NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: Interact with the tribe if you're from another clan in anyway except y'know out right genocide)

Iwami

The Masumi tribe was troubled. News had reached Yuko Masumi of the Emperor's death. Emperor deaths had happened before and the heir always took over. Indeed that was how the tribe functioned. However, this time there was no heir and clans were preparing to fight.

Yuko stared out towards the land in front of him. As far as he was aware, in this region there was no powerful clan so no one to take control of him and his people. If there were, then he would not allow it. He summoned his loyal friend, Chiyuu to his side to talk about the matters that were now breaching the surface.

"We are in troubled times, Chiyuu. Look at us and our people. There are only 40 of us and we could be surrounded at any time. As both of us know, there are no other powerful tribes in this area. If there were then we would have met them on our travels. Know we know there are smaller villages around here consisting mainly of farmers. We could march in and immerse them in our tribe, hopefully without fighting them. That would send the wrong message. We could claim this land as our own and build larger towns." said Yuko.

"We could but we don't have all those resources. Besides we are happy here. Also, what about the other messages we are hearing? The children claim to have seen spirits walk among the trees. They follow them but then disappear. Some believe they are our guardians, others believe they are out to get us. What do we do?" replied Chiyuu.

"It is true spirits have been seen. I have been hearing whispers that the spirits are emerging because of the Emperor's death. They see a land divided and wish to take advantage of it. I shall go to the edge of the woods in the morning and call to the spirits to make their cause known. I will not have our children to scared to play." countered Yuko.

ooc: so, where exactly are you...? the sign-up thread says your not on the map...

ooc: so, where exactly are you...? the sign-up thread says your not on the map...

OOC: Currently in Iwami. My tribe is a nomadic people who will travel the country looking for answers.

ooc: ok, but it's not on the map, or am i not seeing it? also, this sounds like i could tie it in w my rp thread...definitely interested nonetheless

ooc: ok, but it's not on the map, or am i not seeing it? also, this sounds like i could tie it in w my rp thread...definitely interested nonetheless

OOC: That would be because it would be quite a hassle to keep changing the map everytime my tribe moved. Eventually they will settle somewhere but not yet. I will post in other IC threads eventually, I just want this thread here to keep the goings on of in tribal story lines.

OOC: That would be because it would be quite a hassle to keep changing the map everytime my tribe moved. Eventually they will settle somewhere but not yet. I will post in other IC threads eventually, I just want this thread here to keep the goings on of in tribal story lines.
ooc: ok. just curious. idk if i can interact in this rp for the moment, until you move closer to my holdings

ooc: ok. just curious. idk if i can interact in this rp for the moment, until you move closer to my holdings

OOC: Not a problem. I'll be moving soon enough.

ooc: found where you are, btw...that's kinda far, but what the hell...

ic:

The horse snorted warily, shaking his head. Quietly, the rider patted his mount's head, shushing him. Looking out along the expanse of land, the scout took mental note of the paths, mountain crossings, rivers and other barriers to human trespass. It was very unlikely that Katsuyori would try and push this far out...but if his wars against the other daimyo had shown, his life meant continued success for the Takeda Clan. The horse snorted again.

"Eh, you sense something, boy?" the rider asked.

ooc2: are your people ainu?

ooc: found where you are, btw...that's kinda far, but what the hell...

ic:

The horse snorted warily, shaking his head. Quietly, the rider patted his mount's head, shushing him. Looking out along the expanse of land, the scout took mental note of the paths, mountain crossings, rivers and other barriers to human trespass. It was very unlikely that Katsuyori would try and push this far out...but if his wars against the other daimyo had shown, his life meant continued success for the Takeda Clan. The horse snorted again.

"Eh, you sense something, boy?" the rider asked.

ooc2: are your people ainu?

OOC: Yes they are.

Nakatashi was a low ranking shinobi of the Yuzo clan; He had been tasked with watching the nomadic people of the Masumi tribe by Yuzo Ryo himself! The young ninja had stayed in the shadows as he was trained and made sure to keep himself invisible to the naked eye by surrounding himself with his own shadow while he moved.

He was swift and his training in silence and stealth was quite advanced. He watched the tribe from a nearby hillside. The shinobi stayed low to the ground and watched with his shadow creature Kagita.


