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Castle Kaneda Gate Fort

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (ATS), @Enkryption (ALI & CRL), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Rezod92 (KRY), @Restalaan (GRI) ~


The magic that summoned the mighty bull already alerted the men in the watchtowers. They immediately started screaming and ringing their bells, but it was far too late. The sudden tearing of wood and support was loud and clear to the garrison, rousing every warrior from their slumber. The patrol groups immediately converged to the entrance, gathering any Varjan who was ready with them.

"For Shizuyama!"
Liliana


The warrior fairy's cry was taken as the cue for the human part of the assault team to move forth. Precise arrows from Takamori hit the watchtower guards in their necks. A small group ready to fight attempted to engage Liliana, but a giant figure ran past her. It was not her summoned bovine but rather, the monk Nobutada. He crashed into the group and bear-hugged one Footman, crushing the Varjan's body with his immense strength. Axes and swords were swung at him, but they simply bounced back despite the monk being unarmored. Brandishing his kanabo, Nobutada sent a Varjan flying with each swing.

Some Varjan Brigands attempted to re-secure the battered gate, but Yurine was ready the opening. Despite being very old and wielding a heavy axe, Yurine was graceful and deft. She evaded attacks before countering with a stumbling or sweeping kick, an opener to make sure the swing of her axe found its mark. Varjans were cleaved as Yurine brought danced the art of death.

The garrison was completely caught by surprise and they were scrambling to organize. Varjans trickled out of the buildings piecemeal, and they would be walking into a grinder. But the task force would notice that these were mere Footmen and Brigands. Not exactly the troops one would deploy to defend an important castle. Something was off.



Castle Kaneda Inner Courtyard

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (HIN), @Restalaan (SKA) ~


The stealth team infiltrated the lesser-populated inner courtyard with absolutely none of the garrison ever realizing. It was the dead of the night and most of the Varjans awake were drowsy, letting out yawn after yawn. Thus, the few patrollers were quickly eliminated by Kageho and Kazenosuke. Believing it would be best to eliminate as much Varjans as possible should they be discovered, Sorae entered a building and began slamming her naginata down on the sleeping garrison.

But then, alarm bells started ringing from the gate fort. They were loud enough to wake even the garrison in the inner courtyard. Thus, the Varjan garrison began hastily arming themselves and discovering the infiltrators, as well as the latter's bloody handiwork. Kageho, Kazenosuke and Sorae were forced to rendezvous out in the open to directly confront the remaining Varjans, numbering a dozen Brigands and Footmen.

The yokai part of the team can join the fight directly or hit the Varjans where they still don't expect. They had just woken up and their senses had not wholly come back to them. Surprising them again would not be difficult.



Castle Kaneda Back Garden

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (SHI), @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~


(Currently in collab)








~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~




~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~




~~ SORAE TALES ~~




~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~




~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~








~ The Eon Tower ~


”Well, Sir Einer, Master Arteus is in fact here, but is currently…indisposed at the moment, ehehe… As is Mistress Brunhyldia, but I'm sure you'll get to meet them soon enough!
Elaine Gardner


"I see. I suppose a man of his position tend to be the busiest in the Tower." Einer accepted the explanation. "I would have preferred otherwise but I suppose there's not much we can do about that. By the way, do you--"

Einer and the introductions of the new Reavers of the Eon Tower were interrupted by the arrival of four women who had 'trouble' written all over them. The bard's thoughts were validated considering that the Eon Tower's staff immediately turned all their attention to the new arrivals. Even the other Reavers tensed up when the women arrived. Questions regarding their identities were thrown about, all the while preparing for... the situation to escalate. Oh, this should be good, Einer thought.

The girls were mostly Beluan, and looked like aces in their professions, whatever they were. There was little Einer wanted to say that hadn't been already said. Thus, the bard quietly moved to the side, holding his lyre tight and conspicuously increasing the distance between him and... the confrontation. While Einer welcomed this unexpected development, it was something best enjoyed from afar.
Castle Kaneda Gate Fort

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (ATS), @Enkryption (ALI & CRL), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Rezod92, @Restalaan (GRI) ~


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. "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."

