PaulHaynek

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Terauchi Temple

~ @Hammerman, @Nakushita ~

“Maybe if you did a better job defending the line, then the enemy would have never been able to infiltrate it in the first place, you are lucky Lunatea was back here as well, it cuts two ways you know…”

Yuki Akamata

“She’s right, Someone had to stay here to guard these people from any stray enemies that you failed to exterminate. And it wasn’t easy. I had to exert myself quite gravely in order to handle all those dogs. I'll be stuck with terrible cramps for the next few days.

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

Takamori and Sorae were about to retort even more fiercely if it weren't for Ayu stepping in between the two groups, deciding to do something before the situation escalates. "R-Regardless, the Varjans have been beaten back and most of the refugees have been protected. That's all that matters, right?" She raised her hands to divert as much attention to her as she could.

"Oh, look! Lord Takeshi seem to be planning something with the others! Why don't we go join them?" Ayu shifted the topic to something more important than this feud, leading the group towards Takeshi and the others. Sorae and Takamori gave a look at the yokai, but ultimately said nothing and followed Ayu.

---

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

With one mighty swing, Gringor broke the obelisk. The splitting the body from the base, its glowing runes losing its light. Kerry felt magic slowly wash over her, indicating it was returning and she could cast spells again.

As she fought the Elite, Shizuka arrived to make short work of the remaining Varjans. It was fortunate that the obelisk was already broken when he arrived, or else he would have been in quite a surprise. Perhaps Kerry should break the news to everyone that the Varjans possessed such devices in their arsenal.

But after getting a short beatdown from Alice, it appeared Kerry has other things to worry about.

Regardless, Shizuka's attacks would be the last swings of this battle. The Varjan assault had been repelled and Terauchi Temple stood victorious, albeit heavily-damaged.

---

~ @Crowvette, @Restalaan (SKA & GRI), @AzureKnight (SHI, HIN & ATS), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Rezod92, @Hammerman, @Nakushita ~

"Is everyone alright? I pray there weren't any casualties among the refugees. How did this happen, the Varjans shouldn't have known about this place!"

Shizuka Kannazuki

"Indeed, how did those barbarians find out about this place? It seems highly unlikely…"

Atsuha Hangai

"On the contrary, Sir Shizuka and Madam Atsuha, this place isn't exactly hidden. No invisibility spells or anything like that. I'm guessing that once word got out that Terauchi Temple was a safe haven for refugees fleeing from the invasion, the Varjans immediately caught wind of it. This attack was, I suppose, inevitable." Ayu spoke up as she approached along with Yuki and Lunatea as well as Sorae and Takamori with Nobutada and Kageho close behind. "I guess they only needed a bit of time to prepare the assault."

Most of the taskforce had assembled along with the warriors that Takeshi had asked the former to gather. The battle for the temple was over, with the villagers and refugees emerging to clean up bodies and the debris.

“We’ll need to move the villagers. They know our position, and can keep the pressure on us now. There’s the fishing village we cleared, but that’s a temporary one. You don’t happen to know another hiding place? Like some hidden cave, harbor or mountains?”

Skarsneek

"No." Takeshi bluntly declared. "There's too many refugees here to move into something smaller. Not only that, moving them will expend resources and time and put them in even higher risk." He explained. "We can only fortify this position... but we are in dire need for reinforcements." Takeshi then glanced at the line of Shizuyaman warriors who fell in the battle.

"If I may, Lord Takeshi..." Ayu spoke up. "Me and other taskforce members have been discussing earlier about an attack on Komatsu Bay. We understand that the place is a fortress taken over by the Varjans, but a sneak attack from the inside can catch the Varjan occupiers unaware." The head spy explained. "Lady Kyouko has a mighty fleet that can punch through the Varjan blockade. She only needs a port to dock her ships and Komatsu Bay can be that port. Once we liberate the fortress, Lady Kyouko can send us as many reinforcements and supplies as we want."

