Satoru keeps a sharp eye out for attendants, hoping to find out whether his lord had arrived yet and where exactly they would be meeting. He favored his fellow travelers with a smile that was more to mask his urgency then anything else.

Soon after you arrive, Doji Kusanagi enters along with three other samurai--two wearing the mon of the Doji, one wearing the mon of the Asahina and the Monkey.

"This is Doji Kasarugi, daimyo of Toshi Ranbo," Kusanagi announces after bows are exchanged, "this is Doji Akibieden, gunso of our armies and veteran of the last Lion assult during the Clan War, and this is Asahina Jiro, student of the Monkey Clan Bushi School."

"Now, what is all this I hear about a Lion army on our door step?" the older Crane statesman growls, tapping his palm with a rolled up scroll while Doji Kusanagi pours tea for everyone.  Observing the niceties is essential even during war--perhaps especially during war.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Fri 22 Feb 2008.

Satoru bows low to his lord, "Doji-sama, I present, Daidoji Sakura, and her companions Bayushi Kenji & Kedo, all recently arrived in Toshi Ranbo."

With this intro finished, Satoru does his best to draw minimal attention to himself.

Akibieden bows to each in turn, as they are introduced. He then bows to Tsukiko and finally to Satoru pausing an almost unnoticeable bit longer before he rises. His face is solemn and his body denotes the always ready demeanor of a long time guard. His eyes move over the group taking them in one at a time. They finally come to rest on Sakura-san as certainly, of the three, she will speak first.

Tsukiko, who had moved to the opposite side of the group to Satoru when they had entered the room, bowed low to the more senior Crane samurai as the entered.  She remembered, soon after her gempukku several years before, having been brought into the presence of Doji Kasarugi when she had been a part of her great-aunt's entourage.  Still, she doubted he remembered a then insignificant courtier.

At Kasarugi's question to the new arrivals, Tsukiko's attention turned back to the shugenja and two bushi, waiting for them to speak.

Sakura bowed in the appropriate manner after the introductions. Apparently she wasn't without etiquette unless she wished it ...

"On the way here" she began, "we ran into one Miya Shiko was in a bit of trouble. We volunteered to escort her here and, since she was in a bit of a hurry, we decided to go through Lion lands."

"Once properly in the borders we were ... 'encouraged' to stick to the main roads. However, being urgent Imperial business and all, we decided to take a ... 'shortcut'. This shortcut took us by Ninkatoshi, where we discovered a rather alarming accumulation of Lion troops."

Sakura then indicated her Bushi "brethren".

"Kedo-Kun" she said indicating her Yojimbo, "is a master warrior known for his wisdom and honor. Kenji-San is trained in the Daidoji school and is will assist me wherever Kedo-Kun's honor will not allow him to tread."

She then looked to the Scorpion and nodded, a silent indication that he should continue.

[There wasn't that much more in the thread, so you may need to PM the GM Kenji-San ...]"

 A distinct lift of the eyebrow follows Daidoji Sakura's rather overblown introduction and the Ronin turns very slightly to give the words an ironic twist with his expression, obviously not sharing his companions apparently absolute faith in his abilities.

 He does however bow likewise, making a point of managing to do so just a hair below each of those he recieves and he likewise remains silent - it would not do after all, to undercut Sakura by explaining how much she overstates his skills and reputation.

 That sort of correction must come later, when it can be completed with discretion.

The ever so slight look of a scowel crosses Aki’s face.
His mind is racing….
A man who understands his limitations perhaps….. The girl though, she is like fire… At once beautiful and dangerous.…She speaks like a hammer, straight to the point…. Certainly not Doji trained....Will this be the path to battle, fast words, hostages, and lordless warriors… If so the Ikoma have already undone us...

Letting out a slow breath he steadies his mind to listen to the scorpion’s report.

Kenji nods in acceptance to Sakura's handoff.
"My lord, I observed the remains of a large number of troop movements min the countryside surrounding the city.  If there is a map available, I could mark where and in what direction each cohort I observed seemed to be moving," Kenji says from his kneeling position.  It would be best if the Crane were to retain their hold of Toshi Ranbo; the Lion's occupation would limit his own clan's working within the city.

Akibieden removes a small scroll from his Obi and rolls it out on the table before the group.



This is the AEG official map. the larger view of the surroundig area I made. The lower city is nikatoshi and the left is Oiku.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Sat 23 Feb 2008.

Kenji points at the areas where he noticed the tracks of the troop movements.
"The Lion forces had moved through here, and seemed to be moving here," he says, indicating as his memory allows.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Int/Battle roll=23]

Akibieden studies the map as Kenji’s fingers move across it’s surface.

