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 15:13:16 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad advances until he stands directly before Shoju. For a moment he merely studies his opposite. Shoju's force of personality was staggering, he had to admit. Just to pull this audience off showed a level of coordination and intelligence from this servent of Daigotsu that made him wary.
"You have seen the Damned you say? Some fear them doubtless. To see men you have fought with slowly go mad as the whispers of a fallen god get louder. They are dead men, moving only to strike a final blow before dying. Their gunso and taisa are Kuni Witch Hunters, ever monitering the progression of madness. They are killed when the officers determine they have become liabilities. They are not allowed into the empire and instead live where they are posted nor are they permitted to marry, and serve in the most suicidal actions along the wall BECAUSE THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED WITH THEMSELVES!", these last words were nearly shouted as the Yasuki turned to address the assemblage.
"You ask what attacks you have made upon us? Your lord has never abandoned his claim to the throne upon which our Emperor sits. Otosan Uchi is proof enouch of his determination on that count. You use taint as a weapon, staining the soul of the lands you fight upon."
"The Crab have not yet commited to either side. Lord Setsuro has not yet ordered us to mobilize. And regardless of who my clan ultimately supports, we have our ancestral duty to perform. One I am shamed to see we have failed in."
Turning back to Shoju he lowers his voice to a normal tone again, "If you truly mean what you say, prove it. Fight honorably, without taint. Daigotsu must renouce his claim to the throne. Cast off your blood magic. If it is acceptance you desire then you cannot stand completely apart from us. I would not see the war for the empire won at the cost of it's soul."
"As for my clans position on the matter, it wasn't so very long ago a Crab Champion swore to never again make a pact with the minions of Fu Leng," he turns back to Shoju, giving a bow, then a lower bow to the Emperor before walking back to his place.
(OOC: I don't know how obvious your new crab body is, else I would have called attention to it. And I like what you are trying to do, don't get me wrong. But I beleive that is how even a rogue crab would regard this situation.)
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Post by Shoju on Jun 27, 2011 15:34:00 GMT -5
[ooc] - I would 'look' like a former crab would, probably not "easy" to say "ZOMG! He is a Crab!" especially since I'm unaware if Senshi has spread the details of my demise to the Empire. And no, I abso-freaking-lutely love what you have said !Shoju smiles. "Then perhaps we can compromise. I will agree to meet you halfway Yasuki-san. if you will listen. From the moment I leave Toshi Ranbo, until such a time as Hantei-dono sees fit, I will refrain from entering the City I vow to protect. As does Any Spider who is not tainted." Shoju turns back to his group and points at the Monk. I tell you what Yasuki-san, I will go even further. From the time that my part leaves Toshi Ranbo, Kikatsu-san will be the only one to return within its walls. He is not tainted. You may have your best witchhunters, inquisitors, and Kuroiban check to be sure." Shoju turns back to face the Crab. "You have educated me today on something that i didn't have as firm of a grasp on the truth as I had thought. Let me do the same. I am not some blathering ego driven Tsukai like you have encountered before. I am far more than that. give me some latitude to perform my duty. I ask for not a single provision from you. I will not 'desecrate' the ground of Toshi Ranbo. But, I will perform Maho, because unlike the madmen you have seen wield it in a vain attempt at power, I seek no such thing. This will need to be a compromise, just like the compromise you seek with your own clansmen." Shoju raises an eyebrow. "Truly such an honorable Crab can see the need for latitude." "You speak of my lord's desire to sit upon the throne of Rokugan. If that truly were still the case, do you think i would be here pledging allegiance to the Hantei? Or do you think that my legion and I would have taken advantage of the situation and destroyed this city the way we destroyed Otosan Uchi? Do you think that it would be I, a simple Spider here heaving platitudes upon the Hantei? Or do you think that my lord, in all of his terror and fury would be here, with the most advantageous advance, sewing despair?" Shoju paused for a moment. "Think Yasuki-san, if you think clearly, my actions show no advancement, or desire by myself or my lord to do anything but save the Empire. Our actions have proven this time and time again lately. It is times like this, where you need to look at the present, and not the past. Just as the Crab vowed never to ally with the Shadowlands and its mad men again, and has honored that oath, We spider have honored our vow of peace since the armistice left our lands." "You want assurances, this is the best I can offer. Remember, I ask for nothing up front, except a meeting with Hantei-dono. One that, if he so acknowledges, you can be in attendance for. My only other request is reserved for afterwards.
