Kaidan - A Japanese Ghost Story

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:57:45 GMT

Posted by: kaidanmods

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004 :: Action

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 08:20:04 GMT

Posted by: notgivingup

[After the strange message on the scroll, Ukitake was hesitant to use it. It was frightening to think that the scroll was connected to someone like that, someone that evil.

After his discussion with Cho-sensei, he'd taken some time to think on other matters, though. Today, he's outside the Ugendou practicing the sword techniques that he learned at the academy.]

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Strange Entry

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:23:25 GMT

Posted by: kaidanmods

THOSE WHO HOLD THE SCROLL.

CHOSEN ONES?

GUARDIANS?

FILTH.

YOU ALL CARRY A SACRED ITEM. A KEY TO SUCCESS OR FAILURE.

HUMANS BELIEVE THAT THEIR PETTY STRUGGLES HAVE MEANING. THAT THEY OWN THE LAND.

THEIR BLOOD NOURISH THE EARTH. THEIR FIRES BLOCK OUT THE SKY. SOME OF US THRIVE IN THE MADNESS. OTHERS SUFFER.

TAKE HEED TO THIS WARNING AND KNOW THAT WE WERE HERE LONG BEFORE MAN CLAIMED THIS LAND.

THESE TRICKS WILL SEEM AS A CHILD'S PLAY IN DUE TIME. STARVATION AND STONE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

AS FOR THOSE OF US... WE'RE STILL CALLING. WE'RE IN YOUR BLOOD.

LISTEN.

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First Scroll

Wed, 30 May 2012 03:05:04 GMT

Posted by: scentofwhiteplums

[In delicate calligraphy, someone is writing on their scroll.]

Is it true that those who also have such scrolls, can read what I write on mine?

If so…

[There’s a break, as if the person writing isn’t quite sure what to say, then -]

[The writer has hesitated enough for a drop of ink to fall.]

I am looking for someone – a youkai, or a hanyou, with red hair, and a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek…he is a swordsman of some skill.

…If anyone has any news of such a person, I would appreciate it if you would inform me.

My name is Tomoe. Pleased to meet you.

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003 ;; Written

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:49:52 GMT

Posted by: notgivingup

[A small drop of ink before he begins writing.]

I am thankful for what my father has been able to provide for me, but the last time I received supplies was over one month ago.

I've heard that they have closed the gates to the city, perhaps that is why I have not had word from him or my family in some time.

Is it true, about the children turning to stone? I have many younger siblings and I'm worried for their safety. Kiyoshi particularly has a tendency to wander.

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☾ Scroll Two ☽

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:34:00 GMT

Posted by: prince_of_the_moon

I have traveled far. Much is as I recalled it and yet...

(A change. A noticeable one, though perhaps not one that should concern him.)

The vermin will do as they always do: place the blame on others. Who shall it be this time? One demon? Two? Or perhaps we are all to blame.

(There is a pause before the writing resumes.)

Do not challenge me if you wish to see tomorrow.

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A Japanese Ghost Story

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:55 GMT

Posted by: kaidanmods

The fires of Edo have burned out.

After such a long time trying to save the city, the fires have finally burned out completely thanks to both the efforts of the people and a bout of sudden, torrential rain. The citizens can finally start to rebuild their ruined homes, and the trades will soon open up again. For now, the gates remained closed to the city while the rubble is cleared out, to prevent any youkai or bandits from attacking.

But what is happening outside the city?

Villagers and townspeople are going missing. Crops are withering. Children turn to stone. Travelers cannot leave the Hojo region. Something dire is happening, and the smoke around Mount Fuji is not disappearing - instead, it is getting a tinge of red. The youkai are still angry, and even those who are normally benevolent now start to display a more agitated and uncontrolled behavior.

'Once upon a time...'

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Scroll +001

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:01:03 GMT

Posted by: sharpshooter

I figure it's about time this town knew what was up. Let me start this by saying I'm sure you've all heard about the attacks around Edo lately and let me guess - you're not feeling all that safe. Thinking about starting up a band and charging towards Edo? Or maybe you're off to provide relief at Mt. Fuji but guess what, not enough man power at your disposal?

Then you're in for a treat. Whether you walk on two legs, four legs or no legs at all (or more legs - though hey, I can't say I've met a youkai with more than eight legs yet), the Saika are for hire and our fire-sticks are at your disposal. So whether you're storming a city, the side of a mountain or even if you're just looking for a group to keep an eye on your loved ones (especially the ladies ♥) [Did he just put a heart there? Did he really do that? No. No, it's probably just an unfortunate inkblot] the Saika are willing to hear your pleas.