"Invite more yokai to our island?! I will not allow it!" Kikyo protested before approaching Takeshi. "Lord Takeshi, I have recently learned that a whole regiment of our warriors are imprisoned in a Varjan outpost not far from here. They can be our needed reinforcements. We have no need to rely on the yokai." Kikyo was close to begging her lord.

However, Takeshi thought for a moment. His eyes were closed and his gaze downwards. "Why not... why not both? Why choose one over the other? We desperately need supplies to defend and support the refugees, and the rescued warriors can help keep an eye on the yokai. Make sure they don't do anything... suspicious." The young lord decided, a confident smile on his face as if he had made a brilliant move. "We and the taskforce are strong enough that we can split up to do both tasks. Or barring that, we're strong enough that we can do both tasks in a short period of time. Short enough that the Varjans won't have time to prepare another attack."

The young lord looked to Kikyo's reaction, hoping he said the right words. Unfortunately, he only found a frowning face and narrowed eyes, making his confident smile disappear. "Sounds like a plan to me." Sorae remarked. "But some of us will need to stay here to ward off any more attackers. While a full assault isn't likely to happen anytime soon, small bands of raiders might think this is a prime opportunity."

"Fully agreed. I can be part of the home guard since I have... personal businesses to attend to too." Takamori said.

Breaking eye contact from Kikyo, Takeshi turned to Ayu. "How do you plan on sneaking into Komatsu Bay?"

"Long story short, I know a guy who can infiltrate the Varjan garrison there." Ayu answered. "I can explain the details later, milord."

Then, Takeshi turned to the taskforce. "Well, what do you guys think?"

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Komatsu Bay

"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay."
-Takeshi Oja

Second Chance

"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks."
-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 ~~

The Husband

"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ 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."

Bottoms Up

A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.

"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."

~~ 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

ChatGPT - The RP

I, for one, welcome our new A.I. roleplay game/dungeon masters.

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Janus' Campsite

~ @Rune_Alchemist, @AzureKnight (KIR, VRA & LAV) ~

"A-at any rate, think of me as your servant for as long as I am here, Lord Oja. Please."

N'ylaatothk

Takeshi picked up on Nyla's unease, and decided to finish this conversation for now. "...Very well, I suppose I can allow that. Anything more would be problematic anyway..." Although, the young Oja was a bit saddened at his own words as he left Nyla.

"...But, barring that, is there anything else you can tell us about the island's current situation. Are they any other forces that could aid us against the invaders?

Kirei Kannazuki

Takeshi met back with Kirei to answer the questions. "Most of the island's fighters fought at Sanjo Beach. We could've tried to defend all the ports and beaches, but that would be stretching our forces very thin. We could've also attempted unconventional warfare, hit the invaders before retreating to the shadows. But that would require the Varjans to be unsure of occupying the island and if we learned one thing from our talks, the Varjans and The Order seemed very interested in Shizuyama."

"That's why my father ordered a last stand at Sanjo Beach. If we could not stop them there, there was no stopping the Varjans from taking Shizuyama." Takeshi grimly finished answering the first question. "A last-ditch effort at defiance..."

"However, there were warriors, friends, that I didn't see with us during the battle on the beach. They may still be alive and if they are being smart, which I'm sure they are, they'll be hiding in the Onrai region." The young Oja then saw Vară and Lavinia talking, with the former looking distressed. "...Are those two alright?"

---

Soon, all the tents have been torn down and tied up. "Alright. Someone pick those up and follow me. Don't worry, you won't have to carry that all the way to Onrai." Janus let out a short chuckle.

Janus led the party towards a nearby base of a cliff. The spellcaster then waved his gauntlet hand and a circular part of the cliff's face disappeared, revealing a shallow cave. A cave with a couple of resting horses and a small, wooden wagon. "Load the tent supplies there, and we'll also ride that all the way to Terauchi Temple. Provided we don't run into anything... destructive on the way."

He bit his lips as he counted the party's heads. "The wagon's going to be cramped, though." Janus remarked.

"Hmm, let me see if this works..." Takeshi then whistled a distinct sound and moments later, from the thick shrubbery came a strong, healthy stallion that was as black as the night sky. The horse was complete with saddles and reins. "Shiro! Why do you have a saddle and reins? Did someone put them on you and tried to take you for themselves and then you bucked them off?"

