[D14, LM, EVENT] Magisterial Discretion

[Kakita Hajime]

This Event takes the form of a courtly debate, and as such will use the Court Action rules. Court Actions used here are not considered expended for Court purposes. Kakita Hajime is the presiding officer (TN 26).

To qualify for this event you must either:
Have contributed a successful roll to the Discourse on the Laws event,
Have an Influence Rank of 4 or higher,
Have a Status Rank of 4 or higher.

You may post your arrival. The event will formally begin in 24 hours, at which point Hajime will introduce the topic.



The invitation had been ominous–a matter concerning the stability of the Empire–but the atmosphere in the Emerald Champion’s receiving room is cordial. Tea has been prepared, paper and inkstones laid out for attendees to take notes, and a fire lit to give the room an almost cheery warmth. The Emerald Champion looks up from the scroll he is reading to warmly greet all who arrive, his eyes twinkling as he carefully weighs each participant in that whirring machine of a mind he has.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Having successfully contributed in the discourse on the laws earlier, Sayomi took a seat to participate in this next discourse.

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei likewise traded on past successes to put in an appearance.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Good morning, minna-sama," Yasuki Ryoichi said as he entered the room and found his way to a seat. He wore a formal kimono in dark blue with small, colorful fish embroidered around the hem. "I hope you are all well today."

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna arrived in the same outfit she had worn to court, looking elegant and curious how she might be of assistance.

[Daidoji Sae]

Sae having contributed a successful being an emerald magistrate was there.

She nods at the samurai she recognises but otherwise remains quiet, waiting for Hajime to speak.

[Akodo Kenji]

"Good morning minna-sama." The influential scribe Akodo Kenji arrived and offered a deep bow to those assembled. He wore a kimono with images of fields of tall grass, wild horses, and lions watching from a distance.

He had missed the previous debate but was curious to hear what the Emerald Champion wished to discuss.

[Asahina Hoshiko]

Hoshiko had missed the previous discussion as well, but is curious to see how this one goes and slips in behind Kenji with a pause for an appropriate bow to the group. Her midnight blue court robes, trimmed with embroidered cranes among pine branches, would fade into the corner of the room if it weren’t for her shock of white hair.

[Doji Shinnosuke]

A curious Shinnosuke likewise wanders into the room, closed fan in hand. What is Hajime-sama up to? A matter concerning the stability of the Empire sounds rather above Shin's pay grade--or at least, he devoutly wishes and hopes it is--but one doesn't ignore an invitation from the Emerald Champion, either.

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki arrives with an expression that seems to be doing its best to keep neutral. Which means, of course, that it was not exactly successful, some uncertainty and curiosity showing in her eyes even though most of her face is covered by the red carp in her grey fan.

She bows politely to all of those gathered, and, for now, waits.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro enters and calmly bows to Kakita-sama before taking his seat, qualifying by his past success. He will contribute what he may.

[Kakita Hajime]

Seeing that his guests are assembled, Hajime rises to address the room. “Honorable delegates and friends, as lovely as it has been to see each of you in a less formal setting, I imagine all of the warm feelings and camaraderie in the world would not long forestall the nagging question of our purpose here. Allow me to dispel it.”

“There is no question that the coming months will be a challenging time for the Empire. Given the contention we have seen already in matters concerning the Succession, I believe that it is a possibility that, whatever decision the Court should come to tomorrow, there will be some in the Empire who will take it upon themselves to oppose the new Emperor…or Empress, as the case may be.”

“It is the solemn duty of the Emerald Champion to ensure that the law of the Empire holds strong, that all may serve the will of heaven. Any dissent at the succession would serve to disrupt that law. Accordingly, I am considering summoning the Imperial Legions to the Castle of the Emerald Champion, the better to dissuade malcontents from indulging their baser instincts, and to strike down those that choose so to do.”

“However, I am cognizant of the pressures that would bring to the Empire, particularly on its treasury, and I am interested, dear friends, in hearing your advice and counsel on this matter.”

The Question: that the Imperial Legions be raised, has been put. The TN for Court Actions is 26.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

A simple question should have a simple answer, but more questions arise.

"Kakita-sama, of course any action taken against the Emperor, once named, is egregious. What will happen if any mayhem breaks out before hand, or if no one is named tomorrow?"
Should one be named as expected, will they escort the Imperial contingent to return to Otosan Uchi?

If they fully support the throne and the emperor, then I support your motion.

Magisterial Discretion 8k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 26)
+10 Court points

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna listened thoughtfully.

She gave a deep bow to the Emerald Champion.

"If the goal is to discourage violence," and she prayed all shared that goal, "I would suggest two things that could be particularly well managed by the Emerald Champion's office. If suggestions of this kind are too far from the topic, forgive me, and I will withdraw the motion."

