PaulHaynek

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Monster Girl RP)

The island of Shizuyama has always resisted the yokai.

While the rest of Zipangu placated or even worshipped the monsters, the people of Shizuyama defied them. Our ancestors drove the yokai off the island many ages ago and established a haven for humans to live in, a land to call their own without the presence of a monster looming over them, a home where they could truly be free.

This had been so for Shizuyama since time immemorial, even after The Great Change. Even when alliances shifted and the lands around them remade, the island stood by its traditions. Unwavering and unbreakable.

But now, a fleet of war sails from the horizon. And with them, a challenge that will shake the traditions that Shizuyama holds dear.

------

Ruled by Clan Oja, the island of Shizuyama is one of the few islands in Zipangu that wholly rejects yokai. Ever since its founding, Shizuyama boasts of having no trace of yokai its land for thousands of years. Known for specializing in repelling yokai and monsters, Shizuyama upholds these traditions by training its most talented and skilled people into effective anti-monster warriors and agents who will then be lent out to any allies that need such services.

After the Great Change, however, their effectiveness had waned considerably. Even so, Shizuyama still has their reputation intact and no yokai had stepped foot on the island even today.

As an anti-monster faction, Clan Oja and Shizuyama has maintained relations with The Order, a religious organization spanning most of humanity that also rejects monsters, for many generations. But recently, The Order and its members are embroiled in a decade-long war with a breakaway human kingdom known as Ortus and their pure Dwarven allies.

Representatives from Varjo, a dark and wicked kingdom that holds a considerable position in The Order, had been making frequent visits to Shizuyama as of late. Lady Kyouko, a Ryu yokai who is oddly fixated on Shizuyama after establishing herself on a small island called Akamagaseki, has grown very worried at this prospect and has hastily put together a team to investigate the reasons for these visits and help out Shizuyama if trouble arises.

And time is of the essence, for the Varjan representatives this time had now come with a large fleet armed for war.

Map Of Shizuyama

Onrai
The southwestern region of Shizuyama is composed of flat, fertile grasslands. Thus, it is not surprising that the bulk of the island's farmsteads are located here. The land is so bountiful that Onrai's harvests could feed the rest of the island by itself. And that is excluding the fishing villages that dot Onrai's coasts whose large hauls of seafood are said to be the best complement to the rice harvested from the farms.

Ginirokaze
Shizuyama's eastern region is home to the island's mountains and valleys. The land is elevated compared to the rest of the island so temperatures are lower in this region than the others, sometimes reaching dangerous levels especially in the winter. Still, many have come to settle in this region for the snow-capped mountains of Ginirokaze holds most of the island's precious metals. Mining these metals is the pride of Ginirokaze, besides the odd fishing village that are the source of sea animals exclusive to this region's coasts.

Saikoten
The capital of Shizuyama may not offer much in terms of material goods, but this region's cultural significance makes it the home of the ruling clan of the island. Located northwest above Onrai, Saikoten was where the first fully human settlement was established many millennia ago. As Shizuyama grew and its humans spread out, the ruling clans continued to develop Saikoten until it became the urban center it is today. Soon, the region became the heart of Shizuyama and its hub of trade. Harvests from Onrai and ores from Ginirokaze come to Saikoten to be sold to all sorts of people, even foreigners who had come to the island for one reason or another.

Indeed, Shizuyama's major ports are located in Saikoten and it is where foreign dignitaries and delegates are received. However, that was before The Great Change when there was still plenty of anti-monster Zipanguese factions with relations to Shizuyama. Nowadays, Saikoten has clearly waned in its glory but even so, it is still the capital and its streets still bustle with life.

FAQ

1) What's the setting?
This RP is set in Kenkou Cross' Monster Girl Encyclopedia. (Warning: NSFW-ish site!!)

1.5) *gasp*
Wait, wait, hear me out here! I know the setting is best known for its escapist pornography but this RP will be less about the smex and more about the Varjan invasion of Shizuyama, an anti-monster island in Zipangu. There will also be some changes like the intensity of Demonic Energy and the state of affairs within the Order.

