Linda
Hida Koyama sat quietly in his office that, until recently, felt reasonably sized. It was, until he was asked by the Imperial Overseer to take charge of a Great Clan coalition and his office was filled with pillows he's hurriedly asked Hoshiko to buy before today's meeting. And now, two dozen or more brightly colored pillows sat in a semi organized mass in the middle of his office. 

*Have Hoshiko commission 50 dozen slate gray pillows from a reasonably priced merchant in the bazaar.* Koyama wrote on a piece of parchment. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Dealing with samurai of various clans almost always had a way of ending poorly and relations souring with those involved and With all the strife sitting beneath the surface of the city. It could prove disastrous. Still If a task is asked of a Crab, failure is not an option. 

So there he sat. Steady and unwavering, waiting for his Samurai to arrive.||
Patrick
Iemon arrives, walking briskly to the Crab embassy from his own, the sleeves of his kimono reaching all the way to his wrists. He follows the servant and enters, bowing deeply to Koyama and taking whichever seat is gestured for him. "I have chosen to represent the Phoenix for this endeavor, Hida-sama."

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Melissa
The Mantis Embassy, thankfully, was close to the Crab's. It didn't take long for Yeong to arrive. There was no time to appreciate the very practical architecture of the place as she was guided to the assembly hall by a harried looking attendant.

"The Mantis liaison has arrived," The poor man announced with forved vigor.

It was only then that Yeong entered the room. "Yoritomo Yeong of the Hoji clan greets the Ambassador." She bowed low and waited for the due reply. 

Once done, Yeong chose a zabuton to settle on, placed her daisho to her right, and noticed another presence in the room. With a nod directed at the man, she sat and waited for the meeting to proceed.

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Robert
Hikari was quick to answer the summons at the Crab embassy, even though she had only recently arrived in the city, she was used to living on the move. She greeted the servant politely, and was lead to the meeting area for this peacekeeping venture.

"Honored to make your acquaintance, you are Hida Koyama-Sama?" She offered a deep respectful bow, showing her respect to Koyama, "I am Iuchi Hikari." Her clan mon was clearly visible identifying her as a Unicorn representative. She settled where it was appropriate, and awaited the start of the meeting.
June
It was a fairly quick walk for Junichi to make his way over to the Crab Embassy. He even had ample time to gather a few things from his office at Civil Hall to take notes. Unlocking his office door Junichi would retrieve a slim stack of paper, a brush, and a vial of ink and water to put into a small wooden and felt-lined case. He'd then lock up before finally heading toward the Embassy. 

It was going to be the first time Junichi was able to meet with the Ambassadors of the Crab Clan, so he made it a point to look presentable. Junichi wore his pristinely clean, iconic, full-face mask that crested over comely slicked back midnight hair and the sides of his face. The mask was chaotically segmented into small squares, each set to its own varied level. Carved out on the face of the squares were eight tiny concave pinholes; being rather difficult to see unless one was studying the mask up close. Though the mask would take a new form when one could see it head-on. The segments would disappear to the eye making the mask show as one smooth plane revealing the inscription written on it. Some of the pinholes had red paint lining their edges, creating the kanji for "True/authentic" (真). He wanted to wear his best clothes, dawning his silken haori which proudly bore the mon of the Scorpion Clan at his back. Underneath was a deep red hakama with the gold embroidery of the Soshi family mons clearly displayed in the garbs' trimming. The hakama would tie down smoothly into the midnight black of his nagagi.

To complete the look he had strapped an empty black and gold sheath for a Wakazashi around the waistband of the nagagi that hung on the right side of his hip. The only other item of note he carried was his gift for the Ambassador: a jade talisman that had been fashioned into a low-hanging pendant suspended by a thin golden chain. Inscribed on it was the word *"Yakuyoke"* (厄除け) for warding against evil and ill fortune and to help prevent bad luck hindering one's goals. 

