quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Mar 1, 2012 19:59:40 GMT -5
The Scorpion army was camped outside of Kyuden Kitsune. Ronin sat around camp fires and awaited the next day of laying siege to the Mantis territory. The very forest itself seemed to react and unseen spirits harassed the gathered troops daily. Moral was low but that was always the case with ronin and they carried on regardless.
A few miles away Sprinkles was finishing his spell. His white robes he fashioned from the clothing stolen from the monks was speckled with blood from two dead ronin he had drained to fuel his maho.
The Mantis kept watch throughout the night. The Scorpion were a sneaky lot and not to be trusted. A piercing scream rang out and alarmed them to trouble within the Scorpion camp. Five Gakimushi were attacking the outskirts of the encampment.
This was just a test. Sprinkles spell worked. The gaki came when summoned and obeyed perfectly. These five would be defeated in no time but it was just the beginning. He had greater plans but he would need more blood. And some of it would need to be Kitsune blood.
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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 Mar 1, 2012 21:15:22 GMT -5
Daichi's eyes snapped open. Must have dozed off again, came to his mind. He had many sleepless nights of recent and many long days. Bags were starting to form under his eyes from the sleep deprivation. Not only did the siege take its toll he had not heard from his sister recently. But such worries were not what snapped him awake at this point.
He rubbed his eyes with a pair of meaty hands and stared blankly out over the walls that surrounded Kyuden Kitsune. A ripple came across the spirit realms, a small wave in the fabric that keeps them separate. Something had crossed into this realm with some aid. Most would have not noticed it but something resonated in his blood. Something that woke the animal.
Who would do such a thing? What new threat came knocking? These thoughts crossed his mind as made preparations for the next assault.
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Mar 5, 2012 21:55:37 GMT -5
OOC: I've thought about surrendering immediately after climbing the walls but I was somewhat in doubt about the size of Kyuden Kitsune (since the Fox used to be a poor family and all that). The following picture made me decide on the current course of action:![](http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111003145618/l5r/images/thumb/2/2f/Kyuden_Kitsune_2.jpg/559px-Kyuden_Kitsune_2.jpg) Her missions were never easy, but Ayame took silent comfort in the fact that this reflected the degree to which Manji trusted her. Fortunately for her, the army stationed outside Kyuden Kitsune was majorly comprised of ronin, with only a few true Scorpions among them, which made slipping past their defenses a breeze for someone with her particular skills. She moved towards the castle, silently and cloaked in shadows, until she felt a disturbing shiver. What is this sickening sensation? These are not forest spirits... Am I too late? she thought, as she quickly took a glance over her shoulders towards the Scorpion camp. There was no sign of commotion despite what her feelings told her, no, whatever it is its still far from here, there's still time. I must hurry. She nimbly climbed the Kyuden's wall, following Manji's careful instructions to avoid the most hazardous and life threatening magical traps, but intentionally triggering a magical alarm along the way and then entering an empty chamber of the castle. Ever since she and Manji left the lands of the Fox, years ago, she dreamed of coming back to visit the forest and the castle once more; she never thought that when she finally managed to return, she would do so under the cover of the night. Ayame prepared herself for the difficult part of her mission. She checked the documents sent to her by Manji one last time, straightened her dark green kimono, sat on the tatami in seiza, closed her eyes and waited. A few moments later she heard the hurried steps of the sentries across the wooden floor and someone shouting orders. The shoji opened and half a dozen men, fitted with katana and light armor, entered the room and encircled her. Their leader was a short middle aged woman who wore a red brownish kimono with the Kitsune mon and, despite having a daisho by her waist, carried only a paper lantern in her left hand. The middle aged woman betrayed a hint of surprise as she glimpsed the Dragon mon in Ayame's kimono but spoke with a composed, severe voice, what is a Dragon doing here? Isn't your Clan warring against the Lions and Unicorns in the north? Who are you and who've sent you girl? All according to plan so far, Ayame thought, as she smiled and opened her emerald green eyes to gaze upon the older shugenja woman. When the shugenja saw her eyes, she instantly recognized Ayame for what she was and could not hide her surprise, but before she could speak Ayame said, in a playful tone, I am Izaku Ayame, loyal retainer of Tamori Manji, hatamoto of the Tamori family of the Dragon Clan, honorable defenders of the Empire. I come, as requested by my Lord, to deliver a message of utmost importance to the Kitsune daimyo, Kitsune Daichi-sama. I ask that you please pardon the rudeness of my unannounced arrival but I had to resort to unconventional means in order to safely bypass the Scorpion troops outside. I am unarmed. Ayame bowed low, to show her respect, and waited. Special Edition Night Ops Ayame PS.: Did some small corrections to the text and fixed a couple of typos.
