File: Shogunal Troops.jpg (349 KB, 915x404)

349 KB JPG

Rice paddies stretch out all around you, giving way to forests in the east, and mountains in the north. Thankfully, you are headed west, and that view is mostly more of the same terrain through which your army marches now. You’ve elected to proceed on foot after a draught horse died and yours was needed to help pull an artillery cart. Two days ago, your army was given orders to proceed toward the enemy stronghold of Hofu. It is still a good days’ march away, but you’ve been making good time. Some of the other daimyos’ forces have claimed to have been “bogged down in the mud” but you have a sneaking suspicion that many of them are exaggerating their predicament. Currently, the forces of the Aizu Domain, plus two other daimyos’ forces, are the only ones still moving on schedule. That being said, you estimate that three armies will be sufficient to besiege Hofu while you wait for the rest of the force. Adjusting your rifle, which is slung over your shoulder, you look around as you walk. To your right is Lieutenant Nakajima, who you recently discovered is a woman in disguise. Before, you never would have suspected it, but now that you know the truth, her identity is obvious even in her disguise. She scans the horizon carefully, occasionally using a pair of field glasses she acquired a few days ago.

You frown, continuing to walk ahead. Though your army is quite sizeable when considering the regular infantry attached to it, your central force is only maybe a tenth of it. All of your ‘new rifle’ men are positioned on the flanks and near the front of the formation as it moves. Though you’ve not encountered any enemies recently, to discount a possible ambush would be foolish.

General George Custer, the military observer attached to your forces, stands in the back of a horse-drawn munitions wagon nearby. He leans on the side wall, writing in a notebook between gazing at the surroundings. Though Custer is only a military observer right now, he has suggested to you the idea of raising a modernized cavalry unit, and once you have enough war horses to spare, that will likely be his new focus. The wagon itself contains all of the non-combat personnel that have followed your company on this campaign. Sarah Holman, a journalist as well as your former fiancé, sits in the wagon as well, having some sort of discussion with her photographer as he fiddles with his camera. Colter Lee, the commander of the US Marines attached to your force, sits up front with the wagon driver, cleaning a double-barreled shotgun absently. Though the US Marines were vital to the success of your shore landing, their presence has since been reduced to more of a support role in the wake of them suffering heavy casualties. Enzo Beretta, your company’s gunsmith and an aspiring weapons designer, also sits in the wagon, examining a recently-captured Henry rifle not dissimilar from your own.

File: Lieutenant Nakajima.jpg (20 KB, 327x500)

20 KB JPG

You find yourself staring off into the distance at the impressive terrain when the sound of horse hooves can be heard in the distance. Looking to the northeast, diagonal to the rear of the formation, you see a message runner wearing the familiar black tunic of the Aizu Domain. He raises the black and gold banner of the Matsudaira Clan to make his identity known as he gallops up to you.

The man dismounts his horse, walking up to you while breathing heavily. The horse looks exhausted behind him, and you can tell the man rode hard all the way from wherever he was last. He bows, which you return politely. “Colonel, I have word from the armies marching behind us.” He grimaces. “The forces accompanying us have reported being bogged down in the mud north and south of here. Colonel Takei’s forces are now the only ones still marching, but they have had difficulties of their own.”

You grimace. The summer rains have turned much of the surrounding areas muddy. Though your forces managed to avoid the worst of it, it would seem the other armies weren’t so lucky. Looking over, you see Nakajima shoot you a concerned look. “What shall we do, sir?” She raises an eyebrow.

>”We keep marching. There are enough men here to set up a siege while we wait for the rest of the army.”
>”Perhaps it would be best to make camp here and wait for the rest of the army to move up.”
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”
>Write-in.

>>3395648
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”

>>3395648
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”

>>3395648
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”

Glad to see you back
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”

>>3395648
>>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”


whoooho, It's back

hello Naka!

File: Lieutenant Sato, 1866.jpg (33 KB, 564x811)

33 KB JPG

You frown. “Gather the other lieutenants. I want input from them as to our next course of action.” You look over at the courier. “And you go get some water, rest up.” The courier nods, walking toward the supply wagon with his horse.

Nakajima nods, saluting. “Understood, sir.” With that, she turns and heads toward the area where the other lieutenants have congregated. It takes a few minutes for her to return with them.

“You wanted to see us, sir?” Lieutenant Sato salutes you as he walks up.

