gmimperfecti
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Graded [Fallen Blossom Shrine] Falling to Rise
- Thread starter gmimperfecti
- Start date
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- Tags
- anime high fantasy isekai hell
Scene 1: A warmup exercise
gmimperfecti
Member
In the fields around the Shrine of the Fallen Blossom the cherry trees were finally blossoming. This year the risk of a cold snap had nearly killed the blossoms before they could be enjoyed, which would have made the Cherry Blossom Festival next week impossible to have. It was said to be bad luck to celebrate the blossoms after they had fallen. Many outsiders including members of the local Tangu and Tuskar clans were arriving by the hour for the festival.
Of course secular and economic concerns should not be on the minds of the Fallen Spears, charged with protecting the Shrine and one of the most powerful unit of Samurai the Koyake Clan had to call upon. After the death of Ronginusu no Yari who was the inheritor of the Absolute Terror Field, none possessed the supreme insight into the spear to inherit his full teachings. Thus the clan had fallen and the Fallen Spears were born.
The field was filled with the natural born initiates of the Fallen Spears, those who sought to gain prestige and privilege through service to the clan by wielding the spear.
In addition to the many initiates of the spear, there was one of the true Samurai, The Fifth Spear Kiryoku. Known for both as a second dan of the Fallen Spear as well as a first dan of the Drunken Claw, Kiroyku was surveying those standing before him. He frowned and shook his head, taking a long drink of saki. “Pathetic all of you!”Kiroyku eyes narrowed, one claw extending towards Daisuke, a huge brute more bear than tanuki. Daisuke gripped his spear, that was comically small small In his hands, and bowed low to Kiroyku.
Kiroyku ignored Daisuke and inspected the others assembled. “Koyake!” Kiroyku took another long pull from his saki jug, and gestured. ”Teach the slob why he is so pathetic, do not shame me.”
Kiroyku gestured for the pair to take to an opening in the field. Daisuke sighed, biting his lip, gulping, and then shambled off towards the area for sparing. He waited for Koyake, gripping the bamboo spear in his massive paws. “Take it easy on me,” he whispered so low only Koyake could hear.
OOC
Mentions: Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
G (3-5 effectiveness to succeed over 2-3 rounds). Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. Some tech cores cost and require an extra action to use, so keep that in mind.
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TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan Koyake
Yukan was quite pleased to be in the presence of The Fifth Spear Kiryoku. If he played his cards right this would set him up for a career in the armed service of the clan , particularly with the Republic of Kuridan's focus on combat ability. He didn't say a word but kept a solemn serious look on his face and an at ease stance as the higher ranking member within the clan addressed them. Despite his soon to be opponent's nervous like exterior appearance he did acknowledge that he had a large physicality to him that Yukan was not about to ignore, if push came to shove he was quite certain Daisuke could do some serious damage if he wanted to really try hurting someone.Yukan also gripped his training spear, Yukan also bowed towards the samurai class clan member, tapping into his Republic of Kurdian Etiquette F as he took a composed bow towards him.
He then made his way out into the field and assumed a stance that suggested he was ready to fight, trying to hold the spear like he had been shown on prior occasions to the best of his ability. Spear unit members may have been one of the more common sorts but only the best got to reach the skill level of figures like Kiryoku, and Yukan had large ambitions and if he wanted to get even close to them he'd need to minimally foster his career to similar degrees.
Upon hearing Daisuke tell him to go easy on him, he didn't give him a verbal answer, instead he gave him a bow, before their sparing match, and presuming he was ready to rumble Yukan attempted to move into striking range of Daisuke with his spear. He tried to be mindful of the distance between his feet and how he held the spear, trying to keep an active stance. He then tried to strike the large one in the chest swiftly, going on the offensive, with his blunt end with the intent of enough force to make Daisuke uncomfortable and hopefully slip up or flinch if it connected so he could follow up, taking on the offensive for now.
Actions:
1. Yukan moves into field and into striking range of Daisuke.
2. Yukan attempts to swiftly strike Daisuke in chest with his training spear.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
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Scene 1: Round 2
gmimperfecti
Member
Kiryoku’s scowl softened for a moment, and he raised his spear in acknowledgement. “See that you mangy Vagabonds?” Kiryoku’s hatred filled gaze scanned the ground of initiatives and hopefuls. No one could become a true Fallen Spear until their spear felled an enemy while lifting up the Clan in the process. In later years it had become almost a staged pantomime of the harsh requirements during Ronginusu no Yari’s era.
Daisuke realized his error and tried in vain to mimic Yukan’s display of etiquette to their sensei. It was too late. Even though none of the other initiates would stoop to mockery before one of the Numbered Spears, there were some minor heads hakes and wrinkled noises. Kiryoku was quick to correct those that did show their disgust with a smack of his spear, but the damage was done.
Kiryoku gestured with his spear, commenting even as he watched Yukan and Daisuke take their stances. “The battle is not won on the battle field, you idiots!” He smacked another of those that had scowled at Daisuke to make his point. “Every moment is a battle, each breath an opportunity for your opponent!”
To Yukan’s further credit, he didn't say a word but kept a solemn serious look on his face and an at ease stance as the higher ranking member within the clan addressed them. He then made his way out into the field and assumed a stance that suggested he was ready to fight, trying to hold the spear like he had been shown on prior occasions to the best of his ability.
Upon hearing Daisuke tell him to go easy on him, he didn't give him a verbal answer, instead he gave him a bow, before their sparing match.
The silent bow did further damage to Daisuke. Each bow was like a blow, the second one making Daisuke flinch then growl in rage. Daisuke growled more like a bear than a proper Tunaki, which was to be expected from one of the branch family’s who often tried to breed with other low families if no suitable match could be found within the Clan.
Yukan moved into striking range of Daisuke with his spear. He kept his stance active. Then when the moment was perfect, right as Daisuke’s moment shifted to charge, Yukan struck the large one in the chest swiftly, going on the offensive. Daisuke was massive with a body built to take punishment; however, his spirit was broken. Yukan’s direct attack blunted Daisuke’s attempted charge.
What did Daisuke in was not a follow-up of Yukan’s spear. It was the arrow the hit him from the nearby copse of trees! Daisuke grunted and fell down as an arrow struck his knee. However another arrow followed the first coming right for Yukan!
A third arrow veered towards Kiryoku, who casually blocked it with his jug of saki. Jug already half lifted, he took another chug and bellowed out a laugh. “Whiteclaw, impeccable timing!” Gesturing to the other initiates to hammer his point home again. “Every moment is a battle, each breath an opportunity for your opponent!”
OOC
Mentions:
*
gmimperfecti
* Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
.* Elder Oden
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
Combat Resolution
* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str F 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str F 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
Round 3 Whiteclaw’s Attack
Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!
E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.
