IMPERIAL ORDERS

You have come to Eiyu Province for the Harvest Festival, along with Otomo Hanabira. You are all very aware that his presence will make quite a stir at a provincial court, especially with you standing alongside him. This is exactly as intended, after the many trials the Empire has weathered; the Imperial Families are seeking to remind samurai of their importance, and the proper relationship between the Clans and Imperials.

The Daimyo of Eiyu Provice owes this amazing harvest to a large, but portable, Shrine of Inari. This shrine has traveled between Lion provinces each year for some time, but he is said to be looking outside the Lion for the next place to send the Shrine. The province will require a nomination, and four additional samurai to support the province for it to be considered by the Daimyo. You may lend your support to a province if you find someone you feel is truly worthy of imperial attention.

Otomo Hanabira He is very well connected at court, and is one of many helping to arrange the full state funeral of the Empress. It has been passed on from reliable sources that he will be seeking three samurai to assist in the Funeral, a bushi, a shugenja, and a courtier. He is specifically seeking Clan samurai to fill these rolls, and will be doing so in a manner designed to force the Clan’s to work together under Imperial guidance. He has told you to act as advisors and "benevolent elder siblings" to the clan samurai as they go about their task. Provide guidance and advice, not just to one, but to all.

The council that Otomo Hanabira will form to decide these important posts will need to make unanimous decisions on candidates. This is expected to be quite a challenge for the Clan Samurai, and they will need your assistance at reaching compromises. Be sure to provide them the assistance they need respectfully, as an honorable elder sibling would do.

Remember that you are the guests of the Lion, and even more importantly, the guests of Otomo Hanabira. You actions will reflect on the Imperial Families, and on Otomo Hanabira directly, so act accordingly. May you help the Clans recall the importance of our efforts, and remember to grant us the respect we are due.