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Post by Shoju on Jun 23, 2011 13:24:02 GMT -5
Shoju bowed to Takahide as he approached. "Now that we are assembled, let us plan our movements into the capital. We must ensure that we are not mistaken as an aggressor. To this end, we will all be wielding a Standard Daisho, and we will humbly turn them over when we reach the court. For some of us, myself included, that leaves us without our primary weapon of choice. I apologize for this, but I fear it is a must."
Shoju scanned the group for reactions. He knew what he was suggesting was not what some would want to hear, but Shoju had calculated the risks. "These are trying times for the Empire, and their mistrust of us will only be compounded if we come bearing arms. When we arrive in court, we will all bend our knee to Hantei-dono as one, and I will speak first." Shoju looked across the clearing to a small group of samurai. "The Chui have orders. If they do not hear from us by mid day tomorrow, they are to march to the gates of Toshi Ranbo, and bend a knee. We are here to ensure The Son of Heaven does not fall. Only through these actions can our goals be reached."
Shoju called forth a Lost Bushi who presented each of them with an black laquered daisho. Each of fine quality, Each identical in color, size, and markings.
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jun 23, 2011 13:40:36 GMT -5
Kikatsu pauses. "We will march unassailled through the gates, walk up the Emperor's way and into the very heart of the Imperial palace and bow before the Emperor himself." He motions with his hands the movements of the delegation into the presence of the Emperor. "And the Emperor will say, 'My beloved Chuda-san, welcome to my bosom at last. And once you are in the Emperor's bosom, Chuda-san, how do you stop the Crane swordsmen or the Phoenix inquisitors from pouncing on us then?"
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jun 23, 2011 13:55:09 GMT -5
Takahide's only reaction to the Chuda's plan is an almost unnoticeable shrug as he had already exchanged his normal blades for a courtiers fan. "It is as you say Shoju-san, There will be significant mistrust toward us with some exceptions." The young samurai's voice soft and even as he speaks.
Once the bushi offers him the daisho he smoothly fastens the fan to his Obi before accepting with a respectful bow and dons it properly. "I would have preferred my own blades but I can see the wisdom in this course of action."
Finally he turns slightly to motion his retainer over to his side and exchanges a few words with her in her language as he nods toward his tent before facing Shoju again seemingly ready to leave whenever.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 23, 2011 13:57:58 GMT -5
"If we walk in there with large arms, and refuse to relinquish them, do you even expect we'd made it to the throne room to attempt to pledge fealty?" Shoju turned his head sideways at Kikatsu as he replied. "Do you think that the Elite guards wouldn't escalate it into a full on war at the entrance to the temple if we refuse to surrender our arms?" Shoju's tone was simple. "The only people inside the court who will be armed are the guards, and I believe our observance of the Laws of Toshi Ranbo will stay their blades long enough to make our case."
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jun 23, 2011 14:08:26 GMT -5
"Excuse me for being unclear, Chuda-san." Kikatsu bows slightly in apology, and then explains, "I was only making the point that inside of the Emperor's court we are no longer in any position to ensure the safety of Daigotsu's investment in this endeavor. My contacts will allow us to enter the court of the Hantei, but they will not be able to secure our safety once we are inside the hornet's nest. I do not worry for my safety, that is something well within my power to ensure, it is the safety of the rest of the delegation, all faithful followers of Daigotsu and Shourido. Your loss would be a unwelcome event to both. Do you have a plan for escaping the hornet's nest Chuda-san?"
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Post by Shoju on Jun 23, 2011 14:21:00 GMT -5
Shoju bows. "My apologies Kikatsu-san. I misunderstood. I don't plan on leaving. If this goes poorly, My duty is to ensure that the rest of the Diplomatic Retinue is safe. " Shoju scanned their faces. "I have my orders, and I will follow them."
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Post by Shoju on Jun 24, 2011 8:46:44 GMT -5
Shoju looked over the assembled Spider, and decided they were ready. "Kikatsu-san, your contacts are charged with getting us into court. I will defer to you until we arrive. When you are ready, we depart."