Once he arrived at the Crab Clan Embassy Junichi would be guided back to the meeting room by the attending courtiers. With a polite bow to the staff he would enter inside and make his way toward the man at the head of the room. With a respectful bow, Junichi would introduce himself to the Hida.

"It is a pleasure to meet with you Ambassador Hida Koyama-Sama. I am Soshi Junichi, Ambassador of the Scorpion Clan. I look forward to working with you."

Raising from his bow Junichi would present the gift he had brought for the Ambassador.

"A gift that I hope offers you the same peace of mind and protection that I know it has for me over the years. A jade *Omamori* Fashioned by my mother who still serves faithfully as a *Miko.*" 

He would go through the process of presenting the gift two more times before handing it off. Junichi would again bow to Koyama and make his way to the opposite end of the room, sitting across from the Ambassador taking his time in situating himself before the meeting started.
Miriam
Daiki did not know why he was here at the crab embassy. True, he knew the assignment, at least to the extent that the Crane had been informed. He also knew why the courtier originally tasked with the obligation had chosen to abdicate their responsibility. There had been an awful lot of flapping and feigned outrage that Daiki had questioned the matter, but in the middle of the courtier's scolding retort, an attendant had arrived and whisperer a little too loudly that the bath house was prepared for him. Daiki's best guess was that a foppish Crane with an inflated ego had deigned himself too important to attend to matters of the peasantry and had pulled aside the first samurai of lesser status to pawn the task off on.

*I'm not even a courtier. My place is in the dojo or in the forge. But apparently the baths couldn't wait.*

When a crab attendant had returned from escorting a previous arrival, Daiki caught their eye and bowed, offering a brief introduction and presenting the letter that had been shoved into his hands by the embarrassed dignitary before he has stormed off towards the baths.

When he had finally arrived, he spotted the figure at the front and bowed once he was free to acknowledge Daiki's arrival. **"My thanks at being honored with the opportunity to serve the city. I am Doji Daiki, of the Kakita Duelist Academy and Sword Smithing School,"** He said, head still lowered. **"It is an honor, Hida Koyama-sama. Any clan that can produce craftspeople as skilled at the Kaiu smiths is worthy of respect."**

Glancing around, he could tell that he was horribly underdressed. His sea-blue haori was dark enough to hide some of the signs of the forge, but not all. Sooty smudges could be seen from coal dust at his elbows and even on a few locks of his hair. He had only been given enough time to prepare himself or prepare a gift. He had chosen the latter.

Reaching into his sleeve, he pulled out a small parcel of silk, unwrapping it enough to show its contents...

**"A gesture of goodwill from the Crane,"** Daiki said, presenting a sturdy tanto. It was a unique design, and one he had only made occasionally. Its spine was thicker than usual. An experienced warrior would likely be able to identify it as a tool used for stabbing into the joints of armor and prying then apart for other attacks. He chose it for three reasons. For one, it was one of the few pieces he had on hand that was not spoken for. Secondly and more importantly though, it was unique enough an item that it would hopefully be seen as more of a curiosity or collector's piece for a weapons enthusiast than a practical gift, as the latter could be seen as an insult. Finally, it was stout and sturdier in appearance than most of his other work - something a crab might appreciate in addition to the precise craftsmanship. 

Handing the knife off to an attendant before making his way to the seat beside the scorpion and taking up a position to wait for the meeting to begin.
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Deborah
Maeda arrived on the more risky end of reasonable, He walked into the room walking with with a very stiff posture and sharp movements.

**"Hida-sama, I am Ikoma Maeda and i have been graced with this chance to represent the Lion in this matter. It is a pleasure to meet you"**

Performing his usual shallow yet polite bow e quickly excused him self to a seat close to a door. Once he is sat down and gave the Crab his full and rapt attention.

