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Post by tadakasan on Apr 18, 2011 21:40:55 GMT -5
This RP is supposed to take place after the events of the battle in "Warring Hearts of Rokugan, somewhere around the same time as "Trouble on the Way Home" and "Where the Threads of Destiny Meet". It is set in Kyuden Bayushi.
The only two givens in the RP are Tadaka and Bayushi Senshi. Other possible people who could appear more than likely would be: - Utaku Haruka - Toku Sanjuro - Shosuro Ichiro - Akodo Tomatsu' - Isawa Kinen - Kitsune Keshi - Hida Setsuro - any Scorpion characters not busy
Otherwise if you want to join and you're not one of the above, just PM me and I'll certainly do my best. Anyways, without anymore talking, the introduction. =================================
It was a cool spring day in northern Scorpion lands. It seemed like the winter wanted to give one last good bye before giving up for the year. Not that there was any snow or anything quite like that, but the air was chilly and felt all the more so because of the constant drizzle, the grey clouds, and the wind which would occasionally whip up into a strong breeze.
Tadaka walked with a straw cloak on his back, his reinforced rice-paper hat lowered over his eyes to keep the rain out. He could slightly see the puffs of his breath as he walked along the slightly muddy road towards the gate to Kyuden Bayushi's walls, the fields around the road barren of crops so far with only the small groups of buts one might call villages breaking up the mostly flat plains. Getting nearer to the gate, Tadaka wondered to himself how this would go; he knew his banishment from the Phoenix hadn't exactly been "broadcasted" since the Phoenix wanted to avoid any political complications about such a thing. But if anyone would know it would be a Clan Champion...
Either way he had sent his letter requesting to see his old acquaintance, receiving the necessary travel papers to get here so this was all happening whether things were complicated or not. And it's not like he was here to hide anything...
Before he knew it he was at one of the gates to the large city, it's walled girth sitting on a hill overlooking the lower plains that surrounded it. The guard halted him and Tadaka politely gave the Shosuro his papers. The guard looked at the papers and seemed to eye Tadaka wearily; Why was this ronin being let in to see the Champion? The letter didn't make this visitor seem like a Ronin, but the man before him was certainly dressed oddly otherwise. Tadaka wore no Clan colors and bore no mon; he didn't have a kimono or robe on either, the bearded man wearing the black clothes of a wandering sohei.
Still, the man didn't too out of the ordinary and the runner they had sent would arrive with an answer either way. Tadaka stood, waiting patiently in the rain, leaning on his staff casually and listening to the sounds of early spring. ------------------------
Meanwhile, inside Kyuden Bayushi itself, the runner had arrived at his destination, kneeling down outside Champion Bayushi Senshi's quarters where he had been told he was. "Forgive any interruption Champion-dono, but there is a man at the gates bearing a katana and dressed in the robes of a monk with a letter of invitation to see you. The letter says it is to one "Isawa Tadaka" but the man just laughed when we asked if it was him." The messenger paused thoughtfully then spoke up again, "Forgive me for any trouble or assumptions, it is merely a very suspicious situation. He bares no Isawa or Phoenix mons and speaks in riddels to some questions like a Togashi... what would you have me do my lord?
The messenger stayed perfectly still, kneeling where he was.
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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 Apr 18, 2011 22:20:34 GMT -5
"Tadaka? Interesting, I had heard rumors that he had left the phoenix..." Senshi entertained a few thoughts before saying, "Yes of course, summon a Bayushi guard and have him escorted here, to my chambers."
Senshi stood and made sure he was properly dressed. He knew that whatever the former elemental master had to say it should be very interesting, and did not want to hinder the conversation with the rules of courtly conversation. There was a chance here, Senshi knew, to add one of the worlds most powerful shugenja to the Soshi family, he was not going to pass that up. Tadaka had even supported the Scorpion against his clan before...
