[Day 3, Late Morning - Eastern Wall] Peasant Levies

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 3:31 pm

"Well, the most important part of Kyujutsu is the philosophy, but must still be practiced regularly."

Mogami begins to go over the form, explaining how to stand facing sideways to the target with your legs spread wider than your shoulders, feet slightly pointed outwards. She explains you need to keep your back straight, standing tall. She then discusses the draw, how you push the bow away from you, and the release, how you open your hand and let your arm fly back behind you in line with your shoulder.

"Explaining the form only goes so far, one must see it as well."

Mogami puts on her helmet and steps out from the umbrella to demonstrate.

"Come, show me yours, and then we can talk about the really important parts."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 3:55 pm

Homura nodded, listening intently. Even resisting making a comment about 'spreading legs'. Once the instructions had been given, she collected a bow and some arrows.

"I can do that. You, hold my umbrella" she said to one of the peasants, startling them into holding her umbrella as she took her stance. It was clear she was a novice on the bow by her stance, but she at least had it pointing the right way.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 3:59 pm

"Raise your arm more, it's not level."

"Your legs are spread too far, close them a little."

"Keep your chin up"

"Shoulders back"

Mogami keeps making comments for a minute or so until she is satisfied.

"Alright, very good. Just like that. Hold it right there."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:00 pm

Homura managed not to smirk too much, but followed the orders. Lowering her arm slightly, bringing her legs together a little, straightening her back. Raising her head a little more.

"This is good now?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:08 pm

Mogami examines her one last time.

"Perfect. I could look at this all day."

She turns to the peasants for a moment.

"Look, this is perfection, and Ikoma-sama hasn't held a bow before now. Pay attention."

Mogami walks back over to Homura.

"Rest for a moment, Ikoma-san. Relax, this explanation could take a moment and I don't want you to get sore or wear you out."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:17 pm

Homura did relax, smiling at the others.

"Thank you. I'm sure the others will do just as good a job as this novice" she gave them a bow "now listen to your superior. All to you Matsu-sama."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:25 pm

Mogami nods and takes a step back so she can address both Homura and the group at the same time.

"Form is one thing, and you will practice is over and over, every day, for many hours each day. But what is most important is understanding these things."

"First, your bow is not a weapon, object, or tool. It is a part of you. Every time you hold it, feel the spirit inside it. Let your own reach out and merge with it. Entwine yourself with it so that it is just another part of your body, one you can control with your thoughts as easily as taking a step."

"Second, when you draw, take in a breath. Concentrate on where you want the arrow to go, and then clear your mind. When you release, your mind should be absolutely blank. No distractions from the world around you. Not the thunder of war, the hiss of the wind, or even the beating of your own heart."

"Third, At the same time you release, let out your breath. Between it and your bow, you create new life, which is the arrow. You cannot control the arrow. It is its own being. If you did the second step properly however, it knows the way. The arrow is much like you all are right now, ignorant to how to perform its duty. But when you breath life into it and it feels your will, it is like you will be soon, skilled and focused."

"To make it simple, remember. Breath in. Focus. Empty yourself, Exhale and Release. The arrow knows the way."

"Now you all say it back after me. The arrow knows the way."

A dull murmur comes from the peasants.

"Not good enough. Say it back. THE ARROW KNOWS THE WAY"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:49 pm

Nice one Mogami!

Homura resisted clapping, impressed by her kins strong words. She wanted to add something but it would feel a waste compared to that. She just stayed silent, with her back straight and her head raised high. Keeping an eye on how the others react.

Do I have to join in with this?

She decided to join in with the next round.

"The arrow knows the way!"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:51 pm

"Good! Now all of you, start practicing your form. No arrows yet."

Mogami faces Homura directly.

"Want to try and hit my target?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:56 pm

"I don't know, hitting myself seems like a bad idea" Homura said with a grin, before nodding.

"Hai, where is your target?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:04 pm

"I havn't picked it yet, but here, let's make a game of it."

Mogami explains a training game she has created.

Code:

----Archery Range----
Kyujutsu/Reflexes

25 Yards: TN10, 1 points
30 Yards: TN15, 2 points
35 Yards: TN20, 3 points
40 Yards: TN25, 4 points
45 Yards: TN30, 5 points
50 Yards: TN35, 6 points

Hit=Outter Ring
Raise 1, or if unskilled and exceed TN by 10=Middle Ring +1 point
Raise 2,or if unskilled and exceed TN by 20=Center Ring +2 point
Raise 3, or if unskilled and exceed TN by 30=Bullseye +4 points

-Center Stance applies to each shot
-Counts as an attack, but NOT a Skirmish/battle

Mogami steps up to the makeshift range and takes her yumi into her hand, then places 3 arrows on the hay bale in front of her and another 3 in front of Homura.

"Think you can keep up?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:08 pm

"Let's find out shall we?"

Homura looked out in the rain, and chuckled, notching up an arrow...and in her first attempt nearly lands a shot on the furthest one.

"Well, that was close I guess" she chuckled.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:16 pm

Mogami watches the shot come close and smiles.

"I see your target and will try for the same."

She steps up and draws. On the release the arrow flies true....but the wind wasn't accounted for and it gets blown off target, hitting on the stone instead.

