Tawakoshi
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Registered: Aug 24, 2017 6:18:09 GMT -8
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Post by Tawakoshi on Jul 18, 2018 13:28:02 GMT -8
Near the southern edge of the province of Jeoncho stands this small fortress. It was built to guard against bandits coming up into the more populated from the forests that cover the hills to the south. As Kiyonai expands its influence, this fort has found itself nearer and nearer to the border between the two provinces. |
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8 
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Jul 18, 2018 13:54:12 GMT -8
Kumagai sat on horseback and watched the fortress burn. With men like @kaenkogeshinu under his command, putting it to the torch had been easy. Flames blackened the stone foundations and licked like devil's tongues over the wood. If this did not attract the notice of the tyrant's forces, then the Shogun was even lazier and more cowardly than Kumagai had thought. Yesterday, they had let the men from the wooden guard tower run, after attacking from the southern hills, up from the direction of Tamatoshi Bay. This time, the Shogun's men were cut down if they tried to flee, engaged in energetic combat if they did not, all under Kumagai's watchful eye. So far there was no need for him to enter the fray personally.
Their mission was simple. Show the Shogun that the Hizashi clan is still willing and able to fight, and keep harrying his dominions until he took notice and sent down his army. The force Kumagai had with him now was small, the majority of his warriors waited in the forest below. The balance was a tricky one, to be enough of a threat for the Shogun's army to be sent, and yet to be weak enough that they looked to be easily crushed by superior forces. An experienced warrior with many battles under his belt in Katashima, Kumagai was pleased to be able to use his expertise here. Five years of relative peace under Genji's rule in Kiyonai had chafed him, loyal as he was, and manning the Kasen no Tochi fortress had not exactly stretched him. Once the fortress had been razed to the ground, they would make camp here and await the Shogun's men. He stroked his beard, surveying the handiwork of warriors. Yes, let them come. We are ready.
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Jul 19, 2018 5:18:43 GMT -8
'The Hizashi clan? Yeah right, as if they would bother burning down some small guard post in the southern region of Jeoncho - or dare do such a thing.' general Noritoshi thought leading his army of samurai south. After all their intelligence told them that the Hizashi leaders Genji and Kojuro were both on death's door with only the pacifistic Ryuzo Hizashi to take the reins. Well even though the shogun had been absolutely furious about it, and ordered a large force of his good men to deal with the supposed Hizashi attack, the general didn't believe it himself. As a general - and especially as a general of the shogunate - it was his duty to remain focused and rational in these situations. He knew that bandits often roamed these parts and speculated that it might have been a large group who were trying to prove a point. Well, if that was the case the bandits were in for a very bad time. The shogun had bought the story the fleeing soldiers had told him - and then executed them for being cowards - but more importantly it meant that this was no mere peasant army Noritoshi carried with him. It would have taken too long to mobilize them anyway, and instead the clans related to Jeoncho were rallied and asked to contribute with a considerable amount of soldiers immediately. And of course they did, as no one wants to be on the bad side of the shogun. As they neared the attacked fortress the general didn't really expect there to be anyone left, but to his huge surprise Hizashi banners waved in the air as they had camped at the fortress. But even though anger grew in general Noritoshi's heart, he hadn't been promoted to general without a certain level of reason too. What if this was some setup by a party that hoped for war between Hizashi and the shogunate? What if they were bandits clad in Hizashi armor? In any case he wanted to know the intention of these people, and besides the army camped there looked relatively small compared to his own. General Noritoshi signaled his forces to split into three. One third to follow him and the last two thirds to split up and slightly flank the culprits. "Who are you and what on earth are you doing decimating this fortress? Are you trying to ruin our peace!?! I must speak to your leader at once!" Noritoshi said as he approached the camped forces with the shogun's banner waving from his spear. Even if it were genuine Hizashi troops, perhaps reason would dissuade them of this foolish plan. |
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Jul 21, 2018 8:19:22 GMT -8