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

"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." Takamori relayed.

"Perhaps they are simply asleep." Nobutada guessed.

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

"Should we retreat?" Yurine asked.

Takamori shook his head. "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."

Nobutada accepted the reply with a shrug. "Well then, what are we waiting for?"

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



Castle Kaneda Inner Courtyard

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (SHI & HIN), @The Irish Tree (EUL), @Restalaan (SKA) ~


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. "We'll take our places around the courtyard. You just do what you do best, yokai. We'll follow your lead." Kazenosuke said before slipping through the gap himself.








~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~




~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~




~~ SORAE TALES ~~




~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~




~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~








~ The Eon Tower ~


- @Bacon -


“Always nice to meet someone who likes music. Mind if I ask your name, ma’am?”
Paashi Longfang


Einer cocked an eyebrow when one of newcomers, a Reptilian Belua, greeted the lyre musician and asked for a name... using incorrect pronouns. The musician smirked, amused, and released a sigh. Such misunderstandings were dime a dozen with him.

"Einer Devaron, Sir Belua. Just a traveling musician who knows a bit about healing magic." Einer made a light bow to Pash before rising back. "And before it becomes a problem, let me clarify that I am a 'he'." The musician smiled warmly, indicating no offense on his side.

"No need for apologies, Sir Belua. This happens quite often to me."

A crowd continued to gather, some even coming from the air. The crew was diverse and colorful... and looked definitely powerful. Humans, Beluans, Dwarves and Gnomes. Each of whom seem to be masters of their craft, bringing their skills to this Tower to make their mark on the world. And who was Einer compared to them? Some bard who knows healing magic, naught but an accessory to their adventures. Einer forced himself to blink and pinched his nose. He shouldn't stare too much or else the others might see the green in his eyes.

---

They were then led into the Tower itself, a marvel of engineering and brilliant architecture that blended the magical artifacts and mechanisms of the structure with marble aethestics quite well. Einer had to admit, none of it was shabby. He could get used to this place. The new Reavers continued inside, eventually finding themselves walking through a hall into a large circular room where a group of people were waiting for them.

Einer immediately guessed that they were The Eon Tower's Staff, which was confirmed when they began introducing themselves. The musician's ears, however, paid more attention to the one called Kiff Luther who mentioned that he was a 'librarian' and documented 'artifacts and grimoires'. Yes, this could be the place where he could finally get what he always wanted.

The new Reavers then introduced themselves with a brief description about who they were and what they could do. Soon, it was Einer's turn.

"I am Einer Devaron, practitioner of musical Thaumaturgy and... just your average pleasant fellow. At your service." The musician spoke, tipping his hat as he did. "I say, this is quite the welcoming party but... it seems Master Arteus, the master of this place, isn't here right now?"
Southern District

Wayland Keep Dungeon




Both the Lot Knight and Iskah were surprised and awed at Vanessa's rather inspiring response slash speech.

*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*

The silence was broken by the quick and vigorous applause by, not Iskah nor the Lot Knight, but by the Salamander Katelyn who had apparently woken earlier and managed to listen to the short debate. After a couple of sniffles, Katelyn wipes the tears out of her eyes. "That was the most beautiful speech I've ever heard." Iskah suppressed a laugh from the rather outrageous reaction while the Lot Knight stayed silent, unamused. "Aun is indeed very selfish for wallowing in self-pity and ignoring us lovely ladies. We have no choice but to correct this behavior with our irresistible charms!" Katelyn declared. Her Cupid ally had also woken up, her eyes twinkling at the Salamander's (over)confidence.

The hooded Lot Knight released the most exasperated sigh Vanessa has heard yet. "I knew that was a waste of time." He then moved to open the cell door, having not been locked at all in the first place, and gestured for the detained monsters to leave. "I won't wish you luck getting Inky, but I know better than try to get in the way of a lovestruck monster..." He turned his shadowed face to Vanessa. "...And their lackeys. Anyway, you're all free to go. No charges and all that."

