Some of you celebrate this time of year and some of you do not. But all and all we must remember that it's the thought the counts.
This time of year is a time to recall all the many things we have been throough together.
As I recall, Sosie Bonzai took a leap into stardom after the Metro-Con of 2007.
Many people found out about this wonderful clan and many people grew through out the months of training and battles that were held ever sunday and tuesday at Lowry Park.
Of course, who can forget the first people of the clan. They were so small back then and now we are large. Large enough to be an empire.
Sosie Bonzai, through the year has proven time and time again that no matter what hardship we encounter:
Rebelions
Personal issues brought into the games
Clans breaking off and clans coming back
Feasts gone wrong and feasts gone right
And a war to mark an epic encounter
Sosie Bonzai has risen above many boundaries that have been placed in front of us.
We are the strongest of the strong. And we shall remain that way.
Always remember that it takes all of us to make Sosie Bonzai great.
It's not just God, it's not just the Squirrles and it's not just the Pirates...
It's the ability we have to stick together no matter what difficulties come our way. We are amazing together and I can only hope to always see the same faces through out this new year....I hope to see new faces as the year continues.
Happy Holidays, Sosie Bonzai!
December 24, 2007
December 18, 2007
The battle of Red Bug Lake
For those who may not have had the privilage to fight in this great victory, I'm writing an account of it, so that the experience can be shared.
For a few of Sozei Bonsai's warriors, the day began on the floor of Shawn's house. It was 9 am, and it was Sunday. They had stayed up all night, cutting, sanding, drilling and lacing up armor for the next day, all that was left was the painting. Once that was done, it was off to Red Bug Lake park.
Upon arrival, things appeared to have been going to plan. Red Mangetsu greeted us, and an agreement was made. They said they'd be fighting on our side. We trusted them. We knew we'd have to make quick work of our enemy, Azure Gengetsu, before the other clans showed up. We thought we had until 5pm to kill Azure, but we didn't think that a plan was being laid against us. The other clans showed up on time all right, right on time to line up on the OTHER side of the field! We started to see the precision of it all. Azure, Red, Sabatsu Gumi, and the clan from Jacksonville all unified as one force against Sozei Bonsai. A good idea, line up an army with not only superior numbers, but also superior armor, and shields. Lots of Sheilds. A whole damn wall of them. Realization of the truth sank in quickly, as the battle began. One could see it in every face as our brave opening charge was met by a wall of sheilds and a storm of flailing foam.
A sick feeling crept into the stomachs of the brave Sosei Bonsai clan. We may be defeated. Our great pride nearly died in the dirt of that field, but it didn't. Our hearts beat hard, as one great force. As darkness fell, taunts were traded back and forth across the battle lines. Charges launched, and met on both sides. A brave group of pirates and Itsutaken, escorted by a pair of monks, nipped in at the flanks of the wall of sheilds. We fought like demons, battling into the side of that massive force. Their left flank (our right) fell to the efforts of Itsutaken. Arrows and insults flew as Caleb bravely shattered himself out, our first to fall. Darkness fell. Tempers that already glowed red with fury finally boiled over. In the face of battle, honor was not very high in the mind of the combatants. It was decided the best course of action was to call a hold, and move the battle to a lighted field.
A welcome rest for the fighters of Sosei Bonsai. A new plan was hatched. Let them come to us. Starve them out, bore them into charging. Once the battle began anew, our modified strategy met with success. Numbers meant nothing if only a few fools from their side could be baited foreward. Bit by bit, they came to meet the full force of our battle skill. Kyle, the Lion of Sosei Bonsai, his masterful command of our force kept our warriors alive, and took the lives of what brave fools dared charge our line.
About two hours in, hope started to shine on our faces, we realized that the battle could be won! Our preserverance had paid off in spades! Their numbers began
to dwindle. The same sick feeling that had once wrapped it's icy fingers around our hearts could now be plainly seen in the faces of what paltry numbers Red Mangetsu had left. Those that survived to this point in the battle now understood what it was like to be outnumbered. They paid the price for their clan's treachery at the point of our swords and our arrows. Not even a trace of Azure's men could be found, all shattered. West Palm's men filmed the closing moments from the sideline, and cheered us on. Finally, after a sideswiping attack robbed them of their last archer, they surrendered to Kyle, who took their heads.
The Battle of Red Bug Lake was ours!
Cheers and celebration erupted from our side, and even the slain enemies celebrated with us! The greatest victory in the history of Sosei Bonsai was won, thanks to the hardworking efforts of all who fought.
Every last one of those who fought did their part, from the noobs right up to those who've been with us since the beginning.
Thanks to everyone in the battle, this was one of the best moments in my life. Thank you all!
For a few of Sozei Bonsai's warriors, the day began on the floor of Shawn's house. It was 9 am, and it was Sunday. They had stayed up all night, cutting, sanding, drilling and lacing up armor for the next day, all that was left was the painting. Once that was done, it was off to Red Bug Lake park.
Upon arrival, things appeared to have been going to plan. Red Mangetsu greeted us, and an agreement was made. They said they'd be fighting on our side. We trusted them. We knew we'd have to make quick work of our enemy, Azure Gengetsu, before the other clans showed up. We thought we had until 5pm to kill Azure, but we didn't think that a plan was being laid against us. The other clans showed up on time all right, right on time to line up on the OTHER side of the field! We started to see the precision of it all. Azure, Red, Sabatsu Gumi, and the clan from Jacksonville all unified as one force against Sozei Bonsai. A good idea, line up an army with not only superior numbers, but also superior armor, and shields. Lots of Sheilds. A whole damn wall of them. Realization of the truth sank in quickly, as the battle began. One could see it in every face as our brave opening charge was met by a wall of sheilds and a storm of flailing foam.
A sick feeling crept into the stomachs of the brave Sosei Bonsai clan. We may be defeated. Our great pride nearly died in the dirt of that field, but it didn't. Our hearts beat hard, as one great force. As darkness fell, taunts were traded back and forth across the battle lines. Charges launched, and met on both sides. A brave group of pirates and Itsutaken, escorted by a pair of monks, nipped in at the flanks of the wall of sheilds. We fought like demons, battling into the side of that massive force. Their left flank (our right) fell to the efforts of Itsutaken. Arrows and insults flew as Caleb bravely shattered himself out, our first to fall. Darkness fell. Tempers that already glowed red with fury finally boiled over. In the face of battle, honor was not very high in the mind of the combatants. It was decided the best course of action was to call a hold, and move the battle to a lighted field.