"One, all candidates who Heaven does not select would ideally publicly renounce their candidacy. Perhaps that should be done even before Heaven decides - a request for a public commitment to do so. And any unwilling to make such a vow may be communicating that the good of the Empire is not their first priority. Though Heaven will still choose as it shall, and we will all support that choice. But that is something the Emerald Champion could ask without any cost to the treasury - or the potential escalation of violence - of moving the Legion."

"Two, the greatest potential upset to the Kami-mandated balance of power - and therefore inducement to the violence we all wish to avoid - may occur if the entirely admirable and worthy Doji Noriko-sama is selected by Heaven. To have a member of the eternally co-equal clans take the role, while still a member of that clan... It upsets the roles and balance established since the Tournament of the Kami. Is there a route, if selected, for her to proceed in clear impartiality? Tied no more closely to any clan than any other? This may be a topic upon which the Emerald Champion could advise and promote a legal route."

"Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I pray this input was helpful and humbly welcome your guidance if this is not the kind of input you were seeking."

https://sakkaku.org/r/17547 51 v 31, one raise called

[Daidoji Sae]

"Call the legions."
Magisterial Discretion, Action 1, Introduce Position, Contested/Benten's, Etiquette/Awareness, Void, calling one raise to TN 31 | 10k5 ⇒ 38 (TN: 31)

Sae's voice is calm and steady as she raises her head to meet Hajime's gaze.

"I pray they will not be needed and that sense and the will of heaven prevail upon the court. But should there be a dispute it must be settled with the greatest speed lest it be allowed to fester. Every malcontent and would be traitor should know that the Legions are ready to ensure their loyalty to whomever is chosen to sit the throne."

She pauses for a moment before adding with a slight brow furrow and not looking at anyone in particular.
"And I trust if Kakita-sama wanted to hear speculation about who the best candidates for that throne are he would have heard it over the past weeks in court and need not have sought it unprompted here. We are advising how best to keep the Imperial peace, not campaigning for petty favour."

--------
Introduce position -> Call the Legions
+15 court points
1/6 actions used.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Returning to the question of raising the Imperial Legions," Yasuki Ryoichi began. "If the intent is to preserve stability in the Empire, perhaps best to not be the first to raise an army. Of course the Emerald Champion is above reproach, but if the Legions are raised, some people may wonder: to what end? Who are they going to fight?"

"So I would suggest that the Emerald Champion choose not to raise the Imperial Legions, at least for now. If it becomes clear that someone means to dispute the succession by force, there is time enough to raise the Legions then."

-
14LM Magisterial Discretion, introduce position with 1 raise Etiquette/Awareness +Benten's +Mastery +Void Point TN31 | 10k6 ⇒ 53 (TN: 31) succeeds for 15 points towards not raising Legions

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei pondered the variables.

He honestly though that raising the Legions was a prudent move. If the Emerald Legions were mobilized first, there could be little hope of stealing a march on them, and they would be needed.

But none of that came out.

What instead emerged was a not-harmful, but not-at-all-compelling metaphor.

"Best to be the first to raise sail, whichever way the current might go."

--
Courtier/Awareness, TN 26 to support raising the Legions, Benten's Blessing applies. | 6k4 ⇒ 16 (TN: 26)

Action 1 of a possible 3: NADA

[Asahina Hoshiko]

"The Asahina would wish that the throne not be gained, or held, through force of arms." *again* she did not say. But it ran a bit too close to all too recent history of the Gozoku and their overthrow.

"However, while I don't believe the clans would have cause to rise against a clan being elevated, as I believe any of those being considered due to their lineage would take the Hantei name and leave their clan and family behind, we have already seen one attack. If the legions prove a deterrent to such attempts, I could see the wisdom in calling them up."

Concur (though GMs can determine if Sanjuro or Sae are the head of that column)
D14 debate: Eti/Awa concur | 7k4 ⇒ 44 (TN: 26)
+10

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"Call the Right Hand of the Emperor."

Sayomi tilted her chin up proudly. "The new ruler on the throne should invoke Akodo's Oath and call for Akodo Sanae to take up the weapon Shori in the name of the Empire. Because if anyone will threaten the Empire's stability, the Lion will stand against them, fulfilling the ancient oaths and promises made by Akodo-Kami, who second only to his most noble brother the glorious Hantei-Kami."


-----

D14 LM. Magisterial Discretion. Introduce own position. Courtier/Awareness. +1k1 Void. 1 Raise. | 8k5 ⇒ 38 (TN: 31)

+15 Call upon Akodo's Oath, calling upon Akodo Sanae to take up Shori in the name of the Empire and the new Emperor/Empress.

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji nodded emphatically at Sayomi's suggestion. He paused before committing though. Something occurred to him.

"Doji-sama, my apologies for this practical question, but how much time would it realistically take for the summoned Legions to arrive the Castle of the Emerald Champion?"