PaulHaynek

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Hey all! So another update's up. I should really say sorry to everyone for immediately jumping to the battle when I should have allotted more time on the ship.

But if your bumbling GM may make a request, do y'all mind if you put the ship sections of your posts in hiders? It would make for better organization and less confusion. No need to edit previous posts (but I'd appreciate it if you do).

EDIT: Ongoing collabs can continue, of course. And can take as much time it needs. (I also know I said I'd update after the collabs were done, and I'm sorry for that, but I felt I should update for people not part of a collab)

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

"Lord Serek, I see a... a golden Dragon. On the right flank of the beach, attacking our forces."

"..."

"So it would seem. And it looks like she has friends."

"...What do we do, milord?"

"..."

"Tell me, do we have that Hideo fellow?"

"I believe so, Lord Serek. He has been captured and is being transported to this ship as we speak."

"Good. We will need his... cooperation for this."

---

Saikoten Region

Sanjo Beach

~ @AzureKnight (ATS & SHI), @Restalaan (GRI), @FrogRFlowR, @Rune_Alchemist ~

Tomi made her mighty landing in the middle of the attacking Varjans, spewing forth a jet of draconic flame to burn away anything before she landed. Her drop created a small crater in the sand, the fires she started so hot it turned some of the beach into glass.

"We're here to stop all of you...I think. I'm pretty sure. Anyway, step forward anyone who wants to claim the glory of killing a Dragon, now's your chance!"

Tomi Garudo

The Varjans of this flank were taken by surprise and stared in awe at Tomi, none daring to attack her. They were told there would be no monsters in the island, and yet here was one. A Dragon, no less!

When her other companions caught up with her and began carving their way through the starstruck Varjans, the invaders regained their confidence and bloodlust. They let out their war cries and charged at the taskforce with reckless abandon. Still, these were small time Brigands and Warriors. The taskforce did not have trouble with them. But the new boats arriving at the beach bore different foes.

-

It was hard to miss the huge N'ylaatothk slowly expanding into the beach. It was far harder to miss the whirlwind of destruction that was Gringor. But a warrior jumped off a boat to challenge them both, a blur of purple and gold dashed through the beach to deliver some painful, but not wounding, slashes at Gringor before dashing towards N'ylaatothk and hacking off some of her grown weapons. He soon stopped before the Shoggoth to proudly introduce himself, two blades bathing in fiery glows in his hands.

"Fetid, disgusting, monsters! You face Kasseros Telmar, the Radiant Champion of the Heavenly Children!" The warrior was covered in thick, shiny, gold and violet armor, polished so thoroughly that the dim light from the torches was enough to make it glimmer. His helmet had a T-shaped visor and sported a horizontal mane of white hair. "The two of you are no match for me!" And then he noticed Tomi standing beside the Shoggoth. "A Dragon too? Ha! I will have many trophies this day!"

He would boast arrogantly, but N'ylaatothk, Tomi and Gringor would likely be distracted by the strong perfumes this warrior wore. The fragrance was so overwhelming, so suffocating that it was an odor.

-

Atsuha was requested to watch the Shoggoth's back, but she would see on the corner of her eyes a fallen samurai. Near some large rocks, a samurai warrior in broken armor and about three arrows sticking out of his back crawled helplessly. Where was he crawling to? Perhaps even he didn't know, merely following his body's last gasps of life. The other samurai near the taskforce were already slain, perhaps this one could be saved.

His helmet his off and the Jorou-Gomo could see his long, tied brown hair.

-

Shizuka was a blur amongst the fighting, dropping Varjans left and right without being noticed and leaving behind confused warriors wondering what just happened. Still, there were far too many of them for the azure fighter and despite his efforts, the remaining samurai still alive and fighting on the beach were quickly dwindling down. Shizuka could see small pockets of them desperately making their last stands, but they would all fall within moments.

Most of the defenders that charged the beach were already dead, and the losses sustained by the invaders were replaced by new boats landing on the beach. The Varjans had began to ascend the hill and towards the barricades, where the onmyoji and the shrine maidens drew their swords and spears and readied for the melee. They were joined by a few samurai that had fallen back, but Shizuka knew none of them will make a difference.