The camp was established around the ruins of the fortress, and upon the beams that had been blackened, yet not fallen entirely, Hizashi flags with cherry blossom crest gold on maroon flapped along with Kumagai's white banners with two horizontal black lines. At the top, too, was a lookout, who climbed down with a shout, just as the San'in village scout came rushing back to the camp. “The shogun's army are coming!” the lookout announced. “From the banners it looks like General Noritoshi. They outnumber us at least five to one.” Kumagai sat on his stool with his fists resting on his knees, listening to the reports with a slight frown. “Not only that,” reported the scout, Sen , who was dressed as a simple peasant farmer, the lower half of her face covered with a scarf. “I just saw a large band of them coming from our right.” Kumagai stroked his beard, looking thoughtful, although his eyes burned with satisfaction, knowing that they had succeeding in attracting a lot of the shogun's forces. More perhaps than they anticipated, but still, it had worked. They may have a hard time facing them in open warfare, but if they could lure them into the woods, it would even the odds, especially since they counted many of the Kuzuyama clan and their inukuma among their numbers. Maybe keep Noritoshi and his men busy for quite a while. “They mean to flank us. We cannot allow them to cut us off from our forces in the woods." He ordered a faction led by Kaen Kogoeshinu hold off the left flank, and Iguchi Makoto to hold off the right. Once the time is right, pull back to the forest, let them follow you. I will meet Noritoshi face to face.” When Noritoshi rode out, he met a line of Hizashi horsemen who held him off from the fortress camp, before Kumagai himself rode out from behind him, looking impressive and forbidding on his white horse, carrying his nagamaki. “I am Kumagai Aritomo of Kiyonai, formerly of Katashima, General of House Hizashi. I claim this land for Lord Hizashi Genji, by right of conquest!” he announced boldly, his deep voice carrying far across the plain to Noritoshi and his men. “Speak if you must, and then leave, for Sugimoto now belongs to us.” The line of samurai behind him all had bows in their hands and were ready to notch an arrow to them should Noritoshi make any violent move. |
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Jul 22, 2018 2:03:26 GMT -8
Noritoshi fumed inside by Kumagai's answer, an answer that didn't bother even relating to what Noritoshi asked him.
"When did you become so cheeky, Kumagai of Kasen no Tochi!" Noritoshi shouted back as he clenched the reins of his horse harder. Noritoshi of course knew who Kumegai was in regards to being the general of the Kasen no Tochi, but had also heard rumors that he was a former general of Katashima under Genji.
"Why do Genji want this burned down tower? Come on Kumegai have some reason, there's nothing in this for you!" Noritoshi argued and pondered the word 'conquest'. What exactly was going on here? He had heard rumors that Hizashi were pushing the borders, though nothing like this.
"I swear that Genji is the worst that happened to Tawakoshi..." he murmured to his second in command before addressing Kumagai again.
"Kumagai-dono! I you don't withdraw immediately I will be forced to take measures against your aggression!" he said bluntly as his archers readied their bows. "What do you say? Reason can still prevail, and I will tell the shogun it was bandits if you retreat now." Noritoshi proposed.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Jul 26, 2018 7:35:10 GMT -8
Kumagai’s horse took an impatient step as he stood eye to eye across the field with Noritoshi. “The tower will be rebuilt,” he stated. “I am here for the glory of the Hizashi clan. If you wish for reason,” he raised his voice, already loud, so that it seemed to reach far across the plain, “you should turn back to Xuandao immediately and reason with the tyrant you serve!” For Kumagai there was a certain element of performance here, a desperate bravado to die under the clan’s banners, coupled with an uncertain feeling that they had bitten off more than they could chew. As much as talking with Noritoshi would keep this army of the Shogun’s busy, with their flanking troops coming in to either side, it was best not to delay, and instead lead them into the woods quickly. Noritoshi was not a man who deserved to die in an ambush, and if there was a chance, he would engage the general himself in single combat. He owed him that honour at least. But for now, Kumagai raised his fan high in the air and yelled “FIRE!” The line of mounted archers behind him drew their bows and unleashed a hail of arrows upon Noritoshi’s men.
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Jul 26, 2018 11:29:29 GMT -8
"Glory of..?!?" Noritoshi said and bit his lip as Kumagai continued his nonsense. "You're talking about morals now? Kumagai, moral only exist as a reason to do as you please. The same goes for he who claims others are immoral." Noritoshi scolded Kumagai. "The shogun rules with the blessing of the emperor and has been nothing but kind to clan Hizashi." he said displeased with Kumagai's less than gentlemanly behavior.