*Let me know if that still isn't allowed, okay?

1.5a) Why did that guy gasp? What's Monster Girl Encyclopedia?
It is a setting created by Kenkou Cross where all the generic RPG monsters got turned into humanoid(-ish) females by a set of circumstances detailed below:

Basic History of MGE

• In a world created by a god named Chief God, humans and monsters battle each other in an endless war.
• The monsters are controlled by a Demon Lord who Chief God controls so he doesn't have to micro everything.
• When the humans become too many, Chief God orders Demon Lord to whip monsters into a frenzy against the humans, resulting in the end of human dominance.
• Once that is done and the monsters become numerous as a result, Chief God blesses a human into a Hero who slays the Demon Lord. The monsters then battle each other on who gets to be the next Demon Lord, resulting in the end of monster dominance.
• Lather, rinse, repeat.
• But everything changed when the Succubus faction attacked.
• One Succubus decided that the cycle sucks and became a Demon Lord. Though not through strength but through gathering allies who are also tired of the cycle.
• The Succubus also gains the support of the Hero sent to stop her. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
• With their powers combined, they repel the Chief God who tried to kill them herself.
• The Demon Lord turns all monsters into humanoid(-ish) females compatible with human men and become almost universally nice. (This is what I refer to as 'The Great Change'.)
• The rest is history.

*Note that this isn't everything so you'll have to dig in the above links to know more. You can also just ask me.

2) So what are these changes to the setting you speak of earlier?
One, Demon Energy is much weaker here so one must take (or give) a considerable dose of it to have the effect it has in the original setting. However, all monster girls are still universally benevolent and still very sexy. So consider this world MGE-lite.

Varjo is also an original creation so you won't find them on the wiki. Briefly, Varjo is a dark kingdom that while loathed by the rest of the world, still an incredibly influential member of The Order. That is because Varjo happily lends its armies to the rest of The Order and, while brutal and ruthless, manage to get the job done most of the time with minimal questions. Their troops typically look like Warhammer Fantasy Chaos Warriors, Marauders, Chosen, etc.

3) ...So will there be sex?
RolePlayerGuild rules says no. Any sexual encounters must be done in the PMs or implied.

4) How many characters can we play?
Maximum is two. There will be exceptions to certain players.

5) Can we play as monster girls?
Yes. Players are actually encouraged to do so.

5.5) Can we not play as monster girls?
Yes. Players can play as human men or women.

6) Can we play as monster girls that doesn't actively look for men?
Yes.

7) Can we play as custom monster girls?
Yes. But you must provide info about the custom monster girl in your character sheet.

8) Can we play as monster boys?
Yes. However, you will be the only monster boys in the entire existence of the RP.

8.5) What about these incubi I have read about?
I'm saying you can play as other species of monster boys. With actual monstrous or animal features since incubi in the setting are just human males that are empowered beyond their limits.

9) Can we play as the invading Varjans?
No.

10) Can we play as Shizuyama locals?
Preferably not but if you really want, you can PM me your character plans, details and questions.

11) Is this a ripoff of Ghost Of Tsushima?
Yes.

------

Hello again, Roleplayer Guild! I am once again starting a monster girl roleplay set in Kenkou Cross' (in)famous series, Monster Girl Enyclopedia. Specifically, this concerns an anti-monster island in Zipangu (MGE Japan) about to be invaded by its supposed allies.

However, the players are not expected to be locals of Shizuyama. Instead, their characters would be part of a taskforce recruited by a powerful Ryu yokai tasked with investigating as to why these anti-monster humans are fighting each other.

'Hold on, PaulHaynek, don't you already have Tales Of Shizuyama up and running?' Right you are, reader! However, I received some... more interest in it that I cannot accommodate in the original. Which is why I'm starting a new iteration of the RP (with some notable differences to the original, try and find them~).

I'll post the Character Sheet here too so potential players can begin constructing their character. However, DO NOT post your characters yet. Let's save that for the OOC.