The battle was lost. Perhaps it was lost before it even started. Still, Shizuka needed to find the island's rulers as Lady Kyouko ordered, maybe get to the defenders of Shizuyama and ask them before it's too late. Or perhaps should he prioritize the taskforce's survival, get them out before they were overwhelmed.

------

Sanjo Town

~ @Hammerman, @AzureKnight (HIN), @Dark Cloud, @WanderingDragon ~

By the time the taskforce reached the town, the Varjans had already began the assault. The screams of the townspeople filled the air as Varjan Brigands mounted on horses ran down fleeing villagers while Varjan Warriors entered homes and dragged its occupants out to be slaughtered. Torches were hurled at the mostly wooden buildings, inciting mindless infernoes amongst carnage. The invaders seem to have forgotten their original goal and instead busied themselves pillaging the town.

Try as they might, Wyndressa's team consisting of herself, Lunatea, Samael and Hinami could not find the town's mayor or elder or leader. Whoever they were, they probably had either fled or died already. The panicking and fleeing villagers were of little help, paying little attention to them and quite busy using their legs to run as fast as they could from their homes carrying whatever they had in their hands. The Varjans, likewise, had not noticed the trio yet and continued to raid and massacre.

They soon spotted a squad of Varjan Brigands cornering a man with an infant in his arms. Perhaps it was time for the taskforce to establish their presence here, that the Varjans will not run rampant unopposed.

-

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @Noblebandit ~

Skarsneek and Cambiel, an unlikely duo, charged through the chaos to do battle against the Varjans. Running past fleeing villagers and burning houses, they soon came upon a group of the invaders who appeared to be quite different from the rest of the pillagers and did not partake in the slaughter. At least, not directly.

They were all on horseback, wearing armor shinier and more decorated than your typical Varjan Warrior's. There were about five of them, the four mostly looked the same while the last one was distinct in that his black hair was bared to reach his shoulder and only wore a snarling steel mask in place of a proper helmet. "Worry not. Those samurai warriors on the beach will be overwhelmed either way. Lord Serek isn't even counting on their defenses being hit in the back." His voice carried a certain regality to it. Proud and arrogant.

It took him a moment to notice the Angel and the Goblin. "Oh? What do we have here?" He glanced at the duo up and down. "An emissary of the heavens, it seems. And his... boy toy, I suppose." The Varjan did not appreciate Cambiel's presence, but also did not become hostile. "Can I help you, Angel? Or are you lost? Or perhaps you are here to, once more, bemoan how we 'are all doing this wrong' and that 'we should follow the laws established by the gods'."

The town, meanwhile, continued to burn around them. Did Skarsneek and Cambiel really have time to talk? Still, they could gleam information from this Varjan who apparently thought Cambiel was on the invaders' side by their factions' association with each other.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Dark Cloud

Yo chill, dude. Don't be surprised that people get confused at unfinished posts in the IC.

Anyway, you can use Roleplayer Guild tools to help make your post without posting in the IC. You can start a PM with yourself and make as many posts or edits as you like or you can do it like me, create a thread in the Test Forum to put my WIP posts.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Dark Cloud

Hmm, is @Hammerman busy? I feel the two of you can do a collab about Sam and Lunatea's time in the ship.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Yeppers.

Update'll be posted once I stop procrastinating the collabs are done. :D

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Some Helpful Terms

Terms That Will Be Thrown Out A Lot In This RP

The Great Change
The event where the current Demon Lord ascended to take control of monsterkind, taking place one thousand years ago. Being a Succubus, all of monsterkind promptly took on Succubus characteristics and transformed into beauiful monster girls we know today. The Demon Lord also rewrote their natures to be more benevolent, running against the usual objectives of her position.

The Order
The religious organization encompassing most of humanity, its members comprising of multiple countries. Based on the Sacred Isles and has major influence in the continents of Oa and Ui, it had been humanity's bulwark against monsterkind since its founding thousands of years ago. But after The Great Change, the Order has found itself impotent as their blessed Heroes cannot strike down the benevolent monsters without going against their doctrines of virtue and kindness. And without the external threat of the monsters, the Order now struggles to keep its members together amidst rising resentment of the organization's corruption and exploitation.

