Leadership II

[Oda Nobunaga]

There has been an outbreak of civil war within a village in your faction's territory! You have been sent to diffuse the tension through whatever means necessary!

Objective: Quell the chaos in the village. Use either negotiation or force, but both sides must submit somehow. Lives may be taken only if it is absolutely necessary.

Rewards: Up to +3 Wis. Proficiency: Leadership - B

Prerequisites: You must have completed Rebuilding and Leadership Exercises.

Location: Any village in your faction's territory.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

Takehiro had, in his journeys, come across a village that was tearing itself apart due to being raised on the Tokugawa-Takeda border. It was split directly in half with allegiances, and the tension would erupt given the smallest catalyst. It was something he'd seen before, when he'd first met Sanada Yukimura, and it was something he'd hoped he would never see again. Unfortunately, however, he came upon this village a second time, and this time, it was tearing itself apart.

Huts were upturned, markets were destroyed, the elderly, the young, all were being forced into battle because of measly alliances that would turn men on their neighbors. Disgusted, Takehiro took to the village, aiming to get into the middle of the conflict and put an end to it, sparing as many lives as he could.

"BRAVE MEN OF TAKEDA, SUPPORTERS OF THE TOKUGAWA!" he shouted, riding into the town on his demon chariot. Many of those in battle would cease, looking at the demon warrior who had entered their town. Most were terrified, though, this was much better than them all fighting each other. "Why is it you hurt your neighbor so?! Is it simply because of where you find your village?!" The men would look to each other, before turning to Takehiro.

"We serve one Lord, and one Lord only! You cannot survive in this land under the rule of two Daimyo! And these Takeda supporters - they are scum!" The Tokugawa supporter would be kicked to the ground, before a Takeda loyalist roared, "Our Lord is righteous! Yours is a weak fool!" To this, the mercenary sighed, his chariot dissipating in a mist, and he would remove his helmet. The demonic appearance left him, and he would appear but a man, just like the rest of these.

"Were you lot soldiers, I would understand your ferocity," he began, setting his spear into the ground and resting his helmet atop it. "But you must understand, you are all villagers - you have families you must care for, jobs you must do. Why waste your time fighting for a Lord whose banner you do not even serve under? Takeda or Tokugawa, you are all the same. Fighting like this will cause both sides to lose many people, and the conflict will only continue until you are all dead." He would look out to them, allowing that statement to sink in a little. "If you cannot come to an agreement, a peaceful negotiation, then I would suggest you both move further into your respective territories to avoid further battles such as this. If you wish to continue fighting, that would be a decision I could not condone, and would do all I could to stop you."

At first, the people of the village saw Takehiro as no threat, and then they remembered the dark energy that seeped off of him. He was a demon in their eyes. "Look, this has nothing to do with -" The mercenary held up a hand in objection. "You are all killing each other for virtually no reason, no cause. Your lords will never see this, they will never learn of you, lest they do battle on this very location. So why is it you continue to spill each others' blood?!"

Once more, the men fell quiet, before turning to look at each other. Maybe this man had a point... but it would be difficult to move. It would require so much effort, too much, when they had their homes here already. "Very well, stranger," one of the Tokugawa men began, laying his sword down beside himself. "We men of Tokugawa will leave this village." Some of the men seemed shocked, angry even, at the proposal. But, maybe it was a sensible move to make. "Thank you, good man." Takehiro smiled. "For all who wish to move, I would happily assist in the process. I've built villages from the ground up in my time."

Talks of peace began, and a solution was finally found. This one of many conflicted villages was now free from the murderous tension that would have otherwise destroyed. Takehiro was only glad he did not have to use his weapon.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

Amakusa Takehiro: +3 Wis.

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Kuroshi Maki]

(Not, in a fraction yet.. Hope this will do)

Walking down the road upon my horse Shadow. wearing my full armor, making me look dark and that of a demon. Wearing a cape with a hood covering my face and helmet at this point. Weapon carried upon my back I could see smoke raise up from a village nearby. As it did caught my interest I would make my way towards the smoke. I could hear fighting and shouting as I came closer and closer. It were just villagers fighting each other. Seeing this I could feel flash backs raise up and I could see my own village burn and blood run down the streets. I would jump of my horse in the center of the village. A loud roar would be heard all over the village. People would stop and turn seeing me standing there in the center.

" Why are you weak people even fighting... Fighting each other like fools. "

My voice deep and dark, they never seen anything like me walking up on them in their lives. The ones standing close by would back up a little. Of course there were those that felt like they were big shots and would charge me. A grin would appear upon my face as I would not even take the weapon of my back. A wide strike came in upon me with a stick. I just cached the hand swinging it and tossed the man against the wall. Another one came attacking me from behind. What a fools, I would throw a back kick against his chest hearing the bones break as my foot hit his ribs. He was send flying back. Because of the impacted my hood fell off revealing the demon looking face.

" It's a Demon here to punish us. "

" God help us!! "

Panic would start to break out, they didn't knew what to do at this point keep fighting or run. They seem to freeze in time as they saw something that they felt didn't belong to this world. Not knowing that underneath was just flesh and bones. They seemed they felt punished by the gods themselves. As I walked forwards they would all take a step a back. Even though they outnumbers me by allot they seem to be made of weak flesh.

" You fools aren't even worth my time or strength! "

Growing in power this muchts made me abit cocky as I felt I could take on the whole world and kill all that I want. As a old man wasn't able to walk away from me I would grab him and lift him up from the ground ready to break his neck. This war they had seemed so foolish to begin with I could just kill them all. They were not meant to grow strong. But before I could break the neck I could hear a young boy yell.

