The Mantis section of Toshi Ranbo shows signs of being hastily --and incompletely -- renovated to reflect their new Great Clan status.  It is an area of the Tsume that has been poorly kept until recently, though Yoritomo Akuto has raised no objections.  A servant ushers you into an understated but elegantly simple tea room to await an audience.

Aki studies the room, he has of course seen it many times but this is the first since it was given to the Mantis. The changes bring to mind the events of the last decade, and a chill runs down Aki's spine as he contemplates another decade of warfare. He then softly speaks "Satoru-sama you said you fought with the Mantis before. I have herd that they are men of action not words, do you have a plan on how we should begin these negotiations?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Sat 08 Mar 2008.

"Plans are often rigid, Doji-san. To deal with the Mantis you must roll as easily as the Ocean's wave, for that is what a Mantis is used to. Their leader, Yoritomo-sama is a man of great power and ambition. Those who serve him respect the same qualities. Think well on that and we will be able to earn their help." Satoru says, his eyes slightly distant.

 The one-armed monk seems to be contemplating something.  Something that an observer would assume is Satoru's own way of working out a way to earn the Mantis' help.

At last he says to Jiro and Akibieden, "Follow my lead, but if the urge to speak comes upon you do not feel the need to wait my permission."

They say cort is like the battle field. Well lets see if my training can be of some use then. Aki contemplates the tactics of conversation as he waits for the Mantis to arive.

After a short while the screen slides open and a middle-aged man supported by a walking stick enters the room.

"Good day, noble Crane guests, and welcome. I am Tsuruchi Hidemoto, an aide of Yoritomo Akuto."

As he sits down he continues in his gravelly voice, "How may the Mantis help you?"

Not long after two servants enter with sake and tea and approach the guests, silently offering to pour a cup for each of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Wed 12 Mar 2008.

"Greetings Tsuruchi-san," Satoru says with a deep bow, holding it for just a fraction longer than is to be expected but not so long as too seem sarcastic or overly filled with praise.
[Private to GM: I will make an Etiquette roll or whatever is appropriate if you would like, to get just the right amount :)]

"I am Satoru, a humble advisor to the Daimyo of Toshi Ranbo from the Four Temples. With me are Doji Akibieden and Asahina Jiro." Satoru says indicating the two Crane next to him. He sits then accepting the tea given him, taking a moment to inhale the aroma.

"I hope your renovations are going well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Thu 13 Mar 2008.