PaulHaynek

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Alright! Update out despite my laptop screen being busted!
Time to search for a repairman!

procrastinates

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Honoka's House

EMPTY BASKETS

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

"Hm. While I don't believe that you're lying to me, I'll have to check your supplies to make sure, In addition, can you inform me if any other groups may have stolen from civilians in the area?"

Eula

"What the--?! No way!" The bandit was suddenly defensive about the food. "You're asking for too much. If you want to see our food, you'll have to get past us!" And just like that, the bandits readied their weapons again. None of which seem able to hurt Eula, but it showed off their flimsy courage.

"And what do we know of other groups? Haven't heard of them ever since the Varjans came. They could've joined the invaders for all we know."

"Given your knowledge of the Varjan camps nearby enough to steal supplies, have you considered enlisting with the local army regiment? You could serve as scouts, and secure your homeland from the invaders it faces,"

Eula

"Don't try to fool us with that." Another bandit spoke up. "We've heard about Sanjo Beach. All the mighty warriors of Shizuyama are either dead or captured. It's why the Varjans are running around our island without a care in the world. They know anyone who can oppose them are gone."

"Times are rapidly changing. Yokai as well as humans need to work together to repel the Varjans."

Eula

"Work together with yokai? We know you only want to eat us. We won't fall for your 'work together' trick." The bandit retorted. "You'll eat us as soon as our backs are turned."

"Well, I heard the yokai give you a good time before they eat you." The other bandit pointedo out. "Really, it's a better death than getting mauled by Varjans. Or worse, captured and tortured."

"No, no. The yokai eat you during the good time." Another bandit piped in. "You keep going until your soul is completely sucked out."

This negotiation sure turned... somewhere. But perhaps Eula can take advantage of these bandits' ignorance of monsterkind.

---

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Hammerman ~

"You just have to ask that, don't you? Yes, they're together. I thought that's obvious enough."

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

"...I see." Takeshi betrayed no emotion in his brief reply. Although, the lack of it was probably more telling.

-

The two soon reached their destination, a clearing near the edge of a pond. There, the human and the the Wererabbit were greeted by a small field of the red flowers that Yurine needed for her concoction. "Those are the flowers we need. Let's both gather some, the mixture might need an extra punch since a yokai will be using it." Takeshi wasted no time in plucking flowers from the moist soil but as they gathered, both Lunatea and Takeshi would detect a presence heading towards them. An entire group, actually.

Takeshi immediately put himself in front of Lunatea, and faced the newcomers. The incoming group was actually made up of Shizuyaman warriors, armed and armored however. "...I know you. You're from Kikyo's group." The young lord identified them.

"Indeed, and you soil her name by trapaising with the yokai! Just like what you're doing right now!" A samurai stepped forward to accuse. "We heard that you left with some of the yokai. Thought it was a prime opportunity for the yokai to 'betray' you."

Takeshi said nothing in reply, only stepping forward himself with a face of tranquil fury. The two men put a hand on the hilts of their sheathed swords, eyeing each other carefully, trying to figure out which one of them would make the first move. Several silent but tense moments passed, only broken when the samurai made the first move. He moved forward, his hand pulling his blade out of its sheathe for one clean strike.

But in those precious few seconds, Takeshi already had his own sword out and it was already wet with the samurai's blood. The samurai stared at Lunatea in disbelief for a moment while his open neck oozed out his blood, before dropping dead to the ground. The young lord spared not a single glance at the first casualty, immediately focusing on the five remaining warriors. Three samurai swordsmen and two archers, the latter having nocked their arrows and aiming at Takeshi.

"I don't want to hurt any of you! Stop!"

---

Terauchi Temple

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @Xaltwind ~

"What kinda healing do they need, mister? 'Cuz if its just broken bones and injuries, that's fine. But if you're going somewhere where people're actually sick and ill, you might wanna think things through. Helping those in need is noble and all, but if they're infected with some disease, you might get yourself infected. Then, when you return here, you might spread it to the folks in this temple. So, which is it? Injuries or illness? If all you needa do is deliver medicine though, I think we could work out a way to do that without putting your health at risk."