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Mar 5, 2012 23:43:31 GMT -5
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/Raposa/Hiromitsus%20stories/1.jpg) Hiromitsu random routine brought him to the gates of Kyuden Kitsune once more. he was kinda disapointed by his poor choice, would be a great day for lie down and "meditate" under some of these gorgeous trees of Kitsune mori.
Woodlands at Scorpion part of Rokugan seems to be filled with venous spiders, poisonous snakes, and many kinds of disturbing bugs.
Hiromitsu learned by doing that pretty mushrooms would make him sick. But, things were better in Kitsune lands. No wonder why these so called "spirits" choose to live here.
The gate keepers greeted Hiromitsu, they knew him already. And as expected, he started his 'not pre planned' speech.-Will the Kitsune, please, grant passage to the Scorpion?
-If not I can... well... I can do a lot of evil stuff! In other words, let's pretend that I'm blackmailng you somehow. - Hiromitsu lowered his voice for a while - Yeah, boss expect me to do it...
-C'mon guys, I just need you to say "we surrender, please go away". Very easy, huh? So we can spare all the fighting, destruction and tiresome work. Besides, I have been distracting you long enough for half of our armies to arrive at our destiny already, and I'm running out of ideias already >.oHiromitsu knew he was given a very frustranting job, so, he got the Kitsune's "no, no, no" without bothering to recall their arguments and went back to Scorpion camp.
But this day, everything would change!
...well, not everything, Hiromitsu was still standing and immune to his enemies tactics.
Even when he found the Scorpion camp partially destroyed. Most of the war engines they build were now totally trashed. His comrades were... drunk?-Hey guys? Guys? What's wrong?Many of the scorpion seems weak, pale, some of them unconscious.
A dazed officer approaches:-Some kind of monster attacked us. Soshi-san is deadly injured, seems like they aimed for our shugenja. She says these monsters were feeding of our chi.Hiromitsu remains stunned for a few seconds and them gets to a bold conclusion...-Chi... Energy of life itself. And life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now. Most of the time I had believed that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
-And I never moved quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses. But our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires but according to our powers.
-So, stay calm, and I will defeat the one who eats life... For no one can eat life itself; From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity!!With that thought in mind, he left the ill and sick behind and started to search for the monster...-But... Bayushi Hiromitsu-san, we already killed them...-Oh thanks the fortunes... phew... Lucky me then.
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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 Mar 6, 2012 10:54:36 GMT -5
OOC: I've always assumed the walls around Kyuden Kitsune were just the standard low border marking ones more then anything or something natural. I picture more a 'wall' of trees at points. There is a village that is formed of still living trees that have been shaped through magic so I would assume they might use some of it here.
“Izaku-san,” started one of the bushi who were in the room. “Daichi-dono is currently prepping a scouting party. If you give us the message we can deliver it.”
There was no denying that smell that came in on the breeze. It had a twinge of iron with acrid burn to it. The smell was something only those with more acute senses could pick out but it was blatant as day to them. The army became a minor nuisance in the minds of those who could pick it out. Taint, Maho, blood magic, someone had entered the mori and was using it.
Daichi barked orders at those around him. This was something he had to personally see to. He was not about to become known as the first Daimyo to let taint foul this forest. Once a pair of bushi and another shugenja had gathered in front of the daimyo, he gave them a quick inspection with his discolored eyes. They were tired as he was. The siege was taking its toll on the small family but they were nowhere near giving up. “The quickest route will be through the caves. The source is near Kuro Kitsune Dookutsu.”