A welcome rest for the fighters of Sosei Bonsai. A new plan was hatched. Let them come to us. Starve them out, bore them into charging. Once the battle began anew, our modified strategy met with success. Numbers meant nothing if only a few fools from their side could be baited foreward. Bit by bit, they came to meet the full force of our battle skill. Kyle, the Lion of Sosei Bonsai, his masterful command of our force kept our warriors alive, and took the lives of what brave fools dared charge our line.
About two hours in, hope started to shine on our faces, we realized that the battle could be won! Our preserverance had paid off in spades! Their numbers began
to dwindle. The same sick feeling that had once wrapped it's icy fingers around our hearts could now be plainly seen in the faces of what paltry numbers Red Mangetsu had left. Those that survived to this point in the battle now understood what it was like to be outnumbered. They paid the price for their clan's treachery at the point of our swords and our arrows. Not even a trace of Azure's men could be found, all shattered. West Palm's men filmed the closing moments from the sideline, and cheered us on. Finally, after a sideswiping attack robbed them of their last archer, they surrendered to Kyle, who took their heads.
The Battle of Red Bug Lake was ours!
Cheers and celebration erupted from our side, and even the slain enemies celebrated with us! The greatest victory in the history of Sosei Bonsai was won, thanks to the hardworking efforts of all who fought.
Every last one of those who fought did their part, from the noobs right up to those who've been with us since the beginning.
Thanks to everyone in the battle, this was one of the best moments in my life. Thank you all!
December 17, 2007
So, anyway
I'm sure you all enjoyed Sunday? You know, the battle...Yeah, that was tons of fun. I certainly enjoyed it.
Many people against a few...WOW! Quite amazing. We went to Orlando ready to kick ass. We started off thinking "Wow, the jokes on us," and then we were thinking, "We'll probably lose but at least we know they're so afraid of us that they all banned together...and yet still feel the need to cower behind their shields," and just a mere three hours later that turned into, "Cool, we've won...haha," and we pointed the all mighty finger of "Ha-Ha, in your face"...in their faces.
I'm not trying to dog anyone here. We are all friends and buddies, but that doesn't hide the fact that they had everyone they could think of against us. They had more armor, weapons, and people...but you know what they didn't have? They didn't have amazing training. Apparently they didn't even have hope from the beginning.
Yeah, we P-Owned them, but I can't leave out the fact that they, too, had amazing fighters and that they did have skill. They did pick many of us off one by one. In the beginning, we were out numbered. In the end, we began to take them out. We had skill, we had Pirates, we had Squirrels, and we had God. We also had all of us to protect each other. We have what many of them do not, a bond that runs deep through the core of our group. We are a family and that is what I believe helped us out the most. Our skill, our training, our determination to prove a certain someone wrong…and our ability to plain old kick Mo-Fo ass....
Good Job Sosei Bonzai! We rock and we will always rock! No matter what the odds, no matter who's against us...Numbers don't matter! We still won! They had more EVERYTHING and we still won!
We are Sosei Bonzai: Vicious motherfuckers that kill everything!
We are the champions!
Many people against a few...WOW! Quite amazing. We went to Orlando ready to kick ass. We started off thinking "Wow, the jokes on us," and then we were thinking, "We'll probably lose but at least we know they're so afraid of us that they all banned together...and yet still feel the need to cower behind their shields," and just a mere three hours later that turned into, "Cool, we've won...haha," and we pointed the all mighty finger of "Ha-Ha, in your face"...in their faces.
I'm not trying to dog anyone here. We are all friends and buddies, but that doesn't hide the fact that they had everyone they could think of against us. They had more armor, weapons, and people...but you know what they didn't have? They didn't have amazing training. Apparently they didn't even have hope from the beginning.
Yeah, we P-Owned them, but I can't leave out the fact that they, too, had amazing fighters and that they did have skill. They did pick many of us off one by one. In the beginning, we were out numbered. In the end, we began to take them out. We had skill, we had Pirates, we had Squirrels, and we had God. We also had all of us to protect each other. We have what many of them do not, a bond that runs deep through the core of our group. We are a family and that is what I believe helped us out the most. Our skill, our training, our determination to prove a certain someone wrong…and our ability to plain old kick Mo-Fo ass....
Good Job Sosei Bonzai! We rock and we will always rock! No matter what the odds, no matter who's against us...Numbers don't matter! We still won! They had more EVERYTHING and we still won!
We are Sosei Bonzai: Vicious motherfuckers that kill everything!
We are the champions!
December 16, 2007
The Calm before the Storm
"Our job is not to win, our job is to die!"
"How convenient, because our job is to kill!"
Plans are being made. Blades and armor have been forged. Where there were few, there are now many. Today is the day that many will die. A king once said, " Ready your breakfast and eat hearty" etc. Do not think for one minute that this will be anything like that movie. Napoleon once prepared for a battle, thinking it would be an easy fight. That battle was called Waterloo, and it was Napoleon's last. He made a fatal mistake. He may have been one of the best warriors the world has ever known, but the minute you think you're secure in being the best, is the very moment that someone will come to take that status away from you.
Don't make that mistake my friends. We may be good, but today we face the toughest challenge that we have ever faced. Don't think this will be easy, because nothing worthwhile will be gained easily. This is going to be a challenge, for all of us, from the freshest noob right up to the most grizzled veteran, and win or lose, we'll know what it means to be warriors.
The long road to war is almost at its end. Prepare yourselves, my brothers and sisters in arms, for today we fight!
To my Brothers, stand tall and be proud; this is the day we've been waiting for.
To an unknown ally, mind your tongues, and your actions. If you betray us, forgiveness is not something we're known for.
To the enemy, good fortune to you in the fight; may you die with honor. Have a good time in Nirvana!
"How convenient, because our job is to kill!"
