Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 11, 2011 17:24:03 GMT -5
Kenpachi took a look at the river's winding banks. "Where are you?" he said softly. Kawada was dying slowly in his arms and there was little Kenpachi could do. There would have to be a great search conducted. Kenpachi briefly cursed thier location. Toku Torid-e was too far, as was any of the other minor clans. He wished he had a few Hare scouts. Thier speed would be useful. He had Crane help though. Mostly Daidoji by the looks of thier mons, but some help was better than no help. Kenpachi would stay with Kawada, until a healer arrived, or he could find a good location to search for Sanjuro-sama. Kenpachi tried to treat his friend, but everything he knew about medicine and the taint, just made it seem more hopeless with each moment that passed.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on May 11, 2011 21:48:49 GMT -5
Kawada's one good untainted eye widened, looking up at his lords and his friend. He never thought his life would end like this. He always thought he was invincible! Through all the trouble he had found himself in through his short life, he had always managed to come out of it unscratched. He thought back to when he angered a crab berserker in the middle of a festival and had to wear down the man through evading. All the way to being engaged to a Soshi courtier to aid his lord. He thought back at everything and decided it was a good life.
[glow=red,2,300](You could still live!)[/glow]
Kawada looked up at Kenpachi in shock! Did they just hear that sinister voice too or was it just him. There was a shock of flashing white hot pain that crippled Kawada and he felt something pulling out of his chest.
Kenpachi watched as he saw the barbs elongate once again. He saw absolute pain in his clansmans eye. Which was saying alot because in all the realm the Monkey were best at taking pain. The hint smell of the infected wound started to creep into the senses of everyone there. The oil seemed to bubble out of Kawada now.
[glow=red,2,300](All you have to do Kawada is give in to it, you will have allies. Give in and slit the Monkeys throat and jump into the river, we will make sure you are guided to us!)[/glow]
Kawada let loose a furious "NOOOO!". He almost passed out from this act. Breathing heavy he turned his eye to Kenpachi. Sweat dripping from his nose and loose stringy hair he gazed up to his clansman. "Kenpachi, help me do one last thing. I am changing inside and I hear a voice. A sinister sweet voice beckoning me to do things I would never dream. Help me retain my honor, please!" his tone was almost desperate, but a hint of demand to it as well. "Help me sepukku!
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 11, 2011 22:09:59 GMT -5
Kenpachi stood, handing his friend his honor. Kawada looked barely able to hold the blade, but with Kenpachi's help, he was sat straight. "You died defending your Lord and Champion." Kenpachi said, washing his blade. "You were never tainted." Kenpachi could offer that small boon. It served no purpose for him to be remembered as dying here, fighting what would take him. Kawada looked into Kenpachi's eyes. Kenpachi kneeled down beside Kawada. In a soft whisper that the two men shared Kenpachi said,"If you see my wife, please don't court her." Going out with a joke, Kenpachi hoped to die with the same absured smile Kawada had on. As Kawada lifted his sword to his torso, Kenpachi rose his blade. In a moment it would be over.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on May 11, 2011 22:29:06 GMT -5
A sense of peace and relief washed over Kawada as Kenpachi set him up. "I didn't really want to marry that Soshi woman anyhow, hehehe" His voice was raspy, but he still found a way to laugh. Kawada found strength in his final acts and even as Kenpachi raised the blade to his torso, Kawada found his grip tightening. "Kenpachi,I guarantee nothing with your wife, heh!" Kawada managed once again. I wind picked up around all the men in the woods, kicking up fallen leafs around them.
The blade entered him, but the pain of the blade didn't compare to what he was already feeling. Three cuts and it was over. Not even a murmur from Kawada to Kenpachi's surprise. Kenpachi looked once more at his clansmans face and saw that Toku Kawada much like how he lived his life had died with a smile on his face.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 12, 2011 9:39:07 GMT -5
Ryo
Under the rain, Daidoji Ryo and two of his men witnessed the sad end of the Toku Yojimbo, in a respectful distance. The things were getting worse, that damn oni seemed to be indestructible and already had caused the death of 4 brave men of the patrol. The Daidoji prayed for gods that they are able to find Sanjuro intact, or at least, not too tainted. But at that time, logic says that it was near of impossible. The jade knife could have help that Toku Champion in preventing it for a time, but if that ominous thing had dragged Sanjuro to the river, he probably was dead by drowning, in the best scenario possible. But the Crane would search until find any track about what happened with the Toku daimyo.
