Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 7, 2012 20:04:00 GMT -5
Yes, you're right of course, but the move of a Crane group by normal routes became prohibitive in such days of war... the bureaucracy and the infinity of steps to be taken would spoil of the element of surprise though... we are pretty aware of the risks. About this spot, I would love if you could detail, Yumi-san... The Kakita daimyo said simply.
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Feb 7, 2012 20:42:24 GMT -5
Ryumon shook his head. "No. A Koutetsukan, while it would let us carry more troops, would be too slow and unwieldy. It would likely founder in the open seas off Shinden Asahina. Frankly when I was training in Kyuden Gotei my sensei viewed the Koutetsukan as an aberration designed by those who don't understand the sea"
"The Lord Kakita is a Sengokobune. It is not as well armoured as a Koutetsukan but I think our best defense against the Sea of Shadows is spending as little time as possible within it in order to keep the taint from affecting the ship itself. It will also give us a much better chance of evading any Crab patrols"
His eyes narrowed as the Kitsune pointed out a cove on the map. "Really? Tell me more about this cove. What exactly makes its nature so different?"
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Feb 7, 2012 21:00:58 GMT -5
Yomi seemed to shrink when people moved their attention to her. "From my understand it fall outside the tainted creature's notice. While the land itself is still rather tainted it seems to a blind spot. It is surrounded with high walls and an outcrops of trees. It has been used as short term raid launching points. However, accounts always include an eerily presence."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Feb 7, 2012 21:09:49 GMT -5
"Hmm. How short-term? We would possibly be in the Shadowlands for a week, perhaps more. Have the Kitsune ever left a vessel there for more than a day?"
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Feb 7, 2012 21:31:26 GMT -5
"The Kitsune have no ships. Our home is days inland in the middle of a forest." Yumi said giving a foxish grin. "It was three days to a week at most. Captains would not risk longer as the fear of the dark waters destroying the ships underneath them. The most recent use of it was during the hunt for the Dark Wave Fleet."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Feb 7, 2012 21:51:08 GMT -5
"I think we would be very luck to be out of the Shadowlands in a week. But perhaps this cove would be sufficient... it is ultimately a judgement call" Ryumon looks to Mitsouko. Clearly not his judgement call, then. "Sama?" He asks mildly.
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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 Feb 7, 2012 22:27:58 GMT -5
As the debate over the cove carried on, a latecomer joined the rest of the group. He was older than anyone else there, his short cropped steel grey hair and crow's feet speaking of a wisdom borne of experience in the world. Ashidaka Kaemon was a bit shorter than Battou, but even through his clothing the muscle tone was apparent. He wore blue traveling kimono and hakama closed with a solid white obi, and overtop of this was a Haori bearing the family mon of the Ashidaka family, a mon very similar to the Kakita mon in appearance, as befitting one of the Kakita vassal families. His expression was impassive until his ice blue eye - the right one being covered by an eyepatch - settled on Mitsouko, at which point his expression softened and a small smile formed on his face. He bowed to the assembled group before speaking. "Mitsouko-sama, I do hope you were not planning on undertaking this adventure without me."(OOC see Ashidaka Kaemon here:) www.tektek.org/avatar/48165448
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 7, 2012 23:24:39 GMT -5
Haha! Kaemon-san! Her face lighted in acknowledge of a dear friend. Ashidaka was not only one of the trustful personal friends of her family, he was almost like an uncle, a constant companion of her and her father in their travels around the empire before her gempukku. Gentlemen, this is Ashidaka Kaemon-san, an experienced traveler and seasoned warrior whom I wouldn’t dare to leave behind if he wishes otherwise. Please, take a seat and join the conversation. Ryumon-san concurs with my idea of speed over bulky defense. And Kitsune-san here proposes a place, this cove here... that can be used for a short period of time, as a relative safe place to land. Which I agree. Like I said, precision and speed must be our focus.
