Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Jul 2, 2011 17:03:14 GMT -5
OOC: You can consider my detachment to turn south and gallop towards Crane lands about the moment when there is movement towards our position.
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Jul 2, 2011 19:01:21 GMT -5
Hisa kept to the shadows on an eastern hill and saw frantic movement in the Spider camp below, and began to suspect his faith was misplaced. He tapped his hand on the daisho that hung from the right of his obi. Being so close to so many Tainted individuals made his stomach turn with disgust, but Shoju left before he had a chance to truly speak with the Spider lord. He saw a few untainted amongst the Spider, checked the finger of jade that hung from his neck, and decided to try to speak with one of them.
"You there!" he bellowed towards one of them. The Spider drew his daisho and turned towards Hisa. "My name is Bayushi Hisa, and I am here to speak with Chuda Shoju-san and I am expected. He knows not my name, but he knows my description. If you would be so kind as to inform him I am here. I shall wait here until summoned."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 2, 2011 19:42:11 GMT -5
The Crane Cavalry detachment turned, and headed south, into Crane lands without coming too close to the camp. "One can only hope they were in the City when we made our appearance known." Shoju turned and headed back from the rise, As the trio reached the commands tents, a Bushi was waiting.
"Chuda-sama. A Bayushi Hisa has made his appearance known on the edge of the camp, and it waiting there for you. He says you wont know his name, but his description." The Bushi bowed low.
"They have come to poke the hive, and see if we hold true to our word." Shoju grinned as he looked to Tenshi. "Come Tenshi-san, let us welcome our Scorpion delegate."
As they reached the edge of camp, The Scorpion waited. "Greetings Bayushi-san. Welcome to my Camp. Will you join me in my command tent?"
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jul 2, 2011 20:56:27 GMT -5
Earlier in Chuda Shoju's Tent:
"Of course Chuda-san, I will not pale before the task at hand." Kikatsu bowed and then left the tent, heading toward the quartermaster. His hands gripped the shaft of his bisento, thinking how nice it would be to stop toying around with the nobles and start the killing. How like the Dragon to wait and attack some time after the proper time for battle. Fools.
Some time later:
Leaving the quartermaster's tent with promises of service and the chirping of the goblin attendants ringing in his ears, Kikatsu made his way out of the camp to some solitude, sitting cross-legged on a large rock sleeping under an old growth tree.
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Jul 2, 2011 21:00:02 GMT -5
Hisa gave a brief nod which included Shoju and the one that accompanied him. He thought to himself, Spiders seeking to pull their prey into their web perhaps? This day is becoming ever more amusing.
"Greetings to you and your companion, Chuda-san. It would be my honor to join your in your command tent, as long as you do not mind skipping some points of etiquette that is. It can be so tedious - the games of court and rules of etiquette - when there is an enemy at our gates. We can discuss matters of philosophy while we walk.
"My clan will not agree with me on this, and I speak for none but myself, but I believe we all embrace - in one way or another, and in varying degrees - the tenents of Shourido. Strength, control, knowledge, insight, and will... especially will. I believe none amongst the Great Clans understands how important each of the aspects of Shourido are, except for the Scorpion; even if we do try to hide our understanding behind a mask of Bushido.
"Perfection, I believe is unobtainable though, and is therefore irrelevant to your code of Shourido. Perfection would mean there is no more strength for you to gain, nobody and no event left to control, and no more knowledge to be gained. Even one as corrupted as yourself knows you can always seek more knowledge and obtain more strength; why else would you profess to continue practicing and researching maho - even if it is in defense of our Emperor - as you did in court today?"
Hisa saw they were nearing their destination, the jade around his neck had been getting warmer as he walked with the Spider lord and his retinue, warning him that this may not have been the best of ideas.