Help Toku-san with all he needs. I will resume the search. ... Mitsouko
All that blissful feeling of love and be loved in return was now stained by tragedy. Mitosuko's destiny and duties were pushing her from Sanjuro, and now, what else? She accepted the comforting support of his rival, feeling he talked from heart. She leaned the head in his shoulder for a while, containing the tears.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 12, 2011 11:59:15 GMT -5
Hirotomo
Hirotomo raised an eyebrow. Mitsouko was leaning into the Pheonix, crying. A sense of dread came over him. His champion. What happened? Magic? Something else? Hirotomo was getting more and more angry at his lack of ability to do anything. He felt powerless. There was nothing he could do but wait. He was a bushi damn it, not an idle courtier. He wanted to swing his sword. He wanted to attack. He had nothing to aim his anger at. Anger was his shield for the moment, but fear for his Champion was slowly chipping away at it.
Kenpachi
Kenpachi took one final look at Toku Kawada. A short prayer later, Kenpachi took a cloak to cover his friend. Kenpachi walked in the direction of the ship Kawada mentioned. Some clue might be there. The Crane followed him, looking around. They looked terrified, and Kenpachi could hardly blame them. The Shadowlands hardly ever breeched the Empire this far. Most of the men probably never even heard of some of the horrors, let alone seen the carnage they wrought first hand. Kenpachi knew his Lord may need him, but he no longer felt the tug of his ring. Kenpachi was getting more and more worried. He had no idea what he ment. He hoped he would find his lord, perhaps a little worse for wear, at some roadside inn, having been seperated from his yojimbo. As Kenpachi walked closer, he tried to think of what could have caused this. Nothing he faced, and nothing he ever read about. The Jade Magistrates would have to be notified. Perhaps a few dozen samurai armed with jade and spells would end this menace. Kenpachi was growing worried, when he found his lord, what else would he find?
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on May 12, 2011 17:19:15 GMT -5
It was a rare occasion when something could surprise Agasha Shodai, but Kakita Mitsouko burying her face in his shoulder managed to do it. The Kenshinzen was fighting to maintain her composure - it was the samurai way to be stoic even in the face of emotional devastation. The Void Master glanced over to Toku Hirotomo; the boy's own fears and pain would have been self-evident to a blind man. "Take heart, Hirotomo-kun... Your champion still lives... He has but lost his memory of who he is for a time. I do not yet know why the Fortunes have laid this burden upon Sanjuro-san; they have hidden that knowledge and that of his current whereabouts from me."
"But I have been permitted to discern that he has, or shortly will, begin a quest to find himself again: a quest he must perform without our interferance. Heaven gives us no burden or task without purpose. I do not know how long a time this quest will take Sanjuro-san, but he will eventually run into someone who knows him. When that happens, with the blessings of Tengoku, we will be permitted to restore him to the man he was before..."Shodai turned his focus back to the young woman still sniffing back tears into his vest. "Don't bottle it up, Mitsouko-san..." He said softly. "There is great healing to be had in letting that pain express itself in tears. Even Kami have cried before; we are only human - there is no shame in expressing one's grief."Shodai gave Mitsouko a gentle one-armed hug. As he did so, Kakita's delicate ear brushed against Agasha's cheek; just above his mempo. There was an electric tingle as a new vison enveloped the world around him and Mitsouko. ~*~ Miya Shokujin held Seppun Seimei in his arms. She was clad in her heavy armor, lacquered green to indicate her status as a Chui of the Seppun family. They stood by the gate of the manor house that had been a gift to Seimei by the Crane Clan Champion - a long-standing family friend - in honor of her impending wedding. The hilt of Koimizu Hinata, the katana Shokujin had ordered commissioned for her by the finest Kakita weaponsmith he could hire, dug into his belly as she fought back tears. "This is so unfair, Shokujin! We were set to be married in three days! Why in Jigoku did Matsu Aigito pick THIS week to attack Shiro no Yojin instead of next week?! How could Benten abandon us now?" Seimei cried into her future husband's shoulder. The Miya courier held his "Warrior Princess" - his joking nickname for his beautiful bride-to-be - closer. "Hey now... I'm not going anywhere, Mei-chan. I love you and I will wait however long it takes - be it three days or three generations - to marry you." He lifted her chin and then wiped the tears from her eyes. "Besides... Your uncle, Kakita Rensei, has already volunteered his skills to help the Daidoji Daimyo fight off the Lion Clan invaders and asked you if you wanted to help as well. The man has been like a father to you and I know you well enough to know that you want him there ALMOST as much as you want to marry me."Seppun Seimei sighed reluctantly as she smiled at him. "You're right, of course... How did you get to be so wise, my love?""It helps to be able to read other people's mail, Mei-chan." Miya Shokujin said with a chuckle before tenderly kissing her. "Go to the Castle of Vigilance and teach the foolish Lion the wrath of a Crysanthemum Bride delayed. I'm pretty sure you'll be back within a week or three. I will be waiting for you right here, my love; I swear my soul upon it."Seppun Seimei grinned at him and stole one final kiss before departing the manor, a confident spring in her step; blissfully unaware it would be the last time she laid eyes on Miya Shokujin in that life... For reference purposes, the battle being referenced is the conflict known as the "Night of Falling Stars," which occurred in year 960, approximately 174 years before Shodai was born and 204 years before the current EE game setting.