Plans are being made. Blades and armor have been forged. Where there were few, there are now many. Today is the day that many will die. A king once said, " Ready your breakfast and eat hearty" etc. Do not think for one minute that this will be anything like that movie. Napoleon once prepared for a battle, thinking it would be an easy fight. That battle was called Waterloo, and it was Napoleon's last. He made a fatal mistake. He may have been one of the best warriors the world has ever known, but the minute you think you're secure in being the best, is the very moment that someone will come to take that status away from you.
Don't make that mistake my friends. We may be good, but today we face the toughest challenge that we have ever faced. Don't think this will be easy, because nothing worthwhile will be gained easily. This is going to be a challenge, for all of us, from the freshest noob right up to the most grizzled veteran, and win or lose, we'll know what it means to be warriors.
The long road to war is almost at its end. Prepare yourselves, my brothers and sisters in arms, for today we fight!
To my Brothers, stand tall and be proud; this is the day we've been waiting for.
To an unknown ally, mind your tongues, and your actions. If you betray us, forgiveness is not something we're known for.
To the enemy, good fortune to you in the fight; may you die with honor. Have a good time in Nirvana!
December 15, 2007
The Dawn of War
Can you feel it?
That strange calm,
That feeling of serenity,
The acknowledgment of it all?
It haunts me.
What some don't understand is the fact that I have been playing for a long time. So long in fact, that I have lost sight of our goals as a Shogunate. What I was promised sixteen months ago was pure and simple fun. What I was promised three months later was war, and that’s what I wanted at the time. I didn't want to go to war cause Jared to me to, I wanted it so I had a reason to become stronger. Don't get me wrong, Jared was a great manipulator, and he had some part of it with his war stories and his dreams of grandeur, but most of that blood thirst was all me.
When I became daimyo, I started seeing things in a different perspective. I didn't want war anymore, I wanted a time of peace, where I could do what was first promised to me, and to everyone one else who was once Red Dawn, which was to have fun. That backfired quickly.
Tomorrow is our first real step into war, not the war I was promised, but a more peaceful war; a war in which everyone can shake hands afterwards, and enjoy the fact that we're all playing the same game. This was the war I wanted all along, not out of hatred, but out of sportsmanship.
That is why I'm so excited,
why I can't sleep,
and why we will win...
That strange calm,
That feeling of serenity,
The acknowledgment of it all?
It haunts me.
What some don't understand is the fact that I have been playing for a long time. So long in fact, that I have lost sight of our goals as a Shogunate. What I was promised sixteen months ago was pure and simple fun. What I was promised three months later was war, and that’s what I wanted at the time. I didn't want to go to war cause Jared to me to, I wanted it so I had a reason to become stronger. Don't get me wrong, Jared was a great manipulator, and he had some part of it with his war stories and his dreams of grandeur, but most of that blood thirst was all me.
When I became daimyo, I started seeing things in a different perspective. I didn't want war anymore, I wanted a time of peace, where I could do what was first promised to me, and to everyone one else who was once Red Dawn, which was to have fun. That backfired quickly.
Tomorrow is our first real step into war, not the war I was promised, but a more peaceful war; a war in which everyone can shake hands afterwards, and enjoy the fact that we're all playing the same game. This was the war I wanted all along, not out of hatred, but out of sportsmanship.
That is why I'm so excited,
why I can't sleep,
and why we will win...
December 13, 2007
Weapon of Choice.....
A change is coming. It's on the horizon, and when it arrives, I guarantee there will be much profanity. Of what change do I write? Boffers. Soon, we will cast away the old swords, and all derivatives in their design of the original swords made by Jared. What will replace them is a round boffer, which, while not looking as good or performing as well as Jared's design, will open us up to the greater world of Amtgard. However, there are those in our Shogunate that protest this change, namely, the Shogun himself!
The Shogun claims that his swords can be made legal. The author asks, how? He claims to know a person high in the ranks of Amtgard. The author asks, who is our shogun to be an exception to a rule that is mandatory for all Amtgard groups? Unfortunately that is no one. How could he be? Jared has never met this "Kurse" (look him up on amtwiki) face to face, yet he claims that they are such good friends that he can make our group an exception to a rule that hasn't changed in years! A rule no other group has ever been an exception to, period. Rules are rules, and even if we could be an exception, why would we want to be? If we want the respect of the greater game, we must earn it on the same terms as everyone else.
The respect of others is something very satisfying to receive. It's one of those things that just makes you feel good. There are many players in Amtgard that have never heard of the Sakura Moon Shogunate, and even more who've never heard the name “Sosei Bonzai.” What an honor it would be for us to prove ourselves to the world of Amtgard to be the most feared fighting force on the battlefields. Notoriety could be ours. We could be the best, if only we strive to reach such a lofty goal. There are many who stand in our way. Many great battles are in our future, and if we strive to win, many legendary victories. The enemies we'll face are strong, and one of the closest is also one of the best in the world.
The Triads, Neverwinter's elite fighting company. One day, we will fight them, and win or lose, we'll leave that battlefield that day with the knowledge that we've stood our ground against some of the most fearsome fighters in the nation. One thing stands in our way though, and it will assuredly prevent us from ever setting foot on the field with these great fighters. It's more familiar than you think, and as recently as the last time you set foot on the field, you most likely held it in your hand; your sword. If it's got a diameter of less than 2.25 inches, it's not legal for use on any official Amtgard battlefield.
When we become an official Amtgard chapter, many good things will become available to us. We'll get to play at some of the BIG games, like Spring War, which it just so happens we've been invited to. Spring War usually has over 500 players in attendance. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, I guarantee one thing, if we show up with some of the boffers we have now, we can forget doing any fighting. Even though we've proven that our swords are perfectly safe, the world of Amtgard does not yet realize that. Changes take a long time to happen in something as big as Amtgard. It's not conceivable that our swords will be legal on any official Amtgard field any time soon, so in the meantime, we'll have to start using the round boffers that everyone else uses.
In my next article, I'll go into detail about how the changes will take place, and how you can be prepared for them!
