[Day 1, EE] Rally Point (Lions)

Akodo Kinuko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 10:19 pm **Posts:** 52

This seemed a natural spot to call everyone to, Kinuko thought, sifting through the recent news and testimonies of the arrivals.

She had asked her clanmates, once settled, to meet here so as to draw inspiration and guidance from their shared honored past for a way to move forward.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki, well-familiar with the town, was there early. Or, at least, as precisely on time as could be achieved.

His expression solemn, he gave Kinuko a formal bow of greeting, as well as each new Lion that arrived.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:32 pm

Mogami and her two budoka followed suit, arriving on the heels of Touki. She bowed to the two, and her Budoka did the same before she walked past them and kneeled down before one of the shrines, offering a prayer. Her Budoka stood over her as she did, and when she stood she addressed them in turn.

"It is important to offer your thanks when you enter a shrine. You both should pray for the good fortune you were shown in being able to be here after all that has happened."

The two men nodded and then both knelt at a shrine and began to pray in whatever way they knew how.

Mogami then turned back to the samurai of her clan.

"Some day" she said, her voice unenthusiastic.

Kitsu Shukei · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 7:01 pm **Posts:** 115

Shukei stood at the entrance of the temple. The samurai had come early to the meeting so he could at least pay respect to the shrine's spirit before anyone reached. He showed a calm and peaceful face as he walked towards the other lions in the temple courtyard.

When he reached the samurai, he leaned deeply in the usual way of respect towards one of greater status.

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:59 pm

This is either going to be the most boring time of my life, or the second most boring time of my life after having to listen to the Crane talk about flowers.

Homura, sadly for herself, was a diligent Lion who listened to requests from her kin. Otherwise she might have found something better to do at this time.

Still, it allowed her to pray at least. So she entered the shrine. However, she couldn't hide her frown quickly enough as two peasants were instructed to go pray by Mogami. She kept her calm though, and moved to offer prayer elsewhere before moving to bow to her kin.

"Good evening. Hope you are all well and unfrozen?"

Akodo Kinuko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 10:19 pm **Posts:** 52

"Everyone, thank you for coming." Kinuko took point, organizing the meet up in the absence - thus far - of superiors.

"It has been a long day for some of us, so it is my intention to keep this brief. For those who have recently arrived, I am Akodo Kinuko. I was assigned to this court for the winter season. For those of us who have already been here, please bear with me as I cover the situation for the new arrivals."

If there are no objections, Kinuko would continue the briefing.

"Apart from our hosts in the Shimizu family, our ranking member at this court was, to my knowledge, Matsu Kōgyoku-sama, a magistrate. I understand Kitsu Izumi-sama has arrived as of today."

"As of this hour, no word has arrived of which I am aware as to orders to act. From my understanding, there is still debate ongoing."

"That is what I have at this time." Kinuko concludes, yielding the floor to others for their introductions and input.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

A tired-looking Kitsu Izumi arrives at the shrine a few moments later. She allows her eyes to wander over everyone present, then walks to the shrine, bows her head, and says a few quiet prayers. Her hands never leave the wrapped object in her arms, and when she finishes, she moves to join the others in the group.

"Trying times," she says, nodding in greeting to everyone. "Things will not be improving anytime soon."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:10 pm

Mogami looks to Homura

"After a rather interesting visit to the Onsen, I would say cold has well past."

She listens to Kinuko's introduction and nods and then gives a deep bow to the Kitsu. Her eyes wander to the package, still carried from the morning, before she returns her gaze to the Kuge.

The two budoka, not sure how long they are supposed to pray, stay knelt at a shine with their eyes closed and thus are completely unaware of the power in their presence.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki did take a moment to respond to all of the newcomers. His eyebrows twitched at Mogami's understatement, he returned Shukei's bow with equal formality (but a bit shallower, of course), and while he didn't quite smile at Homura's question, one could see that he definitely thought about it.

Kinuko, and then Izumi, though, had all his attention. "Kitsu-dono." His voice was its usual monotone as he bowed low.

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:23 pm

Yep, it's going to be as boring as Crane flower discus...oh it's her! Thank you Fortunes!

Homura bowed deeply to the approaching Kitsu damiyo, smiling at her.

"Kitsu-sama, good evening. I hope you are well after the journey we have just had from Winter Court."

You look like you could use a whole bottle of sake...

She looked to the others.

"As part of the recently arrived, allow me to introduce myself. I am Ikoma Homura, assigned to the Winter Court of Morikage Toshi as a yojimbo. Although I've been mostly playing escort and tour guide since arriving" there was a shrug "but if it keeps the guests happy, it's fine."

She looked to Izamu.

"I don't think we need to wait for Orders Akodo Kinuko-san, when the honourable daimyo of the Kitsu stands here. I trust in her guidance."

And those pretty eyes.

Kitsu Shukei · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 7:01 pm **Posts:** 115

Shukei rises as he is corresponded by the other lion in the place. As he is about to introduce himself, the daimyo of the Kitsu makes her entrance. Shukei bows his head deep, the most he can without falling to the ground.