The horse nuzzled Takeshi, who let out a happy laugh. The young Oja was glad that at least one of his friends were alive and well and he immediately embarked on his trusty steed. He rode Shiro beside Nyla and reached out a hand, inviting the Shoggoth to ride with him. Shiro, on the other hand, eyed Nyla with suspicion... but he wouldn't be a trusty steed if he frequently disobeyed his master.

---

Akamagaseki

Lady Kyouko's Estate

~ @Enkryption (UMI & RCD), @The Irish Tree ~

"Please, allow me to stay and fight. I don't have anywhere else I can be of use."

Vivian

"A fine display of... a greeting dance, Madam Vivian of Lyonesse." Lady Kyouko approached, putting a gentle hand on the Claremont sisters' shoulders to signal that the Ryu would be talking for now.

"And you say you have already engaged a ship of the Varjan armada? I am very impressed, and thankful that you have aided Shizuyama." Lady Kyouko bowed towards Vivian before adopting a serious face. "But I wouldn't pledge service too fast, Madam Vivian. This is no mere defense and rescue of an island's people. Shizuyama is an anti-monster island, technically an ally of Varjo and the rest of The Order. It's only recently that their relationship has... soured considerably, for reasons that are unclear to me." She briefly explained the situation.

"With all that in mind, do you still want to join?" Lady Kyouko finished. "The people there will be distrustful of you, suspicious of you, hurl insults at you. That's the kind of place you will go to if you join."

"And as for you two..." Lady Kyouko reached her hands out to pinch both Claremont sisters' cheeks. "Such behavior may be allowed in these yokai territories, but that might be construed as a sign of attack in Shizuyama." With a gentle tone, she lightly scolded the two even if Umami was the only one that lunged at the newcomer Vivian. "If you two are really, really sure you want to go to Shizuyama, then you two must learn how to behave. Especially around members of the Oja Clan. Am I understood?"

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

~ Road ~

- @Polaris North, @The Irish Tree -

"Are you alright?"

Hector Wyland

Einer gasped for breath when the brute above him was finally knocked away by Hector. Despite the chaos of the situation, Einer took some moments to catch his breath after that near brush of death. Tears rolled down his eyes, not just because he almost died but also because he realized how helpless he was without offensive powers. Yet more evidence that his powers of Thaumaturgy was as useless as nothing.

The bard grit his teeth, irrational rage overtaking his thoughts. He was angry, very angry, and someone needed to be the recipient of Einer's frustration with his station. The musician got up and scanned the battlefield sharply. Seeing red, Einer barely noticed Shavis' fights or the two large monsters fighting each other. The bard's eyes focused on the thug with the twin swords assailing Hector. A suitable candidate for Einer's fists.

While Hector was evading the sword swings of the thug, Einer tackled the attacker from behind and all the way to the ground. The bard unleashed all his rage upon this poor vagabond, his face receiving the relentless punches of a pair of brass knuckles.

Unfortunately, Einer's anger and frustration left him blind to the gun pointed at him...

*BANG*

Just like that, Einer was back lying on the ground. But was bleeding this time from the shoulder...

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Hama Island

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

"It's time we take the man and his daughter and head back to the temple. Although, before we do go, I believe I could ask you this Ian-san: What exactly did the Varjan plan to do with that girl, and what were they doing docked hear?"

Shizuka Kannazuki

"Probably just a random sacrifice." Ian answered Shizuka's first question. "Most Varjan spellcasters know and use a sort of 'blood magic', if you will. Using another person's spirit energy to cast your spells and all that. Ironically, these are techniques used by the old Sabbath from before The Great Change, which the Varjans rediscovered. Which is why Baphomets all over the world REALLY hate Varjo."

"The Varjan fleet has blockaded Shizuyama. And I mean blockaded, they have ships surrounding the island." Ian continued, addressing the second question. "It's basically impossible to enter or leave the island. Sure, a few can slip through the cracks but if you want to evacuate the civilians of Shizuyama past the blockade, you can forget it."