Character Sheet

Appearance: (Images are preferred but written descriptions are accepted)

Name:

Race: (if you are playing as a custom Monster, please put a short description about what they are)

Magic/Abilities/Equipment: (There will be fighting in the RP so having combat-related abilities is encouraged. Nothing OP, of course.)

Personality:

Background: (Indicate how they made contact or contacted by Lady Kyouko)

[There's something you need to put here later. ;)]

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Monster Girl RP)

Pinging @Xaltwind

Also pinging @Rune_Alchemist because you might get mad at me again if I don't. d:

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Monster Girl RP)

The island of Shizuyama has always resisted the yokai.

While the rest of Zipangu placated or even worshipped the monsters, the people of Shizuyama defied them. Our ancestors drove the yokai off the island many ages ago and established a haven for humans to live in, a land to call their own without the presence of a monster looming over them, a home where they could truly be free.

This had been so for Shizuyama since time immemorial, even after The Great Change. Even when alliances shifted and the lands around them remade, the island stood by its traditions. Unwavering and unbreakable.

But now, a fleet of war sails from the horizon. And with them, a challenge that will shake the traditions that Shizuyama holds dear.

------

Ruled by Clan Oja, the island of Shizuyama is one of the few islands in Zipangu that wholly rejects yokai. Ever since its founding, Shizuyama boasts of having no trace of yokai its land for thousands of years. Known for specializing in repelling yokai and monsters, Shizuyama upholds these traditions by training its most talented and skilled people into effective anti-monster warriors and agents who will then be lent out to any allies that need such services.

After the Great Change, however, their effectiveness had waned considerably. Even so, Shizuyama still has their reputation intact and no yokai had stepped foot on the island even today.

As an anti-monster faction, Clan Oja and Shizuyama has maintained relations with The Order, a religious organization spanning most of humanity that also rejects monsters, for many generations. But recently, The Order and its members are embroiled in a decade-long war with a breakaway human kingdom known as Ortus and their pure Dwarven allies.

Representatives from Varjo, a dark and wicked kingdom that holds a considerable position in The Order, had been making frequent visits to Shizuyama as of late. Lady Kyouko, a Ryu yokai who is oddly fixated on Shizuyama after establishing herself on a small island called Akamagaseki, has grown very worried at this prospect and has hastily put together a team to investigate the reasons for these visits and help out Shizuyama if trouble arises.

And time is of the essence, for the Varjan representatives this time had now come with a large fleet armed for war.

Map Of Shizuyama

Onrai
The southwestern region of Shizuyama is composed of flat, fertile grasslands. Thus, it is not surprising that the bulk of the island's farmsteads are located here. The land is so bountiful that Onrai's harvests could feed the rest of the island by itself. And that is excluding the fishing villages that dot Onrai's coasts whose large hauls of seafood are said to be the best complement to the rice harvested from the farms.

Ginirokaze
Shizuyama's eastern region is home to the island's mountains and valleys. The land is elevated compared to the rest of the island so temperatures are lower in this region than the others, sometimes reaching dangerous levels especially in the winter. Still, many have come to settle in this region for the snow-capped mountains of Ginirokaze holds most of the island's precious metals. Mining these metals is the pride of Ginirokaze, besides the odd fishing village that are the source of sea animals exclusive to this region's coasts.

Saikoten
The capital of Shizuyama may not offer much in terms of material goods, but this region's cultural significance makes it the home of the ruling clan of the island. Located northwest above Onrai, Saikoten was where the first fully human settlement was established many millennia ago. As Shizuyama grew and its humans spread out, the ruling clans continued to develop Saikoten until it became the urban center it is today. Soon, the region became the heart of Shizuyama and its hub of trade. Harvests from Onrai and ores from Ginirokaze come to Saikoten to be sold to all sorts of people, even foreigners who had come to the island for one reason or another.

Indeed, Shizuyama's major ports are located in Saikoten and it is where foreign dignitaries and delegates are received. However, that was before The Great Change when there was still plenty of anti-monster Zipanguese factions with relations to Shizuyama. Nowadays, Saikoten has clearly waned in its glory but even so, it is still the capital and its streets still bustle with life.

