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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 11, 2006 21:03:30 GMT -5
The Imperial Palace is where great lords come to meet with and parley with the Han Emperor. It is where kingdoms are created, dukes are enfeoffed and so forth. Come here if you seek an audience with his majesty Emperor Huan, but remember to be polite, especially if you have travelled here with the expectation of receiving land.
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Post by pharotes on Jul 12, 2006 0:56:11 GMT -5
China, the land of the far East. Operators of the Silk Road, allies to Parthia and the Sassanid Dynasty. Also allies to Parthia’s current enemy – Rome. Rome had gained its first major victory over the Parthian armies back home, claiming a piece of the Asian Minor for themselves, for their destructive hands. But there was no way that Xanthos’ father, Pharotes. Xanthos’ brother, Syrus, was here in these lands of China as well – along with a long list of other able talents.
An assassin, ‘Dark Star’ who had chosen to serve as an assassin, a spy, and general for Sassanid against Rome – his grand efforts led to one of their victories over Rome. Another, Melchior, had won many victories over Rome back at home and was appointed by Pharotes for this conquest of China. Oh, but they were to remain the Han’s ally…for now, anyway.
Oh, but the Sassanid wasn’t the only ones to see China as a great way to influence their power and authority back home, rumor had it that Roman generals were making there way along the same road that the Sassanid just had – the Silk, Spice, etc, road. So they sought to bloody their swords with Asian and Sassanid blood did they? Well, Xanthos would meet their challenge with one of his own. He promised that in due time this land would be his, be the start of the Sassanid Dynasty. His Dynasty. His father would handle matters at home while he slew the barbarians that ruled this uncivilized land.
A Persian Emperor over the Chinese people…it was a dream that would, hopefully, soon be realized. Well, time could only tell. And it seemed that that time was about to start as the dust settled outside of the Han gates, the fabled city of Luo Yang. Behind Xanthos was his army – and inside of those large blocks of men? His generals. His brother couldn’t make it yet, sadly, as he had matters at home to attend to before he could leave for these lands of the East. But it was reported he’d be there soon. And with him more Sassanid loyal troops. The dawning of the Sassanid Dynasty was just around the bend!
A diplomat moved from Xanthos side, up to the gates of Lou Yang. The man spoke fast and short – that the armies promised to aid China had arrived and that the prince, and his generals, wished to meet The Emperor, Emperor Huan. Mean while, Xanthos turned to his men and generals, “The time has at last come…Dark Star, Melchior, you are to come with me into the palace, to speak with the Emperor. The rest of you are to wait here until further orders. The Diplomat,” Xanthos’ head nodded toward the man at the gates, “Will stay with you and come to us if something happens…” Xanthos from there walked – keeping his horse with a retainer at the back of the line – toward the gates, waiting for his generals.
(Bah, crap – I’ll get better as I go along, just haven’t had many museful days lately.)
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Post by The Darkstar on Jul 12, 2006 1:08:35 GMT -5
The Darkstar nodded and moved to Xanthos' side. He left orders with a designated commander of his unit to set up in a defensive formation on the left flank of Xanthos' main unit. The Spear unit set up in the front, Crossbows in the center, and Swordsmen in the back, with small groups facing different directions to keep tabs on their surroundings. Working under the command of an assassin taught the men that attacks can come from anywhere, at any time, from anyone.
The Darkstar was dressed in lavish Maroon robes with black outlines. Underneath was hidden boiled leather armor, as light and maneuverable as possible, while still offering mild protection.
"Well then, shall we?" He bore a half smile, eager to get their plans underway.
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Post by darkscorp on Jul 12, 2006 1:53:36 GMT -5
The long column of Sassanid soldiers, stretching for what seemed like miles, moves slowly toward the Han capital of Luo Yang in central China. It was not unheard of that the Persian's to the west had dealings with the Chinese, by way of the Silk Road, but it was only recently that an army stepped foot onto this foreign soil. The thoughts of conquest were no doubt lingering on the mind of the young prince, Xanthos, but his father had sent this group with diplomatic intentions.
That is, for now.
Melchior, one of Pharotes great generals and a mighty slayer of Romans, rides upon his glorious black war steed ahead of a perfectly formed army. The commander was an expert in leading both infantry and cavalry along with being quite knowledgeable in military tactics making him a most valuable officer to the Sassanid forces.
The sun, though not even near as hot as the deserts of his homeland, warms his armor and weapons due to their metallic composition. Thankfully the chain design gives the wearer some comfort due to seperations in the links. This lighter form of armor makes the soldier more agile but offers less protection than the heavier types. In desert warfare one must be careful on which armor to wear or they would find themself boiling to death under the brutal sun. At his sides are a battle mace and a short sword, both ready to end the lives of the new dynasty's enemies.
