Akibieden bows to the Tsuruchi then sits and accepts the tea.

Kiro follows suit, accepting tea.

Hidemoto bows to the Crane murmuring a soft "Pleasure to meet" under his breath and, just as he is the last to bow, he also accepts a cup of tea after everyone else has.

"The renovations are going well. Most, in fact, have been completed by now. I've heard one Yoritomo mention that they are modeling their renovations after Kyuden Gotei, though I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing from the castle's reputation for gaudiness." He smiles briefly before resuming his normal almost grim expression.

He then continues in a blunt but sincere tone, genuinely impressed, "Though if you will not mind me asking, Satoru-san, isn't it unusual for one so young to be a member of a monastic order and an adviser to the lord of the city? The Orders teach humility, I know, but I would rather like to learn what earned you this honour."

"Hai, Tsuruchi-dono. Shinsei's wisdom has allowed me to retain a somewhat youthful splendor." Satoru replies with a smile.

Deciding that bluntness will clearly be the way to earn the Tsuruchi's trust, Satoru takes another sip of tea and glances down at his cup, focusing on its simple design to give himself a slight moment before speaking. He rarely speaks of his life before the monastery but again bluntness will be best. "In a previous life, I fought as a Crane Bushi during the era of our time that I am told is being termed the 'Clan Wars.' I had the honor of fighting in the Battle of Otosan Uchi, where I lost part of my arm to the Dark God's forces." He paused letting these words sink in.

"After the Thunders struck down the ninth kami, I soon realized that my worth as a bushi was at an end. I could not wield a katana and therefore could not serve my Lord. I asked for and was granted retirement, joining the Four Temples where I found some peace, though my soul was still restless. It was at that time that my former Lords asked my new masters if I could serve as an advisor and sensei here in Toshi Ranbo." Satoru paused once more.

"Every monk must face his retirement in his own way. To teach and advise is a great honor. In thanks to the Four Temples, the Crane have been their voice in the courts, helping us with many things such as funding to maintain our Temples and speaking on our behalf to the most Righteous Son of Heaven. A Crane's kindness and gratitude can be a most bontious gift." Satoru says.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Thu 13 Mar 2008.

Somewhat surprised at that amount of bluntness but again he seems quite impressed with Satoru.

We all do. He lightly touches his lame leg, "I had a similar choice, though I can be a very stubborn man. I consider it very lucky that Lord Tsuruchi decided to place me here and in that way I continue my duty. I do no think I am suited for retiredment. Karma does have an interesting way of turning out however. Perhaps someone in the Heavens thought you more suited to a scholarly pursuit in life? Never had I thought that a man might be blessed by losing an arm but I think that this is what may have happened to you.

"But please, do not call me dono. I am just a man."

He then takes a sip of tea and regards the guests.

"I should not neglect the other members of your party however. Excuse me, Asahina-san, but I am not very familiar with the concept of a man wearing two mons. Nor am I, for that matter, to an Asahina with a katana. May I ask what it means, or will I be intruding too much into a personal matter?"

Jiro laughsA fair question can do no harm; how else is one to learn, and is knowledge not the greatest gift a samurai can hope for.  As to the personal nature of the question, it is not in my nature to hide, on the battlefield, or at the table.  The story of my mon is also one of a blessing that wears the face of a curse.  Not pausing to reconsider the bluntness of his statement. In my youth I failed to achieve what was expected of any school in my clan.  I was a dropout.  It seemed that the fortunes smiled and revealed their plan when my family sent me to the Toku school to get rid of me.  It was there that I graduated, and found my spirit's home.  While my body shall always belong to my lord, He taps the Crane mon on his right shoulder and the Crane, my spirit belongs with my Sensei. He taps the Toku mon over his heart.  Through the joining of the dual services of the mind and body, thew whole of self found freedom.  You look like a man who understands such things.

We are about to be attacked and they prattle on like women! Aki's face starts to sour as he listens to the conversation.

Completely oblivious to the imminent attack...

"Perhaps I do," he says as he touches a red band around his arm with an almost sardonic smile.


"Now, I assume that you are all here on behalf of the city's governor. What is it that we may help him with?"