Katelyn was the first to move and hugged the Lot Knight. Vanessa could tell the knight was even more unamused. "My deepest gratitude, Sir Knight! Your words say differently, but your actions say you also want the best for Aun!" The Salamander then went back to the cell to drag out her Cupid companion. "Well then, we shall be off!" The two monsters then took off quickly to get ahead of their rivals.

"She... doesn't even know where Aun went, does she?" Iskah remarked.

"He went to Outpost Ticon. It's at the frontlines but it hasn't seen any activity for a week." The Lot Knight replied, helpfully. "Hope you girls don't mind a little smell."

Iskah turned to her own companion. "Well then, Vanessa. Shall we?"
Morgenröte


Inhaling an entire breathe of air, Einer took in the sights and scents of the Morgenröte Republic. He had never traveled to this part of the country. In fact, he had never traveled outside of Flugell until now. It was certainly an experience for the young Devaron, but he never forgot why he came here. The Theocracy back home was safer for Einer and more familiar, but it did not have what he truly desired.

Before moving on, Einer spared a glance at his invitation to the Eon Tower, one of the many sects the Magus Association had. It was the first organization he saw and decided that it would be the place where he would begin his search. He had also heard it was formed pretty recently, likely the reason why he was accepted despite his middling magical abilities.

Einer sighed. He was far from home, and knew no one here. He was a stranger in a land that he did not know. He could rely on no one here, which would make his goals difficult but the things in life worth pursuing were hardly easy to pursue.

---


~ The Eon Tower ~


Einer arrived at the designated location in the invitation, the Eon Tower itself. It towered, of course, but it was taller than the young Devaron expected. He was at awe, and started wondering what was inside. It certainly would not be anything Church-themed so he decided not to expect anything and let himself be surprised at what it offered.

Looking back down, he saw the assembled people and immediately guessed that they were probably fellow Reavers. His guesses were confirmed when two witches who arrived via a flying broom introduced themselves and asked those present if they were here for the Tower as well.

They all looked so... capable. Powerful. Independent. They would not be defenseless in a fight, nor do they need to fear a crude ambush. And who was Einer compared to these people? A short, lanky boy who casts his magic with a damn lyre. No doubt, they would order him to the back lines in missions. Protect him from harm, if only by principle. Would they even need his healing abilities? These people did not even look possible to hurt.

The young Devaron, who arrived on foot carrying only a small sack of his belongings and his personal lyre, closed his eyes to purge his envy from his being and compose himself. If what he sought was here, then there was no need to worry about anything.
"I'm told your son stands shoulder to shoulder with yokai. As he tears apart my Varjan forces."

"At least he's doing one thing right."

"Heh... Oh, you pretend we are different. But we fight for the same thing; To create a legacy that outlives us."

"I won my legacy with duty and honor. Maintained order and integrity to my home. And justice for my people."
"You are nothing like me."

"Neither is your son, but his name is bound to your legacy."

"Legacy is more than a name."

"Ah, true."

"Your clan has ruled this island since... its founding, yes? Your ancestral castle was damaged during our... visit. But repairs should be done by now."
"I think I'll be staying there, while I leave you here to starve to death."
"Alone, without honor."

"..."

"...Damn it. What is he planning?"





Castle Kaneda Outskirts

SHADOW OF THE YOKAI (ACT I FINALE)

~ @AzureKnight (SHI, HIN & ATS), @Enkryption (ALI & CRL), @The Irish Tree (EUL & LIL), @Rezod92, @Restalaan (SKA & GRI) ~


After their agreement, Takeshi and the taskforce made their way to Castle Kaneda. On the way, Takeshi made sure to use a road that could behold the entirety of the castle. The sun had begun to set, but there was still enough light to see the entirety of the location: The main castle was situated upon a steep plateau with a long and wide bridge connecting to a smaller fort situated on another plateau, but with far more forgiving slopes. The fortifications still looked Shizuyaman, which meant the Varjans had not dug in that deeply.

