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Tahei smells more than sees the lack of habitation. "No fires. Not a hearth, cookfire or….anything. There is nothing here that suggests folk are living here." Frowning, the normally jovial warrior is tense and agitated by…something. He loosens the catch on his naginata, bringing it to bear. He edges closer to a hut and peers inside, careful to keep clear of actually entering a doorway.
Tahei's gaze darkens at the impropriety of the villager. He haggles hard
to get a good deal for the main village. Afterward he gives the villagers a steady look. Look out for Sho's men. And if you hear, see, feel or think anything is out of the ordinary...by all the Celestials above and below - let us know." With that, and his shoulder-burden of food, Tahei heads off down the road.
Tahei shrugs and looks to his companions. "Seems fair." Scratching his chin Tahei wanders around casually looking at the little settlement. He looks at boats and nets if visible. And ponders. Turning back to the villagers, Tahei jingles his money pouch. "While we're here, how's the catch? I could murder some freshwater crabs. Got any smoked fish? Say 3 or 4 score?" He smiles garrulously.
Tahei smiles, and spreads his arms wide, palms open. "Do not be alarmed. These are my more secret, hidden allies."
Tahei nods and smiles, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Fair enough, fair enough. Still..." [here Tahei makes a point of looking around at thhe village and then out on to the lake and down the river] "it does seem a little....apocalyptic. A homeless lake life harried by bandits. Angry, irate. Frustrated. You know they won't like uppity peasants." [Tahei grins here - ] "Looook. I know you've had your differences, and you feel marginalised by the...other... village. We're here to end Sho. Vanish him. Join us. We've made some strategic plans and put a few...strategies... in place to thwart the raiders. You can still stay here and help [indicates their village] , or you can elect to camp out in the village and add your strength, know-how and, most importantly, voice to theirs - make some strong cause. We could use your help."
Tahei nods with almost closed eyes and full jowls. "It seems as though you have definitely been saddled with some oafish and craven neighbors. Were it another way - I would gladly defend you." He scratches himself within his shirt for good measure. Something occurs to him. Seeing as you are now here, and quite alone and … seceded - how have you managed to avoid Sho's depredations? Just by being out on the lake when they come?"
Tahei walks nonchalantly, chewing on [appropriate apple like fruit, perhaps an…apple?] and singing a tuneless ditty relating to pleasant thoughts of a girl he once wooed without success in a nameless town. Mostly this is a cover for his own covert scan of his surroundings - he is watchful and alert - one hand is at the catch for his naginata.
Thanks for collating all of that Hisui! Seems like a good plan to me...
Can we build them but not erect them immediately, waiting until closer to harvest?
Well apart from the watchtower all that seems fine. Even just sinking a debranched pine tree trunk 15-20 feet into the ground and 40 feet into the air, attaching rudimentary handholds that lead to a simple covered platform would do, and may well be within the capabilities of the local workforce...
Maybe an asteroid will streak toward you from the heavens and...not hit you. Wish there were something I could say or do. We are all on this planet struggling with issues great and small. May your maintain your sanity and your health, but above all grace and good humor during trying times.
Tahei likes the idea of the trip moat - easy to "construct"/dig and the villagers should be able to cope with a woven mat. "Hisui's spears should come in handy, and let as many as are able train with the crossbows. Mayhap we can send for some more weapons?"
Tahei addresses his companions rather than the villagers directly. His performance, though it impressed upon the villagers his martial prowess has left a sour taste in his mouth. "We should divide the available villagers into groups by ability and suitability. Get those strong villagers onto digging ditches and if possible, embankments/earthworks replete with stakes and spikes. If there are any woodworkers or carpenters get them to supervise the construction of a palisade. A watchtower [here cranes neck to look for extant structure] would also help if there isn't one." Tahei thinks another moment on the villagers he has seen. "Then we find what might pass for "warriors" here - regardless of gender. Assign groups to each of us to train and command/lead."
Tahei has had more than enough. They have tried to be men of peace in a time of war. Offered food. Given instruction. These curs would sell them for a few days grace. He draws his naginata and advances on the entire crowd, whipping the blade in a menacing arc swearing incoherently before unleashing a tirade borne of a lifetime's worth of shame at his own ignoble heritage: "Doggerel sons and daughters of the worst mangy curs. I came here hoping you would respect the little aid you have been given. From our grace. What hope for reward can you offer us? Hatred? Burnt husks of rice? A shallow welcome with our heads on a spike for Sho? To buy yourselves a few days grace before Sho returns to turn your daughters into pleasure women and your sons into slaves?" He finishes by turning back and holding the blade to Masamune's throat, the blade clearly wavering with tension. He locks eyes with the old Samurai as he intones "Is this the man and men you would behead? Heroes with more worth than the lot of you put together from all you ancestor's ancestors." Tahei finishes in a low hoarse voice. Anger wells up inside him. He turns, and runs at the villagers, naginata again sweeping in vicious arcs. "Hiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeegh!" He stops at the ragged line of assembled villagers. He glares menacingly. Then turns his back on the lot of them.