The female serpent watched the tribesmen and women and wanted to go down into the area hidden behind the tall grass get in close to see and hear them. She slithered quietly into the grass and prepared to use the cover to head down the hillside. She would collect all the information on this group that was needed and report back to her master Nakatashi…


She hissed quietly as she went towards the darker areas of the grass seeking to blend her shadowy form into the local darkness and avoid detection by the humans. She loved this part of her job sneaking up to targets. She also loved using her poison for assassinations but that seemed unlikely considering the tribe was not a direct threat at the moment.

She thought to herself quietly maybe I could get in close enough to find the leader of this group and report his location to Nakatashi! The thought of pleasing her master with that information sent a light shiver down her body and she carefully readjust herself to avoid making any noise from her second of carelessness..

OOC: Just a note, but the Tanuki (raccoon people) I use are mostly peaceful

IC:
A small group of Tanuki, plump despite the poor harvest recently, came walking around the bend, leading a small herd of old horses. They were chattering in their own language, so a lot of clicking noises were coming from them.

As they walked around the bamboo grove, they became clearly visible, and they were well dressed. Their faces were painted white, with some red and blue, in the style of a troupe of Kabuki actors.

Nakatashi watched the Tanuki enter into clear sight from his hillside hiding spot. The young shinobi noticed them to be not human and sighed. He hated dealing with nonhumans it made things more complicated unless they were shadow creatures..

Nakatashi reaches for his sheathed ninjato that was hidden under his shadow cloak. The shadowy figure continues to watch the strange creatures as they head toward his targets. This did not seem good considering Kagita was heading down and these creatures might be able to sense her presence in the tribe's area..


The shinobi decides to make a tactical withdrawal and moves further back behind the hill before deciding if action is needed…

The Tanuki continue down the road, spotting the small nomadic village, when their chattering grew louder.

Most of them morphed into true raccoon form, and they scampered ahead on all fours, still chattering. They all lined up and let out a simultaneous click to attract attention. They hadn't gotten much money recently with the ambushes of goods and gold.

The rest of the troupe pulled up behind, where the packhorses began to graze on the surrounding grasses.

OOC: Yes they are.
ooc: i see a bit of a historical teaching...(i'm a historian, btw)

ic:

The scout noticed a group of Kabuki actors making their way from a distance and quieted his horse. In response, his horse shook its head in the direction of a nearby grove that was rifled with shadows; a good hiding spot. THinking he ought to move, the rider moved his steed along the path, heading down into the valley. In the distance, he could make out a settlement of some sort, though it did not look like a village he'd ever seen before. Could these be...?

Yuko heard the chatter as someone approached. One of his scouts came to him.

"Master! You will not believe what is approaching our way. There seem to be a group of racoons approaching." saind the scout.

"Well fend them off then. We do not need animals going for our food stores." replied Yuko.

"You misunderstand Master. These are not ordinary racoon. They are almost like people. They are well dressed and have pack horses with them. These must be the creatures the children saw while playing in the woods." countered the scout, "Shall I ready the warriors?"

"No. If they wanted to attack us, they would have done so already. These are creatures we have not faced before. I shall go meet them on the road. Ready my horse." said Yuko.

After a little while, Yuko rode out to meet these unfamiliar creatures.

"Halt. Who are you creatures?" said Yuko in a neutral tone. he did not want to offend these creatures that had arrived at his village.

One of the raccoons rose up to full height, forgetting he was still in raccoon form. He quickly morphed into his raccoon-human form.
He emitted a series of clicking noises.

Noticing the confused look on the man's face, he began to speak in Japanese, but very fast and not very well enunciated.

"Hellohello. We are a troupe of kabuki actors wand'ring through this here area."

Yuko watched in amazement as the creature before him morphed. So the stories were true...The spirit world had awoken and was wandering the realm of man. Yuko however quickly gained his composure.

"I am Yuko Masumi, leader of the Masumi tribe. You were getting quite close to our village and my guards summoned me. Where is it you hail from?"

Kagita managed to get down the base of the hill and started to silently move through the grass to the outer part of the nomadic village. She tried to avoid being seen by staying low and avoiding the foot paths commonly used by the walking tribesmen.


She kept looking around for any sign of interest trying to gather information for her master. The shadow serpent continued moving and decided to try and locate the leader of this tribe and learn about his intentions. The Yuzo ninja clan relied upon intelligence on the many factions in Japan. It only made sense to gather information on a group like this to see their intentions..

