[D10, EA] Court: The Floor

[Miya Hachi]

The rear doors open and the Imperial Officers assemble, each drifting to their accustomed spot. Today, it is Miya Hachi who approaches the forefront of the dais. The Imperial Herald bows once then gestures for the clap of hands from the scribe that announces the start of things when a person can't be bothered to raise their voice.


"Honored delegates, I have but two announcements today. This Winter's Floating Banquet will be held this evening. We expect to see you all there. And tomorrow will be the first day of the Bowman's Wager, taking place at the riverside in the late afternoon."

"Now, this court is willing to entertain the business of the Empire. Please, bring forward your petitions."



The court is open for business. The presiding officer for this court session will be Miya Hachi, the Imperial Herald. Court Action Tns will thus be set to 21.

[Fukurokujin]

(Just to be sure folks know: Miya Hachi is a Miya Shisha, a Courtier School of the Imperial Houses.)

[Cearnach]

Eiji had been primed to tell a story about the Crane deal yestreday, but that was literally a story for another time. The trade with the Tortoise might raise a few eyebrows, but he didn't figure there'd be an objection to it.

"My lords and ladies. Today, I would like to preface a treaty with a story about a barrel.

There was a ship sailing upon the sea, and as happens from time to time, they came across a watertight barrel admist some wreckage one storm or another had caused. Seeing the barrel was still watertight, they brought it on board. As this ship had been at sea for some time, they decided to open it, as it might refresh their rations. Perhaps it held rice, or sake. Even letters meant for others would have at least provided some small measure of interest to pass the time at sea.

But whomever had fashioned this barrel had, perhaps been a little overexuberant with how well they sealed it. Sailor after sailor tried to open the barrel, but it resisted all such efforts, remaining a mystery.

Perhps, thought the crew, these was not merely a barrel containing sake...but what if it held treasure? Gold, jewels, maybe even powerful artifacts gifted from the Heavens themselves? For surely, who secure a mere barrel of rice with just overriding zeal?

The more people tried and failed to open the barrel, the more determined to open the barrel the crew became.

And so the bosun of the ship stepped forward. The bosun was so covered in muscles, you might have thought they were as thick as they were as thick as they were tall. They flexed their muscles which moved like a wave swelling in their greatness.

With crowbar in hand they ordered the sailor to stand aside.

"This barrel is about to be opened!" they declared to cheers of the crew.

They slid the crowbar in...they flexed their mighty muscles, sweat rose on their brow as they put more and more effort in to it until finally....they bent the crowbar into a perfect circle. Undeterred, they tried to wrest the barrel open with their bare hands, but try until they were exhausted, the barrel did not open.

The crew spirits fell as the barrel refused to yield to brute force, but the ship's first mate, a master swordsman had a different idea.

"Stand back everyone, this sword that has been in my family for five generations will see that barrel opened like a letter from a lover." they boasted.

The crew cheered, surely now they would see what was inside this amazing barrel.

The first mate centered their chi, and with a swift motion drew their sword, striking the barrel.....and leaving not a mark on it. Undeterred their rained strike after strike down upon the barrel. And after a thousand such strikes....their sword broke.

The crew's spirits sank even futher (though perhaps not quite as low as the first mate's). Clearly, the Heavens themselves would have to intervene to open this stubborn barrel.

And it was with that thought that the ship's shugenja stepped forth.

"Hear me, Osano-Wo! Your faithful servant desires a boon! Reach out with your great power and deliver a blow that will open this barrel!"

Storm clouds gathered in a previously clear sky. A massive bolt of lightning tore down from the Heavens...and blew a sizeable hole in the ship! Water started pouring in to the ship!

Thinking quicklly, the ship's carpenter grabbed the barrel and sealed the hole with it.

The ship was saved, but the crew never learned what was in that barrel."

And so it is with cleverness, not with force we open this barrel of trade with the Tortoise:

The Tortoise will provide the Scorpion (5) tea, (3) sake, and (2) silver.

The Scorpion will provide the Tortoise (10) dye.

Awa/Perform Storytelling: 48 vs. 21, Pass

[Shiba Ryusei]

He regarded Eiji as a friend, and given how the Phoenix's own need for dye had been discussed, well.

Now everyone knew who had the stuff.

Ryusei took the floor, and... smiled.

"As I said yesterday... You know what I have to say on this subject. That the Tortoise and the Scorpion can make an exchange of such magnitude speaks volumes for the prosperity of the Empire. May we all prosper in the coming year."


