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Post by Shoju on Jul 8, 2011 9:36:53 GMT -5
Hisa and Yamuso
Yamuso bowed to Hisa. "You speak well, and honorable Scorpion. Your mind is strong, and your will in this task burns a hunger upon your soul. You are willing to risk all you can, without failing in your loyalties. I respect that of you." Yamuso drew himself up as tall as he could, and looked into the woods. "Come. Let us witness your Will."
Yamuso began walking into the woods, eyeing the trees. "Why do you serve the Master of Secrets and the Scorpion? Beyond loyalty. Beyond Bushido. tell me, Why do you serve the Scorpion? Why serve any man?" Yamuso looked at Hisa, his eyes looking inquisitive. "When the Lying Darkness was defeated, and the faceless made Akodo, I could have taken my place with them. I had willed my freedom of the Lying Darkness before that. The Akodo Daimyo Akodo Ginawa saught me out after hearing my tale and offered me a place among them. I declined. I had willed my freedom of the Darkness, but had not yet willed myself to live. I hated my existence. I hated what I had become. It wasn't until Daigotsu found me tending my home at the edge of the Shinomen, that I found purpose. I Chose to serve and follow Daigotsu because he showed me my will."
"Can you say the same for your Master?"
At the Western Gate
Shoju and the Spider party arrived shortly before Noon. They saw the work being performed by the Labor Crews and marvelled. As they approached the Tent where the Yasuki Daimyo toiled over the maps, Chuda Shoju moved slightly ahead of the group. "Greetings Yasuki-san. I see that your crew has already begun working on the defense of the Western Gate. I didn't realize that we would have reinforcements." Shoju's face bore no emotion, no anger, no happiness, just calm passiveness. He was clothed in a magnificent Kimono. The black showed hues of green in the light, and the trimming was done in red. "I have not yet received word that our assistance has been accepted. Should I take this work as an acceptance, or refusal?"
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on Jul 8, 2011 10:09:04 GMT -5
A large hand placed a flask of sake by the Yasuki Daimyo. An anonymous looking Crab in practical travelling garb gave a perfunctory bow, and then took a seat uninvited. Some Samurai could make such informality seem disrespectful, but somehow Hiruma Shagi gave a businesslike impression; almost as though an unspoken agreement had been reached to skip to important matters.
"Hard at work, I see." stated the scout. "I find that the occasional few minutes of relaxation enable the mind to focus, and the task at hand returned to with greater efficiency. But perhaps that is just my way. I am sure you have your own."
Shagi surveyed the plans and models assembled, then looked across the work area. He smiled and nodded. "You have them working quickly. It should not be too long before I can give a scout's opinion of what the enemy will see. Whichever enemy that is."
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jul 8, 2011 10:22:00 GMT -5
The flaps of the tent opened and in walked the Tamori daimyo. He gave the necessary bow to the Yasuki daimyo and all others present in the room. With a wave of his hand, he forms a stool and sits himself to a side of the make-shift command table, waiting for the meeting to start.
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jul 8, 2011 18:10:54 GMT -5
Takahide remains a few steps behind and to the side of Shoju as he stops up and bows deeply and respectfully to those within the tent, those who's rank and position he knows gets the exact depth and time accorded to them based on tradition while the remainder gets the more universal bow.
The young samurai does however remain silent as is his habit when he has nothing useful to add to the discussion.
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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 8, 2011 18:32:30 GMT -5
Hisa and Yamuso
Hisa followed closely behind Yamuso as they entered the woods. "I consider it an honor to have been born Bayushi. Did Senshi-sama show me my will? In a way, yes. If I weren't born Scorpion, I do not believe I would have been set on this path."
He leaned against a nearby tree and stared into the canopy, idly tapping his thumb on the hilt of his blade. "The kami Hantei charged Bayushi with being a villain, and we have been the villain for a long time. We have come to understand the necessity of Will, though we often claim it is Loyalty. He may not have know it, may not have intended it, but Senshi-sama, through his actions, has helped me take the first steps on this path. For that reason alone he would be worthy of my loyalty." He stressed the word as he looked directly at Yamuso. "For his loyalty to me he deserves it."
