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Post by Shoju on Jun 21, 2011 15:17:07 GMT -5
This RP is based on the Spider's Decision to Support the Hantei. This will be a closed RP, currently run for those in support of the Hantei, who don't mind rubbing elbows with Spider. Those who don't need to PM to join;
Tenshi Kikatsu Bodhi
Everyone else please PM, and I will add you to the list. This takes place approximately 1 week after the thread in City of the Lost.
Setting
Southwest of Toshi Ranbo, the Legion of the Spider makes camp. They dare not approach the city, as day is breaking, and their presence has been most assuredly been noted. While the Shugenja of the Legion have gone to great lengths to conceal the troops identity, It is precipitously close to the capital now, where the Kuroiban, Witch Hunters, and Inquisitors will have the advantage. The City is in site, and the camp is in a defensible position with sentries, scouts, and guards circling.
The RP
In the center of the Camp is a group of Command tents. They are larger than the rest of the tent structures in camp. Chuda Shoju exits a Tent wearing a Deep Black Kimono with a Jade Green Spider Mon on the Left Breast. His No-Dachi Hangs across his back, and he is watching over the progress of the camp.
Before the Scorpion encounter, Shoju had rarely been seen in a well fitting kimono, and almost never without his jingasa hiding his face. He stood now with the slight breeze blowing his hair back gently, and closed his eyes. The coming conflicts flooded Shoju's mind with possibilities. Soon, it would be time to make his presence known to the Son of Heaven.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jun 21, 2011 16:23:40 GMT -5
((OOC The fact that Shoju's also changed into a new body might throw them off the trail a bit too. :3 ))
Tenshi had been mulling about the camp a bit more, observing and maintaining the guard, but in something a bit more new to Shoju's gaze as she had been appropriately dressed in her freshly made Kimono. The color bordered obsidian but shined with the deepest and richest purples when the sunlight did greet it; The trim was in a much lighter silver.
It seemed as though she'd been waiting expectantly for Shoju, naturally as his yojimbo her attention was primarily for him and his safety. She would approach still a bit uneasily as she was quickly learning how to conduct herself in her new garb, as she would bow deeply to him.
"You look fit for the court, my lord Shoju-sama. While the samurai will abhor the taint, there will be no denying your splendor as a man. It may be one of the few advantages we hold when it comes to revealing our intentions to Hantei-dono.."
She rose and came to his side, as she had noted taking such pleasure in the open air. Tenshi however had no time to savor the feel of the wind or the warmth of the sunlight. "Our patrols so far have been successful, as we've incurred minimal attention and no conflict so far. A few scouts have been noted to be making note of our presence, but nothing to indicate hostility or any further intent than seeing who rallies to the aid of the true Emperor.
But there is one other matter I am curious of..."
Tenshi's voice dipped so none of the others could hear, as she stood to Shoju's side and whispered in his ear. "Surely you would wish to contact my sister, see if she rides against us or to our aid.."
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Post by Shoju on Jun 22, 2011 7:26:48 GMT -5
"Thank you Tenshi-san. My hope is that in this dire time, the Hantei-dono will indeed see the nobility of our actions." Shoju said as he bowed slightly to her. "I must say, you look radiant as well. I am quite positive that we will none the less turn heads." Shoju grinned a little.
Shoju looked over the fields to the North East of there position. "I hope that they do not attempt to assault our position before they can see what we are truly here for. I almost wish I would have had the forethought to find some imperial standards. They would make our intentions more readily known. A force of the Shadowlands this size marching through the Empire is bound to create an unhealthy stir in some." Shoju looked over the grounds of the Camp. It was coming together nicely. The fact that it had managed to march this far was a testament to how pre-occupied the Empire had truly become.
After surveying the camp, Shoju turned back to look at Tenshi. "I have contemplated contacting your sister. Perhaps there is no better time than the present to do so." Shoju began walking towards his tent, and motioned for Tenshi to follow. "Come, I think that the camp will be safe enough for us to attempt to speak with the Mistress of Secrets."
