yoshua171

The Prophecy

Technically speaking I'on is a battlemage. However, his close-combat skills are more or less supplementary in nature, for while he could hold his own with just his staff and no magic, he falls far short of someone specialized/highly skilled in the same area.

So yeah he's a full mage with supplementary close combat skills haha :P

Also, posted. If there are any issues please inform me :)

The Prophecy

I'onriyi Stonehand

Nodding at Ixion's words, the penin's eyes turned towards the other fellow, a man who he did not recall learning the name, no matter. However, before the man had a chance to reply properly, his head turned at a sound. A few moments afterwards the penin heard the sound that had apparently drawn the human's attention. It was the noise of quickly moving feet, booted feet, as well as the clatter of armor, or at least metal. The guards had finally decided to show up, how punctual of them. Then again, he didn't blame them, after all, the majority of them used little, if any, magic and so dealing with magical combatants or criminals was a dangerous business. In fact, it was dangerous even with a mage to back you up.

His eyes following the stranger's to the entrance of the alley, I'on strode past Morgan, standing before all three individuals, well two really considering one was upon the ground and quite dead. Nonetheless, that's where the guardsmen would find him when the entered the alley and posed for battle--though it would not have been much of one had it come to that.

It wouldn't, at least the penin had no intention of letting it. Luckily, and not the least surprising to I'on, one of the guards almost immediately recognized him--though he did use that damned annoying nickname. Had he not been exhausted he may have smiled to hide his irritation, but such was plainly not the case. "What happened?" I'on raised an eyebrow, a frown coming over his face, a look that would be quite familiar to the guard if he'd ever encountered the mage before, "What happened is this poor woman was attacked and now lies dead and ye're late." Sighing, I'on made an effort to appear as if he was calming his temper, a temper that was fairly well known. Shaking his head and brushing himself off somewhat, the penin looked between the guards, before locking eyes with the wielder of the crossbow. His eyes narrowed, and he spoke once more, his eyes never leaving the woman's. "That is Blue, who, along with myself and these two, were attacked by the Fixer. Rather unpleasant isn't it," the penin gritted his teeth and clenched his fists before relaxing his hands again and continuing "She thought Ixion," he jabbed a thumb back at the man, "was the real Fixer, she was sadly mistaken, as proven by the fact that we were attacked by the actual one. More accurate ta say that they were attacked and I came runnin' to investigate. As if my day hadn't been rough already," he rubbed his temples a bit with one gauntlet covered hand before abruptly moving it away with irritation. He pulled each gauntlet off, one after the other, and stored them in his pack.

He was, or at least appeared to be, totally at ease despite the guards before him. "I intend to take these two men to a nearby inn, the one close to my shop, I'm sure you know it. They'll not be leaving town, so no reason to fret. If you're in need of further answers you can question them tomorrow, same 'ere. Been walkin' and dealin with chaos ever since I started making my way back," the last bit he muttered to himself in annoyance. He hoped that dealing with that ore lizard would be worth it in the end. It was really too bad that its thrashing had done so much damage, otherwise he surely could've gained a magnificent hide from the creature.

The Prophecy

I shall get to it. I have quite the busy weeks due to working at a Toy store during christmas.

Essence of the World: The New Age [CLOSED]

Yup, early morning of the next day. Sorry, I'm super busy this week. Work today (in minutes) then tomorrow till 5 (won't be home till 6 or 7 though). I've got a thing on Thursday, but that won't take all day.

I'll be around during the later day, but not late night for today. Tomorrow is more or less the same. Busy weeks before Christmas are busy, especially since I work at a Toy store ^^;

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

*pokes the OOC* It'd be amazing if everyone could post soonish. If not, I'm either going to reply or reboot this a few weeks down the line. Work is about to get extremely busy due to me working Toys 'R' Us and it being Christmas here in the states.

