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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Feb 6, 2014 23:47:49 GMT
The court room was bustling with many people of a different kind than were usually here. While the highest members of each clan were still present, their staff and invitees were all more likely to be bushi than courtiers. All over one could see suits of ceremonial armor rather than the long flowing robes and fluttering fans usually here. Most of the grandiose decorations usually used for court had been removed and several stands of ancient swords had been set up as well as a stand a the head of the room displaying the banners of the Empress and the Shogun among others readily recognizable standards.
In the center of the room was a large modeled map of all of Rokugan with little wooden boxes placed all over it to signify, depending on color, castles or armies, or even auspicious people such as a jade figurine representing the Empress in Kyuden Meiyo. Servants were positioned around the map with tools to easily move the troops around if need be.
The imperial herald quieted the room by loudly announcing the presence of the Empress and the Shogun, respectively. Toturi was not dressed in her court silks but rather in her black and gold armor tied with the Obi of the Sun Goddess. As usual she carried Gamanto with her. A servant carried her helmet and a procession of others carried various war related regalia. Several in the room, but not so many as if the courtiers had been there, were shocked to see Toturi in her full battle dress. to an extent it was inappropriate to even think of the Imperial Personage dressing for battle. the idea of her putting herself at risk like that was the sort of thing that would leave many aghast, and perhaps even appalled at her lack of concern for her own safety.
For his part Hida Kuon, the newly appointed shogun and recently retired Clan Champion, wore Imperial Green and the traditional armor befitting his station. He approached the center of the room, and with a nod from Toturi he cleared his throat.
"We will now begin this war council. I see many delegations from around the empire and it is good to see that they are willing to assist in the duty of defending the empire. to begin with, we have received a threat from the banished ronin, Shahai that she intends to lead an army with the stated intent of ending the life of our Empress. We will not allow this threat to achieve its goal."
"Looking at the map, we have a slight difficulty with the current disposition of our armies..." and he continued speaking as an experienced general used to the technicalities of war. Based on his report, it seemed that it was possible to march an army down to the Shadowlands but not properly so until the Spring. In particular there were very few ways for the Northern half of Rokugan to get down to Crab Lands without significant difficulty, as the passes would be closed this time of year.
He continued on that the initial plan was to reinforce the Kaiu Wall until the Spring with Scorpion reinforcements to the Crab ones already there, but he noted that there were many possibilities as of yet unexplored and then opened the floor for orderly discussion and proposal of strategies.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Feb 7, 2014 0:22:41 GMT
Odai and his personal guard arrived just before Kuon and his entourage did, his role as administrator for much of the Crab supply line affording him a place of prestige near the table and his former Champion. For those who he had perhaps become associated with in the previous days, the stark difference between the Yasuki governor in a court setting and in a war council was almost baffling.
Gone were the fine, flowing silks and trail of fawning courtiers, replaced instead by Yasuki house guard with stern expressions and his personal battle regalia, matte black with dark blue and silver highlights, worn from apparent use but still kept in fine condition, his Kaiu-crafted daisho comfortable at his side, and while perhaps far more solemn than normal, none would deny that Odai seemed more comfortable here than among the battleground of court.
Though he had been summoned to this most prestigious council, Odai was careful to keep his words few and far between. While the practice of keeping an army armed, fed, and happy was one he was well familiar with, strategy and tactics had never been his forte, even before he had chosen the political path, and was more than happy to leave such planning to the likes of Kuon and Satomi. Giving the room a furtive scan, he began to note those in attendance, one by one, and he wondered how the Realm would react to their new Crab Shogun...
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 7, 2014 15:31:03 GMT
My Lords... Satomi approached to the map, next to the Shogun, gripping in her hand a pointer stick. The Kaiu general was wearing her ceremonial The Victor Armor, created by Kaiu Armorers. Hers was mostly red with dark blue details, and her Kaiu daisho was another singular piece of art and craft of her family.. She had been focused in how to say things that would sound normal to the ears of the Shogun, but maybe could offend the ears of the Empress.
May we ignore that their desire is attract us to the sort of war they wish to fight? Will we give this "Queen of the Damned" exactly what she wishes? A hasty response, made mostly with our outraged hearts than with our calm minds?
Her tone was tipically Kaiu, almost enticing in its calmness.
This... woman... and her followers... They were mostly trained as we were. They drank into Akodo-kami's Leadership's wisdom, as we do. They also think that showing us their hand right make us prone to be struck with the left hand*. They also believe that bringing the enemy to an open field where the advantage is yours, the victory will be certainly yours**.
My vision of the actual situation can be blurred for my ignorance of what goes in the heart and mind of a mad woman... But I can try to foresee what the politics of that damned place can be, and how their warfare can be affected by their politics.