Relica Rune Nox-Umbra

"Your concern for me is greatly appreciated, lady yokai, but I know the risks. I was told that the illness isn't exactly infectious, but I don't think I will be returning here once I get there. At least, not until I've made sure that the sick have completely healed. So don't worry about the illness spreading to the temple, or anywhere else." The monk assured Relica. "And besides that, I still need to be there to properly identify the illness. Medicine is one thing, but I also need to tell the people how to use it."

"Still, you've made me curious. How are you able to get medicine there without risking me? Is it some kind of teleport technology or magic?" The monk asked. "I've heard tales of the incredible magics and technologies the outside world had. Ships that flew in the air, giant orbs that can locate anyone in the world and statues that can instantly impart knowledge to those who approach it. Do you have something like that?"

---

Terauchi Temple Training Grounds

HEAVENLY TRAINING

~ @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Crowvette, @Restalaan (GRI), @Rezod92, @AzureKnight (SHI), @Enkryption ~

(Currently in collab)

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade

"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.

Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."

-Takeshi Oja

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

A Time To Heal

There was a monk by the temple entrance and he immediately spoke as soon as the taskforce member approached.

"Yokai! Will you please help me?"

"I have to get to a hidden survivor camp in the woods, occupied by people who are seriously ill. They need a healer! The area might be overrun with bandits or Varjans, so I need protection."

The Other Side Of Honor

A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.

"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."

"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

*Tale commencing*

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out! Sorry that it's a little late.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Honoka's House

EMPTY BASKETS

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

The bandits glanced at each other, some carefully huddled close to mull over Eula's words. They seem to relax as they whispered to each other, reassured that this girl favored words than violence, even if she had the enormous advantage should it ever come to blows. Their hushed whispers could not be heard by Eula but they soon came to an end and the bandit who talked to the Automaton stepped forward once more, more confident than before.

"We spoke the truth, girl." He started. "All our meager supplies are from the Varjans. Even if we were entertaining notions of robbing villagers, we haven't actually done it. Not really worth it, since most of the food's been taken by the Varjans anyway. Whoever sent you, girl, is pulling the wool over your eyes. In fact, we haven't stolen anything for the past week now."

Well, this was quite the dilemma. Two sides with two differing stories of the same problem. It would be up to Eula to guess who was lying and who was telling the truth. If she left the bandits alone now to try and investigate further, they'll probably leave the area to avoid meeting her again. She might need to make an ultimate decision now.

Perhaps, that was the only way to reveal the actual truth.

---

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @Hammerman, @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS) ~

Yurine readied her axe back up when Hinami acted out, but Takeshi was quick to stop the old warrior while Atsuha calmed her sister down. "Yurine, I know they're yokai. But trust me, they're here to help. And in turn, we must help them." Takeshi stood in front of the Hangai sisters.

It defused Yurine, but her face fell. "Oh, my lord. Fighting with the yokai has never been the Oja way."

"No Oja had to fight off an overwhelming human invasion. And from the merciless Varjans, no less." Takeshi replied. "We need every help we can get. If we are to save our home, Shizuyama can't afford anything less."

"...The Varjans have changed you, young master."

"The world has changed." Takeshi finished.

Yurine let out a deep sigh and took a glance at the Hangai sisters. "...I don't know anything about yokai medicine so I cannot promise anything that would help the undead. However, I do know a mixture that our warriors imbibe to help them medidate, or help them during their seppuku. It numbs the body, so only the mind is active. Maybe that can help." The grave keeper suggested. "Yokai are hardy, though, so we may need a stronger dose."

"Can you make one right now?"

"They're relatively easy to make, but I don't have the key ingredients with me." Yurine replied. "Fortunately, there are some nearby. The red spider lilies are a key component for the mixture and they grow beside a pond near here."

"I know where those are. Let me gather them." Takeshi stood up. "Lunatea, you're with me. The rest of you, stay here and watch over Yurine. Yurine, keep an eye on them, will you?"

---

~ @Hammerman ~

Takeshi led Lunatea through the fog-covered graveyard. "Don't worry about getting lost. I know this place pretty well so we can leave and get back easily."