You nod. “We’re at a bit of a crossroads here.” You wait for the other lieutenants to gather around before you continue. “Gentlemen, I’ve just learned that only one supporting army is now marching along with us.” You grimace. “The others have all reported that they are bogged down in this mud.” Taking a cigarillo out of your pocket, you light it and continue. “That means only this force, and the one being led by Colonel Takei, are still advancing toward Hofu. While we could probably besiege the city with that many men, it would be a risky situation to stretch ourselves that thin.” You take a drag of the cigarillo and continue speaking. “I want your input on whether we should continue or stay put until the other armies dig themselves out.”

The officers look at each other, and Kojima decides to speak first. “I believe we should stay here and wait, sir.”

You nod. “Duly noted, and what about the rest of you?”

Lieutenant Subaru sighs. “Waiting here will just give the enemy time to reinforce Hofu. If we move now, we can at least surround the city and keep any reinforcements or supplies from getting in.”

“Good point,” you reply. “Anyone else?”

Sato frowns deeply, stroking his mustache as he thinks. “Sir, is it possible that the other armies are lying?”

You raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

His expression darkens. “There seems to be a trend amongst many of the other daimyos’ forces. They all seem to be avoiding actually contributing to the expedition.” He looks out toward where the courier came from, scowling. “I suggest we send a small force to see if these armies are actually stuck or not.”

You nod slowly. “And you, Nakajima?”

The woman lieutenant seems caught off-guard by your question. “While I think we should continue advancing to avoid letting the enemy reinforce, Lieutenant Sato makes a good point.” She frowns. “If our allies are lying about being stuck… Such behavior could doom our campaign unless corrected.”

>”We’ll stay here and maintain contact with our allies until they get dug out of the mud.”
>”Our force will advance along with Colonel Takei’s troops. I want to have Hofu surrounded as soon as possible.”
>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”
>Write-in.

>>3395648
>”Gather the other lieutenants. I want to get their opinions on our next course of action.”

>>3395777
>>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”

>>3395777
>>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”
Let's check then

>>3395726
>Glad to see you back
Glad to be back, this new job has taken a lot of getting used to. Haven't had an actual day off in almost a month.

>>3395777

>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”
We need to adress it before we start the fight

>>3395777
>”Our force will advance along with Colonel Takei’s troops. I want to have Hofu surrounded as soon as possible.”
They obviously lying. But is there something we can do about it?

>>3395777

>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”
Nakajima is coming too, our right hand has been always at our side and we shouldn't start acting differently unless we want to raise suspicion, and besides, she saved our skin some times in these small group missions, not that we are expecting trouble but you never know, right?

>>3395823
When we arrive we congratulate them in resolving the mud issue since we will not see anybody stuck and offer them to escort them through the dry path our troops used

>>3395777
>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”

>>3395777
>>”Gather fifteen men and enough horses for everyone. We’re going to see our allies in-person.”

“Sato, Nakajima, gather fifteen men and enough horses for all of us.” You walk over to the supply wagon as you speak. “We’re paying our allies a visit.” The lieutenants salute you and go to get the men, and you walk up to the courier. “Where were these troops who got bogged down in the mud?”

The young soldier stands up straight. “A ten-minute ride to the northeast, sir.”

You nod. “Can you lead me to them? I want to speak with their commander.”

“Yes sir.” He nods.

“Good,” you say. “What domain were they part of?”

“The Izumi Domain, sir.”

You nod again. “Meet me here in five minutes.” With that, you go over to the munitions cart that your horse was volunteered to help pull. Un-hitching the animal, you lead him over to where you see the lieutenants rallying some troops. Maybe ten minutes later, your fifteen troops, two lieutenants, and the courier are ready atop their horses. You all head out shortly after, with the courier in the lead. He takes you all along a small dirt road, winding between hills and rice paddies. “Nakajima,” you speak up after a bit. “What can you tell me about the Izumi Domain?”

“Not much, I am afraid.” Nakajima frowns. “They are an old domain, but I have not heard any rumors of their military prowess, so I wonder whether they have a strong army or not.”

You nod. “Any idea about the sort of people in charge of the Izumi Domain?”

“No sir,” she shakes her head. “I have no idea.”

You grimace. “Alright, we’ll be going in totally blind. Stay sharp.”

“Yes sir,” she replies.

After another half hour or so, you see their camp in the distance. The Izumi Domain has a rather large force camped out, with many tents and campfires. You see quite a few wagons and horses off to one side. As your group approaches the entrance to the camp, the courier throws up his banner to avoid any confusion. That being said, some of the soldier in the camp still look intimidated by the arrival of your team. You all ride into the center of the camp, dismounting your horses. The ground here is noticeably drier than even the ground on which your force has been marching. Curious.