Varjo
Once a kingdom of magic known as Razelia, the royalty was overthrown by Varjan Caldeyron who renamed the nation after himself. Taking place one hundred years after The Great Change, each generation of the new royalty increasingly concentrated all the kingdom's wealth and achievements to the capital and destroying those that cannot be moved. Known for their armies' brutality and ruthlessness, Varjo offered to lend their bloodthirsty troops to The Order in exchange for membership. The Order rebuffed these offers for obvious reasons but as their situation grew desperate, the organization relented and began wielding Varjo's armies to put down revolts or assassinate troublesome individuals, even Heroes.

Zipangu
A relatively small group of islands in the far east of the world maps. Even before The Great Change, the Zipanguese humans had mostly cordial relations with the yokai in their lands and so, were not direly affected by The Great Change. Still, there are islands and clans in Zipangu that resist yokai and have relations to The Order. Most famous of these islands is Shizuyama.

Yokai
The term the Zipanguese use for monsters.

The Long War
What the Varjans call the Order-Alliance War that has been ongoing for a decade and a half, its belligerents being The Order and its member states against the breakaway Ortus and their pure Dwarven allies. While the fighting was intense for the first few years, the battles flickered into skirmishes once the battle lines were established. But the recent death of the current Varjan King, Joshua Caldeyron, moved his Sister-Queen Leyanne Caldeyron to escalate the war once more.

Varjan Army Units Part 1

Varjan Warrior
The main fighting unit of the Varjan military. Clad in thick, dark-colored armors, Varjan Warriors take to the battlefield hacking and slashing at the enemy in the name of earning favor, prestige and loot. Unlike the soldiers and Heroes of the Order, Varjan Warriors have no compunctions about murdering innocent and defenseless civilians and so, are useful in brutally putting down revolts or quelling protests.


Varjan Brigand
When the Caldeyrons concentrated the kingdom's wealth to the capital, the villages and towns across Varjo suddenly found themselves penniless and without food. Unable to challenge the Varjan military, these villagers and townspeople took to banditry to make ends meet. Wearing simple leather and fur armors, they assaulted trading caravans and raided the villages of other kingdoms. Over the years, these people turned into full-time raiders and became proficient in battle and fighting. A good thing for them, as Varjan commanders typically call up these Brigands during an excursion and are rewarded with an ascension into a Varjan Warrior.


Footman
All Order members are required to maintain a basic military unit comprised of these Footmen ready to be called upon by the Order or their native country. It did not matter how the Footmen were recruited by the nation, so long as they existed. While the quality of the Footmen differs from each country, they're generally given basic training and armed with average swords, spears, polearms and bows while wearing simple chainmails or gambesons for protection.


Varjan Elite
Varjo's most powerful fighting force that answers only to the kingdom's royalty. Commanders wishing to field these highly-trained warriors will need to have some blessed to them personally by either the king or queen. Eerily silent on the battlefield, Varjan Elites can take on scores of infantry that one could mistake them for being Heroes blessed by gods. It is mostly a mystery how one can become a Varjan Elite, as no one can be promoted into one or join their ranks. But those who do know are usually disturbed as to how Varjan Elites are truly made.


Varjan Champion
Warriors who prove themselves time and time again may find themselves serving as the right-hand men of their commanders or lords, leading contingents of the army in the name of their superiors. Honed and distinguished in battle, Champions are formidable warriors hardened with experience.

Varjan Warlock
Magic is a powerful tool in battle, and Varjo is never lacking in this department. Warlocks take to the battlefield to unleash devastating magical spells against foes. They are also attuned to the energies all living beings passively emit so one must mask themselves thoroughly to elude the Warlocks' keen senses.


Varjan War Lord
Powerful commanders of Varjo's armies. War Lords boast exceptional skill and sometimes inhuman strength which they use liberally to dominate the battlefield. Armed with the finest armor and weapons, War Lords inspire their fellow Varjans to become more like them. Usually through killing the War Lords themselves.