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jul 4, 2011 21:41:09 GMT -5
Earlier in the Imperial Courtwhile Takahide keeps his silence and acting as proper manners and decorum would dictate when Shoju speaks he can't prevent his lips from quirking slightly in amusement at the reaction of a number of the people attending the court, especially those who owe him a number of favors for information gathered and other tasks he has helped them with in the past. A respectful bow offered to each delegation within the court room as they leave, the crab delegation getting a slightly deeper one as he recognizes a small number of them from his time actually defending the wall against Oni attacks. Slightly later at the campTakahide bows once when given his orders "It will be as you have commanded Shoju-san, I will ensure the safety of the western gate" His gaze turning to his retainer as he writes a few names on a scroll "Tell these scouts to come to my tent in 10 minutes, then gather the best of my personal guard" Present TimeTakahide grins widely as he steps out of his tent dressed in an obsidian armor and carrying a set of blessed(unholy?) blades and surveys his men. "I have been assigned the task of sweeping the area of the west gate and ensuring its safety, and after reviewing the reports of my scouts I have decided on the best tactical route for us, so LETS MARCH." The young samurai's expression becoming more neutral as he heads off toward his given duty. A hand adjusting both the markings he has made sure shows most prominent tonight even from a distance, the one showing his support for the rightful Emperor Hantei, as well as the honor given to him by the Crab for his service defending the wall which admittedly was chosen due to the yasuki's request of defending the gate along with his Clan. (ooc: hopefully nobody will mind that I added a small section within the court room, it shouldn't alter much if anything but having been on vacation I couldn't post at the time if people feel it causes to many ripples then I will accept it becoming voided. Time to get back into action tho ;D)
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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 Jul 5, 2011 8:49:34 GMT -5
Thrakhath sat in the corner of the tent, still wearing his armor but with helmet removed. He appeared to be deep in thought. A shamisen sat in his lap that he plucked idly with practiced fingers, though the chords he played formed no specific tune. If he was bothered by anything that had transpired that day, both in court and outside of it, he wasn't showing it. He simply continued to strum away idly at the instrument, waiting for Shoju to finish greeting his guest so that they could get down to business.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 5, 2011 9:15:13 GMT -5
Shoju and Hisa
Shoju smiled as the Scorpion talked. it was nice to hear someone with perspective on things that wasn't as jaded as the rest of the Empire.
Shoju nodded, and then spoke. "This is my Yojimbo, Tenshi. She is fiercly dedicated to her assignment, and will accompany us whereever we go."
"The goal of perfection is much similar to the goal of enlightenment. Both are states that one can never hold a permanent grasp upon, but we strive for those states nonetheless." Shoju nodded as he walked. "One of the things that you must learn first, is that Maho does not hold its origins in the Kami like so many things. This also means that it isn't tied to the Kami in the same fashion. Even I, practice a horrid botched ideology. It was my hope before this all came to pass that I would be able to strive for a more pure form of Maho, but that is a journey for another time I'm afraid." Shoju looked into the Scorpion's eyes. "You are a very interesting Scorpion Bayushi-san. I'm very interested in your perspective."
The trio reached the entrance to Shoju's command tent, and Shoju could see the Jade reacting to being so surround by the mark of the Shadowlands. "Fear not Bayushi-san, you have come deep into the web of the Spider. As long as you walk with me, no one will even look twice upon you." Shoju held his arm extended into the tent. "After you Bayushi-san, please, make yourself at home, and tell me how it is you have come to side with the Hantei."
Takahide
(ooc)
Not a problem at all. I like the addition. I'm hoping that Yasuki Chad stays around in the thread, and you guys can have a little fun at the west wall while we wait. I'm going to wait a couple of days to see if any official (jay) word comes down on the Spider wishing to support the Hantei. If nothing happens, I will be moving the camp from where we are to the west gate On my own accord.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jul 5, 2011 20:45:41 GMT -5
Several hours after the events in court;
"You want it all!?," the merchant exclaims in disbelief. "My lord, surely..."
"All of it, Mikano-san. And get more if you can find it in the next week or so. Check with the Shiba or Mantis. But find me more, I've already aqquired all the Lumber in the city. Have your men send it to the West gate and stack it with the rest outside. Now, as for the work crews...," Yasuki Chad left the question hanging. He had been very busy since his announcement. He'd gone straight to the Crab Embassy and sent every last Samurai there to a diffrent construction house, lumber yard, ironworks, and peasent blacksmith he knew in Toshi Ranbo.
"They shall be there at dawn, Lord."
"Good, good," Chad rubbed his eyes wearily. "You will be paid as agreed, with a bonus for speedy, EFFECTIVE, work. Don't cut cornors. Your life depends on it."
As the night deepened, the West Gate became a hub of activity as more and more raw matieral was stockpiled in and around it, guarded by an evergrowing number of Yasuki.
