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Post by Raz on Feb 15, 2018 22:54:08 GMT
It is April 2nd, 1560. It's been eighty three years since the indecisive conclusion of the Onin war. The power and authority of the Ashikaga shogunate has evaporated leaving a power vacuum that has yet to be filled. In that vacuum the ambitious daimyo of the land are now attempting to claw their way to the top. The child emperor Niwa has not the power to stop the chaos that consumes the land. At least not by himself. His predecessors have turned the position of emperor into that of a puppet ruler. While they had basked in the lap of luxury during their reigns, Japan has been wracked by internal strife and open warfare for nearly a century. The strong attack the weak in a constant struggle for power. Bandits prowl the forests, pirates sail along the coast, and ronin lurk in the dark alleys of the country's cities. Villages and castles are built and burnt with the changing of the seasons. Peasant's blood waters the soil of numerous battlefields around the land. It appears as though it is an endless cycle of death begets death begets death. Yet even with so much fighting, no singular force can be said to have dominion over the land. Thus only dragging out the madness even longer.
In response to the continuing chaos, Emperor Niwa ordered the creation of a new court. He had grown tired of watching the land he was born to rule burn around him. This court is to have a representative from each province in the nation, each with their own set of skills. The Emperor hopes that with the brightest of Japan's minds and most influential clans on his side, this era of warring states may finally come to an end.
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Post by Raz on Feb 16, 2018 15:56:20 GMT
The sun was lazily rising in the mid morning sky above the province of Awa. It was cool this morning, the last whispers of winter perhaps? In the castle of Tokushima a young maiden was sitting beneath the shade of a cherry tree. Her hair was the color of a raven's feather and was held in the current updo fashion. A red comb held her hair in place as her eyes scoured the scroll in her hands. Her eyes flicked across the intricately written kanji rapidly. It was a new scroll, one she had written herself. As the history keeper of the clan it was her duty to record everything of note that occurred in the land. This is a daunting enough task when focusing all of her effort upon it. The scroll details the new construction of an inner wall around Tokushima castle which adds a new level of defense to the already strong fortress. "The lumber and stones that had been gathered and cut to size in the winter have begun to be used in the new construction project. Estimates suggest that it should be finished by the end of summer with Yuri Shinsuke overseeing the construction." Shinsuke was one of Daimyo Kagasona's officers. Yuri was born in the east but moved out to Shikoku after the chaos of the mainland grew too much to handle. He's in his mid forties and has been a close advisor to Kagasona ever since. He wears his black hair in a short topknot and can be seen even now ordering the construction crews from her place in the garden. He has been like an uncle to the young Keeper since she'd been a child.
Detailed along with this development is the continued seasonal drafting of impoverished peasants into the military. 1210 new ashigaru spearmen now fill the castle training grounds as they go through their new training. "Father has once again ordered the drafting of any man above the age of seventeen and below fifty who cannot feed themselves. They will be given training in the usage of the spear. Promising members may be given access to the bow. The majority of the newly drafted men are farmers children and street urchins. Though a few grizzled old beggars have also joined the ranks." Her older brother Shima is working with them today. Her father has been encouraging him to work and speak with the common folk of their house. It is good for the nobility to see the people that are under their authority. Too often have the nobility had their heads removed by an angry mob of mistreated peasants. It's much like that Ikko-ikki nonsense that was happening up north. The maiden tips her brush in more ink and continues to write, this time about the border tension with the Chosokabe to the west. This has become a major concern recently and is why so much has been invested in creating that inner wall. "Relations with the Chosokabe continue to worsen as they assemble troops along the border. Villagers on our side have been flocking from the border in fear of raids. In retaliation we've had similar build up of our troops along that border. The Chosokabe have sent us missives asking us to cease the build up along their bo-" Her brush is halted midstroke by a voice.