“What is the meaning of this?” An older Japanese man in a rather fancy kimono exits a canvas tent, walking up to you. His dialect is a bit difficult to understand, but you still have a good idea of what he’s saying.

“My name is Colonel Stockton,” you begin. “I’m in charge of the Aizu Domain’s forces.” Looking around, you grimace. The ground is almost dry enough to kick up dust when you walk, so much for being bogged down in the mud. “I heard your force was having difficulties, so I thought I would come and assist you.”

The man raises an eyebrow. “So you are the American we have heard so much about.” He crosses his arms.

>”And who might you be?”
>”I wasn’t aware that my reputation preceded me.”
>”There’s no mud here so far as I can tell. Why aren’t your forces marching along with us?”
>”This camp must’ve taken a while to set up. I take it you have no intention of marching to Hofu?”
>Leave without saying a word. This army is clearly a lost cause, and you still have the force to the south to check on.
>Write-in.

>>3395923
>>”I wasn’t aware that my reputation preceded me.”
>>”This camp must’ve taken a while to set up. I take it you have no intention of marching to Hofu?”

>>3395923
"I'm glad to see the mud is not delaying your troops anymore, should I help your men raise camp so we can fulfill the shogun's orders and besiege Hofu?"

>>3395923
>”This camp must’ve taken a while to set up. I take it you have no intention of marching to Hofu?”

>>3395923
>>”I wasn’t aware that my reputation preceded me.”
>”This camp must’ve taken a while to set up. I take it you have no intention of marching to Hofu?”

>>3395940
>>3395923
+1

>>3395923
>”There’s no mud here so far as I can tell. Why aren’t your forces marching along with us?”

>>3396081
nvm
>>3395940
supporting

>>3395923
What do our scouts say ahead of our March and how are supply lines, cause if the supplies are bogged down then that’s a issue but if they are not something is up.

>>3396119
I don't think there's no bogging down, I think they are all lying and just waiting for our men to die like they did on the beach landing

>>3395940
changing my vote to this

You cross your arms. “I wasn’t aware my reputation preceded me…” Frowning, you observe your surroundings. This encampment has been here for a while, at least a day if you had to guess. “Nice camp,” you remark. “Must’ve taken a while to set up.” Sighing, you continue. “I take it you don’t intend to march with us to Hofu?”

The Japanese man, likely the guy in charge, doesn’t even blink at your accusation. “I am afraid so.”

Taken aback, you frown. “Why? Your forces are part of the Choshu Expedition, same as ours.”

The man looks at you with an incredulous expression, then looks over at some of his soldiers who have gathered around. “Do you see this?” He speaks to them in Japanese quickly, almost too quickly to understand. “The foreigner wants us to keep marching.” He chuckles, then turns to you again. “I see no reason to send my men to be killed alongside yours. By merely being here I am fulfilling my obligation to the Shogun.”

You clench your fist almost involuntarily, gritting your teeth. “So you were among those that stayed on the ships while my men got shot to pieces on that beach…”

He raises his eyebrow. “Indeed, what of it?”

>”I don’t know about how the Japanese view it, but your actions seem rather cowardly to me, sir.” (insult)
>”This is a military campaign. How can you possibly say you’ve fulfilled your obligation by merely standing around?” (appeal to reason)
>”I’m not letting a repeat of the shore landing happen. You will keep marching.” (threaten)
>”In that case, I’m done here.” (leave)
>Write-in.

I was already done writing when the last anon changed his vote. Sorry.

>>3396215
>>”I’m not letting a repeat of the shore landing happen. You will keep marching.” (threaten)
I believe the shogun will not agree with you that your obligation was fulfilled by merely staying here

>>3396215
>”I don’t know about how the Japanese view it, but your actions seem rather cowardly to me, sir.” (insult)

>Write-in
In fact maybe we should have a certain photographer come down and snap a few shots of the camp. I'm sure the world love to see how cowardly the Izumi domain really is, a fact that we'll personally see documented for the history books.

>>3396215
>Ah, but I and my men survived the shoare landing and if I can survive that, I can survive a siege and if I do, what will the Shogun hear that a mear foreigner has more bravery then a entire domain of his own subjects. (Give them that old veteran stare)

>provoke them.

Cause we have the bait and the potential so to make their live a living hell.

And these guys never has been in a fight for the last 500 years, while we are caked in blood and sweat.

>>3396215
>>3396262
Add the photography but. Make mention that American newspapers even reaches japans shores, and I wonder what the headlines will say?