A golden mask, upon the general's face, covers a long scar received during war with the Romans; a most hated rival. During an epic battle, defending a strategic bridge west of Hatra, Melchior defeated a Roman commander in personal combat. This is where he received his injury to the face but also his short sword which was taken from the fallen body of his enemy.
The mask, too, absorbs the heat of the sun warming the officer's face and making him even more uncomfortable than he already was.
China? What were these desert warriors doing all the way to the east?
Melchior, known as the Desert Knight in his homeland, raises his fist to the sky to halt his army. Dark Star, a royal assassin, and Xanthos had already formed up their men and after being ordered to follow, Melchior nods to the prince and moves forward.
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 2:10:06 GMT -5
Emperor Huan's guards looked in awe at the foreign dignitaries before him. They had never seen anybody with such round eyes, even though they had heard of people to the West having noticeably less slanted ones. The men before them wore different outfits and had different skin tones as well. Their appearance at the castle they defended baffled them. These men must have had an army to be able to get this far into China, for it was a well-known fact that brigands and highwaymen lined the Silk Road. This fact was disconcerting to the guards, though the very presence of the men was a wonder, as travelers from the West had not been coming too much of late. But the gate guards did not have any reason to dwell on these thoughts. After a few moments of calm and collected thinking, one guard responded to the Persian diplomat's odd-sounding Chinese.
"If you have come this far, you are welcome to visit the Emperor in his royal chambers, though you and your masters must take off any weaponry, armour, etc. right here at the gates. Any treachery you might be intending will not succeed; the Emperor has Imperial Guards lined up to protect him and a massive army just outside the eastern Gate of 9 Dragons near Luoyang awaits to save his majesty should any rascal attempt to assault the capital," said the guard in formal-sounding Mandarin, spoken bluntly and to the point. The guard shuffled his feet waiting for a response, refusing to quite look the Sassanid men directly in the eyes. As he stood there, he wondered if he had made the right decision by allowing them passage. If he hadn't, his head would soon be on a pike...
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Post by Ge Hong on Jul 12, 2006 10:14:54 GMT -5
Shimazu Toshihisa, a foreign man, from one of the islands off of the Chinese mainland, arrived, a vast army behind him, with 3 other prominent men around him. He wore a different set of armor, unlike any of the Chinese normals, but it seemed to allow better movement, and was lighter than standard armor.
Walking up to the guards, the army stopped outside, quickly pitching tents. The 4 men walked forward, and spoke to the guards.
I am Shimazu Toshihisa, leader of the Shimazu clan, on the island of Kyushu, Nippon. I have come to China, to seek fortune and fame. In my travels here, I have picked up the minimal requisite of officers needed to take one of the lands of China.
I bring with me, Jia Xu, Cao Zhang, and Xu Shu, all three men of renown. I do think I should be let in...
((Horrible... I can't really RP this character as a civilized man...))
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Post by Angel on Jul 12, 2006 11:25:10 GMT -5
*As Xanthos, Darkstar, & Melchior were about to enter the palace to seek an audience with the Emperor, the sound of soldiers was heard approaching. A small caravan of soldiers arrived at the rear of the 3 men, and soon their leader made his presence known. A man adorn in stunning white robes, with red and violet embroidering around the collar and cuffs of his robes, stepped forth from the array of soldiers. His unusual ocean blue eyes stood out in the crowd as much as his appearance did. With his right hand, he unequipped his scimitar from his belt, and handed it to a soldier located at his left. The right hand then quickly moved to his youthful face, moving a few strands of his wavy bluish-gray hair out of the way.*
*Without missing a beat, he quickly ascended to the location of the 3 men before him, coming up behind them and halting. He said nothing. No words were necessary, all 3 men knew him well. Especially, the one he stood behind now. After countless hours of contemplation back home, and many arguments with his father, Syrus now found himself standing behind his older brother in foreign land. He knew his arrival might not please Xanthos much, however, he cared little. When it came down to it, he knew his brother would rather have him by his side than back at home, where his talents would be void and useless.*
(OOC: Bleh, sorry, had to make that quick.)
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Post by darkscorp on Jul 12, 2006 12:00:46 GMT -5
Melchior could understand just enough Chinese to get by in these new lands and any words pertaining to warfare or weaponry immediately rang in his ears. A most disturbing feeling washes over his soul as the guard states no weapons are to be allowed inside the palace. This was, or course, standard operating procedure for such soldiers but asking foreigners to unarm, making them extremely vulnerable, was pushing it in Melchior's mind.
The golden masked general, a man with a most mysterious presence, leans over to his leader and speaks his thoughts on the current situation in Persian so the guard could not understand. Well, that is unless the guards of Luo Yang were skilled in foreign languages; which, they most likely could being the most important city in China.
"My prince, certainly your safety relies on your escorts being armed so that we may assist in time of need."
