Anvil
Moderator
Commander of the Defenders of the Land
Posts: 387
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Post by Anvil on Dec 23, 2008 7:37:17 GMT -5
Anvil stood looking over the land from the tower on the wall of Gladden Fields. The snow was still falling and the reports coming in are of the passes filling with deep snow making travel difficult if not fatal for the time being. At least any movements of large armies towards Dunland will be slowed or stopped altogether. Since the return of the survivors of the battle at Mittelmarch dispatches have been sent to all the villages and settlements in Dunland warning them about the new threat posed by these Jovians. Several groups of rangers have been sent out with supplies and winter travel gear to watch the passes and trails coming into the realm, and the forges are all burning brightly with production of the weapons of war. Anvil smiles that at least the people of Dunland were so outraged at the attack that the ranks of the army are swelling with volunteers rather than the people falling into despair and fear. "It must be the man vs man aspect" he mutters to himself. "Don't those fool Jovians realize that we have enough enemies in this world without us fighting among ourselves?" He glances at the signal tower on the top of a nearby peak and prays it doesn't flare up with a signal from Tatsamura until the spring when the people of Dunland can once again come down from the mountains they call home. Anvils gaze turns toward Mittelmarch and he wonders how things go there. As soon as the weather breaks a small group will need to be sent down to the lowlands and gather what information they can. A small laugh escapes as Anvil realizes that the break in weather may not come till March in the mountains, a small frown returns to his face "will our friends still be around to help by then I wonder?"
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Brogas
Servant
King of Dunland
Posts: 54
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Post by Brogas on Dec 23, 2008 10:26:36 GMT -5
Brogas held onto the reins of his horse and that of the other half dozen that were following closely to his side. It was slowing him down a lot but it should have given Plebian and the others ample time to escape into the wood line. The Jovian trackers would be upon him soon and if they saw the rider less mounts they would know they were tricked into following one man and not the dozen or so that had escaped from Mittelmarch before the city fell. He would have to let the horses run soon, but then what? Six horse minus his own running in all directions they would just double back and give any information they could.
Plebian had fought him tooth and nail to stay with him to protect him. He is a strong warrior and good friend, but Brogas knew he was no military mastermind. His life was that of Dunland’s and if a dozen men could live at his capture or worse, then he had followed his oath. King or not, he was bound to protect them and he was willing to die to do that.
He had stripped all identifying marks of Dunland and his reign as it’s king. Now he looked like the average fighter from throughout the lands. If captured they would treat him as no more than that, but he didn’t want to find out the price he would pay as a prisoner of the Jovians. He only wanted to get as far south as he could, but with the falling snow it made it harder to lead the horses and keep his balance, especially with the pain in his side.
***Earlier at the retreat from the city of Mittelmarch***
Brogas mounted his steed and prepared to exit with the rest of the mix of men from Mittelmarch and elsewhere. They had beaten them to the city and warned them, even held them a long and tiring time at the gates, but they could not stop their sheer numbers from overwhelming the defenders. Brogas turned and faced the city as the Jovians swarmed through the street and toward them.
“My King, we must go or face capture!” a voice screamed and brought Brogas back to himself.
Brogas turned the horse toward the others and that is when it happened. The bitter sting, the wind taken from his body, the shock of the impact. Brogas looked to his left side and could see it, the feathers of the arrow sticking from his armor. Brogas looked up on the wall and could see the archer reloading, smiling slightly, aware he had hit his target. Brogas snapped the arrow at the armor and dropped it to the ground. It wasn’t bad but the sheer impact from it failed to let him take full breaths.
***Back to now***
Brogas stopped and tied the reins of the other horse together, then screamed to scare the horses into motion. They took a south west bearing and he could hear them snapping through trees and limbs as they continued on. Slowly he stroked the mane of his mount, it had seen a hard travel and now he would pay homage to this beast of burden who faithfully took him this far. He made is way toward the back of the horse, taking his sword from the sheath, then slapped the horse on the rump and watched as it leaped toward the direction of the others.
This would be the place, his fate rested here and now. He placed the sword in the snow by his feet and covered it. Slowly he took his dagger out, listening as the Jovians came closer and closer. It was that moment Brogas fell face first into the snow.
***Earlier*** Plebian would have no part of it. “Suicide,” he screamed as Brogas told him to take the others and head west toward Gladden Fields. “They will see you and know from the symbols who you are,” he continued to scream, making a valid point.