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

Disapproving Banter

"No one would dare break the armistice of the summit," Chokeichi replied in response to the Takahachi Clan Head. His voice bellowed out, resounding throughout the large table at which everyone set. Everyone knew of Chokeichi Senju, Head of the Senju Clan and the face of all Shinobi from the Land of Fire. Word of his exploits had not only circulated throughout the Land of Fire, but through the whole Shinobi world. He was a master of the Mokuton and an even more advanced variation called the Taketon. More notably, he was chosen by Monkey King: Enma as partner, which was a note to the strength of the man alone. The rumors of his abilities blended truth and fiction, as it was told he could summon a bamboo forest half a continent in size and move through it like a phantom. Some called him the Great Bamboo Sage. Others considered him and his entire family ruthless death. After the murder of nearly three dozen Senju during the Senju Civil Dispute, two things were made known. No one, not even other Senju, will stand in the way of the true Senju ideology; and, Chokeichi, alongside his five brothers, were strong enough to fight five-to-one and win. It was essentially only the Senju Clan that had the authority to call a Clan Summit under an armistice and have this many people show up.

The real question, however, is what would bring all these shinobi together. The original armistice called for an alliance of the Senju, Tatasuko, Senbo and Kamenoko Clan. The Senju-Senbo Alliance had slowly started taking over the entire village, due to their power and financial influence. The other two clans had some of the strongest shinobi alive, above even the standards of Clan Heads. With just a banner of those four clans, it was enough to pressure the other clans into action. The rule here was simple. If a single shinobi is to act with violence while within the parameter, the Senju and Senbo will act to immediately eliminate the threat. The Senbo Clan, truly, wasn't even needed; even the Uchiha were reluctant to face off against the Senju unless absolutely necessary. The Senbo were there, mostly, for the extra patrol. Aside from the Senju-Senbo Alliance, most clans bickered over their borders within the Land of Fire. It was only under direct threat of war did these conventions normally occur, and even then only the involved parties were generally called. This was, for all intents and purposes, a first.

"If someone had the guile to challenge a statement of the Senju," Chokeichi proclaimed, "they would have, and subsequently wouldn't be at this table." Chokeichi likely had the most pride in his clan of anyone in the room. That was the mentality of the Senju. All of them. Chokeichi then grunted and popped his neck, one of the only few standing in the room. He didn't stand tall, but his chiseled body was nonetheless intimidating. He had a single red staff in his hand and a scroll on his back. Aside from that, he had no weapons pouches. No equipment. Just a staff, a scroll and himself. He needed nothing else. "Where the Hell is Zume... he signed the charter to show up and have his symbol on our banner," Chokeichi griped, "he should have the respect to appear on time."

Chokeichi was then answered by Kota Kamenoko, the representative of the Kamenoko Clan and the Land of the Moon. "Knowin' Zume, the bastard is out relievin' his urges before he shows up." The off-color remark was beyond different from what one expected, especially in response to none other than Chokeichi. Kota, however, was an exception. Many considered him the single strongest Shinobi alive due to inheriting the Yama no Kara. Unlike Chokeichi, whose abilities were jaded and rumor, Kota was everything but. The Kamenoko Clan never hid their use of Kaikra; alone, it made them a threat to normal shinobi. The fact Kota had a nearly unlimited supply of it and the ability to replicate even master-level jutsu was no help. Kota, despite his strength, was also incredibly safe. He was the representative for his whole people and his line spent hundreds of years defending the Land of the Moon, but never attacking. Fact was, Kota got to say whatever he wanted, but did very little about it.

The remark caused a scoff from Kubota Senbo, the representative of the Senbo Clan. He sat beside Chokeichi and was one of if not the only nonshinobi present. The Meishu no Shocho, or Leader of the Leaders, from the Senbo Clan was the Head elected by three other Heads. The Senbo Clan, despite their influence, was still only alloted one represenative, and by default it was Kubota. Best be it that way as well. Kubota was every bit as dangerous in discussion as Chokeichi was in battle, and the two oddly got along splendidly. The Smith of Politics, they called him, and his condescending, snide attitude showed it. He added, "his Clan might not be in its shape if those that led it worried about situations like these, not those in their chambers." The response merited a laugh from Kota, and the laughter of Kota was enough to allow a devious smirk from Chokeichi. They, however, were the only ones in this triangle, as the rest of the Clans seemed unwilling to join in when Chokeichi spoke up.

