The only reaction on Hidemoto's face is a momentary grimace and then an iron look.

Odd, he thought to himself, there's a long list of insults that could be thrown at the Lion, all valid, but "Assassins" wasn't one of them. And at this moment they are the only ones who would want to kill the man.

It will cause some chaos but if the governor is quick then the effects of the commander's death can be mitigated.

It would seem that the Lion are not the only ones that wish to see this city fall... Kumi's voice is firm but sweet.

"That is something that is still to be determined," Doji Kasarugi replies in answer to both questions, "rest assured, the Crane will punish those responsible for this heinous act.  In the meantime, those without legitimate ties to the Crane are to be kept under guard until such time as the truth of their involvement can be determined.  This session is now concluded, return to your locations of residence until further notice."

[Private to Bayushi Kenji; Soshi Manami; Tsuruchi Hidemoto; Kedo: make a Perception/Investigation (notice) check TN 15]
[Private to Asahina Jiro; Daidoji Kumi; Daidoji Sakura; Daidoji Tsukiko; Doji Akibieden; Doji Minako; Kakita Zenko; Satoru: an unobtrusive servant approaches you during Doji Kasarugi's announcement bearing a message: I would meet with you once the crowd has dispersed, Doji Kasarugi]
[Private to Daidoji Kumi; Daidoji Sakura: one of the Daidoji guards passes near you and whispers Ryu says that there are decisions to be made, meet at the Daidoji Complex tonight.]

"Truely a tradgedy.  Doji Kusanagi will be sorely missed.  May I offer my humble services ?  Perhaps I may be of some small assistance to your investigative efforts. ", Manami offered with a sincere bow.

[Private to GM:
17:51, Today: Secret Roll: Soshi Manami rolled 23 using 7d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max. Perception 2 / investigation 5.
]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Sat 10 May 2008.

Sakura bowed her head in respectful acknowledgment to Kasarugi's answer. There were a few things that would need to be discussed in private, details that would be critical in the short term as well as the long. Sakura winced when she heard the Scorpion speak, and waited for a reaction.

This would require extreme delicacy, especially in front of all these witnesses ...

Hidemoto says nothing and simply returns to the Mantis embassy, thinking of how to relate the news to Yoritomo Akuto.

[Private to GM: Hidemoto is fairly oblivous. Now, had you asked for an Awareness roll :) Result: 9 vs DC 15
]

Tsukiko said nothing throughout the whole meeting, such was the shock she felt.  Kusanagi-sama was dead?  And not by any means the Lion would usually employ from the sound of it.

Assassins? the courtier forced her gaze to stay fixed on the Daimyo of Toshi Ranbo, although it was tempting to let it slip to the Scorpion representative and his aides who stood to one side of the room.

Tsukiko removed her fan from her belt and opened it with a flick before bringing it up to her face.  Whatever her expression was, none could read it.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Sensing a light touch at her shoulder, Tsukiko caught a glimpse of the servant out of the corner of her eye.  Tsukiko removed her fan from her belt and opened it with a flick.  A twist of her wrist brought the fan up to her face, taking hold of the note and slipping it behind the paper folds as she swept the fan up.  Holding one corner, she allowed the small note to unfold and read it.  Somewhat comforted that Kusaragi-domo appeared to have something in mind, she folded her fan and the note within it before tucking it away in its accustomed place.]

Seeming to have composed her herself, the fan was closed and Tsukiko turned her attention to those around her, seeking any sign that they had murdered the esteemed Crane samurai.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: 11:59, Today: Kedo rolled 26 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max. Perception/Investigation(Notice). ]

 There's not really a great deal that you can say to an instruction like that - Kedo is after all, not himself connected to the house of the Crane yet on the other hand he's the Yojimbo to someone who is... Fortunately he's not required to make any significant choices or decisions himself and can simply settle for looking to Sakura for guidance as the guardsmen walk forth once more.

As the crowd files out of the room Aki seeks out one of his Nikutai, and inquires weather his unit has been assigned to additional guard duty yet. If they have not Aki informs his officer that unless otherwise directed to have the men muster to the practice fields in one hour in full combat dress.  Aki then seeks out the Chui in command of his company and requests an to speak with him along with a couple of guests in 30 min.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Mon 12 May 2008.

"The Crane don't need your 'help', Scorpion," Daidoji Tokagero sneers, "you had your chance when your Clan was disbanded, for all we know, you could've been involved with his death!"

"Peace, Tokagero-san," Doji Kasarugi says passively, "the Crane thank you for your generous offer, Soshi Manami-san.  Perhaps, if our investigators see fit, the Crane will take you up on it." At those words, both Daidoji Ryu and Daidoji Tokagero turn incredulously towards Doji Kasarugi, but they hold their tongues as he continues without pause, "the Scorpion, after all, have never hesitated to pursue justice, regardless of where it leads.  But until then, wait with patience and know that we will not forget your generous offer."