The rainbow knight then clapped his hands. "Well then! That's enough Q and A for now. I believe all of us have urgent businesses to attend to, especially you guys." Ian said, a bit ominously. "Honestly, I expected more... revealing questions like who Lady Kyouko is or who Takeshi likes or something. Oh well, maybe you'll get another chance next time."

Ian then rowed the taskforce back to the port where they parted ways with the taskforce heading back to Terauchi Temple, unaware of the battle raging there.

---

Terauchi Temple

PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE

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

"Takeshi-san, are you alright? You are always so reckless..."

Atsuha Hangai

After Hinami pulled the Varjan Warlock off of Takeshi, Atsuha quickly went over to the young lord to cast a healing and other support spells. Takeshi sighed in relief as his pain swiftly dissipated. "If only I had a coin for every time someone told me that." He chuckled. "But yeah, I'm fine. Well, fine now thanks to you. Looks like I owe you my life twice now, hahaha!"

Being bound and smashed in the head by Hinami's chain-linked morningstar, the Warlock fell down. With Takeshi's sword still embedded on him and with the chains weakening him, the Warlock soon succumbed to the mortal wound and stopped struggling for his life. His body fell limp on the stone floor, his death coinciding with the total rout of the Varjan attack.

Takeshi soon got up and saw that the battle was wrapping up. "That's that, I guess." He turned to the taskforce members present and asked. "Are you all alright? Any injuries?"

---

~ @Hammerman, @Nakushita ~

"I shall come with them. It'd be better if they have a monster with them. For the rest, I'll leave it to you and the others."

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

“Fear not, I will make sure no harm comes to any of you, I will do whatever it takes, even if it means having to sacrifice myself to ensure all of your safety, please remain calm and as quiet as possible, we need everyone to be thinking rationally and calmly, as to not alert the enemy, but also to ensure everyone's safety, it is much easier to fight if no one is panicking and everyone is sticking together”

Yuki Akamata

The tired Lunatea continued to be with Yuki in guarding the refugees from any further attack. The refugees did not fully trust the yokai, but they at least trusted them with their safety. Fortunately, the rest of the battle was winding down and the Varjan attack was repelled so Yuki and Lunatea did not have to stand guard for long.

"Nice speech, yokai." Sorae Tokinomiya remarked at Yuki, approaching her and Lunatea. "But after not choosing an entrance to guard, it's rich hearing about 'sticking together' from you." She snarked at the two yokai.

"You could've joined us, yokai." Takamori came up from behind Sorae. "Had you did, the Wardogs probably would've never gotten past the defensive line and attacked the refugees." He joined Sorae in reprimanding Lunatea and Yuki. "Your human lackey showed more courage than you two did."

Indeed, it seemed Ayu had joined the fighting in the second entrance, who also now joined the conversation with bloodied sword in hand. "Lord Takamori, Lady Sorae, please. We don't know that for sure so it was good that Miss Lunatea and Miss Yuki were here to protect the refugees." She defended the two taskforce yokai.

---

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

When Eula came back online, she was greeted by an unfamiliar face. The man was bald and had glowing blue eyes. His red armor was similar to the Varjans' but he did not seem hostile. Though, he did radiate powerful magical energy. "When the locals told me of a mechanical yokai amongst the taskforce, I could scarcely believe it. But here you are, in all your Precursor glory. I am amazed that Lady Kyouko managed to find someone like you, and worried that you fight in battle with nary a dedicated repair center for hundreds of leagues."

Eula found that she was sitting on a table in the makeshift workshop the Gremlin left behind. And it appeared this man had made use of the tools available to crudely repair the broken parts of the Automaton. Her arm was reattached and functional and coolant was no longer leaking from her body. However, her left eye was still dim so not all damage was repaired.

"I am Revuel Arvida, a pleasure to meet you." The bald man introduced himself. "You may be more durable than other monsters, but your healing processes require... sophisticated tools and techniques. So please, I advise caution next time you are in battle."

