Yoshi would nod to the others and begin to guide them through the darkness, moving through the thick foliage and avoiding the lights of the sentries.
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Yoshi creeps about in the darkness, traveling with the bird alongside him. It was the strange man's strange bird, a raven that had such intelligent eyes. The two of them looked at one another and it seemed as if the samurai did the same when they had first left. Since then, Yoshi had been incredibly silent, moving with precision through the distracted guards. At last finding the forgotten cellar door. Taking out his blade, he cut the vines free and examined the doors for rust along the hinges, worried of a squeak in the dark. It would be certainly quieter than assaulting the front and hoping to surprise them. He'd return back to the group, moving through the underbrush. Quietly he'd return to the group and whisper to them before he entered in order to not possibly spook them. "I have found an alternative entrance. There is a cellar door around back. We should enter from there, it'd be the most efficient manner." He said with a calculated voice, looking to each one in the darkness.
"I know how to hunt and move quietly." Himura murmurs quietly, looking over the repurposed fortress. His eyes flicker to the others, those dark orb studying them for a moment before he nodded back towards the stronghold. "We wait until the sunlight fades and night comes, it will make everything easier." He will sit down on the ground, brushing himself off before reaching into his pack. He'll bring out a deck of cards, smiling at the others. "Anyone wish to play?" He would play with whomever wished the play during that time, friendly games were there was no real betting. If no one did, he'd put the cards away without a word and instead seem to meditate. Motionless, he seemed more in a trance than anything else yet to the observant, they'd see the slightest twitches whenever they moved. It was only when the sun had finally descended and darkness was beginning to cover the land that he would stand and brush himself off. "I will scout ahead and see if there are any vulnerabilities in their defenses. Kurokara, will you send Hojin to assist me?" Once the details were sorted, Himura would move through the dark underbrush carefully, keeping an eye on the fortress with his unnaturally gifted eyes and look for a good place to enter.
"You need not worry the cost. Comrades in battle will aid each other time and time again. The Drunken Tiger has fled, though he'll return again at some point." He says with a smile, trying to hide the revelation the man's ki revealed. He was interesting to say the least and he was certain there was more to his story than meets the eye. Yet he had fought honorably and for the village, so he was not a danger quite yet.
Turning towards Kakita Atsuko, he would give a small nod before looking down at the ground. "Once we are out of the mess that is the village, I should be able to track them. I learned much during my time upon the Wall." He had hoped to approach the Tiger in a more neutral setting, see if he could mingle into his good graces and learn what he could first. It would appear to be impossible though, not with so many samurai here and such an obvious attack. He moves, gracefully, away from the carnage of the battlefield and out towards the edges where the bandits fled. Eyes scanning the ground, he tries to make out the tracks he can.
Himura Yoshi looked over at the man with the scythe and the strange raven, his eyes narrowing for a moment. He would reach into his robes, pulling free a small vial and offering it to the man. His face broke into a charming smile as he nodded his head towards him. "You fight bravely, very bravely. Your skill with that weapon is quite good, did a samurai teach you?" His question sounded friendly and innocent but the truth was that he was carefully analyzing the man. He moved with an incredible brilliance, even made one of the bandits who would stand against a samurai run in terror. Kurokara Keisuke, for all his heroics, had caught the attention of the Krab.
Regardless of what he discovered from the man, he'd offer him the potion of cure light wounds that he kept upon himself and smiled calmly towards him. His attention would then turn to Glass Lion and the lord of the manor who escaped the burning building. He remained silent for the moment, waiting to see what the lord had to say before offering his own insight. "So many other samurai. This is both fortuitous and unfortunate."
The two small blades are hidden quickly and smoothly within the Crab samurai's robes, his eyes scanning the scene further afterwards. The woman shouted, asking for where another may have escaped to. He did not know this Kazuma-sama but he assumed it to be another samurai, maybe the one who rode off earlier. "I believe he went off to the lord's manor." He whispered, looking down at the woman who wept over her husband. It was a moving scene and yet he wondered why he didn't feel anything at all. "Let's move." He said with a quiet voice, dashing his way towards the manor. If he was able, he'd mount one of the spare horses in the field to quicken his pace.