" Let go of my father you monster! I hate you! "

Hearing the boy speak of hate I stopped and looked down at him. He was like me I could see the hate grow in the young boy his eyes. It was me when I was 7 and did the same thing he did when they tried to kill my mother. It kinda surprised me and I dropped the young boy.

" You should be working together, villages like this are easily taken. If I hear this would go on I will come back and kill you all. Sparring no wife nor children. "

I would place my hood back upon my head and walked up to my horse. It seemed they agreed with me. some did understand me and some did it out of fear. But this foolish war they had was over. If that boy didn't show his face I would have killed them all.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

Kuroshi Maki: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Sanada Yukimura]

Recently word had spread that there was an outbreak of civil war within a small village, as the village was located on the border between Kofu and Joetsu. The village had been split in half, with one half supporting the Takeda faction, while the other half supported the Uesugi faction, and at the rate the village was going, the entire place was going to be torn apart soon. Tensions were mounting in the village, and even the smallest argument, would be enough of a catalyst to bring a call to arms. That's where Yukimura came in. Although he supported the Takeda faction, he also did not wish to see a small village torn apart by the war waged between his Lord Takeda Shingen, and Lord Uesugi Kenshin. Dispatched to diffuse the situation, he would make his way to the village on his demon chariot, stopping quite a ways from the village entrance, and would make the rest of the journey on foot.

His spear held in one hand, as he stepped into the village, he was met with a grim sight. Huts were torn apart, stalls had been upturned, and in the middle of the village square, stood the villagers, one half shouting at the other half, and vice versa. A grim look on his face, this had to end. He would not allow innocent blood to be spilled because of the war, and would do what was necessary to end the conflict peacefully.

"WARRIORS OF THE TAKEDA FACTION, MEN OF THE UESUGI FACTION, CEASE IN YOUR ARGUMENTS!"

Yukimura would shout out, as the two groups turned to face him, anger visible in their faces, only to quickly turn to fright as they saw his yellow eyes and black skin. With the appearance of a demon, their arguments would quickly cease, as both sides were too frightened to do much shouting at one another.

"Why do you fight against one another? Surely it cannot be just because of the location of your village? You have no reasons to fight against one another! What is there to gain from tearing each other apart?"

The two groups would look at each other, before looking back at Yukimura, as one noticed the Mon located on Yukimura's upper arm.

"But you are with the Takeda faction! Has Lord Takeda grown so desperate to defeat our great and powerful Lord Uesugi that he sends one of his generals to eliminate us!? How low can he sink!"

"How dare you insult our Lord like that! He is a powerful leader, and has no need to even spare a single glance at you! The fact he sent one of his generals shows he cares about our well-being!"

Yukimura sighing quietly as the two groups began quarreling once more, he would remove his helmet and carry it underneath his arm, reverting his appearance back to that of a normal man, as the two groups would stop arguing upon seeing it was no mere ordinary general that was sent here, but one of Lord Takeda Shingen's most powerful generals.

"If you were soldiers, then I would understand why you fight so. But you are not, you are villagers. Civilians. You have families to take care of, tasks you must complete. Would you drag your loved ones into a civil war for a banner you do not even serve under? Lord Takeda appreciates the support, and I am sure Lord Uesugi does as well, but this war is one you need not be dragged unnecessarily into. Innocent blood need not be shed because of this. Your loved ones need you to take care of them. Does arguing and fighting bring food to the table for them to eat?"

He would allow his words to sink in, as many of the men would carefully stare into empty space, because they knew he was right. Some however, did not agree, and would begin to speak up angrily, only for Yukimura to hold one hand up, silencing them, as his words did not cause them to forget his demonic appearance so quickly.

"There is no reason for any of you to fight. If you cannot end this conflict peacefully and come to an agreement, both groups would be better off moving out of this village and into your respective territories. But if you do not wish to give up all you've worked for, know that fighting will have the same end result! Look around, see what your fighting has done thus far! It has torn the village down, and if you continue on this path, nothing will be left! I cannot stop you both from fighting, but all I can do is ask for you to consider the consequences your fighting will wrought."

Those that had spoken up falling silent, they knew Yukimura was right. It stung at their pride, but he was absolutely right. The apparent leader of the Takeda supporters stepping forward after opening his eyes, he would open his arms to the Uesugi supporters.

"We will leave this village and move to Kofu. There is no need for our families to be dragged into this fight further. Lord Takeda-sama is wise and just, and he sent General Sanada for a reason. Perhaps it is time we stop speaking of supporting him, and start actually physically supporting him."

Though the other Takeda supporters were rather unhappy about the decision, they knew it was the best choice... for both. Giving the Takeda supporter leader a nod of approval, Yukimura would aid them in moving and building a village of their own, one that they could call their own... without any conflict to tear them apart.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

Sanada Yukimura: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Miyamoto Kenji]

(( Note: Took a liberty or two with faction relations, since neither Mogami nor Akita is a big ticket name or has a staff directly controlling them. I kept it simple, but if I overstepped or assumed wrong, let me know so I can correct myself. ))

When he received a courier at the early hours of the morning, Kenji surmised that something important was happening. As it turned out, he was spot-on. It was from the governor, and detailed a village toward the center east section of Dewa, sitting literally a stone's throw away from the established territory of the Akita clan, previously known as the Ando. While the Date clan were on tense ground with the Mogami, essentially Kenji's current employer, their true rival currently lay in the Akita, as they held roughly half of Dewa Province, often putting the two at odds in regards to what piece of land belonged to which domain. In this particular case, the village in question was a day's ride away. A criminal from northern Dewa - Akita territory, by and large - had fled south to this village to seek asylum. After attempting to request the return of their fugitive, which was refused on unknown grounds, the Akita threatened invasion, claiming the township was within their ownership rights anyway.