Inside the Tent, Shoju seated himself at a low table, and offered Tenshi the cushion beside him. He pulled the crystal from around his neck, and held it in his hand. "This is a fragment of the larger crystal with which I had made the original 3 amulets. It is as of yet, not attuned properly to Haruka's, but I hope that with a little effort, we may yet find a way to contact her."
Shoju produced a small vial of blood from his obi, and placed the Amulet in the middle of the table. He doused it in blood, and then began to weave a spell over the table. The spell made the amulet begin to glow, and Shoju began weaving a spell that covered the table in a pool of energy.
"Haruka-san. Can you hear me?"
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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 Jun 22, 2011 8:13:38 GMT -5
Tenshi would take her place slightly away from the trinket and the table as she hoped to stay out of Haruka's sight if indeed the magic did lend vision as well as sound to those interacting.
A bit of time would pass as the trinket would continue to pulse with subtle magic, and for a moment Tenshi would wonder if this was even possible. But as she was literally getting her muscles to shift to stand, the image seemed to become clear now to Shoju and Tenshi.
The image that materialized was indeed Haruka as she seemed to have a green scenery around her and the sound of her horse under her could be heard.
"Hello again, Shoju-san. It seems the game has changed."
Her head wrap was in place for now, as she'd taken to being alone via one of her many steeds. That being said it seemed she drew the steed to a halt as the hoof beats ceased.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 22, 2011 8:37:46 GMT -5
"Greetings Haruka-san." Shoju grinned. "I haven't caught you at an inopportune time have I? Tell me, does my new form suit you?" Shoju shifted slightly, and his facial expression became more serious.
"I wish this was just a social interaction to say I forgive your husband for the pain he has caused me, but alas, I have far more weighted thoughts on my mind today."
Shoju paused momentarily, as if gaining his composure. "No doubt the Master and Mistress of Secrets are aware of the growing political tension circling the Empire. It is my hope that I can confer with you on the matter of who you support?"
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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 Jun 22, 2011 9:47:39 GMT -5
Haruka seemed to gaze around from time to time, her location was secure for the moment as she looked back down.
"If it must be said, it is why I am riding now. Naturally you understand this tension will divide the empire. War is inevitable.
However I do not take the oath that was given to me on my wedding day without serious consideration. But the moment the challenge of the Shogun was dropped I needed a final piece of information..
There were attempts on the lives of both Kaneka and Sezaru, but such attempts have been made in history to frame the Emperor, so I stood unconvinced. But then I went searching for more information on the Yobanjin assaulting my people at Mountain Watch Keep...
In short I have had many suspicions, but upon questioning the Yobanjin tribes of the north, the name of the horde leader came forth. But more interestingly, it is this same name that is connected to a 'mysterious Rokugani noble' that flared the tribal leader's ambitions."
It was at this point Haruka bowed her gaze in some reverence as she poured out the devastating evidence. However in all this she seemed visibly pained. "This is all fairly damning evidence, and while the name hasn't been dropped I cannot stand by while the Emperor stands unchallenged. If indeed he was behind it, the Emperor has assaulted and murdered so many Rokugani samurai..."
Even Haruka had to take a deep breath to steady herself. She held nothing back now as she looked straight into Shoju. "It is with this information, and all the sorrow of my heart that I turn away from the radiance of Hantei in favor of Kaneka. But I have no desire to spill the blood of other samurai.. only to see if he might answer my questions and shed light on the truth. But of course it would seem I have no other choice.
But all this being said, what then may I ask, is your stance on the matter Shoju.. I'm certain the Spider must be dancing in delight with your return and this fracturing society as it draws battle lines in the ground."
Tenshi was visibly spooked as her eyes went wide, but still she restrained herself and said nothing. She shyed away from view for now and allowed Shoju the freedom to speak. Never had she heard Haruka speak so plainly to anyone before.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 22, 2011 10:10:00 GMT -5
"You bring much news to me Haruka-san. I would hope that this intelligence is indeed honest, and that your marriage has not tainted your judgement yet." Shoju's face was somber.