“Very well then, I must take off the armor, the clothes and anything that says I am from Dunland. As far as they know, I am merely a soldier of the land that came to the aid of Mittelmarch or one of its citizens,” calmly explained Brogas.
Plebian would still not have any part of it. Finally Brogas turned to him with a stern look. “Then as your king, I order you to take these men to safety. If I do not return, then the people know I am either dead or unable to return at the time. It is my proclaimation as king that if I do not return in one month’s time, you will call for a new king to be crowned. The crown means nothing if the Jovians see this group of men flying the Dunland banner and wearing Dunland tabards. You have no choice in the matter, Plebian Galvorn. As King of Dunland, I order this and as a soldier of its army you are bound to follow the order of your king.”
Plebian’s head dropped slighty and Brogas put his hand upon his shoulder. He stepped forward and said slowly, “I am far more stubborn and hold much more authority, brother. Now go, lead these men and I will see you in a short time. I’m just going ride down the river bank a while then double back. I’d say I will be two maybe three days behind you.”
***Flash to now***
The snow was cold on his face and he could feel the dampness increasing on his back as the snow continued to fall upon him. He could hear the horses of the Jovians even closer now. They would see his body in no time.
“There! One of the riders has fallen” called a voice.
The sound of the crunching hooves grew louder and louder. The rider was almost right beside him.
“He has a wound on his left side, probably bleeding out.” called the same voice.
The sound of two more horses approached from the same direction.
“Check him to see if he is alive and if he has any identifying marks,” ordered a strong voice, obviously the leader of the three.
Brogas felt the sword jab at his side and it unleashed the quakes of shivers that he had been trying to fight back. He couldn’t play dead, so wounded would have to do.
“Alive indeed, probably stunned if he had fallen from his horse,” said the first man almost with a chuckle.
Brogas could feel the hand on his shoulder as he started to feel his body being turned over, and the dagger was quick as it struck home in the Jovians throat. This moment would end quickly and the result of his gamble with fate would show its hand.
***Earlier***
Riding into the night Brogas could hear the horses breathing heavy, they would not last more than a couple more hours but an hour or two would give way to sunlight and his companions more of a head start. He wondered if they had split off and following Plebian’s group or if all of them had followed him, he would not find out more than likely.
The pain has numbed. No longer was it the sharp piercing pain, it had become a dull throb now, bearable. His air had returned but not to its full capacity. If he had only left when Plebian had told him, but the shock of Baethor turning against them had weighed heavily on his mind. Would he had done the same? Would he have seen the numbers of the Jovians and decided that the lives of his people were best if left in their hands?
**Now***
The snow was splattered with blood and now his leg bore a large cut across his thigh. He looked around and could see the three men and one horse lying in the snow, slowly being covered in the white blanket. He looked around and finally caught a glimpse of a horse, one of the Jovians. Perhaps fate wasn’t going to be so cruel to him today afterall.
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Post by ziglerrobertson on Dec 23, 2008 13:10:38 GMT -5
"aaaaah--COOOOOOOO!" the sneeze echos throughout the woods as Zigler continues his journey towards the Too Fuu Shogunate. The many cold hours spent in the 'bark tent' with no fire had been of no help.
"At least the snow has stopped, still cold though. Tired, can't sleep here though." (Sigh)"Which leaves me with one option."
Reaching into his belt pouch Zigler removes a small bottle, twisting the cap off he removes two of the bright green tablets from within. Swallowing one while chewing the other into powder and placing the resultant mash underneath his tongue provides Zigler with a quick burst of energy, and a VERY bad taste in his mouth.
"No matter how I take it, it still tastes horrible, and kids listen up! Drugs are bad, don't take them without consulting your local Healer first," Zigler says to himself. Looking up past the trees he sees that the tower has come much closer and in fact he can glimpse it's base through the trees.
"Okay, get across the field, go up to the gates, knock on the door. Simple enough right? Sure if it weren't for the fact your going to collapse and hallucinate soon. Idiot. What made take the Methyl anyway, you could have made it on your own. No, no I couldn't we, I were, arggh, was about to collapse. Enough! lets just get there, pass on any information we can and then let the cards fall where they may."
By the end of this diatribe Zigler is at the gates of the tower, having past the small town of hastily erected structures and the people building them. He may have seen one or two familiar faces, but Zigler's need to reach the gates was all consuming.
Reaching the gates Zigler looks at the single guard accusingly, "Well, what are you waiting for, I need to see your Master. Please go tell him that Zigler Robertson from MittelMarch wishes to speak with him."