Tahei is enthused by Shogure's idea. He will offer to demonstrate the reach capability of his naginata, and ground-to-mounted combat. to this end he encourages any locals willing to help erect a mock horse and rider out of available materials.
Tahei hears the conversation inside. He moves to the doorway, still able to keep an eye on the road, but better able to contribute to the discussion. He bows quickly to the village elder, then returns to face outside, head resting on an upstretched arm holding the doorframe. He thinks for a moment, an internal conflict raging in his head, to talk or to leave things be. As usual, his better judgment leaves him. "I was raised in a village not unlike this one. We had a few more comforts, but not many winters between us and starvation. Nor bandit attacks. We can train your people. Give them weapons. Make them see the enemy as mere bloodsacks ready to burst. The one thing we cannot give them is heart. Instil belief? Sure. Bolster bravery? Perhaps. More than anything your people need a desire to win, to live beyond today. Hope for a future and destiny of their own choosing. Do not look to us to solve your problems. Look to yourselves and offer us more than grim countenance, suspicion and a cold welcome. Then, we can fight together." Tahei face twists in a scowl not seen by those in the hut, then walks back outside and continues watching the road.
Tahei tries to keep a straight face. He grew up in a village similar to this, but possessed of somewhat greater means. Content to let Masamune handle the village headman, Taheistays outside the hut and smiles good naturedly at the curious villagers. While conversing with any villagers or entertaining precocious children brave enough to approach him, Tahei keeps an eye on the roads into the village in case Sho or his minions enter.
After greeting the woman in village style ["honored grandmother"] Tahei does his best to look non-menacing and honorable.
After searching for a well, Tahei will look around the village, trying to ascertain who might be home, and who might be away. Chimney smoke, animal droppings, food scraps etc. He also looks for signs of a headman's (village chief/elder/important peasant) house.
@TarkXT: If there is no inn then Tahei looks around in dejected disgust, then for a village well to draw water from.
And if the empress disapproves she has yet to do it with his pants off. Too funny.
Tahei enjoys the company if not the walk. Having been raised in the countryside he sees liitle to interest him in the movements of migratory birds or the scurryings of four-footed denizens. Upon entering the seemingly deserted village Tahei mutters under his breath. "Poor fools..." He looks askance at his fellows, and immediately goes for the inn, bashing on the door unceremoniously. "Innkeeper! Sake for weary travellers! Steamed buns, rice and whatever passes for meat - we're hungry, and important!!! Important personages with MONEY!!! Innkeeper!!!"
Hisui's words and Daren's clear appraisal of peasantry, though troubling to Tahei's sensibilities prove his companions are experienced and of sound character. Not looking forward to rattling my weapon to cow peasants, but it has worked in the past…
Tahei cares naught for the divine or the spiritual, but he is cognizant enough of the forms - and does care for the needy. He makes a small nod out of respect for Masamune's deference, and leaves a few rice balls wrapped in leaves for fellow travelers. After partaking of a little wine, and hearing the tale, Tahei sits staring at the fire - the story could easily be that of his muckpit of a village. No name, no militia, no hope. Just bare-arsed peasants caught in the crosswinds of other, more well-armed people's destinies. Too tired to think much or contribute, Tahei lazily stares at the flames, the "poor man's gold" as his father used to say. And warmer too…
"Er, he didn't master Masamune." Tahei adds rather unhelpfully… He continues to amble along, merely nodding in thanks for Liu's earnest report of the Golden Dragon Company. Well at least he's bound to be a little less excitable than Daren…
Tahei also watches Mr Mott's performance with interest, and chuckles at the old man's reaction. Well, he definitely still has it, if "it" is somewhat senile. At the very least, this will be interesting! He approaches Liu Quon. "Asawa Tahei. Welcome to our band of heroes and jackanapes. The Golden Company? I feel as though I have heard tell of this organisation, but it escapes me? Tahei leaves his sentence hanging as a question for Liu to illuminate him...
Tahei does not betray the knowledge he has. He merely smiles, and nods a quick acceptance of Orochi's introduction.
