Weather: Day 1

[Cearnach]

High of 55/Low of 50 (13/10 Celsius), overcast, 6 mph (11kph) winds, the moon is waxing gibbous.

Events Today
EM: Meet the Daimyo: Lion
EA: Meet the Daimyo: Crane; Meet the Daimyo: Scorpion
LA: The Giving of Gifts
EE: Meet the Daimyo: Dragon, Meet the Daimyo: Phoenix, Meet the Daimyo: Crab
EN: Akodo Sanae's Reception, either Still Waters Run Deep or Masters of Court



Rumors:
Prominent Lion and Dragon merchant patrons have been struggling with shipping to southern Rokugan lately as Scorpion clan anti-smuggling procedures have slowed trade on the River of Gold. Supply chains of iron, copper, and other metals have been delayed, much to the chagrin of several important families.

The aftershocks of the Empress' decision to elevate the House of Kan and award them the lands of the Ogata continue to plague the peace of the Kitsu. Rumors that Lady Kan had petitioned Lord Kitsu for permission to inter her parents in the Kitsu Tombs in spite of their station in life have led to official protests from supporters of the Ogata family. The situation remains unresolved pending Lord Kitsu's return from the Imperial Winter Court at Kyuden Ikoma.

Several court-watchers expressed puzzlement at last week's announcement that veteran delegation head Shosuro Ryusei, Daimyo of the Shosuro Family, will not be attending this year's Winter Court. It seems most delegations have decided to send their Champions this year, with only Lord Hida choosing to send the experienced diplomat Kaiu Masahiko in his stead.

This Winter sees Heichi Batsuda make his triumphant return to Kyuden Ikoma for the first time since becoming Daimyo of the Boar clan. Lord Heichi developed quite a reputation in his youth, and one wonders which lucky bodices will be ripped this season! Or, if perhaps the Lord of the Boar has mellowed in his newfound responsibilities, which hopeful youths will go home with broken hearts at his cruel but noble rejections!

The recent flurry of researches into genealogies in the Ikoma Libraries have also uncovered a number of...oddities that the librarians mutter about needing now to reconcile. Whether the issues are of copy-errors or something else, the records must be made clear and consistent, and that is going to take no small amount of effort--just one more thing that will do so.