In short, Kenji was being trusted with the fate of a village. He wondered if this meant he'd made an impression during the training camp, or if it was just his mercenary contract actually being put to proper use again. Either way, he resolved to end this problem without bloodshed, if possible.

---------------------------

Riding hard over the day, Kenji managed to reach the village by nightfall and put Aoko in the stable, feeding her a well-earned apple to make up for the trip. He then spent the night in the local inn, deciding that if he waited here long enough, something would happen and give him the best opportunity to intercede and handle the problem at hand.

Sure enough, the next morning heralded an event of interest, as he woke to the sounds of men talking amongst themselves in the inn proper about an armed group of soldiers that had arrived in town that morning. Kenji dressed and armed himself, concealing his face with a straw hat he politely borrowed from a local farmer, then left the inn to seek his moment.

In the village center, two-dozen ashigaru flying the colors of Akita were arrayed behind a samurai, who kept a hand on his sword at all times. On the other end of the spectrum were an equal amount of militiamen bearing spears, and the prefect of the village, also a samurai whom Kenji had heard was a man of equal benevolence and diligence. The tension in the air could be cut by a blade, and if either side provoked the other, that metaphor might become a reality.

"We have a full unit of soldiers outside your village. If you do not relinquish our criminal, sucklings of Mogami, then today will be your last day!" barked the Akita swordsman, stepping forward menacingly. The soldiers to his rear similarly advanced, weapons at the ready.

Meanwhile, the prefect tipped his head back, gauging the man's posture and demeanor. "Hmph... You disturb my charges for the sake of a man whom is no longer of your state? If you were just men, you would let him go."

"He killed innocents!"

"I have heard no such thing."

"That's because you were not there!" insisted the commander.

The prefect folded his arms over his chest, frowning, "You were, then?"

"Well, no, but I have no reason to deny the report! I will do justice as ordered!"

At this point did Kenji finally step up to the plate, as both sides looked ready to draw and attack. God knows how bad it would be for the villagers... "You're not going to do anything if you're smart," he quipped, advancing between both samurai.

"You...! How dare you deign to command me!" said the Akita soldier, ready to bring his blade out right then and there to attack Kenji. "Who are you?"

In return, Kenji asked his own question. "What did this man do that you'd risk a village for his life?"

"He assaulted Akita-dono's cousin, then took the lives of two men and a child as he made to escape. We are ordered to bring him to justice by any means necessary."

"Ah... Hm." The mercenary stroked his chin thoughtfully, pondering the circumstances. He had no way of knowing if what this man did was fact, fiction, or twisted reality. Curious, he turned back to the village prefect, inquiring, "What have you heard?"

Nodding, the prefect began. "Recently, I heard rumors that a man was being chased to our border. When he came into town, it was not hard to pick him out and learn of why he was running. By his testimony, the Akita daimyo's relative spat on him and made to punch him for no explicit reason, and this man reacted. There were no deaths or even bloodshed in his escape, and I have seen no reason to suspect him of treachery."

Cocking his head back and forth, Kenji contemplated carefully. One man was being driven by his orders and a desire for justice, while the other placed faith in a stranger, having analyzed his testimony and very rules. The facts of the case didn't add up, and it made him wonder whose side was right, and more importantly, what to do with the fugitive. After some time of pondering, during which both samurai stared at him patiently, he dropped his hand from his chin and spoke.

"I think, since neither of you was directly involved with the supposed incident, we cannot infer anything further about this man. Further, he's not in Akita lands anymore, and taking any kind of suspicious or offensive action in Mogami territory, however close to Akita, will only bring war. That, in turn, will only bring needless death and bloodshed, and the people will resent Akita even if they win. You'll never win Dewa with such tactics and, frankly, excuses."

Kenji paused, only to observe both of their reactions. The prefect nodded sagely with a smile, while the Akita samurai seemed annoyed, but not unwilling to see reason. "The way I see it, you have two options. The first is more taxing on everyone, but can uncover the truth and resolve the issue entirely: bring witnesses to the supposed incident to this town, and the prefect may host a trial to determine the man's fate, as he is effectively his citizen now. The second is to simply return to Akita lands and make up a plausible excuse about why you came back empty-handed. Say that he fled further in and that you didn't want to risk making the incursion; that ought to cover everything." Another nod from the prefect solidified his support in the ideas presented.

The Akita commander, too, appeared to be satisfied, and took time to consider. After a little while, he spoke, standing tall. "Stranger, tell me your name."

"My name is Miyamoto Kenji." He smiled, tipping his hat back so that his face could be seen. "I didn't want to see people make mistakes and hurt the villagers. No one wins when the innocent get hurt, right?"

His northern counterpart nodded, finally releasing his sword. "True enough. I will withdraw for today and make my case to Akita-dono. I thank you for your input, for in my hotheadedness, we may have caused unnecessary problems." To this, Kenji planted his fist in his palm and bowed his head, a gesture of respect that both present samurai duplicated, then turned to round up his ashigaru and march out of town.

As Kenji turned and began to leave, he heard the prefect chuckle, calling after him. "For how much coin did you take this job, mercenary?"

"Honestly? Not a lot."

[Uesugi Kenshin]

Miyamoto Kenji: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Yamabara Shou]

Shou was shocked when rumours of turmoil came to him. Shocked to hear that people in Takeda lands were at each other’s throats, not soldier, not mercenaries but farmer and villagers. However hearing these rumour’s was not what shocked him the most, but what was asked of him when he brought these rumour’s to his superiors. He was told that no one could be spared to deal with the problem. That if must be dealt with then he should deal with it himself.

3 days and a long ride later. Shou found himself at the village in question. The sight that greeted him was one that made him angry. A couple of the building of the town where burned down, while others had been barricaded up on opposite parts of the town. Dismounting Shou lead his horse into town and tied it up to a tree before heading toward one of the barricaded building.

