Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2018 6:25:04 GMT -8
Rikuto merely nodded his bow and escorted the pair of them into the darkened temple. At this point in the evening, the larger braziers are snuffed out and candles are flickering with light everywhere. The three move along into a small room within the living quarters, a deity statue sitting across the room and embraced by a number of candles around the base. Settled in the center of the room in a low bed, possibly two thin padded mattresses instead of one, and the woman from before resting upon them - head settled on a soft pillow and a blanket covering her up to the chin. She still looked grey and sickly, but she had been cleaned up. Her hair had been carefully combed straight - silky black and long. Makoto would gesture for the Shogun on one side of where she lay and move to the other, kneeling down to sit directly opposite of where the man would sit. Rikuto remained near the door. It would be now that Makoto would finally answer the question posed. "I believe she might have been, but I'm uncertain as to where from. Certainly not one of ours." She would reach over to grasp the edge of the blanket and draw it carefully down, revealing the woman to his eyes - her body cleaned and bare, now offering a clear view of how starved she was. The ribs were clear against her skin, and her arms and legs were terribly thin. Her hipbones were prominent. "This wasn't a matter of something unfortunate happening, my Lord - this was intentional torture. This was nothing of training, of any sort." "You know of my prior position within the temple here. Between what I learned under Grandmaster Daisuke and Master Hideaki, I've been able to look into the mind of others though meditation and see their memories and experiences." Her hand would come to hover over the woman's forehead. "Sadly, in the state she is in I can only see flickers of motion or light. Her mind is so dark - she's nowhere near conscious. But I can feel just a little - and there's much pain." Her hand would move, settling over the woman's right shoulder. "She is branded on the back of her shoulder here. Twice, I believe. I'm uncertain what the fresher mark is, but the one placed before that looks similar to Tawakoshi's exile mark - I've seen it a time or two before." Her hand moved to hover over her bare chest, along her arms, and settle over her stomach. "Beatings. Scars, from lashings. Bindings. Burns - could be from hot iron or coals or water, or other means. Her hands have suffered breaks - which, considering what was broken..." She would carefully lift the nearest hand of the woman to show the unseen damage - pointing out the middle and ring fingers. "This typically serves no purpose unless it's done to a shinobi, to stop Kuji Kiri techniques." The hand would be replaced upon the bed. "I can see the long-term results of plenty of bindings on her wrists and ankles. And... well, she is a woman. That has cursed her, several times. I'm sure of that." She would stop for a moment to take a breath, folding her arms save for one hand lifting to pinch at her chin in thought. "If she was shinobi, she wasn't from Tawakoshi. We know how they are about women in general, my Lord. But the biggest concern I have..." Rikuto would whip his head around to stare at Makoto intensely. The shinobi sighed. "She's in immense pain. She will not wake for some time, if ever. If she were to even wake now, there's no guarantee she could endure the shock of what state her body is in. Trying to bring her to something near health again would require daily and nightly tending, and very careful tending at that. If you wish to do her a service, my Lord, I would advise killing her now-" "She deserves a chance to live, Makoto," barked the brother, his tone edged slightly from the normal level sound he held. |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149 
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 15, 2018 7:24:48 GMT -8
Takehiko looked over the woman's body. He had a hard choice to make. "Even if she were to live she would likely not be able to live a normal life." Haitaka's eyes moved over to the statue that graced the room. "Brother Rikuto, you've been mostly silent. What is your take on her condition?"
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2018 7:37:32 GMT -8
The monk heaved a great sigh as he stepped into the room, moving over to stand behind Makoto and grasp at the blanket to pull it back up - covering the woman once again. He looked to the Shogun with a hard stare. "We have no right to take her life. Even if she is in pain, to take her life without any thought as to what she might want is cruel - possibly more so than the ways of the Fusei."
Makoto couldn't help but look up to the man, but at least she stopped herself from rolling her eyes so much. "There is no talk of 'if'. She is lucky to be alive at this moment with her own body breaking itself down for nutrition. She cannot take food to help build her strength - her body is barely functioning to breathe on its own. You know this as well as I, Brother-"
"But that is not your decision to make, to put an end to her life. And there is the chance that, if given the opportunity to life she may recover to be something of normal again. It is entirely possible to nurse her back to proper health with time and careful dedication."