--
TN 21 Courtier/Awareness to Concur with Soshi Eiji, Benten's Blessing Applies, Void for +1k1 | 7k5 ⇒ 29 (TN: 21)

+10 Eiji Points. Court Action 1 of 2 for the day (hurrah for Glory Rank 4!) performed.

[Miya Hachi]

"In that case, the court is happy to accept this proposal. Is there other business before this court?"

[Cearnach]

Agasha Yuna stepped forward and gave a deep bow to Miya Hachi.

Today, she was centered and focused. Her words were elegantly delivered.

"Miya-sama, it is my honor and privilege today to re-submit the motion on behalf of the Dragon and the Sparrow. Heaven found no issue."

"Our clans acknowledge a shared respect and spiritual focus. To deepen our relationship, we propose both trade and inter-marriage."

"This agreement has been reviewed by both clans. The proposed marriages have been reviewed by the Imperial Matchmaker."

"The Sparrow will provide 7 vegetables."

"The Dragon will provide 2 stone and 2 copper."

"Suzume Suga, a young musician and holder of minor office shall marry Mirumoto-ke no kashin Toda Yoshiko who was just appointed the manager of the hereditary estate of the Grand Master of Niten. He marries into the Dragon."

"Mirumoto Kichinitonda, an acclaimed calligrapher of the Dragon, shall marry Suzume Niitaka, an equally acclaimed storyteller of the Sparrow. He shall marry into the Sparrow, and can thereafter play a role documenting the never previously documented Sparrow stories, and sending the records to a library in Dragon lands with a shelf dedicated to that purpose, as a sign of enduring alliance between the clans."

"I thank you for the opportunity to share this proposal so that the court may understand and comment upon the exchange."

https://sakkaku.org/r/16587 52 v TN31, 2 raises called successfully

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The Sparrow are pleased to foster goodwill and amity between the Suzume and the Dragon," Ryobu says as she steps forward, "and the opportunity for perpetuity is one gladly accepted."

~~~~~
Basic concurrence succeeds at 25, https://sakkaku.org/r/16793

[Miya Hachi]

"The court accepts this proposal. Is there further business before the court?"

[Kakita Hajime]

Kakita Hajime rises on the dais.

"Miya-san, I must report that my office has received a request for a duel between Akodo-ke no kashin Shimomura Shigehiko and Ikoma-ke no kashin Kamoshita Kinuyo on the matter of an insult Ikoma Kinuyo seems to have delivered to Akodo Shigehiko's family and to Otomo-ke no kashin Totogasi Gorobei. The original incident occurred before several witnesses. Accordingly, the request has been granted. This duel will be to first blood, and will be conducted in the Mid-morning. That is all."

[Miya Hachi]

To say that Miya Hachi's was troubled by this news would be an understatement. "Oh...ah...hai, Kakita-sama. The court acknowledges that the duel has been announced appropriately. Is there any further business before the court?"

[Cearnach]

Agasha Yuna stepped forward and gave a deep bow to Miya Hachi.

Again, she spoke in an elegant and precise manner. A courtier who belonged in this room, at this court. A credit to her education.

"Miya-sama, it is my honor and privilege today to submit a motion on behalf of the Dragon and the Tortoise."

"Our clans find opportunity for mutually satisfactory exchange of goods and inter-marriage, to seal an intent towards closer alliance and on-going trade."

"This agreement has been reviewed by both clans. The proposed marriage has been reviewed by the Imperial Matchmaker."

"The Tortoise will provide 1 sake this year, and 3 tea next year."

"The Dragon will provide 4 gold this year, for the sake now and for the tea in the future."

"From the Tortoise: Kasuga-ke no kashin Sone Harumi, a student of Kasuga-ue (female, status 4, age 26), and charming courtier. She will marry into the Dragon."

"She will marry our Agasha-ke no kashin Hasegawa Gazan (male, status 5, age 27). A leading shugenja and researcher in the Agasha laboratories, Gazan is famous for developing a more efficient lacquering process."

"I thank you for the opportunity to share this proposal so that the court may understand and comment upon the exchange."

https://sakkaku.org/r/16588 71 v TN31, 2 raises called successfully

[Miya Hachi]

"The court is pleased to accept this proposal."

"Is there further business before the court?"

[Mirumoto Jinkan]

The green wearing Mirumoto stepped up to the court and gave bows as proper before beginning to speak.

"It would be good to clarify a point of interest for the court regarding the donations given on the second day. Passing the donations to the Brotherhood at large is troublesome as one could imagine the donations ending at only one temple, or perhaps four temples maybe?" He gave a sidelong look at Abbot Chou-sin.

"As this would not be in the best interests of the court, it is suggested that a specific person be named to oversee the distribution of funds goes to the most people. To that end, I would nominate Abbot Do, of the Order of Osano-wo to be given the duty of seeing that the people are assisted by the generosity of this court." Jinkan nodded at Abbot Do to indicate the very tall monk.

(Advance Position: Have Abbot Do Control Donations to Brotherhood)

[D10, EA] Court: The Floor, Advance Position, Courtier/Awareness, TN21 | 6k3 ⇒ 22 (TN: 21)

(Pass. 10 points.)

[Chou-sin]

Chou-sin steps forward.

"That would be unwise," he says, after bowing to the dais and to Jinkan. "The Temple of Osano-Wo, being so far removed from things at the edge of the Empire, would be a poor place from which to administer the funds. In addition, getting the monies to it would imperil them, while the Four Temples offer easy access and are amid sacrosanct lands, safe from attack."