Yoshi doesn't respond to their jabs or threats, his posture taking a cool and methodical manner. When he strikes and parries, he is nearly silent but completely dedicated to his task at hand. Yet when the man beside him strikes the bandit that attacked him and he sees the man's eyes well with fear, he quickly looks towards the scythe-wielder beside him. "What was it that he did to that man?" He wonders mid-swing as he aims for the fleeing man's back. No bandit or pirate would be suffered to live within Rokugan.
The thought was too distracting and Yoshi cursed himself, not expecting such a chance to appear. His attention turned to the lone man, the look of a cold killer entering into the Crab samurai's eyes.
Himura Yoshi lets the Crane take her moment to focus on the dying man, trying to see what information he'll give. The roaring shout of the Drunken Tiger irritates him as he moves in through the village. "If I had moved faster, perhaps I could've arrived here sooner? Perhaps I should've let the woman go." He didn't think of his weakness for too long though, as he came across the awful sight of two bandits hoping to receive their satisfaction. "Remember Yoshi..." His mother's voice ringed in his head as he drew his two blades and quietly approached from behind. "...You have a darkness within you, a corruption that can never go away." He moved carefully and quietly towards them, his body moving with an almost unnatural focus as he listened to the chaotic pulse of their ki.
"Such a pretty lady!" One of them shouted, tearing her clothing. A twitch ran through him as her words finally finished in his head. "You can use that darkness, you can hide in it and cut out the worst of it. You can be my hero, my son." Yoshi would dash forward now, throwing subterfuge away as anger built up in his form. As the men turn, his blade would try to find its way in the man's throat.
Yoshi moved through the battlefield, giving Ex-Dragon and Glass Lion both a nod as he passed over the dead. The woman's voice boomed with authority and it reminded him of the lieutenants at home who stalked the Wall, shouting commands and rallying their forces. Blood pumped through his vein as the curved blades were spun quickly and quietly in his grip. Moving further through now, he stopped for just a moment to sense through the area. His ki focused through his form and he looked for his target, this Drunken Tiger.
The din of battle and carnage disrupted his pulse of ki, bringing a slight frown to his face. He'd begin to move to where he heard to closest fighting.
The man that pulls her out quickly moves with her, his hands subtly pulling out the kukris that sat upon his hips. She wore the colors of the Crane Clan, a clan almost universally mocked by his own for being full of weakness and artists. Long had he heard the complaints of his elders about their treatment despite the fact that they did not come and serve upon the Wall. Yet he was no fool, Yoshi also knew that they made some of the finest duelists in all of Rokugan. "I will need to be careful with this one but it seems my quarry is close." He thinks to himself as he stalks after her in an almost unsettingly calm yet hurried manner back towards the village.
There was the smell of burning coming from up ahead but a sound caught his attention to the side. Dark eyes surveyed the water before they landed upon the woman who was caught in the fast current. Without hesitation, the Krab moved quickly over and reached out to grab a hold of her reaching hand. ”Do not worry, I have you!” He shouted out, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her back towards him, back towards the shore and out of the water. ”What is happening?” Introductions could be delayed, there was the sound of shouting and the roaring of flames catching more and more up ahead. It seemed he was close to his quarry but stray souls continued to arrive upon his path.
I'll be posting up tonight after my girlfriend leaves. Thank you all for your patience. <3
Himura Yoshi had been travelling the land for quite some time now, in search of his prey. His kukris had found the neck of unsavory folks, money had been won and lost in gambling dens, and he had been hungry for many nights. He had survived on the kindness of peasants and the bounty of forests, but he was finally closing in on his destination. The blue robes that signified him as a member of the Crab Clan were worn by now but had been maintained as much as possible. His face was kept cleanly shaved, his blades sharp and dangerous. The cool air flowing over the water left a sense of peace and relaxation upon his skin. Yet his nose picked up something in the air, something out of place. The smell of fire upon the air. With a hurried step, he went to investigate.