We can be found in Yamabou-mura for the next few days before we move on to our next destination for whoever's got what it takes. The Saika are pretty open, we don't judge what path you walk but let it be known - a group like us? Our skill doesn't come cheap.

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Scroll Entry + 002

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:15:41 GMT

Posted by: manofemotion

Myself and Lord Motochika are currently stationed in Takano-chou, investigating the current disturbance. The bandit activity is... worrying, to say the least, and the level of strength they possess all the more reason for concern. Several nights now I have had to fight to protect the people here.

Friends in Yamabou-mura, please let us know if any danger heads your way. The journey between here and your village is but three hours; we can return quite quickly, should any need for our blades arise. When I swore to protect you in return for your hospitality, I meant it, so do not hesitate.

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☾ Scroll One ☽

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:21:44 GMT

Posted by: prince_of_the_moon

(Sesshomaru is putting his scroll to good use. Considering he has found himself in such a strange position, he decides to speak to one who has been long dead. Even if his father can't see his words, others will. He is certain of that. He wants to make his intentions very clear.)

Father, why did you endow him with such a precious gift? He didn't even know what it was before I informed him.

The power of the Tetsusaiga is wasted on him. My current condition is all thanks to your bleeding heart. I thought you were better than this, but, apparently, you are not. The two of you are so alike. It's a shame he never knew you better.

A pup like him should know better. Since you decided to prize him above myself, I will teach him his place in this world. If he doesn't learn quickly, I will kill him and take what was rightfully mine in the first place. Wouldn't it be amusing if I destroyed him with your precious Wind Scar?

Though that might be too good for him. He is a wretched Hanyou - and one that likes humans for company at that. It won't be long before he joins you, never fear. Then I will finally have everything I have desired since I was a pup. The path of the conqueror will be wide open to me with the Tetsusaiga by my side.

Perhaps, someday, I will be able to forgive you. Perhaps I will be able to call you "Father" without detesting every memory I have of you. Anything is possible.

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scroll ☾ first

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:15:21 GMT

Posted by: manhunters

Imbecile

[ Oh this is starting out well, isn't it? A big old "IMBECILE" written in fluid strokes. Rather like he's written it's been written before, perhaps countless times...

Someone's rather angry about the fighting that's broken out in Takano-chou. He wants to get to that tree. Has to get to that tree! There's got to be something about that tree - but he can't right now and it just makes him angry. He could go in there and fight his way through but... Well, maybe he's calling himself the imbecile too... ]

Imbecile, Imbecile, Imbecile, Imbecile!

[ Not to mention, he's not had the scroll for too long, so he has barely had the chance to take a look at it. See what it does, besides making his head ache.

He's also going to write it a few more times, writing get more and more scribbly as he goes, until it just stops. ]

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002 :: Written or Action

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:11:50 GMT

Posted by: notgivingup

[There's a drop of ink, he's hesitant to write, but he must, if there's to be a record of this for his family. His handwriting shakes a bit from fear and lack of sleep. He had to steady himself.]

I can hear shouting at night, women and children screaming. I know something bad is happening. I'm a bit away from town, so they haven't gotten to me yet, but it's only a matter of time.

[Since these were possibly the last words he was going to say, he does his best to say them with conviction, trying to steady his hand.]

I am leaving the Ugendou this evening and taking my blade to town.

If I should have the privilege to save one life tonight, let it be known that the fourteenth son of the Ukitake house will not have died in vain.

[Action: Ukitake will be making a slow walk to the heart of Takano-chou this evening, holding a lantern to light his path, and armed with one simple katana. Somebody stop him? :|b ]

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一

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:05:36 GMT

Posted by: bloodthirsting

Curious, aren't they? These scrolls.

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A Japanese Ghost Story

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:00:07 GMT

Posted by: kaidanmods

Takano-chou is under attack.

The prosperous town located one and a half day from Edo and three hours from Yamabou-mura has suffered several guerrilla-style attacks from a large band of rather well-known bandits. The casualties are few so far, but each night, things seem to grow more dire. The bandits fight with near-fanatic strength and some townspeople report that they seem almost supernaturally strong.

Are they under youkai influence?

The peaceful youkai around Yamabou-mura have no answers for those who question them, but the location of a holy tree inside the town has been an issue between human and youkai for some time. Is this a trick to make people fight amongst each other as the youkai take control of the town, or are the bandits fueled by something else? It is hard to tell, and as people are trying to find answers, the attacks keep happening, and innocent people are dying.

'Once upon a time...'