FAQ

1) What's the setting?
This RP is set in Kenkou Cross' Monster Girl Encyclopedia. (Warning: NSFW-ish site!!)

1.5) *gasp*
Wait, wait, hear me out here! I know the setting is best known for its escapist pornography but this RP will be less about the smex and more about the Varjan invasion of Shizuyama, an anti-monster island in Zipangu. There will also be some changes like the intensity of Demonic Energy and the state of affairs within the Order.

*Let me know if that still isn't allowed, okay?

1.5a) Why did that guy gasp? What's Monster Girl Encyclopedia?
It is a setting created by Kenkou Cross where all the generic RPG monsters got turned into humanoid(-ish) females by a set of circumstances detailed below:

Basic History of MGE

• In a world created by a god named Chief God, humans and monsters battle each other in an endless war.
• The monsters are controlled by a Demon Lord who Chief God controls so he doesn't have to micro everything.
• When the humans become too many, Chief God orders Demon Lord to whip monsters into a frenzy against the humans, resulting in the end of human dominance.
• Once that is done and the monsters become numerous as a result, Chief God blesses a human into a Hero who slays the Demon Lord. The monsters then battle each other on who gets to be the next Demon Lord, resulting in the end of monster dominance.
• Lather, rinse, repeat.
• But everything changed when the Succubus faction attacked.
• One Succubus decided that the cycle sucks and became a Demon Lord. Though not through strength but through gathering allies who are also tired of the cycle.
• The Succubus also gains the support of the Hero sent to stop her. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
• With their powers combined, they repel the Chief God who tried to kill them herself.
• The Demon Lord turns all monsters into humanoid(-ish) females compatible with human men and become almost universally nice. (This is what I refer to as 'The Great Change'.)
• The rest is history.

*Note that this isn't everything so you'll have to dig in the above links to know more. You can also just ask me.

2) So what are these changes to the setting you speak of earlier?
One, Demon Energy is much weaker here so one must take (or give) a considerable dose of it to have the effect it has in the original setting. However, all monster girls are still universally benevolent and still very sexy. So consider this world MGE-lite.

Varjo is also an original creation so you won't find them on the wiki. Briefly, Varjo is a dark kingdom that while loathed by the rest of the world, still an incredibly influential member of The Order. That is because Varjo happily lends its armies to the rest of The Order and, while brutal and ruthless, manage to get the job done most of the time with minimal questions. Their troops typically look like Warhammer Fantasy Chaos Warriors, Marauders, Chosen, etc.

3) ...So will there be sex?
RolePlayerGuild rules says no. Any sexual encounters must be done in the PMs or implied.

4) How many characters can we play?
Maximum is two. There will be exceptions to certain players.

5) Can we play as monster girls?
Yes. Players are actually encouraged to do so.

5.5) Can we not play as monster girls?
Yes. Players can play as human men or women.

6) Can we play as monster girls that doesn't actively look for men?
Yes.

7) Can we play as custom monster girls?
Yes. But you must provide info about the custom monster girl in your character sheet.

8) Can we play as monster boys?
Yes. However, you will be the only monster boys in the entire existence of the RP.

8.5) What about these incubi I have read about?
I'm saying you can play as other species of monster boys. With actual monstrous or animal features since incubi in the setting are just human males that are empowered beyond their limits.

9) Can we play as the invading Varjans?
No.

10) Can we play as Shizuyama locals?
Preferably not but if you really want, you can PM me your character plans, details and questions.

11) Is this a ripoff of Ghost Of Tsushima?
Yes.

------

Hello again, Roleplayer Guild! I am once again starting a monster girl roleplay set in Kenkou Cross' (in)famous series, Monster Girl Enyclopedia. Specifically, this concerns an anti-monster island in Zipangu (MGE Japan) about to be invaded by its supposed allies.

However, the players are not expected to be locals of Shizuyama. Instead, their characters would be part of a taskforce recruited by a powerful Ryu yokai tasked with investigating as to why these anti-monster humans are fighting each other.