Mentions:
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TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
Yukan tried his best to maintain his composure and use what he had learned so far to his advantage in every moment. He felt satsifaction whne his strike hit, he truly had not been meaning to outstage or upset Daisuke, but instead show him respect irrespective of his fumbling, he could of been haughty with him, but instead he took the higher social ground with his comrade who was of equal rank to him. He wasn't about to go easy on an equal of all people, even if it seemed so far his combat ability and stances were more confident than Daisuke, that didn't mean he was going to treat him as a lesser person because of it, it wouldn't be right in his mind. He did know there was a time and place to be harsh, discipline did need to be developed and he hoped that in that way he could learn something from Kiryoku.What Yukan was not expecting however was the arrow that came flying out of the group of trees in the field that could provide cover for someone. While he looked a bit surprised he quickly saw the arrow coming right for him! He acted quickly and used Basic Speed Dodge to try to quickly get out of the way of the arrow to the right. hopefully even if he couldn't dodge quickly enough his armor would take the hit well enough at a minimum. After he tried dodging he kept his eyes focused on the opponent towards the trees, holding his spear in a defensive stance. hearing that it was a known person this was certainly part of the training in his mind, that didn't mean he wasn't going to try any less to perform to his best.
With his next words he spoke out to everyone trying to invoke Leadership F in his words. "You all heard our most honorable Fifth Spear, we have a hostile in our midsts! Protecting the Fifth and our injured brethern while stopping the intruder are of great priority.! Those of you on the sidelines take your Yari, and get into a semi circle formation facing the trees, move quickly to lessen the chance of getting hit!" He'd call out to them.
"If there aren't any more hostiles around us, Then we will push forward in formation to encircle the intruders, Some of us should stay back just incase to make sure no harm comes to either the injured or the Fifth." He called out. While Yukan was not learned formally in military tactics he tried to communicate what he thought was the best course of acton in that moment based on the basics he had learned so far, figuring he'd treat this like a real hostile event.
Yukan then moved in front of Daisuke, in the center, where if the others were so inclined they could listen to him if they desired. Yari units were the backbone of some militaries around here for a good reason, footmen who could assemble enmass and be used for offensive or defensive purposes, because The Fifth's standing was higher in the clan he was ready to lay down his life for him out of a feeling of obligation.
Actions:
1.Yukan attempts to dodge Whiteclaw's arrow using basic dodge, speed + light armor.
2. Yukan moves into defensive stance in front of Daisuke in order to start the defensive semi circle formation if the other initiates desire to join him.
mentions:
gmimperfecti
Scene1: Round 3 proper
gmimperfecti
Member
As Yukan rolled out of the path of the arrow, the arrow caught the back of his leg. It was a training arrow, so beyond a bruise he was unaffected by it. He kept his eyes focused on his opponent in the trees, keeping his spear in a defensive stance.
A clan is a large family comprised of the main bloodlines, branch families, blood alliances, and retainers. While Yukan was associated with the clan, so were others. Of the twenty-five initiates of the spear, three were close to either Yukan and two Daisuke. These five were the first to move even before Yukan had finished his speech. They rushed forward, waiving their Yari to ward off arrows from the trees.
Another three arrows screeched through the air; however, with all five on full defense the arrows weren’t able to hurt anyone. The first volley of arrows were followed by three more, pushing the squad of 5‘s skill and cohesion!
Daisuke was on the ground, panting from the multiple attacks he’d sustained. They would leave massive bruises but no lasting damage, in another few minutes he’d be able to walk again, but the shame of wallowing in the mud had twisted Daisuke’s face, making him look more like a sad panda than a fierce bear he was usually known for. Yukan was like the light of sun after the darkest day. As Yukan approached with the unit of 5 spears, Daisuke smiled and tried to push himself back up to standing. He leaned on his spear, swaying as he did so.
“Ha!“ Tadakatsu, a well liked, pureblood from the 3rd branch family of the clan. “Raise your spears!” Tadakatsu looked towards the trees. “And let’s give the enemy hell!” Five other initiates followed his lead.
Not to be outdone by either Yukan or Tadakatsu, Masanori, a pure blood scion nephew to the clan leader also raised his voice to take command of several Tanuki friendly to him. Snapping his finger, Masanori said, “Come, bonuses for each yield or kill.” The remaining five initiates followed after.
As the two squads rushed over towards the trees, three more arrows rained down! The squad cohesion under Masanori was weak and one of his minions went down.
Even though Tadakatsu’s squad had to fend off two arrows, they remained cohesive and pressed on, reaching the copse of trees just ahead of Masanori’s squad.
Kiryoku pounded his spear in the ground. “You aren’t useless after all!”
“Haha!” Whiteclaw called from within the trees, “Let’s see how many of your hatchlings we can fell.” Whiteclaw and at least two other archers remained safely within the clump of trees at least 30 feet up. “Come little ones, come and fall beneath our arrows!”
OOC
Mentions:
- The Narrator -
gmimperfecti
- Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. HP 2/2
- NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3
- NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 5/5
- NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
- Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
- First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 5/5
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5
- NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
- NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
- We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.
Combat Resolution
- Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack R2.3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
- Yukan’s Basic Speed Dodge R3.1 - Effectiveness 4 (Str E 2 + Armor E 2 + Ability G 0 )
- Resolution: Whiteclaw and Yukan tie!
- Yukan’s Leadership F R3.2 - Effectiveness 4 (Grade F 1 + Leadership F 1 + Clan Associate F + Situation F )
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
- Defending Daisuke with Yukan. These five are loyal.
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions E - Rabble Army of 10x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
- Rushing forward to overwhelm archers in trees. You retain loose, operational command if you don’t push your luck.
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E5, Leadership F, Associate F)
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F4, Associate E, Wealth F)
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!
E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.
* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str F 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
Mentions:
Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
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TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
Even as he moved quickly out of the way an arrow seemed to hit but it didn't leave an impact unlike the one that had fell Daisuke, the good news was Yukan was pleased to see that some of them had come over to assume the defensive stance near Daisuke with him. Wanting to keep his Leadership F going. Since so many of them ran ahead to fight Yukan was not going to charge ahead instead he would stay back and protect the Fifth and literally fallen with those nearest to him."Try to surround the enemy!, When you get close move as a cohesive unit so you can defend each other while you advance!" He would try his luck even if it was less certain than those who had gravitated towards him. He'd continue out to those who were charging forwards. "Do not loose your resolve, showing your backs to the enemy is not an option!" he'd call out once more to try to appeal to their sense of honor and 'manliness' so to speak. He held confidence that some of the more competent ones down there could supplement command from that point, if they listened they could potentially leverage their spears and attack the ranged intruders in the trees from all sides.
He'd notice Daisuke as he got up, "When you've managed to shake that off well enough to move, we should move with you back towards the Fifth. Us joining the fray will only leave our back flank exposed, protecting our flank is of utmost importance." He reasoned this way they'd be able to better protect the Fifth too if enemies suddenly came from the other side Since The Fifth was a samurai he was part of a military noble class, putting his life of higher value as well as far as Yukan was concerned, being able to kill three birds with one stone so to speak was the best option in his mind.
If/when it seemed Daisuke could move he continued,
"We shall move in a defensive semi circle facing outwards simultaneously." The reason he picked this was because it meant that some of them would have their eyes on the front and sides so the two on the ends of the circle opening could quickly turn the other way and spot enemies coming from their flank. After waiting for them to get into position, he started to move back towards the Fifth. Assuming that they would follow, with his spear ready to try to block any incoming arrows.
Actions
1. After waiting for Daisuke is able to walk, Yukan orders the five who came near him into formation and Yukan moves into formation.