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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 15:49:14 GMT -5
After the Crab's Retinue confirmed Kikatsu's lack of taint, Chad nods.
"If this is the Hantai's will, I will abide by it."
With nothing else to say besides making sure that some of those who watched Kikatsu were crab from his House Guard, the Yasuki Daimyo rejoines the rest of the court.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 30, 2011 8:42:31 GMT -5
[ooc]Since we don't have an Emperor to Rp that part, and there hasn't been as much deliberation as I hoped, I'm going to prod this along just a little
The Court was now in complete silence. Everyone watching the Hantei, or the Spider, the bold enemy whom now strode amongst them hoping for peace. Shoju looked around, and observed the stunned silence with a slight hint of satisfaction. He made note of the Hidden Guards heightened presence growing in the room. Some of their confusion played heavily on their face.
Shoju turned back to the throne of the Son of Heaven and bowed as low as his body would allow him without looking unnatural. "I take my leave now most esteemed Son of Heaven." Shoju stood again. I will hold to my deal with the Yasuki. My Sohei Kikatsu-san will be the only Spider to enter the walls of Toshi Ranbo until such time as you stipulate otherwise."
Shoju turned back to the court. "I know that this is a weighted decision, and one that the supporters of Hantei must consider carefully. Until such a time that we have the approval of the Son of Heaven, my legion will stay where it is, and we will employ teams of scouts to patrol the borders of Toshi Ranbo and the surrounding area to ensure that we are ready of Kaneka's armies advance on the City."
Shoju stood tall and walked forward into the middle of the Court. "If they arrive before we hear from you, We will defend the city as best we can from our current position."
Shoju turned and bowed low to the Emperor again. "I do hope that you will take the Spider's offer Hantei-dono." Shoju turned, looked at his party, and said "let us depart."
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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 Jun 30, 2011 23:49:24 GMT -5
In the back of the room Bayushi Hisa watched the amusing exchange between Shoju and the Crab delegate. He was dressed in his usual attire, white kimono overlaid by a white kataginu trimmed in red. The Bayushi family mon in red upon his left breast, and the Scorpion mon in red and gold on his back. From a red obi hung a mempo; his face was maskless.
As Shoju passed Hisa whispered, "Well done, Shoju-san. Quite courageous of you to come here, considering how the Empire regards your Lord and Clan." It seemed to Shoju that Hisa's eyes wandered momentarily to Chad at that last bit. "I, for one, am thankful for all the support the Hantei can get, regardless of where it comes from. I still must present myself to the Hantei, but I would speak with you on some matters that interest me about your clan. I believe we have much in common, you and I. But if you will excuse me a few moments." Hisa bowed to Shoju and presented himself to, and pledged his support for, Hantei-dono.
