Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 4, 2011 21:30:25 GMT -5
Kenpachi eyes the goblins they are walking with. "Well at least our smelly guides don't like this ronin any more than we do. It reminds me of a story. Two ronin are walking down the street. One of them falls to the ground in agony. His companion runs to a shugenja, asking for assistance as he thinks his companion is dead. The shugenja is collecting his medicine and asks the ronin to make sure if his friend is dead. The ronin runs out, comes back in a few moments, wiping his blade. He then asks the shugenja, 'Now what?'"
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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 Mar 5, 2011 0:15:04 GMT -5
Haruka would refuse the jerky for now, both in tradition and in the fact that the big stink as it was so appropriately named was ruining her appetite anyway. The horses somewhat reassured by the presence of numbers, but this kind of company would make most wonder a fair bit.
Haruka also was fairly wary of the willingness of the Bakemono. While a motive was clear, their loyalty could be unpredicatble at best. And in the face of such sorcery they could easily turn on a dime. Her fierce eyes seemed trained on them as well as the terrain.
As she listened to the monkey's story it seemed odd to speak about stabbing people in the current situation. She didn't take much humor to it, but she was fiercely trained to be on her toes. While she had no particular person to guard, it didn't bode well to be aloof among 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 Mar 5, 2011 1:34:44 GMT -5
Yosuke did not listen to the monkey's story at all. Rather he took the distraction to use the skills of the Soshi Shugenja school and called upon the water, discreetly, and suddenly the group of travelers and their rides began moving at a faster pace. Their strides seemingly taking them farther on each step, their horses with a new spring in their trot.
He then looked to the two unicorn as Kenpachi finished his story. Giving them a knowing look and a wink as the Unicorn undoubtedly noticed the change in demeanor of their rides.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 5, 2011 11:19:34 GMT -5
(OOC) I have had a death in the family on friday, and will be gone for much of the weekend helping my family get everything set up for the funeral and what not.
Sorry to put things on hold. If you want to continue to advance the story in my abscence, go ahead and run it up to getting to the "the rock". it is a huge boulder of immense size jutting out from the side of a precipice that overlooks a valley where the fortress is being built.
If one were to commune with the earth kami, they would find that this boulder predates the fall of fu leng, and moving so is something they would wish not to do.
Once you reach the rock, Onithu and his ragtag infantry will all but turn and run screaming back towards Big Stink without a single care about what is in between them and the city. They no longer look like a cohesive unit but a scared bunch of small creatures.
From this vantage point, you can see that Shiro Saesei is a circular fortress with what will end up being 4 towers around the outside wall. 2 are completed (the left side front and back from where you are) and the right two are about 50% complete. The wall is complete, and has 2 entrances. One on the north side (facing you) and one on the East Side (to your left).
inside, there is a sinister looking building directly in the center, which is complete. There are barracks and various other military buildings laid out in a circle inside the circular walls, some are complete, others are being built. All told, the fortress is small. It looks more like a military outpost than Kyuden Bayushi, Shiro Moto, or even the monkey clan holdings.
You can see heavy patrols in the area, mostly consisting of bakemono and undead.
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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 Mar 6, 2011 7:10:19 GMT -5
Haruka tried to help the others keep a low profile for now, just examining the defenses from a distance. Crouching low against the horrid, vexing ground and bracing against a rock to shield herself she was able to minimize the chance of being seen. Granted it wasn't the likelihood of being spotted that was a problem, as the undead and the bakemono weren't very perceptive of their surroundings, but avoiding any unnecessary combat was certainly her aim.
Her voice went a bit huskier as the grip around her dai-kyu tightened. "We can pick off some of the guard, but there's no way in without doing so." Looking to Roku with a nod. "Now is the time..." Her hands finding the bow's curve and string as naturally as breathing as the air cut quietly with the single arrows. Gradually with incredible skill they were able to use the rock cover and pick off each of the guard as they separated from one another. And any that weren't finished off, Haruka lodged an arrow in immediately after securing their certainty.
She would nod to her companions. "Any sort of cover would be ideal right about now." Her hardened gaze falling on the shugenja with them, not demanding, but certainly quietly hoping he had something in mind.
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Shinjo Roku
Unicorn Clan
Unicorn Clan * Samurai * Cavalry * Scout * Magistrate
Posts: 43
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Post by Shinjo Roku on Mar 6, 2011 11:09:57 GMT -5
Silently cursing himself for having his mouth full, he couldn't respond to Haruka fast enough before she loosed her first arrow. Oi... stupid Maidens and their need to face a foe head-on... Roku then drew his bow, and out his yomanri style to work, taking out any runners. For the first time while in the Shadowlands, the only thoughts going through his head were the distance and speed of his current target and how to compensate for it. His face betrayed the serene calm that had taken over him as he methodically put arrows into each of his target's heads.