Indeed, soon the two emerged from the thick cloud and into a dirt path leading out of the cemetery. "Lunatea, I have to ask." Takeshi began. "Atsuha and Skarsneek seem awfully close from what I've observed. Are they... together? Y'know, 'together'?" He asked from the Wererabbit.

The young lord seemed a bit anxious for Lunatea's response. But still, honesty is the best policy as they say.

---

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS) ~

After Takeshi and Lunatea left, Yurine glared at the trio of monsters. "I don't smell much Demon Energy on him nor do I detect any charm spells on him neither. So somehow, you yokai HAVE convinced him normally to accept your aid against the Varjan invasion." Shaking her head, the old warrior continued. "I doubt the young master made that decision lightly. He has put immense trust upon you, yokai. I can only hope he has made the right choice."

"Now then, what exactly is the undead's problem?" Yurine inquired about Hinami. "And who are you exactly? Quite the diverse cast you are. I mean, one of you's a Goblin. Not a yokai we usually see around the Zipanguese isles."

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @Xaltwind ~

The short collab

"I hope that ain't too many quesitons for ya, Miss Highly-Esteemed Monster-Supporter-in-charge-of-everything."

Relica Rune Nox-Umbra

"Whoa, someone called me that? I'm flattered!" Ayu laughed before her face turned deadly serious. "And it's okay, these questions matter."

"Shizuyama's army is... gone, to say the least." The woman started. "There were about, a thousand warriors under Lord Hideo Oja when the Varjan invasion force arrived, which numbered around maybe eighty-thousand with more probably coming to join this one-sided fight." Ayu then recounted past events. "I dunno if you already knew this but after rebuffing The Order's demands one too many times, The Order sent Varjo to forcefully subjugate the island of Shizuyama. Apparently, Lord Hideo knew this but since there's basically no way out of it, he amassed all of his forces in Sanjo Beach where Shizuyama regularly receives its foreign visitors. The Varjans knew the situation too, and happily landed in Sanjo Beach to meet Lord Hideo head-on to crush him and his forces utterly."

"And crush him, they did. All of Shizuyama's warriors are now either dead, scattered, or captured. And not only are the island's warriors hopelessly outnumbered, they're also specialized in fighting yokai and not fellow humans." Ayu added. "Right now, you and the rest of the taskforce are Shizuyama's standing army. Besides the people Sir Takeshi is gathering up to rescue his father."

"As for supplies, we've got enough to feed the entire island for a month. Lady Kyouko made sure to stock this place up when the first Varjan envoys came knocking to give The Order's demands." Ayu answered the second question. "Still, it isn't infinite. We're gonna have to make some headway soon or else we'll have a problem."

"For defenses, well, we don't have watchtowers or tall walls in this temple... but we've got you." Ayu gestured at all of Relica. "And I don't just mean your personal abilities, but you being a yokai. Varjans signed up on this invasion to fight humans, not yokai. And they know what your kind can do, the kind of strength you guys have, so they think twice before doing anything with you." Ayu scratched the back of her head. "That's not to say we're wholly safe, they can mount an attack on this temple anytime. It's just that, your presence discourages it."

"Varjans are probably everywhere in the island by now. There might be isolated outposts or villages resisting the invasion, but it's only a matter of time before the Varjans roll over them. And that's not to mention the Shizuyamans who willingly cooperate with the invaders." Ayu addressed the last question. "The Varjans' main leader is a powerful Sapphire Prince named Serek'uar. He's probably going to base his operations in Castle Oja in Saikoten, the island's capital. As for fighting back, well, how do I say this...?"

Ayu spared a moment to think but decided to just lay out her thoughts. "Lady Kyouko and her forces could probably stop the Varjan invasion all by themselves. However, you know the... strong attitude of Shizuyama towards yokai. If Lady Kyouko just unleashes her wrath, it might drive the people of this island towards the Varjans. Twisted as that might sound." She shrugged. "That's why we need a respected Shizuyama individual to vouch for the yokai. We're actually very lucky that we nabbed Lord Takeshi Oja in Sanjo Beach, the son of the island's Lord, and he seems alright with yokai _{and he kinda already did one of you}."