"You guys see that fort? That's the main gate to the castle and for most people, the only way in or out." Takeshi pointed as he began relaying his plan to the taskforce. "I'd love to just spirit my father out of the castle inconspicuously, but I know it's not gonna be that easy. And besides, we'll need a proper stronghold for our resistance against Varjo. That's why we're gonna take Castle Kaneda in one fell swoop."

"The Varjans will likely execute my father once the attack on the castle starts. That is why I will need two teams. One team will need to be frontliners and the other team needs to be a tad more sneaky. I'll let you guys start deciding which team you belong to..."

---

Night had fallen long ago when Takeshi and taskforce arrived at a small abandoned farmhouse just outside Castle Kaneda. The Shizuyaman warriors that the taskforce had assembled in the past weeks were gathered there, and they had bad news for the young lord.

"My lord. Lady Kinkakuji and the rest of our troops are not here." Kageho immediately reported. Indeed, Kikyo and the Shizuyaman warriors that fought alongside the taskforce in Terauchi Temple were not there.

"What?!"

"They were not here when we got here, and we have no idea where they could be either." Nobutada spoke next. "We tried looking too but..."

Takeshi's heart fell. Not only was Kikyo missing, so were the few troops they had. Confusion came with doubt as the young lord's resolve in his plan was tested. "Damn it, Kikyo. Where are you..." He whispered. Without the numbers, how could they take the Main Gate and made sure they wouldn't be trapped in the main castle, much less take over Castle Kaneda completely?

"Should we wait for them?" Kazenosuke asked.

The young lord clenched his fists and inhaled before answering. "No."

"Everyone! It's time!" Takeshi walked outside the crowd of warriors to properly address them. "Tonight, we free Lord Hideo Oja." He declared.

"I was told we would have a small army on our side." Takamori mused.

"They're not here... but we can't wait any longer." Takeshi replied before laying out his plan to everyone present. "We will all split into two forces. Well, three but-- Let me explain: The first team will attack and take the Main Gate. They will make sure the Varjans don't send any messengers to call for help, and have a path open for our retreat if things get too difficult for us. However, the first team will wait for the second team's attack before attacking themselves."

"The second team will scale the castle's plateau and capture the bridge by taking the lower courtyard. The night should be enough to cover your stealthy entrance and if I know anything about the Varjans, most of them are probably asleep at this hour." Takeshi pointed to the mountain's face, covered in ledges and stubborn branches. "The lower courtyard contains the main armory and barracks though, so be careful. If you can, eliminate any sleeping enemies before starting a full attack. If need be, the first team can cross the bridge and assist the second team."

"I will join the second team in entering the castle's plateau. However, I will instead infiltrate the main keep and find my father. Once the attack commences and all the Varjans are spread out, I'm fairly sure me and my dad can clear the whole place of Varjans." Takeshi smiled overconfidently. "If everything goes smoothly, Castle Kaneda will be completely liberated by sunrise."

"This sounds like suicide, young lord." The old Yurine remarked. "We're missing half our numbers. Are you sure this will work?"

"...It has to. My father is counting on us." Takeshi finished. "Now, who wants to go where?"

"I suppose I will go with the first team." Nobutada started.
"Count me in too." Takamori was next.
"These old bones can fight but not really climb, so I'll be with the first team too." Yurine piped in.

"I suppose it's only obvious I'm with the second team." Kageho said.
"Hopping around ledges should be fun." Kazenosuke chose his team.
"If you fall, don't expect me to catch you." Sorae responded, joining the second team.

They would wait for the taskforce to pick their teams. Of course, the mostly-monster force can be a little disobedient and attempt to join Takeshi himself.

Once that was done, this ragtag group of warriors would begin their daring rescue of the Island Lord.








~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~




~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~




~~ SORAE TALES ~~




~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~




~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~








I love this little rascal!

Einer will be reborn soonTM
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