The Shogun claims that his swords can be made legal. The author asks, how? He claims to know a person high in the ranks of Amtgard. The author asks, who is our shogun to be an exception to a rule that is mandatory for all Amtgard groups? Unfortunately that is no one. How could he be? Jared has never met this "Kurse" (look him up on amtwiki) face to face, yet he claims that they are such good friends that he can make our group an exception to a rule that hasn't changed in years! A rule no other group has ever been an exception to, period. Rules are rules, and even if we could be an exception, why would we want to be? If we want the respect of the greater game, we must earn it on the same terms as everyone else.
The respect of others is something very satisfying to receive. It's one of those things that just makes you feel good. There are many players in Amtgard that have never heard of the Sakura Moon Shogunate, and even more who've never heard the name “Sosei Bonzai.” What an honor it would be for us to prove ourselves to the world of Amtgard to be the most feared fighting force on the battlefields. Notoriety could be ours. We could be the best, if only we strive to reach such a lofty goal. There are many who stand in our way. Many great battles are in our future, and if we strive to win, many legendary victories. The enemies we'll face are strong, and one of the closest is also one of the best in the world.
The Triads, Neverwinter's elite fighting company. One day, we will fight them, and win or lose, we'll leave that battlefield that day with the knowledge that we've stood our ground against some of the most fearsome fighters in the nation. One thing stands in our way though, and it will assuredly prevent us from ever setting foot on the field with these great fighters. It's more familiar than you think, and as recently as the last time you set foot on the field, you most likely held it in your hand; your sword. If it's got a diameter of less than 2.25 inches, it's not legal for use on any official Amtgard battlefield.
When we become an official Amtgard chapter, many good things will become available to us. We'll get to play at some of the BIG games, like Spring War, which it just so happens we've been invited to. Spring War usually has over 500 players in attendance. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, I guarantee one thing, if we show up with some of the boffers we have now, we can forget doing any fighting. Even though we've proven that our swords are perfectly safe, the world of Amtgard does not yet realize that. Changes take a long time to happen in something as big as Amtgard. It's not conceivable that our swords will be legal on any official Amtgard field any time soon, so in the meantime, we'll have to start using the round boffers that everyone else uses.
In my next article, I'll go into detail about how the changes will take place, and how you can be prepared for them!
December 11, 2007
What You must Understand
I messed up. My information was faulty. I do apologize.
How do you get beads? You do stuff. You help make armor...You help make swords. All in all, you help.
I have recently spoken with our Sensei, Chris...Oops I mean Cris. He said that if you want to be on either of these teams, please contact him first.
Many of you I have spoken to. I'm calmed down now. Hehe. I have realized that many people who are new have many more beads then those who have frequented the feilds more often. This is because they do things for those beads.
You do not have to spend money, you don't have to suck dick (*wink wink*). You don't have to kiss ass and eat shit for breakfast. All it takes is few moments of your time...not your life...but your time. Take time off work one day. Tell mommy and daddy that you'll be coming home late. What ever it takes, if it means so much to you to become a senior, then make the effort.
It' not like we're asking you to pull your left leg over the middle of your back, jump up and down while at the same time rubbing your ass hole singing "yanky doodle".
How do you get beads? You do stuff. You help make armor...You help make swords. All in all, you help.
I have recently spoken with our Sensei, Chris...Oops I mean Cris. He said that if you want to be on either of these teams, please contact him first.
Many of you I have spoken to. I'm calmed down now. Hehe. I have realized that many people who are new have many more beads then those who have frequented the feilds more often. This is because they do things for those beads.
You do not have to spend money, you don't have to suck dick (*wink wink*). You don't have to kiss ass and eat shit for breakfast. All it takes is few moments of your time...not your life...but your time. Take time off work one day. Tell mommy and daddy that you'll be coming home late. What ever it takes, if it means so much to you to become a senior, then make the effort.
It' not like we're asking you to pull your left leg over the middle of your back, jump up and down while at the same time rubbing your ass hole singing "yanky doodle".
Daft Recollections pt. 1
Logan slowly walked out of the circle of people, snickering to himself over his win. As he walked past Garion he dropped his war battered katana into the soft spring grass. Garion shook his head and looked over to Jared. Everyone in the circle did the same, waiting for the next contestants to fight.
Jared leaned over to Caleb next to him.
“What a fight,” He said softly, “especially for our first champion bear pit. Who’s next?”
“Well,” Caleb stood up and looked down at the names on the paper, “Its Peter, and… Ben.”
I Stood up from the line, katana in hand, and walked to the center of the bear pit. Ben walked lazily out of the pavilion, his katana in hand, straight into the circle, in front of me.
“BOW!” Jared yelled.
“This is how it was meant to be.” Ben said softly
“TAP!” Jared yelled.
“You can say it's fate.” Ben said softly
“HAJIME!” Jared yelled.
“A tale as old as time,” I replied to Ben, “A tale named Never5”
Ben shook his head at my words and smile coyly. Suddenly his grip tightened on the red wrap of his katana and he shifted his feet into position for his usual high stance. I instinctively angled my right foot and katana to the left. With everyone watching, in silence, we waited, waited for the right moment to strike.
“Hurry the fuck up.” Jared said out of nowhere.
I looked over at him, but then realized my fatal mistake. Ben was already in mid swing, there wasn’t a lot I could do. I swung my katana up to parry, knocking his blade back, and then swung in, twisting my wrist, striking his chest. Just as soon as it had started, it was over. I had won…
“It was a lucky shot.” Ben told me as we went for water.
“Should of went into your kappa stance,” I told him, ignoring his previous statement, “The fuck if anyone knows how to fight that.”
“I’m starting Never5 soon; I got the okay from Jared earlier today. I need you to be my second.”
“I can’t and you know that. Look at this group, when you leave, your going to take Garion, Logan, Chris, Jeff, and Katie. That’s not counting Aileen. Your going to take our best fighters.”
“That’s why I need you Pete, it will be the way Never5 was suppose to be.”
“And that’s the exact reason why I can’t leave…”
There was suddenly a loud cheer and applause, Both Ben and I looked over at the bear pit to see Garion angrily throw his katana outside the circle, and then to Logan, standing in the center with a wide grin on his face.
“Look,” Ben said softly, “If you ever change your mind, Never5 is gonna need a champion.”
I sighed and walked toward the bear pit.