If you wish to learn more, visit l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Night_of_Falling_Stars
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 12, 2011 19:03:11 GMT -5
Hirotomo held his tounge. The Fortunes wished for him to find himself? Far more likely a blow to the head messed with his Lord's memory, the Fortunes did not send the Shadowlands here. Hirotomo held his private suspisions at bay. His father needed to be aware of this. It was not likely Kenpachi would halt the search for his Champion because of a few cryptic words. "Then my father will need to hear this." he said and started to walk. He let his feet guide him, though he barely felt the steps. He saw his father in the distance, and he ran to join him.
When his father turned to regard him, his eyes narrowed in disaproval. Kenpachi started a sharp beratement, but was silenced when Hirotomo started speaking in a whisper. The young samurai was guesturing wildly, and his father began to look more and more grim. Kenpachi began to look more and more agitated. He guided his son to the wreak. A loud crash was heard coming from the area. Kenpachi appeared in sight a moment later, looking calmer, but just as grim. Kenpachi looked around the area, then guided his son back to the injured scout, Mitsouko, and the Pheonix. "What's going to happen to the Monkey?" Hirotomo said quietly. "That's my worry. Sanjuro-sama's closest family that can bear the burden is me. I'm going to make sure my tenure is short."
Kenpachi stood straight. "Mitsouko. I'll find him. Daidoji-san. Please send a messenger to the Hare and Mantis. I will draft the letters. Please notify your checkpoints to be on the look out for a Monkey, or possibly a Ronin that matches Sanjuro-sama's discription. If we hurry we can locate him before he will wander outside of the Crane lands. Kenpachi felt a tug at his hand."I will finish the search here. Look for clues to where he went, or who he may have left with. Rain is comming, after a day the trail will be useless. Then, Kenpachi took a deep breath,"I will have work to do. I can't leave the Clan without a leader." Kenpachi said the last bit with a small hint of bitterness. Kenpachi was not afraid. He was not worried. He was furious. This was a failure on his part. He used to be a Jade Magistrate. He should have been more alert for something like this. He should have gone with him to the front. Kenpachi motioned to his son to stay. He would search alone. He would atone by finding his lord, no matter who might impede him.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 12, 2011 20:29:00 GMT -5
She barely had recovered herself from the awe about seeing the Skein of Destiny, then she was swept from the world she know through a dusty and luminescent path that led her, she was made aware by her instincts, to residual images from Agasha Sho-san most buried memories.
She felt the smell of new wood and her senses showed the days when The Crysantemum Bride Manor was just recently built, and she, yes, Mitsouko was someone else than herself, She lived within that body and soul like a thought of a thought, and could witness the love and the pain of departure.
Was that man Agasha? The man looked like him (younger and with more hair, of course) at the same time he didn't. But, witnessing the love Shokujin expressed in his eyes, and listening that promise, she realized how much was lost and how much was expected for centuries to be repetead. She felt that was likely their final kiss before their deaths.
She had experienced some things like that before, when the Air Kami took her unaware to the core of other people's secrets, but this time was so vividly and Mitsouko was able to felt what they felt, even knowing she wasn't really Saimei.