"What is that saying the gaijin have? 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander?' I am the goose. I try to only serve myself, which in turn serves my clan and Senshi-sama, which leads to serving the Empire at large. Loyalty to all without conflict."
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Toshi Ranbo
Shortly after dawn the Spider samurai found the House of the Poised Pincer, an elderly man was sweeping the entryway. Inside there were only a few awake inside, but one was easily recognized as a Scorpion by the veil she wore over her eyes. She moved food around on her plate, it seemed she was deep in thought.
"Are you Bayushi Kaoin?"
She looked up from her meal and nodded. "I am. Who are you, samurai, and how may I help you?"
He handed her the mempo and note without a word and walked out the door. It took a few moments for Kaoin to overcome her shock. She quickly read the letter, grabbed the mempo, and rushed out the door after the messenger.
"Samurai, wait!" She shouted. She removed her veil and pressed it into the Spider's hand. "For my husband," she whispered, "to be given to him when you return to your camp. And know this, Spider-san, I may be Bayushi now, but I was born Tamori. If anything happens to my husband I will burn away the Shadows in which you hide and slay every last one of you." A fire burned in her eyes as she spoke, but they returned to normal as she fastened the mempo to her face and went back inside.
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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 8, 2011 19:24:38 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad takes a short pull of the flask. After a slight cough and some wetness around the eyes, he sets the flask back on the table."My Thanks, Shagi-san."
He turns to the Tamori Daimyo and Chuda Shoju. " This is Hiruma Shagi. He heads what Hiruma are here." Chad bows to the assemblage, then turns his attention to Shoju. "I demanded, and recieved, the right to guard the West gate with the Spider. For the moment it seems your.... clan...will have it's chance to prove yourselves.." Chad's eyes grow hard. "I will admit I do not trust you or your pesence here, and this is the easiest way to watch you. You need not fear any sabatoge on my part, however. You will be given an... honest chance.
He turns to Tamori Koichi. "This is partially why I have requested you here. The Yasuki only rarely are gifted by the Kami and I fear my men alone are incapable of Properly overseeing if the Tsukai are trying anything. But the main reason is your mastery of the Earth, we shall need to undue a decade of landscaping to properly prepare for Kaneka, should he come."
He turns once more to Shoju,"I am constucting a basecamp that is indefensible from the city. It is intended to be captured, both to Break up the Unicorn Charges and to provide enough broken ground to impede seige engines. If the Marsh could be brought back, the engines would have to be built on sight possibly within range of the walls. Perhaps a ambush or trap could be set in the camp. Kaneka's Army at Mountain Watch keep was immense, we must assume that if he attacks quickly we will be outnumbered.
"Thoughts?
(OOC: Yay! Finally remembered about colored text! Anyway, as stated the Maps date from the last year to about 5 years before the clan war. A commen theme until recently is the marshy land surrounding Toshi Ranbo. This information is drawn from past supplaments of L5R. I would assume that when it became a Capital city the marsh was drained and the port expanded, but my sources predate the Winds Era.)
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jul 8, 2011 21:09:14 GMT -5
Koichi nodded after hearing the Yasuki daimyo's words. "I do not trust them as well, Yasuki-san" throwing a short glance towards Shoju "but until the Righteous Emperor has expressed his thoughts on the matter, we are obligated to treat them civilly. You are guests for the meantime."
Turning back to the Yasuki. "The Elemental Council of the Phoenix has declared it's support for the Hantei. I believe their Inquisitors will be better suited to monitoring the Tsukai. I of course will keep an open eye as well."
Koichi's thoughts went to the suggestion of reshaping the land. Much work had been done to improve the landscape for years since Toshi Ranbo became the capital. The thought of having to destroy it for defense was not pleasant. But it had to be done. Either way, that area was soon to be a battlefield and tactically it was advantageous to hold that ground. The answer was clear.