The gaurds face begins to swim in Zigler's vision, and he appears to be speaking but Zigler can't understand him. All he knows is that his former Lord, Arthur Dugald is about to take Miss Angelina against her will for the first time.
**********5 years ago**********
Zigler stands at the front gate of the Lord Dugald's Keep. The Lords soldiers had taken Angelina from his small hut, from his very BED! to satisfy the perverse desires of their Lord against her will. "Let me in!" shouts Zigler as he bangs on the gate's doors. "Let. Me. IN! or I'll do worse then huff and puff! Fists pound against the gate as Zigler reaches for the huge hammer and.....
***********Now*****************
....continues to demand entry while shouting for someone named Angelina and decrying curses on someone named Lord Dugald. The guard, once frozen in shock now tries to restrain the insane Bard and pull him back from the gate. After a short struggle the guard knocks Zigler in the head with his sword hilt and Zigler collapses onto the ground, still demanding to see "Angelina..."
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Dec 25, 2008 13:33:48 GMT -5
The unexpected treo hiked through the snow with very little supply and food. They were tired and its been a long week. Nichtmar feels the curse pulsing through his veins. It’s always when his temper is at a rise or death is near. And his temper is rising, he knows in those walls are the Jovians. His home, his things have been violated. He can picture Shatar sitting at Isen’s thrown.
“Finally we’re there,” says Goblin.
“Don’t leave the treeline ,” the cloaked one warns.
“Now what my friend, we’ve walked a couple days now?” an annoyed Nichtmar asks.
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Dec 28, 2008 9:59:52 GMT -5
Masamune had watched Akururi remove and bury the heads of the Jovians from his now usual spot on the signal tower. He decided that he would not chide the young samurai for his actions. He knew that it was wrong now. That it was a decision made in anger due to the unprovoked attacks by the Jovians. He would let the matter be settled with their burial.
As he stood there, breathing in the cold wintery air, his mind wandered to what would come the following spring. He found himself interrupted by the footsteps of a guard, one that arrived and informed him of a insane man that arrived at the gates.
Masamune followed him down to the building where they now kept the man. As he walked in, he saw only the people that were looking over him to see what they could do. As he moved closer, Masamune heard the cries for Angelina. He lept foward at the voice.
"Zigler!!! Your alive!!"
But the words seemed to fall on deaf ears, as the mad screams continued.
"What is wrong with him?"
"We're not sure Tatsumura-dono, he seems to be under the effects of something similer to opium. But more adverse in it's effects."
"Perpare a tub of hot water, the drop him in it. That should help to bring him to his senses. Let me know when he is better."
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Post by ziglerrobertson on Dec 28, 2008 18:09:18 GMT -5
The screaming, that's the first thing I remember. Followed by running down halls, up stairs and over peoples backs as I make my way through them to Dugald's private chambers. Bursting through the door I see him standing there with a knife to Angelina's throat. The bastard smiles and laughs as he gives Angelina a matching 'grin'.
Blackness.
I'm lying on some sort of coarse woven mat somewhere off to my left I can hear a small fire working to heat the room.
"I'm wet, someone dunked me in water, good."
I hear a quickly inhaled breath and open my eyes. Sitting on her knees is a young girl dressed in familiar clothes. Her concerned eyes stare into mine before they look down at her hands.
"Where am I?" I ask her.
"You are in a.... care room in the Kyuden of the Too Fuu Shogunate. You were brought here after you..arrived at the gate. It is Tatsumura-dono's wish that he be told when you regained your senses."
She gets up to leave as I slowly reassert myself.
"Wait, by all means tell him I am awake, but also ask him to gather any other surviving MittelMarchers and his advisers, if that's the word. I bring news from within the city...and a request."
The girl acknowledges my desires with a nod and then starts to leave again.
"Wait!" I say again, the girl turns around and looks me at me expectantly, "I wish to thank you for watching over me. And I have one last question. Where are my clothes?" She looks at her feet and hides a sly grin as she points to the end of the mat where all my clothes are dry and folded. She then turns quickly and walks out.
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Dec 28, 2008 19:41:53 GMT -5
The word of Zigler's recovery came as a relief on his mind. Masamune immediately sent messangers to Kotaro, Akururi, Okami, and Cathan, telling them to meet him in the room where Zigler was. Masamune made his way down to the room, he made sure to keep his weapons in hand. He had found Zigler to be an honorable, if somewhat uncouth man, but with what happened in Mittelmarch, no chances would be taken.
