Mission 4: Mikawa Recruitment

[TheDude51]

Seeing that both Genichirou and Yuuta are a bit uncomfortable with some of the present topics, Terasaka will shift to talking about the other exiles. He will tell some stories about all the factions, dwelling on the colorful characters and heroic exploits while glossing over the inter-group politics. He will especially tell about the Tougou group and its young leader, encouraging Sugire and Ayumi to share stories of the times before the Tougou joined the alliance.

Diplomacy Checks:
1d20+24 = 38, 35, 38

[Zanaikin]

(@Dave)
"Bit of a shame," Genichirou shrugged. "I've seen some pretty capable spellswords wielding destructive magic alongside some fine swordplay during my time in Toushin Toushi--- seemed like quite a useful skill."

-----

Terasaka soon realizes after a while that he really doesn't know enough about Tsuyoshi Tougou's time in the Death Lands. Sugire listened in with quite the intrigue, but none of them really joined in--- possibly because they might not have joined until after the alliance broke out of the Death Lands.
(if you want to talk inter-group politics, you'd have to give me a summary on your stance, perspective, etc)

[TheDude51]

(By 'glossing over' I mean I'm not talking about them.)

Terasaka, stories mostly exhausted, lapses into normal conversation with Genichirou and the others in the group.

Diplo: 1d20+24=39

(I don't really have anything else to do.)

[Zanaikin]

( Well, doesn't look like anyone else has much intentions, so I'll just press on; not quite as interesting as I had hoped =P but the continued storytelling helps with the boosting of reputation scores... )

The next day, November 1st...

Winter seems to have set in earlier this year as the temperature dropped drastically overnight. The air was frosty when you first awoke this morning, but otherwise it seemed to be a normal day. It wasn't until the sun was halfway up to its apex when the first piece of interesting informations swept in:

The Takeda cavalry forces had finished crossing the mountaneous regions last night and made camp about 10 miles to the northwest of Okazaki Castle. The elite core of the expedition force, the Red Battalion led by General Baba Shouen, mounted an overnight assault against the Oda's camp last night. The surprise attack successfully broke through two of the outer camps, routing the foreign mercenary pikemen who deserted into the night, as well as inflicting considerable losses upon the ashigaru. However, several charges mounted to overwhelm the inner camp were beaten back by the foreign musketeers/gunners with heavy casualties on the Takeda side. The battle ended at more or less a stalemate as the Takeda broke off the attacks and withdrew back to its own camp.

This morning, the Takeda had allowed its own ashigaru to form 'forage parties', essentially pillaging the countryside for supplies. It seemed they had travelled light to get over here as soon as possible and did not bring sufficient supplies for a prolonged standoff.
(While it's not uncommon for armies to do this, it does devastate the local populace and production; probably amongst reasons why the Oda hasn't done it yet--- since they want to conquer the province, not ruin it).

The moment the two Izayoi siblings heard the news, Genichirou's face grew red in anger: "Damn the Takeda. They have no interest in helping us. They just want to take advantage of the war against the Oda!"

"We should teach those scavengers of theirs a lesson!" Yelled someone from amongst the crowd that was quickly gathering as the news spread.

"However, that would draw their attention upon us, instead of focusing their efforts on the Oda." Izayoi Touka commented.

"We don't know if they'd really do that to begin with," replied Izayoi Genichirou.

Scattered discussions and comments broke out from the resistance fighters. It seemed like the opinions were about evenly mixed. Some was intent on beating back this new sign of aggression immediately, while others were willing to endure it now for a possible 'greater good' and to avoid any possible reprisals from the Takeda.

( thoughts guys? )

[TheDude51]

Terasaka suggests that, if they do decide to take action, it would be best to carefully ambush and completely wipe out individual foraging parties to prevent word from spreading. Further, because no one is likely to be thinking of the rebels as a major player, it could work well to disguise themselves as another faction (using arrow markings, war cries, uniforms, etc) to avoid retaliation even if survivors escape to tell of the attack.

[Squall255]

Rainer agrees, commenting that should the Oda succeed, they would probably be willing to trade agricultural aid for other work, including crop shares. He also notes that some of the agricultural treatments that the Oda use for themselves might benefit them indirectly either through nutrients in the water or runnoff from rain. His last comment would be that if the rest of his new companions agreed, he would be willing to participate with his Rosebud, commenting that it would go well towards disguising them as Oda troops.

[Zanaikin]

Everyone is completely baffled by what Rainer is talking about when it comes to agricultural runoffs or whatever it is...