Sounds good! Sorry I've been quiet, girlfriend has been excellent company. I'll have Krab showing up soon.
Hey there guys! Just wanted you all to know my girlfriend is arriving this Monday and will be here for two weeks. My posting will likely be more infrequent so feel free to bot me if necessary.
Yoshi will nod, reaching out an armored arm towards the samurai and gripping his forearm tightly in a warrior's handshake. "I will keep mind of that, Tadamasa. If I have need of you, I will send a courier for you. Be well and be safe, I must take my own travels now." The man's honor remained clean and his brother's death was avenged, the Krab keeping Lord Toad's words in his mind and ensuring that the marks upon the body parts were kept in mind. "Perhaps this Lord Hiro was allowing the beast's indulgences in return for targetting specific enemies? A crafty tactic...and an effective one." Himura Yoshi would think to himself as he left behind the lone brother, returning one last wave before making his way back upon the path and towards his destination. His wounds hurt and he rolled his shoulder softly. "Need to move quicker next time, careless mistakes were made. We must master the other blades as soon as we can."
Himura Yoshi nodded, looking through the bodies after he cut a hole through Lord Toad's stomach. The smell was awful but he examined the parts, studying the symbol that was upon the body parts within the Toad's stomach. "Strange. Very strange." He thought to himself, looking down at the parts remaining inside. The kukris were cleaned off on the corpse before he stood up, looking back towards Tadamasa. "I hope your brother rests easier now. Tadamasa. Where are you off to now?" He says, stepping up and out of the sandy pit and back towards the road. "I am heading towards a small village, looking for a bandit known as the Drunken Tiger."
It was almost sad, to see the mighty beast be brought down so low. It was so proud, so confident mere moments ago, but the blades were sharp and fierce and the pool of blood soaked into the sand so readily. Even those Yoshi despised the creatures that wandered in from the Shadowlands, he admired their tenacity and ferocity in combat. The weary toad looked at him, their eyes meeting, and there was a chilly coldness within Krab's gaze. The blade was swift and brutal, digging deep into the toad's back and twisting with brutal efficiency. Lord Toad fell still, eyes glazing as his ki dispersed and its life ebbed into the world once more. Yet the death cry of the beast had raised a concern that bother Himura Yoshi. A traitor? Did this Lord Hiro have some sort of accord with the beast? These thoughts quickly went through his mind as his eyes flickered over towards Tadamasa, nodding towards the man. "Traitor? What a strange thing to say..." His training went into effect once more, as he studied Tadamasa's ki and the reaction it had with that comment.
Looking back towards the beast, he would spin his blades once more before speaking in a softer tone. "If I may, Tadamasa, I wish to reclaim your brother's weapons. It may be best to look away, I do not wish you to see the state your sibling may be in." Yoshi's words are spoken simply and to the point. He had seen the bodies of those retrieved from within mighty stomachs of terrible beasts. It was not pleasant. It would also give him the chance to perhaps palm something of use, his goal was still a distance away and any advantage would be of import.
Be safe out there dude!
The mighty toad was dangerous and unpredictable, every movement making the ground shake underneath his feet. Yoshi's grim smile was plastered upon his face, even as his body ached from the force that the great toad could muster against them. Escaping from that grip, he rose back up and readied himself, waiting for that vulnerable flank to be exposed again. Tadamasa took the brunt of the anger from Lord Toad, giving Yoshi the chance to strike where that broad sword had drawn blood before. Again his stance changed, throwing caution to the wind in the hope to end the beast as quickly as he could.
Wrapped up once more in the creature's tongue and mouth, Yoshi let out a sound of disgust. This thing was quite the difficult devil and he came to understand the ronin's hesitation in dealing with the thing. Grappled once more, he drew his blades and threatened to try and land an attack. Using that momentary flinch, Yoshi would instead pull away and worm his way from the creature's grip.