In the last years, we saw a different Shadowlands arise. A twisted version of the former lives those wrecked minds once had. Organized… Politicized. This is our new foe. A sort of… State, with a mockery of a capital, with a mockery of a civilization. With a mockery of a Wall!
After the defeat of their Leader, it's possible that their unity is most likely, shattered. Right now, she shall be trying to regain "the power" her "lover" was able to reunite. What else can be more effective to gather factions together than a mighty and massive attack of the Empire, a true menace that can only be faced under the leadership of an extraordinaire personage? What else can be a display of how she is feared and powerful, than our hasty reaction to her "empty threat"? Will we give her this power? Will we help her to become a mockery of our beloved Empress?
Satomi emphasized the last words in a tone that meant that she wasn't dismissing the possibility of a real threat, but was not inclined to concede to panic or outrage, the worst possible feelings influencing a decision.
Satomi observed every person in the court, and then, turned to face her Shogun:
It's our time to make her impatient… weary… Undermining her resources before striking definitely. She's showing she doesn't possess the necessary strength to a direct attack. Not right now. Also, luring us to the worst terrain possible - her terrain - show us she knows our tactics…
After a moment of silence, she spoke again:
She's a tricky sorceress, will not be entrenched in the infamous City of the Lost... We need to focus in other possible bases of operation. Where her more powerful allies reside. I'll be returning in this topic in a few moments…
In fact, Satomi possessed means to even name some of potential bases of operation, but that's not something she'd tell right now. Satomi had hopes that the experienced Shogun was not really willing to push a massive army of thousand of rokugani warriors from various clans far beyond the Kaiu Kabe in the spring, but maybe a Lion-minded Empress would think it was a good idea. She was offended with the loss of Otosan Uchi, with Sahai laughing at her in her Court… Doing what Sahai expected her to do.
Right now, I'd be interested in strengthen our empire. Getting precise reports of the current situation of their affairs after the defeat of Daigotsu is the obvious step to plan an effective attack to their weak points. But… Cleansing Rokugan of potential infiltrators… It has been proven this expunge must been made with the utmost urgency... While our Empire rebuilds the basis of our might under the Wisdom of the Glorious Empress.
But while it seems not like a topic of war, it is the basis of our safety. And the Intelligence is part of the warfare. We need to know more about our enemy, but how much our enemy knows about us? It's not their brute viciousness what can undermine our strength, but their viciousness in corruption. The enemy we can see is not the worse. Information and infiltration are Sahai's most powerful resources right now.
Now, dear leaders of Clans, how do we shall deal with the leaking of information… With the infiltration of Sahai's followers within the heart of the Empire?
She did the slap... where's the blade buried in?
Her tone was still calm, but her question lingered in the air.
Leadership's Paraphrases and Quotes:
*To charge your army into battle without foreknowledge of your opponent’s capabilities and weaknesses brings you no glory and brands you a coward. Your concern. is to the safety of the Emperor and that of your Clan. Blind death is swift death.
Instead, when facing the enemy, let him see what you want him to see. Show him your right hand, strike with your left. Hide all he does not need to see, for the sting of your slap will ease the pain of a sudden blade in his side.
**When your enemy is entrenched and secure, lure him from his nest. Attack that which is dear to him to draw him from his ground. Take him from his sanctuary and take him on your time.
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Feb 10, 2014 16:23:47 GMT
Hatosenshi looked around at all the samurai assembled and shook his head.
"I find it disturbing, that the guise Shahai would use is that of a Yogo wardmaster, perhaps the only shugenja family who could pierce the wards put in place by the Seppun Hidden Guard. According to the histories, Shahai has no talent in the area of wards. She would have needed help from an experienced shugenja, one very familiar with wards."
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on Feb 10, 2014 22:41:37 GMT
Kousei stood close by Hatosenshi, dressed in ceremonial armour which had been sent to him by the head of the Crane delegation when Kurohito had asked him to attend the council as one of the more battle hardened Daidoji present. There had almost been an argument as he had wanted to wear his own armour, but eventually he submitted and donned the more spectacular outfit.