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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 Feb 8, 2012 0:24:44 GMT -5
"Ryumon-san", he gave a warrior's bow to the Daidoji, almost a stiff nod of the neck, before continuing, "is quite right. It doesn't matter how strong our defenses are, there is no single ship in the empire that can take on patrol after patrol from the Crab navy and survive. On top of this, there simply is no defense against the Sea of Shadows aside from being there as little as possible. Our best option is a fast ship. Coupled with Kitsune-san's," he bowed to Yumi, a full bow this time as opposed to a warrior's bow, "secret cove, I think this is our best chance of surviving this trek. Also, I have a gift from our esteemed Yasuki daimyo."
Kaemon removed a small pack from his back. Inside, he withdrew a handful of what appeared to be heavy half-masks filled with something. He took one and fastened it behind his neck, the front part coming to rest overtop of his mouth and nose.
"These masks are filled with powdered jade. They will help to resist the effects of the taint while we are in the shadowlands, as we will literally be breathing through them. There are a total of ten in the pack. I would also like to remind you, on Yasuki Chad's behalf, that our food and water supplies will go rancid quickly in the shadowlands unless they are kept with jade around them as well."
He took a quick headcount, his eye narrowing slightly as he did so. "Also, for any of you who are not used to traveling by sea, I highly suggest that you bring ginger root. Small quantities of it at regular intervals do wonders for treating and preventing sea sickness."
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Feb 8, 2012 1:36:15 GMT -5
Izutsu bowed his head and politely greeted everyone in attendance, listening but remaining silent for a time as the various points of their covert strike were addressed. A nod here and there were the only signs he was even taking notice, his gaze fixed upon the maps laid out before him until a lull in the conversation occurred. He took this opportunity to walk back to the side table and retrieve the boxes he had set there upon his entrance. He returned to the table and placed them upon it, across from Mitsouko who he fixed with a gaze that burned with a fiery passion, before it swept around the room, regarding each and every one of them with the same look.
"Traveling by sea, while hazardous, is our best route. I happen to have access to several documents pertaining to certain parts of the Shadowlands, hidden springs of clean water and the like. While they may not be entirely accurate, it is at least better than nothing." He nodded in acknowledgment of the jade powder masks, a slight grin crossing his face. He seemed almost excited at the prospect of such an adventure as this though the look in his eyes spoke more to zeal and fervor.
Two boxes sat upon the table in front of him, both carved of a deep red cherry, with the Hare clan mon engraved upon one and that of the Jade Legion on the other. This was the box he reached for first, though it was more of a chest in shape and size. He opened it to reveal a layer of thick black silk, which when pulled back revealed pieces of jade in many different shapes and sizes, as well as several small satchels of jade powder, and he looked almost mischievous. "There are some perks to being a Jade magistrate, you know. I do not think lack of jade shall be a problem. Weapons to harm the foul spawn of the Shadowlands, however, is something else completely."
Izutsu turned back to Mitsouko at this, and the fire reappeared in his gaze. He reached now for the second box, this one much longer, and almost unmistakably a sword case. "Mitsouko-sama, you came to me in Kyuden Otomo and asked me for my assistance, trusting me to keep your secret as much as I could, all so I could better help you. I promised you on that day that I would aid you in any way that I could. What I did not tell you was that on the night before, my father who lays in Shiro Usagi on a long, slow deathbed, came to me in a dream. Always the mystic, my father, he told me that I would be asked to light the way, and I must carry the flame that burns my hands." His eyes clouded with memory, and he looked away, lost in his own thoughts for a moment, a strange mixture of regret and anger but it passed with a quick shake of his head.
"It became clear to me after you came to me what he meant; that I must use something that would aid your cause that I have until now refused to use in any other occasion." At these words, he opened the case in front of him revealing a blade in a blazing crimson saya, its handle wrapped in red and white cords in an intricate pattern. As Izutsu took the blade in both hands and raised it reverently out of the case, and an aura of power seemed to fill the room for a moment as he held it there. "This is Kenno, the ancestral blade of the Hare, the sword used by the ronin Reichin when he fought against the bloodspeaker Iuchiban and founded my Clan. It is passed down from Champion to Champion, a title that while my father draws breath still belongs to him, as does this blade. It has strength against the vile agents of maho, however, and I believed this is what my dream meant; that against my wishes, I must wield this blade until I fulfill my oath to aid you."