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Mar 6, 2012 13:24:03 GMT -5
Ayame bowed again, took the documents placed by her side and positioned them in front of her without saying a word. Among them are an assortment of traveling papers proving Ayame's identity and a scroll sealed by two symbols engraved in golden and deep green wax respectively, one in the shape of a Dragon, the other in the shape of a Fox. The scroll is guarded by a subtle and very effective magical warding that render its contents invisible to all but the one to whom its addressed. Upon opening the scroll, Kitsune Daichi can read the following message:
Greeting Kitsune Daichi-sama, most esteemed daimyo of the Kitsune family,
my name is Tamori Manji, son of Tamori Ryuuji and Kitsune Maya, older brother to Kitsune Chizuru and current hatamoto of the Tamori family of the Dragon Clan. I come to you on behalf of our shared brethren with grave news. Roughly a month ago I was entrapped by a powerful spirit within its own domain in the Spirit Realms. There I discovered that this being, whom I'll call the Shadow Dragon for it seems to have inherited the attributions of the Lying Darkness, has a very keen interest in some members of the Kitsune.
For reasons that I cannot disclose in a letter, but that my retainer Izaku Ayame may explain to you should it be needed, I've uncovered its plans to make use of the ongoing war to stage an attack against the Kitsune with the intent of kidnapping at least one gifted Fox child. According to what I've learned, these children, due to their mystical heritage, may all come to develop the gift for prophecy and its that gift and their strong connection to Chikushudo that the Shadow Dragon wishes to corrupt for its own purposes. As the Daimyo of the Kitsune family, I ask that you please oversee their safety and protect them against the evil influence of Jigoku and the Nothing. I hope you understand that its too risky to include their names in a letter, but my retainer Izaku Ayame knows who they are and will be ready to answer you, as well as give you further details if needed.
I ask that Kitsune Daichi-sama be aware that your worst enemies will not be the Scorpion. There are other beings, besides the Shadow Dragon, that covet the mysteries of our people and they will surely try to use this unfortunate war to their advantage. Although we stand on opposite sides of the conflict, due to allegiances bigger than our personal ones, know that the Kitsune will always have an ally in me and, although I am currently busy with my obligations to my Clan and the Empire, Izaku Ayame will help you in my absence, if you so wish.
May the Fortunes bless and guide the Kitsune,
Tamori Manji hatamoto of the Tamori family
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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 Mar 6, 2012 14:15:05 GMT -5
By the time the scroll reached Daichi he was about to exit from Kyuden Kitsune. “Daichi-dono, Daichi-dono,” the runner yelled grabbing his attention. Once the scroll was in his hands he was quick to recognize the work as well as calligraphy. While he could count the number of his encounters with Manji on one hand, Daichi knew Manji would not be trying to trick him.
Daichi let out a sigh after the contents were firmly in his mind. The bear of a man seemed quite visibly disturbed. The thoughts of whether the night’s disturbances were related, either way it was just more issues that have fallen on his issue. Looking back at the runner he gave his instructions. “Make sure our guest is comfortable. I will have words that need to be said; however something is more pressing at the moment.” He paused for a moment then added before turn and leaving to join his small squad. “Also gather Chizuru-san.”
The runner gave a short bow then made his return trip to Ayame.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Mar 8, 2012 16:33:59 GMT -5
Sprinkles waited and meditated. He knew his spell would work but first he needed two Kitsune and a Blessed item. He foolishly assumed the Scorpion attack would have been lead my superior troops and perhaps could could acquire a Blessed sword from one of them. But it seemed that the arm was made of Ronin and would not be manned by any warriors great enough to carry such a legendary blade.
Capturing two foxwives or their children would be quite easy. But without a Blessed item they were nothing. He had shown his hand by unleashing the gaki. Someone would know he was here. So what to do next? Perhaps he could get the Kitsune to bring him a Blessed item. A proper threat and perhaps they would cave into his demands. They seemed to care nothing for the outside world.
He stood and faced the besieged "city". Using Hakhim's Seal he manipulated Air. He did not trust the Air kami here to bend to his will. A whisper rippled threw the air. Everyone heard it; both Scorpion and Kitsune alike.
I am Sprinkles. I have returned from the dead. I will destroy this forest and all within it unless my demands are met. I seek only a single Blessed item. Bring it wrapped in silk to the edge of Kuro Kitsune Dookutsu. Every day that passes that I am ignored I shall increase the attacks.