Melchior's eyes, just visible under his facial covering, roam back toward the guard who is now wondering what is being said.
"If you so wish it than i will hand over my weapons but i ask that you consider this wisely, my lord."
After receiving a look from the young prince, which seemed to signal compliance with the guards request, Melchior shakes his head slightly and sighs to himself.
"Very well" he says in Persian with an attitude showing through his calm exterior.
He was, after all, an elder to the young prince and a great general in his father's army. However, this did not change the fact that Xanthos was his superior and he would do as commanded.
From behind the group comes the prince's brother, Syrus, and Melchior is uplifted by this arrival which bolsters the protection available for their leader. Even if Xanthos was not happy to see him, Melchior was.
Nodding to Syrus, who had just arrived, he watches Darkstar to see what the man would do and soon after he, not so willingly, hands over both his battle mace and short sword. A Roman short sword at that, taken from the lifeless hand of his fallen enemy on the field of battle. It was a most prized possession to him and if any harm came to it......
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Post by adray on Jul 12, 2006 13:27:05 GMT -5
Luo Yang was a large city, much like... Moscow. AnYwAy I shall cut to the core. "My lord is the finest man who ever lived, your forces will do well with a guiding star such as him." The writer than quickly closes this window after posting and starts to play a game he was planning too before Justin interupted him with a pm (now that's a quick post )
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 14:29:22 GMT -5
The Han Emperor smiled. He had heard of emissaries from Persia coming to Luoyang, and he had already planned to install them in the West, where they would be bogged down having to deal with the local, rather brutish barbarians who had been defying the Han in open rebellion. But he had other guests too, other guests from the East and of course a few Chinese officials. It appeared that a Japanese man had recruited Chinese officers, officers famed in their intelligence and nobility, and wished to settle in China, to help the Han Emperor govern no doubt, as an embassador of Himiko, the recently appointed queen of Japan who had been in contact with the Han Empire. The Kyushite had shown up with one man at the Han palace, though he spoke of two others. Emperor Huan was assured in any case that he was fit to assist him in the East, where he would be able to send messages to his queen or friends in Nippon.
"Shimazu Toshihisa, the Kyushite, I am glad to see you and your subordinate Xu Shu walk among the courtiers of my palace. If it is fame and fortune you seek, you may bring your followers to Qing and occupy that territory for your people, so long as you stay allied to the Han. I trust your intentions, as China and Japan have mostly been on good terms since Nippon has been unified by your gracious queen," said Emperor Huan simply. The ministers surrounding Emperor Huan began talking very fast after their master's speech. They knew that the Emperor had made a foolish decision, but they were powerless to stop him. In any case they realized that they would have to keep an eye on this no doubt ambitious barbarian, and so they would advise their Emperor later to install more lords in the Central Plains...
Meanwhile at the gate, the guards of Emperor Huan did not understand the foreign tongue that the Sassanids were speaking. "Please talk in Chinese in the Han capital," instructed one guard, who had begun to be suspicious of these guests and their intentions. The other guard who had spoken to the Sassanid diplomat earlier was beginning to become impatient as well. If these people would not take off their weapons in the presence of the Han Emperor then he would forcefully disarm them. The Emperor meant no harm of course, but the guards at the gate did not know what the Westerners in front of them were planning...
(Bah changed my mind. I'll just give land, no need to do a battle to get your first piece of territory. Same goes with the Sassanids)
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Post by Don't Reregister account Aruzo on Jul 12, 2006 14:47:38 GMT -5
*As a faithful Han servant, Yuan Shu had free passage in the capital of Luo Yang and something inside his head told him it was the time to spread his wings and 'protect' the Han out in the field. He was tired of the useless debates at court, which never led to any actions. It was time to take faith in his own hands and show the world what the talented son of the Yuan family could do in China. It was time to grab his own piece of land in the huge territory known as China. Quickly, Yuan Shu walks to the throne room and when entering, he is startled by the many people already being present. His mind immediately starting to work, thinking of a way to get to the Emperor and persuade him to legally hand some land to Yuan Shu. Without anymore hesitation, Yuan Shu steps forward and approaches the throne as close as possible. But before speaking, Yuan Shu bows deeply to the Emperor and takes his time in doing so. Not only to show his respect to the Emperor, but more to think of the words to chose just a little while longer. He then raises and looks at the Emperor.*
"Oh, my Emperor, I, Yuan Shu, loyal servant of the Han for many years have to stop you from doing this. I am in much distress seeing my lord give away portions of his land to unknown men without a second thought. My lord, before all is gone, I would like to advice you to give a large portion of land to a capable leader, a man who would be able to quickly move out his armies and bring all of the land quickly under one banner again. For as you know, these are dangerous times and only one little thing has to happen before one of these 'prefects' will grab up arms and go on a conquest to conquer all of China."