"Tell us what you require of the earth, and we will shape it."
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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 8, 2011 22:37:00 GMT -5
"Simply put, undo the last ten years of drainage added in the area around the city. The river shall do the rest." Yasuki Chad considers the Phonix. "I'm not sure the Inquisiators would not simply declare the Spider a lost cause and attempt to execute them all. You seem to share my mind regarding them. I feel it is important that they prove themselves for what they are, whatever that may be."
Turning to Shoju, "Do not mistake my purpose for the basecamp. It is not ment that the Spider die there in fruitless defence. We (emphasizing the word) will use it to punish Kaneka until it is untenable, then destroy it as we retreat to the Gate."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 10, 2011 4:53:10 GMT -5
Tenshi had shadowed the conversation, but still remained at a polite distance for the time being. But as they began speaking about defensive structures, she felt the urge to speak rising within her.
With a delicate motion she stepped forward to draw their attention if only for the moment, as she bowed respectfully to the three. Still wearing her deepest purple kimono, it was nearly impossible to tell if it was black cloth with a violet shine, or vise versa.. "With all do respect samas. A wall will be only a partial answer to our strategy."
Her gaze rose as she still did not dare to stand with the three, but took her place over Shoju's shoulder. "If Kaneka manages to rally all the allies that I have been overhearing, then we will be contending with the might of the empire. The Unicorn cavalry and the Lion infantry can risk open war over land, we will be cornered and pinned at best, before they decide to end us..."
Her intense eyes fell on the Yasuki, as his clan would likely be most understanding to her ideas even though his moral disposition opposed her very unnatural standing. She showed respect, but no hesitation when the time came to speak. "Simply put, barriers will not be enough to hold the vast army back, we will need more... effective measures in order to give the defenses a chance to stand.
I might suggest a few quiet pitfalls might be the edge we need.." There was a slightly more sinister glint in her eye as her stoic expression nearly showed signs of smirking.
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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 10, 2011 9:57:03 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad smiles grimly, "And you touch on the secondary reason it is so important to bring the marsh back. Providing ample ground to conceal traps and seed ambushes as they approach." He turns to include Shoju. "I trust you both have some ideas on that?"
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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 10, 2011 20:57:39 GMT -5
Thrakhath, clad in his battle armor but sans mask this time, stood at Shoju's side and listened to the conversation with little to contribute. "Concealed pits would likely be the best option," he said. "Perhaps with sharpened stakes built into them." He frowned slightly as he studied the map, though he offered nothing else for now.
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jul 11, 2011 9:07:06 GMT -5
Takahide furrows his brows thoughtfully as he listens to them speak "I have already been scouting and preparing a number of locations for some of my men to be stationed at with the purpose of harrying the enemies troops as they arrive, I expect some of their scouts to come across roughly half of them ahead of time which I hope will restrict their knowledge of our actual defenses thus giving us a slight advantage."
The young samurai's gaze surveying the others in the tent as he speaks. "If you wish I could show the locations I've chosen so far."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 11, 2011 9:30:09 GMT -5
Shoju stood silently while The Crab, and Dragon spoke. Tenshi's thoughts were welcomed, and Thrakhath's desires noted.
"Whether or not you trust the Spider and our Motivations is all irrelevant if we don't survive the upcoming battles." Shoju's tone was flat as he looked over the maps Tenshi is right. We need pitfalls, we need traps, and the Marsh, as Yasuki-san points out is the simplest and the easiest way to do this.
Shoju looked at the Tamori Daimyo. "Unmake the drainage. Unmake the landscaping. Halfway through the marsh, we will need a deep trough in the ground. In that Trough, we will conceal armaments, pikes, and the sort, but they need to be completely concealed. a good margin past that, we need a more shallow, yet wider trench. This is where some of my men will take up hold. It will need to be disconnected from the rest of the water supply. The men going in that water have no business being in the water supply for a city, if you get my meaning. They will lie in wait, once the advance begins, and they will bring death to the enemies of the Empire.