Masamune arrived at the room, but waited outside for the others before going in.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Dec 28, 2008 21:11:49 GMT -5
Storm finished helping putting a roof on a shelter and whipped his brow. A boy, no older than he was, breathing hard and then bowed.
"Akaruri-sama, Tatsamura-dono wishes counsel with you, your friend is apparently awake!"
Storm cocked his head to the side, like he usually does when he is confused or doesn't know what is spoken of.
"What friend? Who are you talking about?"
The boy looked shocked.
"Didn't you hear? Zigler is here and Tatsamura-dono needs you and Okami-dono there."
Storm nodded and handed his hammer off to another.
"Very well lead us there."
The three then took off where Tatsamura was waiting for them.
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Post by ziglerrobertson on Dec 28, 2008 22:33:40 GMT -5
Clasping my belt pouch around me I begin to go over, in my mind, what I need to tell Tat and any of the others:
1) Current Jovian forces Four squads of five men each patrol the walls with another three squads patrolling further in. At the moment the Jovian forces are equal to that of an understrength battalion or a very strong company. Although severely depleted, reinforcements will come near the end of winter, bringing their numbers back up to, if not past their originals.
2) The Hero's Nichtmar- Severely wounded before the Bridge battle and evacuated on one of the boats taking civilians out. Oof- Wanted for his association with the Thieves Guild, they've got posters with his likeness in all public places. Suihaden- Severely injured in the last battle, being treated, near health. I ran into him in the woods just before we were captured by the Jovians, and Baethor. Baethor- Is now a Sargent in the Jovian Guard, he betrayed us, but I don't know all his reasons. He is an honorable person and he quickly got Sui to a Healer. He must have a good reason, I just don't understand his methods.
3) The City of MittelMarch The Jovians have moved in and instituted repairs to damaged buildings, are healing the sick and taking in strays for the winter. They require you to check your weapons at the gate. The remaining civilians are still fearful, but whats more worrisome is that they are getting used to the conquerors.
4) Me Was knocked unconscious during the fighting, fled from the city only to be captured. Spent my time while waiting for Suihaden to heal raising the spirits of the remaining people. Made a ................
............."few arrangements and left as soon as he was recovering and able to talk. Made my way here. I apologize for being so much trouble when I arrived Tat. But I figured it would be more important that I did get here and shared my information."
I look at the people assembled across from me as I finish relating events to them.
Tatsumura, hand still on his swords, "You had a request as well."
"Yes," I sigh and look down at the floor."I am not the type to lead a revolt, I never was and I'm not now." I pause as if collecting myself. "I'm searching for someone who can. Do any of you have such a plan, or at least can offer me any advice or aid?"
With the last word I look each of the other people in the room in their eyes, then wait.
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Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 28, 2008 23:19:12 GMT -5
Kotaro listened to Zigler's words, still leaning heavily on his sword.
"I believe Tatsumura has already started the revolt by raising Mittelmarch's flag. Perhaps the best way to surreptitiously resist the Jovians is to attack their supply train. That will not only hurt their ability to wage war, but their army's morale as well."
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Post by Cathán Neamhnaofa on Dec 29, 2008 3:00:55 GMT -5
Cathán sits up in a tree not from from the kyuden's gates, keeping watch over the area. A messanger comes out of the gates and seems to be looking around. (Guess he's looking for me) Cathán thinks to himself.
Without a noice Cathán jumps down behind the messanger, "Who is it that you are looking for?" The messanger jumps at the suprise of Cathán being behind him. He turns quickly "I'm looking for you. Tatsamura-dono wishes counsel with you, Zigler has finally awoken." The Messanger then started to the kyuden and Cathán followed.
Cathán entered the room that Zigler and the others were in. "Sorry for being late. It took the messanger a little longer to find me." Cathán grins. "Good to see you Zigler, and to see that your better. What is it that you wanted us for?"
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Dec 29, 2008 8:34:58 GMT -5
Masamune listens to Zigler's report, rubbing his chin.
"Oof is not with the Jovians?.....This might be something to look in to. We could use all the help we can get. As for your request, I have already started to lay events into motion. Kotaro is right, We must first deal with the supply lines. The Jovians took Mittelmarch for a number of reasons, one being they need food, and have been unable to cultivate the land around them. We must stop those shipments from reaching the empire."
Masamune takes a few steps, staring at the wall, still in thought of what the next move should be.