"If we rescue Sir Takeshi's father and the both of them accept the yokai, then Lady Kyouko can go all out and end this whole invasion before anymore people get hurt." Ayu finished. "I hope my answers are satisfactory. I admit, I didn't expect to be thrusted into this position as Lady Kyouko's head spy in Shizuyama."

"... Fantastic."

Relica's face was some kind of weird mesh of 'I can't beleive what I'm hearing' and 'Are you serious?'. Not that that was too surprising, given what she'd just been told. She placed her face in one of her gloved hands, slowly shaking her noggin from side to side in a exasperated fashion.

"So you've got no army, no defenses, minimal supplies, you're hopelessly outnumbered and you've lost your top military commander and head of state. The gremlin summarised. "At this point, your people might just be better off surrendering. Not that I'd ever suggest joining hands with The Order, since they're all terrible." A bit of her own bias and prejudice showing. "But at this point, you really don't have that many feasible options, lady. Hate to burst your bubble, but your estimate of us is sorta... Welll... Outrageous. If you think every single monster is capable of taking on entire armies on their own, you've been horribly misinfored." Relica sighed, her shoulders and ears both slouching.

"I dunno how many other you've got in this little resistance your fox-friend gathered, but I can tell ya one thing. There's no way, not even if you had a 100 of our kind, that you could beat a force of 80,000, even if they're just regular butt-ass human grunts. We're not gods, y'know? The little lady stated, looking serious with narrowed eyes at Ayu.

"Which reminds me. Why haven't you guys joined The Order? I mean, you're all a buncha bigots already, no offense. Doesn't seem to make a lotta sense to not side with the other human supremacists." Relica asked, raising an eyebrow inquistively.

Ayu frowned at Relica's outlook on the situation. "Well, we don't expect you to fight off the invasion all by yourselves. Like I said, your current objective right now is to secure the trust of the people here so they don't freak when Lady Kyouko and her forces arrive, which I'm pretty will be enough to take on the Varjan invasion forces." She replied. "Well, that and make sure Shizuyama isn't totally conquered before reinforcements get here as well as-- Okay, I guess you'll probably do much more than that but we're not asking you to do anything extra extraordinary if you get I mean."

"And sure, you yourself can't actually fight off an army... but the Varjans don't know that." Ayu added. "These guys would run away from a Holstaur if she lifted a rock."

"And for the record, I'm not from here. I maybe human but I actually come from another isle. I got rescued by Lady Kyouko from a Varjan pirate raid and I decided to serve her ever since." Ayu told Relica. "Secondly, just because two kingdoms don't like yokai doesn't mean they like each other. Lastly, Shizuyama did have friendly relations with The Order. The island sometimes lends warriors to The Order for special missions. However, before the invasion, we've spied Varjan emissaries for The Order coming to Shizuyama several times. We didn't know what the talks exactly were, but we've noticed tensions rising between the parties. Lady Kyouko sensed something was wrong and started assembling the taskforce and before we knew it, a huge Varjan fleet had just arrived on Shizuyama's shores. The rest is history."

"The situation's pretty complicated, I know." Ayu sighed. "Anything else on your mind?"

"No, thanks. I'm good." Relica said, with a face that clearly said she wasn't at all satisfied or done, but for whatever reason the gremlin decided to either not steal more of Ayu's time, or she'd grown tired of the conversation (or the answers). "Let's hope that fox-lady of yours is as great as you make her out to be. 'Cuz if not, the Varjans're gonna catch on pretty quick, and then we'll all be pretty much dead."

The little one turned around and returned to her workbench, stripping down and dismantling another empty crate, placing the spoils in a neat little sorted pile next to it. She looked back over her shoulder once done.

"Oh, but if you're expecting me to make nice with a bunch of humans who hate on our kind simply because they were taught to do so, then sorry, I'm afraid I'll hafta disappoint. I ain't that big of a person. I'm here to lend a hand fighting and, or, keeping equipment and a certain member of your Taskforce in good condition. You want the people here to start liking monsters, bring in some of those panda-girls from the Mist COntinent, or maybe some kobold-chicks. That'd be a heck more effective than trying to make me put on some plastered, fake-ass friendly smile just to make these prejudiced pricks feel comfortable." She spun around, leaned forward - chest slightly bouncing - and pointed at Ayu. "Got it, missy?"