[Private to Kedo: you notice a servant passing notes to Asahina Jiro, Daidoji Kumi, Daidoji Sakura, Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Akibieden, Doji Minako, Kakita Zenko, and Satoru; and you also notice one of the guards whispering a message to Daidoji Kumi and Daidoji Sakura;  in case it wasn't clear, you're not expected to leave your charge in this situation, but they're also not going to treat you like a full Crane either ^_^]
[Private to Soshi Manami: you notice a servant passing notes to Asahina Jiro, Daidoji Kumi, Daidoji Sakura, Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Akibieden, Doji Minako, Kakita Zenko, and Satoru]
OOC:  if you're leaving the room let me know where you're going so I can open a new thread for you, people who are staying, I'll have a thread for you too

Daidoji Kumi waits at the back of the room watching the people as they leave.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Kumi waits until Soshi Manami leaves and approaches her once she is alone.]

Sakura watched the action from her position. She was upset with the initial objections, but quite content with the actions of Doji Kasarugi in response. There would be, after all, objections raised to Scorpion presence. That did not mean, however, that Sakura would permit her well laid plans to go astray because of a few Samurai and their prejudice; the fact that the Daimyo answered the Daidoji simply made things more convenient for her.

No, for all of them.

She waited in her position, unusually silent until all be a select few had left the area.

"Kedo-Kun" she announced quietly, "I must meet with Kasarugi-Dono for a bit."

With that she moved respectfully toward the Lord of the City, content that Kedo would do whatever he deemed appropriate for the situation.

Manami rose smoothly, having judged it to be exactly enough time to have been a thorn in the side of the remaining Crane without over doing it.  With an excuse of going to meditate in the gardens, she stepped outside of room but remained in the hallway respectfully distant from the door as not to overhear things said inside.  After 15 minutes or so, she left the area to go down into the gardens to meditate amidst the flowers.

[Private to GM: communing with the air spirits in the area. This is just a setup for later, I don't need anything at the moment.  I am being subtle , and I have stealth (spellcasting) 3 for TN 15

Today: Secret Roll: Soshi Manami rolled 43 using 8d10+3, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max. subtle.
 ]

 If Kedo notices the passing of notes or the whispering from person to person he does not give any indication of noticing it - instead he simply stands at a posture very much like that of attention off to one side and waits until Sakura gives him his instructions and then bows before following her - very pointedly stopping a healthy distance short of earshot of the developing conversation and, in fact choosing to stand next to one of the Crane Bushi overlooking the meeting, making it very plain that (even with his sword almost certainly being 'sharpened' by a Crane smith) he's 'on duty' much the same as the honourable Crane.

Aki moves to a place near Kasarugi-sama and watches to see who else has been asked to remain. His stiff posture does nothing to hide the intense anger still burning inside him. Standing aside from the guards but still very much on duty he looks as though he could kill anyone who comes within reach. After a moment he looks to Zenko-san and Kumi-san his expression sending the very clear message "Change of plans guys, and your going to help me"

Satoru rises and walks towards the city's Daimyo. He kneels with the group but makes certain to sit in the back. As experienced as he was it was not his place, as a mere monk to claim a seat that implied higher status. He said nothing taking in the faces and feelings of those around him. Alot could be learned by observation, even the observation of the back of another's head.

Manami settles in a quiet spot in the gardens to compose herself for today's tasks.  She has much to arrange, but for now she lets the quiet serenity fill her mind with peace.

[Private to GM: Ok, Manami casts Secrets on the wind to listen in on what is being planned.  She figures the Crane lord wouldn't be as open with her in the room , so she is spying like a good little scorpion.  That is what my setup was for, the spell require you to be familiar with the area for 10 minutes.  Then you have a good sized radius to affect and listen in on.     ^_^ ]

Kumi waits for everyone to leave before leaving herself and seeking out Doji Kasarugi
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 19 May 2008.

OOC:  sorry for the long wait guys, I keep starting this post and not getting it done ^_^

"As you are all probably aware, we are on the verge of war," Doji Kasarugi says, once all of the non-Crane have departed, "though the Crane are not, by their nature, warmongers, still we must defend ourselves, and to do so our chain of command must be clear.  To that end, I am appointing Daidoji Ryu as Shireikan of Toshi Ranbo's defenses.  All military decisions will be his.

Our other area of difficulty is the death of Doji Kusanagi.  Though it may deprive Daidoji Ryu of a valuable resource, I am appointing Daidoji Sakura the head of the investigation, to be seconded by Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Minako, and Kakita Zenko.  If you find that you need other resources, Daidoji-san, do not hesitate to ask."

"Doji Akibeiden," Daidoji Ryu says, "your prior experience with the defense of Toshi Ranbo is now a valuable resource.  I am appointing you Chui of the Southern Kaisha, to be seconded by Daidoji Kumi, Asahina Jiro, and Doji Kanisai."

"Satoru-san," Doji Kasarugi bows, "while you have chosen a life of quiet contemplation, the Crane have need of your advice, though we cannot command it.  Please do not hesitate to offer your service, if you feel that it is warranted."