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Post by A hooded figure on Dec 29, 2008 10:21:46 GMT -5
The messenger looks at Nichtmar, "now we get you inside those walls my friend. It's not as hard as it might seem for years we have been using what we call the thieves net for easy access in and around the city. Follow me" The man leads Nichtmar and Goblin to the pool that allows entry to the aquaduct system. It is guarded by three Jovian soldiers. "we need to wait until the guard changes" the man says"if we kill them it causes too much attention, hopefully they will be distracted during the change and we can slip in unnoticed, until then try to stay out of sight, if they do see us slip in they shouldn't be able to follow us through the maze. Oh you can swim can't you?"
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Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 29, 2008 19:20:24 GMT -5
"I could send my shinobi on guerilla raids. This is their specialty. The question is, should we destroy the supplies or steal them?"
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Post by ziglerrobertson on Dec 29, 2008 21:56:01 GMT -5
Watching Tatsamura stare at the wall putting the pieces together helps to raise Zigler's hopes that he has come to the right place. "Steal them Kotaro, you never know what your gonna need. Weapons, armor, horses, even the carriages can be used for our means. Food is another matter, do we take it from the very people we are going to save when they need it?
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Dec 29, 2008 22:41:49 GMT -5
"The food is being taken from Mittelmarch and sent to the Empire. Take the food, but we return it to it's rightful owners. The people within the city."
Masamune turns around after his comment.
"Perhaps we may have a way for this...we will come back to that. As for the equipment, we will store the captured arms and armor not just here, but throughout our lands. We will create caches between here and our allies. I am sure that Dunland would gladly except additional gear, as well as Dragonspire. We will do the same with the horses. Those breed for war, like most of the Jovian calvary, we will find a way to utilize them against the Jovians. Pack animals will be put to work wherever needed. I can think of at least four hundred people in this village that would gladly welcome the additional pulling power."
Masamune turns to Kotaro.
"Perpare for war Kotaro-san. The Jovians will be unable to move the supply lines through the mountains due to the winter, so we have the advantage there. They will be forced to use the trader's route. No doubt, it will be heavily patrolled, especially once we start claiming the supplies....Also, any Jovian dead....make sure they are given proper buriel, or returned to the Jovians in some manner for buriel...our previous actions were a result of my anger, it shall not happen again."
Masamune turns to Okami and Akururi.
"Akururi-san, I need you to head to Aethenu. It will be dangerous as you have to go near the Empire, but I have the upmost faith in you. You must inform Tachibana-sama of the current situation. Also, he will not like this, but I must ask that he contact his brother Hirono-san. We are in need of aid, and though those two have their personal issues, we need people we can trust.
Okami-san, We need to expand the barracks and training grounds. Among the refugees, I am sure that there are some that will want to take a shot at the Jovians in the spring, we must give them that chance. It also seems that the personal guard that Elestrine-dono brought with her will be staying with us through the winter as well, so they will need to make use of the training facilities as well."
Masamune nods to Cathan after seeing a slight grin on his usually expressionless face before turning to Zigler.
"I will tell you the same thing I told Cathan, Zigler. I will do everything within my power to return your homes to you, to their rightful owners. Mittelmarch did not start this war, and the Jovians attacked both Mittelmarch and the kyuden through unprovoked actions. I swear on the Kami, I will not stop till, Mittelmarch is freed."
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Post by Arashi Okami on Dec 29, 2008 23:44:31 GMT -5
Okami nodded to Akaruri-san when she felt the cloak on her back. She slowly began to walk towards a tree to rest under when a messenger came, calling her to a meeting.She slowly followed Akaruri-san and the messenger to Tasumura-dono, where she listened to Zigler's report.
Each part of information the man gave about the condition of Mittelmarch and its fighters was noted as she had not heard much about what had become of Mittelmarch since the Jovians had attack. The land, though so close, had felt so distant without information.
When Tasumura-dono stated her task, the weariness from before dissappered. The though of a spring time battle against the Jovians was exicting to think about. She smiled at the thought of helping the refugees getting the chance to show what they thought of the Jovians.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Dec 29, 2008 23:55:29 GMT -5
Akaruri bowed, "I will be gone within the hour, is there anything else I need to tell Sanjuro-sama?"
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Post by Cathán Neamhnaofa on Dec 30, 2008 0:06:44 GMT -5
After listening to Masamune's orders Cathán asks, " Masamune, let me help Kotaro in the raids. I know these woods far better than he and I definately want to get back at the Jovians." Cathán's expression goes back to his usual expressionless face, only the anger showing in his red eyes.