Surprised by the sudden aggression Noritoshi frowned. However Noritoshi was no mere boy when it came to warfare and this was a situation he had of course anticipated, having placed himself at a distance where the Hizashi arrows had a hard time reaching them. A few of the archers in the front of the Hizashi ranks got a hit, though it mostly came across as a waste of arrows.
"Hey..! HEY!!! You and Genji will hang from the shogun's balchony you treacherous bastard!" Noritoshi's second in command yelled, his face all red from anger almost standing on his horse in anger.
"Now now..! Calm down Fumitori-san!" Noritoshi commanded his lieutenant with a calm hand gesture and looked at Kumegai. "You leave me no choice, though your mindless aggression baffles me!" he said as he waved his soldiers forwards, the horses slowly adding speed to their trot until reaching the point the ground rumbled at the hoofs of his samurai's horses. With spears and bows pointed firmly at the Hizashi army their intent were unmistakable.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Jul 26, 2018 13:45:37 GMT -8
All of Kumagai's men knew the plan. They would hold the line until his signal, then turn en masse and retreat. Noritoshi's samurai bore down on them, and Kumagai held out stoically, watching the army advance towards him like a tsunami. A sight like this certainly stirred the blood, and the speed of their attack was impressive. Now their foes were well within arrow range, and Kumagai's archers each fired one more arrow towards the Shogun's forces, almost as a taunt, before Kumagai moved his fan in a subtle sideways motion. The samurai all began their retreat, turning before the enemy, making it appear as if they were breaking ranks and fleeing. His line of archers turned last of all, and Kumagai was the final man facing forward as the enemy bore down upon him.
He took up his Nagamaki, spun it in his hands, and let the blade crash down through the spears of two of Noritoshi's finest, splintering them. He turned his horse expertly, at the last possible moment, and raced after his men towards the forest. They were vulnerable, showing their backs to the enemy. It was also considered dishonourable, and hopefully some of Noritoshi's men would feel insulted enough that they wouldn't think twice about running down the cowards that tried to flee. Kumagai felt a small twinge of regret at the tactic, especially to insult such a man as Noritoshi, but it was a part they were to play. The honour or lack thereof would be decided by the victors.
Although Kumagai's army were fast, Noritoshi's army kept pace, and his archers often looked back and shot over their shoulders, hoping to put off a few of their pursuers with pot shots, until eventually Kumagai made it by the skin of his teeth into the treeline of the forest. In the shadows of the trees he could see the glint of blades, and here and there the shining eyes of beasts hidden in the woods. No longer in a line now, the army made a column, the hooves of the horses thundering down the path that led between the hills. If Noritoshi followed, he would find himself with more than he bargained for.
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Jul 27, 2018 10:38:50 GMT -8
Noritoshi's men rode towards the fleeing Hizashi army and the few arrows released against them made little difference to their charge apart form firing up the fighting spirit of the shogun's soldiers. However Noritoshi himself had not joined the initial attack and waited back along with a handful of trusted soldiers having commanded his second in command to lead the charge.
Noritoshi squinted and tried to make out the what happened in the distance seeing Kumagai daringly staying back until there was contact with the first samurai.
"Kumagai... what are you trying to do?" Noritoshi mumbled to himself. This was an odd behavior for the general and his bravado seemed severely misplaced. "... And now you're fleeing along with your army. Was it really worth it?" Noritoshi pondered stroking his chin.
"You cowardly fleeing bastards!" Fumitori yelled at the fleeing Hizashi soldiers. "Let them have it!" the young officer commanded the samurai archers, who skillfully released accurate shots towards the last of the fleeing samurai. A good number of Hizashi samurai closest to the shogun's army would fall before they reached the woods. Fumitori raised his hand and signaled his army to stop pursuing the Hizashi as he squinted into the forest. He looked back seeing Noritoshi riding towards them to join up and no doubt to hand out instructions on what to do.
