Zhao Provincial Roleplay

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Cao Chao
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Cao Chao »

Marquis Black wrote:"On the contrary," Rui rebutted. "To be able to wield the path of nurture and the path at darkness in harmony is the mark of a true hegemon," Rui lectured. "If we were all darkness, how would we be different from Qin Shi Huang?" he asked. "And if we were all kindness, how would we be able to survive amongst a sea of ruthless enemies?" he posited. "A balance of both is required, and thus not everyone can support the same path, lest the balance be destroyed."

"Let our comrades walk the path of nurture," he told Zhiwen. "Where we destroy, they will sow. Do not the most fertile lands grow where ash and blood are spilled, after all?"
"Are any of us here hegemons in the making?" asked Zhiwen, arching an eyebrow, as he regarded Bai Rui, "Does someone here have the makings of being able to control both the light and the dark? The twin paths of creation and destruction? Or as you put it, nurture and neglect?"

"Without a true leader capable of simultaneously walking down both paths, we will face eventual destruction," continued the young general, as he prepared to mount his horse and enter the city. "Without one capable of bridging the gaps, without a true hegemon, I fear that the widely differing paths of light and dark will only lead to a philosophical schism that will sunder the bonds that exist and destroy what we hope to build. When that happens, we will be easy pickings for any who chooses to assail us."
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Bourne »

Lynn

Nary before had Xingnu bore witness to such a display of contentment from Suyin, even when having garnered praise, she would frequently recant any exterior convey of delight, as though something held sway that somehow it was a requirement of her. He had initially believed his prior attempts to aid her in disregarding such an outlook would be all for naught. It had never dawned upon him that prospect of her harboring an interest to the extent her affections had demonstrated, especially due to her meek demeanor. It was a perplexing position the young master had found himself within; his own attraction to her lost amongst his apprehension that she would misconstrued his intentions. These muddled contemplations were momentarily found themselves interrupted upon the gentle press of the young woman’s cherry-blossomed lips against his own, whilst she again entwined their fingers, leaning herself against his muscular frame. Consequently, Xingnu simply decided to pay no further heed to what had lingered, his eyes opening to witness a smile he thought an impossibility, and something he would treasure to have been the cause of.

He knew the likelihood of his understanding the rationale behind what he had meant was nil, he chose not to explain it, preferring to forget his past and not disrupt the tranquility they would share. “You needn’t concern yourself, suffice it to say, you have given me a purpose… something I had once believed was no longer possible” was his only attempt to provide insight, albeit it would only garner further inquire. His assumption of her curiosity being a primary aspect of who she was led to the belief discussing everything with her was inevitable, just… not now, not when moments such as these were fragile because of their rarity. War was never a forgiving mistress and conveying to her the degree of his involvement was not an appealing prospect. It would only have her anxious unnecessarily.

Upon her direction, his eyes gazed towards the illuminated sky, stars streaming across the clearly displayed surface, nary a cloud to be seen. It was akin to a wonderfully created fantasy, in actuality, the entirety of this moment could accurately be described in similar context, or so Xingnu would consider. He would pivot Suyin, so her back was to his chest, gently embracing her, hands locked around her waist. “You know, I was always told upon the sky were those of the past, great men and women who saw fit to grasp fate and change the course of its direction. I never gave it much consideration, at least not until more recently. Even then, it has remained by desire to do precisely that, change what has been determined and write something new. In many ways, perhaps we have already…”
Xe

“I would be hopeful you are mistaken, milady” he responded with a momentary chuckle upon her relatively overdramatic assumption of their reaction. He would certainly not deny the possibility of what she had stated becoming a reality, rather he believed they were of better discipline. “It would be more likely they perform solely to garner my attention and attempt more elaborate abilities they are not yet capable of, at least not with flawless consistency.” His sable optics would slightly deviate from the young woman as one of his senior students had exhibited a remarkably skillful array of swordplay, moving in such a nimble manner while maintaining her grace, one might mistake her movements as a form of dance. “Hardly surprising” he would comment, a smile coiling upon his lips. “Suppose I spoke too soon about an overzealous display.”
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Marquis Black
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Marquis Black »

Cao Chao wrote:"Are any of us here hegemons in the making?" asked Zhiwen, arching an eyebrow, as he regarded Bai Rui, "Does someone here have the makings of being able to control both the light and the dark? The twin paths of creation and destruction? Or as you put it, nurture and neglect?"