'Hold on, PaulHaynek, don't you already have Tales Of Shizuyama up and running?' Right you are, reader! However, I received some... more interest in it that I cannot accommodate in the original. Which is why I'm starting a new iteration of the RP (with some notable differences to the original, try and find them~).

I'll post the Character Sheet here too so potential players can begin constructing their character. However, DO NOT post your characters yet. Let's save that for the OOC.

Character Sheet

Appearance: (Images are preferred but written descriptions are accepted)

Name:

Race: (if you are playing as a custom Monster, please put a short description about what they are)

Magic/Abilities/Equipment: (There will be fighting in the RP so having combat-related abilities is encouraged. Nothing OP, of course.)

Personality:

Background: (Indicate how they made contact or contacted by Lady Kyouko)

[There's something you need to put here later. ;)]

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Restalaan

Lol, no. I think there's been a misunderstanding.

Pre-Emptive Strike is a scripted mission that wasn't available until I made it so.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Restalaan

The latter, the quest is coming to the player characters. ;)

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Shizuyama Wilderness

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

After repairing the damages to the house the best she could, Eula waited for the monk to awaken outside the house they were in previously.

It was perhaps an hour before the monk stirred. "Ohhhh, what happened...?" He clutched his head. His eyes blinked a few times to regain orientation. He also tried to get up, but the pain in his head made sure that he could only barely stand. "Ohhh... the yokai... why...?" The monk recalled being attacked by his very own protectors. Of all the emotions he felt, confusion was chief among them.

But upon spotting Eula before him, things made even less sense. "Oh, madam yokai?" The monk said. "I... I believe I was attacked by the Gremlin yokai, and reprimanded by the hornet one." He recounted his memories. "But you are here... Am I misremembering things? Where are those two?"

---

Shizuyama Wilderness

KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE

~ @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

"I will work to expand the chance of success. Through any means possible. The other task force members would do the same."

Io

“If you ever get scared, you can always run and hide behind me, I’ll protect you for the big bad scary guysssss”

Yuki Akamata

Instead of being reassured, Kazenosuke's mood soured at the yokai's optimism. "Do you two realize how large the Varjan army is? What can a bunch of yokai do to stop them?!" He started ranting.

"They have more warriors, more spellcasters, more weapons, more equipment..." Kazenosuke voice then lowered. "More opportunities, more prospects, more options for a future..." He then covered his mouth to stop himself, hopefully not revealing too much to Io and Yuki. "N-Never mind me, you two are right. The Varjans may have us beat, but with our combined power... We may have a chance."

"Now then, let's go. We should hurry to Terauchi Temple." Kazenosuke wanted to leave behind his outburst.

---

Fukami Port

LOST AT SEA

~ @Enkryption, @The Irish Tree (LIL), @AzureKnight (SHI) ~

When Shizuka arrived and talked with Alice and Liliana, the rainbow knight silently went to a shed and hauled out a large wooden boat that came with a suitable oar. "Whew, good thing I brought a big one. What was once two became five. Just like those Vin Diesel movies..." He then hauled the boat to the water where he began playing with the seashells.

Upon seeing that the taskforce had all gathered together, the rainbow knight rose to address the group. "Oh, you guys are done with marriage counseling? We can finally get this show on the road..." The knight sighed. "Okay, first off: Hello, I'm Ian North. I'm here to help the taskforce if they get in a bind. I can't help all the time, though. I'm pretty busy myself. This is a whole-ass island that needs help, after all."

"But anyway, this boat's ready to take you to Hama Island. I'll row you guys there myself." Ian declared before looking at Shizuka and Carroll. "And really?! Really?! You two just gonna coochie-coo meters away from my boat?! Man, I don't get respect anywhere..."

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @Hammerman ~

"…You don't have to pity me. I can handle it just fine, you know. I'll find another husband just fine. And one much better than you at that,"

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

Despite Lunatea's cold rebuttal, Takeshi merely smiled more and even ruffled her head. "Hahaha, I'll be cheering you on, Lunatea."

Ayu finally returned and saw Takeshi and Lunatea little scene. "Hahaha! It's good to see that Lord Takeshi is getting along really well with the yokai." She cheered.