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Casandra
*At the gate of the Crab Embassy, Senri silently stood by a small shrine dedicated to the Kami Hida, praying and giving thanks. He looked up at the grand Crab Embassy building. Compared to the simplicity and modesty of the Dragon Embassy, the Crab Embassy was a sight to behold, with towers made mostly of stone and strategic fortifications based in its design. Though he had yet to see it, Senri could barely imagine how much larger and imposing the Carpenters Wall was.*

"...-sama... Hoshi-sama!" *A voice brought Senri back from his thoughts. He looked to his side and saw a Crab Attendant, a well-built man in modest formal kimono, waiting impatiently with an scowl.* "We're honored that you've decided to join us and pray to our Kami. But would you *PLEASE* Follow me to Hida-sama's office?"

"But of course." *Senri smiled at the annoyed Crab servant.* "Forgive me, I get caught up in the thoughts when I think about the Kami and the Fortunes. And..."

*Senri glanced up towards the towering Embassy, shielding his eyes from the sun peaking over the roof* "I would like to understand what type of people live under the Crab's shell."

"Huh? What do you mean by that, Hoshi-sama? Oi!"

*Without acknowledging the confused servant, Senri walked up to an exhausted-looking Ashigaru footman standing at the gate who seemed to be leaning on his Yari spear.*
"Good morning, sir, but are you alright? Would you like some herbs to chew on for your hangover?"
"Hoshi-sama!"
=====================

*Senri would then take his time through the Crab Embassy halls, stopping to talk every time he sees an attendant or a servant, to the Crab Attendant's chagrin.

After every other Clan Liason had arrived, the sliding doors of Hida Koyama's flung open with a **SLAP**, where everyone can see a very frustrated Crab Attendant announce through gritted teeth,* "Intoducing... Hoshi Senri-sama of the Dragon Clan!"

*Senri bowed his head and entered Hida Koyama's office. He turned to the attendant with a warm, grinning smile,* "Thank you for guiding me here, Iwatani-san. You are truly blessed by Kami Hida."

*The attendant known as Iwatani glared at Senri with a scowl, then slid the sliding door shut a little too hard in his face. Those inside the office can hear Iwatani storm off with thundering steps. The Dragon Monk turned towards the assembly, and gave a deep bow.*

"A pleasure to meet you, Hida-sama. I am Hoshi Senri; the representative of the Dragon Clan. A thousand apologies for my delay, Hida-sama. I seemed to have gotten lost in your Embassy, and your servants had to help guide me here." *Senri lifted his head, revealing a changed expression. The cheery, polite smile had been replaced with a more stoic, calm demeanor. He made his way to the final zabuton that was available, and quietly kneeled while setting his Shakujō staff on the side.* "Please, continue. Do not let me interrupt."
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Linda
Koyama acknowledged the greetings and accepted all gifts courteously as he waited for the last of the Clans representatives to make it into the office. And waited for the door to shut quietly behind Iwatani before Addressing those in attendance.

"Representatives of The Great Clans, I appreciate your attendance for today's meeting. Forgoing some of the more banal platitudes I wouldd like to keep this meeting as brief as possible. You have been assigned to assist me in overseeing peace in the city. Otomo-sama, in his wisdom, has seen the tensions between the castes begin to strain the working relations we all have in maintaining the city's primary function the serve as a trading hub for the empire and *Every* Clan suffers from our follies. The coalition that has been entrusted in me is to prevent further turmoil and foster a coexistence that helps support all who live here and those who would be affected by our actions. For the benefit of all, we will succeed. Our biggest issue is the growing effort of some unsavory and unscrupulous Heimin that are using the discord to stir up a revolt. Somethin we'll need to contain. I believe the best way to accomplish this is to resolve the issues the heimin and hinin have. I want you to speak to the headmen in each quarter to get an understanding of what's going on and what we can do to assist."

Koyama opens a case and Stands in front of the gathered Samurai. Inside are 8 badges. Imperial green and gold fabric lined theedge of the badge and the Imerprial seal sits in the middle of the slate made of embossed gold. Koyama call to the attending samurai to accept their badge and assignment.