"Without a true leader capable of simultaneously walking down both paths, we will face eventual destruction," continued the young general, as he prepared to mount his horse and enter the city. "Without one capable of bridging the gaps, without a true hegemon, I fear that the widely differing paths of light and dark will only lead to a philosophical schism that will sunder the bonds that exist and destroy what we hope to build. When that happens, we will be easy pickings for any who chooses to assail us."
"Are any of us hegemons, indeed," Rui repeated with a chuckle. "Perhaps, perhaps not. A hegemon is typically born with the ability to wield light and dark, but he...or she...must come into their own first, before they can be considered a hegemon," Rui pointed out. "Heaven does not favour those who are simply born with talent, Zhiwen. It favours those who lift themselves from the muck of mediocrity. It is a time-honoured rule of Heaven, and none may escape it."

"That is why we must keep our eyes open for the one who will be our hegemon," he added. "There are already three in the land, that I can see: Xiang Yu of Chu, Liu Ji of Han, and Shi Tong of Jiaodong," he analyzed. "All three have used light and dark tactics to raise their status. I would add Zhefu, but that man chooses the darkness far too much. He is unbalanced and a force of chaos more than a force of progress."
Bái Ruì zí Ruìcōng, 24 (Male) - 71-23-81-78-56 - Skills: Confuse I, Cover II, Dash II, Decoy I, Diplomat II, Escort I

Followers:
Qiao An (18, F) 36-50-67-70-80 Public Planner II, Scout I, Gongshu I, Confuse I
Lu Ning (23, M) 56-80-47-41-66 Wall I, Decoy I, Gongshu I, Inspire I, Charge I, Spy I, Haste I, Delay I

"The right timing, the right place, and the right people are important to one's conquest...but so is luck."

Disclaimer: Things characters played by Marquis Black may say do not necessarily reflect the state of mind or opinions of its roleplayer.
Cao Chao
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Cao Chao »

Marquis Black wrote:"Are any of us hegemons, indeed," Rui repeated with a chuckle. "Perhaps, perhaps not. A hegemon is typically born with the ability to wield light and dark, but he...or she...must come into their own first, before they can be considered a hegemon," Rui pointed out. "Heaven does not favour those who are simply born with talent, Zhiwen. It favours those who lift themselves from the muck of mediocrity. It is a time-honoured rule of Heaven, and none may escape it."

"That is why we must keep our eyes open for the one who will be our hegemon," he added. "There are already three in the land, that I can see: Xiang Yu of Chu, Liu Ji of Han, and Shi Tong of Jiaodong," he analyzed. "All three have used light and dark tactics to raise their status. I would add Zhefu, but that man chooses the darkness far too much. He is unbalanced and a force of chaos more than a force of progress."
"Perhaps it will be one of us who serve the Yi clan and dream of the restoration of Qi," replied the young general with a smile, "Or perhaps it is one of those who have hopes for Zhao. We do not know . . . and likely we will not know for some time. In the meantime, it is important to ensure that there is little dissent within our officer corps. If it does occur, the consequences will be dire."

"Shi Tong? Probably not . . . or at least, not yet," replied Zhiwen, shaking his head. "While he has expanded well in Jiaodong and Jibei, he has done so without a single modicum of resistance and with few worries about any enemies. Giving the dislike shared between him and Zhefu of Qi towards the Hegemonic King, he has been able to expand without the worries. We on the other hand, while expanding in Zhao, will have to worry about enemies throughout. Not only Zhefu in the east, but others as well. Zhao is a central province. We will do well to keep an eye on our neighbors."
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Marquis Black »

Cao Chao wrote:"Perhaps it will be one of us who serve the Yi clan and dream of the restoration of Qi," replied the young general with a smile, "Or perhaps it is one of those who have hopes for Zhao. We do not know . . . and likely we will not know for some time. In the meantime, it is important to ensure that there is little dissent within our officer corps. If it does occur, the consequences will be dire."

"Shi Tong? Probably not . . . or at least, not yet," replied Zhiwen, shaking his head. "While he has expanded well in Jiaodong and Jibei, he has done so without a single modicum of resistance and with few worries about any enemies. Giving the dislike shared between him and Zhefu of Qi towards the Hegemonic King, he has been able to expand without the worries. We on the other hand, while expanding in Zhao, will have to worry about enemies throughout. Not only Zhefu in the east, but others as well. Zhao is a central province. We will do well to keep an eye on our neighbors."
"The difference lies in their methods, my friend," Rui pointed out. "Where one man flaunts his power to threaten others, the other uses diplomacy to quietly divert attention, while at the same time expanding his borders quickly," Rui added. "Why is Zhefu unable to leave Qi?" he posed. "Why is Shi Tong able to expand into Jibei? Why the double-standard?"

