Orchard Viper Triads
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 19, 2018 12:09:40 GMT -8
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Post by Orchard Viper Triads on Apr 4, 2018 13:46:12 GMT -8
The Snake Pit ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This triad controlled establishment serves both as a sake bar and hangout place for those in Jeoncho that don't necessarily have the same 'code of honor' as the samurai class. The snake pit is however not a run down shack and you'll be met by a rather well dressed people from the doorman to the lovely ladies serving you your drink. But don't make the mistake that the sweet ladies behind the bar is in any way for sale being fully fletched members of the Orchard Viper Triads and readily able to handle themselves.
Culture inside The Snake Pit is classy but relaxed and the style is a lovely blend of chinese and japanese traditions and is designed to make you feel comfy. However the true attraction at The Snake Pit is not the quality sake served at daytime - which would otherwise be quite the reason to come by - but rather it's the back room where the mood gets slightly more 'lively' at night. Here the ones approved to enter are led into a large room with another bar, cosy places to sit - and a square area more or less in the middle which is lowered a couple of feet.
Here contestants are able to duke it out in the old way with fists, elbows, knees and... well whatever natural weapon nature has given you to your disposal as a human being. And if you aren't human? Well who don't enjoy seeing an unpredictable match? However magic in any form is strictly forbidden along with eye clawing and groin kicking and the referee is the one who decides when the fight is over.
You can fight in the pit by signing up as a fighter hoping to win a bit of gold betting on your own victory... which is definitely better than the poor fools being forced to fight there owing too much money to the Triads. One thing is for sure though, if anything happens in the criminal underworld of Jeoncho, it likely all started here - and the money goes this way too.
And a word of advice? Just keep smiling and enjoy being their guest while not asking too many annoying questions. Then you'll do just fine. However this is also the place to go to, if you need the services of these particular 'moral free' types that make out most of the Orchard Viper Triads.
Orchard Viper Triads' insignia
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 18, 2018 8:41:27 GMT -8
Renzo lounged by the bar at the back of the first public room of the Snake Pit. He was near to the door that led to the fighting arena in the back, keeping a half lidded eye on anyone coming and going. Although he looked relaxed, he was fully alert to anyone who might wish to enter the inner sanctum who would be unwelcome there. He was dressed in a crimson red kimono, the associations of the colour with blood would undoubtedly spring to mind. But both the red kimono and asagi-iro pale blue cloak were of top quality silk. He was, in many ways a walking advertisement for Yakumo's Silk Shop, his current client's other business. Gold glittered from various points from the chain of his cloak to the decoration on his sword hilts.
His back to the bar, he looked languid and content as he sipped a glass of sake and smiled at the patrons. Yakumo Teiko had a lot of money and influence. Normally Renzo wouldn't lower himself to work for gangsters, but Yakumo was no common criminal, he was someone whose values Renzo shared to a certain extent, and once having agreed to take on a commission from the Orchard Viper Triads he would do what he was bound until he got bored or was offered a better deal for his services.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 18, 2018 11:50:03 GMT -8
"You're finding life content, Renzo?" a polite voice asked as Yakumo had approached Renzo with a startling discretion, making little noise and drawing equally little attention to himself. Yakumo was wearing his yellow silk yukata and a finally ornamented katana holstered in a black sheath with silver linings that seemed to curl up around the sheath much akin to a snake. it was a prized possession to Yakumo and it was kept sharp and in pristine condition at all times.
"You've been lounging here for a while. Aren't you going to watch the match? These two should be relatively evenly matched." he said with an ever so slight smirk as he nodded to one of his henchmen to take Renzo's place before Yakumo moved into the inner sanctum.
As the leader of the Orchard Viper Triads Yakumo would naturally command some respect from his henchmen, but people seemed to always keep just a little more distance than what would be considered normal and only approached closer when specifically told to do so. They were clearly quietly wary of this man, although nothing about his reputation suggested that he would lash out against them for any error they made, but still they'd feel it. The instinct which told them to be alert when he was around was trying to keep them from 'danger'.