It might've been threatening or looked intimidating... If not for, y'know, the whole miniature size and the fact that Relica had a pair of fuzzy ears on her head... She also seemed to miss the self-inflicted joke about her not being a big person, but it was probably best not to bring that up...

Ayu realized that Relica was attempting to prove a point, but her cute appearance simply made her adorable. Fortunately, Ayu was also wise enough not to point these out and ruin the moment. "Don't worry. You don't have to be nice to the villagers, so long as you help them." She assured Relica.

"Not that you'll have to banter with them, though. They may not exactly 'trust you' trust you right now, but they trust you enough to ask for your help." Ayu revealed. "Ever since the taskforce set up shop here, the people of Shizuyama were either brave enough, or desperate enough, to come to the yokai for help. And let me tell you, your fellow taskforce members have been helping." After a chuckle, she continued. "And that's the thing though, helping the people of Shizuyama goes a long way in earning their trust. More than a friendly smile."

"So have a walk around the temple, listen to some folks. That's all you have to do." Ayu finished. "Err, I'm not saying to drop your stuff right now, of course. Take your time settling down too, Miss Relica."

"If that's all you want me to do, sure. I can help. Not quite convinced doing errands for individual villagers are gonna be enough to uproot and change the mindset of an entire culture, but hey, if that's what you want then that's what you'll get, Miss Esteemed-Monster-Supporter." Relica responded, a small, fanged smirk on her face.

"I'll go take a walk around and get to kow the local yokels once I'm done. You'd better get back to them important businesses of yours though, wouldn't wanna keep you all to myself for too long." The gremlin finished, with a slightly bigger smirk.

---

After the exchange with Ayu, Relica wandered around the temple grounds to get a better feel of the refugees' situation. While some of the villagers eyed her suspiciously, most were too busy helping their fellow refugees or too busy mourning what they have lost. However, there are a few who bowed at her in gratitude, considering Relica to be part of the taskforce that saved them.

As Relica walked, she would overhear a conversation between two peasant women.

"But they have Lord Oja!"
"Nobody can break him. Not even the Varjans!"
"I guess we can hope... Wasn't it Lord Oja who fought off a pirate raid in Port Izumi?"
"Yes! And he escaped the trap that Lord Ichimonji set for him in that bandit island. Lots of people tried to bring him down, and they wound up dead!"
"Even so, everybody's luck runs out sometime."
"It's not luck. He is the most cunning Island Lord we've ever had. If he were a little more ambitious, he could have conquered all of the Zipanguese isles."
"Maybe you're right..."
"Mark my words, we haven't seen the last of Lord Oja."

---

Terauchi Temple Training Grounds

HEAVENLY TRAINING

~ @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Crowvette, @Restalaan (GRI), @Rezod92, @AzureKnight (SHI), @Enkryption ~

(Currently in collab)

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade

"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.

Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."

-Takeshi Oja

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

A Time To Heal

There was a monk by the temple entrance and he immediately spoke as soon as the taskforce member approached.

"Yokai! Will you please help me?"

"I have to get to a hidden survivor camp in the woods, occupied by people who are seriously ill. They need a healer! The area might be overrun with bandits or Varjans, so I need protection."

The Other Side Of Honor

A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.

"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."

"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

*Tale commencing*

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

~ Industrial Complex ~

”Well, I don’t have much more information, any that would be of major use to you lot. Although, since the possibility of this being an inside job has been brought up we do have a few competitors in our industry. But, that couldn’t be it, there’s no way. We do a thorough background check on all of our employees. If one of them was a mole, we’d know about it.”

Josef

Unfortunately, Leon has already picked up the trail of someone suspicious still hanging out right here in the crime scene so Josef's assurance were, simply, untrue. Although, the guy looked like he didn't believe his words himself. Einer waited for either Asterope or Evelyn to reply to him but then the Thunder Witch was quick to dismiss herself to go 'search for clues herself'. The bard guessed she was out to join Leon in hunting the culprits and not spend any more time here.