"And you would have that time on your hands? I certainly don't, and I know you do not, either-"
"That is beside the point." |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 15, 2018 8:15:09 GMT -8
"We have many servants who have no other duty than tending to the palace. We could surely spare a few to bring her back to health if you can find the time to properly instruct them, Brother Rikuto. If she doesn't pull through, then no harm done." He looked between, "I know its not to your liking but if wanted her to die I would have left her with the Fusei."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2018 23:30:36 GMT -8
Both went silent as the Lord Shogun spoke, and both could only nod with his decision. Whatever Makoto was feeling wasn't available in her eyes now as she masked it - well versed in doing so - but Brother Rikuto looked relatively relieved that the woman wasn't going to be condemned to death. "I would be most pleased to teach a few of the servants. She will have to be fed frequently and carefully, bathed every so often. I could also use this as nursing training for the newcomers into our temple. Plus, I do believe that more contact would do her well - much like a growing child in the womb. Perhaps if she were to become conscious, it would help encourage her. Speak with her, and such." Makoto simply ensured the woman was properly tucked in before rising and quietly making her way from the room without a word. Rikuto would make his way after her to leave. "If you'll excuse me, my Lord, I'll speak with the chefs of your kitchen to fix something specific for her." |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 21, 2018 5:04:04 GMT -8
"Of course." The shogun would wait for the monk to leave. Upon doing so he looked at Makoto with harsh eyes, "I am surprised at you. You possibly hold a shinobi from outside your clan at your mercy and vote to kill her. Is it not wiser, if not crueler, to keep her alive and take her knowledge?"
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 5:25:34 GMT -8
Makoto paused dead in her tracks and snapped her attention to Takehiko as he spoke to her, letting her guard down only momentarily to betray a softness in her gaze. She waited until the monk had left before speaking to the Shogun alone - turning more so to face him as she did so. "... consider it a curse from my original training as a monk. Interrogation and cruelty are not my strongest suits anymore, Lord Haitaka," she murmured softly. "But Master Hideaki left me to deal with this matter, rather than he or anyone else of the Shadow. "But I will confess... I don't expect her to live." |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 21, 2018 5:37:35 GMT -8
"If that is her fate, then that is her fate." He looked at the unconscious woman before continuing, "I may send men to their doom, order others be slain, and even take lives by my own hands... But somethings not even I have a reign on. I cannot order her to live, so why should I order her to die?"
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 5:46:23 GMT -8
Makoto said nothing, only gently bowing her head before seeming to fade into a shadow of the room and disappearing from sight - leaving only the Lord himself and the dying woman in the room. A tranquil silence would settle in the dark room, broken only by a gentle ring of wind chimes that hung somewhere from the ceiling over the candles, the copper tubes reflecting the tiny dancing flames - which seemed to react as if a breeze had blown through the room as the chimes had.
The prayer slip dangling between the rods began to twirl - perhaps some spirit had float into the temple. Or some stray breeze from somewhere. It was anyone's guess.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 20:21:48 GMT -8
<A month later>
The sun was barely climbing into the sky. With the coming dawn, Yueqiu was already beginning to see the hum and bustle of the early risers looking to open shop and get to their farms before the day sun could beat upon their backs. The palace was also beginning to come to life - namely in the warriors looking for their morning routine of food and training or their patrols, the servants already showing life as they served those looking for their first meal of the day - including the new addition within the temple. Every day started out just as busy as it was throughout the day.
However there was a slight change - one royal advisor Ryuichi Nakahara was rushing the halls with haste, forcing servant and soldier alike to weave out of his way to avoid making contact with the man. He was headed for the dining hall, looking about for his Lord before the man could find his way to his first meal, with any luck.
"Lord Haitaka! Lord Haitaka!" he shouted, never breaking stride until he could find the man. |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 21, 2018 21:15:32 GMT -8
Haitaka was walking down a hall still dressed in only his light silk, royal blue, sleep kimono. He heard someone say his name, shout it rather. Nakahara from the sound of his voice.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 21:40:57 GMT -8
"Lord Hait- HAITAKA!" His pace suddenly increased to bring himself beside the man - saluting proper with his head low as he was in view of Takehiko's eyes. "My Lord, we've just received word from a surviving foot soldier. He rode until his horse died just outside the city gates, he himself barely clinging to life. He is from the mines to the northeast. It was reclaimed by the Fusei... again," he muttered. "They're moving in as we speak - no one was left alive save a few miners, from what we were told." |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 21, 2018 22:28:50 GMT -8
Haitaka looked at the man with a tired glare. " I need 10 good archers, 4 extra foot soldiers and 10 pots of lamp oil and a cart to transport them. Get it arranged. Any Samurai or soldier willing my join us but what I require is a must." Haitaka strode off toward the room where his armor was stored, ceremoniously placed as though a man was already inside. With luck a servant would be found along his path to help him into the complicated layers of the equipment. The armor was dark blue, carefully applied lacquer that coated the and steel scales and plates giving the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono was between the armor and the silks. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist. Setting below the statue like setting of the armor was Takehiko's blade, his preferred weapon over even the yari, naginata, or quiang. Takehiko grinned a bit. Something about putting on his armor made his blood boil, in a good way. Still the news of one of their best mines being taken over was not good. The metal mined from within were tantamount in preparing for his offensive campaigns that were so very soon to launching. Haitaka would not risk losing the mines for good. (Hakama = special pants that are worn typically by samurai . Juban Kimono is basically under armor. Uwa-obi is a belt used to carry katana or similar weapons and items while in armor.) |
