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Post by Shoju on Apr 8, 2011 9:59:55 GMT -5
Shoju nodded as he sat down at the table. "Yes, the Shadow has seemed fit to make a gesture of help to me. Interesting times I see ahead for sure."
Weaving a spell over the table, Shoju narrated the visions. "Unfortunately, the damage reports that you heard were not exaggerations. Iromasu perished, and I raised him solely to rebuild the forge. He begged me to let him work to restore the keep, and has done so every moment since. His efforts, zeal, and love for this place know no bounds. in recent weeks, Lost have been arriving here in surprising numbers. Some to help rebuild, others to join the Legion. The new Chui is Daigotsu Jitseng. He felt this would be a good staging grounds for the legion no matter where we turn next."
Shoju's hand flittered over the spell, and the images changed drastically. "This is Bayushi Yosuke. The brash Scorpion Shugenja who spearheaded the assault. Kijiro killed him, but not before the destruction was too far along. He is brother to the champion, and future brother-in-law to this one." The image changed to Haruka. "Utaku Haruka is engaged to the Master of Secrets. She is a conflicted soul. I will take a personal delight in turning her to our cause. It will take time, but time is all I have left."
Shoju waved his hand, the spell changed again. "This is Shinjo Roku and Toku Kenpachi. They are responsible for the destruction of my Yojimbo, Minturo. Kenpachi is suffering greatly since his involvement here. His family has been murdered, and the killer is at large. Roku hasn't been seen." Shoju waved the spell away, and stood. This time, he weaved an image standing up next to him. "This one is Tadaka. He arrived earlier than the rest, and I'm unsure of his involvement. I was occupied with this one while the combat in the keep was being waged. Needless to say, I want to find out more about this one. He claims to have spent time in the City of the Lost with the Chuda."
Shoju released the spell and turned and looked at Thrakhath. "My plan to counter attack? Well, My plan right now is to head to phoenix lands and track down Tadaka. One I have ascertained knowledge of him, I plan to visit the lands of the Unicorn. I hear that there is a new Khan. Someone I was charged with delivering a Nemuranai to at the Yobanjin battles. From there, I plan to visit Scorpion Lands. I believe this will be where the response will take place. I will not be taking a legion with me. I no longer wish to ride at the front of a Legion. I believe that a battle in Scorpion lands will be..... more personal in nature. "
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Mugao
Wanderers
Posts: 10
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Post by Mugao on Apr 8, 2011 15:07:15 GMT -5
At the mention of the Unicorn, Mugao cringed.
His sister, so beautiful, too delicate for battle, but with a mind so sharp... Mother helping her into her best kimono, layers and layers of purple, violet and white... Upon her breast the mon of the Ide. (She had taken after mother, after all.) Father beaming with pride as he prepared her for her gempukku.... Toriko-chan, you were so... so...
Mugao knew why the Shadow had found him so appealing, but he dared not say it, even to himself. His sin was too horrible, too shameful even to think about, and he was filled with regret. Standing there, listening, was almost too much for him to bear, but the choice was not his to make. So there he stood in the company of the tainted, his heart breaking as he mourned his dear sister.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 11, 2011 7:37:45 GMT -5
Thrakhath sat quietly as Shoju described the events for him, scrutinizing each face as its image appeared before him. He didn't recognize any of them, obviously, but he would remember them in case he ever came across one of these samurai in his travels.
"A new Khan, a mysterious Phoenix, and the Scorpion champion personally involved," Thrakhath said when Shoju had finished his report. He stroked his beard thoughtfully, mulling something over. "I seem to remember a report of a strange Phoenix shugenja studying in the City of the Lost recently," he said. "The man didn't cause trouble so I didn't see a need to have him arrested, but it was very curious." He folded his hands together on the table and faced Shoju. "I am sorry to hear that your loyal yojimbo fell to these samurai, Shoju-san," he said. "However, I believe that now means the position is open?"
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Post by Shoju on Apr 11, 2011 12:26:47 GMT -5
Shoju's winced slightly at the mention of Minturo's death. There were few who knew all there was to know about Chuda Shoju, and Minturo had been one of them.
"The Scorpion have been searching for a way to end my existence since I returned the scroll to them. While I wasn't one as close to Senshi as other scorpion, My position within the clan did mean I knew more secrets than most. I assume that is why they hunt me. " Shoju stood and walked towards the lone window in the room and stared out into the sky.