“Do it for the brothers,” Cody yelled from over at the grill
“You're not black.” I yelled back.
“Blacker than you.” He replied, returning to his work with the food.
I walked silently into the circle of friends, and family, and prepared myself for the upcoming battle.
“You're going to lose.” Logan told me as I looked over at him, I shook my head in disagreement.
“You can do it Zooma.” Ben told me, as I looked over my shoulder at my best friend, “Never5”
“Are you ready?” Jared asked me.
“Now I am,” I replied…
Jared leaned over to Caleb next to him.
“What a fight,” He said softly, “especially for our first champion bear pit. Who’s next?”
“Well,” Caleb stood up and looked down at the names on the paper, “Its Peter, and… Ben.”
I Stood up from the line, katana in hand, and walked to the center of the bear pit. Ben walked lazily out of the pavilion, his katana in hand, straight into the circle, in front of me.
“BOW!” Jared yelled.
“This is how it was meant to be.” Ben said softly
“TAP!” Jared yelled.
“You can say it's fate.” Ben said softly
“HAJIME!” Jared yelled.
“A tale as old as time,” I replied to Ben, “A tale named Never5”
Ben shook his head at my words and smile coyly. Suddenly his grip tightened on the red wrap of his katana and he shifted his feet into position for his usual high stance. I instinctively angled my right foot and katana to the left. With everyone watching, in silence, we waited, waited for the right moment to strike.
“Hurry the fuck up.” Jared said out of nowhere.
I looked over at him, but then realized my fatal mistake. Ben was already in mid swing, there wasn’t a lot I could do. I swung my katana up to parry, knocking his blade back, and then swung in, twisting my wrist, striking his chest. Just as soon as it had started, it was over. I had won…
“It was a lucky shot.” Ben told me as we went for water.
“Should of went into your kappa stance,” I told him, ignoring his previous statement, “The fuck if anyone knows how to fight that.”
“I’m starting Never5 soon; I got the okay from Jared earlier today. I need you to be my second.”
“I can’t and you know that. Look at this group, when you leave, your going to take Garion, Logan, Chris, Jeff, and Katie. That’s not counting Aileen. Your going to take our best fighters.”
“That’s why I need you Pete, it will be the way Never5 was suppose to be.”
“And that’s the exact reason why I can’t leave…”
There was suddenly a loud cheer and applause, Both Ben and I looked over at the bear pit to see Garion angrily throw his katana outside the circle, and then to Logan, standing in the center with a wide grin on his face.
“Look,” Ben said softly, “If you ever change your mind, Never5 is gonna need a champion.”
I sighed and walked toward the bear pit.
“Do it for the brothers,” Cody yelled from over at the grill
“You're not black.” I yelled back.
“Blacker than you.” He replied, returning to his work with the food.
I walked silently into the circle of friends, and family, and prepared myself for the upcoming battle.
“You're going to lose.” Logan told me as I looked over at him, I shook my head in disagreement.
“You can do it Zooma.” Ben told me, as I looked over my shoulder at my best friend, “Never5”
“Are you ready?” Jared asked me.
“Now I am,” I replied…
December 10, 2007
The December 9th round-up
Swords broken: 3
Spears broken: 0
Shields Broken: 0
Bones broken: 0
Many people were at our park this past Sunday. We had visitors from other parks and many people who we have not seen in a long time come by to grace us with their presence. It was a beautiful sight.
We first started off the day as we usually do, mingling and sparring. We then played an all terrain ditch battle. This battle lasted very long because there were so many more people than usual. We ended the day with a game of zombie that, in comparison with the ditch battle, did not last very long at all.
Of course, there were a certain amount of "individuals" on the top of a roof to escape the zombies’ attack. A clever idea until the zombies began to climb. Many people stood on the out skirts of our battlefield that day, admiring the ferocity of our clan. We are so very strong. Let us stay that way.
After the battles and to end the day right, many of us headed over to Sosei Bonzai's IHOP. We had much to eat and spoke of many things. We watched a pickle get defiled and enjoyed the company of George.
All in all, it was a very good day for Sosei Bonzai.
Spears broken: 0
Shields Broken: 0
Bones broken: 0
Many people were at our park this past Sunday. We had visitors from other parks and many people who we have not seen in a long time come by to grace us with their presence. It was a beautiful sight.
We first started off the day as we usually do, mingling and sparring. We then played an all terrain ditch battle. This battle lasted very long because there were so many more people than usual. We ended the day with a game of zombie that, in comparison with the ditch battle, did not last very long at all.
Of course, there were a certain amount of "individuals" on the top of a roof to escape the zombies’ attack. A clever idea until the zombies began to climb. Many people stood on the out skirts of our battlefield that day, admiring the ferocity of our clan. We are so very strong. Let us stay that way.
After the battles and to end the day right, many of us headed over to Sosei Bonzai's IHOP. We had much to eat and spoke of many things. We watched a pickle get defiled and enjoyed the company of George.
All in all, it was a very good day for Sosei Bonzai.
A terrible discovery
As you all must know, the time of war draws near. We will fight viciously, for that is who we are. We will kill everything, for that is what we do. But do not get your hopes up too high, my brothers and sisters. I have some terrible news.
I have just recently heard a tale told by a very reliable source. Red Mangetsu is very prepared. We may have won the first battle, but what happens when you are defeated? You become stronger, smarter, and you learn what must be done to make sure another defeat never happens. My fellow clan members, Red Mangetsu is very prepared for any battle we throw at them.
According to this reliable source, Red Mangetsu is FULLY ARMORED! All of them…from neck to knee. As you all must know, Sosei Bonzai and its “affiliates” only have so much armor to our name. What else could Red Mangetsu have up their sleeves? Do they have more boffers? My friends, in a war we will have to use boffers. We hardly have enough. Does Red Mangetsu have more shields? We only have so many. Is Sosei Bonzai truly prepared for war or have we been doomed since the beginning?