2. Yukan further instructs them to move back with him along with Daisuke towards Kiryoku to better protect him and Daisuke and to secure their flank should enemies try coming from the other side of the field opposite from the trees to attack Kiryoku.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
Scene 1, Round 4-5
gmimperfecti
Member
Although Tadakatsu bristled at the orders, they were never the less sound in nature. Plus there was the momentum of the situation to speak nothing of not wanting to lose face or be called a coward. “Acknowledged,” Tadakatsu spat out and continued to exert his own leadership to keep up unit cohesion. Three more arrows rained down on them, but the unit managed to defend against them without taking noticeable damage.
Masanori was another matter. He wasn’t a leader so much as he had clout and wealth to throw around. His offered bounty incentivized his unit to act more individualistic and the three arrows picked through their mismatched defense. “This!” Masanori swore. “We need reinforcements.“ Furthermore he had his unit lag behind so that they could use Tadakatsu’s unit for cover.
Seeing this, Tadakatsu tried to shake him loose and opened themselves up for another round of arrows. This time around they pierced one of the initiates in the leg and head, dazing them, slowing down the unit.
Furthermore, by the time the two units arrived around the trees they had another problem! Yari were not designed for throwing and because this was a practice session everyone was only equipped in their personal armor and the practice spears. Meanwhile, Whiteclaw and his clutch hooted in the trees, jumping from tree to tree and firing down upon the two units. Whiteclaw shouted out more taunts, which only infuriated Masanori.
It helped to hear their field commanders exhortations. None of them wanted to show their back and they all brandished their spears but Whiteclaw and the other archers were thirty feet up amongst the branches of the trees. With the approach of fall, the leaves had turned to bright red and oranges, some had even fallen thinning out the camouflage. Even without the cover, the archers were out of the reach of the Yari.
Daisuke grunted, lowering his head. “I am ready.” He grimaced and leaned heavily upon his spear, but he hobbled along with the group. Daisuke’s armor was not so fancy as Yukan’s. There wa a dent where Yukan’s practice spear struck his chest and another where the practice arrow had hit.
The unit formed up and follows Yukan’s instructions, making their way towards the Fifth was fifteen feet away. Another arrow harassed them, but most of the remaining arrows falling from the trees were now shot downward into the two squads. The two squads, the trees, and the archers were all 45 feet away. No more arrows came towards Yukan’s group.
A circle of spears formed up around the Fifth, who oddly made no comments. He silently sipped at the jug of saki, grunting occasionally as his dark eyes flickered around the battle field. As he paused to lift his jug up to his lips once more, six arrows at close range streaked towards him. Fortunately Yukan, Daisuke, and the five spears had formed up a circular formation. From the other direction, while most of the attention had been on Whiteclaw and the archers in the trees, two Tengu had crept unnoticed towards the Fifth’s position. They used short bows and poisoned arrows. The poison was only an irritant instead of being lethal, contact left behind sticky sap that itched fiercely. Two of the Koyake Initiates got hit, but the other four arrows were deflected.
The pair of Tengu shadow assassins dropped their short bows, switching to daggers and throwing knives as they closed in range.
“Not bad,” Kiryoku said, taking another swig of saki. “Not great either.” He sighed, looking at the assassins. “Only two, really?” He compressed his lips and shook his head. “Such indignity, they better not touch me initiates. You can do at least that much, can’t you?”
OOC
Mentions:
- The Narrator -
gmimperfecti
- Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. HP 2/2
- NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3
- NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5 [Irritated]
- NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
- Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
- First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 2/5
- NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
- NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 4 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
- NPC Opponent 5 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
- We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.
Combat Resolution
- Whiteclaw’s Unit Basic Attack. 9 arrows per round, Effectiveness 4
- Resolution: Whiteclaw does some damage!
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu Unit for 1HP (Remaining HP 4/5)
- NPC Rival E - Masanori Unit for 2HP (Remaining HP 2/5)
- Tengu Assassins 2x barrage of 6 irritating arrows
- Yukan’s Unit takes 1 damage,
- Yukan’s Unit is poisoned! It gains temporary Title Irritated, -1 distracted.
- Yukan’s Leadership F
- Resolution: All three units are still responding to Yukan’s commands. However, unit cohesion is dropping amongst Tadakatsu and Masanori’s units.
Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!
E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.
* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.
* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str F 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!
- Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack R2.3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
- Yukan’s Basic Speed Dodge R3.1 - Effectiveness 4 (Str E 2 + Armor E 2 + Ability G 0 )
- Resolution: Whiteclaw and Yukan tie!
- Yukan’s Leadership F R3.2 - Effectiveness 4 (Grade F 1 + Leadership F 1 + Clan Associate F + Situation F )
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
- Defending Daisuke with Yukan. These five are loyal.
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions E - Rabble Army of 10x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
- Rushing forward to overwhelm archers in trees. You retain loose, operational command if you don’t push your luck.
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E5, Leadership F, Associate F)
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F4, Associate E, Wealth F)
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
- Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
Last edited:
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
While Yukan did his best not to show it, deep down after seeing how nimble their enemies were as they could jump from tree to tree just like that and keep firing arrows, and the fact that their Yari were not long enough to reach was certainly a dilemma. Since Yukan had not tried to order such a large group of people before like this, and he still had much to learn it was understandable that it wouldn't be perfect. He felt somewhat frustrated with himself, should they not have gone over to the trees at all? If this was a serious exercise there could be people's real lives at stake, and he didn't want to be the reason that people were unnecessarily lost in a real situation. He would have to improve he thought to himself. Hopefully with showing his initiative for leadership he still would be received as well as he could be given the lack of experience. He figured that if they could keep them contained in the trees however they'd have to run out of things to throw and shoot eventually unless one of them had some kind of peculiar ability.While he was trying to figure out if he should yell anything else to those over at the trees other than the fact that they needed to keep a defensive stance to mitigate projectiles coming their way. Normally in a battle like this they'd simply counter with their own Yumi unit, but he yet to see that be an available option in this situation.
Yukan was thrown a bit when the simulated assassins came to fight. The good news was in this case if they used their spears effectively they had the range advantage here when it came to melee combat. The two who got struck with the stuff that would make it harder for them to fight wasn't good news but couldn't be avoided. Continuing Leadership F, "You heard him! We will hold this ground here and now, not a finger will be laid on the Fifth! Those of you who can shift yourselves towards the intruding pair get closer together like the wall formation we learned!" "And be wary of their ranged weapons, be prepared to defend!" As far as Yukan was concerned they needed to be ready to lay down their lives for nobility in the clan at a moment's notice. Yukan moved into a central position in front of Kiryoku in a defensive stance with his Yari at the ready. This way they could work as a team to block any more projectiles thrown at any of them, more importantly stopping them from reaching Kiryoku. He had his attention focused on the Tengu masked assassins. This would ideally force them on the offensive, they would need to move in to attack, and risk getting hit by multiple spears where their blades were disadvantaged. He did not want to risk creating an opening that they could try to speed/ sneak through to the Fifth if they spread out and tried to charge them.