The implications are grave indeed, a large Lion force south of Tosh Ranbo could cut the fortress off from the rest of crane lands.  Any army sent to our aid would have to secure permission to march through the imperial lands along the coast to the palace of the emerald champion, then cross southern Phoenix lands to arrive from the east. Even if such negotiations could begin immediately the trip would take days longer. If a direct march was attempted the army would find itself surrounded and out flanked in lion lands. Considering a former Lion sits on the throne and his bride is the Phoenix mistress of void chances of securing the necessary treaties are slim.

Aki’s face lifts from the map as the Crane trained Scorpion finishes and looks to the senior clan members present. If they wish his assessment of the situation he will gladly offer it, but speaking is not a soldiers place.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Sun 24 Feb 2008.

Satoru glances down at the map, at once forgetting his retirement. His position here of advisor and teacher was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand he was producing smart, honorable warriors for the Crane. On the other hand he was a monk and his position was not on the battle field fighting with those he has trained. It pained him deeply. It would take an event much like the Clan Wars to stir a need for him to take the field of battle and the very thought made him chastise himself for thinking of a second conflict of that magnitude to effect the Empire.

Shaking his head, Satoru cleared his thoughts. As an advisor it may still be necessary to give counsel and so he must understand the situation like a battle ready Doji would.

Sakura hesitated for a moment -- long enough for the City Governor to insert himself if he wished -- before speaking.

"Thank you, Bayushi-Kun." Sakura then looked to Kedo. "Anything to add, Kedo-Kun*?"

["Kun" is typically used in a "familiarity" sort of way, e.g. childhood friends, however it can also be used in a "Senior adressing Junior" sort of way as well. In this case, unlike previous times, this is the latter.]

(total retconage/insertion.  Justified in ooc thread) "If I may be so bold as to break my station and advise, it seems that, barring reinforcements, our only potential advantage is the city itself.  Pardon me for suggesting it but, even though we may need to temporarily displace the peasents to a safe central location, it stands to reason that if the lion has never been defeated on the open battlefield, then we do not fight him on an open field.  Only so many numbers can be made to matter in the streets and gates."

"I wonder," Tsukiko interjected, her expression one of thoughtfulness, "if we might not approach this on two fronts.  It of obvious that increasing the ability of Toshi Ranbo to withstand an assault by the Lion is of the utmost importance.  However, words can be just as strong as swords.  Perhaps we can send a peaceful envoy to the Lion encampment; after all, no honourable samurai would attack those who come in peace.  Even if we do not turn them away from this path of war, perhaps we can buy a little time to ensure our forces are ready?"

And then the courtier was silent, waiting to see what the others thought of her suggestion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Tue 26 Feb 2008.

Satoru's low voice bespoke a man experienced in campaigns such as this, "Our occupation of this City is a thorn in the Lion side. It is the focal point of all of our clan's activities and even Emperor's have had trouble keep the Lion back. We will not be able to turn this force away. But we may be up to the task of buying us time to marshal our forces. It seems like a wise plan Sama. One that may catch the Lion off guard." He said favoring Tsukiko with a nod.

"Unfortunately, it is a plan which has little hope of succeeding," Doji Kasarugi grimaces, placing his scroll upon the table, "Miya Shiko, whom you managed to escort to the City, just delivered this warning from Otomo Hatsuharu, one of our allies in the Imperial Court."

Haikei Doji Kasarugi-dono, it reads.

I will be brief, though the verbosity of Winter Court fast approaches.  The Emperor's Right Hand, emboldened by one of their own upon the Jade Throne, believes that they may attack Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho with impunity, and by taking it just before the onset of Winter, may hold and fortify it for the entirety of the Season.  By citing reconstructive needs they have withdrawn many of their soldiers from the Imperial Army to build this assault force.  Be assured that Toturi-sama does not endorse this rash act of war, though there is little he may do to prevent it as war between the Great Clans has always been their perogative.  I hope that this message reaches you before it is too late.

Otomo Hatsuharu

Interestingly," Doji Kasarugi says, raising an eyebrow at Daidoji Sakura, "shortly after receiving this missive Daidoji Ryu asked permission to send a scout troupe to the south to 'confirm a report'.  I denied his request, of course.  If the situation is as dire as this letter seems to indicate we will need every hand here to hold the City."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Wed 27 Feb 2008.

Sakura's "face" fell for a brief moment. It seemed that her intuition was correct once again in allowing the Imperial to live; the message to the Lord of Toshi Ranbo would not have been delivered, however the damaging one would have anyway. It also went far toward explaining why the Imperial was willing to be "sneaky".

"Doji-Dono" She began with some vigor, "Kuwanan-Dono has entrusted me with forging a treaty, preferably an alliance, with the newly returned Scorpion Clan."

"Both Kuwanan-Dono and myself feel that such an alliance will have a tremendous importance to both Clan and city -- as well as the Empire as a whole."

It seemed that Daidoji Sakura would be immersed in battle once again. She wondered briefly if she should focus her immediate efforts on warfare, but then dismissed it. No, she would be best used as a spy and saboteur.

