Hey all! I'm gonna be busy during the weekends (Easter and all that) so there's a decent chance that there might not be an update this week.
Still, I'll do my bestest to update if possible.
Still, I'll do my bestest to update if possible.
PaulHaynek Member
The Roleplayer Nobody Likes
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Y'all going to spam my post with likes?!
Well two can play at that game.
*will furiously like all player posts in this round*
Well two can play at that game.
*will furiously like all player posts in this round*
Varjan War Camp
The Code Of Shizuyama
---
---
Takeshi was pleasantly surprised when the yokai with him, Roku included, had all decided to let him take care of the war camp alone as he wanted. He expected them to protest, but he was glad they didn't. The young Oja was relieved, that was one dilemma off his mind.
He made his way to the war camp, hiding behind natural covers and the tall grasses and avoiding the sights of the posted guards. Taking them head on might be possible, but the safer way was taking them all out silently. Right, even if he was found eventually, hopefully he would have already eliminated half the camp and the Varjans would be in more manageable numbers.
Takeshi slipped past the walls through a large gap on the palisades. Taking out a Brigand guard who was on his lonesome with a stab on the neck, the young Oja then moved on to a Varjan Warrior inspecting some weapons displayed on a rack. Takeshi rammed his sword into an exposed area on the Varjan's armor, but the invader did not fall immediately. He screamed in pain as he flailed about, bringing him and Takeshi towards the weapon racks and crashing unto them.
Swords and axes and halberds clanged upon hitting the ground, alerting the entire war camp. Everyone dropped whatever they were doing to investigate the noise and they found Takeshi red-handed, finishing off the Varjan Warrior with a slash on the neck.
That could have gone better, Takeshi thought. There were maybe a dozen or so Varjans invaders facing him, most of whom were unarmored or fur-clad Brigands and only a few were fully-armored Warriors. So long as he was careful, Takeshi believed he could take them all on. His grip on his sword tightened, it was still going to be a hard fight.
The Varjans came at him and Takeshi did his best to fight them off. He managed to fight off and wound the first attackers, but these Varjans knew how to use their numbers. Some quickly circled around to try and hit the young Oja from behind. Takeshi's defense was soon breached and a spear managed to pierce his shoulder. He took down the spearman by hurling a kunai's at the latter's neck, taking a life. Pulling out the spear, it was dawning to Takeshi that he might have bitten off more than he could chew.
It was then that Lunatea took attention of Takeshi when she kicked down a Varjan from the air and started disrupting the Varjan formation with her wind magic. Roku followed behind, her sword deflecting any attack directed at her and retaliating with a fatal counterattack. As the Varjans reeled from the sudden appearance of the monsters, a quickly expanding Nyla appeared on the other side of the war camp.
Coming to the false conclusion that they were surrounded, by monsters no less, most of the Varjan troops lost their nerves and began to scatter. They were not numerous enough to take on monsters, nor were they prepared to fight such creatures. Seeing there was no way to get past Nyla's slimy mass, the Varjans instead tried to get past Lunatea and Roku. Although if they didn't need to fight, they didn't. They would run past the monsters.
But a powerful presence made itself known by dispelling Lunatea's wind magic and saving that one particular Varjan lifted into the air. The powerful winds were redirected towards the rabbit monster and the Ochimusha, blowing them away towards Nyla's side and briefly stunning them. "Stand and fight, you cowards! Come back here!" A gruff male voice attempted to rally the Varjans, coming from an imposing caster fully armored in blue-colored plate with gold outlines and emblems. He wore a long, mage skirt and some other sorcerer accessories while wielding an arcane staff.
The Varjan Warlock, Senusret of The Scarce Legion, was annoyed that he was assigned the minor task of constructing a war camp to guard one road amongst many of this blasted island. He envied the Warlocks who had the more prestigious tasks like taking over forts and establishing Varjan presence there along with the Master Warlocks and the Princes. Well, at least there was no one to boss him around here.
He paid no attention to the commotion outside at first, believing it to be an accident as was oft the case. But when the screaming and the winds started, Senusret immediately left his tent to find the war camp in disarray and his forces routing. He narrowed his eyes at the monsters and quickly went to work, disrupting the rabbit girl's magic.
