The battle of Kamigoryo Shrine will take a long pause for the night, with periodic rushes and assaults to keep things spicy. Yoshinari’s forces are encamped mainly on the western side, and the woods to the east and south are on fire in places. Where they are not, there are small patrols of Yoshinari's warriors in the woods. In assessing the situation, Captain Goto decides that he is unwilling to die for a lord that is not his own. He gathers his troops and resolves to cut his way out while it is still possible. Captain Goto suggests that they retreat to the nearby Shokoku-Ji. Once the central shrine falls, there will likely be a slaughter of the losing side to follow.
Such is war.
- Southern Trails - The original area Goto's Company was tasked with defending. Now held by the Asakura, allies of Lord Yoshinara, the enemy commander.
- Moat - A few tens of yards wide, probably 10' deep, with stone embankments. Difficult to climb when exhausted and wet.
- Shokoku Temple - a major Zen temple, possibly with Asakura prowling around the temple grounds without permission from the abbot.
- Southern Pond and Meadow - various shrines and a small pond, nice looking.
- Outer Shrine - Main body of Lord Masanaga's forces are on guard here, mostly on the west side. Strong wall on the exterior, though not high enough to deter an assault with ladders. Goto's company is in the group to the southeastern corner.
- Inner Shrine - Lord Masanaga's retinue and HQ are set up here, as well as a field hospital and stores.
- Eastern Pond and Kagura Hall - This large open building faces east, in to a wide, deep pond full of koi and lilies. It would be a point of serious vulnerability, but it is largely unapproachable.
- Main Promenade - The side of two or more football fields, this huge gravel path is the site of parades and public ceremonies. Lord Yoshinari's forces are camped here in main strength, with a line of pavises to protect them from archery. It is difficult to tell how many are here.
- Kamo River - This is the main river in Kyoto. It is usually quite shallow, but in winter it is often flooded. The area past here is mostly woods and small estates.
- Village - A small nameless village on the outskirts of Kyoto. It is occupied by enemy troops.
Goto Shirobei - Captain of the company; a greedy, bad-tempered, but quick warrior from Sakai.
Kuga Jou - An honorable but ambitious ronin with dreams of a position in a local clan.
Kujou "Wolf" Nagasuke - Bully, easily bribable ex-criminal with a fearsome reputation.
Muramoto Yukichi - A big man with a tetsubo, stubborn but slow to anger.
Ogino Korekiyo - Another ex-criminal turned warrior, greedy and opportunistic.
Sakurano Toru - A foolhardy ronin who lives in the moment and enjoys every second.
Takata Shiko - A cheerful ronin, always smiling and quick with a joke.
Tezuka Kane - A lecherous, amiable, handsome ronin with an eye for the ladies. And the gentlemen.
Tsuda Joben - Ex-pirate with many burn scars, quiet but deadly with a spear.
2 comments:
OK. So. This is the situation the night of the battle.
There is no sign of Kingoro and Santo no Kai, though you last saw them fighting or running across the Southern Pond and Meadow.
Unlucky Ko, well, last you heard of him was when he ran down the trail past the Big Rock, to see what the hell was going on down there (Asakura were pushing in). He never came back.
Really, that leaves Tatsuzo and Katsu in with the rest of Goto's Company, now down to less than a dozen present and accounted for. You guys are in the Outer Shrine, catching your breath and figuring out your next move.
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