He tucked the sword into his obi opposite his daisho and bowed his head, almost as if he were recovering from his long speech.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 8, 2012 8:26:28 GMT -5
Mitsouko bowed low displaying her respect and admiration for his offering. Izutsu-sama, it’s an honor indeed that you can consider my humble petition this way. I am truly honored and touched by your friendship. You can consider you have mine as well. Also, after a bow to the presents in general, she said: And thank you very much for the generous contributions of your own to this mission. It means too much for me, more than the material meaning of jade. I had prepared myself and can say we wouldn’t be in lack of jade, but your kind gestures of commitment are for me, an omen of the success of our mission. Thank you very much, friends. This said… she returned the subject, I have a general idea of where exactly Alesha has been. She again circled with the bamboo stick in the surroundings of the city of Lost. Though… It would be quite risking go too farther into enemy’s lands, when they can crush our little numbers. What she would confess there was something very embarrassing, but was an important part of the plan as well. I must confess my link with this man is not totally severed, and it’s one of the reasons I must accomplish his death. I am constantly invited by him to join his mad persona within the Lost. He is waiting for me to succumb and join him so… I think once I step in in Shadowlands he will make it easier for me to find him. She opened her heart, ready for their judgment. She was sane, at least, not succumbed and in fact, completely in command of her own will. Though, she didn't know what could happen as he still had some influence over her and that's why she wasn't going to hunt him alone.
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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 Feb 8, 2012 9:53:35 GMT -5
Hitoshi noticed Yumi's discomfort as the gathering turned its attention to her and smiled encouragingly, recognising her from some pleasant conversations during Winter Court. He was impressed by her bravery in agreeing to go on this mission - he had thought her to be a shy and retiring sort of woman.
"Unless we wish to become prisoners of war, then we may have to attempt to make a rendezvous with the Lord Kakita. I know that the odds of both sides completing it are slim, but I think it is our best bet."
The shireikan lapsed back into silence. He felt a little out of his depth planning a raid on the Shadowlands; neither the sea nor the agents of Jigoku were his specialist area of expertise. He was, however, pleased to see a large amount of jade available as he was well aware of its importance.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Feb 8, 2012 10:47:21 GMT -5
“There are only ten masks? Are you not planning on taking a small detachment? What of the other men?” Yomi said looking concerned as her eyes moved over the pack of the masks. She seemed to be a bit more concerned with that point rather than the Kakita’s claimed connection. “How are you going to decide who gets them?”
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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 Feb 8, 2012 12:42:13 GMT -5
Kaemon nodded solemly at Yumi's concerns.
"I understand your point, but this is all that was available. I thought it better to bring at least some protection rather than none at all."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Feb 8, 2012 13:54:56 GMT -5
Mitsouko waited both Kitsune and Ashidaka expose their points and completed. Don’t worry, Yumi-san, like I Said jade is the lesser of our problems, I have in my power as much jade as necessary to perform this mission, and even more. It comes from my personal resources, not from the family coffers, though. Months ago I tried to offer my help to Crab in form of this jade surplus, as even if we are at war with each other I knew they were in need of jade to combat the Shadowlands creatures commanded by the Spider. Though, Seems Hida doesn’t think alike... My next step will offer part of it to the jade Magistrates, from now on… she smiled to Izutsu, as a token of my gratitude. I’ve seen Kaemon’s masks before, they are crafted by the Kuni for all I know, and I don’t know exactly what they use to make them more resistant than the similar crab scouts use to wear. Though, we can craft masks with slightly less endurance to everyone else. Which comes into another subject. How much reinforcement every of us wish to take, and how much we can transport with us to make our assault swift and effective? Counting with sailors and everyone else?
OCC: as I’ve been bragging for a time I had an immense quantity of jade after Toshi Ranbo, sent letter to Crab about my intention to RP something related, and never had a reply, I thought I should add this fact here.
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