Just a question to well-read individuals. (especially any FFG writers like @DGLaderoute or @GM Hooly )
Obviously the formal rules for the gift-giving ceremony in Rokugan only really includes the seven founding Kami, with the recipient taking the part of Hantei.
This is a big plot point in The Topaz Championship, as the lack of a Mantis "slot" is the final straw that causes Hitoshi to lose his cool.
Now, irking a minor clan nobody who isn't even a legal adult yet is fine.
(If people knew he was the Clan Champion's cousin it might have been a bigger deal)
But next up for my PCs is Winter's Embrace. Yoritomo, Mantis Clan Champion, is there, with a valid invitation agreed by the Imperial Families. He's presenting someone who - depending on how the adventure goes - has a credible shot at being the next empress. There would need to be some protocol established in advance, and the PCs might end up getting asked to advise on what to do.
Now, whilst in the current fictions this isn't a thing, it's quite possible that there is some sort of general "others" slot mentioned in some earlier fiction or sourcebook somewhere.
The Mantis might not get to formal court often, but, for example, Monks give up their family name, and there are territories administrated by Imperially sponsored Ronin (like City of the Rich Frog), and I'm sure an Imperial governor would have at least a local improvisation to include their trusted subordinate in the ceremony.
Can anyone think of any appropriate precedents in previous editions of the RPG?
Edited by Magnus Grendel