"Toshiba-Sama," the voice calls. Looking up from her scroll she sees the familiar face of Shiba, her bastard brother. Dressed in the plain common robes of a servant he dips his head in respect. "Toshiba-sama, Lord Kagasona requires your presence in the audience hall." To keep from looking directly at her his eyes glance to the koi pond that she was sitting by. The pink petals of the cherry tree were floating on the top of the pond.
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Post by Raz on Feb 17, 2018 14:05:30 GMT
Far away in the Imperial palace, another event was unfolding.
The air was hot even for this relatively cool spring. The Imperial audience chambers was filled with men wearing extravagant silks. They were standing with their heads bowed towards the figure sitting behind a thin veil. Sitting up straight behind the veil was 15 year old Hideyori Niwa, owner of the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor of Japan. His expression was measuredly neutral, though anyone who knew him well could see that he was exhausted. He looks upon the three men who he had admitted an audience. Two of them were men that he had seen before, Shingen Takeda, Ujiyasu Hojo, and the third was foreign to him. They came today to speak on the issue of the emergence of the Ikko-ikki that had spread into the Kanto region. He learned from Shingen that the bald man in the middle of the two daimyo was a member of the Ikko-ikki sect and that he had been raising the peasants against them. Hide knew that whatever he said today was going to become law in regards to the growing menace of the Ikko-ikki. He had listened to them speak and now it was his turn, "Any and allmembers of the Ikko-ikki rebellions are to be declared no different than common bandits. You are free to deal with them as you see fit." The two men bowed very low while the bald man in chains quivers in fear. "Thank you, your majesty." Shingen said before taking the priest with Ujiyasu out of the room."
Once they had left, Hideyori sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It never ends, does it?" He says asking his sister whom he knew was hiding somewhere in the room.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2018 4:22:59 GMT
The long hour of constantly wearing such a cumbersome helmet and continuously standing without a moment's respite induced a great deal of weariness in Emperor Niwa's sister. Chizue, Hideyori's 22 year-old older sibling, was secretly performing a job for free that others demand pay for. This certainly wasn't her first time doing such a thing in the name of her dear brother's safety, but the activities of the previous evening and a slightly nasty hangover made the easy role of standing guard a bit harder. Luckily, the armor and bulky helmet concealed her true identity from the actual guards, ensuring that her brother and only one other person in the room knew that the guard standing closest to the emperor was actually his sister. Daiyo, Chizue's combat instructor and the other person who was aware of her presence, stood closest on the opposite side. Aside from being somewhat smaller in size to some of the other guards, Chizue's disguise held up as it always had. Occasionally looking down at her brother, she plainly saw that he was even more exhausted than she was and looked at him through the mask in pity.
Restless, she subtly moved her naginata around between her hands until Daiyo gave her a stern look signaling her to stop. Obviously, he had heard the approaching sounds of those they had been waiting for. She knew little of what to expect aside from the fact that this meeting concerned the Ikko-ikki, a matter of recent controversy surrounding the emperor. It was because of this that she chose to personally guard her brother through this particular meeting. She knew little of the actual practice of the religion, but knew that it was being used a militaristic way with the intent of transferring power. The defense given by the man in the middle of the trio, who found to be a member of the rebellion, was mostly lost on her due to focus on remaining wary of the room's surroundings so it did nothing to explain the Ikko-ikki beliefs to her. Her focus was diverted when her brother responded, however, and she wasn't totally surprised by his ruling. Why should an active rebellion against the ruling emperor receive more leniency than mere bandits? She was also, at least, relieved that this ruling would make her chosen duties a bit easier with less risk of allowing wolves into the pen. Still, she hoped that few innocents who were manipulated into their beliefs would find themselves troubled by this proclamation. She also felt some sympathy for the bald man now shivering in fear.
