Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jul 12, 2011 9:31:49 GMT -5
The Tamori daimyo listened attentively to the details of the plan being devised. It had some merits. The thought of using bakemono sent a silent chill to his spine. But better the monsters than honorable samurai, Koichi thought to himself.
"I can bring the fire that you need. There will be no problem. I have just the thing we need for that." His thoughts running to the Dragon's Breathe that he had already transferred to his storehouse within Toshi Ranbo. "I will also deploy my best Dragon Flame Archers to locations that you might require them. I will begin the necessary preparations with the terrain as soon as we are finished with this meeting."
Koichi continued to study the map, his arms crossed with his right hand on his chin. "This will be a war of attrition. The enemy has superior mobility and superior numbers. We will have to surprise them and wear them down as quickly as possible without losing much men."
Koichi looked to the men gathered. "Only together can we win."
ooc: sick due to bad weather and work combo. will rp sparsely.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 12, 2011 10:15:46 GMT -5
Tenshi seemed to stand her ground quite firmly as Shoju's unrelenting shadow. And while showing no hint of amusement in the upcoming battle, in her mind she smirked.
I am grateful for your faith Shoju-sama.. I will be sure not to disappoint you..
She sensed the discussion drawing to a close as she prepared to clear aside for Shoju to depart from the maps.
- ooc: No worries, take your time as you need to.
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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 12, 2011 17:23:20 GMT -5
"It should take a little over a week to complete the fortifications. The Khol army could be here in that time along with some elements of the Lion Army but it would actually be more to our benifit if they did so."
He walks to the end of the table and turns to face everyone, "Very well, if there is nothing else then I will leave you to your assignments. We can meet again in a few days to discuss anything else. Shoju, you have been authorized to modify the design of the camp, the Taskmasters here will take care of the details.
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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 12, 2011 18:44:52 GMT -5
Hiruma Shagi finally spoke. "Yasuki-san, It would take a highly trained eye to detect this trap. But the Shogun's army may contain such eyes. They will have Hiruma, Shosuro, Shinjo and possibly even some Tsuruchi amongst their numbers. It will not be easy to prevent their scouts from coming too close, but to my mind, that is the most important element. Even a minority report that cast suspicions on your fortifications would be problematic."
His words complete, Shagi relaxed. He took a draught from his Sake flask. Better they think him in need of alcohol than realise what he really needed was tea. Strange. He had traversed the Shadowlands many times without feeling so powerful an effect. Could one of the Spider have had an effect on him? He glanced at each in turn, and then realised which one it was who disturbed him so...
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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 12, 2011 20:13:04 GMT -5
"I admit, I am a bit worried about that. I'm hoping that Shoju's forces will be suffiecently distracting them from looking too closely but...", he shrugs helplessly, " they have access to an unrivaled intellegence machine. It is likely that a good deal of our preperation will be discovered. I'm relying on the Spider here. It is unlikely the clans have a plant in their camp, and only the Hiruma have any real experience in shadowlands tactics. The Hiruma are split almost evenly at this point.
"And even knowing where a readied sword hides helps only so much when you must pass under it regardless."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 13, 2011 8:07:55 GMT -5
Shoju bowed low to the Crab at the mention of the reliance on the Spider. "I assure you Yasuki-san, we will prove our worth in the Marsh. As far as the trained eyes, I do believe that we Spider posses a few Tricks up our sleeves. I will be sending word to the City requesting a small contingent Goju. They will prove most useful." Shoju looked over at the Hiruma drawing on the sake. "Hiruma-san, you look slightly addled, what troubles you?"
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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 13, 2011 10:08:37 GMT -5
"What a very good question, Chuda-san." Shagi mused. "I'm afraid I do not know the precise answer. It is something I must meditate on, or seek answers elsewhere."
He rose. "With your permissions, I must excuse myself. Feel free to ask for me should my professional opinion be needed once more."
He bowed to the assembled company and departed the tent in the direction of his quarters. Thank the fortunes the Kuni had supplied him with an adequate supply of tea! He should be himself again in an hour or so, and then for a good while longer. Assuming, of course, that he did not again encounter the disturbing presence of Shoju's Yojimbo...
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Post by Shoju on Jul 13, 2011 10:19:47 GMT -5
Shoju bowed as the Hiruma left the Tent. and he produced a crystal from his Obi. He held it in his hand, and closed his eyes for a moment. His mind raced back to Shiro Saisei, and to his Engineer.
"I need you at Toshi Ranbo." The words were clear as day to the undead Crab Engineer.
He handed the plans to his second, a capable young Lost Samurai, and simply stated that Shoju-sama needed him. Within the hour, he was travelling to Saisei.
Shoju opened his eyes, and spoke My Engineer will be here in a few days. I had left him behind to oversee the final phases of Shiro Saisei's rebuilding, but I have summoned him here. Shoju sat under the tent, and posed a question for the Tamori. Tell me Tamori-san, How many Dragon stand with the Son of Heaven?"
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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 13, 2011 20:15:30 GMT -5
Koichi faced Shoju. "Enough to defend Him."
The Spider's question irritated him to a certain extent, but Koichi knew this irritation stemmed from the rest of the Dragon leaders siding with the Usurper.
"But if you are asking for exact numbers, that I cannot give you. My clan is divided. Into three!" Koichi made a gesture of massaging his temples. "My champion and the Kitsuki daimyo have decided to support Kaneka. Many of course have followed them, including the head sensei of the Mirumoto."
"Some of my brothers have chosen neutrality, supporting neither." Koichi chuckled. "In recognition of your honor, I will be honest. Some of them are after you and your Spider. They think you are behind this war."
Koichi took a second to breathe. "And of course, I have stayed. Despite severe opposition from others within my clan, I have chosen to support my Emperor, and have been one of the first to declare my loyalty to him here at court. This is where my honor believes I should be. There are others as well. A few generals and those of the Togashi Order."