Her eyes gazing across the room from where she stood beside, but behind, the leader of Tsubasa--Hato Uchiha-- the spear wielding head of the Antare clan listened. She didn't like any of them, of this she was already certain. Luckily her clan was something of a neutral party, for they tended to stay in their mountain abodes, far away from the other lands. The Antare clan, known as renowned masters of fuuinjutsu, hailed from the Land of Lightning, having long fortified several mountains in a chain of them in an effort to stave off outsiders. Sōruko, while a member of Tsubasa and one of Hato's advisors, if you could call her that, was also the infamous spearwoman, Hisomeru Sōbi-sha(Veilwielder). Her spear, which appeared to gain weight and sharpness with each battle, was almost more well known then even she was.

Had she not been sighted fighting alongside Hato to stymie numerous small conflicts and remove innocents from them, her skills would've been seldom known. She, overall, found the banter between the Senju, Senbo, and Kamenoko annoying and rude. "At least the Tatasuko have kept their people from quarreling amongst themselves like children," she retorted in response to Chokeichi, uncaring of his status or his clan's influence. She was confident that the Senju could not touch the Antare, not because they were superior offensively, but because they were so well fortified.

If the Antare were infamous for anything besides their utter dominance in fuuinjutsu, they were known for their ability to seemingly negate most jutsu entirely. Little did most shinobi know that this too was the work of seals, incredibly complex seals, which they spread throughout the area around their clan compounds. This, along with their ability communicate and travel over long distances, put them in an advantageous position, at least when it came to defensive fortifications. As such, she stood fearless, unyielding, even under the eye of many powerful leaders. Such was her way.

Before Chokeichi could even reply, in which he would likely have simply spouted off a rant about the pride and capabilities of the Senju, or its size, or its influence, or its heritage, Kota retorted, "I know precisely who you are. I know your clan. I know your spear. Let me tell you what you don't know. If you believe that my banter was meant with any ill-regard, you are wrong. Zume was present for my coronotion, albeit late. Zume has been to eight of my last ten birthdays, did you know? Zume is one of my life long friends, and Zume promised he would be here because I was. If I speak of him like a devil-in-the sheets, miss, it is because he is my friend and I have the right to do so." Kota grinned playfully as he added, "but to speak ill of such a tragedy as what happened to the Senju is rude. We meant no harm by what we said of the Tatasuko, and even Zume would know that. Don't let ignorance get in the way of an important meeting; keep in mind, I traveled the farthest of anyone here because of rumor of a threat to even me. Mind your tongue." At this remark, even Kubota stayed quiet. There was no rightful addition to this, as there was a definite line between Kota and the alliance, but chances were, this would spark intrigue among the Clans.

Gritting her teeth with annoyance, the woman fell silent, closing her eyes despite her brow being screwed up in frustration. She had not been talking to Kota, but to Chokeichi, nonetheless the insufferable man had replied. After a brief moment a smile came across her face and her eyes opened. Her smile was which managed to barely conceal her anger, but not her hatred. "Thank you Kota for so rudely interrupting. Nonetheless, I see no reason for further discussion with you three," she then took to surveying the rest of the room, from the Uchiha's leader, to the Hyuga and Takahachi. Much more respectable men in her eyes, at least compared to the other three.