(OOC: Shoju, really? You think I'll leave on that note)
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Post by Shoju on Jul 5, 2011 23:21:50 GMT -5
{OOC} No, I didn't think you would leave, but it wouldn't be the first time I lost promising RP people to RL I'm happy to see you involved
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Jul 6, 2011 8:58:44 GMT -5
Hisa barely suppressed a startled look at Shoju at his comment, but graciously accepted the hospitality offered. "Arigato, Chuda-san," he said with a slight bow as he entered the tent.
Inside, Hisa's quick eyes scanned the room. It looked more comfortable than he had expected it to be, considering the short time the Spider lord had apparently been in the area. He noticed another Spider in the corner of the tent, strumming idly at an instrument, seemingly unconcerned with the Scorpion bushi's presence. Hisa took up a spot inside where he could easily keep an eye on the entrance to the tent on his left, "I thank you for the hospitality, Chuda-san, but you will have to forgive me if I don't fully trust the assurances of my safety. A Scorpion trusts only himself and his superiors; and as you said, I am in the middle of the spider's web, which is always a dangerous place for prey to be."
Hisa began pacing, a habit he had yet to break when he spoke at length. "As to how I came to side with the Hantei, it is simple. I am Bayushi. I am sure Senshi-sama has a reason for supporting Kaneka, but he would never tell one as lowly and as young as myself. He did, however, release me from my duties to the Scorpion to pursue my own interests for a time. As you can probably guess from our discussion on the way here, one of those interests is Shourido and how it is similar to Bushido, how it is different, and how the two can coexist.
"I have always been interested in the Spider. I have heard rumors that your clan seeks legitimacy in the Empire. Maybe this war will see that happen. Look at what the Ikoma have written about the Unicorn and the Mantis. They Unicorn claimed to be our lost cousins, yet they worshiped blasphemous gaijin gods instead of the Kami. They were accepted into the Empire after their victory over an army of my clansmen, yet it was my clan who brought Shinjo back to the Empire and the Unicorn after one of our exiles. The Mantis have no Kami, only an arrogant man who took his rag tag alliance of minor clans and waged war until the Mantis were recognized as a great clan. Then Yoritomo - the fool! - caused the Thunder Dragon to fall from grace!
"Yet here you are, blessed by a Kami - evil and fallen though he may be - and dying in defense of an Empire who shuns you. As a Scorpion, I know well what it is like to be shunned by the Empire. We have have exiled from our homelands in the past. The clans criticize us for our masks, yet hide their faces behind their fans in court. As you can see, I carry my mempo with me at all times, but have you ever seen me wear it? We have been taught all Spider are Tainted and corrupt, yet I have seen many in your camp who are not. This brings me to why I came here today."
Hisa stopped pacing and placed his back to the entrance. He stared straight at Shoju, his eyes intense, "I have come to learn of the Spider, to offer my personal respect and support to your clan, and to tell you that, should we succeed in our goal of protecting the Emperor, at least one in the Empire will not oppose your claim of legitimacy."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 6, 2011 10:23:27 GMT -5
Shoju nodded and smiled as the Bayushi scanned his surroundings. "Your reservations are noted, and understood Bayushi-san. I, more than any other man in the Empire save a fellow scorpion understand what you speak." Shoju walked towards the back of the tent. Thrakhath-sama, this is Bayushi Hisa, he was present in the court when we made our appearance, and spoke with me on the way out." Shoju reclined at a table in the room, offering Hisa the seat facing out of the tent, to help put him at ease.
"We are indeed looking for legitimacy. We seek no quarrel with the Empire at large. Sure, just like other clans in the empire, there are those who are seen as a thorn in our side, but we are hoping that unlike the impetuous Lion, our quarrels can be ended peacefully."
"Shourido and Bushido existing together? Well now, that would be interesting." Shoju nodded and pondered for a second. "I'm very curious to hear your ideas on that Bayushi-san."
Shoju looked at the Bayushi for a moment, and then continued."History is full of those in Rokugan who have found legitimacy in the throes of victory. I would be lying to say that this history didn't play at least a small part in the decision to side with the Hantei. Your perceptions and misconceptions of the Spider are eerily similar to those heaped upon the Scorpion by the rest of the Empire wouldn't you agree?" Shoju studied the Scorpion a little more, and then finally asked the question that had nagged him since the beginning.