Then an external interference threw her away from Agasha's mind. She exchanged a glance of surprise with Sho-san, but before any of them could say something about the experience, Kenpachi and Hirotomo stomped in, the older Toku somber and full of resolve. She promptly put herself in her feet, to hear the words of the Toku samurai. Then nodded to the logic of his statements. “You are right, Kenpachi-san. Your clan needs a leader right now able to keep everything like it must be, and organize a plan of action. I am glad that this man is you. You have my support, if is it of some comfort and help. Then, turing to the Daidoji: Ryo-san, what we know about such abomination? Our clan is aware of its existence before? The Daidoji Chui sternly nodded: Yes cousin. Our own patrol was already faced it and we had losses… This creature seems very resilient to our attacks. We had reports from caravans of merchants. Its presence in Three Sides River is recent, it seems, but anterior to our arrival. It emerges from the forest in the first and last full moon. Some reports said it can attack ships and people near the river. We aren’t able to find its loach yet. But we found circa two weeks an abandoned house, with traces of black sorcery… Our clan is warned and I received letter about Jade magistrates coming to check it. We were focusing in patrol the main routes to protect the travelers and merchants last night, that was the first full moon… Sanjuro’s group used an alternate route instead. The Kenshinzen now was able to have a panorama of what probably happened. Three Sides River was for her an eternally cursed place. She was able to understand the dilemma Ryo faced then: keeping this search would expose his soldiers to death and taint. Being a magistrate for some time taught her the bureaucracy to get a single and trained investigator to a location. She can imagine then how long a Jade Magistrate can take to be sent there. And I know, the rain will destroy irremediably any tracks of his possible position just by the night. But I have hope he is alive and will be fine soon. We need to resume the efforts, of course, but it should be made with some planning and avoiding to expose more people to this beast… I don’t know if we can use a reasonable amount of human resources our clan destined to protect the trading routes to go on with this search… Like an experienced magistrate yourself, what do you suggest, Kenpachi-san?
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 12, 2011 22:34:48 GMT -5
Kenpachi looked downstream. "If he lost his memory, Sanjuro-sama would have likely needed aid. Nothing less than a missed death blow could have done that. Merchants would be the likely ones to find him. Kenpachi assumed pirates could also have found him, but he did not want to imagine the worst. "I would suggest you start canvasing the trade depots downstream. If he was found, likely his condition would be spoken of. A man with no answers asks questions. Perhaps stories of an unusualy noble appearing ronin might appear. The fight and the water would have shred his kimono. We cannot trust that he will wear the colors or the mon of the Monkey. If we are fortuneate, he himself will find his way back to us before we can locate him.
Kenpachi drew an old map from his pack. Taking a look at it, he ran his finger around the river. "Check with the Lion. Then the Scorpion. Perhaps he crossed before we were even here. Or as we speak. Regardless, it's wise to cast a wide net. Merchant train or not, he could have only gotten so far. We should find all tracks rather than running after the first we see. We have this one chance to observe the scene as best we can. We should make the most of it."
It's just another missing person. Kenpachi tried to tell himself. Follow protocal. Follow what should be done. Do not let emotion cloud your mind.
Kenpachi turned to the Daidoji. "Forgive me. I cannot advise you to deal with this threat. Without knowing what to hit, your men may die needlessly. We do not have enough jade here." Kenpachi wrote a list down of a scrap of paper. "Mix these items, then mix that with oil and use the torches. Try not to inhale the fumes. It should keep the beast at bay, or at least make you all less appetizing. If it comes, fall back. If you can't, attack the legs and sell your life dearly. Wait for the magistrates. They can deal with it."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 13, 2011 9:23:52 GMT -5
Thank you very much, Toku-san. The Crane Chui nodded, taking a glance over the paper. Your plan is wise. We will make sure to check every piece of information and every corner of this land.
Mitsouko turned to Kenpachi, keeping her fears far from the surface. The time of think about pratical acts was demanded now, her personal feelings may wait. Also, we can make a search by ship. If days are a safe period to sail in the river, we can cover a wider lenght of river shore. Anything else can be provided by the morning, and I think Ryo-san will talk and decide new strategies with his men now. You are right, Sanjuro-sama probably was rescued by villagers or sailors. We just need to find out who and for all Sho-san was able to infer from what we saw in the... She got confused as she was not aware where exactly she was taken for....in the spell he performed, Lord Sanjuro is alive. These are great news. Then she looked at the disturbed expression in Kenpachi's face. The night is coming and it's raining. Kenpachi-san, are you not planning to travel right now, right?