Warlock Senusret was the monsters' final foe, the few Varjans who stayed behind being handled by Takeshi who was powering through his injured shoulder.
Takamori's Dojo
Takamori, Blessed Sight
~ @Rezod92 ~
"And before you ask how I know your name, I'm here on behalf of Takeshi Oja. He wanted to come and see you personally, but he couldn't. Something about still being dressed up as a miko? Anyway, as much as I want to do some hubby-hunting, now is not a good time for that so why don't you just put the bow and arrow down, hop off the roof and get over here so we can talk this out. Maybe tell me what happened to your dojo?"
Takamori's eyes widened. "How did you...?" He then shook his head. "For you to know that, the young master must still be alive and have told you that willingly." The samurai then lowered his bow. "I do not know why the young master would trust a yokai, much less send one in his stead, but I shall believe in his judgment... for now."
Takamori then slid down the roof and landed on the ground with grace expected of a samurai. "Tell me everything you know, yokai. How you know Takeshi Oja and how you got him out of Sanjo Beach. The Varjan invasion force, at least the main bulk of it, was landing there. Takeshi survived, but did others? What about his father? Lord Hideo Oja?" He shot Kerry a lot of questions. "Don't tell me we actually won and repelled the Varjans."
"As for what happened here... Well, Varjans happened." Takamori started. "I was packing up to join the battle in Sanjo Beach when out of nowhere, a band of those bloody Varjans assaulted my home." Taking a look at the ruined dojo, Takamori continued. "I hid my daughter under the floorboards and led the Varjans away from here before picking them off one by one. When I came back... she's nowhere to be found, and the corpses of the Varjans I killed here were also gone."
"They've taken her, yokai. And I intend to find her." Takamori approached Kerry as he finished. But then added something after a sigh. "...I cannot join Lord Oja until I do."
Tokinomiya Estate
Sorae, Gentle Heart
"Takeshi sent us since he couldn't come, and he's still dressed as a miko. So step away from her, now."
"Look, whatever happened here, know that we come in peace. However, that may change if you don't get a damn thing away from my sister. Kindly remove your weapon from her and we can talk like adults, or I can break it in half and shove it someplace I don't think you'd like."
"You must be Sorae-san. As Skars-kun stated, we are here on Takeshi-sama's request and wish to aid in your fight against the invaders."
"Can't we just drop our weapons, have a talk and finally go have a nap?"
Unintimidated by Tomi's fiery tantrum on one of the buildings, Sorae glared daggers at Tomi. "...Don't push your luck, Dragon."
Sorae, however, heard the taskforce's earlier words and let out a deep sigh. She spun her naginata and got its blade away from Hinami's neck only to smack the Jiangshi on the back with the weapon's shaft, making the undead monster stumble towards her companions. She twirled her naginata again before planting it on the ground, holding it in a relaxed manner.
"...So, the young lord's alive. Although, I doubt he remains uncompromised considering he's willing to send yokai to do his bidding and trust them with his secrets." Sorae began. "But he's alive, and that's what matters for now. Do you know happened in Sanjo Beach? Takeshi-sama managed to survive, but what of the others? Did anyone else survive? What of his father? Tell me everything."
"Clan Tokinomiya, my family, was supposed to join the defense of the beach. But then, assassins came to our estate two nights ago. The battle was fierce, but we were outnumbered in the end." Sorae paused, her eyes becoming wet. Very wet. "I was the only survivor, as far as I know. My father, my mother, all our servants and retainers... my dear sister. They're all gone, Clan Tokinomiya... is dead."
"And as the last of my clan, I intend to avenge my family."
The woman then relaxed further and chuckled. "Although, I should thank you really. I was waiting for the traitors to send more troops to finish me off but after your friend's roar there, I think they'll be thinking twice. Everyone here knows a Dragon's bellow when they hear one." Sorae then motioned at the taskforce to follow her.
"Come, let's go to my still-intact room. Tell me what Lord Oja wants while your little kiddie Dragon over here takes her afternoon nap."
Fung Temple
Nobutada, Unwavering Will
~ @Restalaan (GRI) ~
"Come, let's fight these Varjan's to the death."