"So a third, and a third and a third. That is the state of the Dragon for now."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 14, 2011 8:12:27 GMT -5
"Now that is an interesting development to be sure Tamori-san." Shoju rubbed his chin as he thought for a moment. "I am not surprised that your clan has divided into 3 parts on this matter. I knew that many would choose to remain neutral. that is of course, the nature of the Dragon. In my movements through the Empire, your champion seems to be very head strong. I think I see his reflection in Kaneka. But, to think that I, and my spider started this war? While I appreciate the compliments to our cunning that the accusation brings, I cannot respond with anything but startled amazement."
Shoju stood and looked out the tent at the lands around the city. "You understand my desire for the shallow trench being filled with water, and being cut off from the rest of the water supply I hope? I would go a step further the more I think about it, and harden the base of the trench to ensure no seeping contamination. As I have said before, The Spider have realized that the Mark of our Kami is a burden not all can handle, and a burden many will actively shy away from. I respect the wishes of the Empire to abstain from it, and this trench's solidity is paramount for it."
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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 14, 2011 12:43:17 GMT -5
Standing with arms folded, Thrakhath silently took in the conversation going on around him. His fists clenched imperceptibly behind his arms, and he wore an unfriendly scowl. He didn't blame himself for being anxious; he expected one of these great clan samurai to try something murderous at any moment, honor or no. I'm not going to be happy until it's time to kill something. he realized silently.
It wasn't until he noticed the Hiruma's discomfort that his expression changed, though now it was simply a curious scowl rather than an angry one. He'd never seen a Crab rattled before, and the mere suggestion of it was a novelty. He briefly considered following the man from the tent as he left, but decided against it. For now his place was with Shoju.
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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 15, 2011 18:44:31 GMT -5
Walking away from the Command tent, Yasuki Chad felt somewhat confident. Shoju's deferance was unexpected to be sure, and he did seem dedicated to the protection of the Hantai. He hadn't yet puzzled out Why the spider would throw their lot in with them but it seemed whatever they wanted required them being good little allies and for now at least, that was enough. He wondered idley when the Pheonix would arrive but was in a generally good mood as he made his way back to the Palace. When he arrived one of his retinue handed him two letters, the first bearing the personal mon of the crab champion and the second from his Hatamoto in Yasuki Yashiki.
Quickly he scanned the contents, his mood darkening as he went. In disgust he crumpled up the letter from his champion and threw it across the room. His attention returned to the Letter from his Hatamoto....
My Lord Our Champions recent cry of support for Toturi is echoed my many in our clan. Despite our continued support for our brothers on the wall, passions are running high and the Yasuki's open endorsement of the son of Heavon has sparked tempers on both sides.
It is my shame to inform you of skimishes between crab troops in the Yasuki Provences. Rumers suggest the first army will leave the wall to occupy the black crane palace.
My lord, what would you have us do?
Yasuki Mushin
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Post by Shoju on Jul 17, 2011 11:33:52 GMT -5
After the Yasuki had left the command tent, Shoju started going over the plans one last time, when an imperial messenger arrived. He bowed low, and began
"I bring news of your allies. We have received word that the Phoenix do indeed plan to support the Son of Heaven, as do the Crane." He shook his head a bit, and then began again. "It appears that the Mantis have thrown their lot in with the Shogun, and the Scorpion have yet to formalize an opinion." The messenger bowed low, and left in a hurry.
Shoju stroked his chin for a moment. This is an interesting development indeed. I had feared that we would have to fight this war on two fronts. The Mantis' mastery of the water will prove to be a troubling development for us to be sure. Shoju looked back over the maps. Something was going to need to be done to ensure that the Mantis could not pinch the Imperial City between itself on the East, and the Shogun on the West.
Tamori-san, I believe we might need to dam the river. I think we have much work to accomplish. Someone find the Yasuki and get him back here. We need to get moving on this.
Shoju walked out of the command tent, and summoned Tenshi with him. "Tenshi-san. I fear we must find a way to slow the Mantis, and I think I know what we need. When we conclude here, you and I must return to camp, and prepare for an....... expedition."
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 17, 2011 13:49:59 GMT -5
"Of course lord Shoju-sama. You need only ask.."
A slightly cryptic smile crossing across her face. It seemed Tenshi was just as avid of a proactive samurai just like her sister.
Although Tenshi did wonder what exactly such an outing might be needed for. All things considered, Tenshi hadn't actually had much experience on hand with the Mantis, but regardless the Unicorn and the Mantis were fairly close nit in clan opinions due to their common interest in gaijin interaction. So long as her unliving nature was never discovered, Tenshi seemed to relish the opportunity to serve the true Emperor and Shoju.
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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 20, 2011 22:47:50 GMT -5
After sending a reply to his Hatamoto, Chad did little but stare out the window for hours. The view was spectacular, even with the construction marring the west. Many would say the Crab saw little beauty in the world. They didn't understand they fought so hard and sacrificed all they were BECAUSE they were keenly aware of what they protected with their blood and soul. He'd nearly bankrupted himself buying the material and manpower to throw up those defenses. Was it worth it? He doubted he would know in this life. The Spider troubled him greatly. Even if they were true to their word here, they'd did not belong here. One hundred generations of Crab died to keep that filth south of the empire. Peace with them was impossible.
Presently he became aware of a light knocking on the door. One of his junier staff entered, bearing a letter.
"Your presence is requested at the Command tent my Lord. By the Tsukai," his face twists into a grimace. This cooperation grated on his Personal Guard as well.
After another few moments of reflection, Yasuki Chad walked out the door.
(OOC: work is getting heavy. Replies will be sporatic but regular.)
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