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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 Mar 6, 2011 11:34:12 GMT -5
"I can keep us unseen for a few minutes. If we move very quickly, we may be able to get to the gate before the air kami decide to do something else. Everyone will have to stay near me, and not harm any one as we go. It will be a true test of horsemanship..." He added the last bit with a smile, a subtle challenge to the unicorn intended to bring out the best in them.
He closed his eyes, and a soft change in air pressure is felt. Yosuke worked his jaw, popping his ears. "It is done, hya!!"
He then went off at a full gallop straight to the gate facing them.
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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 Mar 6, 2011 12:17:48 GMT -5
Haruka kept pace as her black stallion galloped along, allowing her to mount mid run and keep up with the scorpion. She had no desire to leave him at the front of the attack as her steed easily matched his.
She kept her dai-kyu in her grip and was ready to fire as they rode should any thing spot them. Her lance was strapped on the side of the saddle, and her blades were at her sides. She had come prepared for a fight.
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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 Mar 6, 2011 18:12:56 GMT -5
Kenpachi led his horse behind Bayushi-san. He drew his katana. The Scoripon's words were wise enough but he may as well have his sword ready when the Kami chose something more interesting to do. His own Matsu teachings wanted to charge the Lost outpost. He shook his head slightly to remove the thought. That's a good way to die needlessly. Kenpachi smiled as they ran to the gate. Oh yes, we'll be safe from the abominations when we're in thier city. No one will ever think to look there. Then maybe the Utaku-san will make tea and Bayushi-san will tell us a secret. Toku has been through worse, Kenpach thought silently. Maybe I can get the ronin's head before I'm torn to shreds.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 7, 2011 9:58:51 GMT -5
(OCC) Sorry for being gone this weekend. I'm back, and should be able to keep things moving now.
Outside
Inside the gate, you are able to find a spot between the wall and the inner circle of buildings where you can stay in the shadows. It is in a blind spot of the furthest tower, and the tower closest is focused on surveying odd behavior of some of the patrols. It is if they were taken out, but no signs of an attack, or even an enemy can be seen.
You see all manner of lost, undead, and bakemono moving throughout the fortress. Some are working on buildings, which seem to be getting finished at remarkable speed. Some are drilling in an open yard with lost samurai from Crab, Unicorn, and Dragon clans as teachers. Some are on patrol around the grounds. This space will not be safe for long.
A far different "style" of bakemono are moving throughout the camp and intermingling with the lost as well. While they look similar to Onithu and his bakemono you encountered previously, the 'live' bakemono seem more fierce, angry, even more "feral" if that is possible.
As you survey the surroundings, you hear a large bell ring twice.
Inside
The bell has been rung. Oronkohiro stands. That makes twice. This means, a problem. Oronkohiro moves from the Dais quickly, and moves back to his room. When he returns, he is wielding a Katana, unsheathed, and the metal looks as though it is blood red. Not covered in blood, but the katana itself is red. When he returns to the courtyard, Minturo, Tinishi, Kijiro, and the archer are waiting. They walk out of the temple together. As they reach the outside of the temple, a Lost Samurai kneels.
"Chuda-san. Some of our patrols have been taken out with Unicorn Arrows. We cannot find the ones who did this."
Oronkohiro frowns.
"Kijiro-sama. get your spies moving. Canvas the entire fortress. If you find anyone, bring them to me. Minturo, ready the infantry. I want them ready for an attack. Keep them inside the walls, but ready. Tinishi, Scout the valley, and the ridge. If you find anything[/i] follow it to the end." Oronkohiro looked at the archer. After a moment, the archer nodded, and sprinted towards the wall. He was up the tower, and on the wall in blazing speed.
A Bakemono ran past and Oronkohiro plucked it from the ground by the neck, and sliced it's forearm with the katana. He closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, they glowed a deep yellow, and movement could be heard from the building to the left of the Temple.
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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 Mar 7, 2011 11:07:22 GMT -5
Haruka certainly picked up on the changes immediately. Using what sort of stealth they had they would move in and out of the shadows. The high alert of the residents however did not help as her hand was ready on her katana at any point. For the moment she only prayed that the shadows would not betray them as they moved about. The charge was a fair bit suicidal but they'd made it this far.
