently engaged with Nezumi raiding parties that have been plundering their supplies, and with their recent engagement at the wall, resupplying the garrison at Lonely Shore will not be as easy as it would normally for them. Secondly, with the Scorpion engaging the Mantis, and the Mantis's recent loss at Seawatch, I believe we can expect their support for the Crab at Lonely Shore to be quite limited - indeed, I would go so far as to say that from what I have heard, the Mantis's desire to continue this war is all but gone at the moment. With the combination of their supply issues and their lack of support, we won't find a better opportunity to retake our territory."
Now, as for why I feel that we should attack the Crab right now as opposed to the Unicorn, it is a matter of attrition. We have effectively eliminated the Lion threat to Hantei-Dono so long as he remains at Kyuden Otomo. Similarly, the Mantis army has suffered a sound defeat at Seawatch and will now have to deal with the Scorpion's ronin army, therefore their strength will be sapped. This leaves the Crab, the Unicorn, and Kaneka's personal forces. The Unicorn have engaged the Dragon at Swift Sword, and even if the Toturi forces are victorious there, they will not be at full strength to attack Kyuden Otomo afterwards. This means that, if we break the Crab's back now, the worst we will face in a battle at Kyuden Otomo is a recovering Unicorn army and Kaneka's personal forces, and they will be attacking a well defended position, which will give us the advantage in that battle."
"And if we can win that battle and capture Kaneka, this war ends."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 29, 2012 23:21:26 GMT -5
Ryumon listens to Sojiro, rubbing his lantern-like jaw. He shaved in a hurry in the morning and a few patches of five-o'-clock shadow have begun to loom.
"I understand what you say about not trusting the Scorpion, Sojiro-san, but even if they make no further attacks against the Crab, simply by attacking Clear Water Village they have already made a major dent in the Scorpion's supply chain. If you will excuse me..."
Ryumon rings a small bell and, at what is obviously a pre-arranged signal, a pair of Daidoji guards enter, unroll a map of Rokugan and place it on an area of the table already marked out by candles presumably for this purpose. Ryumon nods to them as they depart and then rises to trace a line across the map that runs from Clear Water Village, across Earthquake Fish Bay, and then up the peninsula to Lonely Shore City. The Crab's supply lines run through Clear Water Village - it is their main port, after all. If it is taken, or even if the Scorpion do not take it but mount a sustained attack, it will do a lot of damage to the Crab's ability to supply their army in Lonely Shore City. As you say, Sojiro-san, the Scorpion army in Kyuden Kitsune is composed mostly of Ronin - I think this is because they are sparing the majority of their Clan forces for the attack on the Crab"
"But whether or not the Scorpion will assist us, whether directly or indirectly, I think we can all agree that attacking Lonely Shore City is our most urgent priority"
"The safety of the Hantei is of course of paramount importance. While he is safe here in Kyuden Otomo for the moment, the possibility of an attack from the Lion lands, even if it does not involve Lion troops, cannot be discounted. We should use this opportunity to further ensure his safety. Some of my advisors suggest fortifying Kyuden Otomo but, as Sun Tao says, distance is the greatest rampart. I suggest that we arrange for the Emperor to be escorted to a location far from any hostile Clan. I would suggest a fortification in the Phoenix lands. Shiro Shiba, perhaps. Of course the Phoenix would have to agree, but I doubt they would turn down such an honour""
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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 Jan 30, 2012 0:41:34 GMT -5
Sojiro nodded as he poured over the map with Ryumon. "Even better than I thought then, the time to strike Lonely Shore is definitely now."
"I can appreciate your point of view about moving the Hantei, as well. But may I suggest a different option?"
Taking his attention back to the map, Sojiro placed his fingers next to two castles in Dragon territory - Morning Frost castle and Great Fall castle.
"I spent a great deal of my youth in the Dragon lands, and while I mean no disrespect to the phoenix, attacking phoenix lands is a very simple thing compared to taking an army through the mountains the Dragon clan call home. They are difficult terrain to attack, reinforced by some of the most well fortified castles I've ever seen, and there is another advantage - the Togashi monks. Most of the monks will not be with the Dragon army currently, because war is not an activity they choose to partake in unless it is needed. However, history has shown us on more than one occasion the fate that befalls an army foolish enough to invade dragon territory when the Togashi monks defend their homeland. They are, essentially, another army dedicated solely to defending those mountains, and whatever is in them." He looked up at the Daidoji.
"What do you think, Ryumon?"
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 30, 2012 6:25:30 GMT -5
Discussing strategy rather than courtly etiquette is beginning to peel away the layers of awkwardness that Ryumon habitually wears among his Clansmen. He picked up a sake cup and turned it between the index finger and thumb of his hand, looking at the map. "Hmm. The High House of Light, then?"
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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 Jan 30, 2012 9:46:22 GMT -5
I'm not certain we can convince the Dragon to take Hantei all he way to the High House. They are.... peculiar... about who they allow in and when. But that would be ideal, and even if they won't allow that, one of the higher fortresses or castles would still be quite daunting to any enemy army."
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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 Jan 30, 2012 12:28:04 GMT -5
Hitoshi stared at Asahina Yuuto. "I would expect the Lion to be bound by their honour to try and fight Phoenix and Dragon on our lands. I would expect us to be bound by ours to try and stop them by diplomatic means. I would expect it to be a battle fought in the courts, and I would expect us to win." For a few moments there was a silent tension in the air, but then Hitoshi closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. "Forgive me. I have had a lot on my mind recently. I do not mean to take it out on you Yuuto-san. If the terms of the treaty are clear, then so be it. We are bound, regardless of what I would wish."
After raising an eyebrow at Sojiro's appearance, he looked down at Ryumon's map. "I understand the arguments for assaulting Lonely Shore City, and they are sound. My instinct still tells me that the critical battle is being fought by the Dragon, and I definitely agree that we should send supplies to their troops. I wish we could do more. It seems strange to be fighting for our own lands when there is so much more at stake.
"As for moving the Hantei, I suspect he will go where he will. Our best attempt would be to lobby him in court, or perhaps arrange a honeymoon to a highly secure location after his wedding?"
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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 Jan 30, 2012 12:37:33 GMT -5
"Arrange.... a honeymoon?"
Sojiro smiled at his fellow Kakita - possibly the first real, genuine smile he had shown in a while.
"That is a brilliant idea, Hitoshi-san. I find it difficult to believe that any loyalist clan could deny such a request. And while actually fighting at Swift Sword would violate the treaty, as it is Lion territory, sending supplies and advisors to the Dragon is not fighting."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 31, 2012 18:44:41 GMT -5
Ryumon cannot help but chuckle. "Yes, any movement of the Emperor would have to be phrased as simply a suggestion, but I think a suggestion that he take a honeymoon would go down very well - it will allow him to avoid the appearance of cowardice, for one. And where better than the spectacular Dragon mountains?"
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