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jun 24, 2011 15:57:53 GMT -5
"Very well. We will actually be able to enter the Emperor's Court by the most direct route, and your preparations so far have been well in keeping with the general idea of entering the city." Kikatsu pauses for a moment, "Simply, we must present ourselves to Seppun Kogito when we reach the palace, otherwise I have our travel papers in order-we are entering the main gates as sightseers. We can begin traveling, as you like." He holds out his hand toward Toshi Ranbo, as if welcoming him into an inn or merchant's shop.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 24, 2011 16:44:29 GMT -5
Shoju begins to move towards Toshi Ranbo. "I'm impressed Kikatsu-san. A seppun? Most impressive." (OOC) I'm going to give bodhi and if she has time tenshi time to post anything and 'catch up' before I do the 'big speech'. if you guys want to RP it up through the introductions with Seppun Kogito, By all means. I have 3 baseball games tonight. Sigh.... Why do they schedule them like this
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Post by bodhibloodwave on Jun 24, 2011 18:39:59 GMT -5
Takahide dips his head once as he falls into line and follows the group toward Toshi Ranbo. "While I have been in the imperial city in the past, this will be the first time I enter as anything other then a presumed Ronin, it will be interesting to see the waves this will make with my contacts in the city" ((ooc: I had made my post already showing i was ready to move, but never hurts to actually pose that i am moving ))
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Post by Shoju on Jun 26, 2011 20:11:46 GMT -5
[ooc] I'm going to get this going, I was hoping to wait, but I want to keep this going, especially since it has hopeful ramifications on things.
Kikatsu's planning was impeccable. The Spider were in the City, and into the Court without a problem. The Seppun contact moved them along and soon they were turning in their Katana to the guards.
As the group walked forward through the court, the hush fell over the assembled guests. Their taint was obvious, but they moved with precision, grace, and pride. As they reached the steps leading up to the Dais, the Shugenja moved to the front of the group, and bowed deeply, and then they all knelt.
"Hantei-dono,
I come on behalf of the Spider, and our Lord Daigotsu. My name is Chuda Shoju. We come before you and humbly swear fealty to the true Son of Heaven, the rightful ruler of Rokugan. Our reputation is mired by both the history of the Shadowlands, and our own actions. We are here today to begin repairing our image." The Shugenja stood and turned to address the Crowd.
"I come here today, and pledge the military might of the Spider to the preservation of the Son of Heaven. Some of you are aware, several months ago, a Spider Courtier was sent to this city, with an armistice. This armistice detailed a Cease Fire proposition between the whole of Rokugan, and the Spider. Unfortunately for us, we Chose poorly in an assistant to send with our courtier, and it is my understanding that she created a scene, and was summarily terminated for her actions. Rest Assured, had she returned home, her fate would have been far worse. For her actions, I apologize. This armistice, has gone unsigned, and our Courtier held captive. During this time, you will see that the Spider has continued to hold true to the tenants of the armistice, despite the detainment of our courtier, and the armistice unsigned." Shoju scanned the court for a reaction.
"Gone are the days when the Shadowlands was a horde led by a mad man. The Spider is not the entirety of the Shadowlands. We do not hold council with oni. We may at times associate with Free Ogres, and Bakemono, but only because they live and share the same land as us. The Spider is led by a most cunning and great leader, one that Hantei-Dono himself has had interaction with in the past." Shoju turned back towards the Emperor. "It would be a lie to say that your cunning displayed during those events bore no weight on Daigotsu-sama's decision to side with you Hantei-dono." Shoju turned back to the court.
"I stand before you today, considered a villain, a scourge, a menace. There are those amongst you who are probably hoping that the order is given right now to destroy me. And I understand your desires." Shoju nodded, and waited a moment for effect. "Those who haven't seen what I have seen do not understand the path I walk, because it is so foreign to our ideas of Honor. I assure you though, everything I have done, I have done in the interest of defending the Empire." Turning back to the Empire, Shoju knelt once again.
