Fantasy Sengoku Jidai: A Samurai RP

[Blitzer]

Lord Tokugawa Armin

He gritted his teeth as the Shogun made light of this gathering. He didn't even address the problem at hand. And what were the Oniware even doing in this meeting as mercenaries? Futhermore, couldn't they at least have the dignity not to laugh. Whether any of them felt like laughing they shouldn't. Rather than going to the buffet, Armin sat down on a chair and folded his arms and stared into the ceiling. Truely, how could he be so callous?

Nenma Takashi Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26

 

[ChimpMan]

Sopranos

One cannot regard the history of the Todo Clan without mentioning that of the Muneyoshi. Almost over a century ago, the two clans could have been considered rivals. Until the Muneyoshi proved victorious in battle over the Todo. Ever since, the Todo Clan has been perhaps the most loyal and subservient vassals to the Muneyoshi, always careful to stay within the good graces of the Shogun. The cooperation of the two clans was mutually beneficial after all.

Preparation is often considered the key to success. So when Todo Hasegawa arrived at Edo, he did not stay with the rest of his troop for the evening meal. Instead, he entered the castle. His intent was to gain an audience with Shogun as soon as possible after the meeting of Daimyo had concluded. Naturally, he was but a loyal retainer of his clan. Not even a Minor Daimyo and only present due to his uncle's absence. Hasegawa had never before been in a position of such responsibility. This gave him a feeling of unease as he walked through the castle corridors. Edo Castle itself was beautifully decorated with exquisite colors and extravagant ornaments. As expected, the Shogun had acquired a reputation for his lavish lifestyle. Kamakura Muneyoshi was a man of great wealth and power, and was happy to display it.

Hasegawa came to a halt in the waiting room where he was accompanied by two other men. One young, with near perfect features and the other an elder with the look of sagely wisdom. "You must be Shirobara Osamu." Said Hasegawa smiling pleasantly and bowing his head humbly to signal respect. The Osamu were a clan who had earned that much. "My name is Todo Hasegawa. Nephew of Akihide Todo, head of the Todo Clan." Hasegawa was able to discern the young man's appearance through reputation. He did indeed resemble his father; Shirobara Hiroshi. A fact Hasegawa was able to confirm, having met the man many years ago when Hasegawa himself was but a boy. Such a young and impressionable child was not like to forget meeting perhaps the greatest swordsman in the land. "It lifts my spirits to know I will be fighting along the great swordsmen of the Osamu Clan."

 

[animegirl20]

Honoko arrived some days before wanting to visit her Uncle and the rest of the family before everyone else arrived. At the moment she was in her room not realizing the meeting had start. She was in her rom fixing her hair when a servant came telling her that everyone was in the war room. "What? But I was told.....seems like I was given the wrong time." She quickly headed out of her room heading to the meeting. She didn't tell Hisamune to follow but she figured he was right behind her. Recently she has actually been a bit annoyed with him. Ever since they arrived he seemed distant and she was just starting to think that maybe he...felt certain way about her since they had seemed to had gotten closer. But now she's wondering if she was wrong. Honoko entered the room. "Sorry I'm late." She said bowing then straighten up and joined the group.
@Garuda Dante Verren Alteras Blitzer loyalwolf Danoram

 

[Dante Verren]

Asato Hisamune

Hisamune was standing outdise of Honoko' room leaning agisnt the wall with his eyes closed but ears open. He heard the servant approach and opened snd eye to see who it was. The servant bowed and Hisamune nodded his head giving the servant aprovam to enter. When the servant emerged with Honoko he grabbed Ransu and followed behind. He knew that Honoko was annoyed at him for something, probaly his recently sour demeanor. He really didnt like Kyoto or the Emperor for that natter, after all they were symbol of a war he despised, a war that Honoko had no need to fight in.

When they entered the meeting room Hisamune bowed to the lords and Emperor before taking his position behind Honoko. He looked over at Lord Komori who gave him s nos of ackonweldgemt. The man behind More Komori have w Freindly smile and waved, a wavet that Hisamune dos not return.

 

[Sopranos]

Shirobara Osamu - Head of the Shirobara Clan
Time: Night time
Place: Ōta Castle​

Osamu and master Ito noticed the man who walked into the waiting room. They thought that they would've had this room for themselves only, but looked like they're wrong.

"- I'm well aware of who he is, Yukimitsu." - the lord of the Shirobara said out loud when master Ito leaned into his ear and tried to inform Osamu about the man who entered the room.

