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jankmaster98

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    SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

    in Written Works

    Posted

    "The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been." 

    These are the opening words from the first chapter of the famous Chinese Novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. To many who study Chinese history, there is the theory of history having cycles that often repeat throughout time. Dynasties rise and dynasties fall, but the Mandate of Heaven endures. Of course this is merely one theory among many used to analyze history, perhaps this idea is not so useful for looking at the past. 

     

    So the theme is "History Repeats" wether you choose to write about something as big as a nation as personal as a single lifetime is all in your hands. Perhaps history does not have to repeat itself, perhaps it only rhymes. Either way, the idea of the past repeating itself must be present, even if only as a fear. I'm a big fan of historical fiction and drama myself, but I'd love to see whatever you guys come up with for the prompt!

    SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

    in Written Works

    Posted · Edited by jankmaster98

    Title: Resplendent Death

    Words: 1303

    Fandom: History (Sengoku Jidai)

    Spoiler

    The late summer sun beat down on two old friends as they sat in the garden of the splendid fortress of Fushimi Castle. Cherry blossoms floated all around them as they sat in the garden, calm and graceful against the backdrop of the storm of war. There was no talking for now, only quiet contemplation. Both of these men knew what was to come, and their part to play in it. For now it would be better to enjoy these few moments of solitude and peace before speaking of martial matters.

     

    Between them was a table with several glasses of fine sake from Nada province, a fine vintage. This luxury was something few could afford, but for a meeting such as this nothing but the best would do. These men were samurai, more than that they were great daimyo, and even beyond that, they held the fate of all of Japan in their hands. 

     

    That spectre loomed large over Tokugawa Ieyasu and Torii Motodata, for the war to come was shaping up to be the last great contest of arms for control of Japan. Over a hundred years of civil war would culminate in one final showdown of Eastern Japan and Western Japan. 

     

    “Your son does well in my service,” Ieyasu was the first to break the silence under his right as the superior in rank, “You have raised a good and loyal man.”

     

    “That is all I have ever wished for him, my lord,” Mototada drank another sip of his sake before putting his cup down, “If he can carry on our clan’s honor after me, then what else is there for a father to be worried about?” 

     

    “Hah, true! My own Hidetada is full of fury and passion, I do wonder if he’ll change for the better before I pass,” Ieyasu gaze wandered into the bottom of his cup and he stared at his reflection.

     

    “He is one and twenty, such things are to be expected,” Mototada reminded with a small wry smile, “I remember a young lord who was once unbearably eager to make his own mark on the world.”

     

    “The era of chaos must be quelled, will you stand with me unto the end?” Ieyasu himself smiled as he recalled the words spoken in a garden a long time in a castle far far away. 

     

    “My answer today is the same as the answer I gave all those years ago, my lord. To whatever end,” Mototada then drank of his cup and took a deep breath. 

     

    The summer sun began to lower from its place in the sky, falling towards the west. The air began to cool, and warmth the sake provided became a pleasant counterpart to the breeze. 

     

    “The storm will arrive here first,” Ieyasu acknowledged grimly, “When Ishida Mitsunari marches he must take Fushimi Castle before advancing.” 

     

    “He will find me here waiting for him,” Mototada affirmed with determination and a steely gaze, “This is my home, and my men and I are loyal. He will find the gates of this castle closed, and will have to take it by force or attrition.” 

     

    “Ishida will no doubt choose to storm, for every delay is taxing in war,” The long years of conflict had taught them both hard lessons about speed in warfare.

     

    Mototada drank deeply of his sake and then set his cup down gently. For a moment the old warrior reflected on the garden before turning back to Ieyasu.

     

    “Do not call upon the banners of Mikawa, Suruga, or Mino to come to my aid. Ask not for the Hattori or what remains of Oda’s men,” Ieyasu listened intently, for he always valued Mototada’s counsel, “You will need them for the battles to come. There would be no sense in them dying here in Fushimi.” 

     

    “Myself and my 2,000 will sell our lives dearly, there are greater things at stake than such small considerations,” Hesitation did not exist in the utterance of these words, for not once in his life was Torii Mototada a man to utter words carelessly. 

     

    Ieyasu did not respond with words. Merely, the great lord of Eastern Japan poured one last glass of sake for his old friend. This would be the last cup they would ever share together, best to treat the moment with respect. To be a samurai was first to serve, in life and death. That duty above all others, that bond above all other ties. For now, there would be a moment of quiet, of calm. The moment and the storm would come soon, but not for the moment. 