Rui thumbed his lips pensively, a knowing smile growing on his face. "Why weren't we attacked by Zhefu, despite knowing where we are and that we oppose him? He certainly has the troop strength to do it, and taking us out now would've preemptively eliminated a threat," he mused. "Thus, we must conclude that some outside force has chained him, even if temporarily, to Qi. Is it Shi Tong? Unlikely. Zhefu probably has more troop strength than the man in Jiaodong does. None of the other warlords have enough strength to even match him, with the exception of one: Xiang Yu."

"That leads me to conclude that Zhefu has been ordered to stay still, Zhiwen," he reasoned. "Meaning that where Shi Tong succeeded diplomatically, Zhefu failed. Thus, we are shown the difference between a man who can balance light and dark, and one who cannot: one is chained, while the other expands freely, without reprimand."

"The west, for its part, is embroiled in its own conflict," Rui then observed. "The battle of Gaonu in Di has quite likely thrown the expected status quo into disarray, thus the warlords will likely be more cautious," he noted. "Our north, for its part, is empty, only tormented by a vile man burning it to the ground. To the south is Yin, where our friend Lady Zhu hold command of half the province, if not more," he added, before chuckling. "At this time, Zhiwen, we are better served consolidating our position. Our flanks, for whatever reason, are secure."
Bái Ruì zí Ruìcōng, 24 (Male) - 71-23-81-78-56 - Skills: Confuse I, Cover II, Dash II, Decoy I, Diplomat II, Escort I

Followers:
Qiao An (18, F) 36-50-67-70-80 Public Planner II, Scout I, Gongshu I, Confuse I
Lu Ning (23, M) 56-80-47-41-66 Wall I, Decoy I, Gongshu I, Inspire I, Charge I, Spy I, Haste I, Delay I

"The right timing, the right place, and the right people are important to one's conquest...but so is luck."

Disclaimer: Things characters played by Marquis Black may say do not necessarily reflect the state of mind or opinions of its roleplayer.
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Sweet_Ayame »

Wouldn’t the world be something, to have one’s name preserved in the heavens as a star. Is that why men were ambitious? Did they seek to gain hoping it would put them up with ancestors whose greatness had earned them a place above the earth? If only it were such a simple answer, or one so silly. There were men whom she believed to dream of such things but they were few, and they were not the ones to be feared. It was those with the lust of blood, desire to conquer, and need to control that worried her. Sadly she knew little of the other men who led the state, but it was undoubted tyrants remained amongst them.

This was comforting. In many ways it was the greatest peace she had known in a long while. To just be held while enjoying the night sky, knowing nothing would disrupt the night. She held no great expectations as to where the moment out to lead, or what to do next, she simply enjoyed it. A second thought would pass through her mind, if star were men, what did that make falling stars? Were they ancestors making room for the heroes of a new age to shine with them? Perhaps it was a sign…

How had they changed things? He must have known her mind would wandering posing such questions as the lights dashed across the midnight blanket covering the sky. Funny how the best comfort came from a person she knew only in the present. Neither knew anything about the other’s history, and Suyin had yet to even speak a word to him. Then again she hadn’t spoken to anyone, and since childhood this was the closest any had been where the girl was not struggling.

Her toes wiggled a little in the grass, pushing off some left over snow. For one reason or another the woman refused to keep a pair of shoes on her feet, one of the strange quirks to balance an stranger personality. Perhaps all of the charm of Suyin however, and he remained none the wiser she was more than just a misfortunate peasant girl, which was how she preferred it.
Jiao Suyin, 18
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Cao Chao
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Cao Chao »

Marquis Black wrote:"The difference lies in their methods, my friend," Rui pointed out. "Where one man flaunts his power to threaten others, the other uses diplomacy to quietly divert attention, while at the same time expanding his borders quickly," Rui added. "Why is Zhefu unable to leave Qi?" he posed. "Why is Shi Tong able to expand into Jibei? Why the double-standard?"