---

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

When Shizuka, Liliana, Alice and Carroll returned to Terauchi Temple, they saw the temple area had multiple smoke pillars rising from it. There were also figures fighting each other near the entrance. The temple, the taskforce's base of operations, was under attack.

However, they noticed Varjans fleeing from the temple as they approached. Some of the routing attackers saw them, but none were in any mood to fight. They all simply wanted distance from Terauchi Temple and either ran past or detoured around the approaching taskforce.

Arriving, though, this particular group of the taskforce found that the battle was at its closing stages. They saw Gringor fighting a surprisingly nimble Varjan Elite holding an axe while Kerry dodged arrows and spears hurled at her by a few Varjan Footmen who still kept fighting. They also saw two catapult pieces, one of which was in the process of burning down. The crews, however, were nowhere to be seen. Likely routed already some time ago.

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out!

---

@The Irish Tree
Acceptomundo!

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Janus' Campsite

~ @Rune_Alchemist ~

"But...if you truly wish to thank me, My Lord. Then perhaps allow me to make a meal for you at some point? I am skilled in all domestic chores such as cleaning, cooking, bathing, bedroom activities, scale-washing, massaging, accounting, getting rid of pests, and I have also dabbled in combat though I would much rather not."

N'ylaatothk

Takeshi could not help but smile. "Very well, I shall take you up on that offer. Once we get to somewhere safe and suitable, I would like to taste one of your dishes. Nay, one of your best dishes."

The young lord was unsure if this kind of interaction was breaking his island's code. Doing a favor for a yokai was definitely treachery, but Nyla wanted to do him a favor as his repayment to her. A tad confusing for Takeshi who eventually settled that the Shoggoth saved his life, which meant she was entitled to some form of reward.

"You said earlier that your heart belonged to Lady Kyouko, I assume you have a relationship that is more than master and servant?" Asking the question out loud, Takeshi felt a sting in his heart for reasons that eluded even him. "She is very lucky to have someone as capable in housework as you. Although, it does make me wonder as to why she would send you away from her side."

---

Akamagaseki

Lady Kyouko's Estate

~ @Enkryption (UMI & RCD), @The Irish Tree ~

Despite the Claremont sisters being set to participate in the operation in Shizuyama, they were late to the assembly of the taskforce and Lady Kyouko teleported the squad without them.

"...You two must be wondering why I didn't wait for you." Lady Kyouko spoke to the Claremont sisters at her estate's courtyard, near the stone platform that contained the engraving of a magic circle that served the teleportation spell. The moonlight of the evening shone brightly as servants lit up the sconces. "I have been thinking about you two recently. Err, actually, I have been thinking about you ever since I picked you up."

"I know I asked you two to be part of the taskforce I'm assembling for Shizuyama, but I've always doubted if that was the right thing to do." The Ryu continued. "You two have gone through much. Too much, if I may be honest. I think it's cruel to send you two to a dangerous mission after saving you from such a fate." Lady Kyouko finished. "Why don't you two head back to your house and rest for a while? I'll probably ask you two for help in other things later."

It was then that a certain Glacies warrior opened the doors leading to the courtyard, immediately noticed by Lady Kyouko. This was Vivian, whom was sent here when she inquired about the battle she witnessed between a Varjan vessel and a Shizuyaman one. Monsters from nearby islands pointed her to this island and to seek out a Ryu who went by the name of Lady Kyouko.

"Oh, hello there! May I help you?" Lady Kyouko waved with a smile with the Claremont sisters present.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Terauchi Temple

PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE

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

"Get back, Takeshi!"

Io

Takeshi heard Io's callout and rightly rolled away from the two Varjan Elites who had the Lich's electrified mist envelop and shock them, sending both the attackers to the ground. Convulsing, but no other movement.

While the Varjan Warlock was distracted by Skarsneek, Takeshi moved in for a surprise attack. The young lord rammed his blade into the Warlock from behind, the katana punching through all the way to the other side. The Varjan spellcaster screamed in pain and lost his grip on his staff, but he was far from dead.

