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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 8, 2011 19:36:45 GMT -5
Yasuki Yashiki is decorated as best as can be in the winter. The walls like all Crab fortresses are made of wood as are all the doors. It is warm and pleasant inside sounds of laughter drift through the halls many side rooms have been set aside for games, as well as food and drink. The only part of the castle off limits to visitors are the inner areas and certain parts of the library most of which would be of little interest at any rate. The Hunting competition begins before the sun starts as all who want to are asked to bring game back, points going to size, deadliness, and (possibly) taste of the quarry. The party starts after the noonday meal at which point all guests are asked to enjoy more competitions outside all can enjoy the wrestling, arms and cliff diving competitions, the latter being mostly to see how many people have the stones to do it. Once that is done all are welcomed back inside for foods of many different tastes and much hardier beverages to be enjoyed. Some time after the sun sets will be the feast all are welcome to open debate, talk, and some of the best sake that can be found in Rokugan. At the end of the feast a storytelling competition will be held points awarded for; coherency, topic, and composition. The celebration will be considered concluded at sunrise, the kitchens will keep making food until midday, and servants stand ready to fetch "exhausted" Samurai at midday.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 8, 2011 19:50:09 GMT -5
Waiting in the halls of Yasuki Yashiki is the Crab Champion, Hida Setsuro. He rests in the main room talking with a few Yasuki diplomats, the conversation idling about various new developments in the marketplace. Setsuro would be out joining the normal guests, but his elite guard suggest that with this many samurai around, it is probably less confusing to remain in doors for the time being.
As samurai are invited in, they were welcomed by several diplomats and asked to set aside their gifts in a room where they are being stored. This is so the Kuni can be instructed to verify artifacts and the like. Setsuro finally decided he was going outside onto the grounds so that he could have a good place to sit to watch the hunt. He also ordered that each Champion, should they arrive, was to be seated with him immediately. It would be his honor. All were invited, but he waited to see just who would come.
Several samurai began to gather on the grounds as the hunting competition was about to start.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 8, 2011 20:50:29 GMT -5
One of the initial visitors to arrive was not of any sort of true outstanding rank, a mere samurai in some respects but an up and coming prospect in the Unicorn ranks having performed in the cavalry charge against the Yobanjin invasion at the Mountain Watch Keep battle in the Unicorn lands. The soft sounds of hoof beats drawing the attention of the guards as a young woman and her family servant came riding at a trots pace on two bay mares, the young battle maiden bearing a single pack on the back of her saddle.
Dismounting at the gate and handing their horses over to the stable hands the battle maiden was guided by the diplomats to the soon to be hunting competition grounds, and invited to relax until the competition began. Content to be in such cheerful company she sat with her belongings to share tea with her companion. Some of the courtiers greeting her and asking her name in passing, as gradually the room came to know her as Utaku Haruka of the Unicorn clan.
She sat in her light armor nearest the windows facing the soon to be hunting grounds, potentially scouting out the landscape at a distance for now to pass the time as she waited. Her companion only having seemingly accompanied her out of requirement, not need as she would mingle with the other maidens of the house, leaving Haruka on her own more often than not.
Settling down to a cup of tea she seemed content to watch and wait as more guests would arrive. Quiet as she seemed, inside she was quite excited to meet samurai from all over Rokugan, and maybe even the new Crab champion if the fates allowed her the pleasure.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 8, 2011 21:13:18 GMT -5
A servant in Crab colours and displaying a Kuni mon weaved his way through the various Samurai, taking particular care not to bump into anyone, or even to make eye contact with his betters. He had been given this message to pass on, and he would as he was commanded.
Getting close to the Crab Champion, and realising his way was to be blocked, he briefly made his presence known to one of the servants attending Setsuro and passed the written message on. He knew better than to wait for a reply - after all the Champion was busy and would attend to matters as and when he saw fit. Bustling off, he started heading back to the Kuni holdings.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 8, 2011 21:50:22 GMT -5
There came the announcement then, in the main hall, that the delegation from the Scorpion clan had arrived. In walked two Scorpion, both recognizable. The first to enter was Soshi Kiso, the ambassador of the Scorpion clan assigned to the Crab clan. The second was none other then Bayushi Senshi, the scorpion clan's champion. Senshi made his way directly to the new champion. Not pausing or attempting to avoid anyone, they simply parted in deference to him.