After the trio exited the room and the audience had ended, the guards who had been stationed in the room returned to their ordinary positions within the court. Chizue and Daiyo were left behind to seemingly fill the positions of the emperor's personal guards. Before she felt enough time had passed to drop her disguise as a stoic guard, her tired brother asked his weary question. After glancing around a bit to ensure she was out of visuals and earshot from any unknowing persons, she visibly relaxed and took the risk of removing her helmet as she lazily stepped closer to Hideyori. "Ugh, I'm almost tempted to demand someone take this damn thing off of my hands." She grinned slightly at her brother, but it was obvious that she was tired as well. Albeit, for less noble reasons. "No, brother, it does not end for us. The bald man's hopes and dreams, though, do end." She said playfully, annoyingly brushing her brother's head back with a gloved hand. Her tied-up black hair and soft features were now visible. She wrung her neck out a bit before begrudgingly putting the helmet back on. She wouldn't be able to remove it again until arriving at her personal area of the building. Her brother's exhaustion was once again noticeable. "You need to rest more than I do." She said before switching to a more serious tone. "And before you say anything, I mean it more than just out of concern for your health. It CAN affect your performance too."
Daiyo, who had been standing at the other side of the emperor, finally spoke. "You've no right to lecture the emperor on health and rest, Chizue." He spoke brashly. Daiyo, though not a member of royalty, is a well respected retired military general. Most would think twice about talking down to royalty, but he has been doing so for years since agreeing to teach Chizue. "I can tell how late you stayed up doing who knows what, despite knowing your responsibilities of the coming day. Your sluggishness gives it away. Your next session will be all the more grueling for it. " He said with his usual strictness. "How do you.. Y-yes, I understand." Chastised, she had little to say in return. He was the only figure of authority in her life that she actually came to fear. Daiyo returned to his stoic position to give the emperor room to respond to his sister. She quietly awaited developments.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Feb 18, 2018 12:13:31 GMT
Toshi looks up from her work to see her bastard brother in the clothes of a servant. Her siblings, especially her brothers, treat the boy coldly and like an animal at times. She has always had a soft spot for him and been kind in their meetings alone. Though his words fill in with apprehension. She's a smart woman, she knows her father will want to discuss marriage as she's getting older now. She feels it will be a distraction from her work, these records require her entire attention to be sure everything is as accurate as possible. Though, there is no choice now, much to her reluctance.
She places the brush back into it's hold and seals the ink jar. She has an excellent memory and is confident she can remember the rest until put onto scroll. And if not, she was always wise enough to make notes to fall back on. She stands and smiles at her brother before bowing to him in respect back. "Thank you Shiba-San." He always seems surprised whenever Toshi calls him by that honorific, but she does everytime in their privacy nonetheless. She makes her way to the audience hall while sighing in resign. She knows she cannot stall anymore and father is probably angry that she has done so for this long already. She knows what to say and soothe his mind. It must be stressful for him as it is, something that she does not want.
Upon arrival, she sees her father is already there. She bows in respect as a reflex to him, her tone very polite. "Good day, Ota-sama. You wished to see me?"
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Post by Raz on Feb 18, 2018 19:50:57 GMT
Hideyori could tell that his sister wasn't enjoying her time in that armour. Her constant fidgeting was part of her restless character. Her mentor was also easy to pick out for the young ruler. Outwardly he appeared like any other personal guard that Hideyori had at his disposal. But the slight cuts of his eyes to the fidgeting guard gave away both his profession and Chizue. Though perhaps the guests hadn't noticed the scolding look Daiyo gave his sister. He expected they hadn't. Most guests that he receives are too in awe of him or trying to buy his favor through fealty. When he first ascended to his office it was strange to see such powerful people acting so meek before him. The novelty of this soon wore off after uncountable audiences he's given. Dark bags hang underneath Hideyori's eyes from weeks of restless sleep. There was so much that needed to be done before the first summit of the Sakura court. So many different things needed to be established for this to work out. A representative from every province was needed to represent the interests of the people. There were numerous blood feuds that he needed to keep note of. The Takeda and the Uesugi will need to be separated. The Shimazu can't be sat near the Otomo because of a recent trade dispute. This means increased security, an elaborate meeting place, and ensuring that the representatives can keep themselves under control. Overall it's been a nightmare trying to organize this.