Hasegawa Todo, from Iwatsuki Castle in the Musashi province. Iwatsuki castle wasn't far from Hitachi and from there Osamu already heard about a talented and brave man of the Todo clan, who once rushed fearlessly into a castle on fire to save his people. But despite what he had proved, Hasegawa was here to be the ambassador for his lord from Musashi, who was sick at home.

"- You're greatly overrating us, master Todo. We're just a few men from Hitachi who only know nothing but to wield the sword. I'm sure our appearance wouldn't be that influential. I believe the great heroes from Musashi would hold a more important role in this next campaign of our."

Osamu humbly answered.

"- But master Todo, wouldn't you want to meet the Shogun for more important business rather than spending time with a servant like me ? I believe the meeting between the Shogun and the other lord is about to begin."

ChimpMan

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26 Nenma Takashi

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut. The nobles who were less used to the Shogun's... eccentricities, were less than impressed by his seemingly laissez-faire, and the Mercenary's outburst had done little to relieve anyone. Hanazawa shot Shugaichi and Mizuaki a side ways glare, partially to advocate his annoyance and partially to silently urge them to keep their new friend on a tighter leash. Masaki for his part, simply shifted his food around, more than ready for the whole thing to be over.

The Shogun however didn't seem to mind, and in fact seemed to enjoy the collective discomfort of his guests. He began to laugh along with the mercenary, entertained by the absurdity of the situation if nothing else. Though after a moment he finally clapped his hands, as if signalling the end of the whole facade, his smirk faded and face shifted away from the look of wry amusement he had presented for the duration of the feast.

"Now then." He boomed out as he shifted his posture to appear larger on his throne. "As much fun as this has been, we should move onto our business. As many of you already know, the Rebellious forces have become much bolder in the recent months. Bolstered by their unfortunate victory at Chiisagata..." He briefly shifted his icy glare between the various lords who had participated in that particular farce. "...They have begun to press much deeper into loyal territory, but have yet to commit to a full offensive. No doubt they are banking on finding a quick and easy path to final victory." His faint smile returned with a much more fiendish edge.

"Naturally, I've provided them with just such an opening." He passed another glance at the gathered lords, hanging for a bit longer on the young lord of the Tokugawa. "After Chiisagata, some of our more short sighted lords began shifting troops towards the central regions to bolster what they saw as a compromised defense, as a result some of our more outlying lines began to show holes, the Imperials quickly began to test these new breaks, trying to find the weakest link among them. We caught wind of this rather quickly, of course and began to hatch a plan. Shifting some of our troops away from Mikawa we began to see Imperial patrols their more and more often. Now we have word that the imperials are gathering a major force not to far away." He leaned forward a bit, pressing his knuckles to his chin.

"So our goal now is simple. We will draw as much of the imperial forces as we can into Mikawa as we can, there they will find not a depleted, unfocused garrison, but the full united might of this nation's true samurai. From there we will isolate and destroy as much as we can, butcher their troops, eliminate their commanders, and wreak as much havoc as we can manage. A decisive victory hear will draw their weaker willed lords back into the fold and the rebellion will collapse in on itself as it's army dissipates. Simple and effective, don't you think?" He stated matter-of-factly, clearly satisfied with his own work.

"Any questions?"

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

@Garuda Dante Verren Alteras Blitzer loyalwolf Danoram

The Emperor nodded, acknowledging Komori's question.

"Ever since our victory at Chiisagata the Shogunate forces have continually reinforced the more northern territories in an effort to shore up their defenses. This has left many of their outlying territories weaker than they can account for..."

The Emperor paused briefly as Honoko entered the room. He said nothing, only offering a brief, stern nod as she apologized for her tardiness before turning back to Komori.

"...And in any case, while pushing all the way to Kyoto would be the best case scenario, it may not be entirely necessary. This war is ultimately one of loose allegiances, many of the lords who sided with the Shogun only did so because they feared the consequences of siding against him in a war they believed he couldn't lose. However thanks to all of your efforts at Chiisagata the cracks in that line of thinking are already beginning to show. Another victory like that could put us in a position to coerce many of the less dedicated Shogunate forces to defect, fracturing the Shogun's power base and forcing him into a position where his only option will be to surrender." He closed his eyes and folded his arms, nodding again, though this time more to himself than anything.

"If we want to end this war quickly, we have to show the everyone that destiny has sided with us. Taking Mikawa would put us within striking distance of Edo and make our advantage undeniable." He opened one eye towards Komori.

"Is that reason enough, Lord Komori?"