Varjan Master Warlock
Spellcasters and commanders, Master Warlocks are able to conjure the most powerful spells to support their army in battle and lay waste to their foes. And with skill in tactics and strategies, Master Warlocks rarely go to battle unprepared. They are the envy of their Warlock underlings, usually to deadly results.

Varjan Army Units Part 2

Varjan Wardogs
The dog is man's best friend and the Varjans couldn't have agreed more. Bred to be ferocious and relentless, entire packs of these wolf-like Wardogs descend upon the warband's enemies with teeth sharp enough to pierce light armor and rend flesh. At the very least, they are annoying distractions for the enemy and their lithe speeds mean they are not easily taken down. They are also effective guards and patrols, able to sniff out hidden dangers to their Varjan masters.

Varjan Firethrowers
Spellcasters specialized in casting one, particular spell called Unflame. Just by raising their arms and opening their palms, Firethrowers shoot out jets of the magical, blue Unflame that burns like normal flame but is not actually fire and so, cannot be manipulated by those that can control fire like the Ignis monster. Typically wearing loose robes and cloaks, Firethrowers join the battlefield to relish the screaming of their burning enemies.

Varjan Immortals
Warriors that know a bit of magic and prove themselves may sometimes be inducted into a unit of Immortals and be awarded a set of Immortus Armor. Invented by ancient Varjan royalty, this initially pink-hued armor magically turns blue and resurrects its wearer upon death for a couple of minutes before the wearer expires permanently, likely giving the Immortal enough time and the opportunity to avenge their own death. However, the blow to activate the armor must be fatal making nonlethal takedowns completely nullify their gimmick. Despite being nigh useless against monsterkind, they can at least detect the energies monsters passively emit.

Varjan Black Discs
Those unfortunate enough to be charred to a crisp by a Firethrower continue to suffer beyond fiery death. Thanks to the unusual properties of Unflame, the burned corpses still has spirit energy left behind that can be manipulated. Spellcasters can gather these charred bodies and mash them together into a platform and then cast a spell of levitation or flight to make the platform take to the sky. The burnt platform's flight, instead of consuming the spirit energy of the spellcaster, consumes that of the bodies it is made up of. Varjan Warlocks and Firethrowers are the usual riders of these Black Discs.

The Scarce Legion
One of the twenty Legions founded by the Grand Hero Serena to fight in the Crusade Of Unification, a long and colossal campaign by the Order to finally unite the squabbling mankind against the monsters of the Demon Lord. Unfortunately, the Scarce Legion became one of the legions to betray Serena and undo all the accomplishments of the crusade. As per their namesake, there are not many legionnaires in this army but they do have more spellcasters in their ranks compared to the other legions.

Rubric Warriors
In an attempt to shield themselves from the temptations of monsters, one of the greatest Master Warlocks of the Scarce Legion along with some assistant Warlocks cast a powerful spell over the entire legion. Those affected by spell found their bodies reduced to ash and their spirits fused with their armors. Their minds were also shattered, leaving them little more than automatons needing orders to function. They were then known as Rubric Warriors, named after the spell that created them. These warriors no longer needed rest nor food nor water, their innate spirit energy enough to sustain them indefinitely. Unfortunately, a glance of Demon Energy is usually enough to transform them into Living Armors while also restoring their minds, which were usually filled with thoughts of disbelief and vengeance.

Criminals Of Shizuyama

Swordsman
Not all warriors of Shizuyama take up the blade to defend the island and its traditions. Some swing their weapons in the name of themselves and nothing more. Perhaps hard times have forced these brigands to take up this selfish and bloody lifestyle but regardless, they usually wet their swords with the blood of the innocent.


Crossbowman
The bandits of Shizuyama are nothing if not opportunistic. Through illegal channels and black markets, bandits can acquire foreign equipment and weapons. Most infamous is the crossbow, imported from either Order kingdoms, the Mist Continent or even other Zipanguese islands. And it is quite the weapon as its bolts, which can already pierce armor in its normal state, can be enchanted do various effects.