"I will be as honest as I possibly can be with you Haruka-san." We Spider do not see this as a joyous occasion, or as a time to strike at the Empire. The Truth be told, we see this as an opportunity to Legitimize our stance in Rokugan. We will never see completely eye to eye, and I doubt that we could ever even call each other friend, but I mean what I say when I say that I will defend the Empire, until I no longer walk this mortal coil." Shoju's tone was flat, almost remorseful.
"I wonder Haruka-san. What would be your decision if you indeed find out that the Benevolent Hantei-Dono is not the one behind this? What then, will you do if such a revelation is made that the Hantei is not responsible for the deaths?" Shoju's voice started to grow sorrowful. "Are you prepared to die for your beliefs?" Shoju stared into the spell, into her eyes.
"Because I am ready to leave this world for mine. My Lord, Daigotsu himself, has charged me with the Defense of the Son of Heaven. I ride with the finest legion of Spider, and look to have council with the Hantei soon in pledging my full support to the rightful son of Heaven, and the defense of Toshi Ranbo." Shoju bowed his head. "It is with a deep regret that I find myself on the other side of an inevitable war with you Haruka-san."
"My return did in fact bolster the spirits of many Spider. Were it not for the determination and desires of my most loyal followers, I fear I would have been lost to roam this mortal realm, bound by a ritual, with no chance at entering even the depths of Jigoku." Shoju raised his head again. "Haruka-san, You know I don't desire strife and turmoil, or fracturing of society. I desire strength, Stability, and Security For all Rokugan, so I may see this Empire stand for ten thousand years."
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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 Jun 22, 2011 10:20:09 GMT -5
Her heart sank, her eyes looking away in some shame.
"My feud is with myself and Hantei-dono. If I could ride in alone and gain an honest answer from him, I would even if knowing meant my life.
I am willing to die for what needs to be known. But I am not willing to ride against you.. Shoju-san."
She rested her eyes as she looked to picture the situation in her mind, the court, the defenders all hissing their threats as every blade would be at her while she still kneeled. And she knew it, there would be no way without the blessing of the celestial wheel itself that any soul, Emperor or not would confess to such actions.
"But what if you learned it to be true Shoju-san. What if the man you now defend is a cold blooded and honest murderer. What then, if that is the case, could the Spider truly prove to an Emperor with no moral bearing. He would slaughter so many for his own selfish desires.. is that the land you wish to be a part of?"
As her eyes opened again to him, they were watery. There was no doubt of the sincerity in her. But this also showed her genuine inward bond she'd formed with Shoju, regardless if he recognized it or not. Even Tenshi was still awestruck by everything, and still did not dare say a word as she put her hand to her mouth.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 22, 2011 10:32:31 GMT -5
Shoju shook his head, "As much as I wish that could be the case Haruka-san, You and I both know that if this leads to war, refusing to ride against me will cost you dearly. That is not a cost that I would permit you to pay Haruka-san." Shoju looked to Tenshi. "If the Son of Heaven has fallen to such treachery, then he has fallen out of favor with the Celestial Order. If he has fallen out of their favor, I will give him the opportunity to perform the three cuts. Refusal to do so will end up with an abdicated throne for Toturi III to sieze, and the Hantei and Myself will become nightmarish stories told to scare children to sleep, and nothing more. My Loyal followers and the Legion I command would be left in the stead of the Spider who refutes my claims, so that he may lead them under the new rule fo the Empire, and my Yojimbo will have a choice to make."
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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 Jun 22, 2011 10:50:36 GMT -5
Her expression solidified as she wiped her eyes clear. "You would help me seek the truth, Shoju-san? Just how far are you willing to go? Any false step on this path would lead to Hantei campaigning on without question..."
All this being said, Tenshi lowered her gaze at the thought of losing her use in the empire. Clearly while she'd been gone things had fallen into such a horrible state of such treachery and deceit.
"Shoju-sama, my life is owed to you. If you find no further use for it, I will return to the death from which I came. There will be no place for me in a world without your guidance." Tenshi would bow deeply before him, though Haruka could hear but not see. She said nothing in response, as she was far more intent on seeing how willing Shoju could be.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 22, 2011 11:18:17 GMT -5
Shoju thought for a moment. "I believe that the only way to legitimize my people's claim in the Empire is to seek the truth. We cannot expect to be taken seriously if we do not." Shoju shook his head again. "I could not in good faith hold a place in this Empire if it is true that my support is for someone who weakens the Empire."