The tongue falls to the ground, releasing the Krab. With a grimace, Yoshi shakes off the remnants of its wiggling form before looking at the creature with a fierce and terrible stare. The kukris spin with ease in his grip, his head nodding towards the ronin beside him. "I will strike at him and disturb his ki. It will open him for greater strikes." He could sense Lord Toad's power, his ki. That singular strike put him into step with the creature's heartbeat and Yoshi could feel the end slowly encroaching inwards. He stepped in, closing that remaining ten feet and striking at Lord Toad with a wicked slash. There was a dissonance within it though, a power that would travel through Lord Toad's form and send his ki into chaos.
It seemed that the toad was ready this time, no wary of the blades that had cut so wickedly into his flesh. Yoshi frowned for just a moment, his stance changing from one of reckless aggression and back towards that calm, careful demeanor once more.
The tongue strikes Yoshi in the chest, pulling a grunt from the man as he curses mentally inside. "Not close enough, curses." The calm demeanor he seems to have disappears as his form becomes far more aggressive, vicious, and dangerous.
The tongue begins dragging him closer to that gaping maw and Yoshi looks over his shoulder, shouting. "Now! Strike true Tadamasa!" The Kukri are a blur of violence, as he strikes at the tongue that pulls him towards Lord Toad.
Yoshi moves with the man, listening carefully to the man as he explains what he says it is capable of doing. The beast indeed sounds foul, bringing a grimace to the samurai's face. "I see. It will be good to rid these lands of such a danger then." The swords along his hips go forgotten, the pair of kukri being drawn instead as he begins to descend into the rocky valley below.
Yoshi will enter in, the blades lowering as he seems to take a moment to breathe in. "Follow my lead. I will get the beast's attention and will strike at it. You follow up behind me, try to flank the beast." Yoshi will enter into the beast's domain, eyes warily watching the sand for any sudden movement. He focuses his ki, enhancing his blades with dangerous intent.
Yoshi listens to his tale, a frown spreading across his face as Tadamasa speaks his sad tale of how his brother met his end. It was a truly torturous decision, one where there was no good end. "If we aid him, his connection to his lord may be useful at another time. It will also be another test of my own capability, I must keep my skills up to par." "I understand the cost of duty and how its blade may be sharp on both sides. Let me aid you then, I shall help you avenge your brother and earn your place. In return, you will help me if I ever require it." "What say you, Tadamasa? Will you continue to be a fool or will you be samurai?" The Crab samurai asks, his eyes staring through the distraught man. If the man accepts Himura Yoshi's offer, he begins to walk alongside him and speaks in that low tone. "I have been beyond the wall and have hunted monsters before. We shall use the quiet and our intelligence to kill this beast. Describe it to me, tell me what it can do."
Hope you all have a fantastic holiday!
Yoshi pondered the man's question for a moment, looking at the pathway ahead of him. There was the Drunken Tiger that he needed to find and speak to, eliminate if he proved too troublesome, but they were still in the land of the lions. There was no particular rush, as he moved closer and rubbed along his chin. "To not avenge one's family's honor is dishonor in itself, unless doing so would prevent you from doing your duty." The cool, dark eyes would look into Sotomura, the Crab samurai cocking his head slightly to the side. "I suppose it depends on what made him a fool, what was it that brought your brother to his death? Was it a slight against his honor? A beautiful girl? A disagreement over coin?" "We will have to see what use we can make out of this man. Perhaps if he is useful, we can indebt him to our service." Yoshi ponders for a moment before straightening himself up. "I am Himura Yoshi. Tell me your tale, Tadamasa."
Yoshi legs ached lightly from the long travel already, the rise and fall of hills, paths, stairs, and trails making travel slow but providing the defense that Crab preferred. Everything was dedicated to the idea of protecting the Empire, to keeping the demons out and ensuring the peace of the land. The Duty was all-consuming because the beasts that laid behind the wall were also all-consuming. As he drew closer to the other traveller, stepping along the beaten path across the wide open fields, he'd look him over for a moment. The way he looked away was most curious and the lack of any insignia drew in Yoshi's curiousity. "Perhaps a ronin? Why would he be here, waiting?" Yoshi's eyes surveyed the scene, looking for where any other ambushers could be lying in wait.