~~~~~
Refute Jinkan for 27, https://sakkaku.org/r/16914

[Jihen]

Jihen also steps forward to speak in relation to the suggestion presented.

“At the risk of coming across as self-interested, I am afraid I too must lend my voice in favor of the Four Temples. For many years the Brotherhood has relied upon the Four Temples for the procurement and administration of the alms provided for many of the temples across the empire. Our specific training and approach to following the Way lends itself to the proper administration of funds and our interactions with each of the other sectarian traditions provides for those of the Brotherhood who follow more ascetic methodologies.”

He continues, “This is the proper order of our administrations which have been followed since the establishment of our temples in the earliest times of the empire. Codified and properly administered again and again… To deviate from this norm would be to endanger people’s lives and the survivability of a number of sectarian traditions. Let us not deviate from the proper path on the emotions of the moment. There is no significant reproach upon the names of the followers of the Four Temples to require a change of this type…”

He bowed lowly, “I ask for the court to remain firm in its supporting of our preservation of the teaching of the Way and the protocols which govern our behavior.”


————-

D10 Court, Argue For Four Temples, 4 Raises, Etiquette/Awa, VP | 10k8 ⇒ 53 (TN: 41)

Passed roll to ensure it stays with the Four Temples with 4 raises.

[Daidoji Ryu]

Ryu stepped forward.

"I have had the honor to work with Abbot Do, albeit briefly." Ryu said, addressing the court. "He is devout, hard-working, and the soul of courtesy." He tilted his chin up. "And beyond that, modest. I do not doubt that the care and disbursement of these funds would be a duty he would, and could, devote all his attention to. As such, I support Mirumoto-sama's proposal."

----------------------------------------------------

D10EA, support Jinkan, 1CR, VP spent | 8k5 ⇒ 42 (TN: 26) - Passed to support Jinkan, 1 Raise (15 points)

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Mirumoto-san, as the organizer of this initiative, is surely well within his prerogatives to suggest who might best administer it according to its original intention." Shinnosuke flicks his fan open delicately. "While all know the reputation of the Four Temples and, in particular, its head"--one might note that he does not actually specify the nature of this reputation--"I've heard only fine things about Abbot Do."

"And I am sure no one could mean to suggest the Empire is in such disarray that a sacred offering could not be safeguarded as far as the Plain of Thunder if necessary." His gray-blue eyes widen at the thought. "In fact, haven't we heard the Court discussing all sorts of Clan initiatives for even greater protection of the River of Gold? I'm sure I shouldn't like to insult the Scorpion and their friends the Mantis by suggesting it isn't safe to travel down the river and through Scorpion lands on such a holy mission."

---
D10 EA, Court--Support Jinkan, 2CR, Benten, Prodigy | 8k5 ⇒ 59 (TN: 31)
+20 Jinkan
1/2 Court Actions used

Would have liked to wait longer and maybe let someone else in so it's not two Crane in a row, but bedtime on a work night...

[Doji Hikaru]

"If it pleases the Court, along with the sterling reputation of Abbot Do, we should take care as to the state of Abbot Chou-sin" Hikaru lends his voice to the cause. "It would certainly not do to burden him past his capacity. Why, the just a few days ago the honorable Abbot Chou-sin inadvertently provided the jostle that spilled tea and set fire to part of this very Court. So much was on his mind that what had occured did not seem to register. Clearly, matters such as this must have taken their toll, and therefore the duty delegated to Abbot Do."

Oh, did they think we forgot about that little stunt?