"Currently, yes the position as my Yojimbo is open. I have had Kijiro with me often, and he has been serving in that capacity, but I far more enjoy being able to use his talents as a spy. Currently he is in Toshi Ranbo ascertaining what has happened to the courtier that was sent with the armistice. Communication seems to point to him being held as a prisoner, and the armistice being whisked away." Shoju was curious. "Did you have someone in mind Thrakhath-san? Was there someone whom you think would be a good fit as my yojimbo?"
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 11, 2011 13:01:12 GMT -5
"Actually, I do." Thrakhath said, a mischievous look in his eye. "Me." He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "I'm as curious about this Phoenix as you are, Chuda-san. It's difficult enough finding excuses to travel the Empire these days, but accompanying one such as yourself as a bodyguard would make a good cover story, wouldn't you say?"
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Post by Shoju on Apr 13, 2011 9:55:51 GMT -5
Shoju was silent. Stunned silent actually. After a moment, Shoju regained the ability to form coherent sentences, and replied.
"Thrakhath-san, I think that this could be a fantastic plan. It would be an immense honor to travel with you. " Shoju stood and bowed low. "I had planned to leave in 2 days time if that is an acceptable schedule. I was expecting one from the City of the Lost to accompany me. She is said to have connections along the way that will be beneficial, and of course, there is the Shadow..... " Shoju looked to the shadows of the room, curiously. "What say you Mugao, are you interested in an adventure?"
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Mugao
Wanderers
Posts: 10
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Post by Mugao on Apr 13, 2011 19:45:49 GMT -5
A shape formed from the formless shadow where Mugao had been listening. It was oddly serene, its face completely without emotion.
"Interest is irrelevant," the Shadow replied. "Mugao will accompany you." The voice was simultaneously clear and indistinct, neither male nor female, and utterly emotionless, with only enough intonation to imitate normal speech patterns. "But this is what I want: chaos. Confusion, suffering, suspicion, strife.... Give these samurai..." the Shadow nearly sneered at the word. "ample opportunity to show their cowardice, their fear, and give them something to regret. Then I will be pleased." The deep, black sockets blinked, and It waited.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 14, 2011 11:18:02 GMT -5
"It's settled then," Thrakhath said, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms. "But let us all understand one thing," he said, eying the shadowy form of Mugao suspiciously. "Chaos, suffering and strife are all well and good, but they are not the primary goal of this excursion," he said. "This will be primarily an information-gathering exercise." He glanced at Shoju and smirked. "Though that isn't to say we shouldn't pass up the opportunity for sabotage or disorder if the opportunity presents itself, wouldn't you say Shoju-san?"
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Post by Shoju on Apr 14, 2011 11:43:36 GMT -5
"mmmm?" Shoju was lost in thought for a moment. The shadow was enthralling. The mysteries of it swirled about in Shoju's mind. "Right. Yes. Information first, Misery second.... but a CLOSE second."
Shoju grinned a little, and began gathering a few things to take with him on the excursion. His Daisho, Vials of Blood, and his new Jingasa. He had forged this one himself here at Saisei. While most jingasa were bamboo, this new jingasa was made of the finest metals available here in Saisei. It was surprisingly light, and if one looked at the ornate pattern long enough on the top, they would see an obsidian and jade Spider mon intricately woven into the pattern. Nothing ostentatious, but subtle. To most it would look like a very impressive jingasa. It seemed his time with the Tsi Smiths had been paying off.
"If we start moving now, we could be to Crab Lands under the cover of night, allowing passage through those lands without incident. Then, to Crane Lands, where we will find safe passage from... a friend."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 15, 2011 13:10:27 GMT -5
Thrakhath pushed himself away from the table and stood, his fur-lined cloak swirling with the motion. "Then let's be off," he said, "and may Fu Leng's blessing be on us."
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Post by Shoju on Apr 19, 2011 8:49:11 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay, I had a PM from someone who had thought about joining up, but they haven't joined in yet, so onward we move
As they left Saisei, it was clear that the mission they now set out upon was like none any of them had encountered before. The hand of a Champion. A powerful Maho Tsukai, and the Shadow. Their travels were uneventful and as predicted they reached Crab Lands as Dusk approached.
"I see no patrols, but we must tread lightly. An altercation at this point, and our whole journey could be compromised. Mugao, are you adept as a scout?"
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