As he approached closer, his hands slipping underneath his robes and resting on the grips of his kukris rather than the hilts of his katana and wakizashi, he examined the man carefully. Falling back on his training, he let his ki touch upon the energy that laid all around them. Everything was connected, everything could be measured, and he studied the harmony of the man more intently.
@Crayfish Hora - No rush at all, just hurry up :P And Yoshi is all updated and so are his tags for easy viewing. @ Students - I hope all the finals are going well and you folks are kicking ass. @ Kakita - Sorry for the occasion that you guys are travelling. Hope you guys stay safe out there.
Good luck folks on your finals -plays cheerleader from the back-
Awesome, thank you! I'll have him updated and have a proper statblock on the posts later today. I have a game to run tonight so I will be slow.
@Crayfish Hora - Quick question! It wouldn't be too late for me to add the "Bushi" template to my character, would it? I'd gain profeciency with the katana and the wakazashi, lose my evasion, and gain the quick draw feats and associated ability. I just like later using killer's tools with those weapons for how neat it'd look. If not, no worries :)
Gathering the supplies needed would take time, as Yoshi waited near the entrance towards his family's manor. A polite yet warm smile spread across his face as Old Hojima approached with the sacks in hand. "I should return in a month's time, depending on how long my task takes me. If necessary, I will send a courier with a message should it take an unexpected amount of time." He could see the concern in the man's face and it brought an extra shade of warmth to Yoshi's own smile. The man had helped take care of him and his brother after his father passed away, ensuring the two of them were raised as proper Crabs when their mother was doing her duty upon the wall. "I will be back, Hojima. Just make sure the spiced teas are ready for my return, will you?" The old man nods and bows politely, excusing himself as Yoshi makes his way into his family's garden. There, upon a plot of land, was his father's grave. The stone had grown weathered over time but his name could still be seen and Yoshi could still somewhat remember how he used to laugh. "Father, I am off once more. I ask for your blessing to watch over me, to ensure that I may accomplish my duty. I strive to be the man that you had hoped I would be, not the man you saw me as." His hand gently touches the stone, Yoshi's expression unreadable before he rises and leaves his family's estate. Chibasu was quite the walk away in the mountains but it was the task he was assigned by the Clan. He would honor his ancestors by moving swiftly and carefully and learning all he could about this Drunken Tiger.
That link was super helpful and had some valuable information Hora, helped me get a better mindset of the Crab clan and the Himura Family. From what it seems like, I may edit Yoshi's training to being groomed to be selected as a Stalker, which is hilariously named since that is my class. They seemed trained to be assassins of Shadowlands creatures but have been used to target humans before. It talks about them here. It helps that the family motto is pretty badass too... "A single fire against the darkness always burns brighter." I may also spend a little of my extra money on another thing of clothing. I can see Yoshi having his Courtier Outfit for formal occasions, a traveling outfit with his Mons and colors easily displayed, and a more incognito outfit for when he is trying to be extra sneaky or infiltrate a known enemy establishment. Edit: I also picked up my languages; Common Rokugani, High Rokugani, and Nezumi. Makes sense for him, seeing as he is a scout and the Hiruma family has a long alliance with the Nezumi tribes.
Yoshi slowly reads through the scroll, nodding mostly to himself before rolling it back together and slipping it beneath his robes. It seemed to be a relatively standard operation, to infiltrate and discuss with the man what he was doing and either convince him to return back to where he came from or eliminate him. A threat was still a threat though and Yoshi reminded himself to not let his confidence be the end of him. It only took one lapse of attention and he could be brought down by a cold, metal blade. Approaching his servants, his determined demeanor softened into a polite smile. "Go and bring me my traveling equipment, I am going on a journey. I wish to leave in an hour's time." The servants bowed repsectfully, splintering off to gather the supplies he would need. It would be good to get out of the city and back to sharpening his skills for his next venture out past the Wall. As soon as he could, he would depart for the village of Chibasu. Carrying his weapons hidden on his person, his fine armor disguised under clothing, the Stalking Crab makes his way to hunt for the Drunken Tiger.