Actions:
1. Yukan moves into defensive spear stance ready to block projectiles infront of Kiryoku.
2. Yukan tells abled bodied of group to fortify circular line by moving closer together similar to defensive spear wall structure, warning them that intruding pair may also have projectiles so to take a preemptive defensive stance, to try to force the Tengu on the offensive putting them at a disadvantage.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
gmimperfecti
Member
The unit of initiates under Yukan’s direct command shifted. Two of them were occasionally distracted with itching the pustules that had started to form around where they were struck. They raised their Yari, spears held in white knuckled hands. Dark eyes glared at the would-be Tengu shadow assassins.
The Tengu made sqwuaking noises, rattling the blades of their daggers together like nails on chalkboard or the toe curling crunch of walking on new fallen snow. It was distracting.
While Yukan wrestled with the situation, Kiryoku smirked. He took another sip of saki, paused, then rattled the jug. It gave a hollow sound. “Tch!” He grumbled. His mood soured even further. He looked at the pair and sighed.
“Yes!” The pair of Tengu cackled, flicking the daggers at the row of spears opposing them. The defensive line surged forward a few feet to try and catch the Tengu but they flapped their black feathered wings and glided back a few feet. The movements between the attackers and defenders happened in starts and fits, since the defenders weren’t willing to leaving Kiryoku. Meanwhile the Tengu’s volley of daggers weren’t terribly effective against the wall of spears either.
With neither attacks being effective, the pair hurls down alchemical smoke balls and disappear. Since none of the people with Yukan has training sharp eyes or hunting down hidden opponents. Worse than that, the smoke the pair hurled had a foul, sulfurous odor like a bad fart. The irritation of the odor was only amplified by the Tanuki’s heightened smelling!
“Out of saki and now I have to deal with this smell?!” Kiryoku growls, hurling the bottle onto the ground. He gestured towards the wayward two units, getting hammered by Whiteclaw’s arrows. “Well?”
Forty-five feet away the two units had dwindled. Under the continual volleys of arrows, the two units had fallen into disarray. Masanori’s unit was the worst off. Several of his initiates were hobbling with Yari’s askew. Masanori attempted to re-organize and use Tadakatsu‘s unit for cover. However, Tadakatsu was only angered by this. Meanwhile Whiteclaw continued to take advantage of the situation. In another round or two the units would be decimated and the archers showed no sign of stopping.
OOCMentions:
- The Narrator -
gmimperfecti
- Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. HP 2/2 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5 [Irritated -2]
- NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
- Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
- First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 3/5
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 1/5
- NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
- NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent Assassin Pair (+7, +5, +5; HP2)
- NPC Opponent 4 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
- NPC Opponent 5 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
- We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.
- Minion F Units (5x) with a base effectiveness of 4 and HP of 2.
- They have 3x attack, defend, or move actions.
- They can either have +10, +8, +6 or +8, +8, +8 effectiveness on their actions, commanders choice.
- They have 10HP, when their HP drops to 5 or lower, they lose 1 effectiveness per HP lost. (HP5 = -1, HP1 = -4).
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
Yukan could see that unless the units nearby the trees made some more distance between themselves and the archers they were just going to keep getting hit by whiteclaw, they needed to make a defensive formation and move away or they would just keep getting pelted on by projectiles with more ease, trying to fight two fronts hadn't been ideal Yukan couldn't help but think to himself, perhaps they should have all stayed with the Fifth instead next time. He was aware that this training event was going kind of rough, he wasn't sure how much worse or better they were doing compared to other groups. But he would eventually call out to them again, continuing with leadership F, "Those of you by the trees, don't just stand there and let them hit you, or let your fallen comrades deter you, reform and join your formations like we practiced and back away! but do not keep your eyes off of them, you'll only play into their hands if you continue like this! Make them come to you if you must!" He exclaimed to the best of his ability. He also knew that his group couldn't just sit there and let the assassins keep throwing stuff at them and their superior worst of all they couldn't see with the smog they just created created, they needed to act, the solution then occurred to him possibly, as he continued to try not to gag from the smell. He tried his best to speak with authority,,"All of you, get into a tight circle around the fifth!, hold your Yari like we're preparing to respond to a calvary charge!" He didn't exactly have the military language for what he wanted but hopefully it got the point across, if any of the Assassins tried to rush in there was a chance that they might accidentally 'skew' themselves on one of their training spears. He was also dubious that they could see well enough to throw in this smog either, so the obvious solution was for them to try to rush in for a melee strike through holes in the defense they may have seen. Yukan moved tightly towards Fifth facing away with his spear ready, now quite close to him. At this point Yukan was doing his best to salvage the situation as the smog had really messed this up, he was hoping to move in and counter attack strategically after they attacked but not being able to see made him have to double down on the defensive for the moment with his senses overwhelmed.
Actions:
1.Yukan moves tightly into position against the Fifth holding his spear so that anyone trying to get into melee range to strike the Fifth would be made potentially more difficult, instructs rest of units to follow suit in a tight circle as quickly as possible.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
gmimperfecti
Member
Tadakatsu was the first to respond. He perked up, looking back towards Yukan. “Aye Commander. You heard him, withdraw.”
Masanori jerked, cursed once, but ordered his unit into a defensive wall. Tadakatsu’s unit formed the second layer of the wall, which allowed his unit to be more defended. Even as Whiteclaw’s trio sent another volley towards them, the two units were able to reinforce each other enough that no one else took more damage. The two units slowly pulled back first fifteen feet and then thirty.
With the approaching of Masanori’s and Tadakatsu’s units, it wouldn’t be long until they formed up. Before the two approaching units and the sulfur smoke could clear the assassins struck again! One appeared and rushed forward, moving fast with a dagger in each hand. The closest initiate, one of those suffering from both the irritating arrow and the smoke, was hit by the Tengu. In an act of courage, he charged the Tengu. Fast as lightning, the Tengu struck out in a flurry of blows, dropping the initiate to the ground. However, having overcommitted, the Yari on either side came down. The Tengu pivoted, catching one spear blade but was unable to react to the second. The second Yari crashed down on the Tengu’s body, dropping it to the ground.
Using the commotion of both the retreating troops, a long shot volley of arrows actually traveling the full forty-five feet, and the attack of the first Tengu, for the final attempt.
OOC
TheTimePiece
- Success! Please write up your final triump over the last assassin and then I’ll transition us to the next scene. Mentions:
- The Narrator -
gmimperfecti
- Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. HP 2/2 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5 [Irritated -2]
- NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
- Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
- First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 3/5
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 1/5
- NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
- NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent Assassin Pair (+7, +5, +5; HP2)
- NPC Opponent 4 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
- NPC Opponent 5 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).
- We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.
- Minion F Units (5x) with a base effectiveness of 4 and HP of 2.
- They have 3x attack, defend, or move actions.
- They can either have +10, +8, +6 or +8, +8, +8 effectiveness on their actions, commanders choice.
- They have 10HP, when their HP drops to 5 or lower, they lose 1 effectiveness per HP lost. (HP5 = -1, HP1 = -4).