"It seems our brothers the lion have once again taken an interest in Toshi Ranbo. His heralds are sharpening their spears as we speak." He pauses for a moment, "Our honored Joshu felt it only polite to invite you to join in greeting them upon the Plains of battle."

Doji Akibieden rolled 44 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max. Awerness/Ettequite

Joshu – Lord of Castle, usually younger brothers of the daimyo or a honored general or commander

Satoru noted the younger man's impatience but if the Doji's out burst had affected him he did not let it play across his features. I recall this man being trained by Crane but perhaps the Matsu have been infiltrating our dojos posing as our sensei, he mused. Nonetheless, the boy had managed to get to the point while not insulting that Mantis at this moment. Satoru resolved to see this play out. If the bushi could make it work all the better. If not, well there were three of them here for a reason.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Wed 19 Mar 2008.

Very impressive.

"Ah, well- what now!?"

He stares for a moment at Akibieden, drinking the last of his tea to cover the moment of shock.

After a short while he shakes his head, almost smirking. "I like you Crane."

"So the Lion are about to attack Toshi Ranbo? Again? Why? And how do you know this?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Tue 18 Mar 2008.

Not so hard after all.

Aki continues in the tone of a soldier giving a report, "Several travelers have reported sighting large movments of lion bushi in the area. We have reason to belive that this is in preparation to attack. As to the how an why that is beyond the knowledge of this soldier." Aki pauses for a moment, looks as if he is going to continue but then falls silent.

No need to tell to much I suppose. I've set the conversation on track and now if he wishes Satoru-san can retake the reins.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Tue 18 Mar 2008.

Hidemoto simply watches, keeping his expression impassive, waiting for Satoru or the Asahina to pick the thread up and continue.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Thu 20 Mar 2008.

Satoru makes a small coughing noise. "Doji-san has mentioned all that is known right now. This attack comes not at the Crane but at the city of Toshi Ranbo as a whole. Our lords wondered if you would like to help in defense of this city. An opponent such as the Lion, there are few greater glories than facing them. And by standing with us as allies & brothers like we did during the Clan Wars, we can stand with you in helping to make your new estate an envy of all the other Great Clans. For few would doubt a Mantis' worth with the Righteous Son of Heaven's blessings AND a close friendship with the Crane clan." he replies, sipping his tea once more.

He watches Satoru for a few moments before answering, "Tempting as your offer is I will know more before promising our aid."

"You don't know then what prompted this attack. It is unsurprising, but also unexpected. The Lion and the Crane have an obsession with this city. Still, it is very soon. The Clan Wars have barely ended and an Emperor has just been chosen. Starting a war now is madness, especially because the Emperor must stop them. If he does not he risks appearing weak and unable to control the clans. Have you actually informed the Emperor? He cannot possibly want to allow this.

"But tell me this as well; why can the Crane not defend Toshi Ranbo on their own? You have succeeded in holding it for some time now.

"And finally, you do realise that our intervention in saving the city could be even more terrible than the Crane losing Toshi Ranbo to the Lion. If you alone fight it may be glossed over by the other clans. If we help, the Lion may decide war with both our clans then at the same time. It could be the spark reigniting the Clan Wars, the last thing the Mantis wants to cause."


[Private to GM: What dice roller do you guys use? I would like to make an Awareness/Courtier check to see if there's anything they're keeping from us.]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Thu 20 Mar 2008.

"To the lion war is life. They made their plans to retake this city before the clan wars, now  that conflict is compleat and they have returned to their previous course. Otenno-sama  was once a lion and perhaps this has emboldend the wariors of that clan."

"As far a we Crane are concerned we will fight, and hold this place, with or without allies. You may however want to concider the benifit an ally, like the crane, could be. It seems a people of the sea should wish to be freinds with  those of the coast. Also As Satoru-san stated their is no mare glorious an opponent than the lion, and it would seem an island clan has little to fear from a clan with no coast and no navy."

Satoru nods his head to the Doji, Well said, young Crane. Perhaps there is a Doji in you after all.

"I would also echo what Doji-san has just said.