Rui thumbed his lips pensively, a knowing smile growing on his face. "Why weren't we attacked by Zhefu, despite knowing where we are and that we oppose him? He certainly has the troop strength to do it, and taking us out now would've preemptively eliminated a threat," he mused. "Thus, we must conclude that some outside force has chained him, even if temporarily, to Qi. Is it Shi Tong? Unlikely. Zhefu probably has more troop strength than the man in Jiaodong does. None of the other warlords have enough strength to even match him, with the exception of one: Xiang Yu."

"That leads me to conclude that Zhefu has been ordered to stay still, Zhiwen," he reasoned. "Meaning that where Shi Tong succeeded diplomatically, Zhefu failed. Thus, we are shown the difference between a man who can balance light and dark, and one who cannot: one is chained, while the other expands freely, without reprimand."

"The west, for its part, is embroiled in its own conflict," Rui then observed. "The battle of Gaonu in Di has quite likely thrown the expected status quo into disarray, thus the warlords will likely be more cautious," he noted. "Our north, for its part, is empty, only tormented by a vile man burning it to the ground. To the south is Yin, where our friend Lady Zhu hold command of half the province, if not more," he added, before chuckling. "At this time, Zhiwen, we are better served consolidating our position. Our flanks, for whatever reason, are secure."
"That only shows he knows the light," replied Zhiwen, shaking his head, a hint of impatience in his tone, "I have yet to hear of his utilization of any tactics that stem from the Dark Art of War . . . from tactics and ploys that plumb the very depths of the darkness that rests within the hearts of man. He has committed no act that will bring him widespread condemnation and censure from the lords of the realm. Until he does, I do not believe that he has what it takes to be a hegemon."

"As for our borders, they are far less secure than you believe," continued the young general, continuing to shake his head, "Perhaps it is because my duties as a military commander requires me to prepared to face any and all threats. Regardless, I do not share your rosy view about our frontiers. They may seem safe, but right now, everything is in flux. We cannot count on things always being in our advantage. We must be prepared for an invasion . . . from all sides if it comes to it . . ."
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Diao Cai »

It was later in the evening within the city of Yanyu. Her duties for the day completed, the long figure sat quietly outside. The woman with long black hair and a single steel grey eye sat staring at a suit of blue armor that had seen better days. Holding it steady with one hand, Ming Mei began to rub a cloak with a mixture of oils and tonics with the other, gliding it over the metal and leather of the armor. It was a simple and daily ritual for the one-eyed woman, to daily upkeep ones armor for combat after a long day of practice was almsot as ritualistic as taking hammer to anvil and the allowing the soothing tones of the strikes to carry away the nightmares of the past. Her jouney from Han was complete, she had arrived in Zhou and following the rumors had enlisted within the service of General Yi. Behind her on the road she had traveled from were the tattered remains of a life now gone. A life that fearfully tried to reclaim her and drive her to dispair. but like all rituals weither it praying or meditating, working over ones armor to keep the leather subtle, to keep the metal purified from rust, such things were just as ritualistic and demanded enough attention that she might easily ignore the specters of her past that sought to haunt her. She had a new life now, a new life to try and life for as long as she could. She would not forget the past life that was lost to her, but for their sake. for the sake of those now gone, she had to try.

thats not to say she blended in well. Lets face it, even sitting she larger than most boys, and build more like a man than a woman. Black smithing can do that to a person, developing their upper body in ways normal exercise might not. surronding her lay simple tools, a pair of oddly shaped pliers, a few rags. A bottle of the oil concoction she created for her weapons and armor. a helmet which was next on her list to do. the lower plates of her armor, the gauntlets, and a wooden bow of intricate design that, like the armor, had seen better days.

but that was much like Ming Mei. She too had seen better days. Haven't they all though?
Diao Ming Mei
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Sweet_Ayame »

Diao Cai

The day was nearing it ends, and the night soon to begin. It had been really a big adjustment going from days of nothing to being camped inside an office actually doing paperwork that she’d been raised to do. All that training seemed like a lifetime ago yet somehow she was capable of falling right back into it. The only change had been the girl no longer could vocally communicate with those she worked with, but she was quickly mastering the art of writing out all the instructions for the day for each individual before moving to help in a more hands on approach. Staying cooped up wasn’t her nature anymore.

The bells in her hair jingled as she walked down the main path, shoeless like always, hair kept down, and her robe dragging across the ground behind her as a train. The sash had been undone, the outer robe left open, exposing the soft colored dress worn underneath. To most this was inappropriate, to someone who had gotten used to wearing rags it was sweet release from the heavy outfit. The night air was so refreshing, invigorating, and brought a peace to her all too familiar.