"What the-? Who are you?" Nobutada was glad to be free of his chains, but he immediately noticed the weapon Gringor wielded and the chi he emitted. "You're a... you're a yokai?"
Multiple horns then blew, it seemed a lot of the Varjans in the area saw Gringor make the bold rescue of the warrior monk. "We have to get to the other monks before the invaders do anything to them. Come!" Nobutada told the male High Orc. The warrior monk made his way to the pagoda, bowling over any Varjan that tried to stop him. Weapons swung at him broke upon contact.
With his body alone, he smashed open the doors to the temple. Within the sacred structure was a shrine to a saintly statue surrounded by candles, as well as a squad of Varjan Brigand guards who were swiftly dispatched by both Nobutada and Gringor. "The other monks are held under the pagoda, yokai. Can I trust you not to move from this position and eliminate any Varjan that attempts to get past you?" Nobutada asked of Gringor. "I have to get my boomstick then we can try to repel the invaders from this holy place."
Gringor then watched Nobutada exit the building where multiple arrows were shot at him, only for the projectiles to shatter upon hitting him. But as soon as he left, three Varjans arrived to challenge the High Orc.
Two of whom were standard Varjan Warriors wielding a shield and axe while the third one appeared different. His armor was slicker and he had a half-skirt behind his waist, a halberd in one hand. This guy must be one of those renowned Varjan Elites.
Terauchi Temple
Rude Awakening
~ @AzureKnight (SHI) ~
"I am allying with these mamono, because of aforementioned reasons. So, what will you do? Will you allow us to save the lives of your people, or will you instead point your blades at those who would aid you?"
"...I've heard those 'reasons' before, Kannazuki-san." The miko replied, her enraged and disappointed look at Shizuka betraying her ultimate answer. "Let me guess, once the yokai help us, Shizuyama should 'see them in a new light' or 'let them stay in the island for a while, they've earned it'. I am no stranger to the ways of the yokai, Kannazuki-san. I see through their lies and deceit... just as I should've seen through yours."
"Please, miko-sama! Our reasons to help are genuine!" Ayu made her feeble attempt in dissuading a fight. "The island's being invaded, we mustn't fight with one another!"
"It is being invaded." The miko agreed as she drew her sword, prompting Ayu to do the same. "And not just by Varjans..."
The miko gripped her blade, only to suddenly throw an ofuda that radiated magic at Shizuka. Fortunately, Ayu sliced it in mid-air, stopping the spell, before charging into the opposing force. With her in action, one would notice how large her blade was. A strange weapon for espionage, but it certainly helped here where Ayu clashed with melee-specialized samurai. The priestesses threw magical talismans at Samael and Valeriya who responded with some magics of their own.
The civilians around the temple took shelter within the pagodas and the surrounding buildings once the fighting broke out. Still, they all opened their windows to watch the showdown unfold.
The miko facing Shizuka grabbed five more ofuda and threw them to the ground, they didn't hit the stone pavement but instead started circling around her by her feet. They moved alongside her, and the miko charged at Shizuka with her sword raised high in the air.
:(
@Dark Cloud
Welcome back. Unfortunately, I had to do commandeer your character in your absence and had him join Shizuka back to Terauchi Temple.
Welcome back. Unfortunately, I had to do commandeer your character in your absence and had him join Shizuka back to Terauchi Temple.
Updoot's a bit rushed so let good ol' Paul know if he got anything wrong.
EDIT: I accidentally used the same font color for different characters. I fixed it and now Sorae has a more suitable font color.
EDIT: I accidentally used the same font color for different characters. I fixed it and now Sorae has a more suitable font color.
Onrai
Varjan War Camp
The Code Of Shizuyama
“Dressed as a miko? What do you mean by that exactly?”
"It's a long story." Takeshi chuckled. "It involves an important ceremony, a missing miko and the whole island watching." The young Oja wondered if he should have humored the rabbit yokai. It was a small exchange, but a sign of camaraderie surely.
"I do hope that isn't a problem? while I dislike fighting if nothing else, if something goes awry my body is fairly durable..."
Takeshi was still intimidated by the scary eldritch maid yokai and now she wanted to join him? "Oh, err, well, the prisoner really should be taken to somewhere secure so..."