Still Renzo was another kind of being, and Yakumo had seen this from the day he had met him, which led to him hiring Renzo on the spot. He was extravagant, pretentious and cost the same as three equally skilled henchmen. But he was worth the cost. Not only was he brutally effective, but he also didn't have that danger instinct to limit him - he just did what had to be done. No more and no less. Such a guy was a dream for any in a leadership position, and his special mindset meant Yakumo had even further plans for him. Oohh he'd be in for a nice surprise, Yakumo thought.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 18, 2018 13:07:02 GMT -8
Renzo peered sidelong at Yakumo as he snuck up so silently, but didn't give any sign that he was caught by surprise. Instead he lifted himself from his lounging posture in smooth movement that arched his back. “I have no complaints,” he said, accompanied by a slow shrug. “I don't have any personal desire to watch it, but if you wish me to, Yakumo-san, I will accompany you.” The idea of watching brutes beat each other senseless held little appeal. There was rarely any aesthetic value in it. He had tried to compose poems on his first night observing the fighting arena, but none of the images seemed satisfactory.
He slid from the bar stool and walked beside Yakumo at his right hand, closer than most of the henchmen dared. He had no reason to fear Yakumo, and every reason to protect him. He glanced around with a relaxed awareness for any trouble makers. There were trouble makers in every corner. It was the nature of the place. But it was nothing Yakumo need concern himself with.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 18, 2018 13:49:54 GMT -8
"I don't think you see the art that is there." Yakumo said as he sat down on the ring side with space for Renzo next to him as the two contestants started going at it. One of them was a smaller guy who threw some nasty low kicks at the other guy who had mass and weight behind him and was dangerous every time he closed in on the smaller guy. Very quickly it was clear that they were indeed an even match and blood started spraying on their bare upper bodies with every hit and the pain was obvious in both their faces.
Yakumo clapped politely at every good hit no matter who scored it. "You see Renzo, there is no art going on there." Yakumo said and turned back to the battle. Suddenly the smaller guy put in a sound kick to the larger guy's knee followed up by a front kick to the head which brought the large guy down instantly.
"That's it nice going!" Yakumo cheered and laughed. "Now... that was art. The rest was just the creative process!" he said amused by what had transpired in the pit. As cheers had died out he ordered a bottle of sake and two cups and returned to a more sincere expression. "So one ended up being the artist and the other one the canvas with which the artist painted the picture the loser's blood. Now why did one become the artist and the other one the unfortunate art?" Yakumo asked Renzo as he carefully sipped his sake curious to hear the answer of his riddle.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 19, 2018 5:56:36 GMT -8
Renzo sat down next to Yakumo in the space that the boss had left beside him, a seat of honour no doubt, and watched the fight with a kind of avid boredom as blood and sweat sprayed out from the sunken area, accompanied by grunts and bodily smells. “I fail to see it as 'art' but perhaps there is a certain craft to it,” he replied, carefully not contradicting Yakumo too much. He still failed to appreciate the spectacle of peasants brawling, but then Yakumo, cultured as he was, was a commoner after all.
He neither cheered nor clapped at the end of the fight, instead tutted vaguely at a spot of blood that had sprayed onto his expensive crimson kimono. He sighed and lowered his sleeve, then turned to hear what Yakumo had to say. “If we must suppose one was an artist, and the other a work of art, then the only answer is “'Jaku niku kyou shoku' The weak are meat, the strong eat. Or in this case, art and artist are one and the same, only the strong man weilds the brush, and the weak becomes the paint.” He took a sip of the sake. Like everything Yakumo possessed it was extremely high quality.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 19, 2018 6:49:13 GMT -8
Yakumo's smile broadened as he turned towards Renzo. "That would be a very good guess and true to some extend, Renzo. But if that was to be the whole truth, we would be nothing more than animals as power alone is not what determines the art and the artist. Have you any idea of how many extremely skilled and powerful artists, killers and warlords that have been swallowed up by their cause because they couldn't separate themselves from what was on the canvas?" Yakumo asked rhetorically. "They end up with themselves on the canvas like the small guy down there in the pit who supposedly 'won'. Well half the canvas is covered with his own blood!" Yakumo said as he gestured with his hands and looked the drop of blood on Renzo's expensive kimono.