As far as the Emperor is concerned though, a messenger has been sent to him but the trip to Otosan Uchi can be lengthy. Then the Righteous Son of Heaven must gather his resources to stop the errant Lion. One would never doubt that Our Lord Toturi could do such a thing, but as his vassals charged to keep this city, we would be fools to wait for him to do so, when he gave us this city to protect in the first place.

Again though, our offer to you is not one of cowardice on our part. The Crane shall defend Toshi Ranbo like they always have.  We merely wish to share the glory with you. Supervising the construction of buildings can only hold a bushi's attention for so long afterall."

He stares at Satoru for a moment, not knowing whether to take his lasts sentence as an insult or not. Whatever the case, the offer of friendship with the Crane doesn't seem to have had the desired effect.

Finally, "Very well, but I want you to understand this very clearly: If we help you it will not be to curry favour with the Crane, nor will it be in a vain pursuit of glory. Lord Yoritomo interfered in the previous wars to protect the peasants of the Empire, a duty all samurai have. If we interfere again it will be for the same reason, our duty as samurai.

"Now, please enjoy your tea. I will discuss the matter with Yoritomo Akuto-sama."

He pauses a moment, watching if anyone wants to respond. If no one does he stands up and takes his walking stick, bowing to the assembled Crane before finally leaving.

[Private to GM: So...what now?]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Fri 21 Mar 2008.

After Hidemoto-san exits, “Do you think we will gain their aid. They have much to gain with our friendship.” Continuing without heed of his words, “Not the least of witch is removing us from the equation if their conflict with our long time friends the phoenix should become hostile.” Aki scratches his chin a moment before becoming aware of the loss of face he has just demonstrated. “Uh…pardon my…I” He then falls silent.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Sun 23 Mar 2008.

Before Tsuruchi Hidemoto makes it to the door, Jiro gets up and asks if he may have a word.  [Private to GM: if he accepts Jiro, speaks quietly to him.  My compatriots are far to proud to see what is this day, and while there is no shame in recognizing a superior opponent, I myself would shy from speaking of it were it not for my duty to the people here.  The Crane here will fight valiantly, and without help will assuredly die as valiantly.  There is no shame in this for the Samurai, but what of the hei-mim.  New occupation never bodes well for the peasantry, and I was taught that all life has value.  Toku himself was born a peasant.  The crane do not need your help; for there is no greater honor than a glorious death in battle, the people of Toshi-Ranbo need your help" and he spontaneously recites/creates a poem about the samurai's duty to the people
"The dead born servants
/Lie eternally watchful
/of their living charge”
23:20, Today: Asahina Jiro rolled 47 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max. moving poem (2 raises+2 free raises) 1vp (total of 4 raises)]

Satoru watches Hidemoto go with a pleasant look upon his face. He does not stop Jiro hoping perhaps the Shugenja can turn what ended up being a sour experience into something better.

He whispers quietly to Akibieden, "It appears we have a very idealistic Mantis on our hands.I had hoped our illustrating of the benefits to helping us were evident but one never knows.

As for pardons, Doji-san. It is my estimation that your words were on mark with what this Mantis wanted to hear more so than my own. Your path worked this time, as even weapons such as a Tetsubo or a peasant's kama can find their mark even though the Katana is unparralleled in its grace. Each weapon or path has its use; learn to use as many as you can."

Hidemoto nods once to Jiro's request and escorts him to a private room.

Hai, sencei-sama. Akis head is bowed. Oh well, I've never been called a liar.

Satoru smiles at the young Crane, but says nothing intent to wait for the Tsuruchi's return.

As the minutes tic past Aki slips into the ready state of mind of the long time gaurd. His thoughts at once on his surroundings and allowed to wander. Memories of past battles and old freinds fill the gaps in his attention and soon his face assumes the blank stare of the long time soldier. "Satoru-sencei I have been told that in battle the true man is revield and in those moments a samurai's true honor is shown." Aki begins half to the air, "I have known battle, and have seen its effects on men. I have watched brave men loose there bowles before the lines meet, and seen cowards stand in the face of certine death. We train to fight mam on man yet in battle the men pair off and take the enemy two on one." He continues in a distant voice as if speaking to himself at this point, "In my opinion the battle field is a window to the jelous relms not the honored path to glory. How can I feel this, what dont I understand?" His last words bringing him forth from his reverie.