Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2018 20:07:47 GMT -8
Nori smirked behind his mask at Lord Haitaka's concern for him. It was truly touching, but he didn't dare mention it aloud. He simply saluted and bowed once more. "I'll ensure they receive a note," he replied, slinking off to help the rest of the soldiers continue to dig and set up spike pits, suspend heavy logs and rocks in the trees overhead with easy roosting spots for archers to loose them and their arrows afterwards. It would be well into the darkest of the night when they finally finished - and all traps were marked carefully by Nori. There was no straight path of safety, but he had instructed everyone with a number of painted leaves settled along the width of the pits. There were also a number of sling sapling traps to injure, and marked. This gave them a clear advantage on several lengths of the forest where the Fusei would not. Nori would wait until their task was complete - it was more important than sending a message to the criminals. He would creep in again through the shadows, and only appear long enough to drop a folded piece of parchment from the ceiling and let it flutter down to be found. |
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2018 21:19:04 GMT -8
"You really think he will show?" Katsurou sighed.
The woman would pace slowly from one wall across to the other and back, hand resting with ease on the hilt of her sword. The decorated kasa settled on her head obscured the view of her face as she watched the floor where she paced. "He will. You think the man burned those forts and left? There would be no point if he marched with men up here from his lofty little palace. Use your head, fool."
The man rolled his eyes and eased back in his chair, elbow propped up on the table and his fist supporting his chin - his expression beyond bored. "It's been a whole day and nothing. I'm certain he's near. If he doesn't charge tonight or in the morning, then he's likely plotting for us to come out after him. Or he could be waiting for reinforcement."
"All the more reason for us to get out there and hunt him out-"
"And that would be stupid," Suk-Ja hissed sharply, a hard slice of her hand through the air only cementing the venom in her voice. "The village is empty, and the forests beyond that dense. You want to go out there and see where he ambushes you from first? Be my guest - I'll only bring your bloody head back to the Tiger after you're dead for your idiocy."
Katsurou seemed unfazed by her viciousness. "I think you need a good bedding-"
"Come anywhere near me and you'll be bedding no one ever again."
The man brought his eyes to a focus as a scrap of paper fluttered down to land on the table. But just as his hand reached out to pluck it up, her hand snapped by to grab it first. "... hey!"
She ignored him and read the scrawled note, finally stopping her pacing as she got halfway through. Her head tipped back and she looked to the ceiling, and a cruel smile tugged at her lips as she looked around. "He has a shinobi with him, and he's been watching us. I knew it."
For once, the man looked a bit alarmed as he stood up suddenly. "Wait, we've been infiltrated? How the hell is that possible?"
Suk-Ja tucked the paper away in her kimono. "Because you're an idiot. You've never dealt with shinobi before, obviously. They are masters in stealth. So Azamuku is here with his shadows and unknown numbers." Without another voiced thought on the matter, she would step out into the dim moonlight of the silver crescent in the sky - in plain view for anyone to see. Katsurou was at her heels, though he was leering at the trees in hopes of spotting their enemy.
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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 Mar 11, 2018 21:35:56 GMT -8
They might spot him, they might not. He was still in his black armor standing just outside the forest's edge. Whether or not they saw him they would feel him. His dark eyes glaring up at the pair with hatred and curiosity.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2018 22:41:52 GMT -8
She spotted him easily. She recognized that armor - not on the young lord, but from his father. Whether it was the same armor refitted or recreated, she didn't care. She remembered clearly the gurgling sound as the old man choked on blood and breath in that armor before his body clattered on the ground in his palace.
His wives had fetched a pretty penny after that.
Suk-Ja made careful and precise steps to bring herself down from that overlook on the rock, finally down to the grass and on level ground with the Azamuku. Katsurou watched from above with a returning grin on his face.
The woman stopped several paces away from the man, well out of reach of him. She was no fool, and any that knew her was well aware that everything she did, everything she said - it all had a purpose. A means to an end. And that made everyone around her disposable. For the moment she simply stared from beneath the straw kasa over her head.
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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 Mar 11, 2018 23:21:30 GMT -8
Close enough to hear, far enough away to be safe. Excellent, it seemed she had no plans to attack him. Yet. He glared at her from within his helm. His hand was on his katana's scabbard. He said nothing, giving the bandit the chance to address him first.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2018 23:32:22 GMT -8
Dead silence. Not even a chirp from insects. It seems everyone and everything knew the gravity of the situation.