>>3396215
I don't really remember technically who is commander of this whole campaign?

>>3396261
I like this

he doesn't care about anything else besides appearence, so we will hit it where it hurts

"Sato, how long for those american reporters that sell their photos to japanese press also would take to reach this camp? I bet that it's the same time the Izumi troops will take to raise it and march towards the siege"

>>3396221
No problem boss

backing
>>3396261

>>3396273
>who is commander of this whole campaign?
The Shogun, technically. That being said, below him is a disorganized mess of different daimyos who all hold about the same level of authority. Matsudaira Katamori is viewed as the de-facto guy in charge by *most* people on the ground.

>>3396261
This is perfect, they cannot be seen as cowardly to the rest of the country.

"Nakajima, that photigrapher was a very good professional wasn't he? This coward camp would make him rich selling the news everywhere."

>>3396261
support

“I’m not sure how the Japanese would view it,” you begin in the most formal Japanese you know. “But in my country, what you are doing would be seen as quite cowardly, sir.” You look over at your officers. “Wouldn’t you all agree?” You chuckle. “As a matter of fact, I think we should bring our journalist and photographer up here.”

“Perhaps, sir.” Sato nods, smirking.

“Indeed, he’d do well to capture the image of such a clean and organized camp.” You turn back to the apparent commander of the camp in question. “It would make a dramatic contrast with the images of my men fighting on the beaches and fields.” You lean forward. The man in the kimono slowly turns red from apparent anger. “And even an American newspaper reaches Japan. They have translators and everything now. The whole world would know the cowardice of the Izumi Domain’s forces.”

The man in the kimono takes a step toward you, and his hand goes to his belt, where a rather fancy katana is affixed. He grips the handle lazily. “You dare speak to me in such a tone, foreigner?”

You nod. “I do.”

“You are beneath even a common peasant,” he continues. “You are nothing but a parasite in my country.” He begins walking toward you. “And you dare to call me a coward?” He draws his katana, letting it rest at his side. Your troops tense up, reaching for their weapons as his soldiers do the same. “I should kill every last one of you.”

>”Then why haven’t you?”
>”If you do that, you will have the wrath of the Shogun and Matsudaira Katamori fall upon you.”
>Turn around and walk away. He isn’t stupid enough to actually attack you.
>Draw your own sword and challenge him to a duel.
>Write-in.

>>3396626
>>”Then why haven’t you?”

"is it because you are too busy raising camp and heading for the siege?"

>>3396626
>”Then why haven’t you?”

>>3396626
"You won't kill me because that would be your end, as it would if the country knew what you are trying to do here.
I expect you at the base camp post haste, and after this battle is over I would more than gladly accept your challenge"

>>3396626
>Ah so not only would you break your lord's word once but twice? Truly a man of honor you are

this is a pickle

>>3396675
sounds good too

>>3396626
Then why haven’t you?”

Is it because if word gets out that the Shoguns own men killed a ‘mear foreigner’ who spilt more blood then your entire domain?

Or perhaps the press will get word and instead of a coward, you and your domain will be called a traitor?

Or maybe....you actually know better that Without me, you and your men will actually have to put in effort to this cause, and more of your me will die either through the enemy bullets or my suboranates, cause trust me and this is no bluff. My men are crack shots and can handle a blade better then some back water training ground you gather for a hour a day.

Do not test me cause it will not end well.

>>3396626
>>3396675
>>3396802
Also supporting this.

But I’m adding more scenarios because if this man is not smart pointing out all the possibilities and showing he has 0 percent of a way out that makes him look good at all, or coming out this alive with most of his men.

>>3396626
>>3396675
>>3396802
Supporting these, he doesn’t seem bright so we must spell it out for him

>>3396802
support

I think we're being too harsh here.

We're dealing with the asian mindset. With insult, we must offer a path for them to withdraw with 'face' intact. Blunt force will only get us so far before we fall foul of friendly fire.

We need to dangle carrots like battlefield achievements or acclaim.

>>3396626
>Do you act brave? Sitting here avoid fighting?

You sigh, crossing your arms. “Then why haven’t you?”

“Because-“

You don’t let him finish. “Is it because the Shogun would learn that you killed a ‘mere foreigner’ who did more for this country than your entire domain?” You step forward. “Or perhaps the press would get wind of it, and you’d not only be labeled a coward, but a traitor to your country?”

“You…” The man scowls, raising his katana in your general direction.