'Our Bushido is not like theirs Kasumi-Chan'" her sensei had once said, 'Remember the old saying: youth and bravado is no match for old-age and treachery.'

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Just in case things start to go "too fast", she has something to say to Asahina-san before dismissal.]

 Uncharacteristically, Kedo seemed to ignore Sakura's question as he looked at the map and the indicated dispositions upon it, his brow furrowing ever so slightly in what begins as puzzlement but rapidly becomes insight, an insight that only grows as he steps forwards from his position beside the Crane shugenja and extends a finger to sketch semi-circular arcs on the map, delineating the known Lion positions.

 "There are flaws, here and here." he remarks in that patient, thoughtful tone as he indicates the far west of the 'line' with those smooth gestures, "Their general will have read Akodo. I would look for an additional force, not less than one third to one half the size of the one marked here, likely no larger than it, arrayed somewhere here." - again he indicates a general area of the map covering many miles of terrain, "And coordinated to fall upon the city in unison with the first, most especially if you should sally."

 Surprisingly, he seems to have a fair idea whereof he speaks.

 This fellow just keeps coming up with depths, doesn't he?

Aki’s voice slowly addresses the room, his face blankly fixed to the map, “The ronin Kedo-san is right they will come from Ninkatoshi and Oikyu." His voice sounds as if he is speaking to himself, "They will stand in our fields and curse our names until we come out to face them. We may hold this place if we force them to fight on the walls and in the streets, but they will call us cowards and shame the name of our clan." His voice begins to raise as he looks to his lord, "I was here when last the enemy was thrown back, the Didoji stood before the sons of Akodo with their Matsu brides and struck them down upon the fields of their ancestors. I will stand where you wish me to stand lord, and die with my kinsmen in glory.”
His gaze suddenly shifts to meet the eyes of Sakura-san, “You may treat with the lion and the scorpion, this may buy us time and allies but in the end the blood of the Crane must mingle with that of the Lion. We have placed ourselves like a stone in their sandal. How can they continue to walk in such a way, must they not address the stone to cast it aside, or if it has become too imbedded cast aside the sandal itself?  Unless we strike at them the Lion will come time and again and he will retake what was his or destroy it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Wed 27 Feb 2008.

Sakura's smile turned cold as she regarded the Doji warrior.

"Do not mistake me for a pacifist, Doji-San" she finally replied with some measured intensity. "I have said nothing about the Lion."

"There is more going on here than a simple Land grab. Kuwanan-Dono is more than aware of the Lion treachery and is preparing for it as we speak. I am neither Bushi nor Clan Lord, nor do I know what he knows. But I do know this."

Sakura leaned in a bit to intensify the words that were coming.

"The Mantis seek to unseat us in the courts. The Lion seek to unseat us on the field of battle. Meanwhile an ancient enemy, one that makes the Dark Forces of the Clan War seem insignificant, rears its ugly head head."

Sakura's voice lowered in volume, but raised in intensity.

"If we lose this city, we may very well lose the Empire."

[To paraphrase Kedo, I have Storytelling -- I might as well use it! ;p]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Wed 27 Feb 2008.

"We should seek, as Sakura-san suggests, to strengthen ties with those to whom a Lion victory would be an unwelcome event."  Tsukiko refrained from using the term 'allies'; she saw an agreement with the Scorpion as being temporarily beneficial but she, like most Crane courtiers, knew that constant vigilance would be needed when working together with the Underhand.

"Perhaps a neutral party should try to dissuade the Lion from their present course?  Even a temporary delay as the Lion listen to the case put before them would be of use to the forces fortifying the city." Her gaze turned to the monk who stood opposite for an instant; she did not believe the Lion would be able to attack those who had supposedly given up their Clan allegiances without losing face and bringing shame upon the names of the Lion Clan families.

"In the mean time, others of us can work to forge ties between Scorpion and Crane.  Not to mention our ever steadfast allies, the Phoenix.  If a long siege presents itself, then perhaps such ties can bring allies to our aid and the Lion might then me surrounded on both sides."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Thu 28 Feb 2008.

Aki's face does little to hide his shame. Have I not outgrown these outbursts. I must apologise in private latter. Bowing deeply to his lord. "My lord I have misspoken and shamed your guests. If you wish it I will leave at once."

Satoru regards the exchange with little emotion but his eyes and ears take in everything. "Tsukiko-san, you believe an old one armed monk can persuade the Lion?" his tone and smile implied a lighter tone than was currently being expressed. "If my Lord wishes it I shall serve as his voice or merely as the voice of peace in this instance.  I have not stared at a Lion army arrayed against me in sometime. It would be exhilirating." With the last bit said, Satoru's eyes grow distant for a moment before refocusing and turning to his Lords to see what they wished.