How Do I Pass a Treaty Again?

[Cearnach]

We've been through a couple instances of explanations of the rules of this, and rulings and questions are scattered and hard to find. Therefore:

Negotiating a Formal Interclan Agreement, step by step

1. Representatives for both clans talk informally about making a deal. They agree on conditions for each side and put them in writing (with numbers, specifics about how clan special favors are to be used, etc.).
   • Word of Fukurokujin: Formal interclan agreements usually involve some kind of marriage or other alliance-related actions, with a trade deal tacked on the side rather than standing alone as the whole substance of the agreement.

     "Historically," trade arrangements are typically part and parcel of other agreements (e.g., marriages, alliances), with marriages used to solemnize the arrangement or the arrangement made to solemnize the alliance. This does not mean a stand-alone trade deal is impossible, of course, but it might be considered somewhat marked.

2. Both sides run this by their other clan members to check for whatever degree of consensus they've all internally agreed upon. This can be done OOC or IC.
3. Someone in each participating clan meets with their own NPC delegation head, preferably in an IC scene, and presents the agreement for pre-approval.
4. An agreement approved by both NPC delegation heads can go to Court for official approval.
   1. PCs present the agreement in Court (one or more participating PCs use the "Advance own position" court action and share the full details of the agreement).
   2. Other characters can comment on the agreement (Support, Oppose, or Advance own related position that's neither direct opposition nor support).
   3. After some time for discussion, the NPC presiding officer of the day decides whether to approve.

An "informal agreement" can skip most of these steps but is effectively illicit/under the table and may not be enforceable, especially if discovered by the rest of the Court. Clans might be able to satisfy some of their need for trade goods with informal agreements, but not all NPC Delegation Heads will agree to this approach.