"Yes yes, we come from here, there, everywhere. Most recently we come from Bizen. The Kataki is short on funds. Yes yes, we sent out to perform for moneys." He said again, very quickly

Kagetora;14313709']"Yes yes, we come from here, there, everywhere. Most recently we come from Bizen. The Kataki is short on funds. Yes yes, we sent out to perform for moneys." He said again, very quickly

"It is most strange. We have never seen creatures like yourselves before and we travel to many places. I must apologise but we do not have the funds to watch a performance. However you can stay the night in our village to get some rest and shelter. All I ask in return is for peace between our people." said Yuko, who was intrigued by the creatures before him.

Ai, the lead raccoon, put on his best pouty face. Seeing that the tribe truly didn't have money.

"Yes. Sounds good. We's always enjoy human company. Not many humans on Awaji. Mainly hermits who keep to themselves." he said.

Ai turned around, and clicked a message to the troupe, who all started clicking in what seemed like a joyful manner.

Kagetora;14314180']Ai, the lead raccoon, put on his best pouty face. Seeing that the tribe truly didn't have money.

"Yes. Sounds good. We's always enjoy human company. Not many humans on Awaji. Mainly hermits who keep to themselves." he said.

Ai turned around, and clicked a message to the troupe, who all started clicking in what seemed like a joyful manner.

"Good. Follow me to the village. The people may be curious but they are also kind. Your horses will also be fed and kept with our horses for the night."

Yuko then turned his horse and rode at a steady pace to allow the spirits to keep up with him.

"So, tell me of your people."

"Good good good. The history of Tanuki is crazy long and I don't want to talk your ear off. Any specifics?" said Ai

Kagetora;14314230']"Good good good. The history of Tanuki is crazy long and I don't want to talk your ear off. Any specifics?" said Ai

"Well, what brings you to these lands? Do you travel solely to perform or to discover the secrets this land holds?" asked Yuko.

"Well recently, we's have been touring the major cities for moneys. The Kataki are mostly isolationist see? The Tanuki are usually the ones who enjoy human company. Humans make good foods."

Kagetora;14314249']"Well recently, we's have been touring the major cities for moneys. The Kataki are mostly isolationist see? The Tanuki are usually the ones who enjoy human company. Humans make good foods."

"Well then tonight you shall be fed well. Do you bring any news with you from the other cities?" asked Yuko. If he was going to do the best thing for his people then he needed to know what was happening elsewhere.

"Super crazy things. The death of the emperor, who is supposed to hold the peace between the human and other worlds, has allowed the spirits and demons to arise. They wander the lands freely, unafraid of any repurcussion. Demons have begun invading small towns, and travellers are often waylaid by the mischievous and evil."

Kagetora;14315445']"Super crazy things. The death of the emperor, who is supposed to hold the peace between the human and other worlds, has allowed the spirits and demons to arise. They wander the lands freely, unafraid of any repurcussion. Demons have begun invading small towns, and travellers are often waylaid by the mischievous and evil."

"So evil is afoot. This is indeed a worrying time for us all."

They now approached the village where already the meal for the night was being prepared. The Masumi welcomed these visitors like long lost friends and helped them feel immersed in the tribes life. Yuko turned to Ai.

"I must leave you while I consult with my adviser on what to do. Please make your self at home in our village. If you need anything then just ask one of the tribes members. They will help you." With that Yuko walked to his own tent, summoning Chiyuu to talk with him.

"What is it Yuko? Who are these people?" inquired Chiyuu

"They are spirits and actors who travel the land performing shows. I have given them leave to stay the night. They also bring news. It seems the tales the children tell are not lies. Since the Emperor has died, spirits both good and evil are roaming the lands. We must do what we can to protect our people. Other clans move. I fear that war will be waged soon to take control of all of the lands and we will be consumed if we stay in our current state. Tomorrow, when the spirits leave, we will find the smaller settlements in this region and offer a proposal to work together for protection." said Yuko.

"I understand this concern but are we really ready to take control of a large region. We are only small in number." replied Chiyuu

"We can only find out one way. I rather we try than sit here and be trampled by the bigger clans. I fear our way of life, traveling the land is coming to an end. It is no longer safe as we do not know what demons lurk in these lands anymore."

Ai and the troupe quickly settled down with the villagers, and graciously took the food they were offered. Some of the younger and servant raccoons brought in small bowls of water, which the troupe used to customarily wash their food*. They were sure it was good, but they still retained the habits of when they had to gather their own food.

*If you've ever seen this, it's really pretty hilarious

Yuko rejoined the group to celebrate the arrival of such magnificent creatures. Today was a rare day when the outside world was so relevant to the tribe. Yuko looked around at all the people around him, his friends and family. Soon all their lives would change. Would it be for the better? Who knew.