Suddenly a knife flew passed him, badly aimed indeed. A larger man stepping out and seeing him. “Who are you?” The man demanded another stepping out next to him, a makeshift spear in hand. “I am Yamabara Shou. I am here to find out what is going on behalf of the Takeda.” Shou explained, the mention of the faction putting both men’s backs up. “Yeah well get the hell, out of here. We don’t want anything to do with you.” The spear wielder shouted, obviously something holding him back. Respecting the pair wishes, Shou headed towards the other barricaded buildings. Where he was greeted much better. “My lord thank you someone final come.” A man said running out to meet him. “I’m no lord. What is going on here?” Shou asked.

“It’s terrible, they.. those traitor. Complaining that Lord Shingen does nothing in times of trouble. They started rioting burned down the houses of those most loyal, and now we locked away from each other. We want those who should be punished for what they have done.”

“Come with me.” Shou ordered leading the man back over to the other group of house, and the two other men. “Get out of here.” The large man shouted as they approached. “Rather than shout for me to leave. Voice your complaints. I will do whatever I can to have this settled without further harm to this village.” Shou told him in return. “Our crops are failing. We’re hungry and your lord has done nothing to help us. Why should we strive to grow food for his armies while we cannot even feed ourselves?” The man explained. Shou stood there in thought for a moment thinking of what to say.

“And so you turn on each other. I grew up in a village like this. Times were never easy. It was only because we worked together, that we helped each other in times of strife that we persevered. Times are hard everywhere. Lord Shingen cannot make your crops grow with a wave of his hand. If he sent food to help you, others would starve in your place. You should be working together. Working on the fields that are preforming the best. Ration what you have. Working on making what you have grown rather than locking yourselves away, at each other’s throats, as your crops go unkempt.”

The men didn’t seem to see eye to eye still. Complaining that how could they work together after what had happened. “You say that Lord Shingen has done nothing for you. Yet I am here, to stop you killing each other. I will help for as long as I can. To show you that the Takeda does care for you. While I’ll have whoever burned those houses down rebuild them. I will help you come up with plans on how to ration your supplies. Which field you should tend to help yourselves. Because if you continue to fight one another there is nothing I can do.” Shou would offer.

It took quite awhile. It felt like he was repeating himself to people on each side. Hammering home that they needed to work together in order to survive. His offers of help as a sign of good faith to those who felt badly of the Takeda, while making those who had destroyed the loyal families home, pay back their action by rebuilding them. Only when Shou felt that both side finally knew how to put their differences aside did he finally leave them, hoping that lesson would stick in their minds.

[Oda Nobunaga]

Yamabara Shou: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Chimosa Hake]

This was already the second invitation Hake had received from the Daimyo. If he didn't know any better he might have suspected the Daimyo of having some ulterior motive for calling Hake to his castle every time. The horse was calm and meek and Hake enjoyed the trip, sitting sideways on the horse. His long brown robe covered most of his body and the reins of the horse disappeared within the long sleeves of the outfit. With a smile on his lips, Hake turned to regard the twenty men that had been assigned to him for the task at hand.

Somewhere on the border of the Daimyo's territory, a village had erupted into strife after months of disturbing reports. The people had taken up arms and the village was divided between two factions, who now did their very best trying to kill each other while doing any work 'as farmers should do' the Daimyo had said. The twenty men behind him were faces Hake already knew. The same twenty men he had led in his first Mock battle for the Daimyo, after having been invited to visit his castle. They marched like professional soldiers but the ones in front smiled at Hake as he regarded them. He waved at them and some of them returned the wave before focusing back on their marching.

While each soldier carried his real weapon within reach, they all had training weapons in hand, ready to use them. While the Daimyo had been very precise in his instructions, Hake had taken the liberty of making certain arrangements. Fighting farmers were no good but dead farmers were equally useless. As the horse made its way over the next hill, Hake could see the village before him. As the reports had said, there were people in the streets fighting and the sounds of people struggling reached his ears. Slowly he pulled the horse to a halt and brought up his hand, ordering the men behind him to stop as well. "Remember, these are not professional soldiers. Knock them out if necessary but ignore them as long as they don't attack first. We're here to solve this peacefully."

With his twenty trained soldiers behind him, Hake casually rode into town, ignoring the fighting men until he was near the village center. With the parade of troops coming through, the fighting men stopped fighting and started staring at the soldiers, each one with polished armor and deadly looking weapons on their backs or belts. Their unison in marching and halting as Hake halted had the villagers staring in awe. "What seems to be the problem?" Hake's voice was soft and melodious, yet discernible by all on the village's center square.

The fighters on both sides of the struggle had forgotten their conflict on the square and were simply staring at the woman on her horse and the twenty soldiers behind her. "Would anyone be so kind as to get me the person in charge, please?" From both factions, men left the square, to gather the rest of their comrades and to get whoever was in charge. Hake patiently waited, combing through her horse's mane as she waited. The soldiers had their eyes on the villagers but remained in place. While Hake didn't like the Daimyo, he had to admit that his troops were well trained.

From the East, a man entered the square, followed by the runners. A moment later, from the West, another man entered, out of breath, looking from Hake to the man and back to Hake. Then both men started yelling and talking at the same time, throwing accusations at each other and trying to win Hake over to their side. For a moment, Hake let them vent their anger through their voice, then she motioned towards the first two soldiers in the formation. They both stepped forward, one taking the reins of the horse, the other taking a deep breath. "QUIET!!! YOU STAND BEFORE LADY HAKE, ENVOY HIS GREATNESS, THE DAIMYO OF YOUR LAND: KATSUBA-SAMA!"