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 18, 2011 23:15:38 GMT -5
Tadaka was still waiting in the rain when the messenger came back to the gates, escorted by a group of four Bayushi yojimbo. Tadaka couldn't help but smile a little; he was looking to much into things. One could never know if this was an honor guard or wardens. The point is it mattered little. He had to remember such things, for distancing himself from such cares was one of the main reasons he had decided to go on this journey after all; Live freely and with enlightenment and knowledge as his goals, not worldly matters.
The messenger interrupted his train of thought by speaking up, difficult to hear as the rain decided to become what was at least a brief downpour, "Isawa-san; these bushi will be your escort to the castle. Senshi-dono will be ready to see you very soon if you will just follow them."
Tadaka returned the bow the Soshi gave him, walking through the gates and into the city, lost in thought as he followed his "escort" more than willingly towards the impressive looking castle overlooking the city...
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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 Apr 19, 2011 10:13:28 GMT -5
Tadaka was shown to Senshi's private chambers, and greeted in an entry hall by a few servants. Two of the guard stopped to stand guard outside, one remained with Tadaka, and the last stood by a door at the opposite end of the hall, awaiting Senshi.
The servants would ask if Tadaka needed anything, and supplied him with whatever he desired.
A moment later, after Tadaka's needs were attended to, Senshi would enter, wearing crimson robes, and a black tight fitting cloth over his lower face. With a wave he would dismiss the servants and his guard. The latter leaving to watch all entrances to the hallway from outside. Senshi bowed politely showing respect not for Tadaka's station but for his skill.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 20, 2011 2:07:59 GMT -5
Taking off his hat as he entered the room, his katana already having been taken away before he entered of course along with his staff, Tadaka walked into Senshi's private quarters. He had never been in them before, but they certainly weren't too out of the ordinary for a Scorpion from what he's seen; clean lines, curves, dark wood, and sparse but meaningful decoration. Senshi wasn't in at the moment, which was hardly surprising; a wait to see someone of his station was more than typical.
Sitting down at the table, Tadaka found he didn't need to wait long. Only minutes later Senshi entered in his eloquent crimson robes, still wearing his mask, but all looking quite proper for a man of his station if on the casual side. That too was likely on purpose. Tadaka was glad for it either way since it meant he felt a little less intrusive in his simple gi. Standing, he returned the bow deeply to Senshi, leaning back up, "Ah, Bayushi Senshi-dono. It was been quite a long time since I last saw you. Back when the first Yobanjin armies were on the borders of the Unicorn lands and the call was made for the Clans to arm themselves. Many months, still seems like yesterday in a way though. Oh, and my congratulation on the wedding Senshi-dono. It is always a joyous occasion, though all the more so in a time of war..." He couldn't help but grin a little, "And even more so than anything when love comes along with it."
Tadaka stood politely but casually, his appearance quite different from the last time Senshi had seen him indeed; He had grown a beard, which while wiry, was neatly trimmed. His skin looked a little more pale and almost grey or drained of color. And lastly his eyes, once brown, looked like they were starting to turn more of a lighter shade, almost a orange or golden color... the trained eye of the Scorpion Champion might even be able to make out the changes in Tadaka's pupils, once normal but now slitted like a cat or a snake's.
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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 Apr 20, 2011 21:11:25 GMT -5
Senshi couldn't help but smile. A benefit of his scorpion mask to cover it but he made no effort to hide his feeling of mirth. In essence Tadaka and he were opposites, Senshi was an impatient and impulsive man, where Tadaka seemed to have all the time in the world. One was the lowest station acceptable for a samurai, and a shugenja, the other a glorious leader of an entire clan, and a warrior.
Senshi reminded himself gently to relax and enjoy the conversation, he couldn't help but to push things along a little, "It has been too long Tadaka san. I thank you for the kind words, but surely that isn't why you have come so far to see me..."