"Nice trick! Tahei observes. He also picks up a pebble and tries the same thing. "Bah!" he exclaims, but secretes the pebble within the folds of his clothing regardless. "Obviously it requires a certain amount of observance of the divine, and a little study. I've found plenty of inspiration at the chess house, and light too!" he smiles. Warming to the theme, Tahei pulls his naginata, and catches the reflected moon on the blade. "Hah! That's where I look!!!" to hear Liu.
Tahei merely listens to Masamune and hitches his naginata belt up a bit. Another walk. Another dusty road to grim tidings and cold porridge. Maybe they could have a fire. Warm rice sounded good right about now…
Without turning, Tahei smiles, drops his head between his arms as they restonthe handrail and addresses Masamune. "Oho uncle, you have brought a cockerel to the party. That makes only one bird that I can hear, and none that I can see." Tahei turns and rises, his accustomed slouch disappears, his russet lamellar armor, well kept clothes, carefully tied hair and pristine if old fashioned naginata at variance to his open face and pleasant, easy going demeanour. "Easy on yourself, honoured grandfather," he says to Daren with a chuckle. "there is no need for further insult." Tahei's eyes move to Daren's hands and he becomes more serious. "And please, easy on me - my head does not yearn for your ministrations. Let us save that for the bandits..." He bows. "Asawa, Tahei".
Tahei leans a little closer to the handrail and flexes his back like a cat, tearing to work out an old kink and the usual complaints of his body from his recent campaigns and sleeping rough. "We-ell, I guess I don't think much of it yet. Or rather, there's too little to think about it yet, friend Shogure." Tahei is interrupted by the arrival of the cart steered by yet another tengu. Tahei's eyes widen momentarily, and he reaches toward his naginata before seeing the friendly nod and the businesslike demeanor of the priest. If they want to rob me, I'm sure they will make their move. Besides, this one is friendly enough. Tahei returns the nod continues to make small talk with Shogure. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a bunch of colorful lacquered sticks, laying them on the handrail for Shogure to examine. "So, you know how to play Emperor's Blind?…"
Tahei smiles. He idly watches the carp. Perhaps the tengu really hadn't had a decent introduction…nor had he provided his name. "Feathered or foul, we all have the propensity for honor. And you have the look of an honest adept. Forgive me if I have offended, perceptions can be misleading..."
Approaching the bridge, Tahei notices the tengu waiting. He makes no attempt at stealth, but says as the sounds of his geta ring out on the time-polished boards. Leaning on the curved rail, Tahei quietly watches the carp swim by on their own aquatic business. An occasional eel disturbs the weeds and cherry blossoms float gently in the breeze to land on the water. The falling sun's light dapples on the water, lighting Tahei's face. Without taking his gaze from the water he speaks. "Asawa Tahei, honoured sir. A bladesman on Lord Masamune's quest. I imagine you are here on the same errand?"
Been held up. Will post approach to bridge later today...
Outro: Tahie nods, and respectfully finishes his tea before bidding the two men farewell - "Until sunrise".
Stuffy old soldier. If the peasants had more chess houses and worthwhile inns their lives might improve. As long as the aristocrats keep fighting one another in endless petty wars and chewing up the future sons of the earth nothing will change. Tahei ambles up the rough road, picking a chrysanthemum as he passes and placing the stem between his teeth as he ruminates further. He smiles to himself. Still, they may have more need of comely daughters than Masamune is willing to give them credit for. Stuffy old soldier. …
Response: Tahei takes his time, nodding at the question as if it is most apt. He licks his lips in appreciation of the drink. One arm rests inside his shirt, he other holds his tea. His naginata rests against the wall quite near to him.
"Perhaps something of the second, related to the third. Being a samurai you know the value of a man's honor, and the store set by a man's name, rank, family. Well, this blade [pats his naginata] was carried by my ancestor, an honored and honorable man, who shares my father's name. Toda Asawa. Perhaps you have heard of him? " Tahei looks to each of the men at the table with an open, honest face before returning to his story. "A noble samurai. A brave and steadfast warrior. He held the breach at the battle of Onomisa before being cut down - his retainers cut off his head and brought it and this weapon home to his loyal wife. Who sold it, and fled to the western lands. It took me many years to trace my family's honored weapon and track it down. I would restore my family name. And the story of this weapon. He scratches himself inside his shirt, and then reaches out to scratch his stubble while smiling ruefully, then takes a sip from the tea held in his other hand. He smiles wolfishly. "If bare-arsed peasants need a palgue of bandits eradicated, seems as good a place as any to start. I just hope they have a decent inn, a chess house and some comely daughters..."
No problems Tark. As and when you can...
Well, the only problem I have is that there is no tab for the Seven Swordsman gameplay thread on this page... I just Bookmark it...
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