You keep walking toward him. “Or maybe it’s because, without me you and your men will be the ones at the front. And they’d die in far greater numbers than mine ever will, seeing as our training is leagues better than whatever backwater camp your levy assemble at for an hour a day, assuming they’ve even done that much.” You sigh, letting your hand fall on the butt of your revolver. You cock the hammer for emphasis. “And, this is all assuming you and your soldiers don’t fall to my subordinates. They’re all crack shots with real combat experience.”

“This is true,” Sato nods. “And most of us are Shinsengumi…”

You look at the man in the kimono again. “You know what the Shinsengumi do to traitors, right?”

The man steps back, his grip on the katana wavering. Finally, he closes his eyes and sheathes the sword. “What is your name again, foreigner?”

“Daniel Stockton,” you reply.

He nods. “I will remember it.” He stands up straight. “I am Honda Tadakira.” With that, he turns to his men and begins shouting at them to pack up the camp and resume marching.

You and your men return to your horses, mounting up and riding out of the camp. After about five minutes, Nakajima speaks up. “Do you believe they will keep their word?”

You shrug. “We can only hope so. I’ll have a message about that guy sent to the Shogun regardless, so he’s aware of the situation.”

“Shall we visit the other force to the south, or return to the main formation?” Sato speaks next.

>”Let’s return to the main formation.”
>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”
>”We should pay Colonel Takei’s force a visit. I want to make him aware of all this.”
>Write-in.

>>3397024
>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”

>>3397024
>>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”
>>Write-in.
Detail a runner to head back to our forces to get ready to move out. When any force gets to them, they should start marching to the preplanned positions unless there is some major impediment in the way.

They'll be on foot, we're on horseback. After meeting, we should be able to catch up quickly enough.

>>3397024
>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”
>”We should pay Colonel Takei’s force a visit. I want to make him aware of all this.”

>>3397024
>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”

>>3397051
+ send someone with orders for your man, to pack the camp and start advancing

>>3397024
>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”

>>3397024
>>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”
>>”We should pay Colonel Takei’s force a visit. I want to make him aware of all this.”
Come guys, let's go piss off another set of daimyos.

File: Boomer HD.jpg (80 KB, 680x661)

80 KB JPG

Just a heads' up, I'm going to call the session here for tonight. We'll have another one in a couple days or so when I get back from work again (I'm probably going to get my call early tomorrow). Thanks so much for playing, it feels good to be back and writing. Until then, the floor is open for questions, comments, concerns, critique, shitposts, and anything else.

>>3397103
Good to have you back man.

>>3397103
Glad you're back. Nice to see things get moving again though it seems we're gonna get a lot of enemies after this shit.

>>3397024

>>3397103
Sorry, Qm. Still stuck on ships....i'll finish eventually.


>”I want to see the situation with the other force in the south.”
>>3397048
This

>>3396978
We are dangling a carrot so to speak. He gets to fight for the honor of the Shogun, he knows what he needs to do, he just needs a kick in the rear to move.

The Japanese needs a bit of strict discipline to gain respect.

Also we do not have time to deal with the bullshit of his, and considering how much we lost we can't be kind to someone who blatantly told us, they will stand back and watch up fight and probably try and claim credit.

>>3397103
It was a great session, looking forward to the next.

>>3397024
>>3397048
Supporting this. Faster we get this moving the better

Quick update guys: headed back home now, so we should be able to have a session tomorrow afternoon.

>>3402550
yeah! here or at a new thread?

>>3402563
Probably here since it hasn’t autosaged yet.

>>3402575
Hey Zap where the fuck did you go for the train education stuff?

>>3402666
Georgia.

>>3402983
Whelp fuck me. That's a hell of a drive even if I had the cash. Thanks boss

Session in two hours. Might be a short one, I'm not sure when I'll get called.

>>3403710
Well they compensate for mileage, which is nice, but they only pay you after the fact for it. Honestly if the drive sounds like too big of a problem but you want to work for a railroad, I would suggest trying to apply for a shortline or something. Driving in Atlanta traffic probably took 10 years off my lifespan.

File: Keiki.jpg (28 KB, 276x484)

28 KB JPG

“Send a messenger to our force,” you begin. “Tell them to get ready to resume marching. We’re going to see that other force that’s bogged down, then we’ll return.”

“Understood,” Sato nods. He orders a messenger to ride to the formation, and the rest of you begin riding south. As it would turn out, the terrain does get muddier the further you ride. Perhaps the other formation really is bogged down, you think.