     

    In this moment two old friends would share a glass of fine sake, and honor the lives behind and ahead of them. 

     

     

     

     

    Ten Days. It had been Ten Days since the banners appeared outside Fushimi Castle. It had been Ten Days since 40,000 men stormed the walls of the castle, determined to make it past their defenses and towards the rest of Japan. 

     

    “Death! Death! Death!” The chanting of the remaining defenders repeated ceaselessly even as the flames burned all around them. 

     

    “Death! Death! Death!” 2,000 had become first 1,600, then 900, and finally 200 as the central keep stood alone against the Ishida onslaught. 

     

    The cherry trees were burned, consumed by infernos on the sixth day of fighting. Forty brave samurai and their swords now were the grim monument that remained. Fushimi Castle, once so beautiful a sight, would soon be nothing but ashes. 

     

    Lord Mototada was sitting down, dressed in his finest kimono. The old warrior looked the very picture of serenity, even with the battle raging all around him. The final letters were sent, his affairs in order, all that was left was his own personal honor. He hoped, in his final letter to his son, that some spirit of the clan would go forward to do great things in the years to come. 

     

    It is not the Way of the Warrior to be shamed and avoid death even under circumstances that are not particularly important ... 

     

    For myself, I am resolved to make a stand within the castle and to die a quick death. It would not take much trouble to break through a part of their numbers and escape, no matter how many tens of thousands of horsemen approached for the attack or by how many columns we were surrounded. 

     

    But that is not the true meaning of being a warrior, and it would be difficult to account as loyalty. Rather, I will stand off the forces of the entire country here, and ... die a resplendent death

     

    The flames outside licked higher and higher, the enemy closing in. There was but one thing left to do. 

     

    Mototada nodded to one of his attendants, a skilled young man who would do his duty quickly. He took up position to his side. Mototada himself reached for his wakizashi. Deep breaths, a silent calm. No hesitation. He had done his duty, he had served his master well. 

     

    He only wished that he could have done more in his name, that wish, was the right of every dead man. 

     

    Mototada plunged the wakizashi into his belly, and his attendant quickly brought down his katana upon his head. A quick death, in the service of his lord and in the cause of a Japan that might know peace at last. 

     

    Mototada could not have known that his sacrifice had bought the Tokugawa army time to gather. He would not have seen the great battle at Sekigahara where all things came to an end. Yet, in the end none of this mattered to the Last Lord of Fushimi. 

     

    In life and death, to be samurai, was to serve. Torii Mototada had served, obeyed, and died content. In the end, what more can be asked of a life? 


     

     

    notes: for some reason I can't remove the bold tag from my text. I've been trying but for some Reason I can't at time of posting. I'll try and figure out what's wrong. 

    SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

    in Written Works

    Posted

    I wish I went into more detail and I’m not sure if I quite got the prompt right but here’s my submission!

     

    Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire

    Title:  Dragonstone

    Words: 1454

    Spoiler

    “You will be Lord of Dragonstone, Renly will have Storm’s End.”

     

    The words still burned in his ears as Stannis Baratheon looked upon the waves from the top of the storm drum. Gray waters beat upon the the shores again and again, colorless waters for a colorless island. The waves here were nothing like the waters at Storm’s End, should he have been grateful for that? The waters of Shipbreaker Bay had taken his mother and father, but at this very moment even Shipbreaker Bay seemed a more welcoming sight.

     

    The 19 year old Lord of Dragonstone looked as a man 10 years old with the hard lines on his face and his gaunt features. He had still not completely filled back out after the Siege. The siege Eddard Stark seemed to have gotten more credit for breaking than Stannis had for holding. Stannis could still hear Robert telling him he should be cheering ‘Ned’s’ name and embracing him. The brother Robert wished he’d had always was first in the eldest Baratheon’s mind.

     

    It even seemed that Stannis was behind Renly in Robert’s estimation. For why else would Robert reward a child with one of the finest keeps in all of Westeros? What crime had Stannis committed that he should waste away on this island of ash and black rocks, while Renly held their ancestral castle and all its lands? Stannis perhaps knew the answer, and in his mind he cursed the Willem Darry for slipping away before Stannis could capture the last of the Targaryens.