"Kitsu Izumi-sama, it is an honor to be in your presence, and to be witness your wise words. I hope you and all here have had your rice in this day." He speaks in cordial tone, while remembering the appropriate ways to address one of such status, such that he has never met before. "I, Kitsu Shukei, your servant, am at your service, my lady."

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi winces at Shukei's words. "Please do not confuse my mistakes for wisdom, Shukei-san. My actions have placed the entire Empire in danger and resulted in the death of the Emperor. When I am gone..."

She glances down at the object in her arms, then looks back up to him. "My apologies. This is not the time for gloom and self-pity. The forces of the Steel Chrysanthemum are coming, and you are the line that must stand against them."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:52 pm

At this, Mogami's ears perk. She steps forward slightly.

"Kitsu-dono, I have some suggestions on that matter if you might. I am Matsu Mogami. My father, General Akodo Takarada, has passed on much of his guidance to me."

Her eyes move once again at the package and then return upward.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Matsu Mogami wrote:

At this, Mogami's ears perk. She steps forward slightly.

"Kitsu-dono, I have some suggestions on that matter if you might. I am Matsu Mogami. My father, General Akodo Takarada, has passed on much of his guidance to me."

Izumi motioned for her to speak.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Kitsu Izumi wrote:

Izumi winces at Shukei's words. "Please do not confuse my mistakes for wisdom, Shukei-san. My actions have placed the entire Empire in danger and resulted in the death of the Emperor. When I am gone..."

She glances down at the object in her arms, then looks back up to him. "My apologies. This is not the time for gloom and self-pity. The forces of the Steel Chrysanthemum are coming, and you are the line that must stand against them."

Touki bowed again. "Then we shall stand against them." He said it with the same tone, as though he were declaring that the weather was cold that day, or that the sun rose in the east.

Kitsu Shukei · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 7:01 pm **Posts:** 115

Shukei feels the pain of the woman from his words, she has much responsibility, and from this much can be gained and lost as well. That much he knows, that much makes him feel at ease from the little weight his words carry.

"You are here as an inspiration, and you have brought those in need of help. You have also come to warn us and carry the strength to turn this with your guidance, sama. All of us look forward to assisting you in this. Be it following your example, your words, or as counselors if you would have the kindness to hear us in our modest thoughts." He turns to the Matsu eager to listen in on her thoughts.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:10 pm

"The city has strong walls, and I believe they would hold well. The gates are to the East and West, the rest protected by natural mountainous fortifications. It would be unlikely to see an attack from the North or South."

"I would assume the enemy to approach from the East in pursuit of us, though there is a chance they could take extra time and approach from the west. That would give us more time, but with the weather as is I do not believe a tactical commander would take the risks the winter cold brings to come from that direction. We should not ignore the west however and keep it well fortified."

She pauses for a moment before beginning again, her pace quick and precise.

"Also of note, the port a small distance to the West remains open. While it is outside the city itself, it can be both a line of tactical withdraw as well as a way for reinforcements should there be a siege."

"With the frost still deep in the ground and snows deep, it will be difficult for both the attackers and defenders to set up appropriate fortifications, though this does give us some relief from the typical siege weaponry. With that in mind since, I believe the snows can be used to our advantage and a forward battle line established using the peasants and other able bodies to dig fortifications and then frozen over. A small wall with a trench in front would help keep cavalry at a disadvantage. Additionally, This would allow us a strong point ahead of the walls for our archers and others, with an appropriate avenue to disengage back into the city."

She stops and closes her eyes for a moment, thinking.

"Finally, the garrison here is staffed, though there are many from the other clans present now who may be able to aid our Army in the defense should we request it of them. I know of a large Scorpion contingent, led by the Shosuro Daimyo, and the Phoenix grace us with the war hero, Asako Kashiwagi-sama."

She concludes her report, waiting for any questions.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi intently listens to the tactical breakdown, her head nodding slightly at some points. "I am not a tactician, but I believe I can provide some additional information which may help to save this city. The spirits have no cavalry of which I am aware, and will not have the patience to circle around the city. It is best if we begin preparations for the evacuation immediately, so that we are ready to go when the time comes."

She glances back to the shrine as her hands fidget on the object. "When the breach the gate, there will be no quarter given. They will not distinguish between samurai and heimin, bushi and gardener. They will not spare shugenja or children. Everything they can see, they will kill and destroy."

Izumi turns her gaze to Homura. "The Steel Chrysanthemum seems to have some control over the other spirits. What can the Ikoma tell us of the fallen Emperor?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:33 pm

Mogami bows low and steps back, her duty fulfilled for now. She listens to the rest of her clan members share their insights.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki cleared his throat. "Earlier, Akodo Ren said that she saw another city fall to these spirits. She saw that slaughter herself. Perhaps she may have insights as well."

He frowned down at the object in Izumi's hands. "Kitsu-dono, is that something that this one can assist you with?" He gave a nod to the curious package.

[Day 1, EE] Rally Point (Lions)

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