The scout looked at the villagers and the newcomers. He didn't know what to make of it, but knew that the Takeda's would be interested. Vaulting from his horse, the rider settled down to a meal before deciding to report back quickly.

ooc: forgot my char was in here, sorry.

The Next Day

After the night of celebrations Yuko was preparing to travel around the region, offering support and security to the outlying villages who did not have protection. Chiyuu and 5 of his guard were to ride with him. However he first went to speak to Ai.

"Sir, it has been a pleasure to meet you but the news you bring has troubled me and my people. I must leave to meet with the villages in this land. My people will make sure you are well fed and stocked up before you leave. My brother Arno will see you are well before you leave. Remember, you are always welcome within the Masumi tribe."

With that Yuko and the others rode from the village in search of the next village. It was a day's ride away so time was imperative. A lot could happen in a day.

After thanking Yuko and his tribe members, the Tanuki began on their way again.

It was night. There had been no sign of any trouble in the region so far, but the first village was still a few hours away. They would rest for the night as the horses were incredibly tired. They stopped in a clearing near a river for rest.

"Yuko, what do you hope to achieve with these visits?" asked Chiyuu.

"Safety, my friend. This region has no ruling power and while the Emperor was alive, that was fine. Everyone did what they did in peace. Now, who is there to stop any of the other clans or indeed spirits from wiping out every settlement in this region. We are a traveling people but you have known that I feel Iwami is the best of places we have stayed. I wish to unite the villages under one flag, to make Iwami a haven, somewhere which is safe for everyone. The people here deserve that." replied Yuko, "Now sleep my friend. We have a busy day tomorrow."

After an uneventful night Yuko and his riders saw a village up ahead. Yuko knew of this message and knew the leader of it. The village was called Ariki and the leader was known as Masuro. The village consisted of around 200 people, the majority being farmers.

Yuko approached the village and instantly spotted Masuro. He dismounted his horse, as did his guards and they made their way towards Masuro.

"Masuro, I bring you news and an offer." called Yuko.

"What? No welcome?", replied Masuro.

"There is no time. We need to talk in private immediately. Strange things are occurring." retorted Yuko.

"And you expect me to drop my own villages business to accommodate you. Why?" said Masuro.

"If you don't, then you won't have a village to tend to!", shouted Yuko.

"Is that a threat Yuko?" said Masuro slowly drawing his own sword.

"No it is a warning. We must speak now. Both our lives and our peoples are at stake." Yuko said in a calm manner.

Masuro studied Yuko for any signs of deception but found none.

"Fine", he said,"Follow me to my hut. Leave your guards outside."

Yuko followed Masuro in silence not wanting to divulge his own ideas to the crowd that had now gathered to see what the commotion was. They entered the hut.

"Please sit Yuko. Would you like a drink?" said Masuro, all traces of anger having left his voice.

"No thank you. The Emperor is dead."

"What of it? His heir will take over and we shall live as we always have. You shall continue to travel and I shall tend to my flock."

"That's just it. There is no heir and now spirits walk the lnd. My own people encountered raccoon people just yesterday. Luckily they were friendly. I have heard of others who will kill a man instantly though. The bigger clans, I fear, gear up for war and if we do not do something then we shall be trampled by them."

"What do you propose then?" inquired Masuro, intrigued by these turns of event.

"We unite the tribes and villages of Iwami under one flag. We shall create our own clan." replied Yuko.

"Interesting...And what if I refuse?" said Masuro.

"Well then, we all fall to the blades of bigger clans and our villages become no more. It is for the best that Iwami unites." said Yuko.

"And who shall lead this new clan? You I presume?" said Masuro now apprehensive of the idea.

"No. This new clan will be ruled by The Lord Council. Leaders of every tribe and village will be a Lord and we will work together to defend the Iwami borders. It is necessary for harmony." said Yuko.

Masuro sat in silence for a few moments contemplating his choices. Either continue his simple life in his village or work with Yuko to create a powerful clan, one to challenge any others over power...

"You have a deal my fellow Lord. I shall send out messengers to the rest of the Village and Tribe leaders. A meeting should be called to decide what is the best course of action."

"Excellent!" replied Yuko, "I must still travel Iwami to confirm the acceptance of this rule. Live in peace Masuro." With that Yuko left and called his guards. They left the village to go to the next and speak with the other leaders. Iwami was one step closer to becoming a stronghold.