It was then that Valeriya the Owl Mage interjected with an offer. "Miss Nyla, if I may? I can take the prisoner from your hands so you may accompany Takeshi. I don't mind and I need to go to Terauchi Temple anyway to catch a break." Valeriya used her telekinetic magic to lift the tied up prisoner from the Shoggoth. "I'll be joining Sir Kannazuki then."
"..." Takeshi sighed, there was no escaping it.
”Also, Takeshi-sama, was there any particular place that’d be good for everyone to meet up once we’ve accomplished our respective quests? Like the temple?”
"Yeah, the temple's good. If it's a place under the control of your Lady Kyouko, then your yokai friends won't need to worry about any of my people attacking them." Takeshi still cannot believe that the temple's true nature went undiscovered all this time. Well, he supposed it was for the best considering the current circumstances.
---
Takeshi and the monster girl trio made their way to Wadatsumi Port, walking the roads as morning turned to noon. The young Oja was uncomfortable along the way, not helping was that the Shoggoth was eyeing him all the while. Two of the yokai were complete strangers and while he knew Roku, she was yokai nonetheless and Takeshi was taught thar the transformation into a yokai induces... changes to the individual.
And yet, Takeshi could not deny their beauty. They had a... charm to them, a supernatural one. The rabbit yokai called Lunatea appeared quite fluffy while Nyla, though she struck fear, looked soft to the touch, probably jelly-like if he had to guess. Even Roku who was dead not a day ago seemed to have only become prettier after returning to life.
No, no, Takeshi shook his head to stop himself from being tempted. He must focus on the task ahead.
And what was ahead was a camp on the path that was not supposed to be there. "Everyone, get down." Takeshi quietly led his party behind a low rock. Beyond them was a camp situated on the face of inclining terrain. The camp was still under construction, its wooden palisades incomplete and some tents lying on the ground unbuilt. Freshly-cut timber lied on the roadsides, yet to be sliced further and processed.
On a closer look, the people who were building this camp were familiar faces. Warriors in either dark armor or dressed in furs and leathers. "Varjans?! They're already here?!" Takeshi was in disbelief. How could they reach this far so quickly? Regardless, this was an obstacle in their path. "We'll waste too much time if we go around. We'll have to get through them."
Takeshi was quiet for a moment, crafting his next words carefully, before turning to face the trio. "May I... May I do this alone?" He requested from his monster companions. "My... It's against my-- our code to fight alongside yokai, or let yokai fight our battles for us. To do so would be to invite their influence unto us." He explained as best he could. "Please, try to understand. These lessons... I can't just go against them."
"So please, stay here while I handle the camp." Takeshi reiterated his request.
Of course, with one glance at the camp and it could already be seen that there were about more than a dozen Varjans occupying the unfinished war camp. And while Takeshi could probably handle the small fry, he might be overwhelmed and there could be more formidable foes inside the completed tents. For the young Oja to head in alone, it would be suicide. Still, the monster girls can heed his dumb request and see what happens.
Takamori's Dojo
Takamori, Blessed Sight
~ @Rezod92 ~
Kerry flew alone to Takamori's dojo, making good time with the speed of her flight unburdened. The dojo was situated on a cliff, overlooking a small village filled with ponds that emitted steam; The famed hot springs of Zipangu.
The Hornet monster landed on the training grounds. She could see a house-like abode in front of an archery range that had three painted hay targets. There was also a bamboo stand near the edge too. However, the dojo was deserted and signs of fighting was littered everywhere. The sliding doors had been destroyed, arrows were stuck on the wood walls and spatters of blood were all over the grounds.
While Kerry was investigating one such sign, an arrow flew forth and landed just beside her foot, coming from the rooftop of the one building. The archer was a middle-aged man with glowing yellow eyes, dark blue hair and light skin. He wore a blue and white attire and wielded a finely-crafted bow with a nocked arrow ready to be loosed at the Hornet.
"Don't move, or the next one will land a little closer." He warned Kerry. "Now tell me what you're here for. This island is being invaded and I don't wanna waste my time on a yokai looking for a man to catch."
Tokinomiya Estate
Sorae, Gentle Heart
The group journeyed to the Tokinomiya estate, Sorae's home. The trip was uneventful, and finding the estate was not difficult. It stuck out like a sore thumb, being located in a green plateau in the outskirts of a nearby village.