I call upon all of you. Make boffers. Make many boffers. Make boffers that are not only beautiful, but also deadly. Vaughn, as we all know, is highly skilled at this. It has nothing to do with the material or how you put the boffer together; it is the art that goes into it. I don’t care who helped Vaughn learn to make boffers, for no one can create them as beautifully as he can. He offers time and time again “Let me make you a boffer.” He can make you all boffers that symbolize who you are, a boffer tailor made for your personality. Ask him to make you one for when we go to war, what better way to boost your vicious behavior then that of a boffer…your own personal boffer?
How did we hold off our enemy during that first battle? We had shields, spears, and naginatas. We must ban together. I call for a shield team, a spear and naginata team, and a sword team to create more weapons. We defeated them before because we were better equipped than they were. The time draws near. We must act fast, my brethren, if we plan to defeat them yet again. Let us not show Shogun that we made a mistake. There are no mistakes in Sosei Bonzai anymore! We must prove to our dear Daimyo that we are strong. We cannot always wait around to be told what to do! We must act now! I know where there is material for armor and I have the means to make it. On Tuesday I will call upon many of you to speak with me. I do believe we are all on the same page when I say we need to get this done and we need to get it done fast.
We need armor. We need to protect ourselves. We must win! I do not care about the old saying anymore. “You’re job is not to win, it is to die.” This is horrible to stand by. How are we ever going to live by our new saying: “Sosei Bonzai! What do we kill? EVERYTHING!” if all we are going to do is throw ourselves on the sword? Honor? What honor is there if all you do is die? What happens to a village when all their soldiers die? The village gets ransacked! The village dies, too. Do we really want Sosei Bonzai to die, especially now that we are glowing brighter then ever? I do not believe so. I believe you, too, feel the same way.
Sosei Bonzai, we are under a new rule rather it has become official or not. Our Daimyo, Miyomoto Toshiro Mifune, has been a wondrous leader; a magnificent being worthy of the title GOD. Let us make him proud of the clan that he has trained. Let us prepare for what will come. Let us do it NOW! Our job IS to win! Not only to show that Sosei Bonzai is a formidable force, but to also prove that winning is a glorious feeling.
I have just recently heard a tale told by a very reliable source. Red Mangetsu is very prepared. We may have won the first battle, but what happens when you are defeated? You become stronger, smarter, and you learn what must be done to make sure another defeat never happens. My fellow clan members, Red Mangetsu is very prepared for any battle we throw at them.
According to this reliable source, Red Mangetsu is FULLY ARMORED! All of them…from neck to knee. As you all must know, Sosei Bonzai and its “affiliates” only have so much armor to our name. What else could Red Mangetsu have up their sleeves? Do they have more boffers? My friends, in a war we will have to use boffers. We hardly have enough. Does Red Mangetsu have more shields? We only have so many. Is Sosei Bonzai truly prepared for war or have we been doomed since the beginning?
I call upon all of you. Make boffers. Make many boffers. Make boffers that are not only beautiful, but also deadly. Vaughn, as we all know, is highly skilled at this. It has nothing to do with the material or how you put the boffer together; it is the art that goes into it. I don’t care who helped Vaughn learn to make boffers, for no one can create them as beautifully as he can. He offers time and time again “Let me make you a boffer.” He can make you all boffers that symbolize who you are, a boffer tailor made for your personality. Ask him to make you one for when we go to war, what better way to boost your vicious behavior then that of a boffer…your own personal boffer?
How did we hold off our enemy during that first battle? We had shields, spears, and naginatas. We must ban together. I call for a shield team, a spear and naginata team, and a sword team to create more weapons. We defeated them before because we were better equipped than they were. The time draws near. We must act fast, my brethren, if we plan to defeat them yet again. Let us not show Shogun that we made a mistake. There are no mistakes in Sosei Bonzai anymore! We must prove to our dear Daimyo that we are strong. We cannot always wait around to be told what to do! We must act now! I know where there is material for armor and I have the means to make it. On Tuesday I will call upon many of you to speak with me. I do believe we are all on the same page when I say we need to get this done and we need to get it done fast.
We need armor. We need to protect ourselves. We must win! I do not care about the old saying anymore. “You’re job is not to win, it is to die.” This is horrible to stand by. How are we ever going to live by our new saying: “Sosei Bonzai! What do we kill? EVERYTHING!” if all we are going to do is throw ourselves on the sword? Honor? What honor is there if all you do is die? What happens to a village when all their soldiers die? The village gets ransacked! The village dies, too. Do we really want Sosei Bonzai to die, especially now that we are glowing brighter then ever? I do not believe so. I believe you, too, feel the same way.
Sosei Bonzai, we are under a new rule rather it has become official or not. Our Daimyo, Miyomoto Toshiro Mifune, has been a wondrous leader; a magnificent being worthy of the title GOD. Let us make him proud of the clan that he has trained. Let us prepare for what will come. Let us do it NOW! Our job IS to win! Not only to show that Sosei Bonzai is a formidable force, but to also prove that winning is a glorious feeling.
December 9, 2007
A season for war.....
War, in my Shogunate?
It's more likely than you think!
Why war, though, after months of peace? Why go and start a fight all of a sudden?
Because it's about damn time, that's why! When I started fighting in the Shogunate back in July, the seeds of war were being sown.
"You will train, you will fight, we will go to war, and you will die in battle for the Shogunate."
These were the words that fueled a fire that forged the warrior spirits of many a noob in those days, myself included. Then a few odd things started to happen. Just when it seemed that the epic battle we'd all been waiting for was just around the bend, the leadership just decided to call it off. It was damn close too: plans had been made, shinobi missions carried out. Armor was being forged. Prior to the feast, many were told we would feast, then we would go to war. The feast came, an epic clan battle was fought, and there, many brotherhoods and rivalries were born.
The clan up north, Rosuto Wood, became our ally, while the samurai of the Red Mangetsu, and their brothers, Azure Gengetsu became a sort of rival of ours. Many powerful blows were dealt on both sides, and the fields of Sosei Bonzai were strewn with the dead and dying. In the end, it was Sosei Bonzai, and the their brothers of an uneasy truce, Itsukaten, who came out on top.
Things then changed within the Shogunate that would shake it to the very core. Slips of a careless tongue were soon forgotten and forgiven when an even more loathsome beast reared its head, Betrayal, and its brother, Treason. A core member of the Shogunate, one who had been with us from the beginning, decided to spread a few rumors, and in the author's opinion, it was the backlash from this that killed the war against Falling Fire.