With a sigh, Einer stepped up to respond to Josef. "The lack of information is unfortunate, but you have our gratitude nonetheless." The bard made a light bow. "Now then, I believe we should be off. We will do our utmost in finding your stolen weapons, but we will also be on the lookout for any danger and protect your people for as long as we stay here." Einer finished. "If you have any new information or if you need our help, do not hesitate to approach us. We're here to help."

And with that, Einer led Evelyn out of the office. "I shall be honest with you, Madam Evelyn. Sir Leon broke from us since he has... detected some suspicious people amongst the workers here and are now tailing them. Stealthily, I assume. I believe Madam Asterope has left us too to join him." The musician quietly said to the witch as they walked. "Shall we rendezvous with them? Or do you think we should leave them be while we focus our investigation from a different angle? Like, I dunno, search the area where the stolen weapons were?"

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out! An early one since I couldn't post last week.

@Xaltwind
I'll reply soon to our collab. I pramis! ><

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Honoka's House

EMPTY BASKETS

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

"Hello. I am here to reclaim the food that you've stolen. I suggest that you allow me to do so. Failure to yield your ill-gotten goods will result in me needing to resort to violence,"

Eula

All the bandits were startled into action by Eula uprooting a whole tree all by herself. They all gathered before the Automaton, and all present when she is snapped the fully-grown tree into two like a twig.

The bandits flinched, they were ready to hightail it out of there rather than face a monster this strong. But when Eula demanded their food, their hunger made them hesitate. They all took one look at each other, wondering if they were of the same mind not to hand their supplies and face starvation. The Automaton would also notice that their weapons were simple swords and spears. None of those fancy glass swords or foreign crossbows.

Soon, one brave bandit stepped forward. With a gulp, he decided to confront this mechanical monstrosity. The others looked at him in awe. "That's some bold accusations, girl! What makes you think these are ill-gotten? We stole these from the Varjans! That's hardly ill now, is it?"

The bandits knew they could not best Eula in combat, so perhaps they could best her in words. A bad gambit, however, since the Automaton can simply exert her strength some more to achieve her objectives, regardless of any words thrown.

---

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @Hammerman, @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS) ~

Takeshi nodded at the plan, they would stick together with him at the front. "Alright. Stay close to each other, okay? The mist is thick and a bit of distance might be enough for us to lose each other."

And with that, the group ventured into the foggy cemetery. The mist was chilly but that did not deter the party from exploring. What might deter them, though, was the lack of detail they can see under the thick cloud over the area. Since they were also together, it would take them a long time to find anything in this graveyard. And it was not a guarantee that they would actually find what they were looking for, instead of something unwelcome.

Still, the group soldiered on and in a few moments of walking, Takeshi stopped in his tracks. His gaze was locked on a gravestone to the side. This memorial stood out from the others, it was more decorated and cleaned up compared to the other graves. The young Lord Oja silently approached the grave and kneeled. "Mother..." He muttered.

"I never knew her, you know?" He decided to reveal to the yokai. "She died giving birth to me. She was loved and remembered by everyone she knew, my father most of all. As for me, I just know that she loved me. Well, was told that she loved me. Loved me enough that she didn't mind dying so that I could be born."

Before the taskforce could say anything in reply, a female figure obscured by the fog approached the group quickly with a masakari axe in hand. "How dare you!" But upon seeing Takeshi, her grip on her weapon slipped. The figure was an old woman with graying hair, wearing simple purple clothes. "Young master? Oh..." She fell on her knees, prompting Takeshi to go to her. "I thought you were dead...!"

"I came here looking for you. It's good to see you, Yurine." Takeshi replied. "Have the Varjans been here? Have you ran into any trouble?"

Yurine clicked her tongue. "No Varjans yet, just bandits. Nothing I can't take care of." The old woman then looked at the taskforce. "But... aren't those yokai, milord? Don't tell me they have captured you?!"

"Not captured, rescued." Takeshi quickly cleared the misconception. "They are here to help us. Everyone, this is Yurine."

---

Terauchi Temple Training Grounds

HEAVENLY TRAINING

~ @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Crowvette, @Restalaan (GRI), @Rezod92, @AzureKnight (SHI), @Enkryption ~

(Currently in collab)

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Terauchi Temple

~ @Xaltwind ~

(Currently in collab)

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~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade

"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.

Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."