"Shiba-san, Hoshi-san, Yoritomo-san, you three will be assigned to work the Fishermans/Leatherworkers quarters. 

 Soshi-san, Ikoma-san, Doji-san, You three will be assigned the noble and licensed quarters.

Iuchi-san and I will handle The Merchants quarter and the Temple quarter. Do you have any questions before I continue?" The Crab asked.

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Melissa
Yeong couldn't be more pleased at the location. The unrest regarding the river bandits was troubling enough that it had reached the ears of the Mantis Ambassador. After promising her to look into it via the fishermen along the river routes, this delegation felt fortuitous.

Yeong took her assigned badge, tied it onto her obi, and went back into her seat. She remained silent and waited for any other person to speak up. The concern she had was something she kept to herself. 

Personally, she had no qualms about the other Clans. Crab and Unicorn were ones she could honestly work well with given the history and background of each one. The other Clans though? Yeong may not have had any issue with them personally but Mantis as a whole had a reputation and many of them not good. 

They may have been given new Clan status in Rokugan but their memories as a minor clan still remained. So many believed they didn't deserve the promotion. These greater Clans may look down on them but none of the current generation knew how it was to claw your way to Great Clan status and hold it for however little they've had it since induction. 

This Coalition could work. The Mantis being a mix of many clans was proof of it. Yeong wondered if there were any present here too proud to work for the peace though.


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June
There wasn't anything Junichi had to say in regard to the pairings. He would politely keep quiet while waiting for the Ambassador of the Crab Clan to continue.

So it would be the Scorpion working with both the Lion and Crane to monitor the Noble and Licensed Quarters? It seemed they had the luck of the draw considering both areas were diligently monitored by the Thunder Guard. Hopefully, that would yield a larger network for them to immediately tap into. Not to mention both were areas easily accessible to the members of the Shisō Kakumei... It should prove quick work getting an assessment of the situation, and once the first reports were formed Junichi could begin working on informing the others of his organization.

*Though first...*

Misty gray eyes would drag between the Lion and Crane Clan delegates. Junichi would study both of them thoroughly, recalling the way they conducted themselves while greeting their host. The Crane was, well... A Crane; and a Swordsmith at that? Junichi could not say he was expecting that from the Clan renowned for their ready supply of *Idealistic* Courtiers, meaning they probably had very little interest in this endeavor. As for the Lion, Junichi could at best conclude he lacked any sort of real enthusiasm for the meeting. He should probably expect a certain degree of laziness on their behalf.

However, that meant there was better potential for the Scorpion to stand out. It would appear his Clan was naturally in the best position to take leadership with a solid effort. Not to mention the triumvirate of their Clans meant an ample amount of resources to pull from. He truly couldn't complain. All Junichi could pray for was that this was a sign from the Kami that they were finally beginning to show favor on the Scorpion Clans' future. All there was left to do now was act.
Patrick
Iemon bowed in acknowledgement of the commanded area of focus. *Of course, the Leatherworker's Quarter in particular is liable to be a sore spot.* He inwardly sighed, *But it is one that the Phoenix should indeed bear the brunt of, given the circumstances that have helped to make this situation all the more incendiary.*

That he would be working with members of the Dragon and Mantis was a mild surprise to say the least. Apart from meeting their ambassador in passing, Iemon had not interacted with any of the Mantis in the city, and had only just met a Dragon monk on his last visit to the Licensed District regarding the goings-on in the underworld. *This will be interesting.*
Casandra
*Senri scratched his beard as he listened to Koyama's speech. Though the mentions of trade were not something he had a interest in, the talk of castes and heimin and hinin brought him great worry. He had sat with many of the lower castes throughout his time in Ryoko-Owari and heard of their plights and concerns; most that he sympathized with and could not refute. Even some of the servants and attendants here within the Crab Embassy had expressed worry and concerns of their safety within the city.