"I would like to say that you're a different man, but even you have to be careful not ending up as the canvas, Renzo. Like when stuck in a swamp power will sometimes only get you in deeper trouble." he said with a more serious demeanor. "Everyone has some kind of ideal or morality that helps them separate themselves from the art and the canvas. For some it's beauty or loyality and to others it's justice and the more you keep strictly to these principles the better you shield yourself from the art trying to devour you. And for you, Renzo, I suspect it would be money. But to just conclude it like that, would be fairly rude. So why don't you tell my yourself, what principle or ideal separates you from the art?" Yakumo asked inquiringly.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 19, 2018 7:34:41 GMT -8
“My, my, you are quite the philosopher, O-Kashira-san,” Renzo replied. The narrowing of his eyes gave him a cat-like expression as his lip curled on one side. “I merely reached the conclusion based on your original hypothesis. My belief is rather different if you don't mind me saying so.” Wasn't this getting rather personal? He wasn't sure whether to feel insulted, or to enjoy the philosophical game that Yakumo had presented him with.
Since Yakumo had given his permission for Renzo to talk about what motivated him, he took a further sip from his sake cup to organise his thoughts before he continued, “I believe your metaphor is flawed, Yakumo-san, if you'll pardon me saying so. I have long ago reconciled that I, all of us in fact, are both art and artist. We are creation and creator. A belief or principle that separates one's self as an artist away from oneself as art, is merely self-delusion. To deny that one is art, is to deny that one is flesh and blood, that when one dies one will turn to smoke or fill a scavenger's belly. While gold is naturally an enticing reward, any fool can get rich. The only principle I live by is to live beautifully and create beauty in my work, only for the most select of patrons of course.” He raised an eyebrow at this last remark and waited for Yakumo's response.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 19, 2018 8:44:27 GMT -8
"Experience." Yakumo said and glanced at Renzo. "That's what I'd rather call it, and in my field of work I get a good look at things from the top." he said casually and made a waving motion with his hand as if it meant little anyway. Yakumo didn't really care if Renzo subscribed to his version of the truth or not, he wanted to know a bit more about what kind of material this guy was forged from. What kind of character he was, and it pleased him that Renzo wasn't too guarded to explain what drove him.
"Maybe that is so Renzo, I won't deny that you might have a point. But I'm talking about whether the art you're doing destroys you or makes you stronger. Sure it could be considered art if you spill your guts on the canvas doing seppuku, but to what end? Well... a quick end I'm sure. This is where I'd say you either spill someone else's guts on the canvas or merely learn to draw them very, very realistically." he said and took another sip of his high quality sake. "The latter have saved me a lot of trouble over the years." he said with a wry grin.
"Well I'm happy this rich select fool can accommodate your needs of beauty then, Renzo." Yakumo said as he put his cup away slightly annoyed of how Renzo seemed to view his employer. Yakumo sighed and tapped his fingers on his leg as he leaned on his other hand while observing Renzo for a moment.
"Well, everyone has the right to assert their principles, Renzo. But I'm sure that you understand while under my wings, you'll be protecting my principles first and foremost." he said and and snapped back into casual conversation.
"On another note. Have you ever heard about the 13 jade guardians?" he asked curious to hear if Renzo had any knowledge about that particular myth.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 23, 2018 12:21:45 GMT -8
“Hmm...” Renzo looked slyly at Yakumo, enjoying his metaphor of drawing realistic guts. Seppuku was ridiculous in his opinion. What did a man truly own except his life? To throw that away was foolishness beyond compare. His thoughts started to drift off a little bit at that, but he refocused instantly when Yakumo seemed to take offence at his words.
He bowed to Yakumo, his eyelids lowered as he smiled. “Just because a fool can get rich, it does not follow that all rich men are fools, O-Kashira-sama,” he said, with exaggerated politeness. “If I believed you such, I would not be here. My apologies if my words offend you, I was under the impression that you wished me to be candid. I shall know my place better next time, and speak only what you desire to hear.”
There was the bearest hint of the sardonic in his voice, despite his dignified way of speaking. Renzo found it somewhat irritating that Yakumo felt he needed to be reminded of his place in such a fashion, while Yakumo took his honest reply as an insult. He had thought the man someone with greater depth of character, and was somewhat disappointed. “Of course, Yakumo-sama. You are my employer, and it would be grossly incompetent of me to put my feelings before your own, on points of principle or otherwise.”