Shoju turned to Tenshi again. "I will always have a use for your life Tenshi-san. In this realm or the next. "
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jun 22, 2011 14:38:30 GMT -5
Kikatsu slept most of the day through to rest his aching legs. The Spider had been successful in evading any meaningful conflict and stood outside of the great city Toshi Ranbo itself. His job was mostly done, aside from accompanying the Chuda to his important meetings in the city, once it was time to confront the Emperor's doomed alliance.
He rolled onto his side and looked at the south side of the canvas tent he was in. Rubbing his face he gave the tent a disappointed look. His training at the Shadowed Dojo was returning to the fore of his mind and he begrudgingly rose from his blanket and mat to dress in his grays and whites of the Order of the Spider.
Moments later, he arose from the inside of the tent, wrapped and armed to confront the day. The camp was busy preparing for the defense of the city, though he only barely took notice of the rest. Slowly he started to warm up his body by doing Roshungi's unarmed Kata techniques and then moved forward to practice with his Bisento, which he favored.
Once his ceremony of exercise was complete he headed across the small clearing of command tents toward the canvas lair of the Chuda.
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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 Jun 22, 2011 17:26:55 GMT -5
Haruka looked relieved. "Then contact me again, I would trust you of all people will be able to find a way for this line of questioning to be conducted."
Tenshi could sense someone approaching the tent as her ears trained themselves to the footsteps, and yet she did not react aggressively as the pace was not agitated. She silently rose and went to the entrance and gently peered out to see who might be coming.
Kikatsu would see the unliving woman peering out at him as he approached, but for now she said nothing, as she wasn't even going to hesitate letting such a prominent informant inside. Her sister risked her fate willingly, and she did not care if he would see. It Kikatsu wished to enter, she would only open the cloth and allow him inside without a word.
"I must implore you Shoju-san, I will only wish to come alone if I am able. If I could get him alone, even for a few moments.. that is all I could ever ask of you in the name of the truth. I trust you after that point.."
Her gaze raised again as she surveyed the surrounding terrain. "All this being said, you have asked nothing of me. What would you wish in return Shoju-san?" Haruka would assume that a favor like this in light of such events would cost her dearly, but she wondered just how dearly.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 23, 2011 8:18:16 GMT -5
Shoju turned and watched Tenshi move towards the entrance of the Tent, and turned back to Haruka's image. "I must first win the trust of the Hantei, but once I have won his trust, I will get you the meeting you desire Haruka-san. But make no mistake, if I'm able to win his trust, I can only promise a meeting that would contain the three of us. Even my honor would prevent me from leaving the Hantei truly alone in the trying times. Even with one I hold in high regard Haruka-san."
Shoju closed his eyes, and thought for a moment. "In return, at this moment, I ask only that you council your husband to be patient. Surely he knows that I am still among the living, and I fear it will cloud his judgement. A misstep at this point could lead to a Battle Maiden leading the Scorpion, something I'm unsure you desire." Shoju opened his eyes, and rubbed his chin. "I may ask something later, but for now, this is all."
Shoju didn't wait for Haruka's response, he dissipated the spell, and began preparing. He walked to the entrance of the tent, looked at Tenshi, and the Kikatsu. "Be ready to leave in 10 minutes. We make our entrance to the city then."
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jun 23, 2011 11:43:30 GMT -5
Upon being told by his Yobanjin retainer that it seems the meeting is finished Takahide steps out from his tent with slow and sure steps as he makes his way over toward Shoju's tent and the gathered group.
The young samurai's nose wrinkling slightly in distaste at his current outfit since while he has had training in courtly manners he greatly prefers his obsidian armor and crystal blades over a obsidian kimono and a courtly fan even if of exquisite make.
Adopting a more neutral expression he bows gracefully to those gathered making sure that each is given the proper depth and length as due their station and status.
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