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
Even with the final volley the units who had regrouped and moved away were in a good spot as far as Yukan was concerned, plus he had learned a valuable lesson in not sending so many other to deal with opponents who truly were out of reach without making sacrifices, perhaps there had been some baiting but at the very least he realized what had gone wrong and tried to correct it on the tree front. He was relieved that they still heeded his words and didn't do anything rash like try to climb the trees to reach the archers that would have been rough. He had also made sure to keep mind of their flank which as difficult as the tree front was, the Tengu's no longer had the advantage on the flank as they moved forwarded.Even as he was irritated still trying to keep his composure while he was distracted he faced forward, he knew that the enemy might try using much more serious things like poison on the actual battle field so in that sense he was relieved this was a training. The Yari stance had worked just as he had intended, the Tengu who over compensated was vulnerable to a team attack and was subsequently struck, just how Yukan had imagined it, even as one of their own fell from the flurries. With Leadership F he continued, "Two farthest from me of you stay back near the FIfth, the two closest move in with me, we'll either strike down or route the one remaining., stay together and attack as a team!.
Actions:
1.Yukan would move forwards with two minion initiates on either side of him towards the remaining Tengu and would attempt to basic strike them, with his Yari, assuming other two would follow and also attempt to strike them so that the remaining assassin would have 3 Yari to deal with at the same time.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
gmimperfecti
Member
Realizing her demise, the last Tengu Assassin flung herself at Yukan. Her daggers came in a surging wave of flickering blade points some sort of ability guiding her movements into a flurry of metal. Yukan wasn’t alone and in war numbers were important.
Daisuke roared, barring his thick canines and dove at the assassin. Her movements were fluid, and her focus unwavering. Even as Daisuke’s Yari lead his body onto the Tengu’s, Yukan still took a dagger to his neck. It wasn’t fatal, but it hurt like fire and made it impossible to breathe for a moment.
His unit didn’t hesitate, flowing forward to protect their commander and put down the Assassin.
The other two units finished pulling back and fully surrounded Kiryoku. The Fifth Spear grunting his mood improving enough for him not to scold anyone.
He waiting for the two Tengu to be trundled up before speaking. “If you hadn’t coated me in stink, I would have left you a modicum of dignity. Tell your master he owes me a bottle of Pale Moon Saki.”
The Tengu who attacked Yukan who also hadn’t stopped sqwuaking as they were trundled up finally shrieked, “Get me out of this!”
Kiryoku grunted in thought. With a punch, he cleaved through reality and his fist disappeared up to the forearm, paused, and then he pulled another jug of saki from elsewhere. He shouted, “Whiteclaw come off your perch, you at least do credit to your elders!”
Leaving the Tengu tied up still, he gestured towards Yukan, “Tell me your mistakes before Whiteclaw arrives each of you.”
It wasn’t clear if he didn’t say anyone’s name specifically on purpose or he was just drunk and forgotten, but an awkward silence formed filled only with the Tengu’s continued swears much to Kiryoku’s amusement. Meanwhile Tadakatsu and Masanori glared and were about to talk over each other.
In the distance, Whiteclaw and the other two archers leapt into the air. They jumped up past the crown of trees and arced through the air on a graceful trajectory that would no doubt land them near Kiryoku.
OOC
Combat is over. Narrative time resumes!
Mentions:
Daisuke roared, barring his thick canines and dove at the assassin. Her movements were fluid, and her focus unwavering. Even as Daisuke’s Yari lead his body onto the Tengu’s, Yukan still took a dagger to his neck. It wasn’t fatal, but it hurt like fire and made it impossible to breathe for a moment.
His unit didn’t hesitate, flowing forward to protect their commander and put down the Assassin.
The other two units finished pulling back and fully surrounded Kiryoku. The Fifth Spear grunting his mood improving enough for him not to scold anyone.
He waiting for the two Tengu to be trundled up before speaking. “If you hadn’t coated me in stink, I would have left you a modicum of dignity. Tell your master he owes me a bottle of Pale Moon Saki.”
The Tengu who attacked Yukan who also hadn’t stopped sqwuaking as they were trundled up finally shrieked, “Get me out of this!”
Kiryoku grunted in thought. With a punch, he cleaved through reality and his fist disappeared up to the forearm, paused, and then he pulled another jug of saki from elsewhere. He shouted, “Whiteclaw come off your perch, you at least do credit to your elders!”
Leaving the Tengu tied up still, he gestured towards Yukan, “Tell me your mistakes before Whiteclaw arrives each of you.”
It wasn’t clear if he didn’t say anyone’s name specifically on purpose or he was just drunk and forgotten, but an awkward silence formed filled only with the Tengu’s continued swears much to Kiryoku’s amusement. Meanwhile Tadakatsu and Masanori glared and were about to talk over each other.
In the distance, Whiteclaw and the other two archers leapt into the air. They jumped up past the crown of trees and arced through the air on a graceful trajectory that would no doubt land them near Kiryoku.
OOC
Combat is over. Narrative time resumes!
Mentions:
- The Narrator -
gmimperfecti
- Yukan Koyake,
TheTimePiece
. HP 2/2 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3 [Irritated -1]
- NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5 [Irritated -2]
- NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
- Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
- First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
- NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 3/5
- NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
- NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 1/5
- NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
- NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
- NPC Opponent Assassin Pair (+7, +5, +5; HP2)
- NPC Opponent 4 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
- NPC Opponent 5 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
Last edited:
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
When Yukan took the dagger to the neck he tensed up and tried his best to hold his resolve even with the burning. He knew very well that in actual combat a hit like that could do. someone in very easily, and it only made him feel more humbled. He needed to get stronger than this, much stronger if he wanted to contribute to Kuridan and bring further prestige to his clan. Thankfully those who followed him diligently were able to take care of the remaining Tengu. He tried his best to remain serious and stoic, to ignore the squawking and swearing that was on going after the Tengu had been apprehended.but once everything had settled he turned to Kiryoku as he heard him as them to speak on their mistakes. Yukan was not someone prideful enough to try to claim he was perfect, he knew that he needed to learn so much more than what he knew.
He gave him a well composed bow with Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F It was pretty clear that the other two were likely to start blaming one another.
"I will not claim perfection. Sensei, I should not have sent off so many towards the ones in the trees so rashly, I wanted to disarm our opponents as quickly as possible, not taking into consideration their ability to stall while we were so limited in our options to hit them without any dedicated ranged support, I tried to remedy the situation... by having them reform, but it was an error nevertheless."
"When the Tengu pair arrived perhaps we should have tried a more mobile defense, advancing in pairs and keeping some back, shut them down before they could start the smog, but I felt that prioritizing your safety in such a targeted attack was of great importance."
Yukan could have easily tried to detract from those who led the units on that front who didn't stop to consider what happened earlier, or the fact those leading the units out there were really competing with one another instead of working together, but Kiryoku had not asked him to say what everyone else did wrong, he asked for His mistakes. He wasn't going to stoop as low in that moment to play the blame game with others just to try to put himself in the best light as possible.
He saw Whiteclaw and the others jump nearby presumably and waited for them to get into an appropriate distance, before he'd initiate a bow out of respect, Whiteclaw's skills had been quite impressive.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
gmimperfecti
Member
“Wrong!” Kiryoku shouted. “Send every last man to die on that siege and it would have been a success. Keep every last spear around me and it would have been a success.”
Kiryoku hefted his jug, pouring some into a cup and handing it to Yukan. “Drink. And meditate upon this. How can a commander fail at every task they undertake and yet still succeed?” Kiryoku slapped Yukan on the back.