Stepping fairly lightly with the still aiding air kami they were able to maintain their hidden nature for the time being. She meditated slightly while they walked in silence, the thoughts crossing her mind as she kept herself steady in such tension. 'When my enemy is clear, my duty is clear...' Her breath got a bit heavy though as she didn't know what sort of magics the sorcerer could call upon, and the time would either tell if they were too quick to action or not fast enough.
Making their way through they happened upon some of the infantry that had their attention turned away, the opportunity presented itself to deal with them, but any risky move could prove to be the last for any mistakes for the band of only four samurai.
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Shinjo Roku
Unicorn Clan
Unicorn Clan * Samurai * Cavalry * Scout * Magistrate
Posts: 43
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Post by Shinjo Roku on Mar 7, 2011 12:37:28 GMT -5
Once they left their horses behind, Roku could think without the feelings of the horses distracting him. He let his scout training take over as he tried to think of a few plans to try to get out of this alive, intermittently making himself slightly more visible so his party could keep track of him.
Once they happened upon the infantry however, he whispered: "We need to get into as few conflicts as possible if we want to get out alive... if you three don't think you can sneak by this group, I can circle around them and cause a distraction so you can get by."
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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 Mar 7, 2011 13:47:49 GMT -5
Yosuke put a hand on Roku's shoulder, "Its ok, I had a thought for something like this. We will need some assistance from the kami in order to continue moving undetected, and our invisibility has left us."
The scorpion in dark robes began to speak under his breath, entreating the air to heed his call once again. As if in reply a small horde of Bakemono, led by none other than Onithu, stood opposite the forces in their way. The familiar group of shadowlands creatures gesturing and yelling obscenities at their foes. He waited a few moments until they had their attention, a small ripple surrounded Yosuke and his companions, as if surrounded by water, and they were practically urged to move at greater speeds as they made straight for the building in the center of the encampment.
Yosuke led them moving at beyond natural speeds, his ability and the others' augmented by the water kami.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 7, 2011 14:16:32 GMT -5
The commotion was coming from Oronkohiro's right side. He spun and saw that blasted rebel Onithu and his "free" Bakemono stirring a commotion.
"You just don't know when you have been beaten do you, you worthless wretch." Oronkohiro grumbled as he saw the Bakemono militia begin engaging his troops. Oronkohiro raised his Katana, and the katana glowed bright red.
The Archer saw the signal, and fired a shot. and then another. They flew true, and Onithu was struck by both in the chest. The force of the Arrows pinned him to the ground, flat on his back. Oronkohiro then began a fiery assault on the Bakemono from behind.
"I TOLD YOU FOOLISH ONE. SERVE MY WILL OR DIE." Oronkohiro yelled as he walked towards the pinned Bakemono. When he reached Onithu, Onithu looked up at him with a peaceful look on his face.
The spirits brought me back here ta face you. you kill me, an you kill my people. but we fight now. We fight knowin' dat you going to use us in death. but we fight knowin' dat we wont give in, an' ta show you that we wont neither." With that, Onithu raised a hand to Oronkohiro and electricity shot out of his hand. The blast hit Oronkohiro in the chest, and sent him backwards. Onithu's hand fell back to his chest, and he died.
Oronkohiro jumped to his feet, and looked down at his robe. it was burnt through, but thankfully, the blast wasn't enough to injure. The Bakemono fought valiantly. the troops began pouring out into the courtyard now. Something caught Oronkohiro's eye. he whirled, and noticed the water kami's work.
"A diversion. Fantastic. We have guests." Oronkohiro made a motion, and the archer began speeding to Oronkohiro. "Minturo-sama, find me inside when these pests are dealt with. Come, let us greet our guests. I trust Kijiro has made his way inside."
The group is inside Shiro Saesei, There is a small foyer, and then the circular hallway around, and the entrance to the court in the middle. The commotion outside has drawn most of the guards attention. The hallway to the left looks deserted, while you can hear sounds growing closer from the right.
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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 Mar 7, 2011 14:25:59 GMT -5
Haruka noted the few guards, her blade unsheathing in a heartbeat as she cut down the few that might signal more. Her eyes tense and ferocious as she kept herself looking for any other unwanted eyes, but the sound from the right caused her unease, but her poise would never betray it.
"We're running out of options quickly, it's only a matter of time before we are overwhelmed or unable to escape at the very least. We keep moving or we will be pinned down."
She kept her guard as she readied herself for whatever might be approaching from the right as she put up a defensive posture between the other three and whatever was coming their way. Her feet digging into the floor in anticipation.
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