     

    All the same Stannis could not properly hate the man, he had done what he saw was his duty. Great or small, all must do their duty, and Willem Darry had done his duty by taking the Targaryens away. Stannis had done his duty to Robert as the younger brother, but apparently duty for him did not come with just reward. Holding Storm’s End during a year long siege, capturing Dragonstone and the last Targaryen fortress, and what Stannis had to show for it was a miserable castle and an angry and ungrateful brother.

     

    Robert was his elder brother, Robert was also now King. All the realm loved him for his easy charm, and the heroic story of a warrior fighting a mad king to take the throne. Men would probably sing songs about him for ages and ages to come, he and his companion Eddard Stark. He heard already a song from a bard the last time he was at King’s Landing. “The Forest Masters” or something or other.

     

    The dragon roared and laughed.

     

    For who could stop his flames

     

    The dragon would burn the forest

     

    Play cruel and violent games

     

    But from the north and south they came

     

    Hurrah, Hurray, Horray

     

    Masters of the Forest, yes

     

    Wolf and Stag to stay!

     

    It went on like that for 5 verses and perhaps more, Stannis did not stay for the rest. In all his time at court he had never heard anyone singing any songs of his holding of Storm’s End. They did not sing of the stormlanders who held their home against the entire power of the Reach for a year, wasting away while Mace Tyrell feasted in sight of the defenders. Bards did not want to sing of men hungry enough to eat rats, of brave men who guarded a castle while its lord was off to win glory for himself. Robert’s story was the one that had all the bards, lords ,and ladies cheering his name and toasting to his health.

     

    Robert could piss in a cup and men would call it wine, but if Stannis offered them cold clear water they would squint in suspicion and mutter to each other about how queer it tastes. Those men Robert surrounded himself with at court these days, sycophants, traitors, and worse: Lannisters. Stannis held no love for the family of his brother’s wife. Tywin Lannister had arrived late to the rebellion, and his “victory” was to sack an undefended city and his son become an oathbreaker.

     

    And Tywin Lannister’s reward for that service was a daughter for a queen and Lannisters staffing countless positions in the realm. Stannis ground his teeth again, he would probably be expected back in King’s Landing soon to help oversee the ongoing reconstruction of the Royal Fleet. That squadron Stannis had assembled to take over Dragonstone and the surrounding islands was no true force. Oh yes men called it the Baratheon Royal fleet, but to actually be the power in the Narrow Sea it would need years of supervision.

     

    Stannis could potentially make some sort of excuse as to why he would be unable to go back to court. Dragonstone still needed its lord, the Targaryen Loyalists were too shifty, the winds were unfavorable. All the same if Robert asked him to come back to court, Stannis would do it. Stannis would do his duty, even as other men believed themselves above such things.

     

    If there were no Seven Heavens and no Seven Hells, then the only justice was the justice men made themselves. The good in the world came from what you did in your own life. Good acts did not wash out the bad, nor the bad the good. Each had to be judged on its own merits and in its own time.

     

    Stannis gripped the railing of the platform harder as the storm rolled in Dragonstone’s direction. THUM THUM came the sound of wind echoing through the tower. The black stones reflected a joyless cacophony of sound, perhaps even grimmer than the lord of the castle.

     

    It was through this clamor that Maester Cressen walked out onto the tower. The former Maester of Storm’s End was one of the few people from that followed Stannis to Dragonstone. It appeared the man had a message for Stannis, apparently this storm was not enough to deter the dark wings of the messenger birds.

     

    “It is from the King, my lord. It bids-”

     

    “I know what it bids,” Stannis interrupted while the first drops of rain could be felt upon his grim head, “It bids me come to court.”
     

    “It does, my lord.” Cressen’s hood protected him from the rain at least, “That being said you could elect to remain on Dragonstone.”

     

    Did the old maester sense his trepidation, his discontent? Cressen had always known him well. Stannis did not move from his spot and did not meet Cressen’s eyes.

     

    “Robert is my older brother and my king. His word is command,” Stannis’ statement came out harsh and bitter like a rotten wine, “There is no question of what to do.”

     

    “You could mention that the bannermen of the Narrow Sea are yet still unruly and to leave them alone would be dangerous.”

     

    Cressen would try and protect him, or at least that’s what Cressen would tell himself. It would be simple, it would be simple to send a raven stating that it was too early for him leave Dragonstone. Robert would probably forget the reason he sent for Stannis, too busy drinking or whoring to care. For when did he ever care for Stannis, for his brother that did all that was asked of him?

     

    Rain came down faster upon them, it wouldn’t do either of them any good to remain on the balcony. Turning on his heel Stannis began to walk inside.