'But once he gets here, those bastards will be long gone. Fumitori, he would want you to chase them down like the dogs they are' Fumitori thought as he grabbed his spear pointing into the woods.
"There's no time to waste, we are still in pursuit! Kill every last one of the traitors. For the shogun!" he cried out as he led the charge into the forest expecting to be the hunters.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Jul 29, 2018 13:33:38 GMT -8
Kumagai was an excellent horseman and his mount wheeled instantly on his command, racing forwards between some of his men who had held back a little to let him pass and reform behind him. He had left himself open to the Shogun’s army’s arrows, and more than a few hit his armour, one catching his thigh under the skirts and slicing a gash in it as he retreated. Two of the samurai covering his flight went down, one taking an arrow through the throat. The other’s horse was hit and threw off its rider only for him to be run through with a spear as Noritoshi’s men advanced on their heels. More than that fell, sacrificing themselves for the greater victory of the Hizashi. At least so Kumagai hoped. Noritoshi had brought more men that he had expected and they seemed no slouch when it came to fighting either. Ultimately they were a distraction from other Hizashi movements to the north, but that didn’t mean Kumagai would be happy watching his men be slaughtered.
Deep into the woods, Kumagai’s troop ceased their retreat. Noritoshi’s men had a narrow path to follow, and Kumagai’s were arraying themselves among the hills, readying themselves to take down any of the shogun’s army who made it this far. But while they were doing so, Fumitori and his brave band of soldiers would not be left alone. As soon as Fumitori’s men had entered the forest, a hail of arrows sung from the bushes and undergrowth, catching them unawares. Swift and accurate shots found their marks easily, as Fumitori marched directly into their trap.
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Furusawa Haya
Established
Roleplay posts: 49 
Age: 29
Physical Description: Haya is considered slightly taller than normal women with long, black hair down to her chest. She has a thin scar that goes from above her right eye and ends on the cheek on the same side. She usually carries herself with a serious expression, but also rewards those she knows with a warm smile and genuine interest in their wellbeing.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually travels in her blue/black Samurai outfit which carries the Kuzuyama noble crest on it.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Player's online availability : Yeah
Registered: Oct 13, 2017 11:14:35 GMT -8
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Post by Furusawa Haya on Jul 30, 2018 9:44:12 GMT -8
They had taken the bait for sure, and it was not only the song of the hooves and spears that awaited Fumitori and his men. Haya and the Kuzuyama clan were there too - and in numbers that hadn't been seen in a long time. Their Inukuma - stout but fearsome - were hybrids between bears and dogs, but many bore resemblances to wolves too, though their size were on a completely different scale. Haya's Inukuma, Hiko, was a young and silvery male specimen standing 1.5 tall from ground to shoulders and thus rivaled the size of a horse. Many former lords had judged the Kuzuyama clan with indifference due to their small numbers, but thirty Kuzuyama soldiers and thirty Inukuma in a forest getting the jump on the opposition...
"Hmm... I guess both lord Kojuro and lord Kumagai could see the advantage in that..." Haya said to herself musing about how it was at least half a century ago the Kuzuama had been called into battle last time - and at that point the fighting had seized before they had even arrived. Things looked different now.
Haya scouted through the forest, but it was the Inukuma who noticed the enemy first as their noses pointed in the direction of the opposition - almost in unison.
"There they are..!" Haya noticed as the men had entered the woods and raced through the narrow path. As soon as the arrows had been unleashed it was sign for everyone to attack.
As their master gave a short waving signal they raced down through the trees and their Inukuma would reach the soldiers even before the horses jumping fearlessly into the opposition taking down soldier with piercing bites and very quickly the rest of the Kuzuyama and Hizashi allied soldiers would be all over Fumitori's men with swords and spears.
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Jul 30, 2018 11:06:00 GMT -8
Fumitori had his eyes firmly on the horizon of the road as he believed he was racing the Hizashi general to catch up with him. The sound of the released arrows hadn't reached his ears but when looked back to hear what the commotion was that he had heard. As he turned his head he saw that many of his samurai had fallen into the ditch with their horses and at first he thought they had rode too close to each other, but as he saw samurai on horses - and beasts even - descend from the hills he knew what had happened. Fumitori froze a short moment as horror caught him. Not just the horror of seeing the huge wolves slaughter his men, but indeed also the horror of defeat. Already now Fumitori knew they had rode into a trap - he had made a mistake and likely one that would see the shogun's side emerge as the losing part throwing away the advantage they had in numbers - this was as bad as it got.