Hake slowly pulled his fingers out of his ears and looked down at the soldier who had shouted. In complete opposite of the man, she spoke softly and kindly to him. "Thank you." A small smile and then her attention was back on the two men. While normally considered rude, Hake remained seated on his horse, not wanting to give up his image of power by his short stature when standing on his own two feet. "Gentlemen, please cease your sport for today. I'd like to know the location of your best inn for my men and myself and I would like to speak with both of you later. I will send someone to fetch you. Please tell my men where they might be able to find you once we've settled in."

Hake followed a young boy who led him towards the local inn. It was nothing special but Hake was used to worse and the soldiers were soldiers. Every inn was a luxury to a soldier. The soldier who had held the reins of Hake's horse from the square to the inn politely extended his hands and lifted Hake from the horse, carefully placing him on the ground. While not surprised at the soldier's ability to lift Hake up so easily, he was surprised by the gentle nature with which the man handled Hake. "Thank you." He smiled at him before walking into the inn.

They settled in nicely, the soldiers sharing the rooms amongst themselves with one room available for Hake alone, possibly because they thought he, as the superior officer, would prefer private quarters but more likely because they thought him a respectful woman. Or, Hake could only hope, a superior female officer. When the two village leaders arrived later in the day, escorted by two soldiers each, Hake quickly learned that the only well in town, on the square where Hake had arrived, wasn't providing enough water for the fields of both leaders and fighting had started over the well. With this new piece of information under his belt, Hake dismissed both men, inviting them for dinner later in the evening.

While some of the soldiers had drawn the first shift lots, the other soldiers had happily sat themselves in the common room of the inn, where they were joined by Hake and the two leaders for the evening meal. "It's such a waste of energy and people to fight over something you should be sharing." Hake said in his silken voice as they enjoyed the food that Hake had ordered for them. "Why don't you work together to dig a new well for the town? Or dig two new wells, one close to each of your fields? I don't understand why you have to fight with each other over something so trivial." While they enjoyed the food, Hake learned that it the rivalry between the two leader families had been high since their fathers generation. The rest of the information he learned was mostly useless. At the end of the meal, Hake motioned to one of the many soldiers in the room and he went outside, only to come back after a few minutes with a jug which he placed on their table, along with three cups. "Gentlemen, please, let us enjoy a cup together of that which you are fighting over. While neither leader looked at the other, they all three drank from their mugs. By the smacking of their lips, Hake realized that, due to all the fighting, neither of the factions had actually tasted any water from the well in a while but had lived off of the river water and whatever supplies they had in their stores.

After finishing dinner, having talked things over with the two leaders, Hake invited them back for breakfast, so they could start working on a solution to the problem. Then the raven haired man excused himself and returned to his room. Hake was fast asleep minutes after his head had touched the pillow. The following morning, Hake prepared the last part of his plan. There was a soft knock on the door. "A moment, please." While his voice had a sleepy touch to it, it was still as melodious as before. Hake quickly pulled around his robes and let his face droop a little. His eyes became unfocused as he focused them on a point in the corner of the room. He lay back down on his bed and waited for a minute more. "Come in, please." Here, his voice cracked a little and he sounded hurt or in pain.

The same soldier that had brought the water last night walked in and all signs of fatigue and sickness faded from Hake as he sat up, making sure the robes remained closed and his body hidden from the soldier, who averted his eyes to some point fixed on the far wall. "There is a messenger for you. The East leader is not feeling well, stomach pains and unable to keep his food, and he apologizes for not joining you for breakfast today. He will feel better later today and will invite you then." The soldier bowed and walked out of the room only to reappear again minutes later with a similar message, this time from the West leader.

"Send a message to both leaders, informing them that I'm not feeling well myself. My stomach isn't agreeing with me and I would like to move the meeting to dinner tonight. Also, while you're there ask them what they had for dinner yesterday. The three of us sick could only have come from eating the same thing. Or drinking the same thing." Hake smiled as the soldier nodded, knowing exactly what to do. At first he would accuse both leaders of trying to poison an official, then he would apologize for poisoners would not poison themselves, then he would ask them what they had for dinner. He wound find that the two leaders and Hake had eaten three different meals but that some of the soldiers had had the same meals as them but were not sick. Conveniently, he would then conclude that the only thing they had had in common was the mug of water they had shared at the end, which none of the soldiers had shared with them. Hopefully, from there they would be smart enough to 'realize' that the well they were fighting over was useless now that it was bringing disease to the people that drank from it. With a satisfied smile, Hake lay back on his mat and closed his eyes.

Some people had to fake disease in situations like this, Hake just waited quietly until the first bout of coughing came up, followed by a headache. He lay as still as possible as he waited for the day to pass. The soldier-messenger returned, a little out of breath but with the exact scenario in his report as Hake had predicted it for both leaders. A second soldier brought in some rice for their sick commander and Hake gladly ate it. While headaches and coughing were sickness enough, neither of them did anything to lessen his hunger. "Go out to the well, make a show off it. Five men, fully armed, inspect the well while the escort looks mean at everyone. 'Discover' that the well is diseased and useless now. The soldier nodded and left the room, leaving Hake to finish what little rice he had been offered by the soldiers.

Two days later, after both leaders had recovered from their sickness enough to meet with Hake, the three of them sat around a table in the tavern due to one of Hake's outbursts of migraine, which rendered him unable to walk far on his own or stand the sunlight. He listened politely as his head throbbed with every heartbeat. The East leader was talking but Hake picked up only the last bit of his speech. "... we've already started digging new wells, as you suggested, near both our fields. Two of my East miners and a mason are helping to build the West well while we've borrowed a West carpenter to help us install build and install lifting device for the well bucket. Hake managed a smile, but his voice was hoarse with pain as he spoke. "That is so good to hear. What will happen to the center well then?" The West leader answered first. "We will close it off, but leave it accessible in case of fire in the village center. Nobody will be drinking from it, though, as we're not in the habit of getting sick on purpose.