But what of the war now? It may be coming, but as for when, no one knows. However, for one man within the Shogunate who refused to sit on his laurels, even after a resounding performance at the Feast, on a bum ankle no less, this peace had gone on too long. This man was none other than Daimyo Miyamoto Toshiro Mifune (Kyle). The idea of a raid was brought up, much to the approval of the clan.
A surprise raid on an unsuspecting Red Mangetsu seemed to be the best Christmas present that Kyle could've possibly given to his loyal fighters. Someone, however, just couldn't resist telling a certain Shogun all about it! Now let's not blame Jared here, he's all about getting together and having some fun, but now Sosei Bonzai, in my opinion, has a vendetta of sorts. We've been promised a war for months and months now, and just when the damn thing's about as close as it could get, he wants to turn the damn thing into a feast!
My friends, my brothers and sisters in arms, this cannot be tolerated! It's time for Sosei Bonzai to live up to its great name. Once again, the seeds of war have been sown, and now, men, there's no turning back. We cannot back down now that our enemy knows we're coming. To do so would be a display of weakness, and that's not what Sosei Bonzai is, is it? Are we weak, are we scared? Hell no!
Lets go to Orlando and show them who we are!
"Who are we?"
I think you all know the rest!
It's more likely than you think!
Why war, though, after months of peace? Why go and start a fight all of a sudden?
Because it's about damn time, that's why! When I started fighting in the Shogunate back in July, the seeds of war were being sown.
"You will train, you will fight, we will go to war, and you will die in battle for the Shogunate."
These were the words that fueled a fire that forged the warrior spirits of many a noob in those days, myself included. Then a few odd things started to happen. Just when it seemed that the epic battle we'd all been waiting for was just around the bend, the leadership just decided to call it off. It was damn close too: plans had been made, shinobi missions carried out. Armor was being forged. Prior to the feast, many were told we would feast, then we would go to war. The feast came, an epic clan battle was fought, and there, many brotherhoods and rivalries were born.
The clan up north, Rosuto Wood, became our ally, while the samurai of the Red Mangetsu, and their brothers, Azure Gengetsu became a sort of rival of ours. Many powerful blows were dealt on both sides, and the fields of Sosei Bonzai were strewn with the dead and dying. In the end, it was Sosei Bonzai, and the their brothers of an uneasy truce, Itsukaten, who came out on top.
Things then changed within the Shogunate that would shake it to the very core. Slips of a careless tongue were soon forgotten and forgiven when an even more loathsome beast reared its head, Betrayal, and its brother, Treason. A core member of the Shogunate, one who had been with us from the beginning, decided to spread a few rumors, and in the author's opinion, it was the backlash from this that killed the war against Falling Fire.
But what of the war now? It may be coming, but as for when, no one knows. However, for one man within the Shogunate who refused to sit on his laurels, even after a resounding performance at the Feast, on a bum ankle no less, this peace had gone on too long. This man was none other than Daimyo Miyamoto Toshiro Mifune (Kyle). The idea of a raid was brought up, much to the approval of the clan.
A surprise raid on an unsuspecting Red Mangetsu seemed to be the best Christmas present that Kyle could've possibly given to his loyal fighters. Someone, however, just couldn't resist telling a certain Shogun all about it! Now let's not blame Jared here, he's all about getting together and having some fun, but now Sosei Bonzai, in my opinion, has a vendetta of sorts. We've been promised a war for months and months now, and just when the damn thing's about as close as it could get, he wants to turn the damn thing into a feast!
My friends, my brothers and sisters in arms, this cannot be tolerated! It's time for Sosei Bonzai to live up to its great name. Once again, the seeds of war have been sown, and now, men, there's no turning back. We cannot back down now that our enemy knows we're coming. To do so would be a display of weakness, and that's not what Sosei Bonzai is, is it? Are we weak, are we scared? Hell no!
Lets go to Orlando and show them who we are!
"Who are we?"
I think you all know the rest!
December 8, 2007
Allow me to introduce myself....
You may know me, my real name is Jason. Around here, though, I'm known as Goggles, thanks to an old habit I had of wearing paintball goggles in battle to protect my glasses. The goggles are long gone (damn things kept fogging up), but the name lives on.
This blog is a little idea Zooma and I hashed out recently over at our favorite after-amtgard haunt, and now it's finally coming to be. I'll be providing a summary of sorts after the days' festivities are done on Sundays and Tuesdays. Occasionally, I may venture an opinion or two in the form of an editorial. I'll also be doing a few how-to sessions on weapon creation and how to assemble a good looking and functional garb package, once garb becomes mandatory. (You heard it here first, that's right, garb will be mandatory soon!)
My mission here is to provide the people of Sozei Bonzai with a great way to keep up to date on what's going on throughout the Shogunate, and in the greater world of Amtgard.
This blog is a little idea Zooma and I hashed out recently over at our favorite after-amtgard haunt, and now it's finally coming to be. I'll be providing a summary of sorts after the days' festivities are done on Sundays and Tuesdays. Occasionally, I may venture an opinion or two in the form of an editorial. I'll also be doing a few how-to sessions on weapon creation and how to assemble a good looking and functional garb package, once garb becomes mandatory. (You heard it here first, that's right, garb will be mandatory soon!)
My mission here is to provide the people of Sozei Bonzai with a great way to keep up to date on what's going on throughout the Shogunate, and in the greater world of Amtgard.
December 7, 2007
To Feast or Not To Feast...
That is certainly the question...
What is the title of this post referring to?
Well, obviously, you haven't seen Kyle's new bulletin ala Myspace. It says...
Ok guys, someone had loose lips and told JARED about the raid we had planned. As a result he wants to turn this into a surprise feast. I, on the other hand, don’t want a feast. This is a fucking raid. This is one of those instances where you tell them "give me your wallet and your keys bitch" and leave. This isn’t a Stab and Hug convention. Now regardless, they are not our enemies. But be aware that now West Palm Beach group as well as Jacksonville group will be out there unannounced.