Cannoneer
Hauling tremendous cannons fashioned from solid tree-trunks and pig iron, these massive men lumber about the battlefield inspiring awe from fellow bandits, though few others could even lift their burdens. These cannons fire heavy iron shots with such force that they often kill several men at once as they rip through terrified and scattering enemy ranks. Practically one-man siege engines and usually knowledgeable in the ways of masonry, Cannoneers have been known to demolish granite fortifications in particularly bold and ambitious bandit raids.


Raider
Life in Shizuyama isn't exactly easy, and there are some who - by virtue of laziness, misfortune, or general unpleasantness - find no craft or trade by which to earn a living. These embittered people often become cruel Raiders, whose trademark is to pillage remote towns by night, then set them ablaze to distract pursuers. Brandishing torches and lanterns, they are unsuited to single combat and so, they typically do not live long into their careers. Alas, what else kind of life can these Raiders live?


Ronin
The samurai warriors of Shizuyama train their entire lives in service to the island, protect its people and fight the yokai wherever they appear. But some of them stray from this path or give it up entirely, whilst keeping the lessons they learned during their training. These warriors become Ronin, pledging their service to crime lords or becoming one themselves. Veteran bandits that become quite skilled during their careers are also given this moniker.


Enforcer
The Enforcer is little more than a hardened criminal, but his dirty yet effective fighting tactics makes him a formidable fighter. Ronin aren't easy to come by, so most criminal bosses train their strongest henchmen into these dishonorable fighters instead. Swinging their flails wildly but mercilessly, the Enforcer's main strength is their durability.


Crone
When shrine priestesses forsake their paths to pursue darker arts and ambitions, they are exiled and branded as crones. These fallen priestesses make a living by joining criminal bands while still continuing to hone their magical expertise, although now they are free to practice and research magical taboos. Like some brutal magics originating from Varjo.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

A'ight, since everyone has posted, I can actually post an update now.

But first, I'd like to ask if everyone's ready for an update or if they want more time to work on any ongoing collabs.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

I just noticed a slight error on @FrogRFlowR's post. The taskforce has long disembarked the ship and are now on a hill overlooking Sanjo Port and Sanjo Beach.

Again, it's a minor error and doesn't have to be changed.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Dark Cloud

Really sorry, but I felt we should go on ahead as I noticed that some of the other characters have already tucked in the ship and were ready to go.

If you'd like, you can continue the Sam-Luna interaction in the PMs or even in the posts just in a hider as a collab. Treated as the time the two spent on the ship while on the way to Shizuyama. Err, was I clear with that?

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Small bit for Hammerman

“As for my questions, I would like to know as much as possible about both Shizuyama and the Varian. It is my firm belief that any knowledge regarding them would be useful in performing our mission."

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

"I cannot give you a detailed explanation right now, Farnsworth-san, but I hope this summary will suffice." Kyouko began to explain.

"Shizuyama is an island free of monsters, ever since the founding clans drove out the ancient yokai thousands of years ago. The island trains agents and warriors specializing in dealing with yokai, both foreign and domestic. Shizuyama became famous for these talents and skills, but it waned after The Great Change. Still, the island has not seen a yokai in its soil. Until now, I suppose."

"As for Varjo, not sure why you called them 'Varian', they are a member of The Order, a very large religious organization based in the continent of Oa. I'll not go into specifics about The Order but they are also against yokai and so, have relations with Shizuyama." Kyouko then stopped herself. "Wait, we're talking about Varjo, are we not? Well, Varjo is a wicked kingdom ruled by an evil and cunning royalty. They're well-known for their brutality and pillaging and I have no idea why The Order, who proclaims themselves as virtuous, would tolerate their behavior."

"And that is why I worry for Shizuyama. A Varjan fleet approaching the island, it keeps me awake at night. I cannot stop thinking about it, worrying about it."

Small bit for Rune_Alchemist

-aaaaaaaa~!"

N'ylaatothk

Despite being tackled into the ground and smothered in eldritch slime, Kyouko let out a joyful laugh at Nyla's behavior. "I am absolutely fine, Nyla! Haha, all thanks to you. You have served me well but I need you with them now. And please, do not worry about me. I can take care of myself and besides, you said you've already taught the other servants, have you not?"