It seemed that Yakumo had now finished with needlessly asserting his own power, and instead the topic changed as the Triad boss relaxed a little. Renzo raised a hand to sweep a long lock of hair away from his face, and considered Yakumo's question. “The Zodiac Beasts? I have read something of the legend. 'Back in the mists of time, the Jade Emperor of all the Eastern Islands was endowed with spiritual abilities granted by the gods who saw that he was good. In order to protect his empire, from the enemies without, he bound the spirits of the zodiac into thirteen jade masks which he gave to his most trusted warriors....'” Renzo finished quoting the text he had once read, and gave a curious look to his employer. “Do you mind me asking of the relevance of this? Should I continue?” he asked, more cautious now about what he said in front of Yakumo.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 23, 2018 12:47:28 GMT -8
So Renzo was someone to back off. It seemed he was not only the brutish killer but actually had a hint of class and wisdom. Still Yakumo's words were sincere, but like the man he was he quickly eased up and seldom bore grudges.
"Indeed one way doesn't have to imply the other way is the same. But the way you seem to spend my money I would think you would at least be more appreciative of what it can do for you." he said and observed Renzo. Could he be pushed even further? What would he do then?
"Your place is right here, nothing has changed because of words. I merely need to know who it is that sits to my right." Yakumo said and watched as a new pair of fighters entered the pit. This time it was a young scrawny man in his late teens and a middle aged guy who looked stronger but nervous too.
Yakumo looked surprised at Renzo. "Well that's odd you can quote it that accurately. Did it speak to you? Being blessed with power like that?" he asked and gave Renzo a curious sidelong glance. Yakumo chuckled a bit as Renzo asked for the relevance. "Sometimes the relevance appears after you've gone through the motions. Like art." he said and nodded softly. "Please continue and... let me know what you think will be the outcome of the fight before us."
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 23, 2018 13:35:11 GMT -8
“Please don't misunderstand me, I am very fond of gold,” Renzo replied, and there was an avaricious glint in his eye that revealed he was not lying. “Gold is far easier to trust than 'principles',” he added, raising an eyebrow as he took a sip of sake. He bowed graciously once again as Yakumo said he wanted to get to know him. He would come to know Renzo as well as anyone did, but there were of course many things that the ronin would reveal to no-one. “If that is what you wish,” he replied.
“I have a good memory,” he said. While it was far from eidetic, he did not find it hard to memorise or recall things he had read, once they piqued his interest. “Who doesn't like tales of heroic adventures? But such stories of long ago may or may not be true. It's as likely to be allegorical as literal,” he shrugged. Legends grew easily and faded slowly. Renzo knew that more than most, and while he had little faith in them himself, they were to some degree the building blocks of his reputation. They were useful if not reliable. “In my experience, power is not given, but taken,” he added.
Taking Yakumo's point, he continued. “'To the wisest of his warriors, he gave the mask of the Rat; to the most diligent, the Boar. The bravest wore the mask of the Tiger and the most prudent advisor, the Rabbit. His strongest warrior was given the mask of the Dragon, his most flexible, the Snake. To the warrior of the strongest will, he gave the mask of the Horse. To the Head Abbot, the peaceful Sheep. His wily scout wore the mask of the Monkey, and the captain of the guard, the Rooster mask. His own wife, the Jade Empress and his closest friend, wore the mask of the Dog and that of the Pig. And to the onmitsu who was the Emperor's shadow, he bestowed the mask of the Cat.' The story goes on to tell of how the giants of the north were defeated, along with the Emperor's enemies, and the demons that came from the seas, and countless other chapters. Some featuring groups of the Jade Guardians, some with one or two alone, and occasionally an adventure with all thirteen of them. Each mask gave the wearer powers of some kind that enabled them to defeat various threats. But at the end, the masks are scattered. The deaths of some of the Guardians are told, but not all, but the power of the Guardians eventually passed from the world.” He looked to Yakumo to see what he made of this story. “I hear there are other versions.”