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on May 13, 2011 11:56:48 GMT -5
"I will help as best as I can here. I will leave at daybreak." Kenpachi said as he began to walk to the ship. Kenpachi looked over his shoulder. "I was a Jade Magistrate before I became Hatamoto. If there is a way I can assist, my journey can be postponed for a day."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 13, 2011 16:43:18 GMT -5
There was not much to be seen, under the rain, as it blurred the margins making forms and shades turn grotesque and dubious shapes in the gloomy and cold twilight. Then the group which decided to explore the margins returned with a feeling of have advanced as far as possible in the searches, given the circumstances. For all they knew, the attack occurred in the previous evening, and several hours elapsed since, as they just found Daidoji Jun in the afternoon. By the night, they were lodged in a special pavilion destined primarily to the high ranked stationed. The Crane comfort was at hand, but their somber spirits probably did not appreciate it much more than the facilities to have a hot bath and food. Jun was recovering under the care of the Crane Physician in charge, in another barrack. Mitsouko soon reunited with Ryo by his request, when her older relative tried to put some sense of priority and self preservation in her mind. When she finally left the private chamber, gave them a weary smile and sat by their side. We must face he is not in the river anymore. I have no heart to keep my plans to go to Kyuden Myia right now, but I think we can stick to our plan to reach Shiro Matsu. In Lion lands we should find some clue. From there, well… I hope we have news of his location. She turned to Agasha Sho-san. I hope you forgive me, but our investigation should be interrupted by now; we can resume it in a better moment I still would like to talk with you about this matter, later. And, Hirotomo... Can you accompany us to Shiro Matsu? I believe your presence is important, especially if we find clues about your champion..
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on May 13, 2011 17:55:49 GMT -5
As the vision broke, the first thing Agasha Shodai saw was the stunned looked on Kakita Mitsouko's face and he knew the she had seen Shokujin's and Saimei's final moment together. Then he realized that in his effort to return to the real world from his vision of the Mandala of Heaven that he'd forgotten to dispel the Water spell connecting their minds and senses.
As he focused on terminating the spell, Mitsouko and the others jumped into a discussion of the situation. Most of the day passed quickly as they tried in vain - as Shodai had known it would be - to find Toku Sanjuro. When the Daidoji mentioned black sorcery, Shodai opened himself to the Void as only an Ishiken could. Agasha felt his awareness expand to encompass several square miles of the region. In the real world, his body followed the others around, providing input where he could, but if anyone noticed how distracted he'd seemed, no one mentioned it.
All afternoon, the stench of Taint filled his metaphysical nostrils as he sensed the corrupt residue of the oni's summoning. He followed the trail of its foulness, taking great care to not touch it directly lest the taint spread to him. As he followed the echoes of the beast's passing, he noticed that far more powerful than your standard oni. It wasn't yet in the same league as an Oni Lord - thank the Kami - but it was infused with a significant amount of Void.
There was only one possible way an oni could tap into the Void: the mortal who'd foolishly surrendered his name to summon the oni was a Void shugenja. If the shugenja died before the beast was banished back to Jigoku, the beast would become an Oni Lord and gain full control of the man's talent to manipulate reality. They needed to find the human and end the summoning if they were to have a hope of permanently destroying the beast. It would be difficult to use the magical means at Shodai's disposal to find the fool since the bulk of the man's power was being funneled to the beast terrorizing the Three Sides River.
The Void Master's will forced himself back to being himself instead of a part of the whole. He was dimly aware of the conversations that had passed while his mind was tracking the oni. Shodai looked at Mitsouko and Hirotomo. "No, I quite agree we need to delay our trip to Kyuden Miya... The truth of what happened to Seppun Saimei and Miya Shokujin has waited 174 years to come to light; a few more days or weeks of delay won't hurt anything."
He turned to Mitsouko's other cousin. "Daidoji-san, have you had any shugenja - possibly Phoenix Clan trained - disappear BEFORE the monster first appeared?"
The Crane Chui frowned in thought. "Not that I have been made aware of... Why?"
Agasha Shodai gestured to himself. "I am Beru Ganbonme of Ishiken-do: a Fifth Ring master of Void Magic. It took me all afternoon, but I can finally sense the beast's tainted aura rather than the shadows of it..." He pointed southwest. "The monster is currently on the western side of the river where it feeds into the Lake of Sorrows. But I have also learned that summoning process that brought this foul creation of Jigoku to Ningen-do involved someone who, like myself, can tap into the fifth Element of natural magic.