Genichirou's eyebrows raised at the rest of Rainer's comment. "Well--- unfortunately, can't say I share your faith in the Oda. The Tokugawa were oppressive but at least they were peaceful. The Oda has been doing nothing except drafting troops and waging wars as of late. Although, disguising as them actually sounds like a decent idea--- more provocation to let those two sides beat themselves senseless."

Touka didn't say anything, but nodded, albeit just barely, in acceptance of her brother's idea.

He then turned towards Terasaka, Yuuta, and the rest of the group. "What about you guys' thoughts? Would you prefer to join our little operation or go about your own business? I realize you still have work to do before we move westwards."

[TheDude51]

"We would be glad to help you in a raid on the supply parties if you would like us to lend a hand. Given the arrival of the Takeda, I'm planning to teleport back to Nakakuni castle and meet with Lord Tougou and decide on our next move tonight. I can actually take four people with me there and back if anyone wants to come along."

[Zanaikin]

( Sorry for the lack of updates as of last few days. I've been really sick over the illness-extended weekend... will try get a post up today or tomorrow once I get caught up on all my work related stuff )
( obviously, no one has any other suggestions it seems... )

Genichirou's eyes widened as Terasaka mentioned teleporting back to meeting Tougou Tsuyoshi.

"Well I'm definitely coming with you! Certainly can't pass up a chance like this."

"---And I would like to take up your offer also," Touka responded much more calmly. "Maybe it would be best if we delayed..."

"We'll be back way before the sun sets," Genichirou declared confidently. "Those Takeda soldiers should be taught a lesson before they decide to raid again tomorrow... some self-claiming honorable lord Shingen is for allowing his troops to do this crap."

Touka didn't say anything after that as Genichirou went about and rounded up nearly two-third of the warriors, including several who made the scouting rounds this morning, before heading out from the resistance's mountain fort. The two dozen or so men were a rather rag-tag looking group even with their armor and arms, which isn't too surprising given their rebel status. Other than Genichirou, only two others had well-maintained heavy armor and swords. The rest of the rebels were wearing leather scale or lamellar armor, clean but battered and showing obvious signs of recently repaired damage (and many of them only repaired properly courtesy of Rainer). Half of them were equipped with crossbows, while the other half carried an assortment of javelins and axes. It's pretty obvious that these people are skirmishers, and probably wouldn't fare so well if they were pinned down by professional soldiers.

( I presume people are going since Terasaka/Judson and Rainer/Squall signed up, but tell me now if you'd rather not =P )

After conversing briefly with the scouts, Genichirou highlighted his rough plan with everyone: "The Takeda soldiers are raiding in the vicinity of Chiryu village, north of Okazaki Castle. Their numbers aren't so great either. We go in fast and hard, hit them while they're disorganized in the looting, and withdraw back into the woods before they can get their bearing back together. If they still refuse to go back to camp, then we lay down an ambush for them and see if fear would give them back some honor and reason!"

( Anything people would be doing in preparation ? )

[TheDude51]

Terasaka will ask about the disguises, and give any help he can with them. Thats all until its time to start buffing.

[Zanaikin]

Genichirou: "Well we have those stupid tanuki outfits in a safehouse near the settlements for when we needed to blend in, but most of the time we just try to avoid being seen altogether. Those outfits kind of draw attention. What did you have in mind?"

[Squall255]

Rainer pipes up that he and Rosebud would almost certainly appear to be Oda troops. He then asks Shigeru what alchemic bombs he could give to the soldiers to make them appear to be Oda Grenadiers (if those are at all common).

[Zanaikin]

(Firebomb use isn't uncommon, but 'Grenadier' troops aren't common--- normally just alchemists and maybe a few helpers would toss those dangerous things =P)

Ayumu: "I don't think there are any Oda uniforms available--- rather late to be making them right now."

Sugire: "Well I can magically disguise about seven people, plus myself. Maybe the rest can stay behind foliage cover?"

[Squall255]

"What if we had a small "oda" strike followed by "tokugawa" ambush on their return trip."

[Zanaikin]

"Now that would just be demoralizing to the soldiers... I like it!" Genichirou replied with a ferocious grin. "We can have just a few of us raid them for the first one as Oda--- me, Terasaka+Rainer+Shigeru, Rainer, Hayato and Takahiko---" he gestured towards his two well-equipped samurai "---we can assault them in the open with Sugire's disguise spells in effect. The rest lay support fire from behind cover. How's that sound to you guys?"