 

[Blitzer]

Lord Tokugawa shifted in his seat to stare at the Shogun. This sounded worse and worse for his people. Even if he didn't currently control Mikawa, at least all of it, it sounded like he would be taking the brunt of it. He shifted again and looked at the map. It didn't seem like a very solid plan. Truely it mainly depend on the number of troops brought to bear. The Imperial forces would be seeking to continue on from that crack to break it open. The generals on the Imperial side did not seem like pushovers. Armin spoke softly. "I would like to know. Who will be supreme commander of this operation?"

 

[ChimpMan]

It was a pleasant exchange. Though Osamu was correct, the meeting had commenced. Much as he would like to stay and chat, Hasegawa was sure to bow and express his respect to Osamu before leaving. After all, Hasegawa was no Daimyo himself and saw himself very much equal with Osamu in station. Hasegawa paused a brief moment before entering the doors to the meeting room where he could smell the sweet smell of meat, fish, drink and luxury beyond. With his back turned, he regarded Osamu once more. "Perhaps it is simple men who know nothing but to wield a sword who shall decide the outcome of our fate's in this war." With that, Hasegawa passed beyond, slipping into the chamber where the Shogun was mid-way through his speech. The young Samurai did his best to allow his tardiness to remain unnoticed.

From what he could tell, the Shogun's speech was rather short and simple. Straight to the point of 'butchering' his foes and emerging victorious. Perhaps this was simply his nature. Hasegawa did his best to get his measure of the man. Not that his judgment ultimately mattered, however, this was his first time ever meeting him. 'Any questions?' asked the Shogun.

"If I may, my lord." Said Hasegawa, extremely anxious but doing a decent job to mask this fact. Speaking up meant drawing attention to oneself. Whilst this made Hasegawa uncomfortable, it was his job to ensure the presence of the Todo clan was noted. "Are there any reports as to the size of this Imperial force which is gathering? Furthermore, do we have a count of the present force size which we shall lead to Mikawa?"

Sopranos SAIGO-NO-HEATS Blitzer

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

@Garuda Dante Verren Alteras Blitzer @loyalwolf Danoram

The Emperor nodded to himself. "Then the plan is set. Lord Komori, you and your men had a strong showing at Chiisagata. I'm placing you in charge of this coalition for the time being. For now, if there's nothing else to add everyone should return home and muster their troops. We'll begin our offensive in a few days."

Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26 @Nenma Takashi

The Shogun grinned and scratched the edge of his chin, briefly pondering Lord Tokugawa's question.

"Hmm. An interesting thought." He looked about the room again. "I place my trust in Lord Katagami once more. Despite his failings at Chiisagata he is still stands as our most senior commander." Masaki nodded, and the Shogun looked back to Lord Tokugawa."

"That being said, the Tokugawa offer us a rare opportunity to act with almost absolute knowledge of the territory and that advantage can not be discounted. For that reason I am appointing Lord Tokugawa to a special advisory position, you will work with Lord Katagami to ensure absolute victory in Mikawa. Is this agreeable?"

The shogun then turned to Hasegawa. "Our reports show that many of the Lords who were present at Chiisagata have also gathered at Kyoto, we can expect similar numbers and troop composition, I believe."

 

[Dante Verren]

Komori Takahiro

Takahiro nodded as the emperor explained his reasoning. If they could break the will of the less loyal lords and convince them to join the Imperial side then that would be a great moral booster for the Imperials. The Emperor had thought this through, the shogunate fools didn't stand a chance. He couldn't help but smile at the thought. Pf course his smile only grew with the emperors next statement. Quickly he crossed his right arm over his chest and bowed his head to the emperor. "It would be a great honor my lord. I will happily accept the role as coalition leader and will deliver you the lands of Mikawa to show you my appreciation. " He raised his head and looked around at the others, waiting to see if there was anything they wished to say before the council dispersed.
SAIGO-NO-HEATS animegirl20 Blitzer Alteras loyalwolf @Garuda Danoram

 

[Blitzer]

Lord Otomo nodded slowly at the emperors decision. It seemed like a sound strategy. Furthermore, as long as they had a wedge into the Shogunate defences, they would fall. Capturing one castle after another was not the strategy of a conqueror. It would furthermore undermine the Shogunate's ability. Was this a feint? Perhaps, but then again, then it would just become a massive battleground of tens of thousands of men. Lord Otomo bowed to the Emperor. "I bow to the Emperor's divine mandate."
Of Course he didn't believe it was divine but keeping appearance was important.