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 24, 2018 14:05:05 GMT -8
"Yes in that you are right, Renzo. Gold is easier to trust, but thus can also be more deceitful than principles." Yakumo said with a wry but also increasingly disinterested smile. "Never mind that though, I believe I have a good idea about your character now." he said confidently. Renzo was indeed still guarded and Yakumo found it intriguing that he seemed to carry secrets that probably not even gold would be able to part from his mind. "I believe you are a man of principles whether you choose to believe it or not." he said and emptied his cup of sake. "Which principles they are exactly, I will look forward to see at some point." he concluded to himself.
Renzo seemed to have little interest in the fighting going on in the pit where the younger man were gaining the upper hand in a vicious fight. After hearing Renzo's explanation about the Jade Guardians Yakumo straightened his clothes and stood up.
"Since the fight seem to interest you so little it would be stupid to sit idly by here. Now why don't we go for a walk outside?" he Yakumo proposed and assumed Renzo had no objections, they would proceed into the late Jeoncho night.
"I'm still impressed by your knowledge in this field as it is not a myth that all people know. And like you are implying myths are not very interesting if they do not have some kind of truth to them. At least I've grown past the age where a bed time story improves my sleep. Today only power makes me sleep more soundly." he said and narrowed his eyes before laughing out loud.
"You must be taking me for a jester the way I keep dragging on about this yes?" Yakumo said and patted Renzo on the shoulder. "However I found one." he said suddenly and turned solemn. "Or at least I'm quite confident it is one of the thirteen masks, but I will be able to see for myself shortly. We are going a little further than just back to the Shop tonight, my loyal bodyguard." he said and seemed to delight himself with his own schemes.
"And I don't intend to walk." Yakumo added and gestured towards a rickshaw that was waiting for them a little further down the street.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 25, 2018 12:47:08 GMT -8
He had a good idea about his character? Renzo did not like that at all, and his eyes narrowed a little though he kept most expression from his face. Yakumo could choose to believe whatever he liked. There was no principle that gold couldn't override, unless one was a fool, and he didn't appreciate being taken for such. Instead, he glanced towards the fighting pit, finishing his own sake. It was vicious, brutal, undoubtedly pointless. Except that the winner would get paid, of course. He stood in a smooth motion, inclining his head in a bow towards Yakumo, and followed the Mountain Master out into the cool night air. Even in the centre of the city like this, cicadas chirped. Approving of Yakumo's comment about power, he smiled to himself as Yakumo laughed.
“No, of course not,” Renzo replied, although he really did not know where Yakumo was going with the Jade Guardians story. “You found one?” for a moment, he wasn't sure what he meant and a hundred possibilities ran through his mind before Yakumo qualified the statement. Even more taken aback he raised his eyes to meet Yakumo's quizzically. Was he mocking him? But no, he seemed quite serious. “You have found one of the Jade Masks?” his scepticism was probably fairly obvious, “Its not what I expected you to say... I admit I'm intrigued.”
Renzo was quiet and serious as he followed Yakumo to the rickshaw, letting his boss get in first before he joined him. The man began to walk and then break into a trot as they jounced through the streets of the city, Renzo alert for any trouble. “May I ask how you came across such a thing? And what makes you think it is one of the Jade Masks?” The thought of legendary power was as intriguing to him as it seemed to be intoxicating to Yakumo. If this was real, who knew what it could mean? And if it wasn't, but Yakumo believed it so, Renzo would have to humour him for the duration of the contract. Awkward but by far the worst thing he had been required to do for a client.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 26, 2018 9:10:34 GMT -8
"Yes, yes. As I said I'm quite certain it is the right one." Yakumo said and glanced directly at Renzo for a short while as if to see if he had seen through Yakumo's facade. For all he knew it didn't seem like Renzo knew yet, but of course all would be laid bare in a short while.
"I thought you'd be and I'm happy you are." he said and smiled to himself. "I came across it as I come across many things - through my associates. All over Tawakoshi I have contacts, people who owe me and even people I owe. But this was actually somewhat of a coincidence as we were talking about how I could obtain some specific other valuable assets in the northern Kiyonai area near the Kuzuyama clan. I was surprised when he said it was simple and when I asked why that was he answered that they there was an old artifact that they used much more energy to safe keep than those valuables I was originally looking to get my hands on." Yakumo explained as the were rocking along in the rickshaw.