You and your men near the allied formation and immediately see the issues they’ve been having. A few hundred yards back from where they’ve stopped, you see several abandoned wagons, their wheels half sunken into the earth. Though the rains have stopped, you can tell they became bogged down in the worst of it. The terrain quickly slopes up on both sides of the road through here, making a natural basin where mud and rainwater would collect. Not only that, but it seems the perfect place to be caught in an ambush. Who the hell ordered them to march through here?

After a couple more minutes of riding, you come upon the actual formation. Perhaps five hundred men, a good number of horses, and several wagons are stopped on the road. You ride up to the first officer you can see, speaking in Japanese as you greet him.

“Good day,” you begin. “Where is the man in charge?”

“Further up ahead,” the man says. “The head of our force was caught in a landslide.”

You grimace. “Duly noted.” With that, you all dismount your horses and walk up toward the front of the force. As you continue walking, the ground gives way to ankle-deep mud at first, then to standing water after that. Thankfully, the water doesn’t go over the tops of your boots as you all walk. You would imagine the horses having a hard time walking in all of this. Several more wagons are bogged down, and you note that this force’s horses are all grouped up on dry ground nearby.

“What a damned mess,” you say.

“Indeed,” Nakajima nods. She looks around at the surroundings. “It will be a while before they can get these wagons out.”

You nod. “That’s true.” Looking up ahead, you see a man in a rather fancy uniform standing atop a wagon. “He must be the guy in charge.” Walking up, you see that the man is young, and his uniform is slightly less fancy than you initially assumed. “Hello, sir.” You greet him.

As the man turns, you realize you’ve met him before. His name is Keiki, and he was with the Shogun a few times when you went to meet him. “Ah, Colonel Stockton.” He steps down off of the wagon, walking up and shaking your hand. “We have had some difficulties here.” He points further ahead, where several more wagons are half-buried in earth from a landslide.

>”There’s dry ground to the north of here, if you can get your forces dug out.”
>”How in the world did you end up in this quagmire?” (chastise)
>”How many casualties did you sustain in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies around.”
>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”
>Write-in.

>>3404491
>>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”

>>3404491
>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”
>”How many casualties did you sustain in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies around.”

>>3404491
>>”How many casualties did you sustain in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies around.”
>>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”

>>3404491
>>”How many casualties did you sustain in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies around.”
>>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”

>>3404491
>>”There’s dry ground to the north of here, if you can get your forces dug out.”

>>”How many casualties did you sustain in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies around.”
>>”This seems like a rather perfect place for an ambush. Have you sent any men up to the tops of those ridges?”

You grimace. “How many did you lose in this landslide? I’m not seeing any bodies…”

Keiki nods. “Thankfully, no men were killed when it happened. We lost twelve draught horses though, as well as the wagons they were pulling.”

“Damn,” you reply. “Well at least they were only horses and wagons. Much easier to replace than trained riflemen.” You reach into your pocket and pull out another cigarillo, lighting it and taking a few puffs. “This seems like a particularly risky location to march though, though.”

“How so?” Keiki raises an eyebrow.

You point to the ridgelines on both sides. “This is the perfect terrain for an ambush.” Taking another drag, you continue. “I assume you’ve sent scouts up there?”

“No,” he says.

You almost do a double-take. How has this man been placed in charge of troops? “Nobody at all has gone up there?” Once he shakes his head again, you turn to Sato. “Take five men up there and see if there are any signs of enemy activity.”

“Understood, sir.” Sato nods. As he goes to select the troops in question, you turn to the front once more. A soldier is standing atop one of the partially-buried wagons, digging around for something. You hear a crack in the distance, and the man falls over, pouring blood from a hole in his head.

“Shit!” You duck instinctively as you realize the man has been shot. “Sato, belay that order! Everyone take cover!” You unsling your rifle and cock it, aiming for the hills. In that exact moment, the ridgelines on both sides open up with a cacophony of rifle fire.

Roll a 1d20

>”Everyone fall back to the horses!” (retreat)
>”Find a way up the ridge, we need to get on level ground!” (try to flank the enemy)
>”Hold position and take cover behind these wagons! Shoot until the enemy stops!” (make your stand here)
>Write-in.

>>3404626
>>”Find a way up the ridge, we need to get on level ground!” (try to flank the enemy)

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3404643
and the roll

we are getting shot

>>3404626
>>”Find a way up the ridge, we need to get on level ground!” (try to flank the enemy)

>>3404626
>Retreat

>>3404663
>>3404688
You guys can go ahead and roll if you want.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3404692

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3404626
>”Find a way up the ridge, we need to get on level ground!” (try to flank the enemy)
The rest retreat and find cover

>>3404626
>”Find a way up the ridge, we need to get on level ground!” (try to flank the enemy)

>>3404467
From PA. That's a long fucking drive or anything.

we should probably send messages to our force and Takei's to move in and catch the ambush force in a pincer, cut off their retreat and smash them.

