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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 9, 2011 17:39:13 GMT -5
Setsuro smiled a bit at his old friend and nodded, quietly speaking so that only the three present champions could hear him. "No Oni-hunting today, my friend. I received a few very long-winded lectures about how it would be impolite to put my guests in danger. Of course, what's a party without a little danger? But, that's why they wanted to hunting competition." He grinned at him and then stood up.
"Thank you, Baramo-san. As much as it would please me to start off this competition, I would be honored to give the position to the Scorpion Clan Champion, Bayushi Senshi. He will decide what is hunted and when the hunt itself starts." Setsuro turned Senshi and gave him a smile and then a bow. With that, he took a step backwards and sat down in his chair. There were several samurai lined up below the area where the champions were seated, ready and waiting to participate in the hunt.
"Well, if you aren't going to take part in the hunt, at least we'll have good seats here and give the young samurai a chance to prove themselves, no?" Setsuro once more spoke only loud enough for Senshi and Tomatsu to hear him, looking down at the warriors present as he did; most of them showing quite a bit of youthful spirit and promise. Even amongst the Crab there were plenty of young and athletic samurai as opposed to the big and bulky brawlers, especially amongst the Hiruma.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 9, 2011 18:12:52 GMT -5
Hearing that his Daimyo would be judging the competition, he decided to not compete in the hunt, feeling should he triumph, the gathered samurai would feel there had been some sort of arrangement. But he looked forward to seeing how the various attendees would perform, and what trophies they would bring forth to succeed.
Finishing his tea, he decided to refill his cup, and speak with a few of the lower ranked bushi he had helped defend the wall with recently, trying to egg on participation in the hunt and the glory they could bring to their Daimyo if they should win.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 9, 2011 18:32:16 GMT -5
The participants were all starting to ready themselves, handmade yumi and some heirlooms could be spotted as they gathered before the champions rise to hear the decree of the three.
Haruka seemed somewhat anxious but still fell in with the others, standing straight in a unified bow in a row with the samurai as they showed their respect and desire to serve and impress.
The unified sound of their cloth rustling with the gentle motion of their bow and the sheer silence among them was quite excellent as the winter breeze gently coaxed its way through the participants' hair.
Haruka kept her yumi firmly in grip at her side as she stood anxiously, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the other competitors and starting to feel her heart flutter in such company. She could and would do her best, little more could be said for that.
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
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Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Feb 9, 2011 18:50:34 GMT -5
Not having any lighter armor, and knowing that no one was to use a horse anyway, Shizuyo was prepared to hunt only in light ashigaru armor she had picked up for this occasion. She ducked back into the room from a side one where she'd changed, the armor going on over her kimono. She had a bow, the same make and quality as everyone else was provided with to keep the competition fair. She tested it's strength and found it tough, even if it was much smaller than her Dai-kyu.
Shizuyo made her way over to those that were also participating in the hunt, standing at the end of the line, awaiting the announcement.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 9, 2011 21:18:30 GMT -5
Senshi stood then, raising his right arm over his head to gather the contestants' attention. The task was easy enough, as most had their eyes to the champions' position anyway. He regretted it for an instant as his kimono slipped slightly over his left shoulder, but he shrugged it back in place as best he could and carried on, revealing some of his well toned form, fitting, he thought, I do have the body of a hunter."The path of the hunter is a tail as old as time. It is through the grace of civilization and community however, that hunting is still a time honored tradition of all peoples, Rokugani and Gaijin alike. But no hunter may compare to the skill and honor of a Rokugani alone on the great fields of the north, in our forests, in our mountains, nor in our seas. I have had the good fortune to hunt in all clan lands. But before there were clans, there were Rokugani and their bows. Today we honor Setsuro, champion of the Crab clan. A man of power and great skill, yet also poise and grace under pressure. Therefore you are to hunt the most majestic, and regal of game. Your prey is the stag. Extra consideration will be given to those that are felled the most skillfully, in honor of Setsuro's finest traits as a leader of men."
Senshi dropped his arm, signaling the start of the hunt, his kimono flurishing slightly as it readjusted itself back down his troublesome shoulder. Rather then fix it and sit down though he stood and watched as the samurai went off to their task. Content to just let it drape over his hurt arm.
It was only after the attention of everyone gathered had shifted away from the champions that he readjusted. "Blasted kimono. Remind me to talk to the tailor in the palace of crimson shadows, I just can't control the thing with only one arm."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 9, 2011 21:33:40 GMT -5
In a mad flurry the sound of the scrambling sandals, armor, and kimonos as the combatants eagerly rushed off in various directions...
The truth was, stag was regal in both its poise and build, but also in its sheer elusiveness. While it was easy to determine the most prized beasts for the prongs on their heads, to find more than a normal buck in the woods took patience and knowledge... and that sprinkle of good hunter's luck.