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 20, 2011 23:00:33 GMT -5
Tadaka shook his head and took a seat on one of the cushions that surrounded the dark wood table in the room, "No, of course not. Though it would be unfair to say that wasn't a large reason." He chuckled softly, "You are truly a lucky man to find such happiness in a time of strife, though I will admit most seem to think the tide has turned now that the Shogun's forces have entered the fray."
Tadaka looked around; he was awfully thirsty but he wasn't sure if Senshi had anything planned; And if the Champion did have something it would be rude to just take a swig from his water bottle... Clearing his throat Tadaka continued, "But more to the point, since I know your time is valuable... I came to ask what is on the Scorpion Champion's mind. Now you know as well as I this isn't meant to just be a general question. I mean it in the sense of some of the more recent happenings and rumors I have heard. things that a leader of the Scorpion would no doubt be aware of Senshi-dono."
He looked down at the back of his hands, sighing inwardly at the signs of his wanderings; coarse skin, chipped nails, scars, his changing skin with the veins inside it... sometimes he wondered... Shaking off the thought he looked back up at Senshi, his reverie only having lasted a moment, "More specifically, I talk about things such as the death of your brother in the shadowlands, the supposed appearance of men appearing to be ninja in Shiro Morito, black clad assassins trying to take Isawa Sezaru-dono's life, the rumors of tainted mines popping up in the remote places in the Empire, as well as the rumors you seem more than aware of about me being here; I can see it in your eyes. And no," Tadaka held up a hand, "Before you say anything, I do not imply anything by any of these questions Senshi-dono; I merely ask because I realize that you are one of the most informed people in the Empire I know of, as well as one of the most intelligent."
"I have literally spent years in Scorpion lands, almost a home away from home for me as it were. So I come to you as someone I respect greatly." Tadaka stopped there, leaning on the table slightly since it seemed that, while he was being to the point, Senshi was also being informal in his own way.
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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 Apr 21, 2011 0:53:58 GMT -5
"You ask what is on my mind, and frankly there is too much. There is a lot going on in the empire, we are indeed on a precipice for many acts that could tear the empire apart. You mentioned a few of them." Senshi sighed and turned to regard a mural, that depicted in fine artistic style a map of Rokugan.
"Consider these few facts, and tell me where you think they lead:" He began to count on his fingers as he spoke, "Forces have begun to mobilize very openly in the shadowlands for the first time since the second day of thunder. A traitor to the scorpion reads a black scroll, then informs me and returns it. The Yobanjin organize on a level never before seen and assault the empire. Key leaders in the empire become silent or lost for days at a time, the emperor included. The clan leaders across the empire from Crab to Phoenix are new to their titles. And criminal ninja movements prop up targeting people of influence. All this and still the clans find themselves fighting each other and not helping each other."
Senshi turned back, "One more crisis or calamity, and the empire could crumble like some baked good. It is at times like this that it falls to the clan of secrets to help guide us along a path that secures the strength of the empire at the cost of its integrity. I fear the consequences should I ignore my duty and honor, but I fear losing everything else far worse. This is why it is easy for one such as myself to ignore what small things have befallen one individual, if it means securing a future for the empire. You are still Tadaka, and that means the empire needs you. Damn the taint."
Reacting to his words he jumped slightly, "Oh, speaking of. Would you care for some tea? I'm all out of jade dust at the moment, but I trust you carry some yes?"
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 21, 2011 1:40:41 GMT -5
Chuckling, Tadaka nods, "Wouldn't be seen without it of course. An acquired taste and sensation, but it doesn't ruin good tea; Which I would humbly accept."
He leans back a little, stifling a sigh of thoughtfulness, "But yes; It seems you have come to most of the same conclusions I have. And I do have a pretty good idea about all of it... Forgoing my honor for situations has proven most helpful in acquiring that information." Tadaka humbly accepts the tea, taking out a small tin of green jade dust and mixing it into his tea as he continues, "I will admit that I am still completely in the dark regarding the Yobanjin and the Emperor's behavior. All my inquires into the reasons for the Yobanjin gathering have come up blank; the Tortoise, Mantis, Ox, Badger and Unicorn all seem to be just as in the dark as anyone else... as are the Yobanjin that are friendly with the Phoenix. And frankly I'm not sure anyone in the Empire knows what's on the Emperor's mind. I'm hoping this is just a temporary seclusion and that he has seen what we have seen."