He turned to the other two. “A fool learns from no one. A wise Tanuki learns from the failures of others. I have no interest in anything else. Ask your commander for your individual assessments and learnings. He’s not terrible.”
Whiteclaw landed with the other two, scowling at Kiryoku. “Must you continue to humiliate my people?”
“What?” Kiryoku turned and gestured, “I thought they were assassins not birds. If they can’t escape while everyone is focused on me, they really are an embarrassment.”
Whiteclaw snarled, walked over to the two trussed up Tengu and slashed their rope bindings with a foot claw. His hands never left his bow. He shook his head.
“Now that that’s settled, you no doubt agree Yukan will command the hunt.” It wasn’t a question, but the words were softened with a cup of saki.
Even though Whiteclaw was a junior, he didn’t defer as much as one would expect. “Yes, Fifth Spear.”
“What?” Masanori asked, caught himself and finished, “Fifth Spear, I was promised command of the hunt!”
“Oh?” Kiryoku asked, “Then why did you follow Yukan so readily?”
Masanori glared at Yukan, which only deepened when Tadakatsu added, “I’d follow Yukan over you.” He slapped Masanori in the back.
“I knew you weren’t a complete idiot.” Kiryoku said, handing a cup of saki to Tadakatsu. “I suppose if you want to abstain Masanori, your father can find something for you to do. Leadership of the third squad can go to someone else.”
Masanori bite his lip until it bled. “No Fifth Spear.”
“Good, you can tell your father he’s welcome.” Kiryoku handed a cup of saki to Masanori.
Turning to Yukan, he said, “Great! Let’s see if you can not mess this up. You’ve got a unit leader who is better at combat than you, one that hates your guts, and another who would love to see you fail so he can save the day.” Refilling Yukon’s cup, he said, “Whiteclaw will fill you in on the particulars. The Shrine Guardian offered an assistant to patch you up if you need it. Good? Good!”
Kiryoku hefted his jug, drank deeply and departed.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
It did click when Kiryoku shouted that he shouldn't have tried to fight on two fronts like that. That only further confirmed what the issue was, he needed to keep them all around the Fifth he thought in his mind after that, the siege might have been successful if he fully committed, either way he spread out too thin. When he was offered the Sake he gave a stoic nod towards Kiryoku, "Yes Fifth Spear."
movingly slightly at the back slap before swiftly reassuming his stance. He accepted the Sake.He needed to do better than this.. He took a sip of the drink. He tried to think it all through, was it referencing what had happened? Had he not excelled in either task and still met the objective? He would grapple with what he was told He felt a bit of relief that he hadn't blown it entirely even if there were problems that had been addressed and needed work. He then drank the sake that was offered to him.
Yukan stayed quiet during the assassin discussion regarding the Tengu as they were freed, it seemed that Yukan was taking what Kiryoku said to heart and was trying his best to think things through. What he had not been expecting to hear was for Kiryoku to say that he was going to lead the next hunt. Even with his lack of true experience showing, he was going to continue. He knew very well that others who were competing were not going to be pleased with this news, but Yukan stayed quiet regardless trying to keep his professionalism at all time high. Yukan glanced over at Masanori and could see that he was certainly not happy, at the very least he had enough sense to back down when he was treading into disrespectful waters had he gone any farther in protest.
Yukan at the very least felt somewhat reassured when he heard Tadakatsu say that even if it was probably more out of the rivalry he was showing with Masanori.
He then turned to Kiryoku once more diligently, as he filled his cup back up and spoke. He was laying out how things were, but these unideal circumstances only further motivated Yukan to succeed at the task at hand to the best of his ability, he needed to not only for his career but for the security of the nation. He bowed once more with Republic of Kurdian Etiquette F for a more prolonged period , making sure to keep his cup upright, after he had poured the drink and moved away.
"Yes, Fifth Spear." He straightened himself back up after he was fully on his way out. Yukan then took another drink of the sake, feeling the slight warm almost pleasant 'burning' sensation in his mouth and throat, helping to ease his nerves some. He then turned at attention towards Whiteclaw, ready for the briefing.
Mentions:
gmimperfecti
End of Scene 1
gmimperfecti
Member
Whiteclaw looked at Yukan and let the silence spread out. Around the group on the distant hillocks were a smattering of onlookers. It wasn’t uncommon for early arrivals and different factions within the allied clans to keep tabs on the training drills, especially larger ones like this one.
Whiteclaw shrugged, “Very well. As the season cools and the cherry blossoms begin to fall, the Hill Toads prepare for hibernation. During the next two weeks they slow down and their senses dull. Plus they have fattened up for the winter. The fat is used for everything from lateen fuel to seasoning for ramen. Plus their meat is fatty and tender. Their organs have value to different organizations and factions. The Daimyo uses this as an opportunity to show off new talent. Each of the Five Spears’
selects a group of initiates with a commander to represent the Spear’s Sonae lead by one of their Yari-gumi initiates.”
“Only five units are allowed, and the Fifth choose three units of Yari-gumi, one Yumi-gumi, my unit, and the fifth unit is Konida. Fifth convinced the Shrine to assign a Shrinemaiden to lead the Komodo plus I heard a mage pulled some strings and four others for transport logistics.”
Whiteclaw shrugged. “My unit has spent the last few days scouting. We could use a few hours to rest and eat. It’s two days journey to the Hill Toad we found and four back, that only gives us a few days to hunt it if we want to return before the end of the festival when the Spears and others who sent parties out will display their spoils to the Daimyou.”
“I’ll gather the Komodo logistical troops. Father has already invested tremendously in this expedition,” Masanori said. “Do you have any other equipment you want for the expedition, father will loan out a modest amount.”
At this point all the spears had fallen in around the four leaders listening intently to everything going. It’s not that what Whiteclaw said was unknown but few had heard it out together and none here had ever participated in such a hunt. Hill Toads were a prestigious trophy and a terrible calamity when they were berserk during mating season in the spring.
“I can form up the squads and run them through some drills,” Tadakatsu said.
While these were all helpful suggestions with their own agenda behind them, ultimate decision making fell upon Yukan. It was clear the Shrinemaiden would need a suitable escort and only Yukan could lead that there was certainly much to do and little time to do it. Every hour meant less time to hunt or worse being forced to act in haste when on the expedition.
OOC: Yukan and Alfis can post here. Then when your ready head to the shrine.
Scene 2: The Shrine of Fallen Blossoms.
gmimperfecti
Member
Gyoubu smiled, ignoring the kitsune next to her and continued to plead her case. “At least let the commander decide, Longfeather.” She paused, her smile brightening as she used her etiquette against her new rival. She had no idea where the hideous fox had come from, but she would not allow him to shame her so! “I passed on three other parties, because you promised me Yukan would lead this one and I could have it! I want him!” She licked her lips.
The three were alone within the inner sanctum of the shrine. For some reason since the fox had appeared Longfeather had taken all audiences in his seat of power. It was all so suspicious.
“I have blood right, there’s no way you can deny that! And I’m an actual Shrine Maiden. It is not!” She glared at the fox.
Longfeather sighed. “Yukan was chosen. The Fifth did as such and Masanori humiliated twice over according to the Fifth. This covers the debt owed and promises made, no matter how connected your family they do not rise higher than the Fifth, yes?”