After standing up, Lady Kyouko continued. "And do not be sad, Nyla. While I still have business here that I need to attend to, I plan on going to Shizuyama myself. We will see each other again." Kyouko placed an assuring hand on Nyla's shoulder.

As the master and servant parted, the former had one last order. "Oh and Nyla? If you... if you see someone of the Oja Clan there, please treat them as you would treat me. Please?"

-------

Varjo, once our ally, is now invading our home. They have gained the approval of The Order to conquer Shizuyama.

They are brutal, relentless... and unstoppable.

We are a thousand warriors, trained from childhood to fight monsters, against an army that contains none.

Today, we will all die for our people.

---

ISLAND OF SHIZUYAMA

Saikoten Region

Sanjo Area

~ @Hammerman, @AzureKnight (ATS, HIN & SHI), @Restalaan (SKA & GRI), @Dark Cloud, @WanderingDragon, @FrogRFlowR, @Noblebandit, @Rune_Alchemist ~

The preparations were done and everyone had introduced to everyone, it was time to depart. Lady Kyouko bade them farewell and her figure shrunk into the distance as the ship sailed into the sea.

It took a day and a half for the ship to reach Shizuyama. It then took another half of the day sailing along the island's coasts to reach the Saikoten region and to the taskforce's destination. It was already dark out when the ship dropped off the the team into a remote coast near Sanjo Town, a village connected to Sanjo Port where most of the visitors of Shizuyama arrive. And certainly where the Varjan fleet had went to.

The taskforce ascended a tall cliff, a good vantage point overlooking both the town and the port as well as the beach beside it and the bay waters beyond. And what they saw would likely send chills up their spines: There were ships of varying sizes floating near the port too many to count, some having already docked on the seemingly abandoned port and landed on the beach. The vessels were dark and wicked, decorated with bones, skulls and spikes. These were the Varjans, an entire fleet of them ready to take over Shizuyama.

On the hills overlooking the beach and Sanjo Port, a thousand-strong force of Shizuyama warriors have set up barricades and towers. There were samurai fighters, onmyoji casters, shrine maidens and auxiliaries, all fully-armed and ready for battle, likely the last battle of their lives. They manned the hastily-built wooden walls and towers, but they did not move against the landing Varjans. At least, not yet.

Sanjo Town was not far from the port, yet it was not empty. Civilians were still walking through its streets and the homes still had lights inside, indicating they were occupied. Did they not know of the Varjan fleet poised to strike at their port? Perhaps they were confident in their protectors to repel the invaders. A flattering thought, but the Varjans appeared to outnumber the warriors of Shizuyama twenty-to-one.

*BOOM*

And then it happened, the port where some of the Varjan ships docked and were unloading troops exploded. A trap from the defenders, taking out at least three Varjan ships and the forces with it. Horns blew, arrows were let loose, the night sky was lit up by the exchange of magical spells and artillery from both sides. As the Shizuyama casters conjured giant fireballs to launch at the Varjan ships, the latter loaded flaming boulders into their catapults and hurled at the island's defenders.

The long beach was still filled with Varjans though, but the samurai warriors rode out in their horses to greet them while being supported by shrine maiden archers in the towers. But the Varjans disembarking from the boats were numerous, could the samurai cavalry really beat them all? The samurai cavalry crashed into the arriving Varjans decisively, but it looked like they were wading into a flood.

As the battle raged, more ships made landfall on the beach. The defenders could not cover the entire stretch so these Varjans met no resistance. Some joined the main fight while a whole vanguard broke off and went straight for Sanjo Town, probably in an attempt to hit the defenders from behind. The fighting had alerted the village, but they had no idea that there was a contingent of Varjans heading their way.

The taskforce was at a critical moment, and Shizuka knows that the taskforce's main objective is with the Shizuyama defenders at the beaches. Still, the team was big enough to split up and go for both the defenders at the beach and warn the villagers at the town. The question was, who goes where?