No one was heading towards him yet though - could he make it? He turned around his horse seeing that he had a fair chance at escaping down the road although it would be further into Kiyonai. Maybe he could start over as a farmer or even a merchant. His dad had never wanted him to make a career in the military, and he could even her his old man's voice in his head. "Making rice that can feed the country is the work of a real hero, military service will just get you ki..."
"A... mosquito..?" Fumitori said as he felt a prick on the neck. "Oooh... Those are pretty colors. D-dad... is that y..." Fumitori said as he fell sideways from his horse having been hit by a San'in poisoned dart.
Just outside the forest Noritoshi stood with the last one third of the men that had tried to flank the Hizashi and arrived at the forest after Fumitori had ordered the main army into the woods. Noritoshi had asked them to hold back but as soon as he heard fighting commence he sent the bulk of his remaining men into the forest to assist the main army.
"Sounds like Fumitori isn't taking any prisoners. A prime forged katana to any who bring me Kumagai alive!" Noritoshi said calmly as he felt quite certain of victory, hoping to be able to bring Kumagai in front of the shogun to face some form of justice - and personally get to question what folly had gone into him.
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Kaen Kogoeshinu
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 27
Registered: May 23, 2017 23:35:01 GMT -8
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Post by Kaen Kogoeshinu on Aug 2, 2018 1:22:26 GMT -8
The preparations before the battle did not take long for Kaen and his men. Using his magic he made the grassland wet, making it look like fresh rain. He then bails of hay soaking them in lamp out putting them in strategic locations.
He stood on a rather large bail of hay with his swords out, when the retreat started he climbed to the top. Ordering his men to wait behind a wall of wooden arrow guards. "I am Captain Kogoeshinu Kaen, of the Hizashi clan! You dare threaten my Lord and you shall face me!" He said readying his swords making it look like he was alone as Kaen's unit readied and ambush. He stared out to the sea of soldiers that chased the General. A big smile appeared on his face as if he missed the battlefield.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Aug 4, 2018 8:47:15 GMT -8
Kumagai had climbed to a higher vantage, and watched as he saw Noritoshi’s lieutenant, Fumitori suddenly fall from his horse. It seemed that the San’in had found a mark. While he approved their use as scouts and information gatherers, he rather felt uncomfortable about having them use their dishonourable tactics in battle. For all that this was an ambush, Kumagai’s samurai fought with spear, bow and sword, not a cowardly weapon like poison. Fumitori’s men gave a good account of themselves, but the inukuma, the terrain, and the element of surprise were not to their advantage. Fumitori’s men were nearly all dead or wounded, those few that survived running after shadows into the woods, but the Hizashi side were not without some casualties either.
It was not long before the rest of the Shogun’s army followed them in. The fighting was brief as, just as they had planned, the Hizashi forces moved back into cover of the trees, inciting the Shogun’s forces to follow, and be led deep into the woods to die or else wander for a time, lost and unable to find an opponent to fight, only hearing the rattle of armour or seeing light reflected from a blade in the darkness. However, Kumagai did not see Noritoshi’s banner. One of his men finished up bandaging the arrow wound to Kumagai’s thigh, and he assembled the force who had followed him through the pass. His watchers in the woods could take the rest of Noritoshi’s army.