_____

D10 Court Action - Support Jinkans position | 8k5 ⇒ 47 (TN: 26) +15 points

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Mina-sama" Honoka stepped forward "the Brotherhood perform very important duties to Rokugan. Not just in overseeing the many important shrines across the empire, but provide guidance to those who are lost, safety to those who feel afraid. Warmth to those left out in the cold. This is not just for the samurai of the lands, but for those of lower classes who can turn to the brotherhood when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. The Brotherhood operate together as a group to ensure that they remain the place to turn to."

She paused to look at those who had spoken so far then to the host.

"To do this they need to operate without influence from outside sources. For any clans to debate where the Brotherhood should send their funds, where the main host of donations need to operate out from, is only a small step from starting to influence other factors within the brotherhood. Once the brotherhood loses its place as a position of safety, in which it needs to remain as it is to be so, where do those who are lost turn to? Will those who look to the brotherhood for guidance see a smiling monk free from pressures or someone who has to consider other factors in his wisdom beyond those of the heavens? The only people that should be deciding and influencing the brotherhoods place is the brotherhood themselves, and to debate on deciding where they believe the best location for donations is, is a dangerous first step that we should avoid in these trying times."


(ooc: advance own position - the clans should not be influencing decisions in the brotherhood such as donation locations
D10 EA court Introduce Own Position - The clans shouldn't be influencing the position of the brotherhood - Courtier/awareness + IL11/2/3+ void + Bentens. TN21+4 raises (tn41) | 10k8 ⇒ 51 (TN: 41)

30 points

[Yasuki Masaki]

A step forward after Honoka steps back, Masaki bows deeply to the dais, then appropriately to the others in the court.

"On the face of it, Ikoma-san's argument is a compelling one. Perhaps if the all of the brotherhood was equally dedicated to the same principles, it would be equally compelling in heart. But as we know, this is not the case - perhaps rightly so, as diversity is an important element of strength and virtue, as so often discussed in this court."

She turns to some who have spoken, to Chou-sin and Jihen.

"As it is, part of the brotherhood chooses to impart its lessons very closely to the Empire's wordly - and political - concerns. Perhaps rightly so - the lessons of Shinsei may be an important guide in all matters, after all. But the soul is often a mirror - so as the brotherhood influences the world, the world influences it in turn. In different ways, of course, but it would be hard to ignore the fact - and as the little teacher said, 'It is worse still to be ignorant of your ignorance.'

She turns her gaze to Abbot Do, then to the audience again.

"That could still mean that the best to decide on such matters would be the Brotherhood itself - but as a whole, its many sects, influenced in myriad different ways, having an equal voice in the decision, all sanctioned, true paths to Enlightenment. They all contribute their important work to the Brotherhood's purposes, they all offer safety, warmth and lessons to those who need it most, in their own ways. Unfortunately, Winter Court is not a meeting between sects, and as it is we have but two represented here. And only one of them, concerned as it is with wordly and political concerns, has thus far spoken out on the matter - in their own favour. As such, it seems that taking into account the Clans' views on the matter, while perhaps not the optimal solution, is the best possible middle ground in the current circumstances."

Her gaze goes to Abbot Do again.

"That takes us to the crux of the matter. The current arrangement has the Four Temples monastery, seated in the capital of the Empire, as those responsible for organising and handing out donations. There might be some advantages in this, of course - at the heart of the Empire, the Four Temples are probably closest to what may be the largest sources of donations."

Which is to say, to money. It should be clear enough without saying.

"But for the same reason, the sect tends to be the farthest from the places where donations are needed the most - our farthest mountains, lands where rice and pleasures are at times unfortunately not so plenty as they are near the capital. A sect who sees such plights more closely would know and understand them the most - 'Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters'. Again at face value, the remote location of the Temple of Osano-wo might seem like a problem. But again, by standing farther from plenty and pleasure, it stands closer to at least one possible destination for the donations. Other places will need to receive donations as well, of course - but then, the understanding implied by firsthand experience can serve as a better guide than books ever could. And thus, the sects may better share burdens that, otherwise, might all fall to a single - and important - sect, due to its central location. 'Friendship is truly tested when it is time to share the burden.', as we know."

Her gaze travels through the court again - her cupped hands opening to reveal a small jasmine flower made in straw which she had been holding so far.

"I hope the Court may take these points into consideration when judging this matter, and look favourably at Mirumoto-san's proposal for nominating the Order of Osano-Wo as bearing the duty of distributing donations. Thank you, Miya-ue."

-------------------------
D10 EA - Support Jinkan's Position. VP, holding Jasmine Flower for +2k0, Seppun-sanctioned effect for +4. 2 CR | 8k5+4 ⇒ 42 (TN: 31)

20 Court Points to Jinkan