Sipping the hot tea gingerly Tadaka winces, both from how hot it is and the way it burns his throat. Shaking it off he continues once again, "As far as myself, you seem to be well aware as I thought. You know I am tainted, and most likely that I have been exiled from my Clan; I regret neither thing happening if it means doing what needs to be done. I am not as sure as you are as to what I can do for the Empire per say, other than providing what knowledge I have. And there are few at the moment that would trust the word of a tainted ronin."
"That comes to the other matter though; The information on the other happenings you talked about. Is there anything in particular you wish to know about? I have much to say, since you seem willing to listen." Tadaka cups the teacup in his hands, folded in his lap as he sits more formally, facing Senshi.
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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 Apr 21, 2011 5:14:00 GMT -5
Haruka had been somewhat absent from sight after the wedding, only being seen ensuring that her Utaku herd was stabled well and tended for, and occasional glimpses around the Champion's home. Senshi's attendant Alana had been keeping her company as a silent guide through these somewhat still unfamiliar halls.
However she did notice the absence of her husband as she inquired as to who the visitor might be. The name Isawa Tadaka dropped, and she seemed curious. She had heard it now and again, but never had she believed to know this person's face. She silently drifted with Alana still accompanying her to Senshi's quarters, but she did not wish to intrude or disrupt them as she let her silhouette of her coming near pass in the corner of Senshi's eye as her shadow briefly was cast on the wall.
She merely waited in the next room while she sat with Alana, it was a viewing room right next to his quarters that looked out over one of the gardens now blossoming with life in the spring time as she simply meditated on it. She was fast becoming a woman of fewer and fewer words, and while she could not hear the immediate conversation of the two men, any raised voices would easily be heard, should Senshi summon her or otherwise. She would not disturb him unless he wished it for now.
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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 Apr 21, 2011 7:46:08 GMT -5
Senshi noticed his wife waiting outside the entry hall, but knew better then to pull her into the room just yet. He would discuss this with her later, but he wanted no hindrances to Tadaka's discussion, he was proving to be very enlightening.
"You are as informed as ever, something that indeed impresses me. There are a few things that still confound me however, perhaps you can clarify. I am ever on the watch for more information regarding a ronin going by Oronkohiro, he was last seen in a ruined fortress called Shiro Saisei in the shadowlands.
Also, I would like to know about your plans. I have yet to determine if you accepted the taint willingly, and if the shugenja at Shiro Kuni have been made aware. Also, just how deep the taint runs within you. All I really know about the matter is that you have left your family and clan. To a champion, a man as powerful as you has great potential, one I would not see wasted by ronin status. The taint within you puts you in a curious position. I'm just trying to determine why and what the future may bring."
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 21, 2011 11:22:24 GMT -5
"Ah, cutting right to the heart of the matter I see..." Tadaka takes another thoughtful sip of tea then sighs softly, "Taking the questions about the Taint; yes I accepted it willingly; one could say I sought it out willingly. It was part of my plan; I needed the Taint in order to be more accepted for my time in the City of the Lost and, in a more general sense, in my pursuit of knowledge."
"As far as how deep it is, that's not something I know how to define. I am aware of the changes; the paler skin, darker blood, feeling of hunger, the dark thoughts, the pain from jade... that said I feel at least somewhat in control despite dark thoughts and hungers. I wish I could tell you for certain on the matter, but I am not an expert as much as I could be. Enough to know the one person who has the hardest time telling such things is the person Tainted."