 

[animegirl20]

Of course Honoko agreed on the plan. She personally thought it would work. She watched as some of the clan leaders said their peace. She didn't really have anything to add. Looked like she was going to have to head back home now and gather troops. Though it would be such task to go all the way back....maybe she could send someone instead. Maybe I'll send someone to round the troupes then meet them at the destination. Be much easier and I wouldn't have waste time heading home. I could already be set up and just wait for the rest of my men to arrive. She looked over the emperor bowing her head. Agreeing with the plan that he set placed. She then stepped away from the group motioning over Hisamune to follow her. "Asato I want you to head back without me to gather the troupes. Then we can meet up later." She figured it wouldn't matter if she sent him to do it. She knew things would be set and ready under him plus with the way he had been acting recently Honoko didn't think it would matter to much. She glanced back towards the group then looked at Asato waiting for a response.
@Garuda Dante Verren Alteras Blitzer loyalwolf Danoram SAIGO-NO-HEATS

 

[Sopranos]

Ueno Ichiro
Time: Day time
Place: Edo Castle​

Lord Ichiro, as the oldest man in the room, had been stayed silent for the whole time the Shogun spoke his plan. Though the Lord of Ueno didn't rate the Shogun highly, what he said was indeed true as Mikawa would be most likely to be attacked by the Imperial army, where there were only Tokugawa's force only.

"- If the Imperial force push their way from the west, it's unavoidable that they would meet us in not only Mikawa, but also Mino, Echizen and Owari. If we only encounter them in Mikawa, they could sneak up to other ends and attack straight to Musashi without having to attack Mikawa. To prevent this, my lord, I think we should cover all 4 of these regions not just only Mikawa, the same time lure them into Mikawa."

Edo Castle was in Musashi, their last stand, if this place failed, the whole operation failed. And from there they could easily go either into Hitachi and Iwaki.

"- If lord Tokugawa would stay in his territory to prepare for the ambush then the force of Todo, Kitagami, Oniware and Ueno would need to spread out to lure the enemy in. I suggest the smaller force of Todo and Oniware to do so, while the Katagami and I help lord Tokugawa in an all-out attack at Mikawa."

 

[Blitzer]

Armin Tokugawa calmly listened to the Shogun's decision. It was quite an honor to be made a special adviser given his age. But it was appropriate since of the lords gathered here, he was to be the one taking the brunt of the invasion. It would be difficult, if his advice wasn't taken at top priority. "I believe another force than the Oniware should aid. Not only did the Oniware suffer the most in the last battle, they are by definition a mercenary force. If they appear early on the battlefield, the enemy will be suspicious of them."

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26 Nenma Takashi

Katagami nodded in agreement and looked to Lord Ueno. "I second Lord Tokugawa, at this stage the enemy is only expecting to face the clans native to Mikawa and its surroundings. If forces that should be north begin showing themselves too early our entire plan could collapse." He crossed his arms, thinking.

"It may fall squarely on the shoulders of the Tokugawa to act as bait. But if they can lure them into a defensable position, that would give the rest of us time to move and strike them at several angles. Perhaps my forces and the Oniware could sweep around back and try to pull some of them away once they've gone deep enough, and then the Ueno and Todo could strike the center as it weakens?"

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Mizuaki grabbed Tachibana and covered her mouth to stop her laughter. Shugachi bowed his head to the other lords. "I apologize for my subordinate and will gladly assist Lord Katagami if our help is needed." Tachibana managed to pry Mizuaki’s hand from her mouth and spoke. "Wouldn't us Oniware give us a better edge. I mean yeah it'd be suspicious what would you think if your enemy was sending in mercenaries first? Well of course one your enemy is a fool and two they must be running out of troops." Mizuaki prepared to cover Tachibana's mouth but Shugachi stopped her.

Tachibana continued her idea. "If we lead the charge the enemy will suspect our forces are weak and grow more arrogant than they already are. We will appear like rabbits who placed themselves in the boiling pot. When they charge to feast that's when the main forces attack from behind catching them off guard. At least that's what I thought but who knows I'm just a dumb mercenary." She giggled tapping her head as if it was supposed to be hallow.
Sopranos SAIGO-NO-HEATS Scavenger Blitzer simj26

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

Katagami shook his head. "A fair point for some, but the problem is that the Oniware are a known entity in this conflict. Your forces already assisted the coalition army that attacked Chiisagata, so if we really are fighting the commanders who were there then we run the risk of someone recognizing you."