"Bayushi-san, Forgive me if this comes across dishonorable, but... Did the Scorpion not tell you who I am? Of all the men to sit in front of me, of all the men who would come to learn from the Spider under the watchful eye of myself, I never believed that a Scorpion would. It was my thought that your Master of Secrets would have made me as evil as Fu Leng himself in the eyes of the Scorpion."
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jul 6, 2011 12:31:24 GMT -5
Well past midnight Chad finally sat down and composed messages to both the Tamori daimyo and Chuda Shoju, requesting that they meet him outside the west gate at noon to discuss earthwork placements and perhaps more importantly, to see if they could work together on a personal level.
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Jul 6, 2011 13:28:54 GMT -5
Hisa bowed to Thrakhath at Shoju's introduction but said nothing as he was unsure how to address somebody that a Spider lord called sama that wasn't Daigotsu himself.
Sitting back down in the seat offered him, Hisa continued, "How can Shourido and Bushido coexist? The question is a difficult one. Loyalty, for example, I believe is the embodiment of Strength and Will, for without both to do his lord's will, can one truly be loyal? Let us look at the relationship between Strength, Control and Compassion. Which is the greater control; overpowering your enemy on the field of battle or showing him mercy, letting him know he lives only by your grace? And would not being compassionate and showing mercy to one's enemy be a greater demonstration of your strength? You can be honest and sincere in your speech, yet able to control another's actions by how you phrase the truth, no? These are just some examples of how I believe the two seemingly opposing philosophies can be reconciled, though my understanding of Shourido is rudimentary at best."
Hisa pulled out a bottle of sake that was tucked in his kataginu, took a long pull from it's mouth, and offered the remainder to the Spider present (ooc: if any tainted decide to drink any assume I let you keep the rest).
Hisa smiled at Shoju's last question. "It is only dishonorable if you still hold your former clan's Champion in high regard. Even if I did find your honest question dishonorable, I have no illusions that you could not easily destroy me, which according to Bushido would mean your honor was greater than mine. Yes, Senshi-sama does paint you as the second coming of Fu Leng, but he has never told me who you are; and I have never asked, for it is not my place. Your own words have revealed you to be a former clansman, but my Champion's hatred of you led me to conclude you were once a Bayushi yourself, possibly a close friend or even brother of Senshi-sama. That hatred could only be borne of a betrayal by a loved one. Beyond this deduction, I know nothing else."
He leaned back in what was a very comfortable chair when he saw a messenger arrive with a note. He could just barely make out a Crab mon in the wax.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 6, 2011 14:06:33 GMT -5
Shoju took the message from the messenger, read it, nodded in agreement, and pointed to Tenshi, so the messenger would make her aware. He then looked back to the Scorpion, and smiled. "I think you and I will get along handsomely Bayushi-san. I like your ideas on Shourido and Bushido. Your grasp of Shourido is excellent, and your application to Bushido is remarkable. Few have your perspective in the empire."
Shoju weaved a spell over the table where they sat. Images began to take shape. "You are correct, I was once a Bayushi Samurai similar to yourself. I was no kin nor friend of Master of Secrets. I was a Magistrate, assigned to the destruction of a Tsukai sect in Ryoko Owari that had grown out of control." Images swirled of the City of Lies, and dead bodies, and the taint. "I spent years tracking this sect across the Empire, slowly eradicating their numbers. Towards the end, I found a Black Scroll, and it began my demise. The Images on the table showed Shoju's failed seppuku, and his resurrection as a Khadi. "Yes Bayushi-san. I read the Scroll. I have read another scroll, and if I have my way, I will read more Black Scrolls." Shoju closed his eyes. "I do these things not looking for power. Not looking to overthrow anyone, but because it must be done. The Scorpion are meant to know every secret in the Empire. I am simply fulfilling the oath I took. I will know every secret in the Empire, and use my knowledge to avert and thwart all who would oppose the true Son of Heaven, and Rokugan itself. I know that Senshi thinks me mad, perhaps I am. But perhaps, I just have a different perspective. Shoju swirled his hand through the smoke, and the images on the table disappeared. If you wish to fully understand Shourido, and find the balance with Bushido, You are in the right place. I show you these things, and warn you so that you make an advised, conscious choice Bayushi-san. If you stay here, and you study Shourido, and you come to understand what it means to be a Spider, there is a very real, and very distinct possibility that in the end, your lord may shun you. Your lord would probably find you being in my company to be akin to treason. Of course, I can't speak for the Master of Secrets personally."
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