"Good evening, Azamuku. You responded rather quickly to us taking back our mines," she purred. "I'm a little surprised, but it's nice to know you are attentive."
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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 Mar 12, 2018 0:03:31 GMT -8
He spoke quietly but clearly, "Azamaku, Azamaku... That is all I hear from you animals. That is the wrong thing to say when you are addressing a shogun. You say it so, 'Haitaka-sama.' Now if you wish to speak, address me properly."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 0:09:17 GMT -8
The sheer audacity. An immovable force had just collided with an immovable object. But Suk-Ja didn't seem fazed in the slightest. She had anticipated the high and mighty attitude of this young man.
"Animals, animals, that is all I hear from you people. I address our Lord as Tora-sama, as we all do. It is, indeed, the proper way to address a warlord, boy. Perhaps you might learn that someday - preferably now. It would make this so much easier, and no one else need to die today."
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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 Mar 12, 2018 0:41:57 GMT -8
"If you did not act like animals I might start to treat you like people rather than rabid beasts that must be put down. Pointless arguments aside, let's get to the point. You and yours are surrounded. You have limited food, limited time, and limited life. You are going to die here, in this little mine that you have no business being in. With slaves you have no right to take. Without honor or glory. You'll die here, or be captured. So... I'll give you this one chance to surrender; to take your fellows to safety and leave the mines and the slaves behind. This one chance to obtain mercy for yourself." Silently he added, and the once chance I will give to the captives to escape this alive and unscathed.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 1:10:39 GMT -8
Suk-Ja brought her hand up to her chin, stroking her cheek with delicate fingertips in thought as she watched the man in armor. She was still smiling, and Katsurou was chuckling up on his perch.
"Mmm, that's a pretty hard demand coming from a man with a small band of men, in all likelihood. Let's look at the facts - we reclaimed our mines mere days ago, and here you stand with two smoldering forts in your wake. You got the drop on both - granted. But I know you don't have an army at your disposal right now, and even with a small band you don't have anymore food than we do."
She shrugged her shoulders in a dismissive gesture. "Then again, we have everything from this village. And they were well stocked in provisions. They will feed our men for a little while, more so since we aren't feeding the miners.
"But you know, it's actually quite interesting how... alike we are," she purred, tipping her head to the side and swaying her weight to one leg - shifting her hip out a little more prominently. "You will sacrifice the miners to destroy us, yes? I will gladly do the same. Whatever is needed for the sake of the whole. I can appreciate that. Respect it." She began a very slow and deliberate pace, maintaining the distance from Haitaka but walking. Pacing always helped her mind. After a certain short distance she would turn and proceed back the other way - keeping an eye on the man from her peripheral sight. "It's just a shame you must constantly battle against us, fight with us. You would make a very good general under lord Tora-sama.
"But I digress - you don't have what it takes to take the mines without blood. I highly doubt you do. If you attempt to storm the mines, I promise you that every man, woman and child inside will be used to whet your blades on before you are cut down - and your little shinobi won't be able to help on this one. I don't care how many you have with you now. The moment I step back into the mines, there will be nowhere for them to hide."
Her eyes would narrow, her grin widening to a devilish sneer. "And don't think I haven't smelled the oil. It explains the blaze, certainly. And it stinks."
Katsurou was giggling like a madman as Suk-Ja did her thing - such a conniving bitch. "Hahaha! Well, there is something he could do to prevent it all, you know. If he wants to settle this the old fashioned way," he teased, hand settling on his katana pommel and fingers drumming upon it.
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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 Mar 12, 2018 2:01:03 GMT -8
"Why don't you think I have an army? Because I didn't strike forth like a fool as soon as I arrived?" He smirked, "For all you know the whole forest is filled samurai. Who knows how many shinobi are out there, how many have kunai and arrows trained on you right now? This offer is only for the sake of those you have trapped within my mines and the hearts of my men. If you refuse so be it. I don't care about your human shields anymore. I cannot afford to if I'm going to kill you all. Its more merciful than leaving them with you."
He paused.