He looked up as he was called to pick take his badge. As Senri stepped forward in front of Koyama, he hesitated before taking his badge. He was never a Samurai, and he will never will be. Was he truly worthy to pass judgement on those who were of lower status than him? Senri blinked, realizing that he had been simply staring at the badge. The Dragon Monk bowed his head, and took his Imperial badge.

Senri returned to his seat, turning the badge in his hand. He gripped it and pocketed it within his robe sleeves. Now was not the time for doubt and worry; duty to the Empire came first.

Senri looked towards Iemon and Yeong. He had previously interacted with both the Mantis and Phoenix with positive results, and now he hoped that this time would be no different.

The Dragon looked up towards Koyama as he asked whether anyone had any questions, raising his hand. When Koyama acknowledges him, Senri will nod his head and ask,* "Hida-san, does Otomo-san expect us to tackle these assignments by ourselves, or are we permitted to ask any retainers within our clan for help?"

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Robert
The Iuchi gave a respectful bow, and nodded her understanding, but didn't ask any questions for the moment.
Miriam
There was much to unpack as their host jumped straight into the matter at hand. Daiki had never been a fan of the platitudes and rituals of court, so the shortcut to the main course was a breath of fresh air for him. Still, it seemed to be a serious matter, and there was little time to revel in the relief of skipping the hollow pleasantries.

*So the three hands of the emperor are to shake one another in cooperation today. Let us hope that goes smoothly. I have had good relations with the Lion in the city... The Scorpion though...*

The only real conversation he had had with the emperor's underhand was with a rather ostentatious young woman who had lied through her teeth - and quite brazenly.

Despite his misgivings, he turned to Lion and Scorpion alike and nodded as politely as the brief moment in the meeting would allow. As Koyama opened the floor to questions, Daiki politely coughed and took to his feet.

**"Hida-sama,"** He said, lowering his head in a deep but brief bow before continuing. **"I had a question as well. With those badges, am I to understand that we are being deputized as magistrates for the purposes of our investigation - with all of the responsibilities and authority of the title?"** It was not a question asked of eagerness. Indeed, his jaw was firm as he awaited reply. Daiki had never been deputized in such a manner, and while it came with its perks, but as with any duty, the honor was a double-edged sword.
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Deborah
Maeda gave a short but stiff nod of his head upon hearing this news before the roar of questions began, He glanced briefly across those asking the questions briefly wondering if the responsibility had given them pause or fear.

**"Hida-sama, in this sea of questions i simply wish to thank you for the honourable duty you have bestowed upon my clan and myself"**
Linda
Koyama waited for everyone to accept their badges and listened to their questions. It was clear that they we're taking the role with the care and caution it deserves. While he held no great delight in collaborating. It was the a logical choice to make on the side of the overseer and for all his internal reservations, this was a promising start. 

"You are permitted to ask you fellow clansmen for help but this is to provide information and counsel but maintain discretion. I will say this plainly: We are to here to ensure the prosperity of the city and secure peace but not as magistrates. The badges are meant to deter questions and let samurai know you're on Imperial business. You aren't deputized to act on anything that would upset that unless you are imperiled or it is discussed with me. If you and those amongst us find a threat that cannot be handled with our current numbers the plan should be to relay this information to me and we can devise accordingly, You are allowed to investigate anything you deem suspicious but we will not reduce ourselves to wanton mayhem. There have been far too many reports as of late of Samurai abusing their station and those reports on top of the growing resentment of the lower castes is the reason this coalition was established. If this continues to fester this city will have a reckoning that will leave the entire empire worse for it." Koyama said, scanning the crowd.

"What we know about the growing situation is a man calling himself "Haku" Has been holding meetings around the city trying to drum up support for his cause of civil unrest by attempting to portray the samurai caste as killers and oppressors. We'll need to work with as many of the neighborhoods as possible to track them down and squash this before revolt is inevitable. Keep me up to date on any progress and unless you have more questions, you are dismissed."
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||`Yo . Do you guys want to actually get to know each other IC or Just head straight into the Features?`