Kota only laughed in response to her. It was a lighthearted laugh, in all honesty. Kota, despite all his power, was truly a jovial person. Sitting on the opposite side of Kubota and beside Chokeichi, he even nudged the Senju leader and muttered, "ya only get one. She obviously isn't too fond of you." Kota then returned to address the woman, smiling back. He said, "well, you'd see the point if Zume were here to begin the important conversation. In any case, miss, I believe we have began things on the wrong foot. Believe it or not, I'm part of no alliance or coalition. I came here because of a threat. I assure you that getting me off my island and into the Land of Fire to discuss business that is not mine requires a real important topic. I am here and I am here on serious business, but we can't engage in that yet. So, with that said, has anyone ever told you that you have the most adorable way of hiding your rage? The smile is cute for a Kunoichi."

His voice drew her attention again, his smooth, annoyingly calm voice. She already regretted engaging him in conversation, then struck his compliment. She stood there, the words registering after a few moments of processing, causing her to whip her head back in his direction, trying to decide whether to glare at him or say thank you. She couldn't make a decision and had no way to graciously reset the conversation, granted it didn't help that she knew he was toying with her, for while she may have been hot tempered, she was certainly not stupid. So she exhaled, trying to remove all bitterness from her attitude before even attempting to reply in some manner, though she knew there was no real way to ammend things, or take back what had already been said. Perhaps she had grown too detached from the needs of her clan in the time that she'd been away, working with Tsubasa.

"Thank you, Kota, your words are...appreciated," she stated a bit awkwardly, feeling a fool. "It is good that you take these matters into consideration, although I hope you do not take them as seriously as you do your banter." There was a hint of sarcasm in that statement, for despite her efforts she simply couldn't help but be herself. Yes, that had been one of the few aspects of her position as clan head, which she had failed at. This was why she'd had advisors and ambassadors. Sadly, this meeting had been more specifically geared towards clan leaders or representatives and since Tsubasa had been coming, she had opted to represent the Antare, rather than attend and allow someone else to do so.

It would have been a bad side to show others, though...perhaps this was worse.

She wasn't certain.

Chokeichi was far from a fan of how Kota had taken the conversation away from him, but this was also the first time he had ever seen anyone from the Antare back down in such a manner. Chokeichi decided to remain silent, although he did scoff. One could say he was a bit of a brute, but that wouldn't be true. He was a brilliant tactician, although more or less in single fighting as he had another brother that acted as their general of sorts. Put in a position such as this, however, and his more forceful nature was apparent. Chokeichi preferred to solve problems through the most effective means, and as a man of great power, force tended to be that method. Kubota, however, saw the brilliance of Kota. The man was far from a perfect politician; he was obviously still a young, flirtatious bachelor. Regardless, his smooth, persuasive tactics were noted. Any formal politician would have ended the conversation when Kota brought up tragedy, and when that didn't work he approached from a completely different angle.

"You are lucky, famed Spearwoman of the Antare, that I am nowhere near as serious with my courtship as Zume," Kota added, grinning as he did. "Else, I might have offered you a formal spot in the Land of the Moon." At this point, Kota was playing on words and going far beyond the norm for cementing in the awkward, flirtatious oncomings he had for the girl in front of every Clan Leader. At the same time, he returned to the topic of Zume. Everything had came full circle, and there was a reason for that. More than anyone in the building, Kota could feel his pressence. Zume was near, and as he neared, they all grew closer to the looming topics ahead of them. Despite his jovial nature, there were true threats. Kota leaned back in his chair and chuckled before saying, "unfortunately, we at Kamenoko prefer just one wife, so I have to choose wisely." Kota ended the entire conversation and added what would have been a humorous element to the air as he balanced on two chair legs. At this point, he knew Zume was just waiting. Assessing the situation. Listening. It wouldn't be long. No. Not long at all.

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

Mmnk FireBringer, that information would be appreciated, via PM. I also appreciate you giving notice :)

I wish you well, and feel free to come back when you can.

By the way everyone, I am working on a little collab with someone which is a response to everyone in the IC. I hope you don't mind the RP being a bit more like medium paced, where we can switch between slow and fast.

This way we can assure no one gets left behind, but that we are still getting somewhere.