File: Keiheitai.jpg (135 KB, 800x527)

135 KB JPG

You get behind a wagon to provide protection from one side, firing your Henry at enemies on the other ridge. “Sato, Nakajima, on me!” You take a few more shots before your lieutenants get to you.

“Sir, what is the plan?” Nakajima crouches near you, taking a couple shots at the ridge.

“We’re gonna find a way up there and flank them.” You point up to the plumes of gun smoke coming from the enemy position. “I doubt there’s more than twenty or thirty men up there. We can handle them easily if we get on their level.”

“What about the other side?” Sato grimaces, peeking around the corner of the wagon.

“Keiki!” You shout for the allied commander.

“H-here,” he calls from the inside of the wagon.

“Order your men to find a way up there and attack the enemy on that side.” You point to the opposing ridge.

“Very well!” He shouts orders at his officers from the back of the wagon, but you can tell that they can’t hear him.

“You!” Calling out to one of his officers, you begin barking orders. “Take twenty men and find a way up there. Attack the enemy from behind!”

“Understood,” the officer replies.

You, meanwhile, move over to where your fifteen men have regrouped. “Alright, has anyone found a way up the ridge?”

“Yes sir,” Sato replies. “There is a small game trail over there.” He points to the trail in question.

“Then let’s go.” You lead the way, slapping some fresh ammunition into your magazine before beginning the climb. The eighteen of you move up almost single-file, thankfully not drawing the attention of the enemy. Once you arrive at the top, you see the enemy.

They are all wearing rugged clothing that reminds you of Confederate guerillas, or perhaps cattle rustlers. Several have repeating rifles, mostly Henrys and Spencers, while the others have short rifle-muskets. Like you estimated, there are maybe twenty of them. As several more of your men make it to the top of the ridge, you open fire on the enemy.

>Roll a 1d20

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3405078

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3405078

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3405078

>>3405120
Nice save man.

Oh man. FYI, the man we're working with is historically the last shogun of japan.

>>3405183
and he seems shit so we better make sure the current one survives

>>3405185
Or we train him up to spec. Gotta ready the replacement.

Hey guys, just got my call so I'm gonna have to end the session for tonight. I should be able to run again in a couple days.

>>3405228
G'night

>>3405228
thanks for running, see ya

>>3405228
Damn. See ye next time.

>>3405228
Be safe boss

>>3395641
This quest isn't dead? Baka na!

>>3406501
Not dead, merely pretending.

Also I’m now on my way home, probably gonna do a post when I get back tonight, then maybe run a short session tomorrow if I have time.

File: 1492829365078.jpg (27 KB, 368x410)

27 KB JPG

Just got home and I'm super tired, so no posts tonight. I'll try to get something written up and posted tomorrow though.

File: Blucher Saber.jpg (66 KB, 1200x1200)

66 KB JPG

The enemy, though equipped with repeating rifles, must not have received great training. A couple of them run out of ammunition, and instead of reloading from cover, throw their rifles on the ground and charge you with katanas. You put a couple rounds into one such charger, quickly shifting back to the group of riflemen. A bullet or two whiz past you, causing you to duck in an attempt to find cover.

Some more of them appear from the forest, increasing their number from around twenty to thirty. That being said, your men have little trouble dispatching the enemy troops as they appear. All of a sudden, they all begin to fall back into the thick underbrush further back. Your force drops a few of them as they run, but most make it into cover unharmed. You grimace as you realize that an enemy bullet grazed your leg during the firefight. It stings like hell, but you can tell it is nothing serious.

“The cowards,” Sato says as he wipes his forehead. You note that he now carries a revolver, French-made by the looks of it, on his belt. “Running from a fight is a terrible disgrace.”

You grimace, recognizing their tactics. “I doubt that we’ve seen the last of them.” You then step out in front of the rest of your men. “Hold position, keep ready to fire.”

“You think they will attack again?” Nakajima raises an eyebrow.

“I know it,” you reply.

A few seconds later, dozens of blood-curdling battle cries melt into one sound as the entire group of enemies charge out of the thicket. They all either have bayonets affixed, or are holding their swords high as they run. “Banzai!” The cry makes your blood run cold.