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Kotaro
Moderator
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Shogun
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 30, 2008 2:49:50 GMT -5
"Yes, Cathan will be a great help to me and my men. I have a general idea of the terrain, but nowhere near his knowledge."
He turned to Cathan. "Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated, Cathan-san."
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
Posts: 2,234
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Post by Baethor on Jan 5, 2009 16:56:29 GMT -5
Days more had passed since Ziglers songbook was given to him by the guards. Surely he would head to kyuden and speak with Tatsumura and the other Mittelmarch refugees. That night Baethor decided he must take precautions...Many who called him friend once, name him enemy now. Some of them have very powerful tricks up their sleeves, Tatsumura especially.
The steady ring of a hammer comes from his house, ever night for the last three days he had been working in the firelight, laying on his crafting table an ancient book lay open as he glanced to it for guidance. It had take many days but the carving of protective runes had finally been completed. The book had been found during one of his expeditions into the iron mountains, written in old dwarvish Baethor muttered in constant gravely streams, reciting verse after verse. The air in his small stone shack could only be described as electric, Baethor received no visitors and had no worry of being disturbed. He pulled out a pestle and mortar and dropped into it gems of purest sapphire, also from the iron mountains. The mountains themselves had a deep magic unknown to most, and these gems would work better then even the gems from his kingdom. Slowly be began to crush and grind the sapphires down, long after the sun had set he still chanted quietly to himself while grinding the fine powder. "There...That does it...Now for the not so pleasant part..."
Rune magic, old as the mountains themselves. Powerful, dependable, like the dwarves themselves. The most powerful runemasters could turn the tide of a war, make a handful of dwarven warriors, nigh unstoppable. Even bring the recently dead back to life. It was magic Baethor had runes scribed only a few times in his youth, but he showed a knack for their carving even at a young age. Perhaps in another hundred years he could master them, but for now, this simple spell would have to do...Pulling from his table a long sharp knife of silver, he drew a thin cut from his palm. Speaking in old dwarvish as he let his blood drop onto the runes, such was the price of their crafting, the runes demanded the blood of their craftsmen to work...spreading his blood thinly into the runes Baethor washed his hands of blood and bound the cut tightly, aking the powder he had made and sprinkling it into the runes, pressing it tightly into the blood. Soon the words began to glow a dim blue, sharply contrasting the orange firelight, and then dimmed...It was finished...
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The next morning Baethor held his cloak tight to him, the snowfall had come earlier then he thought it might, and the chilled wind blew a horrifying thought into Baethors mind. He must speak to Kain.
Baethor finally found Kain, sitting at a desk in the Mittelmarch keep, The large man raised his head to see who the intruder was. "Ah Baethor, is there something you require?" Baethor clicked his heels and nodded to his captain. "Aye sah. I've lived in Mittelmarch fer many years, and i know how the weather of this land acts." Kain nodded listening intently. "This winter will much worse then usual sah...The snow should not fall for another two weeks or so. And the wind is picking up." "Where is this going sergeant, this city seems well equipped to deal with the winter." Baethor nods. "Aye sah, the council has made sure that Mittelmarch would be fine during the winter. Its the Kyuden sah, more importantly the refugees...Sah I'd like to request to take third squadron and take a load of supplies to the refugees. We'll steer clear of the kyuden and make sure they know the supplies are there...Though they may be in kyuden they still be Mittelmarch citizens sah..." Kain closed his eyes and sat back in his chair. "I'm afraid sergeant, that decision would have to be made by general Shatar...but i see your point, i will take your request to Shatar and see what he thinks." "Aye sah, Thank ye." Baethor clicked his heels and saluted then returned to the streets of Mittelmarch.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Jan 6, 2009 11:28:38 GMT -5
Meanwhile under the streets of Mittelmarch. Nichtmar, Goblin and the messenger clime out of the sewer water on to a walkway. They shiver from the cold water, Goblin looks nearly blue.
"Take your clothes off, here, wear these robes."
The messenger grabs robes off a rack and has them put their clothes in a sack.
"This entry is usually better fitted for the summer, but at least the water wasn't iced over."
Some time later they sit by a fire while their clothes dry and wait for Oof.
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Jan 6, 2009 20:42:46 GMT -5
Masamune had found himself walking in the village this morning. Several more buildings had been finished, even now having floors in them. Only a handful of families were now working on getting their own selters now. The refugees still had an air of depression and sadness around them, but it seemed to be slowly going away. Masamune watched with pride as the Mittelmarch refugees and his people got along. This terrible event had brought the the peoples together. They were able to see how each lived.