Tadaka sets his cup down, putting an elbow on the table and his bearded chin in his palm, his eyes having a serious set to them. He pauses and just looks at Senshi for a moment, making a thoughtful sound as though he is studying the Scorpion Champion or trying to see what he is thinking. Finally he speaks up quietly, "I will leave the judgement up to you in the end; expert or no, you would be better able to tell than I. As far as Oronkohiro and Shiro Saisei... there is much I can tell you on that matter; I spent time there while it was being built, was there when large parts of it were destroyed by your brother... and I've stopped by there once or twice since to see it being rebuilt. Though I will admit I have not seen the Chuda researcher in some time..." Tadaka trails off into a mumble, eyes glazing a bit as though he's deep in thought.
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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 Apr 21, 2011 16:54:34 GMT -5
"You were there? Odd. I had not heard that. Haruka chan! Please, come in."
Senshi turned back to Tadaka, "We would be most interested to hear your account of the event that resulted in the death of my brother." He glanced to Haruka, "Wouldn't we, darling?"
Senshi pulled out a chair for himself to sit in, completely absorbed in the gravity of the information he was about to gain. He still wanted to know a few more things before he made up his mind on the old acquaintance, very much a different man then before.
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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 Apr 21, 2011 17:27:18 GMT -5
She came in just as gently, her eyes passing over Tadaka as she bowed in an unspoken greeting ever so lightly after having sat next to Senshi. "Forgive me Senshi-sama, but I do not recall Tadaka-san here being present at the conflict at Shiro Saisei."
She seemed to mull the memory over as her eyes fell onto the dark wood of the table. "Although Oronkohiro had mentioned something about a phoenix he suspected to be among our group... that wouldn't have been you, would it Tadaka-san?"
Her eyes looked past her head wrap almost analytically as they looked for his response.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 21, 2011 17:49:14 GMT -5
"Mmmm, I suppose it would be." Tadaka poured himself another cup of tea as Haruka entered. Taking a sip he started, "Well to begin with, I was already at Shiro Saisei prior to any of this. I had come to the fortress from the City of the Lost because I heard unique experiments on the undead were being conducted there; it wasn't just a rumor, and I must say this Oronkihiro that you inquire about is quite advanced in such studies, far more than anything I could do at the moment. I really had not had time to learn much for the fortress was attacked unfortunately, not just because of the short time but also because of mistrust... which I didn't blame them for. Especially since I had a scuffle with some of the goblins there."
Tadaka looks up at Haruka as he continues again, "It wasn't long until I became aware of Haruka-sama here and the others approaching. Oronkohiro was a little bit late on things and the alarm wasn't raised until they were inside the fortress already. I wasn't sure to what to suspect though so I merely observed as the fighting began. Deciding discretion was the better path in this case, especially towards what little trust I had been able to gain as well as answering any questions, I cloaked myself in the air kami and watched as the battle began in earnest in the entrance hall. Listening to the exchange but still unsure of what precisely was happening, I decided I should probably gather up my belongings in case a quick exit was required."
"After I came back, I was met with the Chuda asking about me. Though none of you appeared to know about me Haruka-sama. Deciding things had gone far enough and to prevent any casualties, I formed a wall of pure earth, cutting off the Chuda from the samurai that were attacking the fortress. Telling the Chuda to leave and let the castle fall along with his minions, I felt him go before creating a path on the Emperor's Road myself, just about the time Yosuke-sama's magic was causing the already decrepit palace to start falling apart around us."
Taking another sip of his tea, Tadaka gave a small sigh, "Frankly, I'm not sure after that. I know the Chuda did not return and I had assumed everyone was ok until I heard that Yosuke-sama had been killed. I never did find out how that happened..." He looked up at Haruka with his orange snake-like eyes, "Though I suspect you know much more about that than almost anyone living in the world Haruka-sama."
Giving another sigh and sitting up more formally again, Tadaka gave a bow with his head and upper torso, "That is all I know of that matter. I have not seen Oronkihiro since then, but I have heard rumors amongst the Spider that he is once again at Shiro Saesei attempting to pick up the pieces and restart his experiments."
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