-Takeshi Oja

Yurine, Death Keeper

"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.

She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."

-Takeshi Oja

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

A Time To Heal

There was a monk by the temple entrance and he immediately spoke as soon as the taskforce member approached.

"Yokai! Will you please help me?"

"I have to get to a hidden survivor camp in the woods, occupied by people who are seriously ill. They need a healer! The area might be overrun with bandits or Varjans, so I need protection."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

The Heavenly Strike

"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful."

-Takeshi Oja

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Hey all! Post will be delayed because I ran out of time preparing for my flight. However, I'll still try to write a post while waiting for my connecting flight.

Sorry for the delays.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out! Next update might be delayed though because I have to fly.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Terauchi Temple ---> Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @Hammerman, @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS) ~

"Say, Takeshi, what do you think Yurine? Feels weird that she's a grave keeper yet from your words, sounds like she was a fighter before that. Also, kind of skewed priority or there's something else within those cemeteries. You know, with the fight all."

Skarsneek

"I'm fairly sure I said this already, but we sent Yurine to the cemeteries of Shizuyama to take care of our buried ancestors. Make sure they're impossible to desecrate, even long after the Varjans kill us all and occupy the island." Takeshi answered Skarsneek. "But as you can see, things have changed. We might no longer need to protect the cemeteries, so we're moving out to pick up Yurine so her efforts can be put elsewhere."

As the party set out, Takeshi continued to answer the question. "Yurine is a fighter still, you know? She can swing her axe pretty well in combat but her long-standing job was to watch over the 'seppuku' of the warriors who have shamed themselves. After the dishonored warrior has killed themself, Yurine would lop off their head to quicken the death and save them from further pain."

"She would also be in charge with burying the dead warrior along with the latter's family. Thus, she knows a lot about graves and tends to them along with people like her. But besides being a gravekeeper, Yurine was also a retainer of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. So she helped my father raise me since he's always busy managing all of Shizuyama." Takeshi finished.

---

After a rather uneventful trip to the south of Onrai region, the group finally reached their destination. "Kozukata Cemetery. One of the largest graveyards in Shizuyama." Takeshi said. "Most of the Oja Clan are buried in Oja Cemetery up in Saikoten. But my mother was buried here, her home region, like she always wanted."

The taskforce would see rows upon rows of gravestones... if not for the thick fog that enveloped the area, revealing only a dozen or so as well as the stone paths granting comfortable access to visitors. "Quite the mist, though." Takeshi remarked. "It's probably not natural. Maybe this is Yurine's but it's too risky to assume that. Tread lightly."

Indeed, it was nigh impossible to see all of the cemetery with this fog, much less spot Yurine. "Do you guys think we should split up? We'll cover more ground, but we might get lost. Especially you, yokai, since you've never been here before."

---

Terauchi Temple Training Grounds

HEAVENLY TRAINING

~ @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Crowvette, @Restalaan (GRI), @Rezod92, @AzureKnight (SHI), @Enkryption ~

(Currently in collab)

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @Xaltwind ~

While Relica was setting up her own workshop in her own little corner in Terauchi Temple, a visitor came by to see her. It seemed the Gremlin need not search for Ayu.

"Hello there! I hope I haven't interrupted you or anything!" A woman with short, white hair and golden eyes greeted Relica with a proud grin. "I heard you were looking for me, so here I am. Not really sure why you want to, though. I also heard that young Lord Oja himself welcomed you personally so you're probably already briefed and know the current situation."

"But you probably have other questions so you called for me. Ask away!" Ayu finished. "Err, let's not make it too long, okay? I'm a busy woman, handling all... this, you know?" She gestured to the entirety of Terauchi Temple.

---

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~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade

"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.

Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."

-Takeshi Oja

Yurine, Death Keeper

"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.

She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."

-Takeshi Oja

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

A Time To Heal

There was a monk by the temple entrance and he immediately spoke as soon as the taskforce member approached.

"Yokai! Will you please help me?"

"I have to get to a hidden survivor camp in the woods, occupied by people who are seriously ill. They need a healer! The area might be overrun with bandits or Varjans, so I need protection."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

The Heavenly Strike

"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful."

-Takeshi Oja