Quickly, you kneel and aim your rifle. “Open fire, open fire!” You and the men begin shooting as rapidly as you can. Many of the enemy are downed as they charge, but they seem to keep coming. As the gun smoke fills your vision, your Henry’s hammer drops on an empty chamber. You toss it to the side as gently as you can, not having time to reload as a man with a katana bears down upon you.

Almost without thinking, you draw your saber and bring it up swiftly. The blade goes in under the enemy soldier’s armpit, cleaving his sword-arm off entirely. The swing continues, your blade taking part of the man’s head off as well. He falls unceremoniously as blood sprays everywhere. Another enemy runs at you, carrying his rifle like a club. You grab it before he can swing, and make a swift strike at his neck. You get enough breathing room after that to draw your Dragoon revolver and begin using it in conjunction with your saber. Several more enemies fall to you, and as you look around, you see that almost every enemy soldier has been killed in the melee. The few that survive begin running away again, this time completely broken. Your men shoot the enemies that run before they can reach the thicket, however, and with one last crack of a rifle, the engagement is over.

File: Nakajima.jpg (69 KB, 564x799)

69 KB JPG

You breathe deeply. The smoke is still thick, so much so that you can hardly see. It stings your eyes and nose. The air feels so tense that you could cut it with the bloodied saber in your hands. Everything is silent, even birds and insects hold their tongues. You know this feeling; a heightened awareness of things, almost a giddy feeling, though mixed in with dread. You could almost swear a part of you enjoys it.

As your soldiers collect themselves after the engagement, you go over and sit on a nearby rock. Grimacing, you draw a piece of gauze tightly around the graze on your leg. "Nakajima," you call out. The lieutenant walks over to you a couple moments later. She looks a bit shaken, and has a painful-looking cut on her right hand, but otherwise seems fine.

"Sir," she salutes you. You notice her wince as her injured hand goes flat for the salute.

"Give me an after-action report." You sigh.

"All enemies killed, sir." She looks over at the rest of your troops. "Six men were injured in the fighting, but are able to continue. We received no casualties."

"Good." You nod, lighting a cigarillo and puffing on it a while. "And what of our ammunition?"

"We are still at ninety per-cent capacity." She looks in the direction of the other ridge. "I believe the other group has defeated the enemies over there as well."

>"Good, let's head back."
>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)
>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."
>Write-in.

File: 1526896254536.jpg (25 KB, 400x400)

25 KB JPG

Sorry for the lack of a session yesterday, I got called in to work at an unexpectedly early time. I should have time for a session sometime tomorrow though.

>>3417277
>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)
>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."

>>3417277
>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."
Maybe we will find officer or something else
But first
>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)

>>3417277
>Write-in.
“Find a corpman and get that dressed immediately, lieutenant. Thats an order. Then come find me. Did you see where Keiki’s command group is?”

Order her to first aid, and find keiki. We must secure the train and prepare to move out lest the enemy tries another attack.

>>3417277
>Let me see that wound on your hand.

>>3417270
What
The
fuck.

You can't sever an arm and a part of the skull with an upwards strike. It's impossible. Unless you're wielding a lightsaber.

>>3417277

Seconding >>3417293

>>3417277
>>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."

>>3417277
>>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)

>>3417277
>>3417293
This.

No time for waifuing. War to fight.

>>3417277
>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)

Can't have our 2nd in command running around bleeding, besides, we already have the bandages out aince we treated our leg wound.

After we treat it let's find the local commander and guide them out of here, let's not run around the woods since we know the way to the dry land

>>3417277
>>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."

>>3417277
>"There might have been more enemies hanging back. We should screen deeper into that forest before we return."

If anything we can capture one alive for interrogation

>>3417277

>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)

>>3417277
>treat her wound

>>3417277
>>"Let me see that wound on your hand. It looks painful." (treat her wound)

File: 1534105391338.jpg (43 KB, 680x538)

43 KB JPG

Hey everyone, just a quick update: I'll have more free time to run sessions here in the near future. Due to being temporarily furloughed! So we'll have a new thread tomorrow afternoon with an actual session.

>>3421207
I hope your situation gets better QM

>>3421207
I mean atleast you have a home too stick around at right Qm?

>>3423332
Yeah that's true. I'm thankful for what I've got, no question. Anyway, we'll be having a new thread here in an hour or so. Probably a short session tonight followed by a long one tomorrow.

>>3423882
looking forward to it boss.

File: 1537828977238.jpg (79 KB, 447x559)

79 KB JPG

New Session in a new thread!
>>3424039