He tapped his temple as something else came to mind. "Besides. A frontal charge would just invite more casualties. If these are the same forces as before we can expect heavy use of firearms from the Komori and Otomo camps. A big part of this flanking maneuver would be ensuring we can get close enough to hurt them without getting chewed up at range."

He looked up as the beginnings of an idea began to stir. "On that note Lord Tokugawa, is there anyway you could draw them into a more wooded area, a forest or something? Somewhere that could obscure the vision of their range units?"

Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26 Nenma Takashi

 

[Blitzer]

Lord Tokugawa prayed he wouldn't have to deal with the Oniware. He'd never be able to stomach them. He sighed and focuse on Lord Katagmi. He seemed like a reasonable man, however, he had just suffered a great defeat so it would be necessary he did his job as best possible. "Since the Otomo and Komori have not demonstrated any great close range tactics, we should engage them in the mountains around Mikawa. The Otomo and Komori have cannons and have used them to great extent. Any massing of troops would be instantly destroyed. The Chosokabe are an excellent example of what happens when the Otomo deploy. However, I doubt they will commit so heavily into the mountains. The commander of the Otomo has studied tactics all his life, I have heard and served in Europe where warfare is mostly reliant on muskets. I believe we must suffer a defeat on the plains."

Lord Tokugawa sighed deeply. "I can command the first battle. I'll need reinforcements to not be swept off the field immediately. If I retreat properly, I can draw them into an area that is the plain however his flanked by mountains or a forest. If all goes well the main army can relieve me from there. Drawing the army into the forest or mountains is unfeasible, unless the commander were a fool."

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

Sopranos Scavenger Blitzer simj26 Nenma Takashi

Katagami disapproved. He'd seen what a retreat in the face of a musket division looked like first hand and refused to relive the embarrassment he'd received at Chiisagata.

"Battling this enemy on an open plain is suicide. Lord Tokugawa, you know your lands better than anyone could hope too, and you seem to know more about how those bastard weapons work than I do. Surely there's something we can do to at least mitigate their chances to use those guns?"

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Shugachi raised his hand to speak pointing to Tachibana. "I have the solution to the guns Tachibana and her archers. While most would struggle getting off shots in the woods that won't be a problem for her or her archers." Tachibana chuckled. "Awe Shu-chan is bragging about me." Shugachi glanced at her a serious look on his face causing her to flinch slightly. "She might seem immature and idiotic but I bet on my life you'll find no greater archer among any og the forces here. Let her be in charge of taking out their guns. If she attacks from the woods in order to defend their guns they would be forced to send troops inti the woods or risk turning their backs to us." Tachibana raised an eyebrow to Shugachi never would she expect him to give her such high praise.
SAIGO-NO-HEATS Scavenger Blitzer simj26 Sopranos

 

[Blitzer]

Lord Tokugawa swore at the Oniware. "The terrible problem is that we have to get them into the trees.; They will most likely not fall for it. And it is not like guns cannot fire in the forest. They cannot be massed in the forest which is the problem with them. We need bait to get them into the forest. Or at least near a forest. If our forces, possibly cavalry in the trees can get close to the army, then we can take them in the close range. That is why we need bait to draw them to the forest."

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Shugachi lowered his head Tachibana clicked her tongue shaking her head. "If I might Lord Tokugawa I believe you give their gunners far too much credit. Compared to a bow the accuracy is lower which is why many favor clear shots in order to aim and actually hit their targets. If they were made to fire into the woods at targets they would have trouble seeing it'd be an uphill battle. One I bet they would more than lightly not want to face. As such sending troops to take out our archers would be their next action. You ask for bait and we are giving it to you only this is bait that's will without a doubt bite back."

 

[SAIGO-NO-HEATS]

SAIGO-NO-HEATS Scavenger Blitzer simj26 @Sopranos

"If keeping them from massing together is all we can do then it's good enough." Katagami said, although he still wished they could do more.

"... and while I can't personally vouch for Tachibana's skill, I can say I have full faith in the Oniware's combat abilities. If Commander Shugachi recommends her then I second it." He offered a slight nod to Shugachi. He still owed them for their help and throwing in his support was the least he could do.

 

[Blitzer]

Lord Tokugawa sighed and remained silent. His problem wasn't having archers in the forest. His problem was getting them there. If they attacked Mikawa, the troops would stay safely away from the mountains and the forests in the town. It wouldn't be until after they had taken all of the main areas of Mikawa that they would even consider crossing into the mountain area where any trap could be sprung. Well this was Lord Katagami's problem not his. "Then this meeting is over?"