Crane forces (On Kachiko's orders) move to protect Phoenix allies from a Second Dragon Army.

We watched as the village was descended upon by both forces, The Dragon on one side with that abomination Hoshi, and the Pheonix on the other, led by Tadaka. I know it was him because of his trademark funny hat.. The Empress had somehow convinced both Hoturi and Tadaka that this village was important and that Tadaka should lead his forces to secure it, while Hoturi's forces were to protect Lady Kachiko as we observed from atop the nearby hills. We knew the Dragon had an interest in the village as well, but didn't expect them to actually fight over it.

Shortly after the battle was joined, and I noticed something moving in the tall grass behind us. Careful not to alert the others, I moved to investigate.
"Show yourself!" I commanded, and from 10 feet in front of me 3 figures appeared as if from thin air. They bowed deeply. "Tashiro, what have you to report?" I asked the ninja.
"Josai-sama, there is a second Dragon army marching on the village from the south, led by Mitsu and Nogata. Lord Aramoro has gone forward to investigate further."
"That's not good"
"and sir, Yasu is with them as well."
This was bad, if Tadaka's forces fell..."Go! I want you to kill Nogata, and Yasu if possible. I will inform the Lady Kachiko." "Hai!" all three answered and were gone as quickly as they appeared. I moved to Kachiko's side and discretely told her of the oncoming army. I did not know what her plan was or why she had decided the village was important, and so did not want to draw undo attention. From the look her and Asami shared I guessed that the presence of the other army was not welcome. Shortly thereafter, Hoturi ordered his army to advance to meet the oncoming Dragon and buy the Pheonix time.

Turn 1: no engagments as the Dragonscales started to move over the hill to support Yasu's unit. The Veteran Ashigaru move in front of Mitsu's Tattooed Warriors to form a screen and delay them as long as possible. Tokei uses torrential rain to prevent the Dragonflame from doing any long range firing.

Turn 2. More manuevering for position, as the Dragonscales use Know The Terrain to take the top of the hill. The Dragonflame fires at Aramoro's Unit reducing it to 2. Aramoro blackmails the Nogata leading the Dragonflame. The Ashigaru fire killing one Tattooed Warrior.

Turn 3. The Tattooed Warriors activate the Centipede tattoo and engage the Veteran Ashigaru who break then rout. The Dragon's Talon engages the Empress' Guard and both take wounds. Aramoro assassinates Nogata leading the Dragonscales which are then engaged by the Iron Warriors. As the Iron Warriors move they take fire from the Dragon Flame. The Dragonscales break and retreat away from the Iron Warriors

Turn 4. The Ashigaru are hit again and are now in a full rout, Ishikawa acts in the Name of the Emperor forcing a morale test, which makes Togashi Gaijin use his grim determination. Then in close combat, Ishikawa issues a One-Strike Duel to Yasu who decides Another Time would be better. The Dragonflame finish off the last of the Straw Targets with arrow-fire and the Fury of Osano Wo leaving Aramoro by himself.

(The game ended here because of time constraints (WOTC was closing), so even though I won by 1VP (2 to 1) the next turn would've been very different. Both units of Tattooed Warriors would have swung around and hit the Empress' Guard before the Iron Warriors could've gotten there, and even though I was trying to move my CG in their way, they were moving 6" per phase and had cavalry. Given time I'm postive it would've gone the other way.)

The fog of war had risen, making it hard to see where Lady Kachiko and the others were. The sounds of combat were thick and deafening. I had my katana drawn and was trying to stay low in the tall grass, using it to shield my movements from the enemy. I could hear the Ishikawa's voice calling for a Retreat. Did we fail? I could not think as to why he would call for a retreat otherwise. Then I felt a presence behind me. Not wanting to alert them to my awarness, I waited until they were close. From under my robes, I palmed the three shuriken i had brought with me.

When I sensed they were close enough I turned, ready to throw the shurikens then strike with my blade if they hadn't done their job, but it was not necessary. I quicky dropped to one knee before the figure, "Aramoro-sama!". "On your feet, Josai-san, we're leaving". Rising to my feet I noticed the blood coming from his shoulder, the wound still had part of the arrow's shaft protruding out. "Did we fail, my lord? I heard Ishikawa's unit retreating..."

"No, we suceeded, we held Mitsu's men long enough. It was Tadaka's forces who failed. The Dragon now control the village and there is no point holding this position any longer."

We ran, with Aramoro leading, back to the rallying point. Our forces remained mostly intact, but the Pheonix were not so lucky.

As I listened to the reports given by Tadaka to Hoturi and the others, I noticed a lone unicorn on a hill over looking the village. Curious I did not notice him before...I sensed it would not be the last time i was to see him and that our meeting would not be a good one.

part two: Battle in the Village