"Ah, Ayu! Just the woman I wanted to see!" Takeshi greeted her. "Madam Musubi told us many things. Things you ought to know as well."

---

~ @Hammerman, @Rezod92, @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

"...So we need a port, huh?" Takeshi and Lunatea explained Musubi the Nurarihyon's news from Lady Kyouko. Now, Ayu's face was scrunched up in thought. "By now, all the major ports in Shizuyama are probably occupied. The Varjans know of their importance." She remarked.

It was then that Kerry and Relica made quite the dynamic entry from the air. After the Gremlin sulked off to her workshop, it was Takeshi himself who first greeted the Hornet. "Ah, Kerry! You're just in time. We're preparing for a... major move against the Varjans. Err, we're still planning it but it'll be good to have most, if not all, the taskforce here."

"What's this I hear about plans?" Takeshi was genuinely surprised when he heard that familiar voice. "I like plans. Don't leave me out of it." Io and Yuki had arrived along with their charge, Kazenosuke. "Gods above, they're right. You're still alive, Tak."

"I am only alive thanks to the yokai." Takeshi and Kazenosuke approached each other, before erupting into a hug. "It's good to see you, Kaze."

As Takeshi and Kazenosuke walked off as they caught up with each other, Ayu gathered Lunatea, Kerry, Io and Yuki. "Big news, everyone. Lady Kyouko has a fleet ready, but she needs a big enough port here to land it. Otherwise, the Varjan can inflict heavy losses on her fleet, even if they can't outright destroy it." The head spy explained. "Most, if not all, major ports in Shizuyama are already taken. That means we'll have to liberate one from the invaders."

"The closest major port here is Komatsu Bay. But I heard that place is as fortified as a castle, taking it head-on will be quite the challenge. Even for you, yokai, so I'm interested in your thoughts." Ayu said. "Although, I do have an idea... N-Never mind, it's not worth it."

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Pre-Emptive Strike

The wolves are at the door...

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

~ Eon Tower Mess Hall ~

Poring through the books last night bore no fruit, to Einer's frustration. A shady, pale-skinned man named Kiff offered to help the bard in the latter's endeavor, but Einer politely declined. Leon appeared to need Kiff's attention more than he did so the musician kindly moved aside and focus on his search alone. Einer read and read through the night, but found only vague instructions of the old methods of casting magic in the distant past. Still, Einer was not giving up. There was always another day.

And another day came, the members of the Eon Tower had gathered in the mess hall for breakfast. Einer had foregone breakfast for now, opting to play a cheerful tune for the dining mages of the Tower. An unneeded sacrifice, but Einer was not feeling the pangs of hunger. Rather, he felt the ever-familiar pangs of failure instead. The music he played was as much for him as his fellow mages.

But the tune stopped when Scarlett started a scene, vomiting her bile upon an unfortunate pot before serving it to some Beluan mages that included Lapis and her brother Ruecian. The sight made the bard even less hungry, he was probably not eating until lunch because of this.

Still, Scarlett's lack of tact and manners... nay, lack of respect for anyone and anything that wasn't herself was amusing in a way. "I pity the one who must clean all that." Einer remarked to everyone present. "I'd offer aid, but I don't think my music can dispel the horrid stenches. Unnatural as this may be."

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

:(

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Shizuyama Wilderness

~ @Xaltwind (REL), @The Irish Tree (EUL), @Rezod92 ~

Relica and Kerry's retaliation for the prank left the monk unconscious on the floor while the mother took her child and fled the house screaming.

Several villagers in the secluded settlement opened their doors to see what was going on. But upon seeing Eula and Kerry squaring off, they immediately shut their doors and closed their windows. The air swirling around Kerry was just more evidence that this altercation will get destructive very quick and that all they could do was huddle in their homes and hope they don't get caught in the crossfire.

Even the animals have fled, the tweeting birds flying away and the chittering insects skulking back to their burrows. Now, only the winds could be heard between the feuding taskforce members.

The stage was set, and all that was left was for Eula or Kerry or Relica to make their next move.