Kumagai and his assembled men rode swiftly through paths that the San’in had scouted for them before, around the hills, through the less dense areas of woodland, before breaking out of the treeline some distance towards the east of Noritoshi’s small guard force. Kumagai and his men rode around Noritoshi and his men, encircling the small band who had remained outside the woods. “General Noritoshi! Surrender now or fight to the death!” Kumagai called in his deep and resonant voice. There was not much in the way of good choices for the general now, separated from his main force and surrounded. Of course, he could try to make a run for it into the forest…
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Aug 5, 2018 11:16:38 GMT -8
Kaen KogoeshinuA group of the opposing army's men would turn towards Kaen even though the battle had already commenced. "Hey, that traitor is mocking us!" one said, as they immediately rode towards Kaen's position with their bows out firing a handful of arrows towards the guy. Aritomo Kumagai Noritoshi waited patiently outside the forest for Fumitori to finish the Hizashi rogue armé. Yeah, that's what he would tell the shogun once these traitors were dead, that some ronin among the Hizashi had grown frustrated and attacked Sugimoto Fortress but that he was certain this treachery wasn't supported by the main Hizashi branch. There was no reason to call upon war, especially now that his daughter was going to be married next month - peace would be the best for all parts and he was sorry that it had to end this violently for Kumagai even though he was the one provocating. As he heard the fighting dying out Notirtoshi expected a messenger to return from his army and inform him of the status - but as the minutes passed and no messenger arrived Noritoshi grew increasingly more impatient and something inside him started doubting - started imagining what if they had actually went into a trap. Were the Hizashi actually orchestrating a large scale offense? "Turn around, we'll withdraw from the forest for now." Noritoshi commanded and any voice that doubted Noritoshi's orders were quickly hushed. However Noritoshi and his small band of remaining soldiers and personal guard did not get long before the thundering sound of horses were heard from both sides and he realized that he had essentially missed his opportunity for flight and found himself flanked and quickly surrounded. Noritoshi gave Kumagai a reluctant smile - he had certainly outsmarted Noritoshi, though he was in no mood for applauding Kumagai's tactics right now. "You can quit the performance now, Kumagai." Noritoshi said. "So this is going to happen, the Hizashi riding for Xuandao?" he said and slowly shook his head looking down. "That's the worst possible timing Kumagai. Not that I condone war by any means, but my daughter is getting married next month and I don't fancy dying either here or in a prison in Kiyonai." he said with a faint wry smile. "How about you'll let me ride alone? My clan is west of here and I'll ride back to be with my family - rest assured I have no intention in rejoining this bloodbath." he said and looked at Kumagai waiting to see what kind of man would respond to his plea.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Aug 5, 2018 13:18:32 GMT -8
Kumagai frowned across at Noritoshi. What was this cowardly manure that was issuing from the famed general’s mouth? He had thought him a reasonable man, but this was merely insulting. “You, a warrior, won’t condone war?” he bellowed, as he rode back and forth in front of Noritoshi. “What use is a farmer who refuses to plant rice? No one cares to hear your flimsy excuse for such cowardice! It is no dishonor to give yourself up and spare the lives of these men, or better yet prove you are fit to be named “general” and slit your belly here and now! Your daughter will mourn your death but the Muramoto will keep its dignity. If not, die fighting!” Distinctly unimpressed, he circled away giving a wider berth to Noritoshi, and waiting a full half minute among his troops to see if Noritoshi would either surrender or begin preparations to commit seppuku. Should they make an aggressive move, Kumagai’s men would shoot. If not, a hail of arrows and a clash of spears would be upon Noritoshi and his last few men standing, outnumbered and surrounded, until all were dead.
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Shogun's Army
Established
Roleplay posts: 21
Age: Between 18 and 50
Physical Description: The army consists of a combination of samurai and peasant soldiers wielding a wealth of different weapons.
Clothes and Equipment: About 30% use prime samurai armor while the next 20% use somewhat cheaper samurai armor of either wood or metal. The 50% have little to no armor. They use spears, naginata, bows and some of the lower ranks even sling shots and clubs.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun's Army on Aug 5, 2018 22:26:24 GMT -8
Noritoshi immediately knew, that Kumagai hadn't been pleased with his plea and seemed not to be the man he expected him to be - more vicious and less gallant than he had hoped. Still he respected Kumagai and even more so the dire situation that he had found himself in.
"Kumagai-dono I'm not here to insult you or your brilliant victory in this battle. Neither do I believe I am insulting my own position as a man and general, I merely believe that to you there will be no difference to you whether I am confined at my own mansion or in a cell in Kiyonai. It could even prove fortitious for the both of us." he said and motioned his hand towards his guards. "I have no intention to fight a lost battle to the bitter and I don't believe I do service to any of my men by making them do so either." he said as he loosened the bonds that kept his katana in place and threw it on the ground, the rest of the guards more or less reluctantly laid down their weapons too - the bitterness and shock of the defeat naturally still affecting them.
