[center][h3]Castle Kaneda Gate Fort[/h3][/center]
[center][b]SHADOW OF THE YOKAI[/b] (ACT I FINALE)[/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (ATS), [@Enkryption] (ALI & CRL), [@The Irish Tree] (LIL), [@Rezod92], [@Restalaan] (GRI) ~[/center]

The moon hung dimly in the night sky as the assault team took their position under some tall grass a bit of a way outside the main gate to the castle. Had there been more of the attackers, or if one of them was just a foot taller, they probably would have been noticed by the watchtowers. Fortunately, that was not the case and the defenders remained oblivious to the human-yokai team planning to strike.

Takamori's eyes could see a bit in the future, but such sharp sight also let him see farther than the average man. From a distance, he scouted the daunting gates of Castle Kaneda's main entrance and reported his findings to the rest of the assault team still hiding in the tall grasses. "[color=yellow]We have a couple of archers in each of the two watchtowers on the gate's flanks. We also have a few Brigands and Footmen patrolling. If there is anyone inside the local barracks, I could not see.[/color]"

"[color=violet]We also have to mind the armory and the stables inside.[/color]" Yurine asked. "[color=violet]There could be enemies inside them, unlikely as it may be.[/color]"

"[color=yellow]The gate fort is... lightly defended, if I'm to be honest. At least, from what I could see. I only saw Brigands and Footmen patrolling. The larger warriors are nowhere to be seen.[/color]" Takamori relayed. 

"[color=orange]Perhaps they are simply asleep.[/color]" Nobutada guessed.

"[color=yellow]Perhaps. But if this is the castle where they're holding Lord Oja, I'd at least expect a more elite garrison.[/color]" Takamori replied. "[color=yellow]This is all very strange.[/color]"

"[color=violet]Should we retreat?[/color]" Yurine asked.

Takamori shook his head. "[color=yellow]No. Even if it's all a trap and Lord Oja isn't actually here, I do agree with Takeshi that this castle is a good staging ground against the invasion anyway. Terauchi Temple is too exposed and isn't built to withstand attack. Even if our main objectives fail, we'll have much to gain taking control of Castle Kaneda.[/color]"

Nobutada accepted the reply with a shrug. "[color=orange]Well then, what are we waiting for?[/color]"

Takamori smiled, amused, and turned to the yokai part of the assault team. "[color=yellow]Yokai. Your kind's really good at causing a ruckus. How shall we disturb our unwanted Varjan visitors' seemingly peaceful night?[/color]"

[hr]
[center][h3]Castle Kaneda Inner Courtyard[/h3][/center]
[center][b]SHADOW OF THE YOKAI[/b] (ACT I FINALE)[/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (SHI & HIN), [@The Irish Tree] (EUL), [@Restalaan] (SKA) ~[/center]

Takeshi led the stealth team to the castle's steep side under the guise of night, showing the others how to safely scale the stony face to reach their objective undetected. Despite having the natural barrier of being placed atop a plateau, there were still walls surrounding the castle grounds and the castle itself. Fortunately for the stealth team, the walls were full of gaps that can allow even someone as sizable as Nobutada to fit through.

In a small open space before one such gap, Takeshi began to explain. "Alright, you guys know what to do. Secure the inner courtyard and castle grounds. Eliminate any hostiles. It'd be best if everything is done quietly but don't be afraid to be flashy if the situation calls for it. There shouldn't be much people in this area, just a smaller barracks and training grounds complete with an archery range." Peering through the smaller gaps, Takeshi saw patrolling Varjans with torches for illumination. "Still, be careful everyone. The Varjans have already underestimated us. Let's not make the same mistake."

"...Meanwhile, I'll go behind the castle itself and enter through the garden. I will secure my father and help clear Castle Kaneda of any invaders." Takeshi nodded before leaving. "Good luck, everyone." The young lord then returned to scaling the mountain face. If any of the taskforce members wanted to join, now would be the opportunity.

Kageho and Sorae then entered the gap with nary a word. "[color=indianred]We'll take our places around the courtyard. You just do what you do best, yokai. We'll follow your lead.[/color]" Kazenosuke said before slipping through the gap himself.

[hr]
[hr]
[hr]

[center]~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~[/center]

[hider=The Shadow Of The Yokai {END OF ACT I} (ONGOING)]
[color=fff200](REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)[/color]

"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Past Never Passes]
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ SORAE TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Traitor]
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The People's Servant]
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~[/center]

[hider=Whispers In The Woods]
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
[/hider]

[hider=The Other Side Of Honor]
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.

"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."

"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
[/hider]

[hider=Shizuyama's Freedom]
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached. 

"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."

"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
[/hider]

[hider=Bottoms Up]
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.

"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
[/hider]