---

Kazenosuke's House

KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE

~ @AzureKnight (SHI), @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

Shizuka said that he would be going after their fellow taskforce member, leaving Kazenosuke in the care of Io and Yuki.

"He will be safe. Rest assured."

Io

“As for me, I think I’ll head back too the temple as well, I need to recover a bit of energy. It’s been a while since I had to get physical”

Yuki Akamata

Kazenosuke chuckled. "I am very much capable of defending myself, ladies." He remarked. "Although I supposed I don't mind some beautiful company."

---

Unfortunately for Io, she was with Yuki as they escorted Kazenosuke to Terauchi Temple. The trip through the dirt roads were uneventful until they ascended a mountain path and got a good look at a portion of Shizuyama's many shorelines.

The trio saw ships of varying sizes occupying the water, it was the Varjan blockade said to have surrounded the island. The waters were not completely filled, but there were enough that even a small vessel will be easily spotted by any lookout on the Varjan ships. Meanwhile on the land, several thick smoke stacks could be seen rising to the sky. Likely coming from the villages and homesteads hit by the Varjans.

Kazenosuke spent a few moments just staring at the sights before letting out a heavy sigh. "Say, yokai..." He called out to Io and Yuki. "Be honest with me, do we... does Shizuyama actually have a chance?"

---

Fukami Port

LOST AT SEA

~ @Enkryption, @The Irish Tree (LIL) ~

"AND, I DEMAND TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER!"

Alice

The rainbow knight covered his ears and recoiled from Alice's loud demand. "Alright! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, okay? You're the most awesomest Queen ever and Shizuyama is graced by your blessed presence. You have the island's eternal gratitude and all that." He quickly apologized. "Please don't call for my manager, I beg you! I'm almost Company member of the year and a complaint now is seriously gonna ruin my chances!"

Glancing at the still-dueling Carroll and the Whimsy blade, the knight leaned towards Liliana and whispered. "Uhh, are we sure those two are gonna be alright?"

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @Hammerman ~

After talking with Musubi, Takeshi left the pagoda with Lunatea. The Nurarihyon brought news from Lady Kyouko, saying that the Inari had a fleet awaiting to attack the Varjan blockade but needed a friendly port or the fleet will get worn down through attrition. Musubi said she would help the taskforce from the shadows as that was more her thing.

Somehow, Takeshi and Lunatea were together again, making things a little awkward considering their earlier interaction. Scratching the back of his head, Takeshi could not help but sigh. "Well, I guess we're together again." He remarked. The young lord was looking for something to separate from Lunatea and escape the awkardness, but decided not to.

"...You know, now that I thought about it." Takeshi started. "Had... everything been vastly different, I'd definitely consider getting together with you." He flashed her a goofy, yet genuine, smile.

---
@Restalaan (GRI)

“A moment or instant is enough, can use to block or become hard when enemy charge. So, what I need to do?”

Gringor

"Indeed, that is the most common application of the technique for the novices." Nobutada nodded. "Become untouchable for the strongest strikes, before returning to the fold when the enemy is exhausted. Using the technique like that will make you fatigued in a very short time, though. Not very suitable in a prolonged fight."

"But I'm afraid calm and hunting will not do. You may be sitting still when you hunt, but you are tense. Alert. Ready to pounce at any moment. No..." The monk shook his head. "You must be relaxed. Your guard must be down. Your thoughts serene. Thinking of nothing at all also counts, merely basking in the quiet silence."

"Look, I know you are enamored with the technique and are willing to brave its difficulty..." Nobutada continued. "But wasting time here might be detrimental, when you could be learning other things more suited to your style and personality."

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@Restalaan (SKA), @AzureKnight (HIN)

(Sorry, but we'll need to wait for AzureKnight to post for this one.)

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~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

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

~~ 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..."

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."

Shizuyama's Freedom

A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached. "Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."

"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained."

~~ 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)

@Enkryption @Xaltwind

While I am thankful that you two didn't escalate this, this better be the last time this happens or we're gonna have problems. I seriously hope you two understand that.

Don't respond. Let this be the end of that.