"But it'll be worth it. It has to be." The young Emperor thinks with complete certainty. If there was something that the Emperor couldn't be faulted for, it was his commitment to change. This commitment unfortunately made him a rather serious child. Which his sister spent a large amount of time teasing him for. Now that he was sitting atop the Chrysanthemum Throne this only grew more ingrained in his character. His ruling on the Ikko-Ikki was a foregone conclusion. Had the land not been in the midst of a near century long catastrophe then perhaps he could've dealt with them in another fashion. As things stood he couldn't waste time upon trying to settle that issue with diplomacy. His daimyo, who'd been held on leashes like a pack of hunting dogs, will descend upon the Ikko-Ikki without mercy. Temples will be pillaged, villagers will be massacred, innocent and guilty alike will be slaughtered. Thousands of men, women, and children will be put to the torch because of this. These deaths will be placed at his feet. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought, "So be it. They won't be the only ones who'll disappear in the chaos by the time this ends."
When he opened his eyes he heard his sister's voice as she stepped closer. He hadn't actually expected an answer to his question. He already knew the answer was no, he simply couldn't help but give voice to his thoughts. She was grumbling about wearing her helmet as usual. She hated the blasted thing, complained about how hot it was underneath it. "Apologies that the armor of an imperial guardsman is not good enough for you, sister." He says in the dry tone she had gotten used to. It was a mix of annoyance and that usual serious tone that he'd all but adopted when speaking to her. At the mention of the bald man who was led away from his chambers, Hideyori winced slightly. "Yes, they do." The man most certainly was going to be executed when they return to their Home Counties. Hopefully it will be done quickly but even if it is, the others won't be. Then like he was a common pet his sister brushed his short black hair. He shifted away from her hand while getting up to his feet. "Am I the royal dog now? To be petted and brushed?" He said with a raised eyebrow. At the mention of rest he waves away her concern. "I will -" But she does not let him continue, instead pushing ahead with her admonition of his restlessness. She was right of course, but this summit is more important. It's the only chance they have at solving this. Before he can say anything, his sister's teacher speaks up instead. "Seems you're not following your own rules sister." He sighs and runs a hand through his smooth and well maintained hair. "I will rest when I am able to, Chizue. But you know how important this summit is."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2018 3:03:07 GMT
Chizue couldn't help but laugh a bit at her brother's reaction to her attempt to annoy him by pushing his head back, but managed to do so as quietly as she had been speaking. She had always found his strict temperament, which was by all means necessary for an emperor, very amusing. Of course, she knew that its charm had a great deal to do with his young age. She hoped that he would begin to lighten up a bit as he grew older, since an irritable adult isn't nearly as fun. She also often thought about how much of who Hideyori was had been forced upon the child from birth and pitied him for it. Obviously the two siblings are very different, which is no doubt a result of the fact that Chizue's childhood was one of leisure and Hideyori's had been the exact opposite. She also hoped that her teasing of her brother doesn't merely serve the purpose of amusing her, but also helps develop more humbleness within the emperor than he would otherwise have with everyone in his life being subservient to him. He seemed to mostly be on the right track so far, but she felt that she would have to eventually force some haughtiness out of him in the future if she turns out to be wrong.
After the admonishment from Daiyo, her brother used his words to put Chizue in her place. Already a bit embarrassed by Daiyo's scolding, she felt that she had obviously lost the footing neccessary to comment further on Hide's exhaustion. After all, she had been told that this day would be important to prepare for but had chosen to get wrapped up in secret affairs with a group of friends the night prior. These friends also happened to be young people of high expectations and had more to lose than Chizue if word were to spill about their carelessness. At this point, using events like these to spread a reputation of a mere indulgent and carefree member of the royal family, Chizue had very little to lose from such a thing. "I rarely do." Was all she used to reply to his brother's comment about following rules, though she actually did tend to do so when it came to filling a role in the court. She finally let up on her brother for appearing so exhausted after he placated her with the vague promise of resting eventually. "Of course, it is. Everything is always important around here, unfortunately."