The next day Hake's soldiers were lined up outside, ten of them in front of the wagon, ten of them behind the wagon. The leaders of the village had been kind enough to lend them a wagon to transport Hake in. They thanked Hake for helping them solve their problem, which the two new wells had solved, but Hake was too exhausted and too much in pain to really have any conversation with the men. Under the commands of the soldier that had served their water and who had been the only one aware of Hake's plan, their little column headed out, carrying the news of the village back to the Daimyo. Hake was glad nobody had been physically hurt as he took the small poison vial from the soldier and pocketed it somewhere deep within his sleeves.

[Takeda Shingen]

Chimosa Hake: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Morei Haji]

A beam of light shot down from the sky, landing in the middle of a village. As it dissipated, I was standing there, blade and shield in hand. Looking around at the village, the rumors were true. There was a civil war going on here. The people around me had stopped fighting, staring in shock at the boy who had just emerged from the light that fell from the sky.

Truthfully, it took a heavy strain on my body to move like that. I wasn't far from the village when I threw my body into the light to teleport here. I figured an entrance like this would be the best way to get everybody's attention. This fighting had to stop, and it had to stop now.

"Fair villagers, I have come to bring salvation to you!" I raised my sword up, pointing it skyward. It shimmered with the light itself. "Warring armies, I shall give you one warning only. Turn your armies away, lest you face my blade!"

All of the soldiers around here turned to look at one another. Some were shocked, others confused, and the rest were finding it comical that such a kid was threatening them all. Some of them readied their weapons, and my eyes narrowed, grip on my sword tightening. They began to bum rush me, and my sword would swing out far faster than they could keep up with, cutting them down one by one. As they fell to the ground, they began to groan. I made sure not to hit anywhere vital. I pointed my blade towards one of the groups in front of me.

"I won't say it again. Innocent people are suffering because of your warmongering. If you still insist on fighting...[/b]"

Light began to glow from my body, radiating off of it profusely. The men behind me began to back away, and I heard the call of retreat as they began to leave. My stare never fell away from the ones in front of me, and my blade never lowered. Some of them began to back away, but their commander seemed resolute in standing his ground.

"He's just one kid! And this all has to be a trick! Get him!"

The men looked at each other before they seemed to hold renewed vigor, and they charged at me, screaming war cries. Lowering my blade for a moment, I thrust it into the sky, shouting. Light would erupt forward, pushing them all back as it resonated violently from my body, shooting out in every direction. I kept the force strong enough as though it were a gust blowing the enemy back, but it was enough to make my point clear. The men would stare at me shocked, and the commander had lost his nerve. He began to sound a retreat, and within moments, they were all running away as if their lives depended on it. Maybe they did.

The villagers would come out eventually, noticing the enemies were gone. They began to cheer happily, running up to me and looking upon me as if I were an angel or some kind of savior. I offered them a kind smile, before falling to my knees due to the fatigue that the light placed on me when I used it too great like that. The villagers took me in and helped me rest up and get better while I got to know them all better. While I was there, I made sure no one else would harm them.

[Mōri Motonari]

Morei Haji: +3 Wis.

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Normally Katsumi wasn't one to get involved with conflict. She avoided it when possible, only really getting involved when it was a job. But after heading back to Echigo after some training ordered by Kenshin, Katsumi came across a sight that resulted in her stopping dead in her tracks and her horse to snort and stomp his hooves.

It wasn't surprising to see two factions fighting in these war-torn lands, but... it seemed to have moved into a village. Katsumi winced as she heard the screams of women and children, and bit down on her bottom lip as she saw a few get cut down. Blood trickled down her chin as it burst open.

This wasn't right. These villagers... they didn't have the skills to fight back and defend themselves. It... It wasn't fair. Maybe life wasn't fair. Katsumi knew that to be true, lived an life filled with abuse for nothing she could help. But... did that make it any more acceptable?

Katsumi felt her heart clench and, upon inhaling, her breath was shaky. The normally impassive women felt tears prickle at her eyes, and the scars on her back from the lashings ached. She empathized with these villagers. She couldn't not do something.

Dismounting her steed, Katsumi began to rush forward, using a powerful gust of wind to jump far ahead and land right in the center of the village. Motioning with her hands, Katsumi created a powerful gust of wind, knocking people away and causing them to fall onto the ground.

"Stop this needless violence! This... This village has nothing to do with your quarrel! Women and children are dying because you are battling here!" shouted the archer. She removed her bow and shot off a few spirit arrows to get her point more across. It seemed to do the trick, because those that were still standing turned to look at her. Katsumi wasn't really one to shout orders or to have her voice filled with confidence. Yet it was situations like these where sometimes she would come across as a completely different person. One who had a voice, one to listen to, one to fear and respect. Not that she really thought about it in that manner. Katsumi glanced around at all of the men, cool gaze looking them all over. "Set aside your differences enough to at least leave this place. If you so desire, fight elsewhere, or else... I will ensure none of you can fight... ever again."

One of the men stepped forward and shouted, "What the hell? You aren't even involved in this. Go away! This isn't your fight!"

"Neither is it this village's fight. Don't... Don't you see the carnage you are creating? Look around. Not... Not only are soldiers laying here, but women... children. Do you expect them to fight back? They have no weapons, no skills. They are not warriors," said the archer, waving her arm around, motioning to the village. Many of them looked around, and some seemed to be appalled, shocked.