Gyoubu smiled, “Yukan will pick me over it.” She didn’t even look at the kitsune Seikatsu Mitsunari.
Mitsunari certain had some challenges before him and this would be his least. How hard could it be to convince a juvenile Tenuki male to pick an kitsune over a fertile Tenuki Shrinemaiden? And judging by her pheromones she was about to get into heat. Gyoubu was a promising priestess and one well connected with family ties to the ruling Clan Elders.
Here in the seat of his power in the heart of the Shrine of Fallen Blossoms Longfeather’s power was enhanced considerably. There were mysteries about the Shrines and their powers to unravel. They were the key to the Daimyou maintaining power. Each Shrine Guardian held tremendous clout within the Daimyou’s court. It was even rumored they would reincarnate if killed, or then could regenerate or their magical powers were a grade stronger. So much to figure out and only two weeks to do it.
Longfeather watched Mitsunari with the wide black opening and inner sanctum’s heart architecture channeling the local lay lines and giving authority over to the Shrine Guardian.
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LadyOfStars
Tu'er Shen the Rabbit God
Seikatsu Mitsunari
There were many things that Mitsunari had planned to do here in Kuridan, but none of them could be done with his limited knowledge of the nation and lack of allies here. And so he had journeyed far from his horde and samurai on what was essentially gossip. Talk of important figures gathered and honor to be gained meant that there would be figures present who could help him achieve any of his plans. He was successful in infiltrating the shrine, but now some insolent child threatened to stand in his way. She seemed irrational, perhaps too proud for her own good and maybe a little spoiled. The little tanuki was apparently someone with connections, maybe a little effort to befriend her would make her a useful pawn in future endeavors. But for now he wanted bigger names.
"Master Longfeather, I am grateful to even be considered and given this unique and rare opportunity." The fox finally spoke as he smiled warmly and gave a brief glance to the tanuki girl and then back to the owl. "I came to offer my expertise as a Sage and my experience as a traveler of the world, I did not think my arrival or participation would cause such a...stir." His three black tails swayed in a fluid motion behind as he knelt on the hard floor. The girl seemed confident that she would take the position, but confidence alone would not secure her victory, Mitsunari would use [Kitsune Trickery] in an attempt to sway both the shrine maiden and the Master Longfeather's opinions of him. "I was once a slave in the east and since escaping I have devoted myself to doing whatever I can to help Kuridan grow." The words poured from his lips in a soft voice that betrayed his honesty as he recalled the true and painful memories of his time as a slave.
"But Kitsune were once protectors of Kuridan and its citizens and I hope to live up to that standard so that all citizens of the republic may feel safer and sleep a little easier. I just hope that others will give me that chance." Mitsunari turned his gaze to Gyoubu once more, making it more obvious that he was referring to her.
- Kitsune Trickery - Educated F [Silver Tongue] Deception, Seduction, Persuasion - The fox uses all his wit to lie and coerce someone to do what they would not normally or to get himself out of trouble. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
gmimperfecti
Akudon
Digital Alpaca
Alfis
A wry smile spread across Alfis' face as he took everything. Although thoroughly impressed, he could feel the smug phantom of his mother begin to haunt the recesses of his mind as a result. His family's inn was no stranger to the Cherry Blossom Festival, putting up cherry blossom-themed decorations and using the local food to help entice customers traveling through their town for it. The primary purpose of his visit was also related to this. The local Cherry Blossom Sake and Hill Toad meat were the prominent attractions sold during and after this period, being a great boon to their income.
In the past, Alfis' mother was the one who usually handled procuring the necessary goods while he watched the inn, but that had changed this year. As was a tradition within his family, It was now expected that he travel and begin making a living beyond his usual assistance with the inn. Perhaps softer than most would be in the past, his mother hired him to deliver the regular supply for the year as a first job rather than altogether leave him to fend for himself.
Despite being unfamiliar with the traveling route, it seemed he had still arrived before most merchants and tourists had. Most were still in the process of preparing for the festival that was still a week away. This luckily made obtaining the goods that he sought far easier and likely less expensive than it likely would have been otherwise. Though his task was accomplished, he still intended to stay for several days to experience the festival.
There was much to learn from the area, with many types of food to sample and businesses to gain insight from. A pair of hands to assist during the busy time was always welcome, and Alfis would likely be able to test himself and secure lodging in one fell swoop if he were careful. Before he became too busy, he did take some time for himself. A hearty meal was enjoyed, local spices were obtained, and finally, he decided to view the Shrine of the Fallen Cherry Blossom.
It wasn't long before his initial goal got sidetracked by a number of people starting to gather nearby in the distance. Upon approaching to investigate, Alfis found what seemed to be a battle in progress. Though Initially startled, the murmurs of the audience and the realization that the participants were using training weapons soon allowed him to calm himself. Although there was some difficulty, the Tanuki managed to defeat their Tengu enemies. As things settled, he realized that one of the individuals taking part was surprisingly familiar.
Though Alfis was more familiar with the man in a more casual environment, he grew more confident as time passed that the stoic and commanding figure was Kiryoku. What confirmed this for Alfis was that he seemed slightly drunk despite the time of day and only continued to drink further. He had become infamous for being a living storm due to the amount and strength of the alcohol he drank at the Tiger's Den. The man had become a customer for life after tasting one of his mother's notorious alcoholic creations, being likened to drinking lava and known to knock the common man out after a glass or two.
Despite his reputation for alcohol, Kiryoku still gave a generally good impression. Alfis respected the man due to his serious nature, seeming martial skill, and mental strength. As a cub, there were several times that he annoyed the Tanuki to teach him how to become stronger because of this.
Although he felt slightly awkward and out of place, Alfis chose to approach the group to greet the man. To avoid interrupting and becoming a nuisance, he decided to stand off to the side and make himself as unnoticeable until they were finished with their business. Despite the distance, his ears perked up when he overhead [Enhanced Senses (Hearing) F] discussion of a Hill Toad hunt. His interest was quickly garnered, and his tail swayed as a result while he listened.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Yukan
Yukan listened to what everyone had to say intently keeping his serious stance. It didn't take a genius to figure out what was going on. Just as the Fifth Spear said there were people already trying to campaign to put themselves in the best position. While to further his chances it would be better if he made the majority of contributions he also knew that during an expedition like this there were expectations of contributions that people wanted to make and it would be silly not to look into what others had to bring to the table when it was an important task like this. As important as individualistic campaigning was, teamwork was also important as he had learned from the Fifth earlier during the training, they needed a united front for an absolute victory. Perhaps they could use some of the military strategies they had learned in hunting the toad, he thought to himself.
Once Whiteclaw stopped talking. He looked over towards everyone and shifted away from the group in as authoritative stance he could muster, he had been put in charge here and he needed to make that clear right off the bat so he didn't want anyone thinking they could just walk all over him now that the Fifth Spear was gone.
"Thank you for the brief, Whiteclaw-sama "
He then initiated Leadership F for what he was going to say with delegation. "Now then, I think it's safe to say that everyone here could use some time to rest, we've all been very active the last few days including today and could use some time to recuperate and eat, before we finish gathering our belongings for the upcoming journey and depart, the earlier we finish this task the better." "Fatigue simply will not do for an important task like hunting for an event of this scale."