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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 1, 2011 11:08:05 GMT -5
The young Dragon watched the court exchange quietly. He had listened carefully on every word the Spider said from the beginning. He shared the same concerns as that of the Yasuki daimyo, but since they had been addressed already, they could be set aside. For now. He then whispered to one of his delegation, "Arrange for a meeting with the Seppun. I wish to recommend that the protection of the Emperor be doubled. Tripled if needed." He paused. "And find me one of the Kitsuki who are with us. Ask him to investigate as to who granted the Spider entrance to the Imperial Court." The young man stood as the Spider were departing. He bowed to Shoju and smiled widely. "May I walk with you Chuda-san?" He did not wait for the look of perplexity to vanish from the Chuda's face and decided to continue talking while walking. "You must forgive my barging into you so suddenly. My name is Koichi, daimyo of the Dragon's Tamori family and head of our family's yamabushi." "I will be brief and frank with you. I do not trust you completely. Your Kami, your master, your people, all of your efforts from time immemorial have tried to destroy the Empire." Koichi stopped walking. "Until now that is." He looked at Shoju with a genuine smile, a grin. "Now you have a chance to prove that all of that is behind you. Trust and respect are things that have to be earned. My respect at least you now have. It takes courage to enter the Imperial Court with your standing." "I admit we are in desperate times, and thus I welcome all the help our side can get in protecting the Emperor. We could use the magical support. If correspondence can be trusted, we also have the Asahina daimyo and the Phoenix's support. Along with yours and my family, that makes four. Enough to match, if not overpower, the combined magic of the Crab, Lion, Scorpion and Unicorn. The Mantis are still a wildcard though, one that could tip the scales to anyone's favor." Koichi stopped walking to look at Shoju. "That is all I have to say at the moment. My only concern was increasing the magical defenses of the city, so I took the chance to talk to a fellow shugenja. If you wish to discuss other battle plans, please take the liberty to inform me. I will gladly give whatever insight I might have." The smile never left Koichi's face. "Is there something you might want to ask me before I take my leave?" (ooc: sorry for late post, busy with RL)
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 1, 2011 11:16:32 GMT -5
Tenshi had kept silent through all of the proceedings, and with due cause. Her duty was not to speak but to protect, but the reception Shoju received bewildered her.
Never had such acceptance of the tainted ever been shown, and as daimyos and former mortal enemies seemed to concede in the presence of the ruling Emperor, her thoughts swirled as she remained stoic and hardened to the words floating past her ears.
Her gaze followed the Tamori cautiously though as it seemed his casual interest unsettled her. She found herself in silent conflict, but said nothing, and showed nothing.
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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 1, 2011 11:40:37 GMT -5
Koichi felt the gaze of the undead on him and turned to face Tenshi. He smiled at her and then gave her a polite nod to acknowledge her presence, before returning to face Shoju and wait for his reply. (It's not that we accept the Tainted. That's why I asked for a meeting with the Seppun so we can strengthen the wards against your kind. But for now, your retinue has secured the help of the Seppun to talk with the Emperor. You are guests and have declared yourself to be servants of the Emperor. We have to be civil. We can't just openly slaughter you. )
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Post by Shoju on Jul 1, 2011 13:04:11 GMT -5
Shoju nodded at the Scorpion as he left. He made a mental note of him. He could prove to be very useful in the future. "You words honor me Bayushi-san." He continued moving as to not draw attention to the exchange, but stopped walking for the exit and turned to look at the Tamori as he spoke. "I appreciate the position you find yourself in. When you speak with the Seppun, don't be too rash on them, Even the best wards can be fooled." Shoju smiled. "Forgive me for eavesdropping on your private moment, but you must understand the need to be on your guard at all times in hostile surroundings." Shoju grinned, and turned back to look at the court.
"I'm afraid that I have dallied far too long in the company of the court, and by staying much longer, I will only serve to further irritate the wounds of some. My Lord, and my Kami have at times throughout history attempted to overthrow the Empire. And at the time, they thought it was because they could do things better. I assure you, the desire has been the preservation of Rokugan, even when it is hard to see the perspective."
Shoju started walking. "I fear I must take leave. Feel free to join me outside the city where my presence wont be a distraction, and we can discuss strengthening the defenses of the City. " Shoju held out his hand towards Tenshi, as if requesting her by his side. "Until we speak again Tamori-san." Shoju bowed, and then exited the court with Tenshi by his side.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 1, 2011 14:14:46 GMT -5
Tenshi dutifully took her place by his side, standing along with him made them quite a strange pair. "You spoke well, lord Shoju-sama. I would hope that such strong words do pierce their hearts."