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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 Mar 8, 2012 17:01:42 GMT -5
The caves were dark as always but the small group moved through them with ease of well memorized practice. The tunnels had a network that crossed the entire forest. Most entrances to the network were well hidden and obscured. All entrances were also highly warded. They were like many things in the forest a trick in which the natives used and only knew about.
The sound that rippled through out the air brought Daichi to a stop. He called for a halt as he eyed the small squad with him. Thoughts appeared in his mind pertaining to the demands. A bless item, a nemuranai, the only such items the Kitsune possessed were one of the Jade Goblets of Taira, and it was stolen a generation ago. Anything else they have would never qualify by the standards of most. However, Daichi was not about to hand anything over anyways. That did not stop him from quickly coming up with a plan.
He gave the motion to continue. Soon they squad approached the exit where light flooded in. Crawling out first Daichi made sure none saw as he moved the tree aside for the others to exit. Once the exit was resealed, the squad pushed in to Kuro Kitsune Dookutsu, so called for its darker colors and valley like walls.
When the squad reached the point of the disturbance they broke. The others took to hiding something they were well versed at inside their home forest. Few would find them. While they vanished the form of the Daimyo approached. He spoke something he was well accustomed to saying now, it seemed to him. "You are not welcome within this forest. Leave now before it is to late."
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Mar 8, 2012 21:38:23 GMT -5
'Another samurai with a direct approach. How quaint.' Sprinkles thought to himself.
And if I do not leave? What will you do? Do you know who I am? What I can do to you? To this forest? Give me what I want and I will leave. Refuse me and suffer my wrath.
Sprinkles hope of these men complying was dwindling. They were stronger than he suspected. He could see it in Daichi's eyes. He was in for a fight.
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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 Mar 9, 2012 10:00:06 GMT -5
Daichi’s form stood tall and bold as he spoke. He wore more of what could be considered token armor over his monkish loose clothing. He had no weapons visible on him. “I know what you are, another fool that has become lost in the woods. You’re not as far in as you like to think you are. What you think you can do to this forest will end in vain.”
Daichi’s lips curled upwards into smile showing his teeth as he stated the next part. “Allow me to give piece of advice for the fool. Do not underestimate a fox in his home.”
His face returned to a more somber look as he continued. “But all you want is a blessed item? I have enough worries otherwise. You can have this. Take it and leave.” Daichi produced a small silk wrapping. Inside was nothing more than a simple piece of shale. It had been weathered to a smooth finish. It definitely was not ‘blessed’ in the terms the maho-tsukai was looking for was looking for. He then tossed the bundle casually to the feet of Sprinkles.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Mar 9, 2012 10:18:14 GMT -5
Sprinkles smiled at the compliance. He was right; the Kitsune did not care what happened outside their forest.
You obedience is most appreciated. I have some business here. But I give you my word that I shall in no way harm your forest. You will hardly know that I am here. When I am done I shall leave peacefully. Is that agreeable to you?
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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 Mar 9, 2012 10:47:19 GMT -5
Daichi shook his head without his discolored eyes ever leaving their focus. “No, I cannot allow you any further into the Mori. As I said your kind is not welcome here. It never is and never will be. Leave peacefully now, or you will find a new kind of madness.”
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Mar 14, 2012 6:49:12 GMT -5
Sprinkles looked at Daichi. He was a large man. Not unlike Kenpachi who had killed him last. Perhaps it was better to fall back for now and return quietly while the fox were distracted.
Very well. You have done what I have asked. I shall leave your forest in peace.
Sprinkles took his prize and began to head south, back to the Shinomen Marsh.
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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 Mar 15, 2012 10:36:51 GMT -5
Daichi’s form watched the maho tsukai leave and once Sprinkles was well out of sight the form collapsed and returned to the earth. The real Daichi looked over to his small squad from his hiding place. “Make sure he finds the quickest route out of the Mori. We don’t need him doubling back.”
The squad gave a nod in acknowledgement then left their spots to make haste. Now alone Daichi let a long sigh. One problem was diverted for the moment yet two more still remain. Daichi gave one look at the direction the squad left then sprinted for his return trip to his keep.
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