The Warlock, with a sword in his gut, threw Takeshi over his shoulder and gave the young lord a kick to stun the latter. The Varjan then began pushing Takeshi towards the one of the still-burning pile of bodies, intending to set the young Oja in flames as his last desperate move. Takeshi attempted to push back, was still reeling from the stun to put up a sufficient resistance.

---

Hama Island

LOST AT SEA

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

"Then, answer me this. What the hell did you do to me!?"

Carroll

Ian sheepishly raised his hands at Carroll. "...I may have gotten swept up in my emotions and forgot that you were not the oar. Err, honest mistake. Won't happen again, I promise!"

"Also, didn't you look different just hours before?" It took a long moment for the rainbow knight to realize what the real question was about. "Ohhh, that was your question." Ian then sheepishly shrugged. "Uhh, I don't know? I don't really know you or how you work so I can't give a definitive answer. Your previous form seemed... favorable to Shizuka over there, so maybe you take the favored form of the person who holds you? Who just happened to be me a few minutes ago?"

"Although, I prefer a more girly look." Ian took a more closer look at Carroll. "Then again, I get into a lot of trouble with girly girls so maybe, subconsciously, I started liking girls who look like they can kick my ass."

"W-Why's Carroll all different and not slithery now?" Oh, and Mr. Shiny, I only have one question! What's your armor actually made out of? It makes me hungry for oysters."

Liliana

"Just regular steel, I'm afraid! No seafood involved!" Ian happily answered this more innocent question. "I just painted it with multiple colors since... why not?"

"Actually, there is a 'why'. Did you know that in order to cover mistakes in the armor, people would paint it over? So yeah, this armor's more for show than for protection. And I'd say it's done a pretty good job at 'showing' since you guys have been talking about it ever since we met." The rainbow knight finished, spinning to show off more of his bright, multi-colored, but apparently weak, armor.

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

~ Road ~

- @Polaris North, @The Irish Tree -

Einer played his lyre as the group rode in Lady Molnar's fancy, horseless carriage while the noblewoman enthustiastically inquired details of Ruecian's previous quest.

But their peaceful ride came to an end when the butler stopped the carriage, and ushered all the Reavers out but keeping Lady Molnar inside. Einer sighed, guessing correctly that they were under some sort of attack. The lack of loud howls or roars meant that their attackers were on the... sentient side. Probably bandits or highwaymen, probably the sort of thugs that Einer fought in his previous mission. The bard readied his knuckles, ready to relive those previous glorious moments.

The Reavers emerged from the carriage and greeted the attackers, a band of hooded thugs with dangerous weapons. They appear to recognize Ruecian, but that did not deter them from attacking. Ruecian and Shavis charged ahead to unleash their power upon these overconfident fools while a group of five took on Hector and Einer.

The bard gripped his knuckles as he faced his first opponent, a muscular two-handed axe-wielder. The attacker swung his axe down, which Einer easily sidestepped to deliver a combo of punches at the enemy. But Einer's punches did nothing and the axe-wielder easily grabbed the bard and threw him at the ground. A light but fast vertical swing followed up which Einer blocked with his knuckles. The muscular thug did not retract, but pushed the axe head towards Einer's head.

Einer tried his best to push back, but his opponent was simply stronger. Beads of sweat formed on the bard's forehead as the axe's blade slowly reached his face. Einer cursed himself. If he was stronger, he could have handled this fool no problem and helped the others. But the reality was, he was the one in need of help as he let Hector and the others have more enemies to deal with.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Terauchi Temple

PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE

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

Skarsneek and the Hangai sisters moved to join Io and Takeshi in fighting this small Varjan detachment. Their arrival was greeted by the smell of burning bodies nearby, a pile of charred corpses that didn't belong to the refugees... but rather, of the taskforce's prisoners.

Skarsneek distracted the Scarce Legion Warlock and hit the latter's helmet with a stone and hit the arms with the stuck to disrupt the magical blast. "Why you...!"

The Warlock started shooting smaller, but easier to cast, beams of magical destruction at the male Goblin from his staff, causing more damage to the structures of Terauchi Temple.

Meanwhile, Takeshi continued to fight off the two Varjan Elites. The young lord was having a hard time getting past their armor while the Elites were getting minor hits on him.