     

    “Tell Ser Davos to have my ship ready, we leave tomorrow with the the tide,” Stannis did not see the sad frown that grew on Cressen’s face, nor did it really matter to him, “Send a raven ahead of me.”

     

    “Yes my lord,” Cressen walked slowly behind his master, back into the Dragonstone tower.

     

    ‘Why did the gods curse him with brothers?’ Stannis asked himself this question as he climbed down the stairs, as his wet feet echoed on the steps. ‘Robert to take Storm’s End from me, and Renly to receive it.’

     

    ‘We must do our duty,’ another voice echoed in his mind, ‘Great or small we must do our duty.’

     

    What did anyone else know of duty? What did Robert know? What did Renly? Perhaps they knew nothing and would continue to know nothing as the years went by. The Lord of Dragonstone questioned these things as he went as he always did. Dutiful, grim, and with a certainty of purpose.

     

    Cressen walked behind him, sorrowful as the young man before him nursed his grudges deeply. He prayed to the gods time would soften the iron in Lord Stannis’ soul. Yet the old maester knew in his heart such a thing would likely never occur. Forever a second son, forever the unfavorite, forever Stannis Baratheon, in the shadow of his brothers in duty’s iron vice.

    Doing this on my phone so I hope I did the formatting right 😄

    SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

    in Written Works

    Posted

    17 minutes ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

    I didn't mean any offense by it. It was just supposed to be a tongue and cheek way to express how I felt communication in this thread would best be handled, and I apologize if my attempt to do so came across as abrasive, reactionary, crass, disrespectful, uncivilized, condescending, condemning, self-righteous, hypocritical, or in some way an attempt to exercise authority I don't have.

    S'all good, tone is hard to discern on the internet after all. I might've come off more than a little caustic in my reply too. Anyway, I do look forward to writing here. Best way to get better as a writer is to practice and such. 

    SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

    in Written Works

    Posted · Edited by jankmaster98
    stuff Idk

    4 hours ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

    Language, folks.

    2-ish years sound about right, I had to check to archive the old entries. It's a different "here," but there's still writing. I'm pretty sure the common cast is 90% different at least, though. We're glad to have anyone come flex around here, so I encourage your consideration of doing it again.

    First thing I get here is a chastisement, I can tell imma have a bitching time. Word to the wise, 

    Spoiler

     

    "Per the word of a Global Moderator, keep the moderating to the moderators. Bitch."


     

     

    4 hours ago, Ottservia said:

    Well right now we're in the voting phase but feel free free to join in next round. The more the merrier I say.

    Thanks, I'll see what's up here first this round and maybe give some thoughts. when does the next writing round start? 

    SF Interviews 2.0 - Florete

    in Far from the Forest...

    Posted

    19 hours ago, ChefGuevara said:

    If you could change the outcome of any historical event, which would it be and how would you change it?

    I would have Charles XII win the Great Northern War just to see what Geopolitics would be like with a weakened Russia since they are such a big player on the world stage that an alternate place of them in the 1700s onward would look so different. 

    19 hours ago, Jingle Jangle said:
    • Thoughts on Star Wars 9?
    • How College life is treating you?
    • Who you think can be a good mod on SF?
    • What made you come to SF?

     

    The fanbase is gonna explode no matter what happens, it's star wars fans, it's a given. 

    It's been okay so far. 

    I should be admin and take over everything of course. 

    I like Fire Emblem, wanted to get more info and shit. 

    15 hours ago, Joe Cool said:
    1. As a hard core Star Wars fan, what would be your recommendations to a very casual Star Wars viewer to get them into the series beyond recommending the movies and Clone Wars cartoon. Assuming that said casual viewer is ok with the Old Extended Universe.
    2. What made the Star Wars Prequels the most fun for you? 
    3. Have you heard of the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the the Wise?
        Reveal hidden contents

      it's not a story the Jedi would tell you.

       

    4. How's college?

    5. Thoughts on rising up on the totem pole of the staff?
    6. am I still right under emerson on the totem pole
    7. what drew you towards singing as a hobby?

    1. Knights of the Old Republic video game series is still one of my favorite things of the old Expanded universe, a solid game series with fun stories.

    2. The Scale of the conflicts, the exotic and epic nature of the adventure, and the characters and events being larger than life, it was adventure, excitement and tragedy that made a fun ride.