I am now charging all of you with the task of voting. Realize that this will no longer be a Raid, but a feast. A happy go lucky smiles and puppy dogs and rainbows kind of event. I don’t know about you but I want to slaughter not shake hands.
As stated above, I am charging you all with the task of voting. I want you to repost this and respond with your vote. Voting yes or no. I will let you know right now my vote stands at a NO. You can out vote me it isn’t hard, it's called numbers.
Now, I know where both Kyle and Jared are coming from with this. Jared wants everything in Sakura Land happy and dandy; Kyle, on the other hand wants pure unadulterated carnage. Sadly enough, some people agree with Kyle's views. Lindsey had some bold words to say in her response to the whole poll idea.
"Oh...I definitely want to kick ass. Sorry, but if it's going to be a "let me tap you softly with my sword and suck your cock while I'm doing it" type of thing...Well....I didn't take time off work for that...I took three days off work so I could go to someone else's park and raid them...not have a feast. Three days off because I'm expecting to come home bruised, battered, and with a broken something, at least. Hehehe. See, I was getting prepared...lifting weights, working on my endurance...such and such. I was getting prepared for a battle...I don't know who these people are. Friend or foe...you said raid; I think we should do a raid. I, personally think too much thought has ALREADY gone into a raid for it to then be turned into a little "get together", friends or not. WE NEED A RAID!!!! I’ve never been involved in a raid. The first feast we had was not a raid...it was a get together where we had a friendly battle. Although maybe going to raid people who are our friends and not our foe might be a type of get together...it still is categorized under the name Raid...Which is fine with me."
There hasn't been a countdown to the polls yet, or even a person speaking out on the behalf of Jared, cause well, I'm sure everyone is on the side of Sosei Bonzai. I personally want some major ass kicking time; I have my own reputation as champion to defend.
I’m sure that come Sunday, we will have an answer to this minor dilemma. Lets just hope the name of the person who told Jared comes out. Dare I say we have another Steve on our hands?
What is the title of this post referring to?
Well, obviously, you haven't seen Kyle's new bulletin ala Myspace. It says...
Ok guys, someone had loose lips and told JARED about the raid we had planned. As a result he wants to turn this into a surprise feast. I, on the other hand, don’t want a feast. This is a fucking raid. This is one of those instances where you tell them "give me your wallet and your keys bitch" and leave. This isn’t a Stab and Hug convention. Now regardless, they are not our enemies. But be aware that now West Palm Beach group as well as Jacksonville group will be out there unannounced.
I am now charging all of you with the task of voting. Realize that this will no longer be a Raid, but a feast. A happy go lucky smiles and puppy dogs and rainbows kind of event. I don’t know about you but I want to slaughter not shake hands.
As stated above, I am charging you all with the task of voting. I want you to repost this and respond with your vote. Voting yes or no. I will let you know right now my vote stands at a NO. You can out vote me it isn’t hard, it's called numbers.
Now, I know where both Kyle and Jared are coming from with this. Jared wants everything in Sakura Land happy and dandy; Kyle, on the other hand wants pure unadulterated carnage. Sadly enough, some people agree with Kyle's views. Lindsey had some bold words to say in her response to the whole poll idea.
"Oh...I definitely want to kick ass. Sorry, but if it's going to be a "let me tap you softly with my sword and suck your cock while I'm doing it" type of thing...Well....I didn't take time off work for that...I took three days off work so I could go to someone else's park and raid them...not have a feast. Three days off because I'm expecting to come home bruised, battered, and with a broken something, at least. Hehehe. See, I was getting prepared...lifting weights, working on my endurance...such and such. I was getting prepared for a battle...I don't know who these people are. Friend or foe...you said raid; I think we should do a raid. I, personally think too much thought has ALREADY gone into a raid for it to then be turned into a little "get together", friends or not. WE NEED A RAID!!!! I’ve never been involved in a raid. The first feast we had was not a raid...it was a get together where we had a friendly battle. Although maybe going to raid people who are our friends and not our foe might be a type of get together...it still is categorized under the name Raid...Which is fine with me."
There hasn't been a countdown to the polls yet, or even a person speaking out on the behalf of Jared, cause well, I'm sure everyone is on the side of Sosei Bonzai. I personally want some major ass kicking time; I have my own reputation as champion to defend.
I’m sure that come Sunday, we will have an answer to this minor dilemma. Lets just hope the name of the person who told Jared comes out. Dare I say we have another Steve on our hands?
December 5, 2007
The December 4th roundup.
THE NUMBERS~
Swords broken: 0
Weapons Lost: 0
Players who came: 20
People Steved: 1
Noobs: 1
Shoguns Attended: 1
Rank Changes: 2
GAMES~
Triple Tap
All Terrain Ditch
Battle Royale
NEWS AND EVENTS~
Alex stepped down from his position as second and Cris took his place. The because, Chris decided to no make his new group, but to stay with Sosei.
Alex will start a new park, location currently unknown, and become Daimyo of his brand new pirate park.
Trevor also stepped down from his position of scribe, which was given to Vaughn.
Also, the title of scribe was changed back to regent, which was its original name in the first place.
Our dear Shogun made an appearance. He didn't actually play, but he did have a nice sparring match with Kyle.
The new game Battle Royale went underway without a hitch, having no injuries or lost weapons. Garion won, despite starting with a dagger and shield.
RAID~
Oh it's coming...
Swords broken: 0
Weapons Lost: 0
Players who came: 20
People Steved: 1
Noobs: 1
Shoguns Attended: 1
Rank Changes: 2
GAMES~
Triple Tap
All Terrain Ditch
Battle Royale
NEWS AND EVENTS~
Alex stepped down from his position as second and Cris took his place. The because, Chris decided to no make his new group, but to stay with Sosei.
Alex will start a new park, location currently unknown, and become Daimyo of his brand new pirate park.
Trevor also stepped down from his position of scribe, which was given to Vaughn.
Also, the title of scribe was changed back to regent, which was its original name in the first place.
Our dear Shogun made an appearance. He didn't actually play, but he did have a nice sparring match with Kyle.
The new game Battle Royale went underway without a hitch, having no injuries or lost weapons. Garion won, despite starting with a dagger and shield.
RAID~
Oh it's coming...
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