"I and those who stand with me are here in the defense of the Empire, In the defense of the Son of heaven, and stand prepared to give all to defend this city. At this time, we understand 2 things. First, the opposition is great. The Scorpion, Lion, Unicorn, Crab, and Dragon stand with the Shogun. We know that of the Great Clans, The Phoenix, Crane, and Mantis have yet to formalize their stance. It is our hope that these clans, the more introspective clans, can see that the Son of Heaven stands upon the Throne." Shoju stood, turned, and looked over the few delegates of those clans he could see within the Court.
"It would be foolish of me to think that my legion would be welcome within the walls of Toshi Ranbo. I don't think the Empire a fool, and would not overstep my already gracious stay by asking more. The results of my Legion being within the city walls would be counter productive to what it is we are seeking. We seek not to scare, or intimidate with our presence here. We only seek to protect the son of heaven. I only seek entrance to the city at this time for the 4 you see in front of you. Myself, My Yojimbo Tenshi, Kikatsu, and Daigotsu Takahide." Shoju points to each one as he announces them.
"If at some point in the future, further high ranking members of the Spider make their way to Toshi Ranbo, I will bring them before you. The rest of my men do not need access to the city, unless, Kami forbid, the war overflows into the City. I assure you, our goal is the complete preservation of Toshi Ranbo. To this end, Our goal is to fortify a position at the main Western gate to Toshi Ranbo. We will employ scouts and sentries to the rest of the permiter so that we may remain mobile. It is my hope, that further allies are able to reinforce those positions."
Shoju turned back towards Hantei and bowed deeply. "Some may ask what we seek in exchange. Some will say that this most assuredly would not come at a price. Those people would in fact, be correct. I ask of two things from the Righteous Son of Heaven. First. At the end of this coup, when our service to the Empire has been exacted, and our actions honorable, We ask for a legitimate seat among the Great Clans. Second, I personally ask for a closed door meeting Hantei-Dono. Myself, and one other, and yourself, and your most trusted Conifidant, at a private location of your choosing."
[ooc] While no one RP's as the emperor, and no official position can be given by the emperor, my goal here is to proclaim the position of the spider, and allow responses by any of the Rp'ers who are in support of the Hantei. I'm going to assume that we aren't going to get slaughtered like cattle, in the court, and move on back to the outskirts of the city, and move the legion into a position, and resume.
If people wish to formulate some plan to advance on us, and attack us, that's fine. Otherwise, the Spider is going to start building its web.
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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 Jun 27, 2011 8:20:35 GMT -5
The Yasuki Daimyo steps forth. With a deep bow for the Hantai, he turns to the assembled spiders.
"You claim to desire inclusion and acceptance, yet flaunt our customs and values. You wish peace, yet practice the most foul attacks on our home. You do not wish to fracture us, but your presence here will surely by be seen as proof of some misjudgement or corruption of our Honored Emperor. Your words are fair to my ears, but I cannot trust them. The Taint is obvious upon you and your men. Even if you mean what you say a madness may overtake you later, to our detriement."
He turns back to the Emperor, addressing him directly.
"My lord, I advise against this. If you in your wisdom deem otherwise I beg you to only allow the untainted among them entrance to the city."
With one last bow he returns to his place in the court.
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Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
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Post by Kikatsu on Jun 27, 2011 8:55:34 GMT -5
Kikatsu smiled beneath the folds of his gray, cloth wrap. Taint was always the watch word, and he was carefully free of it. Merely a warrior monk in the eyes of society, if he was taint free the worst he would get would be nothing compared to his "associates". He felt that the Taint was a false path to power, that only the discipline of the mind and body through the power of will would have any real reward; that it was the only true path. At this he looked over at the other Spider clan delegates and watched them carefully.
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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 Jun 27, 2011 9:07:06 GMT -5
The court of Daigotsu, some time earlier.
"I apologize for my tardiness, lord," Thrakhath said, taking a knee before Daigotsu and keeping his gaze fixed on the floor below him. "I had a matter to attend to at Mountain Watch Keep, and have only recently returned."
"And what was your errand in the Unicorn lands?" Daigotsu replied, his voice as measured as ever.
The fact that Daigotsu had not accepted his apology did not escape Thrakhath. Had he detected the barest hint of suspicion in his lord's voice, or was Thrakhath simply paranoid? "I made several new connections during the battle, my lord," he said warily. "I was simply maintaining my contact network."