He then bowed at the waist, showing a good deal of respect to Setsuro, "Setsuro san, it is good to meet you again. When last we met, you had just saved the empire by spreading the word of the Yobanjin invasion. It was by your notice we had massed our multi-clan force, and that we were able to buy time for the keep in Unicorn lands. For this you have my thanks." He was sincere, and he bowed again.
He then motioned Kiso forward, in his arms he held a peculiar tetsubo. "In honor of the past gift I gave you, I again send you another weapon, but this one has its own meaning. It is a trophy from the warfront, an ornate weapon, and the very weapon that broke my arm." He gestured, revealing the arm he favored inside his own kimono, his hand and wrist just visible past the hem of his robe. "I could think of other individual who could wield a weapon that has spilled the blood of a champion then another champion. It is for these reasons, Setsuro san, I wish you to accept this gift. I take it that you wish for me to sit with you? My thanks, you and the Yasuki daimyo are very gracious hosts indeed. I hope we can regale of tales from the warfront."
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 8, 2011 22:30:37 GMT -5
The next person in line to greet the new champion was an old friend. Smiling brightly, he could barely contain how happy he was to see his old friend rise to power. Like Senshi before him, he came with only one other samurai for the official presentation of gifts, the ambassador Akodo Jin, however countless more Lions were mingling at the party. He bowed, respectfully to the new Champion as he spoke.
Hida-san, it pleases me to no end to see your rightful rise to Crab Clan Champion. Allow me to present this humble gift. He motioned to his servant to step forward and present the gift. His servant wore light armor, with the Lion clan mon emblazoned on it. She was of Rokugani decent, but wore a golden head scarf in the style popular in Medindat al-Salaam, loosely covering her whole head but her eyes. She bowed before Tomatsu, deeply and spoke softly to him. Champion-sama, the gift is ready.
She turned slightly and gestured violently towards the servants under her command. Several brought forward a box, half the size of an average Rokugani. Mika, open his gift. He said to his servant. She nodded and opened the box, revealing a stunning statute of the Kami Hida, tearing the head off an Oni with his bear hands, lovingly rendered in pure Jade. After tossing the crate pieces in her hand to the other servants, Mika bowed to the Crab Champion, and she and Tomatsu waited for his response.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 8, 2011 23:18:54 GMT -5
Setsuro welcomed both Senshi and Tomatsu as they came and then proceeded to refuse their gifts, at least the first three times. The Tetsubo that broke Senshi's arm was rather interesting, a definitely inspiring gift to say the least. It was definitely a personal gift from the champion and this made the Crab Champion smile. After refusing it, he finally accepted the gift and placed it directly beside where he sat, letting it rest there until he needed to pick it up again later when he moved.
"Your gift is incredible, Senshi-san. I can feel what it must mean to you, given it's experience with you. I am grateful." Setsuro finally spoke after accepting the gift. It meant something to Setsuro as well, that a Scorpion would readily give up something that had injured him.
Tomatsu's gift was of a different nature. The jade statute of Hida tearing the head off an oni with his bare hands was something remarkable. Not exactly useful like the Crab were used to, especially when the jade could be used elsewhere, but this was a very meaningful gift. It was of the purest nature and everyone could see how beautiful it was. So beautiful that even Setsuro himself was affected.
"I'm moved, Tomatsu-san. This is a stunning and true representation of our Clan Founder. This will shine in the halls of Kyuden Hida as a testament to both his strength and your perception. It it not every day that we are able to see such a thing." Once he had accepted the statute formally, it was placed by two Crab servants next to his seat as well. It would, of course, be moved after the party, but for now it would shine in the sun right next to the current Champion. Setsuro bowed to both Senshi and Tomatsu, "I would definitely have you both sit with me, if you would honor me so."