The Mittelmarchers ate fish, but never the way the Shogunate made it, nor we're they exposed to rice. The Shogunate in turn had recieved a variation in their diets as well. Stews of beef or pork, and potatos, which some people had managed to bring with them. The Mittelmarchers brought their boisterious songs and exitcing dance, and the Shogunate showed them the soul calming melodies of their own songs, and the grace of their own dances. Even the elves that stayed behind when Lady Elestrine returned to her own realm joined in the festivities.
The children of the two peoples played together when not helping their parents with choires. They showed eacheother the way they wrote, and played the different games of each people.
If the threat of the Jovians didn't loom over the Kyuden like a giant shadow, this would almost seem like a perfect world. A perfect world, suddenly borken by the sounds of horns.
Masamune looked up, and saw a figure emerge from the woodline, running as fast as he could towards the village gates. The figure was quick on his feet, but seemed to be injured. A minute later three horseman came out of the woodline after him.
Jovians.
Masamune called for archers to line the walls. He, and several samurai ran out the gates to close the distance with the coming group.
Three hundred yards from the gate, the samurai meet the runner. He was an elf, and from his clothing and markings, he came from Kanthea. He had been wounded, an arrow in his shoulder. He collapsed into the arms of the samurai, exaustion written on his face. The pursuing horseman stopped a few feet away, the lead rider dismounted his horse and took three steps toward the group.
"By order of the Emperor Dracus Thrawn, and General Shatar, I order you to turn that man over to us."
Masamune looks up at the three. One of them has a bow in hand, and a slight smirk on his face. He eyes the man attempting to bark orders at him.
"On what grounds?"
"He is an enemy spy caught sulking through imperial territory."
"Really? He seems to be outside of your territory now."
"Correction, this is imperial land. And you will obey the orders given you, or be deemed trespassers on imperial lands."
"I see no Jovian flags here, no jovian army. This is Shogunate territory, and the only trespassers are you."
Masamune motions for the samurai to take the injured elf into the Kyuden.
With that, the mounted archer made to draw an arrow, only to be hit with two elven arrows in the right shoulder, and upper right chest, just below his throat.
The leader drew his sword, and took a swing at Masamune. Masamune sidestepped, and as the soldier came back around, horror crossed his face as he watched his sword shatter to pieces from Masamune bringing his own blade to bear against the attack. Masamune kicked the soldier in the knee hard, a loud nasty sounding pop echoed through the area. The solder fell to his knees in agony, though even in his pain, held back moving to much as he felt Masamune's blade against his throat.
The man flinched ever so slightly, and felt something wet run of his neck. He watched as a small amount of blood flowed down the edge of the blade. The third rider, hadn't even had time to react when he had several spears pointed at him. The archer howled in pain, but from the looks of it, he would survive, as long as he was treated within the next day or so.
"Consider this a warning."
Masamune forced the man to look up at him by elevating his katana slowly.
"This land is a free land, one not controlled by the Jovians. Any Jovian that approaches the Kyuden in the future without a messenger banner will be shot on sight. Return to Mittelmarch, and tell your masters that the Shogunate will not bow before them, and we will not hesitate to defend ourselves if you make a move at us. Do I make my self clear!?!"
The Jovian nodded his head slowly to avoid bing cut.
"Good, you are free to return to Mittelmarch."
With that, Masamune removed his blade. The soldier felt at his neck, nothing more then a scratch. The third rider dismounted after the spears were withdrawn. He quickly helped the soldier with the now clearly broken knee up onto his horse. He grabbed the riens of the two injured riders and quickly made for the woodline, persumably to return to Mittelmarch.
Masamune turned to the runner.
"Who are you, and why have you come here?"
The wounded elf reached inside his cloak, and removed a letter. In his weakness, he dropped the letter. Masamune picked it up, and ordered his men to take the elf to the village, and to take care of his wounds. After a few moments, he found himself standing alone in the field. He opened the letter and read it.
Lord Tatsumara, it has come as a concern that Mittelmarch has been overrun, I do wish to extend any means of support to you and your troops, this isnt exactly our battle, but things here will not go unnoticed. We choose our friends wisely. If you have any aide or need, Kanthea shall answer the call, my friend.
Brother to Arms Lord Denendir
Masamune considered the letter for a moment, then made his way to the village.