"I see," Daigotsu replied. "I will tell you what I told Shoju-san," he began, apparently dropping the matter of Thrakhath's recent whereabouts for now. "This brewing civil war between the Toturi and Hantei dynasties has presented a rare opportunity for us, one on which I intend to acapitalize. You will find Shoju-san within the city and accompany him to Toshi Ranbo, where he will officially declare our support of the Hantei dynasty in this conflict and reveal the existence of the Spider to the Empire at large."
Thrakhath could not have been more surprised if a bakemono had walked into the room and begun citing Akodo's Leadership verbatim. "I will serve in whatever capacity I can, Daigotsu-dono," he said carefully.
"I trust there is no issue with this assignment, Thrakhath-san?" he said.
Thrakhath swore to himself silently. "None whatsoever, my lord," he lied. "I live to serve." There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment. "Allow no harm to come to Shoju-san," Daigotsu said. "You are dimissed."
Thrakhath stood from his kneeling position and bowed before making his way out of the temple, his mind racing. In order to maintain the relationships he'd forged at Mountain Watch Keep, Thrakhath had chosen to declare himself for the shogun in this conflict. True, Kaneka had not been particularly impressed with the pledge of a ronin, but still, it would not do for a Toturi supporter to arrive at Toshi Ronbo and proceed to delcare himself for the other side as well. he would simply need to wear his kabuto at all times, and hope that no one at court would recognize him should he be forced to remove it.
Toshi Ranbo
Daigotsu Thrakhath entered the court chambers with the rest of the Spider delegation, visibly uncomfortable thanks to the wards in the room but maintaining his stride nonetheless. He wore his full Spider regalia; dark gray and black heavy armor bearing the mons of the Spider clan, his mask bearing the leering visage of an oni. He walkd behind and slightly to the side of Shoju and remained silent during the march to the dais and subsequent speech, kneeling when ist was appropriate but watching the room for the various reactions to their presence. His arm rested nonthreateningly on his leg but his body was tense, his hands twitching slightly in anticipation of action. He was all too aware that they were outnumbered in an entirely unfavorable battleground, and that the odds of surviving were slim indeed if it came to a fight. Part of him began to wonder if a fight would be preferable, given his current situation, but he remained silent and did not act.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 27, 2011 9:48:27 GMT -5
Shoju turned and walked slightly towards the Crab who had spoken, and bowed. "Greetings Yasuki-san. I'm curious what attacks you speak of. Surely, you have proof that I have attacked you? Or that someone here in this room has attacked you? Point them out to me Yasuki-san, show me your proof, and they will be destroyed where they stand. I assure you, no Spider in good standing with his lord has made an attack on anyone here."
Shoju's lips curled into a frown, and he nodded. "You are right, that our presence here could be misconstrued by Kaneka and his followers, but if I had seen another way to ensure the safety of the Son of Heaven, I would have taken it. The odds are grave at best right now. Surely, you understand the risks. You stand here in direct defiance of the beliefs of your champion. Your Champion stands with Kaneka." Shoju turns and paces a bit.
"The Crab employ Legions of the Damned as they call them. Shadowlands "tainted" samurai. I have seen the Damned with my own eyes. Do you fear them? Do you fear they will fall into madness? Do you fear they will destroy your clan? Would you make the same requests of them? Would you force your own Clansmen to stay out of the city? If you answer yes, I will agree to your terms, and Kikatsu-san will act as our envoy. If you waver, I will continue to ask for my own presence to be made welcome."
Shoju slowly grinned. " Yasuki-san, you fear I will fall to madness. I fear Toshi Ranbo will fall to darkness. And if Toshi Ranbo falls to darkness, then the Empire is Lost, and a Usurper will claim the throne." Shoju looked away from the Yasuki, and spoke again. "Why does the capital lie in Toshi Ranbo? Why are we not in Otosan Uchi?" Shoju nodded. "That was indeed an action by my people though, I must admit, I was on the opposite side of the fighting at that time." Shoju's face lost all emotion. "Ask yourself this question. Would you rather have the forces responsible for that destruction standing with you, or against you as the tides of war begin to swirl?"
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