---

~ @Hammerman, @Nakushita ~

As Lunatea dispatched the Wardogs after her with powerful wind magics and mighty kicks, so did Yuki and their new ally in red armor. The hiding villagers could only watch in awe at the powerful beings fighting to protect them.

The Wardogs have all been taken down, granting the two monsters and the spellcaster some reprieve. "...This fight is over, yet the battle still rages." The red-armored spellcaster remarked to Lunatea and Yuki. Indeed, the battles in both the temple entrances were still ongoing, but the attack has lost its momentum. The tide has changed and the attackers were being repulsed.

"You don't look like a warrior, Wererabbit, but you certainly move like one." The spellcaster then offered his hand to strained-leg Lunatea. "I am Revuel. Revuel Arvida. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, taskforce member." The taskforce's newest ally finally introduced himself.

"I shall continue helping rout the Varjan attackers, but you look like you are at the end of your ropes." Revuel commented on Lunatea's condition. "I can take you to somewhere safe, but you are free to rejoin the fight if you think you are still able."

---

~ @Rezod92, @Restalaan (GRI) ~

Gringor charged through the Varjan lines unimpeded, for the attackers were retreating. They cared little, if any, at the charging male High Orc, more concerned with leaving the area alive.

Still, the back lines with the catapults were still holding. Gringor saw Kerry fling a fire pit into one of the catapult pieces, setting the wooden artillery on fire and routing the crew. Meanwhile, Kerry saw Gringor charge through the lines and attacking the other catapult's crew. The Varjans manning the artillery tried their best to defend themselves, but they all fell to the High Orc's attacks.

Gringor's rampage was interrupted, however, by a Varjan Elite who wielded an axe and a shield. He bashed the male High Orc away from the catapult and followed it with a mighty vertical swing.

---

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

"Love humans too much to see them die."

Eula

"...Hey, wait!" Kazenosuke reached out a hand to stop Eula, but was not able to. He could only watch as the Automaton rejoined the fray, unconcerned of her injuries.

Fortunately, Eula did not have to fight for long. After a few more seconds of fighting, the Varjans were retreating. But their backlines seemed still intact, considering that Eula saw Gringor charge out further into the Varjan lines. Before the Automaton could follow, she was stopped by a sudden katana blocking her way.

"Stand down, yokai. You are in no condition to fight any further." The beautiful warrior woman known as Kikyo Kinkakuji sternly told Eula. "I may not like your kind, but I must respect the conviction you have at serving your cause. Risking your life saving humans so we become indebted to you? A plan as deplorable as it is deceitful, but at least you're willing to die for it."

"Come now, Kikyo. She told me she does that because she loves humans." Kazenosuke caught up, offering a retort.

"And you would believe the words of a yokai? Creatures who lie and deceive all the time?" Kikyo countered. "...Although, I don't expect someone like you to understand, Kazenosuke."

---

Hama Island

LOST AT SEA

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

After disembarking from the boat, the father immediately appeared. "Maki...?!"

"I'm here father!" The daughter responded after getting off the boat.

"Oh, thank the gods!" They embraced each other tightly for a moment, a reunion neither thought was going to happen this soon and in these circumstances.

"I was with them for days, father. Days."

"I should've come sooner."

"You two both need rest, and get to a survivor camp or a shelter once you have the strength." Ian interjected. "And not forget to say 'thank you' to your yokai saviors!"

The two villagers both formally bowed at the taskforce members. "Thank you."

---

Fukami Port

Ian rowed the taskforce back to Fukami Port while the father and daughter rest and recover back in the small island.

"All's well that ends well, as they say." The rainbow knight remarked once he and the taskforce were off the boat and well on land. "I'm guessing y'all tired from this little shindig so I'm not gonna occupy much of your time anymore. Still, it's kinda sad that y'all aren't getting much reward from all these adventures. Why don't we rectify that?"

"For your reward on this mission, you can ask me any question. Any question, no strings attached!" Ian told the taskforce. "Ask a question and get an answer! Well, as best an answer I can give you."