    3. Good my apprentice.... goooooood.....

    4. An adventure, but also fun. 

    5. All part of the plan. 

    6. Emerson is still higher than you bro.

    7. My mother sang a lot, was part of a missionary group that sang, I was in choir for a bit, also my tinnitus means I like to have noise around so I like to listen to music quite a bit. 

    8 hours ago, Karimlan said:
    1. Are they keeping you busy?
    2. Do you use the Force, or just a regular laxative?
    3. Would you consider @Joe Coolto be the Katakura Kojuro to your Date Masamune?
    4. How willing are you to stretch the concept of Date to being a Jedi that totes six lightsabers?
    5. What kind of singing voice you got? (baritone/bass/tenor)

    Procrastiation is a hell of a drug. 

    The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some unnatural. 

    That gives him too much credit.

    Depends on how fanfic we go man. 

    I'm probably a bass/baritone, I like to sing a lot and like to try damn near anything if i'm bored enough. 

    SF Interviews 2.0 - Florete

    in Far from the Forest...

    Posted

    On 9/25/2018 at 12:15 PM, Hawkwing said:
    1. Favorite video game series?
    2. Opinion on fighting games?
    3. Favorite music genre?
    4. How did you pick your profile picture, and why did you choose it?
    5. Will you be lifting the question limit?

    1. Probably 

    2. I play them

    3. Crooner/Jazz, think Frank Sinatra

    4. I liked Sengoku Basara a lot when I first came here, still do. 

    5. Ain't nobody got time for that. 

    On 9/25/2018 at 1:37 PM, IfIHadToPickADude said:

    1. How are you?

    2. Opinions on the Etrian Odyssey series?

    3. Least favorite Central American country?

    4. Favorite country in Asia (Not counting island and island chains like Japan)?

    5. Opinions on the Ace Attorney series?

    1. I Am the Senate

    2. The What?

    3. Panama, because if Panama wasn't a thing there would be an easy passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans .

    4. Now that's just unfair to Japan, to answer your question China. 

    5. I object to that question because I only know memes not really the game. 

    21 hours ago, Randoman said:

    First and current impressions of me?

    How would you describe yourself, personality-wise?

    How would friends/family describe you, personality-wise?

    Are there any quirks that most people in real life would know about you that online people wouldn't? (Eg: you polish your glasses a lot, you frequently talk with your hands, etc.)

    What personality traits do you value most when it comes to potential friends?

    What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

    What TV shows and video games did you grow up with as a kid?

    1. I don't really know you that well. 

    2. Easygoing and excitable, a bit lazy. 

    3. I dunno I'd have to ask them. 

    4. I fiddle around with my hair. 

    5. Can they take a joke. 

    6. People who think people can't compromise. 

    7. A lot of things, Nintendo and Power Rangers to name a few. 

    Voting Gauntlet: Short-Haired Ladies vs. Long-Haired Gents!

    in Fire Emblem Heroes

    Posted

    Just now, LuxSpes said:

    IMO this was one of the most interesting finals since the multipliers came in since even though Shanna needed Multipliers to catch up to Takumi earlier, she didn't steal the win by getting a multiplier in the final hour and instead was able to genuinely start outscoring Takumi. This felt much closer than waiting to see how multiplier shenanigans would affect the scores.

    Honestly I think this is the intention behind the multipliers in general. To give a chance, but not a sure shot. It seems like at the best of times, it still produces close races. 

    Favorite Critical Quotes - Day 74 - Marth

    in Fire Emblem Fates

    Posted

    "Now I know what you're thinking, did he fire six arrows or only five? Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I've kinda lost track myself. But seeing as this is the Fujin Yumi, one of the most powerful bows around that can clip your ride's wing's clean off, you can ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well do ya Nohrian Scum?"

    "I'M FEELING LUCKY!"

    Fates Fanfiction Central (Spoilers)

    in Fire Emblem Fates

    Posted

    I have a weird idea. For some reason I have this idea to explain the stat differences between Monster Awakening children and regular unit fates. The Nohrian Retainers are actually the "Main" Timeline children. For some reason this also means in my head that Odin, Selena, and Laslow are their real names because having two children named Owain, Severa, and Inigo would be confusing. If we're really going off the wall you could say that Main!Lucina could technically be written as a part of this traveling group, as she was already named before the reveal of the time travel.

    Gah, either way I was thinking about a story where Nohr post birthright, and Hoshido post conquest are somehow are put together in some odd world. Interesting could also be the opposite where the two Victorious nations face off... Yep... I have stayed up too late...

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