She herself could not relate, but... this was something she often heard from soldiers, from leaders, and Katsumi went on, "Are... Are you not fighting to keep your families safe? So that this... this destruction will not reach them? Please... stop this. Fight another day, but... not now. Not here."

One of the men seemed angry and yelled, "Shut up! This doesn't involve you, kid!"

But one of the captain's placed his hand on the man's soldier before he could charge towards Katsumi. The leader shook his head. "No. Stop. What... What have we done? We... We aren't battling to cause this."

The leader from the other faction moved forward and lowered his weapon. "You... You are right. Men, it's time to retreat. We... have caused enough damage in one day. There have been far too many causalities."

After a handful of orders were made, the two leaders approached one another and bowed. They turned to Katsumi and thanked her for intervening, and both handed bags of money, telling her to give it to the village, to help compensate for the damage they caused. The archer nodded and they rode off. A heavy sigh released from her lips as they two factions left, exhausted from putting herself out there like that. But it only showed when they were gone. The villagers hesitantly moved towards her, some mourning over their losses. Katsumi handed one of the elders the money, and offered to help them rebuild.

Maybe it hadn't been her fight, but Kat finished it. Yet the damage was not done. But she would restore what she could.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

Shinomori Katsumi-chan: +3 Wis.

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Brandt Solveig]

This is bad.. I must fix this situation before it grows out of hand. 

Pale green hues stared at the chaotic scene before him. Angry crowds gathered on either side of the village center, screaming and roaring back and fourth. Brandt was unsure of exactly what the cause was, but the giant wanted to put a stop to this before a civil war broke out.

Often times the male has dealt with similar cases before. However he had never been the one trying to lead negotiations. Vikings generally just preferred rushing the enemy and killing them. Brandt did not want to see that kind of thing happen here this day.

The large male would take the chance and stroll toward the center of both groups. At first he tried to get their attention with words, but it seemed his voice was over powered by the angry mob at either side. Raising that massive Zanbato, Brandt would twist the handle and let the explosion sound out instead.

"ENOUGH! All this useless bickering and fighting.. For what!? Kill each other to what means? Why this useless fighting?"

Some people got scared, some simply stood there from shock and awe. Some, however, grew more aggressive. It irked Brandt to hear of the issues shouted here and there from the crowd. Tiny issues like land and crop disputes. There were better ways to deal with such things that didn't lead to needless suffering or death.

"Are we all not man? Do we all not need to drink and eat alike? This is suppose to be a community! You should be able to depend on your neighbors and work things out!"

Oy! Who the hell are you to have a say anyways, giant!? You aren't a part of this 'community'!

"You right, I am not.. But I have seen countless villages fall apart like this where I hail from. Do you really want to kill each others children!? Do you really want to murder friend's and their relatives!?"

He's got a point..

..Maybe he's right..

SHUDDAP YA BIG OAF!

YEAAAH! This is none of your concern!

BEAT IT!!

Brandt's teeth would grind together as he struggled to maintain a calm demeanor. It seemed these people wouldn't listen to his words of wisdom. A few men from each side approached him drawing weapons. The Nord would simply shake his head in disappointment.

"You are making a mistake.."

But once again his words fell upon deaf ears as the men rushed him. Brandt's hands already grasping the Zanbato, he would wait till the group was in range before ruthlessly forcing the flat end of his sword into the small squadron of men. They would all be knocked unconscious with a single strike.

"BY RULE OF YOUR DAIYMO AMAKUSKA TAKEHIRO, I DEMAND YOU LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS! If not.. I will resort to informing him in person.. And when I return, I will bring down a hell unlike any other if you do not comply.

A fire like never before was lit in the giant's eyes. If he had to, he would slaughter them to get away. However he prayed to Baldr that he wouldn't have to do such a thing. Scanning his surroundings, he would watch as the crowds quickly began dispersing.

The behemoth from the Nord would slide his sword back into the brackets of his shield, and watch as the masses filed away. It seemed he had finally made them see the light. He would stay a bit longer to ensure he was successful, before finally setting off into the world once again.

[Takeda Shingen]

Brandt Solveig: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Ichimura Ryunosuke]

A borderline Totomi village was attacked, and the Totomi militia was dispatched in response to that attack. But while the militia were busy fighting the bandits in that area, a rebellion sparked in a nearby village. It had seemed that some of the villagers there would offer the village to the Takeda, although their lord had recently defeated Shima and was on his way to Ise. Although he should be on his way there to give assistance to the Daimyo, he couldn't without resolving these two issues. And so while the other militia were fighting off the bandits, he went to the nearby village to contain the rebellion.

As he arrived at the village, he saw it in turmoil, as the villagers were arraying themselves in battle, and the rebels openly marching towards it, bearing the insignia of Totomi and the mon of the Takeda. Seeing the armies, Ryunosuke moved between them and shouted, "What is the meaning of this?!" But he was only responded upon by a charge towards him by the vanguards of both armies. Seeing tht they lost all sense of reason, Ryunosuke just fired his howitzer upwards. Both sides were shocked at the display that they halted as the two armies neared each other. He then re-equipped the howitzer on his back, and then said, "Now, are you ready to talk?" Both sides just stood in silence, for they knew what would happen if they stayed in their course of action. Ryunosuke then invited both leaders of the village and the rebels to conduct talks with each other at the spot where Ryunosuke stood on.

That said, tables and seats were placed on that spot, and wine was served for the three. The village leader sat on one seat, the rebel leader was seated on the seat opposite the village leader, and Ryunosuke sat at the middle of the two at the left side of the village leader. Turning towards the rebel leader and noting the mon of the Takeda on his robes, he asked, "By what reason do you intend on serving the Takeda?"