Hey there guys! Firstly, I am excited to be playing with all of you and thank your Hora for letting me join your game. I apologize if my posting has been erratic, work and the holiday season are hectic. I hope you all don't mind me asking questions about the setting and such, I'm basically a gigantic newb when it comes to Legend of the Five Rings and know only the smallest details about it. You all seem to know much more than I, so I'm hoping to learn by the reading I do and through the roleplay. I say that because I realize that we have samurai, courtiers here, even commoners, and I realize that I never really decided what Yoshi was. He is of the Crab Clan but I don't think that automatically makes him a samurai? I've had him as a scout/stealthy warrior, so am I another courtier type? I figured I'll have him traveling just in traveler's clothing, since I'm trying to be all sneaky and wearing the Crab's colors (especially when not specifically sanctioned, it seems, to be there) would be troublesome. Anyways, I hope I don't annoy any of you guys if I question around and poke for information. Feel free to link me good info sources too, I'd appreciate it. :D
Yoshi would take the scroll from the man, looking it over for a moment of scrutiny before his attention returned to the man's face. "Thank you. Hida-sama. You take care of yourself, tell my mother that I will visit when I next pass through." The woman was as compassionate as she was strong, a brute of a woman. She was the quintessential Crab, always ready for another fight. He would wave the samurai off as the man headed off, tucking away the scroll and finishing his bowl of ramen. The oil and flavor was exactly what the morning needed, as the young man pushed up off of the stool he sat upon and began to head back towards his estate. There would be supplies to gather for the journey ahead, no bandit ever stayed within an pleasant village after all. As he walked though, he'd open the scroll and read over the directions more intently. "It is time to put my talents back to use." The young Crab though, a rather grim smile spreading across his face as he read.
With watchful eyes, Yoshi looked over the merchant caravan as the rice was taken into their holdings. It was such a simple thing but nothing could destroy a defense quite like a lack of food and there was no end to the demons that sought to conquer and destroy them all. It was with this simple duty that Yoshi practiced his talents, feeling the small changes of ki between the different farmers and picking out the small nuances of each one. Who was friends with whom, who had an arguement, he quietly studied and practiced mentally what he would do while his eyes kept a lookout for any bandit seeking to make a name for himself. With a nod of his head, he watched as the merchant head off down the street and the imposing features of Hida Shigeru emerged coming down the street. A smile spread across the young samurai's face as he gave a bow before that hand clasped on his shoulder. "Shigeru-sama. I'd be honored to. The task was simple...but important." Stepping beside Hida Shigeru, the two men moved through the street quietly and quickly. The familiar aroma of ramen filled the air and there was a small rumble within Yoshi's stomach, the young man figuring that watching all that rice be delivered was enough to get one hungry. there was a shout of confirmation from beyond the counter as the chef began to work upon their meals. "Thank you, Shigeru-sama." Yoshi said in his low and relatively young voice. His form was far weaker than one would expect from a Crab but what he lacked in pure physical might, he made up for in finesse. "Please, send my regard to your cousin Takedo. This armor he had crafted for me is finely made. The gift was unneeded though, it was a honor to work alongside his son against the demons." A small token of appreciation sent to Yoshi in return to bring back the man's son alive and unharmed after a quick expedition into the Shadowlands. "I know what you're asking about though...I haven't felt the darker urges in quite some time. The meditations help me focus, keep me on task." There was quite a concern after the taint was found upon Yoshi's soul, making him both less than and more than a normal man. "Since my training though, things have been easier." The chef brings the ramen bowls over, steaming and filled with flavor, before grabbing the coin off of the counter with a thanks and a smile. He leaves the two samurai be though, giving them the privacy deserves. "I do not mean to presume, Shigeru-sama, but I do not believe you'd come find me just to check on my status. At least, not without my mother's hounding." A friendly smile spreads across Yoshi's face, using his chopsticks to pull at the ramen and eat slowly. "What can I do for you." |