Yukan then turned to Masanori and nodded in confirmation that he agreed with Masanori gathering them. "Please let your father know that his generosity is appreciated. Would it be possible for him to provide us with some Metsubushi, ideally large target grade, and powder?, they don't have to be military grade but, It'd be helpful if the powder provided could include a some additional irritant agents for potency but it's not a necessity, we don't need enough for everyone here, but a few would be strategically advantageous to have it as an option; if it works on helping to subdue criminals, then I could see the benefit in taking some to help us subdue our Toad."
Letting people contribute in their own way would help group cohesion, Masanori's family could get some credit for their contribution but it would still ultimately be Yukan who made the item request, which was modest enough with his specifications.
He then looked towards Tadakatsu, and gave him a nod too, "Tadakatsu-san, all of our fellow clansmen know of your martial ability and sense for the battlefield you showed it earlier with your resolve with your units, and many times before, you are well respected, I think that it would be advantageous if you led some training drills before we departed, as I have the utmost trust in your capabilities."
Regardless of what happened it was a group effort, and Yukan was not going to assert it was only him even if Masanori had shown questionable skill earlier and the personality, a monied family needed due respect it would also help and placate him if he was able to contribute. Tadakatsu was an obvious choice for what he suggested.
"As you are all aware , I have some business to attend to at the shrine..before we depart." However Yukan's Nose did twitch a bit as he focused in on a new smell, it wasn't an animal that was already among them. He used Heightened Sense [Smell] F to hone in on Alfis, before looking over that way.
"It would appear we have ourselves a visitor." He finished up. Ready to see and hear whatever this newcomer would entail before he headed to the shrine.
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Akudon
gmimperfecti
LadyOfStars
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gmimperfecti
Member
Longfeather like most raptors and apex predators was all business. Born with a heart as cold as ice, he was powerful, wise, and deadly in equal measures. It was hard to tell the impact or even see much response. At length, Longfeather bowed his head. “Gyoubu no doubt recognizes the value of Sage, even if you have not come into your power yet Mitsunari. Sages are as rare as Shrine Maidens in the a Republic.”
Gyoubu scowled and added, “But the Tenuki need new blood, pure blood and I was…” She trailed off looking between Longfeather and Mitsunari. “What’s going on here?”
Longfeather silently waited for Gyoubu to respond. “A wandering Sage?” She of course knew Mitsunari’s cover story, it had been circulating alone the shrine for a couple of days. “Well it is! The Fifth’s group needs me, not some random Sage who probably rolled out of a Hedge or something.”
Gyoubu blushed and looked away. No one had know of Mitsunari’s slavery. That was the greatest humiliation of the Beastkin to be treated as house pets.
“Okay…that’s heavy stuff for sure.” She sighed.
“Mmmm,” Longfeather nodded. “There’s a thought that Mitsunari’s story might inspire the initiates.” Longfeather raised an eyebrow towards Gyoubu.
“Yes, yes sure, but, but I really want to go out with Yukan. I mean, I want a chance you show off and gain some notoriety. At this point the other shrine maidens will have more, you know accolades than me. It’s not fair. Besides, he reeks of blood. How much can we really trust him. You know the phrases Fox in a Hen House comes from somewhere, right?”
Longfeather nodded. “We each have made imperfect decisions. Once the Aritomo clan of white owls was vast and numerous. We ate Gerbie until there was no more. We killed an entire race in our gluttony. We ate through many of our prey in this way until our ecosystem collapsed. And yet the Tenuki took us in and we became the The Ryozo clan and knew stability and strength using it to support the Koyake Clan.” It was hard to tell who he was preaching to but he made his point and started long at each. Looking to the pair, “You need to find a way forward.”
- Kitsune Trickery - Educated F [Silver Tongue] Deception, Seduction, Persuasion - The fox uses all his wit to lie and coerce someone to do what they would not normally or to get himself out of trouble. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
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Shadow Dancer
One Thousand Club
Indicus
Indicus thanked the Masanori caravan leader for his hospitality before making his way towards the Shrine of the Fallen Blossom on his way he passed through the town that sat near the shrine. It was upon smelling the many smells of foods he was unfamiliar with wafting into the street set to entice visitors to open up their coin purses. Indicus' stomach having ate primarily travel rations and the occasional rabbit on his journey from Ryken was begging for a proper meal. So after browsing the food stalls he found a noodle dish made with beef and stir-fried vegetables called Yakisoba without missing a beat, he gave the vendor the amount listed for the dish and collected his food.
After fumbling with the eating utensil the locals called chopsticks much to the amusement of onlookers he finally put his dexterity (Precision D) to good use and managed to figure out the trick to using chopsticks and started eating his lunch as he walked towards the shrine. Indicus was on the edge of the town when he finished his meal and disposed of his dish in a marked bin.
Indicus jogged down the path and was soon met with a gathering of many beastkin around a field adjacent to the shrine. As he got closer he recognized the Masanori family member from the description he was given by the caravan leader and he also recognized the white tiger beastkin waiting at the edge of the field as someone that was with the same caravan as himself, though they did not talk much. Indicus readied the letter of recommendation he got from the caravan leader as he slowed down stopping near the white tiger beastkin.
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gmimperfecti
AkudonAttachments
LadyOfStars
Tu'er Shen the Rabbit God
Seikatsu Mitsunari
The fox smiled politely when Longfeather commented on his power and the growing he still had left to do. Inwardly he was focused more so on the rarity of miko. In his old world they were not so uncommon and could be found at almost any shrine, but perhaps there was more to the role in this world. Which would suggest that the tanuki girl was more valuable than he initially thought. That didn't change the fact that she continued to campaign against him so he would need to use [Kitsune Trickery] again.
"I try not to judge people too harshly on a first impression, but I cannot help but shake this feeling that you might be here for the wrong reasons." Mitsunari declared. "Yukan needs someone to support him in his goal, who will put the full weight of their skills and knowledge behind him. While I do not doubt you are a very skilled shrine maiden...all I have heard you speak about is blood rights and...reproduction. It does not sound to me like you're focused on the true task at hand and that could lead to Yukan's failure in this important endeavor." She was young and eager; to prove herself to her peers and to her family, something Mitsunari would have once sympathized with. That wasn't the case now however. This important moment for Yukan was also an important moment for him as well and this little tanuki girl was shortsighted and self absorbed. Tell tale signs of a mind not yet matured.
"I have had to make very difficult choices on my path to freedom and I am sure that you too will one day be faced with such obstacles." His mind briefly wandered back to the people he lost in the rebellion and the bridges he had to burn in order to keep from becoming stagnant. "Yukan will also walk a similar path one day and he will need the wisdom of someone who has been down that road, but also the support of a friend, possibly a lover." The kitsune gave a light shrug as a playful expression brightened his face. If he could not get the girl to see him as the superior choice then perhaps she would be more open to the idea of them being equals and sharing supporting roles. "How lucky would he be to have a Sage and a Shrine maiden backing him?" Mitsunari let out a soft chuckle and smiled as his tails seemed to mimic his fake excitement.
- Kitsune Trickery - Educated F [Silver Tongue] Deception, Seduction, Persuasion - The fox uses all his wit to lie and coerce someone to do what they would not normally or to get himself out of trouble. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
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