She then supposed that she should probably at least get back into character somewhat. She moved back a bit and into her previous position, though still looking at her brother and staying in the conversation. She began to wonder how much longer her brother intended to stay in this room. Once he left, she would be able to return to her quarters and finally change out of her armor. Still, she chose not to mention it because she wasn't sure if there was more to come or if the situation would become more eventful and her presence would actually have been necessary.
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Post by Raz on Mar 5, 2018 17:21:23 GMT
Shiba tries his best to hide the awe he feels whenever princess Toshi speaks to him. She's the only one in the royal family that treats him as though he was their equal. Even most of the upper servants didn't treat him this way. As to be expected for the bastard of kitchen wench. He was about as far down on the societal totem pole as you could go. And yet, for some reason Princess Toshi was so kind to him. The use of the honorific caught him off guard every time that he heard it. "Th-thank you, Toshi-sama." Not wanting to anger the Princess, Shiba is quick to dip his head in thanks before leading her to the audience hall. On the way to the room both of them notice a finely dressed gentleman who was looking over a suit of armor in the hall. He was jotting something down on a scroll as they passed by. Shiba slides open the door to the audience hall so that Toshi may enter.
Once Toshi is inside he closes the sliding door so they may have a modicum of privacy. Inside the room Toshi's father was on his knees with one arm on a cushion to his left. His eyes are closed and he appears to be in deep thought. His head is shaved aside from a thick topknot. He does not speak for a moment after his daughter makes her presence known. After a moment he opens his eyes to look at her. His eyes show that he is very tired. This matter with the Chisokabe has been weighing on him for some time now. But that is not what vexes him today, "Toshi-Chan, my daughter, I have given you time, more time than other fathers would have. I've let you live your life as you saw fit up to this point. You've bloomed into a beautiful young woman, much like the Sakura blossoms outside. However, I'm afraid this can go on no longer. " He eyes her for a moment before sighing, "You already know of what I have to say don't you?"
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Post by Raz on Mar 11, 2018 18:34:31 GMT
Hideyori glanced to Daiyo, "That is to be the last appointment we shall have today. I have some arrangements that must be made but they can be done in my quarters." The day still had much left that needed to be done and he was determined to see that it was. As was befitting a young ruler he bowed his head lightly in respect to both Chizue and Daiyo. "Thank you for coming with me today." Then to Chizue, "Do try not to-" The Emperor was in the middle of speaking when there was a sudden sound of a servant knocking on the door. Hideyori frowned, he wasn't expecting anyone else today. "You may enter." He said, eyes flicking to the door in annoyance. The door slid open and there stood a girl that none of the group knew. She had a look of a servant but she was clearly not one of the imperial variety. The girl wore a red kimono and kept her eyes fixed on the floor. Hideyori's expression doesn't seem to change at the new arrival. The servant speaks, "My lord, Lady Hanako wishes to ask if you would join her for tea this afternoon." This isnt the first time Chizue has heard that name before, Hanako Sanada is a princess of the Sanada clan to the north east. She had been living in the capital for some time now. She is known for being quiet and shy among strangers so the fact that she's requesting for the Emperor to share tea with her is even more odd. Nothing about this woman has set off any alarms for security so Chizue hasn't had much need to investigate her. Hideyori's expression changes almost instantly. His eyes widen and he excitedly says, "Of course, tell her I'll be with her very shortly." He wears a great big smile as the servant dips her head again, "Of course my lord. Hanako-Sama will surely be delighted to hear this." With that she steps back and out of sight of the room leaving the smiling Hideyori back with his "guards". Remembering that he wasn't with his normal guards he tries to regain that serious expression he had been wearing. He glances back to his sister. "Ahem, yes well, you may proceed with your day." He says before walking out of the room in a hurry in hopes to avoid any potential questioning.
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