But something was wrong, the group could see multiple black smokestacks rising from the estate. Rushing to the area and ascending the stairs, the group found the aftermath of what was clearly an attack on the Tokinomiya estate. Buildings were burned down or half-burnt, signs of fighting and violence littered the grounds and spatters of blood painted the soil and walls.
The dozen corpses that could be found were all people from Shizuyama, not one sign of the Varjans. However, the armors and clothes of the fallen bore different symbols from each other and Shizuyama weapons could sometimes be found sticking out of the bodies. It was clear that the Varjans did not do this, this was a battle between two groups of the locals.
Suddenly, a shadowy blur jumped from one of the rooftops and delivered a sharp kick against Tomi's head before leaping behind Hinami and drawing a naginata to the neck of the Jiangshi. "As if Varjans and traitors weren't bad enough, now yokai have also come to Shizuyama? I really shouldn't be surprised, a huge invasion is the perfect time to execute schemes and plots."
The attacker was a light-skinned young woman, wearing darl blue-colored armor and clothes and had matching blue eyes. Her dark brown hair was tied to a ponytail and her face, though beautiful, was contorted by a mix of anger, sorrow and hopelessness.
"Now then, give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you all."
Fung Temple
Nobutada, Unwavering Will
~ @Restalaan (GRI) ~
Gringor journeyed alone to Fung Temple. Kind of a lonely trip, being alone and all, but perhaps a warrior like him did not mind.
The temple was located near a swamp, the male High Orc could see multiple structures around the pagoda of the temple complex. The place was well-developed, walls surrounded the temple grounds and the paths were made of stone to ease travel. However, Gringor could not miss one obvious detail currently in this monastery.
Fung Temple was crawling with Varjans, fully occupied by the invaders. Gringor could not see any of the monks from where he was, only Varjans ransacking the temple and building light defenses around it like crude watchtowers and spike walls. The invaders sure traveled and worked fast to be able to reach this far in such little time.
But then, Gringor saw a couple of Varjans escorting a huge, bald, fair-skinned man in orange robes. The man was clearly a Shizuyama local, his hands bound and his face a bit bruised and beaten. There was a good chance this was Nobutada, but the temple was still filled with Varjans. To tackle this problem head on might not be wise, but perhaps the male Orc could find an ally in the imprisoned monk?
Terauchi Temple
Rude Awakening
~ @AzureKnight (SHI) ~
Shizuka was joined by Valeriya and Samael to Terauchi Temple, to escort their Varjan prisoner and establish contact with Lady Kyouko's people there. Maybe even send a message to the Inari about what happened in Sanjo Beach and how Varjo was quickly taking over the island.
It was already noon when the taskforce reached the temple. The place was surrounded by trees that had leaves golden in color, its path lined with stones that welcomed anyone into the abode. However, the beauty of the scenery contrasted the grim sight of the temple grounds. Crude tents and mats filled the corners, occupied by refugees that have fled from the Varjan invaders. The monks of the temple were too busy tending to the refugees and the injured to welcome the group.
Fortunately, one of them had the time and approached the group in front of the temple's pagoda. "Ah, you must be the taskforce!"
The woman had short white hair, yellow eyes and dressed in simple brown robes. She looked like a monk, but it did not seem she was one since she had a sword strapped to her waist. The woman made a quick bow at Shizuka and his group. It seemed she was in a hurry. "I am Ayu, head of Lady Kyouko's spies in Shizuyama. Err, we don't have much time. Some of the warriors from Sanjo Beach came here and--"
"You!" A miko, the one Shizuka spoke to back in the beach, approached the group... and was in disbelief at the sight of Valeriya. Things were deteriorating very quickly. "Are you... were you in league with yokai all this time?" She demanded from the azure swordsman. "Answer me!"
The loud commotion was drawing the attention of everyone in the temple. The miko was joined by several of her fellow priestesses and surviving samurai while Valeriya, Samael and Ayu backed up Shizuka. Words must be chosen carefully, or was the fate of this situation already sealed?
Hey guys, I'm having certain feelings about this RP so I've written a little something over at the hider below.
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