[D13, EA, Court] The Floor

[Cearnach]

Beating Akodo Kenji to the floor by just 2 minutes, it is Shiba Ryusei!

Ryusei approached, ready to do his usual best, the Mantis agreement in hand.

"Minna-sama, it is my honor to present this agreement between the Mantis and the Phoenix Clans to the court. We look to build upon existing maritime arrangements, and better enable both clans to see to their duties. To that end, the Phoenix will bless the harvests of the Mantis for the coming year, and provide a small measure of iron. For their part, the Mantis will share maps and navigational tools of their own devising, to assist Phoenix mariners."

He paused.

"Moreover, we will share access to selected ports with one another, and engage in joint anti-gaijin and anti-piracy naval activity. To that end, we will detail the agreement by noting both vessel types and port facilities, such as-"

At this point, the young Phoenix got rather caught up in naval technicalities, engaging in a degree of detail that left anyone not skilled at naval affairs ironically rather at sea.

It wasn't a complete disaster, but it was also rather difficult for a layman to understand. And its level of interest was likely in direct proportion to how well a listener actually understood what Ryusei was talking about.

Which was a shame, because he was clearly quite passionate on the subject.

--
Court Action 1 of 3- Courtier/Awareness TN 26 to Advance Own Position- Please Approve this Mantis/Phoenix Treaty. Benten's Blessing applies, Void for +1k1 | 7k5 ⇒ 23 (TN: 26)- And Sakkaku craps upon Ryusei! 0 points, but no raises on the failure, so no points lost..

The treaty itself-

The Phoenix Provide
1 Iron
The last Phoenix Spiritual Service for the season, to bless their harvest.
Mutual Naval Cooperation between Mantis and Phoneix against gaijin and pirates and to aid distressed Mariners
Access to select Phoenix ports.

The Mantis Provide
Mutual Naval Cooperation between Mantis and Phoneix against gaijin and pirates and to aid distressed Mariners, with the Mantis to provide more targeted assistance against said gaijin or pirates if so requested.
Access to select Mantis ports.
Maps and navigational aids from Totally Legitimate Mantis sources.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Yasuki Ryoichi stepped forward and bowed, before speaking in support of Shiba Ryusei's proposal.

"As I understand it, the substance of the Phoenix/Mantis agreement is similar in spirit to that of the Phoenix/Crab naval agreement, which this Court has previously given its blessing to," Ryoichi explained, for the sake of those who had gotten somewhat lost in the details. "As it makes trading and travel by sea safer for all, we should support this proposal."

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13EA Concur with Shiba Ryusei, Etiquette/Awareness +Benten's TN26 | 9k5 ⇒ 44 (TN: 26) succeeds for 10 points

[Kakita Hajime]

"So, in keeping with delegate Doji Hikaru's advocacy of coordinate naval efforts, I accept this deal in the hope that the clans will act in concert to drive the scourge of piracy from our lands."

[Cearnach]

Akodo Kenji rises and approaches the dais.

"If it please the court, Doji-sama. I would like to present the details of a treaty between the Lion and the Dragon.

In the recent past our people were close but have drifted apart. The Dragon and Lion will come together to build a Shrine to Matsu Hitomi. This will help to rebuild understanding between our people.

The Shrine will be in Lion lands. The Dragon will contribute to building it with financial resources (1 unit of gold from Dragon to Lion) and provide an artisan (Agasha Masao) through marriage. Agasha Masao will play a key role in decorating the shrine, with her skills in kintsugi and mosaic forming a poignant medium to honor the restored relationship from a broken place, over Matsu Hitomi's mistreatment. She will marry into the Lion, to Kitsu-ke no kashin Ushio Mantaro.

Furthermore, the Dragon will provide an apology for Mirumoto Turan's treatment of Matsu Hitomi, and of his Lion allies in general."

Kenji bowed to the dais, to Doji Hajime, and to the Dragon with whom he had collaborated to create the treaty.

D13. EA. Court: Lion-Dragon treaty. Etiquette/Awareness. Void for +1k1. | 7k4 ⇒ 35 (TN: 26)

Success, +10 court points!

[Cearnach]

"This agreement has been approved by our Daimyo. The Dragon are pleased for the opportunity to right a prior wrong."

"Let the record show that the Dragon clan formally apologizes for the action of Mirumoto Turan towards both Matsu Hitomi and his other Lion allies."

"May the shrine we build together provide healing and restoration, and an opportunity, when the shrine is complete, to pursue further alliance."

https://sakkaku.org/r/17506 56 v 31, 1 raise called. +15 points

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro steps forward to add his support.

The Dragon humbly look forward to building a solid relationship with the Lion Clan and I fully support this agreement.

[Day 13, MA] Courtier | 8k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 26)
+10 Court points to support Kenji

[Kakita Hajime]

"Very well, we accept this treaty and celebrate the spirit of reconciliation it represents." "Is there further business to bring before the court?"



[[Yes, yes, indeed there is!]]

[Cearnach]

When it is Kiuchi's turn, he steps up. "I have spoken to Ichiro Himari and learned much about his Clan. I believe we can learn much from each other. In order to do so, we have arranged a few opportunities to do. Each Clan will take two students from the other train them in their ways. Furthermore, the Badger shall find a suitable husband among their Clan to join the Scorpion and marry Yogo Yoshie, a sister of a hero from our Clan.

Finally, the Scorpion shall gift the Badger 2 units of rice and a scholar to aid the badger in their search for knowledge. The Badger have agreed to gift us 3 units of copper and 2 units of iron."