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Post by Cathán Neamhnaofa on Jan 17, 2009 16:37:32 GMT -5
Several days had past since Zigler had shown up to the Kyuden and gave the grave news of Mittelmarch. Cathán has been in the process of showing Kotaro and his men. different areas of the woods that would be good hiding places for the stolen goods of the Jovian's. He was out again this day with just Kotaro showing where he thought would be the best places to raid them.
High up in a tree " If we hit them here they won't have much room to manuver and we can hit them hard and fast from our high vantage points." Cathán points out to Kotaro. " If we get them at the three points I showed you, they will be to far away from either city for reinforcements. We also have enough safety out this far that we shouldn't get caught."
"We'll head back to the Kyuden to map this out so encase anything does go wrong, Tasumura-dono can send search parties out for us." Kotaro responded.
"Very well, let's head back. With the snow that we have now and the cold weather upon us, it will make this a little harder unless we use the incoming storms for cover and to help with covering up the tracks. We need to hurry and get your men and Masamune ready for what is to come. I have a feeling this is going to bring the Jovians to us a little sooner than when the snow clears in the spring." With that Cathán and Kotaro headed back towards the Kyuden. Jumping from tree to tree, having a couple of days travel back. Luckly it was early in the morning and the sun was just rising. Cathán's mind wandering to the upcoming raids thinking of the best times to hit them and how to keep cover for him and the winter didn't go well together. It made him hiding more difficult, but he would figure a way real soon to help with that.
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Post by ziglerrobertson on Jan 19, 2009 18:30:30 GMT -5
After having passed along the news to those who could best use it. Zigler spent little time recovering in the room Masamune had provided with in the Kyuden. In fact he spent most of his time helping insulate and finish off the hastily erected shelters. Laying down a combination of straw, leaves and manure then covering it with planked wood when possible, a thick layer of straw when not, patching up any cracks or open seams with a mud straw mix to keep the cold air from invading, to improve the shelters themselves. It was simple work, work that Zigler knew he could do unaided until he dropped from exhaustion or someone told him to sit down, which was often.
But even during these 'rest' breaks Zigler still worked for as their parents and older siblings built or improved their shelters the younger children needed supervision, and the mothers watching them needed a break too.
It was on one of these breaks that Zigler came across a young mother with a screaming child in here arms.
Zigler raps his knuckles on the door frame, "May come in?" he asks. The tired mother nods her head and uses her free hand to point at a chair. "I'm sorry," she says,"he hasn't stopped crying since we....we.." The young mother is on the verge of tears herself as emotions rock her exhausted body. "It's been days and he hasn't stopped crying! He won't eat, or sleep. Sometimes he seems to pass out but that's all the rest he or I get. I don't..."
"Shh, shh, here let me hold him while you go and get some rest."
The mother looks both relieved and worried as she had spied Zigler's arrival from her shelter.
"You need the rest, I shall watch the child and make sure no harm comes to him. Though it would mean my own life."
"Well...." she starts to argue that she's fine and doesn't need sleep all that much anyway.
Zigler shakes his head no. "Go sleep. There are too few people needing to do too many things as it is so no else will be able to relieve you. Go rest young mother and save your energy for tomorrow."
The mother nods her head and hands the screaming child, o so carefully!, to Zigler then starts collecting her bedding.
Zigler smiles down at the screaming child and softly wipes some drool and tears from the child's face. He begins to sing to the child a song his mother used to sing to him, slightly modified;
Hush now my baby, the daylight is gone Your scales catching moonlight, instead of the sun So lay down your head, 'till the dawn comes anew for here there be Dragons and one of them's you. Twelve years I grant, was a long time to wait But I knew you'd get here, I knew it was fate For sometimes a Dragon takes longer to birth Because to create them it takes the whole earth.
As the mother stands up to leave she hears Zigler singing to the child.
Within you the fires of Africa glow The east Asian winds, Scandinavian snow The mountains, the forests, the rivers, the sky The whole of creation, is there in your eyes.
By the time the mother leaves to find a bed the child has stopped screaming and settles down further as Zigler continues to sing the lullaby.
As the child finally goes off to sleep, Zigler sits back in the chair and gets comfortable as he should have a good six hours before either the child or the mother wake up. In the intervening time he has time to think. And a lot of thinking to do.
Softly and to himself, "This is gonna hurt." And Zigler begins to relieve the events and decisions that brought him here and what possible way he can aid the Too Fuu Shogunate and his fellow MittelMarchers in their quest to restore MittelMarch to it's people.
(OOC: Song is a slight parody of Tom Smith's A Dragon's Lullaby)
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