Passing through the streets of Yanyu the petite woman came to a stop. Outside was a figure, which shocking she discovered to be a woman that towered nearly a foot over herself, working some process on a set of armor. Was the woman a smith? The way she was tending she could only guess so, but she hadn’t ever heard of a woman smithing, not where she was raised. Then again she hadn’t heard of women warriors until she witnessed students of Xingnu, and wielded a blade herself… though she wasn’t anything of talent. Quietly she decided to approach, the armor appeared worn… it was hers likely by the shape.

As she drew closer Ming Mei could hear the ringing of bells and other trinkets that dangled out of Suyin’s hair, revealing her presence. Her means of approach slow, cautious, but her eyes expression an innocent curiosity as to what the woman was doing.
Jiao Suyin, 18
36-62-52-80-89
Civil Administrator II, Diplomat II, Jianshu II, Politician II, Propagandist II, Saboteur
Diao Cai
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Re: Zhao Provincial Roleplay

Post by Diao Cai »

Sweet_Ayame wrote:Diao Cai

The day was nearing it ends, and the night soon to begin. It had been really a big adjustment going from days of nothing to being camped inside an office actually doing paperwork that she’d been raised to do. All that training seemed like a lifetime ago yet somehow she was capable of falling right back into it. The only change had been the girl no longer could vocally communicate with those she worked with, but she was quickly mastering the art of writing out all the instructions for the day for each individual before moving to help in a more hands on approach. Staying cooped up wasn’t her nature anymore.

The bells in her hair jingled as she walked down the main path, shoeless like always, hair kept down, and her robe dragging across the ground behind her as a train. The sash had been undone, the outer robe left open, exposing the soft colored dress worn underneath. To most this was inappropriate, to someone who had gotten used to wearing rags it was sweet release from the heavy outfit. The night air was so refreshing, invigorating, and brought a peace to her all too familiar.

Passing through the streets of Yanyu the petite woman came to a stop. Outside was a figure, which shocking she discovered to be a woman that towered nearly a foot over herself, working some process on a set of armor. Was the woman a smith? The way she was tending she could only guess so, but she hadn’t ever heard of a woman smithing, not where she was raised. Then again she hadn’t heard of women warriors until she witnessed students of Xingnu, and wielded a blade herself… though she wasn’t anything of talent. Quietly she decided to approach, the armor appeared worn… it was hers likely by the shape.

As she drew closer Ming Mei could hear the ringing of bells and other trinkets that dangled out of Suyin’s hair, revealing her presence. Her means of approach slow, cautious, but her eyes expression an innocent curiosity as to what the woman was doing.
Ayame

The first thing Ming Mei heard, were the bells. The motions that she took in rubbing the oil mixture slowed as her memory carried forth. Not of her boy, but of the girls she trained. The faces that were gone. She shook her head however, no not every had died. some had listened, some had survived. she had to remember that. The bandits failed to kill everyone, and some of those girls were responsible for saving her own life. She sighed gently and shook her head with a smile, still remembering the smiles on their faces as they left for their new home. Fun and new adventures they had said. Ming Mei hoped that they had found that without the worries of death that oft followed. Shaking her head softly and a smile crossing her lips, she continued to work on the armor, at first ignoring the approaching Suyin. Ming Mei was rather used to people coming up to see her. It was a truth that women rarely took on the roles of what some might consider "man's work". Smithing was just something that a woman rarely if ever did. So the curious was something she was quite used to. At first she did nothing though she did finally say as Suyin got close enough....

"If your here to see if I'm truly an ogre, the answer I'm afraid is no."

...She replied with a slight smile and looked up. Her single steel grey eye looked at the young mute quietly. Her left eye hidden beneath the confines of the patch on her head. Her voice was sweet and musical, and much more gentle than the frame of a body she had.

"What's this? I heard bells but didn't expect an older girl. What is your name?"

Even as she said this, she gentely set the armor down, cleaning her hands and putting the cap back on her oil. Her movements were fluid, gentle, not unlike a ceremony one would expect from a dancer, or calligraphier. The movements almost as ritualistic as they were common.
Diao Ming Mei
Biography
Female 24yr old
80-80-45-60-55
Discipline, Doctor, Gonshu II, Instructor II, Military Administrator, Smith II, Volley II
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