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

IC is up, hopefully it is enjoyable, and lends some motivation for everyone. Sorry for the long wait, I know it has been a week. I hope no one is discouraged or turned off from this. I've been busy and stressed, so inspiration was...well, not plentiful. Was having a decent moment this morning, so I though to get it up.

Turned out fairly well.

Enjoy ^_^

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

The End of an Era

Five hundred years have passed since the time of the sage, his guiding hand now long lost to the world. His beliefs stripped away to facilitate ninshuu's transformation from spiritual practice, to a mere engine of war. While few great conflicts have occurred in the last 500 years, one is sure to occur soon, indeed, for with skirmishes between clan boundaries and the shifting of the world's cycle...change is at hand.

But whose hand guides this change? Surely not the Dragon's claws. For the Phoenix's great talons have once more began to grasp the world, thus is heralded a time of war.

However, for now there is a tremulous peace, for despite the clans' seldom bickering, there exists no real reason for war. Nonetheless, the clans, noticing the influx of conflict, call council, requesting the Land of Iron to host their meeting as a neutral party.

They accepted, and so messages were sent and preparations were made. One by one the clan leaders, representatives, and their bodyguards, arrived at the meeting place. Tension is high and with the Phoenix's flames stoking the fires of conflict, who knows what will occur.

Will there be continued peace, or will tempers rise and lash out?

Who will end these last five hundred years of peace and prosperity; who will be the first to let their jaded ideals further taint the gifts of the sage?

Who will be the aggressor?

---

The clans have gathered, and in the great tent, its peak 100 meters in height, many powerful men and women sit. People from all around the world have been brought together by the threat of war and the need for change, though few know this is what has called them.

Few are late, and so the council begins, a armored samurai of the land of iron sitting amidst the circle of figures, neutral, unbiased, and steadfast. He is the Shogun, and he sits surrounded by an armed and armored guard of elite samurai. ”Welcome to my great domain,” he proclaims, voice clear and powerful, “Here you may discuss your future, but know this, you all lie beneath the power of the Daimyo, you tread within the shadow of a giant. Do not overstep your bounds,” he grew silent, his face stern, unyielding.

With his message delivered, the great man fell silent, eyes closing, and ears listening closely to what the many leaders would discuss. He was interested as their requests had been sudden. Why a clan meeting now? There was still peace. There were skirmishes, yes, but nothing terribly serious. No breach of territory, no utter disregard for life.

Yet the shogun nonetheless sensed something in the air.

Tension perhaps, or was it something more subtle? He could not tell, but he knew someone else could, someone who had not arrived yet. While not entirely confirmed, it was said that even the Tatasuko clan, a highly elusive people, had sent a representative. This was indeed strange, for why would such a people send one at all? Their numbers were thought to be little, their allegiance nonexistent, but their power...vague. The Tatasuko were shades, plain and simple, and so like shadows, they kept just out of sight, and forever without detail, unknown, undefined.

They were a wildcard, but at least they were a peaceful one. Hopefully this would not change. He did not want to find out what power they held. Not in the least.

Still, oddly, the representative had not yet arrived. He hoped they didn't at all. Things would be better that way, for already were the clanheads on edge, such would only be made worse by an unknown element. Without that dangerous individual, perhaps the clans would come to an agreement and establish alliances. This the Shogun hoped for, for if the clans could coexist, prosperity could reign for awhile longer.

Still, the world was often cruel, so he did not count on it.

As such he remained, sitting silent while the others spoke. Listening...waiting...and hoping that the Dragon, as it once had, now watched over them.

His hope was however, pointless. For it was on this day that the dragon slept.

Too bad no one knew that.

]{Naruto: Jaded Ideals}[

As I note everyone, I am working on the IC post. I am sorry that I don't have it up already. I know I said I would, but the fact of the matter is Prince got banned and he was helping me out. So I'm scrounging around for the proper burst of inspiration. I want only the best for everyone here :)

Sincerely, your GM.