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 8, 2011 23:52:15 GMT -5
You honor me greatly with your words. I will admit the hardest part was procuring the jade for the statute. Believe it or not it was easier than I had expected to come up with a drawing of Hida, and when I saw the scroll from the Ikoma library, I knew this is what our gift had to be. He smiled, stealing a glance at Mika and giving her a slight nod, before turning back to Setsuro. You honor me Hida-san with your invitation, and I would be deeply honored to sit with you during your celebration. He nodded, and said in a softer voice, only the three champions could hear. So old friend, what tests of strength are we going to do today? Perhaps hunting some horror from the Shadowlands?
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 9, 2011 1:28:52 GMT -5
Taking on a conspiratorial tone as well, "Oh please no, I only have my right arm to work with right now. But if the honorable Lion champion so desires I could reacquaint him to the business end of a bokken again." He grinned ruthlessly at Tomatsu, then emphasized his next few words."One handed."
Senshi took a seat opposite of Tomatsu, he didn't have the history with Setsuro like Tomatsu did, but knew him well through Tomatsu's correspondence. It was very important to Senshi and Tomatsu both that Setsuro had made it this far. And they planned to let Setsuro know of their appreciation of the significance of the event.
Then, clearing his throat added a little louder, "I have spent many a week traveling places not many would consider heading to. And had perfected along the way the ability to hunt game, sadly my injury would make participating difficult, but if you would allow an indulgence: Would you mind, Setsuro-san, if I judged the hunting competition?"
His eyes now scanning the various samurai and samurai-ko that were about, taking note of the ones who seemed ready to hunt. His vision lingering noticeably at the gathered samurai-ko.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 9, 2011 1:47:10 GMT -5
Haruka seemed to grow more and more in delight. This just felt so much more noble in spirit to her, no sort of sinister whispers or underhanded dealings going around as they sometimes did in courts. Today was a day for celebration and honor, and Haruka could feel her feet itch in desire as she wished to see the champions soon, even if that was the closest she could be for now.
Much as there was much to strive for on the field of battle, it was the peaceful times like these she lived for, even if to some they were mere moments in a lifetime.
Having finished her tea, Haruka found her way to some more, taking in little so as not to weigh herself down or seem greedy in the eyes of others. She quietly took a small treat with her to the outside of the fortress, walking with her feet on the snow as she took in the crisp air.
"Nothing quite like it, winter. Pure and breathtaking..."
She sat gently with her cake in hand and her tea in the other as she took her feet out of the snow so as not to freeze them off just yet. She simply watched the various samurai coming along still with such quiet delight.
Soon she would see that the champions were actually having been able to see her, among the others gathered and readying themselves for the upcoming hunting competition. In some embarrassment she shoved the last bite or two of cake down before going to ready her yumi, her dai-kyu still strapped to the saddle of her mount as she assumed they wouldn't be able to use horses to assist in the competition.
She put on her sandals to protect her feet as she approached one of the few practice targets set out for participants to help warm them up. It served a nice dual purpose as Haruka began practicing her shots on the distant and obscured targets...