Haruka sought out an area to herself, as she didn't wish for anyone to happen to chance on a beast alongside her and contest who might vie for ownership of the kill. Deeper and deeper she would go as these vast ranges of mountains would be nearly untouched by the civilizations flourishing around them, bringing any unready samurai to their limits if they were not prepared for the tests of surviving, let alone succeeding in a deep woodland area.
She only took a small quiver of arrows, light armor with a thick cloth underneath, along with the yumi and hunting knife. The lighter the travel, she thought, the better chance of happening upon the prey. But this sort of travel did carry the unpreparedness of if she should happen upon something that would have a go at her in the forest...
Again the quiet consuming all sense, Haruka began picking up on some game trails and went along them, traveling against the wind as often as she could, and trying to maintain cover at all times. In her personal experience she hadn't hunted many deer in her life as there were few who would roam the open plains of Unicorn lands.
A few twigs and leaves rustling with every few steps, she finally came across a small water source, and some scat left by the bank. She gently examined it with a stick to determine the former owner, taking a sniff and crinkling her face a fair bit.
"Wonderful... bears."
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 9, 2011 21:48:42 GMT -5
Tomatsu laughed at his friend's "wardrobe malfunction", first trying to control it, then laughing openly but only so the three Champions could hear. After a few minutes he regained his composure. So gentlemen, tell me, have you noticed any Samurai-ko of note? He motions to Mika, and whispers something in her ear. She nods and later, she hands off the kabotu to another servant, exchanging it for a cup of sake, and handing it, respectfully to Tomatsu. He takes a sips and nods in approval.
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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 22:29:44 GMT -5
Shizuyo doesn't race off, but walks out of the main halls. She pinned for a horse to ride off on, but knew this would be as things were laid out. Many men and woman made their way off into the woods to the east, but Shizuyo headed north first, through the hills, swinging inland only once she'd found a small stream coming down from the mountains.
Making her way up toward the hills, Shizuyo climbed easily. What were called mountains down along the coast here were hardly anything to her. The weather was pleasant, cool with winter but warm compared to the winters up north, more like spring in fact. Shizuyo avoided the woodland trails that snaked all around for locals to make their way up to mine or chop wood. Instead, she finally settled on a rocky ledge overlooking a portion of the river that dammed up into a small clear pool. The side she was on was a cliff race, the light brown stone going up past her wooded ledge another 20 feet or so. The other side of the pool was cleared back of trees a good 10 feet or so, signs that men and women had been here before, perhaps to bathe or gather water on the way up into the mountains.
Shizuyo settled down to wait. In the foothills of the Northern Wall Mountains bordering the Dragon Heart Plains, wildlife was scarce but important, which meant long hours of waiting. Like the Ox's Unicorn ancestors, the Morito ate more meat than most Rokugani, especially to supplement a diet low on available proteins. That meant hunting was more than just a sport to many Ox. To top it all off, the Kijiro vassal family, which Shizuyo lead, were the hunters of the Ox, the scouts, the portion of the clan given to living off on the plains and mountains for days at a time.
Silence, patience... the wildlife would come, seeking the precious water. Shizuyo just prayed that it would be the deer that came.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 10, 2011 0:38:52 GMT -5
It never surprised Senshi when Tomatsu got into a mood like this. It seemed to Senshi that if Tomatsu wasn't fighting, he'd be wooing women. Senshi admired that trait in his friend, but there were times that Senshi would rather just focus on more important matters. Given that this was a celebration however, Senshi decided to indulge him, but took the question in a more constructive direction.
"Of the huntresses I am most interested in the performance of Morito Shizuyo. She has climbed the ranks and gained much glory since the start of the war. I will be watching her career with great interest."
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 10, 2011 1:59:23 GMT -5
Tadaka opened his eyes as he could hear the sounds of people passing him in a hurry. Looking around he saw young samurai and samurai-ko dashing into the woods carrying their bows, apparently in a hurry. ~Must be some sort of contest for the party.~, he thought to himself with a smile. Tadaka stood and stretched, his mind clear and his body a little less weary. Putting his hat on his back and taking off his mempo he walked back towards the gates of Yasuki Yashiki, dodging eager hunters as he made his way to the entrance.
Bowing and talking to one of the gate guards quietly, he entered the castle, looking at all the people who were still around mingling. He felt somewhat awkward; since he had not gotten an invitation (it likely arrived in Shiro Isawa while he was travelling...) he had not gotten any sort of gift, which was part of the reason he had not entered in the first place. Tadaka brushed aside his concerns; he would simply have to not partake of the gifts of the crab in return for the lack of his own courtesy. Either way he hoped Kaymar would still be able to find him if needed.
Sitting down on a simple bench near a large doorway he looked around; he could make out Setsuro and Senshi in the back of the room, with who he could only assume as Akodo Tomatsu, Lion Champion. He had never actually met the man, but the looks fit the description and it only made sense since he was in company with the two other Champions. Smiling to himself he took out his biwa, humming along to a simple tune as he simply relaxed and listened to the sounds of the party around him.