"If your friend wants to challenge me, I wouldn't be opposed to killing him now. It would save me time later."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 2:12:17 GMT -8
Suk-Ja remained silent, still grinning as if she knew better.
Katsurou narrowed his gaze upon Haitaka's kabuto, looking directly to the eyes that peered out. He, too, would then come down the man-made path to be on the ground beside his comrade. "Says you. We can settle this in the old honorable manner, if you wish. You and I will duel in place of the numbers, and only one will remain standing in the end.
"When I cut you down we will take your city. And I get to present your head to our Lord. Should you be able to defeat me, Suk-Ja will ensure my men leave the mines and all those inside - to you. And all the ore we have obtained. Everything."
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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 Mar 12, 2018 2:21:29 GMT -8
"One bird in the hand beats two in the bush." He replied, "However... History calls your honor into question. What assurances do I have that you will keep your word? Hmmm? Ah, I know. Release your slaves now and I will accept your terms. If you succeed in my death then you would be able to get as many slaves as you needed in short order. If I succeed you would have no reason to stay with no slaves for your labor."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 2:50:21 GMT -8
The two exchanged a glance, and Suk-Ja quietly made her way back up to the mines and into the tunnel, out of sight. It would be a short while to gather up all the slaves and get them out, and tell the men to stand down to allow it. But soon a number of people were spilling out of the mines in a frantic desperation to get away from the Fusei. Mothers were carrying and ushering their children from the darkness and men and husband watching over them all. Upon the sight of their lord there were praises and thanks wept and cheered - how disgusting.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 2:54:35 GMT -8
It was a grand sight for the men lying in wait. The miners were rushing away from the hell that had become their prison in the mines, and with a quiet word from Nori did only a few come out to meet them before they ran into the trees - redirecting them safely away from the village and not through the trap-infested forest. A soldier embraced a young man in a firm hold, more than relieved to see he was alive. He cast a look towards his Lord that expressed his deepest thanks and apologies for ever doubting him.
Nori kept the rest in line and out of sight - this wasn't over. Not until the Fusei were run from this location.
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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 Mar 12, 2018 3:13:31 GMT -8
"Thank you for your cooperation," he said flatly. Haitaka pronounced loudly, "Samurai, this will be an honorable duel. No one will interfere. Archers, have three arrows trained on Suk-Ja until the duel is over. If she tries to interfere, kill her." His focus shifted to Katsurou. Haitaka's hand gripped his katana. His eyes moved to the weapon's scabbard, predicting the weapons length and design. Then his foe's arms, again learning length and what to expect. Finally the mans eyes, trying to read him. Only then did he step forward ready for the duel, "Shall we be truly ceremonious or shall we simply get this show on the road. Both of us thirst for the other's blood to feed the grass," he said with a smirk.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 3:20:21 GMT -8
Suk-Ja reappeared upon the overhanging rock, as did a number of the Fusei at her heels. They remained up above with her, not a single one coming down to the ground that was about to be made a battlefield. Instead, they would simply watch.
Katsurou looked rather hurt at the thought of skipping through ceremony. "... you presume that since I am Fusei that I have no honor or will to stand on ceremony. How rude. But if you wish..." The sword would sing as it was drawn from its home at his hip, held firmly in both hands with tip curved to the sky and the thirsty edge looking to Haitaka. "We can hurry this along."
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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 Mar 12, 2018 3:42:42 GMT -8
"I do. Honorable men don't slaughter children; I assume that was you. There is still blood staining your clothes." He kept his blade sheathed but crouched low ready to move.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 4:07:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 3:51:15 GMT -8
"Says the man that was prepared to kill several."
This was it.
Katsurou moved carefully, approaching with precise steps. He wouldn't come within range of the weapon for a swing - both their swords were roughly the same in length. It was the only means of measurement between the two for the moment. To attack would be as much as risk for him as it would be for Haitaka.
He would step right up to the edge, and made a single foot lunge forward - thrusting the blade for the chest to test.
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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 Mar 12, 2018 3:59:21 GMT -8
Haitaka simply stepped to the sided slightly. He did not pursue a counter attack. Rather he continued the banter, "Were I would kill a hundred to save a thousand, you would kill a thousand for pleasure." He, after speaking, took a single step forward. His words would give his opponent plenty of time to recover from his test strike.
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