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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 9, 2011 2:12:36 GMT -5
A tall man with red eyes wearing a Jitte in addition to his Tetsubo stood up in his full heavy armor. For those who do not know me I am Hida Baramo, Hatamoto to Clan Champion Hida Setsuro. We shall await for a few more arrivals and then we will begin the hunting portion (soft rp!) Setsuro will judge what you hunt. However we are of a little distance to the Shadowlands so no Shadow Lands creatures, in addition to the fact that there will be Crab competing I doubt it would be fair. He grins, then holds a soothing hand. Remember you are hunting animals, you will graded on size, how lethal it is, and how it tastes. If you do not wish to participate you may avail yourself to the North and East wings with the exception of the library in the North wing.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Feb 9, 2011 2:12:46 GMT -5
(ooc - So many in armor at a celebration, if this was any clan but the Crab there'd be shocked gasps! ) As her horse having been led away into the stables, Shizuyo made her way inside the main hall of festivities. Anyone that knew her at all would hardly recognize her. In place of her usual heavy banded black armor she favored in battle and outside the courts, she wore a black kimono with small blue wind gust motifs on it. The blue mon of the Ox was on one sleeve, and on the other was the mon that few would recognize, the mon of the Kijiro, vassal family to the Morito. Her black hair, usually back in a simple tail, was done up, black chopsticks holding it in place. She almost looked lady like, though her thin, muscled frame and long serious face still gave her an air more like a pretty Kakita man than a Samurai-ko. She met a few eyes and gave slight smiles and greetings, bowing to almost everyone despite her rank as Hakamoto to Morito Ryohei, as well as a nominal position as the head of the scout companies for the Minor Clan Alliance on the front. Despite all the courts she'd visited, she had obvious signs of not being entirely comfortable in such a festive, elegant setting as the Yasuki put on. None the less, it was still a Crab ceremony, and the formalities were non-obtrusive, and she seemed to relax quickly. As she made her way further in she stopped with a start and turned, making her way toward the side room meant for gifts for the occasion and leaft a scroll with the Yasuki in charge. The man opened the scroll, nodded and returned the bow Shizuyo offered him. Having got that out of the way, the young woman made her way over to the tables provided for food and drink, settling down for some sake and a few dishes with fish and rice. (ooc - For those wishing it, here's as close to Shizuyo in a kimono as I can find. -> Morito Shizuyo <-
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 9, 2011 2:43:28 GMT -5
Dismounting his horse Tadaka lands on his feet, the horse dissapearing into the water it was made out of; he had seen Kaymar ride ahead of him and enter the palace with the satchel still in his position. He smiled and waved aside the groom who had come to take his horse, who was merely standing there blinking; he had no intention of going in right now.
Walking a ways off, he found a small hill in the sun; he was tired and glad to be out of the rain, and this seemed like the perfect spot. Putting a mat on the dewey grass, Tadaka slung his bag to the side and sat down. He gave a sigh of contentment and looked out across the trees and hills and grass, the warm southern climate a nice break. Sitting in the lotus position with his palms up on his knees, Tadaka drifted into a silent meditation, clearing his mind of the dealings with maho tsukai and storms and simply letting the void fill him as he unknowingly sat on the edge of the hunting grounds.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 9, 2011 7:28:31 GMT -5
Kiso had walked in silently with his Daimyo, allowing him to correspond with his old friend without intrusion. He bowed politely to those of various clans he recognized, and kept a constant, discreet vigil on Senshi. While he did not expect anyone to attack him during the festivities, he could not help but worry about his safety with only one good arm. Granted, his nanny Kimi was a one-armed Bayushi trained bushi, who was quite formidable; But she had had years to get used to the handicap from the Scorpion Clan Coup.
The festivities seem to be going well, and Kiso was glad to hear talks of the Yobajin kept to a minimal, even with the assembling of forces by the Shogun to the north. Although the host of the event, Hida Baramo appeared nervous to him. It was obvious he was not used to interaction with those outside his clan and had slighted his Daimyo with barely a notice whilst he was speaking to Setsuro-sama, asking for permission to help judge the hunting competition.
He was curious why the bushi was so concerned with keeping guests out of the North Wing, and let his mind race with possibilities. His background as a magistrate, and training from the Kitsuki found it odd that it would need to be announced when it was already "roped" off.
He politely sipped at his tea and engaged in small talk, eagerly awaited the arrival of more quests, curious to who would grace the event held in honor of Hida Setsuro-sama rising to Daimyo of the Crab.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 9, 2011 8:33:53 GMT -5
Surely old friend, he said in that hushed tone that only the three of them could hear you wouldn't dare let me forget the day I broke your other arm. You wouldn't forget the old joke, what do you call a Scorpion missing both his arms? Half the danger but twice the threat. He chuckled a bit, more at his friend's condition and less at the joke. He returned to his normal speaking voice, so as to be heard by all. Yes, the hunting contest, I cannot wait to see so many young samurai take part. Which young samurai or samurai-ko wishes to step forward and be my champion for this event, as if my friend Senshi-san cannot participate, then in good conscience I cannot either. He cracks into a large and warm smile, accepting a small cake from a servant, and handing off his kabuto to Mika, who stands behind his chair, holding it as if it were her sacred duty.
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