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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 10, 2011 3:15:05 GMT -5
Kaymar didn't know the Palace particularly well. Whilst he had been here a few times over the years he had mostly kept himself confined to the Kuni holdings, so it was only partly a surprise when he found himself having to pass through the party to get to the library. Keeping his gaze downwards he crossed the room - there was a much better chance of making it through without having to engage in social conversation if he did not make eye contact with someone. He still had to glance every so often however, if only to make sure he was heading in the right direction.
It was in one of those glances that he caught sight of Isawa Tadaka at the back of the hall, causing his brow to furrow slightly. As Master of Void, should he not be at the top table thought the Crab. Within a few strides, Kaymar had started to drift towards the top table, approaching Hida Baramo. Setsuro was busy in conversation, and Kaymar knew it was not his place to interupt his champion without very good reason.
Once Baramo had acknowledged Kaymar, the witch hunter spoke quietly. "Baramo-san, I thought it prudent to inform you that Isawa Tadaka, Master of Void, is at the back of the hall. He arrived here with me a short while ago, having met on the road." lowering his voice even further ensuring only Baramo could hear he continued "He has provided the Clan a great service, aiding me in the removal of a bloodspeaker cell. I have offered our Champion a report, when he has time, but thought it best that someone at the top table should be informed." Kaymar bowed and took a step backwards, ready to resume his trip to the library.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 10, 2011 10:20:55 GMT -5
The scat proved to be all the warning Haruka needed. She changed her pace as she continued only somewhat further, coming to a slight overlook in the forest that gave her the vantage for her hunt...
The stillness, the silence, the simple wilderness... came to an abrupt halt with the rustle behind Haruka's perch. The huffing behind her causing the blood in her veins to freeze in part as her gaze turned to find the expected bear in the area.
But to her luck it wasn't. One stag had actually come upon her, but with its deer harem nearby, it didn't appear pleased to have anyone so close to his mates. His grunted cry sent a flurry of hooves scurrying off as he approached, flicking his legs at Haruka in an aggressive gesture.
She fell off the slight rise, landing hard on the forest floor as the stag stood proudly over his conquest... but ironically it also gave her just the clear shot she needed. As she fell she had drawn an arrow and notched it in her yumi, launching a wild shot as it landed in the beast's neck when her body cracked against the bushes.
She dusted herself off, noting that she had dented her armor a fair bit on the back as she went up to see where the arrow had landed. The stag had run off but hadn't gotten far as it died gently bathed in a flow of sunlight that cut through the branches of the trees.
Haruka took a knee as the thanked the Kami for this, taking a moment to meditate on the gift of such fortune before beginning her trek back with the massive beast, doing her best to keep it in tact as she kept the front legs and head over one shoulder, making her way steadily back, hoping this would please the champions as much as it pleased her.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 10, 2011 10:38:59 GMT -5
Yes the honorable Morito-san is certainly a star on the rise, but, how do I put this gently.... She is like Matsu, she requires the right man to..... please her, in a philosophical way. As I'm sure you know Senshi, my mother was a Utaku battle maiden, and frankly it surprises me how well my father tolerated her.... character. I learned quickly from a youth that the woman for me would need to be more like lady Doji and less like honored Matsu. He turned slightly so he could make eye contact with Setsuro. Honorable Hida-san, tell us of the women of your clan, any we should take notice of? He said with a smile and another sip of sake.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 10, 2011 10:46:25 GMT -5
Senshi gave up then, knowing better then to try to change the course of Tomatsu's thoughts, then signaling for a servant to bring him some tea he decided to humor his friend, "There was one battle maiden among the contestants, she seemed, how did you put it? 'Worthy of note'?"
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 10, 2011 15:55:14 GMT -5
Setsuro was able to sit and listen to the things that Senshi had to say about him. Part of him knew that he was flowery, but the other part of him couldn't help but crack a smirk. He was familiar with the ways of the Scorpion, but it had been a while since he had gotten the chance to be up close and personal to those ways, when he was gone, he listened to Tomatsu and Senshi speak back and forth a bit until the Lion Champion directed a question his way.
"There are many fine samurai-ko among the Crab, but they generally they are spoken for by other arrangements. There are a few of them that are.. independent, but that's an odd term because almost all of our samurai-ko are as such." Setsuro glanced to the side at Tomatsu and Senshi before smiling, "But there is one particular woman that I've had my eye on. I wonder if she'll be here." He pondered the question for a moment before he glanced out at the field in the direction that a young battle maiden had made off in.
"I believe I've heard of her, Utaku Haruka. We'll see what she brings back." Setsuro then smiled to himself, relaxing in his chair.
A servant came up the stairs behind them with small crackers, cups of sake and various other refreshments for the champions.
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