She has a mischievous look in her eyes

"Zero-Zero. Your shot!"

----
Kyujutsu+Ref+Prodigy+Akodo 1FR+Center, TN35. 3 raises Roll: 45

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:20 pm

Homura chuckled.

"Well, we're kinda committed now, ne?"

She took a breath, and brought her bow up to fire again....the results were far worse this time and the girl shook her head.

"It seems I'm doing an awful job, my apology."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:23 pm

"You picked the hardest target for beginners. Also, remember the philosophy. Focus, clear your mind release. The arrow knows the way."

Mogami takes up position again and draws once more, this time closing her eyes.

The arrow hits dead center on the farthest target.

----
Kyujutsu+Ref+Prodigy+Akodo 1FR+Center, TN35. 3 raises Roll: 55

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:26 pm

"Why take the easy shot when you learn more from the hardest" Homura smirked, notching up her arrow.....only to miscalculate the wind and watch the arrow fly wide.

"I guess the master is still Matsu-sama!"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:32 pm

Mogami says nothing and draws her last arrow. Again she closes her eyes and releases and it strikes right next to the previous one....in her mind. Unfortunately, her body was turned just slightly when she closed her eyes, and the arrow, dead center of the target, is off to the left by just a hair, hissing the hay completely and scattering against stone.

"Even masters miss. For your first time ever holding a bow, you did very well, Ikoma-san."

----
Kyujutsu+Ref+Prodigy+Akodo 1FR+Center, TN35. 5 raises Roll: 50

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:41 pm

"Thank you Matsu-sama" Homura bowed to the woman "I do try my best. I think in this instance my lack of experience was my downfall, but if I get a chance to keep practicing I'd be able to do a much better job in the future. "

She collected her umbrella from the peasant who was holding it, and handed her the bow.

"Now you've watched the master, you should be able to shine, ne?" she smirked at them then turned back to Mogami.

"Any tips?"

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

On the ground, below those practicing on the wall, Suzume Chihaya led a small procession of her own.

Those among the refugees and peasantry who were capable and willing had been gathered into an irregular unit, and she was giving them a last minute lesson in the basics of war.

It was far from enough time, but it might be enough to help them, if only a tiny amount.

With yari in hand, dressed in borrowed armor and wide brimmed metal hats, the ashigaru stood uncertainly in the rain, as Chihaya had them fall in to formation on the open courtyard near the gate.

There she settled into a comfortable stance, hands on hips, surveying the motley collection. They didn't look like much at all, frankly. Unfortunate, but she'd make do.

Pointing to one, a fit young man who looked a little bit too eager, she barked, "You! Step forward."

The young man did, trying to stand at attention, without really knowing what that entailed. "Yes, Samurai-Sama!"

With a faint sigh, she asked, "What is your name? What do you do for a living?"

Confused, he replied, "I am Taro, Samurai-Sama... I make geta."

"I see. I assume they are good geta... how long did it take you to make such quality geta?"

Still perplexed, he replied, "I apprenticed for six years, Samurai-sama."

She smiled, and then ordered, "Point your spear at me."

Confused, the man did as bidden, and then looked surprised when she said, simply. "Attack me."

There was a moment of quiet, and then he started to answer, "But Samurai-sama..."

In a blur of motion, Chihaya drew her blade, stepping inside the reach of the spear in two quick steps, katana whipping about to rest with the blade held motionless just barely below the rim of the metal hat he wore.

There was a beat, and then she stepped back, sheathing her blade and stating, calmly. "This is the first lesson. If you receive an order - follow it. If you hesitate, you risk your life, and the life of those beside you. It is also the second lesson - do not attempt to face down samurai in single combat. For Taro here, he has six years of experience making geta. I have more than twice that experience in the art of war. I am not unique in this."

Gesturing for him to step back, she then barked out. "All of you, point your spears at me!"

Some were immediate, some were delayed, and those who were slow received a venomous glare, but after a moment there was a bristling wall of spears pointed in her direction.

Stepping forward, she stopped short, as the many spearheads made forward progress impossible.

"You see, your strength in this case will be each other. You will have to rely on each other, hold your position together, and you may live. If you break ranks, charging ahead, running away, you will be left alone, and there you will be easy prey."

Reclaiming her place, she stated, simply. "For the next two hours you will be practicing the basic thrust, and how to recognize the most basic of orders given by Tessen. After that, you should get into cover, get warm, and get something to eat. When battle comes, you don't wish to be already too tired."

As she let that sink in, she claimed a Yari from the supplies, bringing it out and then beginning to demonstrate the basic wide stance and thrust, before setting them to practice, walking up and down the lines, correcting form as she went.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:52 pm

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"Any tips?"

"Practice daily if it is something you wish to gain skill over. As I said, your form is good, but once you do it enough, your form will be perfect every time so it isn't as important as the philosophy. Having a clear vision of what you want the arrow to do, and clearing your mind of everything. Meditation can be a good practice as well when you cannot use a range."

Mogami collects her things and orders the peasants to begin firing as well.

"I'm sure we can help each other too...For example, when I hit my second shot, my mind thought of you before I reached center."

[Day 3, Late Morning - Eastern Wall] Peasant Levies

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