Her eyes occasionally drifted, ever vigilant as she kept him company. "I doubt there was anything more that could have been done with words alone."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 1, 2011 14:37:13 GMT -5
"Thank you Tenshi-san." Shoju nodded his head towards her as they walked. "I hope that we do not end up needing to use more than words here in Toshi Ranbo. With a seat among the Great Clans, We will have secured our place in the Empire, and can begin to bring a true order to the Shadowlands." Shoju turned and eyed the rest of the party, "Once we arrive back at camp I will have orders for you Kikatsu and Takahide. Thrakhath-sama, I would hope that you would have time for a short meeting with me?"
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 1, 2011 14:51:01 GMT -5
She would have stopped to bow deeply to him to be sincere, but she did not wish to break their gate.
"Of course lord Shoju-sama. I would stop the world if you required it, of course I shall meet with you." The sincerity of the Utaku still poured from her lips.
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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 1, 2011 23:38:08 GMT -5
Back at court the Yasuki Daimyo's mind spun. Only he and the Daimyo of the Tamori had spoken directly to Shoju. He'd expected a Kakita at least to attempt to cut him down. Thinking about it, he wasn't sure if that was a result he'd have prefered. The Assemblage had just passed up a golden oppurtunity to take down some of the most dangerous criminals in the empire on the chance that these Tsukai spoke the truth?
He swore almost inaudiably to himself. He knew he could not chance the city's protection to the Spider. He was Crab, his duty was to put himself between the Darkness and the Light.
Approaching the Emperor's seat once more he bowed low;
"My lord. My house troops will arrive shortly. I demand the right to guard the Western gate with, and from, the Spider. No other clan in the Empire is as adept at defensive warfare as the Crab, and Should the Spider plan to betray us during the fight, no other clan has more experience at killing the minions of the Shadowlands as we do."
With his face bowed before the Emperor, Chad could not see which courtiers snickered at his announcement. But they could not see the steel in his eyes, either. The Yasuki had a poor reputation as warriors, tis true. But the House guard of the Yasuki are not merchants, but warriors trained by the Hida and Hiruma. It was they that fought the lions share of the Crab-Crane and Crab-Scorpion disputes, and they would be more then a match for almost any other force from a definsive position.
Except perhaps the Hida.
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Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Jul 2, 2011 15:35:40 GMT -5
One of the Crane courtiers stood silently amidst a small group of Kakita delegates, watching the entire scene, and Yasuki Daimyo's speech. Soon after, he excused himself out from the room, gathered a small retinue of Crane light cavalry and led them out of the city. Stopping on a small hill overseeing the Shadowland camp, he examined the tents and movement in the camp for a few minutes. Then, the he went to gallop and led the horsemen south.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 2, 2011 16:30:37 GMT -5
After the Spider Party returned to camp, Shoju looked over a map in his tent. "Takahide-san, I wish for you to take a group of Daigotsu Bushi and make a good clean sweep of the western gate. Steer clear, and keep your weapons sheathed against any who do not openly support the False Emperor. If they support the Hantei, you use this." Shoju hands Takahide a crystal. "This Crystal will alert me to the problem. You retreat until I reach you. There will be no blood shed of the supporters of Hantei."
Shoju turned to Kikatsu. "You have earned quite the promotion due to our aversion to the Master's Gifts Kikatsu-san. Let us hope that you are up for it. Get with the Quartermaster here in Camp, and have him get you settled in next to me here in the middle of the Camp. Then, I would like you to get reports from all of our scouts. We need to know what is going on in the area. "
Shoju began to tidy up his tent for a meeting between Thrakhath, Tenshi, and himself. As he was preparing the area for them, a scout made his presence known outside the tent. "I have an urgent message about troop movements."
Shoju stood and called to the dreadguard outside his tent. "Let him in". Shoju walked towards him, and examined him. The scout was alive, and his taint was mild. "What do you have to report scout?"
"A small band of Crane Cavalry are headed close. I didn't stay to wait and see if they were headed here or to Crane Lands, but it is the first movement towards our location." The young Scout blurted it out.
"It appears our meeting will have to wait." Shoju sighed. "Let us take a position near them, and gauge their intentions." Shoju moved towards the entrance.
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