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 22:39:17 GMT -8
Ryuichi looked about stunned as the lord made his demands, and followed after him as he prepared to battle and march - trying to keep from sputtering as he was completely floored by this order. "But...! My Lord, the camps between here and there are a two-day ride, and still another half day north after that if you don't engage the camps at all - and we know better than that! You cannot seriously hope to march up there this instant, with such a small band," he added, digging a hand into his obi to find the crisp and pristine painted map in his possession to point out the two camps already dotted on the paper - clapping the other to his head as he looked about bewildered when the armor came into view and the servant scrambled to start dressing his Lord. "This is going to require careful planning, and numbers! This is highly inadvisable!!!" |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 21, 2018 23:18:14 GMT -8
"Oh? Since when are you my military general?" He glared at the man. "Now do as I say, pad the numbers with those willing. I am sure there are many samurai who would be willing to come a long as well."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2018 23:40:30 GMT -8
Lord Haitaka was never one to be stony-faced - the glare from him and his father were both legendary. Terrifying. People trembled and obeyed at it. But at least the advisors were more accustomed to it than most. The glare was met with another dumbfounded expression as he was ordered again to gather the small troope, and Ryuichi huffed his aggravation before throwing up both hands - the map fluttering on the air and floating to the ground - and leaving. He would do as instructed without question, but this was clearly a fool's errand - running headfirst into the bandit camps after the mines?! The servant kept his head down as he continued to dress and arm the Shogun, finally presenting the sheathed weapon for him to take when all was complete. Within twenty minutes there would be the ordered party ready to march - a horse-drawn cart with the pots of lamp oil, the archers and footmen. Three of his samurai commanders were also ready, each with five men of their own. And seated atop the pots in the cart was a familiar figure, with his white hair stark in the sunlight against his dark attire. Nori simply waved with eyes squinted shut as he grinned beneath the shawl about his face. "Well, we goin' or what?" he huffed, impatient. |
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Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 149
Age: 26
Physical Description: He stands about five feet, eight inches tall. His face is rugged. His hair is well groomed and solid black. His body is firm and toned, proof of his constant training to hone his skills.
Clothes and Equipment: Often he wears simple silk robes. In the event of being prepared for a fight however he dons a full set of armor.
The armor is dark blue, a carefully applied lacquer that coated the leather and steel scales and plates gave the material a dull glossy shine. Bright white threads weaved through the armor holding the plates in place, several of them were stained red with blood that could not be washed out, something Takehiko had no problem with. A horo of blue was also upon the armor, its edges trimmed with gold, a white tiger on the back and the Haitaka clan sigil emblazoned on each side of the front of the horo. Light blue silk kimono and black hakama were neatly folded beneath the armor and a thick white juban kimono is worn beneath the armor. A thick rope of weaved white, light blue, and dark blue fibers wrapped its self around the armors waist to hold his blade.
The blade is a simple but very very high quality katana.
Registered: Jul 7, 2016 22:34:34 GMT -8
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Post by Shogun Takehiko of the Haitaka on Jan 22, 2018 2:58:28 GMT -8
Haitaka exited his palace in his armored regalia and made his way down the stone steps slowly. More so than normal. "Patience is one of the greatest tenants of battle." He made his way to his steed, a black yururi with a surprisingly simple saddle with plates of armor that matched Takehiko's on her chest, head, rump, and shins; a couple of saddle bags also adorned the horse. He mounted the beast with a sinfle practiced motion. "We go to liberate the mines. We ride straight to our goal. Any of the Fusie that cross our paths dies. Pure and simple." Haitaka began to lead the caravan from the palace out to battle.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2018 1:29:29 GMT -8
Nori didn't move from his place on the cart, arms still folded as he kept seated with legs crossed, and merely nodded slow as if understanding something grave or important. "Well, I'm all for it. Master Hideaki wanted me to come along just in case - he had a feeling you were on the path for bloodshed, and training gets boring after a while. This may be fun," he added, eyes already perking up again to show his eagerness despite his expression being mostly hidden.  And the war caravan would move out with care behind the march of their warlord, prepared for whatever the horizon would bring before they got there.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 6:06:34 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 3:08:46 GMT -8
<3 days after Haitaka's Departure>
It would be in the dead of night when the world was asleep that a cloaked figure would appear at the foot of the ascending stairs that led up to the entry courtyard of the Shogun's palace. The road had been quiet and empty, as the individual had been watching patrols and following at a distance in order to move about towards their destination. Here, even at this hour, there was a detachment on patrol around the compound, the grounds, and inside the palace, as well. However, all they needed was to get to the courtyard. They would near the steps, despite the fact there were guards posted here at the road to watch for strangers just like this. |
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Dongshu Island
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Registered: Jan 3, 2018 0:33:34 GMT -8
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Post by Dongshu Island on Mar 12, 2018 3:50:45 GMT -8
The guards reacted exactly as expected when they spotted the stranger. Both of them leveled spears at the cloaked figured and barked out, "Teishi suru!" Halt!
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