"Therefor, my lord, I would like to place myself in the position of safe keeper of the peace during these times. If you will grand me this opportunity to prove myself, to prove my many years here at court have taught me much. Too much to tell you here, as you may know, for your wisdom is never ending, but you can not possibly be everywhere at the same time. Please allow me to take residence in the region of northern Jing, with the large cities, so I will be close to the capital to come to your assistance whenever needed and I can use the roads of Jing that lead to every corner of Your Empire to restore order wherever chaos has appeared."
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Post by The Darkstar on Jul 12, 2006 14:57:44 GMT -5
(Bah, let's just get this over with.)
The Darkstar looked at the guards for a few long moments. His gaze fixed and emotionless. "Fine, we'll speak your language while we are here, if it please you." His right hand moved quickly up to the hilt sticking up from over his shoulder, and it drew the blade in a fluent and practiced manner. The Crimson and Black chinese style longsword was a strange sight with it's colors and designs, but there was no doubt it could kill as well as anything else.
He spun the blade around and handed it to the guard, hilt first. "I'll be expecting that back shortly." He turned to the others and spoke, "Let's go already." And without a second glance he began inside.
(Blah, blah, let's just say we are all goin' in, disarmed and everything. I don't wanna be stuck in the capital anymore :-p)
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 15:03:06 GMT -5
The Emperor grinned widely. Clearly Yuan Shu was a trustworthy man. He would never harbour any desire to make himself an Emperor or war with the Han. He would rule justly, expose corruption and govern fairly, as he had been known to do in his home province. But there was a slight problem: Yuan Shu did not have a large following. How could anybody rule in these chaotic times without talented vassals and a decently sized army? Moreover Huan recognized the fact that only he, the Emperor, truly had faith in Yuan Shu. Though many praised Shu for his nobility, few actually trusted him to reign over a sizable chunk of territory."Lord Yuan Shu, I am honored by your presence in my court. The Yuan family has served the Han Emperors with dignity and loyalty, and I would definitely trust you to administrate my land. There is a problem however, and that problem is your lack of followers. If you can get 2 officers of high rank to serve you then I will gladly give you the title of Duke of Luyang, and will admit you as the official ruler of Xiangyang in Northern Jing. Until then though, while I know you offer your service humbly and modestly, I do not think my ministers would approve of giving you territory," says Emperor Huan. (Read the obtaining land rules Erik. I'll gladly let you have territory, just get 2 other players to join your kingdom first. Shouldn't be too hard; you have a bunch of connections. )
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Post by pharotes on Jul 12, 2006 15:35:11 GMT -5
Remove his weapons and armour? Xanthos almost asked the guard to repeat his request. That sounded like political, and physical, suicide. But, other generals of other types were entering the palace with no weapons and or armour. And thus, if they trusted this ‘Emperor’ enough to do so, he could to. Melchior, as Xanthos had guessed from his war-like temper, started to, in his own calm way, put up a fuss about the armour and weapons issue. A mere glance at him silenced the man and he agreed. Xanthos’ had no weapons – his lance being left with his Kataphractoi-styled horse. His armour, on the other hand, light chain mail under his shirt, was still present. The mail was so light weight that even a pat down wouldn’t allow them to find it – only if they made him remove his shirt, which he knew the guards wouldn’t. The only reason he kept it on was because he didn’t want to feel so…naked. His generals could fight with their bare hands and steal a weapon. Xanthos, though? He was more of a military master mind than a fighter, as was his brother… As thoughts of his brother come to mind a scout placed at the rear of the formation told Xanthos that more men were approaching with Sassanid colours and the Parthian banner. ‘So,’ Xanthos thought, ‘Syrus has arrived, eh?’. And no sooner had he finished these thoughts did Syrus make his way through the crowd to Xanthos, Darkstar, and Melchior. Xanthos smiled at his younger brother and nodded his head to him, “Glad to see you could leave Hatra earlier…who did you get to run it in your absence? Ah, it matters not…welcome to China, Syrus…” And with that Xanthos nodded to the guards, knowing just enough Chinese to get by, but enough that he could get any and all points needed across. Looking at the three men around him, Xanthos began his march into the palace – to speak with the Emperor. (One more post from all of us should do it…And I just want to get this part over with )
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Post by The Darkstar on Jul 12, 2006 15:47:31 GMT -5
The Darkstar smirked as he watched the others remove their weapons. We remove our weapons, but none wish to remove their armor. He thought, An outrageous request, remove that wich gives us our protection and peace of mind.
His hands went to his sides, as if smoothing out his robes, he could feel the light leather armor he wore underneath. He almost laughed, Leather, armor? Hah, hardly strong enough to be considered true armor.
He realized that Xanthos had passed him and was making his way in, The Darkstar moved to follow.
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