"Of course I completely changed my mind about what I wanted to obtain when he described to me what it was." he said and looked at Renzo. "The only thing more valuable than gold is the means to make more gold." Yakumo said and folded his hands before him. "And those means come through power." he said and addressed the guy pulling the rickshaw. "Please, let us off over there right before that shrine." Yakumo said as the rickshaw stopped before an old shrine with old trees bordering up to it and a small path leading inside a small green area that were once a popular park in Jeoncho but had been used less and less and was now mostly overgrown and desolate.
"Come on Renzo. You don't keep ancient power waiting." Yakumo said and started strolling into the abandoned park. It was certainly there to Yakumo: The feeling that he had read a former bearer describe when getting nearer to the mask. The pulsating sensation - although weaker than anticipated - it was there and all his senses were tingling with excitement as if about to rejoin a long lost family.
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Renzo Uehara
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Age: 27
Physical Description: A rather atypical ronin mercenary, Renzo wears his silky black hair long and flowing, and dresses in bold, rather ostentatious and luxurious clothing. He cultivates the appearance of a courtier, which is only enhanced by his good manners and fluid movements. He smiles too much to be entirely respectful.
~oOo~
Clothes and Equipment: Renzo’s primary weapon, "Tsujikaze" is a double-ended kusarigama with a sickle at both ends of the chain. Each sickle blade is kept hidden inside the handle when not in use, but can pop out via a hidden mechanism. The blades are about as long as his forearm, and rather than being standard farm tools have been manufactured in the same way as a sword from a master smith. Renzo also carries a daisho as a mark of his samurai status.
~oOo~
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Apr 17, 2018 7:28:39 GMT -8
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Post by Renzo Uehara on Apr 27, 2018 12:50:27 GMT -8
“Hmm,” Renzo looked as casually alert as a cat, and his slightly narrowed eyes held an undercurrent of suppressed menace should Yakumo be mocking him with this mask business. But for all that he was curious. “I suppose you must know a great many people,” he commented, and his story seemed convincing to Renzo as he listened. There were all kinds of important, half-forgotten things hidden in all sorts of places in this ancient land of theirs. If there were Jade Masks, then it did not surprise him that Yakumo might be the person to ferret one of them out. In some ways, he reminded Renzo of a spider sitting at the centre of a finely spun web, waiting for someone, somewhere to set a strand twitching. It was quite fascinating in many ways, that level of subtle control.
“Indeed.” Gold bought power, and power bought gold, the two were interchangeable. He looked around him with greater intensity as the rickshaw stopped next to an ancient shrine that sat bordering onto an overgrown area that might once have been a park or garden. “Wait,” he said, putting out a hand in front of Yakumo's chest. “Allow me to go first. For your safety.” He glided down from the rickshaw and slid Tsujikaze from the back of his belt, not yet releasing the blades of the sickles, but ready to pop them out like a tiger's claws should anyone attack. Since Yakumo knew the way through the overgrown greenery and Renzo didn't, he contented himself with walking by his side. Petals from sprawling rhodadendrons crushed underfoot, releasing their sweet scent, as the two walked by, mixing with the aroma of moss and wood, and from somewhere in the distance, smoke. Moonlight illuminated the path barely as clouds crossed from time to time in front of the moon's face. After a time, he stopped, dropping into a battle ready stance, “There is someone up ahead,” he whispered, and glanced sideways at Yakumo to receive his command.
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Yakumo Teiko
Established
Roleplay posts: 35
Age: 28
Physical Description: Yakumo is a fairly slender and elegant looking man who's Triad origins only shows on his body which is covered in tattoos of snakes in all sizes and shapes. Outwardly he is a fairly handsome man with a charming smile.
Clothes and Equipment: Yakumo is normally always dressed immaculately and has a preference for fine silked Yukatas
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 8, 2018 10:02:27 GMT -8
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Post by Yakumo Teiko on Apr 28, 2018 11:36:41 GMT -8
"Oh I do know a great many people, Renzo. It's because I go and speak to many people and gain their confide. Honestly everyone could do that." Yakumo said casually and threw out his arms as if it was nothing. "However some people are far more interesting than the majority, and I tend to keep close contact with those." he added as he was about to enter but was stopped by Renzo's hand on his chest Yakumo's first reaction being that of surprise.