The meeting continues, with various samurai granted differing duties based on their skills.  Overhanging everyone is the pall of war and the unfinished task of acquiring allies for the Crane.

OOC:  just to clarify, everyone just got a field promotion.  Daidoji Sakura is now the magisterial equivalent of a Sergent and those seconded to her are the magisterial equivalent of Corporals.  Doji Akibeiden is now a Military Lieutenant and Daidoji Kumi, Doji Kanisai, and Asahina Jiro are now Military Sergents
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Fri 23 May 2008.

"Thank you" Sakura said with a deep bow, "I will do my best".

When she straightened she addressed Kasarugi in a formal and polite manner.

<Blue>"While I obviously could not say anything in open court, the earlier matter of the Scorpion has been addressed. We have come to an agreement in principal and they have agreed to provide us with 'advisers' until a proper formal agreement can be reached by our betters."

"We cannot expect any formal military aide; however they are willing to assist in minor, very minor really, ways for now. I suspect that having one of their number with us would be of tremendous value, not only for their 'skills' but it would also go a long way towards showing the other clans that we are serious about this matter in an inter-clan sense."

"With your permission, I would like to assign Tsukiko to the matter of the Imperial Shihsa."

It was time for Sakura to begin practicing leadership, just as was suggested to her earlier by a wise Samurai. One of the key aspects of leadership was respect -- specifically respecting the contributions of one's subordinates. It was, of course, wise to know one's own limitations as well -- Sakura could deal with the Scorpion and Ronin well enough, but she was ... somewhat lacking when it came to the more honorable clans.

Which was, of course, most of the Empire.

"My understanding of the law is limited at the moment, but it is my understanding that, lacking Imperial Authority, we do not have the authority to keep them here. In either event, I believe that she would be the best candidate for persuading the honorable Miya to stay in the city -- as an Example of Honor for all the clans to follow."

Sakura glanced toward the new Commander before continuing, this time in a much lower -- and somewhat embarrassed -- tone and even more deferential body language.

"I would also like to ask that you give Ryu-Shirekan permission to send Crane personnel out of the city as he deems prudent."

Apparently an explanation of the latter would only be forthcoming if the Governor requested it ...

 Kedo of course can hear almost nothing of this save the occasional raised or particularly inflected word, and has instead occupied himself with studying every detail of a simple ink-drawing displayed upon a stand off to one side of the doorway, his head slightly tilted to one side as he shifts just a fraction to change the angle from which he sees light falling across it, trying to shift his perceptions past black lines on off-white paper and into that place from which they can truly see what the artist captured.

 In other words, he's not really contributing anything worthwhile to the discussions, save for discretion.

Prior to this....tragedy there where plans for me to bolster the cities defenses through recruiting and training ashagaru. With respect I wish to ask if I may train them as pathfinders instead so that we can bisect the oncoming lions. What I mean by this is we fight and defend the city and once half the assault force has broken through we move the ashagaru and the Daidoji scout units garrisoned in the city in from both side cutting half of the lion's army and trapping them inside of the city  facing a two from battle, granted the scouts will also face this stuck in between the two forces but hopefully the half trapped in the city will fall quickly helping us strengthen the city front. But this will require a lot of luck and the fortunes' blessing to work.

Diadoji Ryu-sama! You honor me to greatly, Aki turns toward his new commander and bows deeply, I will do my utmost to in all my duties. Then to Daidoji Kumi-san All tactical options will be explored Kumi-san, let us call the rest of the unit commanders together for a formal discussion of these maters so that an informed report of our situation and options can be presented to Daidoji Ryu-sama.

Didoji Sakura-san I have made it my business to know who is who in this castle for some time now, and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask. Also I would like it if Kedo-san was present at our tactical briefing to repeat what you discovered on your travels here. His testimony and understanding of the battle ahead may prove invaluable.

Satoru sat thru the Crane lord's speech taking in the reactions of the Crane. An assasination of this magnitude always created openings and the ambitious will find themselves with new positions. The question is who if anyone caused this dirty deed in an attempt to reap the benefits.

Not much was gleamed from the new promotions but Satoru was initially hurt that he did not seem to have any role to play in the coming conflicts. When he is singled out, Satoru then bowed low and let the others speak.

When a lull in the conversation occurred, Satoru interjected. "My Lord, my services & my life are uses to do with as you wish. Use them or toss them away, I shall obey your commands."

"I will consider it," Doji Kasarugi replies to Daidoji Sakura's request to allow the Crane outside of the City walls, though he glances darkly at Daidoji Ryu, "be content with that."

"Satoru-san," he smiles, "though I am certain that Daidoji Sakura would find your insight invaluable, I feel you would be best seconded to Doji Akibeiden.  Feel free to follow your own inclination, however.

Honorable Crane," the Lord of the City announces, "we all have our duties to complete!  Go about them in a manner that befits the Emperor's Left Hand!"