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SCROLL | THE FIRST

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:59:18 GMT

Posted by: owarinooutsuke

[The writing is hurried and sloppy, all careless brushstrokes and running ink, and maybe a stain of who-knows-what.]

All of these humble greetings are getting boring. Isn't there anybody at all using these scrolls that has a bit more spit? I came to Edo to meet interesting people. Or demons.

-Owari no Kusanagi Kotetsu

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Scroll 1

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:38:13 GMT

Posted by: smilingscholar

Greetings, carriers of this scroll, be you human or not. I am Cho Hakkai, a humble scholar and doctor from China. I arrived here against my will not too long ago, and all my attempts to leave the region have so far been fruitless.

I must admit that the stories of the youkai around here are rather worrying, and I've seen some rather alarming signs of hostile activity. I was wondering, has anyone been inside the forest lately and safely returned? Are the rumors about Mount Fuji true?

Likewise, I also have a few questions regaring warfare in this area. Edo is not too far away, and I heard that it is a popular target. Should we be expecting raids to spread to the village and town as well?

Forgive me for my many questions, and good health to you all.

- 豬八戒

[Added later, in Chinese:]

How many of my countrymen are currently present in this area, and have access to one of these scrolls?

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scroll.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:48:32 GMT

Posted by: shigeharu

Has anyone lost a cat just outside Yamabou-mura?

Small female, gray with a white tummy and paws, very affectionate; if I really can't find the owner I wouldn't mind k

[There was probably more written here...but the entire area below the text has been swallowed up by a rather massive inksplat - more like an ink spill, with a couple of tiny pawprints around the edges. And then, down the page quite a bit, below the mess -]

Did I mention playful? Oh well. Let me know!

[Treating this scroll with all the seriousness and gravitas it deserves? Why yes, of course Hanbei is.]

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Scroll Entry + 001

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:03:29 GMT

Posted by: manofemotion

If I may, I wish to ask my fellow scroll-bearers a question.

My name is Akechi Mitsuhide; I am a ronin from the Minou province. I came here upon hearing of the youkai, and wish to help with the situation, but I must admit I am at something of a loss right now.

There is war in the air, or at least it feels as such to me. Many have told me that I ought to fight the youkai, and it is as simple as that. That doing so will solve all of the problems this cursed land now suffers from. But I am not sure that is right. Of the few youkai I have encountered, not one showed any aggression or ill-intent towards me. No question that there are plenty who will, and I expect to meet them in time, but I cannot harm innocents. Be they human or not.

So I wish to get a clearer picture by gathering the experiences of others. What kind of youkai are out there, my friends? If you are willing to share your stories, I would be most grateful.

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Scroll

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:52:36 GMT

Posted by: academicsandbara

[Tsutomu seemed cheerful today. After walking around the outskirts of the village with his dog, Tsutomu discovered something. He hasn't stopped smiling since his way home. He pulled out his scroll once he managed to find ink and a brush.]

Ah! I just discovered a large field of wildflowers nearby! This should give me an abundance of different colored dyes.

To celebrate, I shall make a yukata for the upcoming warm season. Whomever comes to my shop can have this yukata for ~~free~~ half off!

[There was a crossed out word there....]

Better hurry!

-Fujisawa Fabrics

[..Someone's eager.]

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001 :: Action

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:43:34 GMT

Posted by: notgivingup

[On the outskirts of Takano-chou, there's a slightly run down summer home situated on a lake. While it's old, it's well taken care of, which should be obvious as there's a teenage boy, perhaps fifteen or sixteen running a cloth along the floorboards outside the home.

It looks like he's a bit out of practice, a bit wobbly, all arms and legs... and if you're on the road nearby, you might be lucky enough to watch him almost fall into the lake. He manages to scramble securely up on deck at the last moment.]

...Why do you think the put railing only on one side, I wonder?

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A Japanese Ghost Story

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:25 GMT

Posted by: kaidanmods

Edo is still burning.

The inner area is already considered lost, and any attempts to put the inferno out has not been fruitful so far. The smoke is rising, blocking out the sky as the cursed land of the Hojo region feels the wrath of the spirits. It is time for heroes to emerge from the remains of the battle-torn city and take back the world for the humans.

The youkai are awakening.

Aokigahara, the Sea of Trees, is no longer a safe place for humans. Villages around it are plagued by strange occurrences and disappearing townspeople. Others find their luck changed by the passing of a kind spirit. All over Japan, the hidden creatures of the land seem to travel to the base of Mount Fuji, as if drawn by a strange calling.

'Once upon a time...'

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