"So by all means bring me back to Kiyonai to face whatever the Lord seems fitting for me or let me ride back to my clan where I'll stay put. Of course you'll have my allegiance if you come ask for it after the war. I will be in great debt to you and the Hizashi." Noritoshi said as taking a deep breath waiting for Kumagai's decision in the matter.
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Kaen Kogoeshinu
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 27
Registered: May 23, 2017 23:35:01 GMT -8
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Post by Kaen Kogoeshinu on Aug 6, 2018 23:39:14 GMT -8
Seeing the army launch a valley of arrows at him, almost made him giddy, he rolled off the hay bail and ordered him men to raise their arrow walls just in time. He waitied for a signal that the enemy was now within Kaen feild of battle.
Kaens eyes started to glows as heput his hands to the ground, the water in the feel began to rise in the air, almost as if it were reverse raining. He then snapped his finger on his left hand as the bails of hay that were around the field, but not the big one behing him caught aflame, almost of if it just spontaneously combusted. He then looked up and his soilder as he screamed "Archers ready!..." He picked his hand form the ground as the water on the field leveled at the enemy's eye sight "Aim!" he put his hands close togther an orb of water forming in his hands, "RELEASE FIRST WAVE" He said as he clapped his hands together creating a thick fog barrier at the same time the arrows would have reached their targets "Fire second volley!" he commanded as their arrows shot into the fog could that seemed to be contained to that area. As thier third volley hit, he then commanded his unit the draw arms and charge as they did he waved his hand and the fog dissipated just in time for his until the rush their enemy, or whats left of them.
He the coated his blades in flames as he charged them, both of his eyes glowing beneath his hawk mask, the silver on his armor glinting as he sliced through the shoguns army.
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Aritomo Kumagai
New
Roleplay posts: 8
Age: 40
Physical Description: Kumagai is a large, broad man with a deep voice. He is used to commanding troops, and has the brawny physique of an experienced warrior.
Clothes and Equipment: Dressed in full samurai armour lacquered red, and a helmet with horns and white fur that gives him the appearance of an oni. He also wields a tachi and tanto as his sidearms and a nagamaki as his main weapon.
Registered: Jul 16, 2018 12:08:45 GMT -8
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Post by Aritomo Kumagai on Aug 13, 2018 12:04:36 GMT -8
Kumagai glared at Noritoshi, his nostrils flaring and the whites of his eyes showing. Clearly he was angry, and he made no move to respond to Noritoshi's dishonourable pleas for his life nad freedom. However, at least spared the lives of his men with his surrender, even though it was done in the most cowardly fashion possible. “Put him in bonds,” he ordered gruffly, and some of his men set about tying Noritoshi up with rope in a very secure fashion. His soldiers were relieved of their weapons, but allowed to move freely. In Katashima, he would have executed Noritoshi on the spot, but Tawakoshi was not Katashima.
In time the fighting in the woods died down, and the conch was blown to signal that the Hizashi forces should return. Some came with prisoners, some with the weapons or even tokens of the dead. A good few did not come back when called – perhaps dead, or still engaged in combat, or still intent on delaying the remnants of the Shogun's forces.
Kaen's detachment found the Shogun's men were both baffled and afraid by the arrayed forces of the elements, and made short work of them, sending those that remained in retreat to Noritoshi's position, only to find their general in defeat. Kaen was signalled back to rejoin the rest of the Hizashi forces. “Good work, Captain Kogoeshinu,” Kumagai nodded to Kaen.
“Take them to Reisui Prison!” Kumagai ordered one of his lieutenants, and Noritoshi and the rest of the prisoners were marched through the winding pathways of the forest towards Tamatoshi Bay, there to be dispatched to Reisui eventually. The wounded accompanied them there, while those who remained unscathed would remain here, ready to join up with the main Hizashi forces later, if they were needed.
[END SCENE]
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