The rebel leader replied, "I heard that the Amakusa had apprehended a general of the Takeda for attempting to arrest a bandit leader, who happened to be of the cadre of the Daimyo. The Daimyo is insane; he picked a lowlife over a judicious fellow like General Sanada, and imprisoned the General within his dungeons? What would the Takeda think of that action? And so, before he massacre all our families, we intend to be his servants to avoid the impending danger!"

By those words Ryunosuke was scathed to the heart. He was also a Takeda outlaw, and had sought refuge in this land, and fortunately the Daimyo took him in for what he was: a leader of the militia. He was about to forget that and send himself back to the Takeda to receive his necessary judgment when...

"Even the lowest of beings can change! General Yamada had proven to be of help in many bandit conquests, and he was now very genial to us common-folk! Now that he was changed, how could we give him back to someone who still treats him as trash?" the village leader retorted. "And this is our territory; we could do what we want to someone who trespasses our territory and arrest one of our good officers!"

"But how about his imprisoning General Sanada? Surely the Takeda would take it as affront to their dignity and would march here to reclaim that!"

"Don't you have trust in our fighting capability? The Daimyo had crushed single-handedly the ships of the Kitabatake, and took the province of Shima with a small retinue of troops without a single casualty!"

"The Takeda are not the Kitabatake! The Takeda had a lot of soldiers in their disposal, and also had the greatest officers who had a mastery in battle! We surely won't stand a chance against them!"

"We should not fear if we were in the right! Our Daimyo could take down Takeda Shingen in a duel, General Yamada had demonstrated his power by defeating General Sanada, and the Head of the Totomi Militia is a man who could defeat swaths of soldiers as proven in the Battle of Okehazama!"

After hearing such words, Ryunosuke became infuriated. He then slammed the table with his palms, and said, "Don't speak of war between the Amakusa and the Takeda as if it was an easy thing for our factions! We're not engaging in war except it's the last resort! What would you think would happen if a war is on between the Amakusa and the Takeda? It would be the civilians who will be hurt the most in this, and so both sides are endeavoring to prevent a war between each other! We would send back General Sanada to the Takeda, have a small talk between our factions to clear up misunderstandings, and then walk away as if nothing of that sort happened. And so, would you stop this outrage and go back to your respective lives? It would be of no use if you killed each other here and now! What would your family say to others, that their loved ones died because of a war that never should have happened? You're better than that, men of Totomi!"

Hearing Ryunosuke's words, the two leaders then agreed to an indefinite truce between their parties, and the rebels dispersed quietly. As he left the village, Ryunosuke sighed. At least the matter was finished without bloodshed.

[Takeda Shingen]

Ichimura Ryunosuke: +3 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B

[Fujii Yori]

Yori has been sent to quell a altercation between The Pro-Azai faction of the village and a zealot whos been slowly converting the village to follow, "The Way Of Unity". The zealot promises that he will unite all of Nippon, through word and the power that the gods themselves have bestow upon him. Yori absolutely must stop this movement before it spreads and becomes like many dangerous religious sects before ( The Yellow Turbans and the Nestorian Christians are one of many that cross Yori's mind ).

Upon arriving at the village Yori is greeted by villagers in red kimonos. " Welcome to are village traveler, seed of The Way Of Unity". Their voices and expression were kind and welcoming. Playing the fool Yori smiles and asks in a interested tone,"Way Of Unity-what is that"?

The villagers tell Yori that they are part of the movement and how there going to bring of unity and balance that will restore Japan to a whole. Listening to their words Yori asks how they plan to unite all of Japan when they haven't even united one small village. They pause for a moment and in unison say, " The Bringer Of Unity will show the way".

"Who is this bringer of unity and where is he", Yori asks? The followers say he is the one who will unite the land, follow us and your questions will be answered. These religious types sure like to repeat themselves, it does not matter at least they'll lead me to the cause of all this distress and I can settle the matter. Yori follows the followers to a unused grainery, upon entering Yori is greeted by even more followers.

Looking rather out of place with his light blue kimono in a sea of red, Yori requests to see the self proclaim Bringer Of Unity. All the followers attention now focused on Yori, an awkward silence fills the room as Yori contemplates readying himself for a fight. The silence would loom over the room for a brief moment longer till a soft voice would pierce the silence." Unity through the gods who watch over are great land". The followers would fall to their knees and bow while reciting the same words. Facing the leader, who was donned A red cloak with a hood covering his face.

"If your the deliver of unity how do you plan on uniting Japan" Yori asked the cloaked man? The voice was soft and quiet, making it hard to distinguish if it's a man or woman.

"The gods show me the way i merely act on their word".

"Many claim the same as you do what proof do you have that shows otherwise"?

"I other have the words of the gods and my faith to guide me and those who follow me to the right path".

This conversation will go on forever if Yori does not think of a way to outright prove that this person is a mere storyteller.Yori approaches the zealot and stop about three feet away from him." You claim to know the will of the gods,but why do you hide your appearance as they do, why not show those how follow you what the face of unity looks like"!? The followers seem to agree with my request as they cheer and ask also to see the face of unity. The zealot backs away and nervously says," My face has no bearINg-on how the land will unite". The zealot's voice cracks midway through his sentence, it sounded feminine. Yori moves closer standing right infront of.... her?

The zealot crys out,"Stay Away",in a completely feminine, and her follower desist requesting to see the zealot's face. Yori septs towards her and removes her hood revealing her face. The followers grow angry and call her names and saying a woman could never know how to unity a land, their anger grows and they start to close in on the woman. Yori draws his sword and Yells," I am Lord Fujji Yori in service to your Lord Azai, none of you shall harm this woman i will escort her back to stand trial"! The ex-followers, back down as Yori escorts the woman with him back to the capital.

[Takeda Shingen]

Fujii Yori: +2 Wis

Proficiency: Leadership - B