"This brings us to the real problem... This beast, while it can be hurt by Jade like any other oni, unless it is dismembered and its wounds are cauterized by Jade powder and eldritch fire, the monster will regenerate faster that your warriors can injure it, Daidoji-san. This is because the oni is forcing the summoner to tap into the forces of reality to bolster its inhuman strength even further. Since we do not know the name of the shugenja that summoned the creature, we will not be able to use magic to find the man..."
Agasha Shodai sighed as he began pacing the tent. "Now, that's the bad news and it's pretty bad. Fortunately the good news is almost as good. The traitorous Ishi does not appear to have progressed beyond Beru Sanbanme - the third ring of Void magic - and the oni has not yet completely taken over the summoner's soul. This is great for us because means that, one, the monster cannot use the shugenja's magic directly yet, two, it can still be banished, and, three, is limited to its own unnatural senses. This means a very skilled - and very lucky - tracker should be able to follow the beast to its lair.
"Now, I cannot track it myself: the summoner must have a magical net around the den to hide it from all but the most intense scrying effort because he will be hiding there... If I make an effort to uncover the net, the shugenja will senses my presence and the oni will know it, too. It will then respond to the threat I represent: the monster cannot risk me reaching the one weak point it cannot eliminate - it's summoner.
A non-shugenja scout, however, should be missed because it is has to be taking the traitor everything he has to keep the oni superpowered the way it is. If your scouts are canny - and lucky - enough they should be able to track it back to its den. Once we know where he is, we can prepare a diversion to draw the oni into a fight and fast-assault strike to take out the caster."
Shodai stopped his pacing. "As a member of the El..." He coughed before he could say the words "Elemental Council." "As an elect member of the Ishiken-do Masters, it is my resonsibility to deal with any Fallen Void shugenja that I come across. I can break the oni's link to Ningen-do if I can get close enough to the summoner and cast a counterspell and kill the summoner before the oni can dominate the summoner's soul."
"We're on a countdown to oblivion here, folks... If we can't find the den in time and the oni consumes the Ishi's soul, it will become an Oni Lord capable of manipulating the Void itself. It would be a disaster on par with failure by the forces of Rokugan on a Day of Thunder."
He paused to let the thought sink in. "At the same time, we cannot remain in this area; if the oni or its puppet shugenja sense my presence, it will stop limiting its activities to the night only and will actively hunt myself and anyone with me." He shot Kakita Mitsouko a look that said that he'd rather be damned to Jigoku than risk endangering her or Hirotomo.
"Since we do not yet know where the Oni's den is, going to Shiro Matsu poses a risk. I propose that we instead go where we for certain know the den is NOT: Kosaten Shiro. Kosaten Shiro is close enough that we can be back here within mere minutes AND we can fetch additional reinforcements to give Ryo-san here more men to harry the oni while we take out the shugenja. But I will let you make the decision, Mitsouko-san; call it practice for becoming the Kakita Daimyo." He said with a wink.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 13, 2011 19:23:30 GMT -5
Maybe the decision she took was the easier given the circumstances; she was tired, they were tired and she knew that they needed reinforcements that she was able to get in Kosaten Shiro. She would prefer actively go to the Lion side of the river and look for Sanjuro, but Agasha Sho-san had, as always, surpassed her expectations and gave them a general sketch of what should be happening. His explanations about the oni made perfect sense for all she knew about it (and wasn't as that much). Ryo got impressed as well, pondering about his own findings and the Phoenix Shugenja logic. But in the bottom of her heart she knew Agasha-san was right and both he and Ryo-san was calling her to her real duties. The two Crane exchanged one more glance, in accordance, then Mitsouko said:
Well, Phoenix-san, your conclusions seems to fit the events we live and witness now. Also, I agree we need more capable men to locate the den of this abomination. For sure my clan will give me the ones we need without no delay if I ask to. Meanwhile, I think Kenpachi-san will follow his previous plans. Thank you very much for all your wise advices, my friend, and I supppose you will organize new searches for Sanjuro across the Empire. Count on my help. Ryo's men shall continue the plan we talked earlier. It is not only a threat to my clan, but for Empire, and I must do whatever I can to deter it from its evil intents. Agasha-san, we have a common objective.I will follow your advice as well.
I hope my young cousin do not think it's a useless retreat, but a wise one. She said, looking to her younger relative, Hirotomo.
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