"I would happily allow you to go first in most cases, Renzo. To be honest I am paying you to take such risks, but we would waste too much time if you were to try to find it yourself." he said and smirked. "Just stay by my side and I think we'll be fine." he said calmly as Yakumo made his way through the old park that might resemble a forest floor more than a park now.
"Oh you certainly have sharp senses, Renzo!" Yakumo commended his bodyguard. "However there is no reason to take such a stance - right now at least. I know him and he's likely been travelling a great many weeks to get here." Yakumo whispered back before moving closer until the dim moonlight exposed the shadow that stood before them.
"Well then, how are you holding out my emissary, Hitsufune-san?" Yakumo asked with his hands clutched before him. Yakumo was eager to get his hands on the mask, but it was not his style to rush things just because he got slightly excited. Getting excited meant he would have to take even longer to make sure he was thinking clearly and acting accordingly.
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Hitsufune
Established
Roleplay posts: 19
Age: 23
Physical Description: Slender but athletic Hitsufune has long black hair that extends down under his shoulder blades.
Clothes and Equipment: Wears whatever is practical and 'blends in' with other people. He has an affinity of his red and white yukata though. Wears a katana and a chain around his torso and waist for battle purposes along with leather strips around his hands.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 23, 2018 12:39:33 GMT -8
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Post by Hitsufune on Apr 28, 2018 11:57:17 GMT -8
Hitsufune glared out under his rice hat he had been wearing on his journey from northern Kiyonai to Jeoncho and Xuandao. "Yakumo-dono..." he said and bowed to Yakumo. "I'm sorry for saying, but this trip has taken a toll on me. You've asked me to steal my clan's most prized possession, become a fiend in the eyes of my older sister and to cover my tracks using any means possible." he said reluctantly and with a certain bitterness to his voice. "I did that, and in this sack I have that item you say have the power to change the fate of Tawakoshi - and everyone here." he said and held the sack up in one arm hesitating a little. "But now that I am here, I don't know if I can give it to you." Hitsufune said and clenched it even more tightly. "You claimed to want to change the ill fate of Tawakoshi and inflamed something inside my heart... but now I'm asking myself... to what end?" Hitsufune said and took a closer look at Renzo at his side. Yakumo's thug looked like a cold son of a bitch and Hitsufune narrowed his eyes thinking he'd better be aware of that one. [EXIT: thefantasysandbox.boards.net/thread/3181/abandoned-park]
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 9:27:33 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2018 21:51:37 GMT -8
It was amazing to wander the streets of a city that was foreign yet not foreign. It left her eyes constantly watching about to drink in everything she could find, from the people of common birth to troops and samurai on patrol and everything in between. However she found herself wandering a narrow back road, already starting to darken with the descent of the sun. This brought the illumination of the street lamps and lights within an establishment to her attention more so, and she sought to step into, what she could guess to be, a tea house or sake bar.
The idea of a fresh pot of warm sake and her pipe was a tempting one.
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Orchard Viper Triads
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Mar 19, 2018 12:09:40 GMT -8
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Post by Orchard Viper Triads on Apr 29, 2018 0:27:05 GMT -8
@sukja
As Suk-Ja stepped into what - from the inside too - looked to be any luxurious sake bar, she was met with many discreet but curious looks from the guests and bartenders. It was however not a normal sake bar being the meeting point of the Xuandao Triads and any new person wandering in would get the same inspection from the Triad members inside the establishment. And this lady may even have caused some male eyes to study her a tad longer, though the main purpose was to figure out quickly if they knew her - for good or for worse.
Quick glances were exchanged and they shrugged as they could neither recognize her for being Triad or Yakuza. She did seem to be carrying a katana, but it seemed like none of them would be bothered to relieve her of her weapon having ascertained that the woman was likely no trouble. The Triad members seemed to calm down and return to their own business again.
"Sooo..?" one of the triad girls behind the bar asked Suk-Ja and leaned slightly in over the bar and gave a small but rather disinterested smirk. "What can I serve you?" she asked with a plain expression but was piqued by a certain curiosity too. Had she come to buy their illicit services? Or maybe even apply?
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