Shoju turned toiled over the maps for a moment, and then weaved a spell over the table. allowing his words to make impressions in the air above the map without marking them. "I understand your ideas about the keep. I would recommend a contingent of my troops to hold it and defend it. I have 2 regiments of wholly undead. The first, can take camp in the trench, the second can hold this tower and make the assault upon it even more costly for Kaneka's men." Shoju looked over the map and made a notation. Assuming that they do make a direct assault on the western gate, This is where they will make their command post. We could disorient them at this point, but it would be asking for far more latitude than I think most of you would be comfortable with, and it would mean none of our troops but my personal attack group would be permitted to engage the area. When the battle is won, that spot would need purged with a cleansing fire." Shoju looked around at the Hiruma, the Yasuki, and the Tamori. I completely understand if my request is denied. But I assure you, my assault on that area would prove devastating.
Shoju looked at the Yasuki, How many engineers do you have? I have my personal engineer on hand, but I have kept him away from such preceedings due to the nature of his being. I promise you if you need aid, Iromasu would be a welcome addition, provided that I have assurances he wouldn't be put down on the spot.
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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 11, 2011 17:13:43 GMT -5
"Bring your Engineer. My men and I know enough for simple fortifications (though the Crab meaning of "Simple" in this instance is considerable) But there are no true experts among us. And until Hantai-dono wishes you gone I guarantee your peoples safety in our camp."
Turning to Takahide he said, "Yes, collaborate with Shagi-san on the ambushes. He has likely also marked several promising locations. "
Turning back to Shoju he grabs a few papers from the table, seperating them neatly to one side. "These are the blueprints we have for the Camp. As you can see it consists of a half circle outside the gate surrounded by a 8 foot wall. The Tower is a simple stone and wooden construction built directly over the road. Murder holes will be built inside it over the gate and it's roof will provide a clear vantage for your Tsukai or any seige engines we can scrape together. Underneth will be a larger then normal basement where we can rig the tower to collapse after it is captured. Remotely if possible, though I'm certain we could gather some volunteers to do it if nessesary.
He gestures to another blueprint. " This details the killing field we shall set up within the camp. The tents will be treated with oil to burn quickly and clear the area. After the Tower is taken, we will wait until significant forces enter the camp before collapsing the tower. At that point we should be able to destroy the force trapped there with mininmal losses."
"My Yasuki will aid in the feigned retreat and cover your forces escape into the city. In the Marshes outside the camp our aid will only be the Hiruma, so you will be relatively free to choose your battles and methods there. Once the enemy has reached the city, however, your Maho will be extremely limited as we wish to avoid exposeing the populace to it. A riot is the Last thing we need.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 12, 2011 9:09:31 GMT -5
Shoju looked at the Yasuki. [color=Green}"I have made my position known. No marked men will enter Toshi Ranbo. This includes myself and the contingent of Tsukai."[/color] Shoju's face was void of emotion. "Like you said, there is no reason to scare the populace and start a riot." Shoju looked over the blueprints. "I will have Iromasu with me next time we meet. I'm sure he has some very interesting ideas for siege weaponry."
Shoju studied the blueprints. "This vantage point will be excellent" Shoju says, pointing at the tower. "Leave the tower to be destroyed locally. Remote can become troublesome, and I have one who would relish the task."
Looking over the designs for killing fields inside the camp, and let a sly grin escape his lips. "It is a shame we are at Toshi Ranbo Yasuki-san. I know a tribe of Bakemono who would relish this death trap. Your design is good. I would suggest a retinue of your best Archers stationed in a position to light the tents from range should things go poorly. I would assume a handful of your best archers positioned to have a vantage point of the grounds as well as the enemy should suffice."
Shoju looked at Tenshi. "My hope is that my Yojimbo will be the only aid I need in the Marsh Yasuki-san. My troops in the Marsh will cover the ambushes and the trenches. My goal will be to head for the command area, and create confusion. The Confusion should buy us time to gain the upper hand."
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