"I am no tactician," he began, clearing his throat, "but it would seem to me that no matter what we decide to do we should show this ronin what she expects to see. Even if we intend on investigating matters closer to home we should mobilise troops and at least give the appearance of assembling an army. If you are right, Satomi-sama, and this is what she wants us to do, then watching us apparently dancing to her tune should give her confidence. That in turn may make her more likely to overlook our true intention or make a mistake."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 11, 2014 0:51:36 GMT
Satomi listened to the Crane, and looked to Kuon waiting him to talk something (she didn't want to interrupt his reply, if any). What was said by her and by the Cranes, needed replies, if not from the Shogun, from the Scorpion and from every other clan present in the meeting.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Mar 3, 2014 11:13:55 GMT
POSTED AS DOJI KUROHITO, LORD OF THE CRANE
The Council was proceeding as desired and Doji Hatosenshi proved to be the perfect official to express the voice of the Crane. However, given the circumstances, it had been noted that the Empress was eager to go to war and quite impatient as well. Kurohito pondered at the prospect of proposing that the Empress be married. All the least she would need the solace of a husband's comforting arms. Since he wished to conform with the Empress' whims he decided to step in and present his fine opinion regarding the stance of the Crane. He was dressed in the fine Sasageru, the elegant armor of the Crane. A masterwork piece of a fine teal color knit with a fine featherwork."Lords of Rokugan" he begun. He looked around at the eyes of the war leaders present. He couldn't help but resort to flattery when certain things needed to be met."As her majesty herself dictated, we're in a dire situation and more than our attention is needed in order to prove loyal and stalwart at our Empire's needs."As the Shogun was elaborating the various strategies needed to be employed he chipped in:"Thus, it will better be for the Clans in both south and central Rokugan, to begin their imminent enlistments. However, I urge you not to hurry and wait until spring comes. The winter will be a treacherous ally, especially if our planned operations need our armies to descend such as south."And that was the time that Hatosenshi had struck, a fine comment that gave Kurohito a slight leverage:"Regarding the matters of safety, we'd all agree that it was a matter of pure unluck. Neh?" he looked at the Scorpion delegates as his sight hovered over to the entirety of the room's participants."What's more important is that the Empress rightfully displayed in front of every soul of the Empire that she wasn't a force to be reckoned with. Can we not but support such an illustrious display of magnificence?"He took a deep breath and then concluded."Thus I plead you, lords of Rokugan. We need to be careful and prepared, for if we need to grace our hands with the strength of the noble Toturi Tsudao-tono, our souls and resolve have to be steeled by honor and true resolve." he ended with an ascertaining smile.
At that point he ended his speech he was thankful that both Hatosenshi and Kousei acted as they did. The one gave their Clan a leverage to display their strong support to the Empress and the other one to maintain their cooperative demeanor."Excellent." thought the Lord of the Crane"Excellent in every single thing." and once again he smiled.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Mar 3, 2014 16:23:37 GMT
POSTED AS SHINJO HARUKO, SISTER TO THE SHINJO DAIMYOMoments later after lord Kurohito had spoken, Shinjo Haruko humbly raised her sweet mellow voice as of to speak. She was one of the constant people present there in the Empress' war councils. She was the shireikan of the Imperial armies and many would have already noticed her competence in combat. She seemed as a delicate gardenia flower, sweet and gentle, courteous and lovely. What's more, she was the sister of the Shinjo daimyo. She tried to stay out of politics but her clarity of mind and her courteous speech would often prove quite competent as well. Thus she decided to speak freely and she offered her piece of advice:"Lord Shogun Hida Kuon-sama, I assure you that the Shinjo honor guard would be on time to stand at the side on the armies on the Wall. At the moment the daimyo of the Shinjo, Shinjo Shono-sama, is already located in the lands of the Bayushi, so the Shinjo battalions would swiftly come to your aid." She didn't wish to say anything more other than pledge her family's loyalty. It was tough to be ousted from the seat of power already and twice as hard to bear the stain of the Kolat. Haruko would work tough as to save the face of her family and thus was she resolved to do so.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Mar 3, 2014 18:03:46 GMT
POSTED AS BAYUSHI PANEKI, COMMANDER OF THE FIRST LEGIONAs people talked here and there, proposing and discussing tactics, Bayushi Paneki was all ears. He figured the Shogun's resolve to deliver results, Tsudao's passion to be accepted, Kurohito's arrogance due to anixety...
And then spoke the Crab commander. The tall Kaiu woman that spoke about her experience with the Shadowlands, granting her insight into a more hurried council and the Daidoji after her, the one that Kurohito had asked that he attended, who proposed a yet intriguing choice. The one concerning diversion while mustering the armies. And then came the barb about the Yogo family's involvement into Shahai's appearance.
Paneki diverted his glare over to Hatosenshi. He didn't smile, he didn't flinch. He merely kept looking at the Doji's provocation.
Even when he kept talking Paneki was eyeing him very intently. And then Kurohito came in to "bridge" the gaps that his clansman had intentionally formed, as of to let the Crane outshine the rest of them as "exemplars" of samurai ethics.
And when this calmed down, Paneki kept looking at the so called "sensei" Making a mental note...
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