Courtier/Awa VOID | 7k4 ⇒ 26 (TN: 26)

Action 1 of 3

[Shiba Ryusei]

Perhaps seeking to redeem his earlier presentation, Ryusei stepped up.

"The Scorpion and Badger's cooperation is heartening to see. And surely, open dealing between Great Clans and Minor Clans, asin the earlier treaties before the Court is to be encouraged."

--
Court Action 2 of 3- Courtier/Awareness TN 26 to Concur with Yogo Kiuchi. Benten's blessing Applies | 6k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 26)

+10 points to Yogo Kiuchi

[Kakita Hajime]

"The court is pleased to accept this proposal."

[Cearnach]

Crane/Lion agreement:

Hoshiko will advance. "The Lion and Crane found terms of further benefit while finalizing arrangements for Ikoma Koh-san and Asahina Etsuko-san to wed, presented here for the court's approval."

Addendum to the agreement:
Crane provide Lion: 4 stone, 2 lumber, 2 sake, Art service.
Lion agree to provide Crane with 5 units of copper next year.

Peace
The two Clans agree to peace for one year.

Other
Crane performers/artists will put on a big artistic tour of Lion lands, then Lion will reciprocate in Crane lands. (finer points to be detailed later, equal economic input)

Kitsu and Asahina agree to cooperation for one season at the Kitsu Halls (a small number will be hosted by the Kitsu).

Crane will set up minor trading posts in collaboration with the Lion along the River of Gold/Three Stone River (the one running north/northwest from around Kosaten Shiro on up to Rich Frog and beyond.) with a Crane trading hub in / near the City of the Rich Frog. Remove customs on Crane trade with Lion along this route.

additionally, finalizing details of the marriage agreed upon earlier in the season.

Ikoma-ke no kashin Nakata Koh to wed Asahina Etsuko, marrying into the Crane.

**********************
D13 Court VP: setting up Lion/Crane agreement in ghost-post land. 1 raise | 8k5 ⇒ 54 (TN: 31) +15

[Akodo Kenji]

Akodo Kenji stepped forward. "I am honoured to raise my voice in support of this agreement. Thank you Asahina-san, I look forward to furthering understanding between the Left and Right Hands."

---
D13. EA. Court. Support Asahina Hoshiko. Void for +1k1. | 7k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 24)

Success, +10 court points.

3/4 Court actions.

[Kakita Hajime]

"The court accepts this proposal."

[Cearnach]

Masaki will step forward and give a deep bow.

"Kakita-ue, if you'll allow. I would like to present to this court's appreciation a further agreement between the Crab clan and the Mantis, which will help to strengthen the ties between our cousin clans even more beyond the treaty previously presented and approved by this court. To achieve this even closer collaboration, the Crab commits to support our cousins with some of the rice we have secured for the year [1 Rice]."

"Both clans also commit to cooperate in naval affairs, especially in the southern waters of the Empire where the Crab's navy is most active. This will consist in collaboration to fight pirates and outside threats, as well as helping distressed sailors and vessels from both our clans. Pirates here would of course include any vessels declared as such by Emerald Magistrates, as well as any vessels seen to be attacking other Rokugani ships."

"With this agreement, the Crab will have declared commitments to collaborate with all other seafaring clans in the Empire. Having also seen many other such agreements declared during this Court Season, it is our hope and belief that these commitments will contribute both to the Empire's success and its preparation to react to threats should any be recognised"

She takes a step back and bows deeply.

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D13 EA - Court. Introducing Mantis/Crab treaty (assuming Masahiko approves it). TN 26, +4 from Seppun-inspected blessing (assuming it's approved) | 7k4+4 ⇒ 36 (TN: 26)

10 Court Points towards treaty

[Kakita Hajime]

"Sounds good, sure."

[Cearnach]

Masaki will step forward again, once more bowing deeply before taking the word.

"Kakita-ue, if this one may. I would like to present for this court's appreciation one further proposal of collaboration with the Empire's Younger Clans - this time between the Crab and our neighbours in the Sparrow Clan. We commit to keep strong ties of friendship and mutual collaboration, especially along the border between our lands, working together to keep our lands safe from bandits and other threats, and keep our people strong. As part of the celebration of this agreement, we would like to gift to our neighbours [4 fish] to help ensure their samurai may keep well fed and strong during the year, as well as [2 copper] for other needs. The Sparrow, in turn, have kindly offered to gift us [1 Paper] for the coming year."

"I trust this court will remember my words on the importance of unity among the diverse traditions of our clans to maintain and increase the Empire's strength - words I've repeated a few times, and I've been glad to see many others working towards here. This agreement with the Sparrow will mark the Crab Clan's efforts during this Court Season to support our words with actions, working with the delegates of all other clans, Great and Younger, to build agreements to support the Empire's strength and development. We hope the Court will see this agreement positively, and that the efforts seen during this Winter Court will build a basis for strong collaboration even in difficult times for years and years to come."

She bows deeply again. "Thank you, Kakita-ue. Thank you, minasan"

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D13 EA - Court. Introducing Sparrow/Crab treaty (assuming Masahiko approves it). TN 26, +4 from Seppun-inspected blessing (assuming it's approved) | 7k4+4 ⇒ 45 (TN: 26)

10 Court Points

[Suzume Ryobu]

Ryobu will rise to add her voice to Masaki's. Her words, though correct, are uninspired and uninspiring, as if something else is on her mind.

~~~~~
Concurrence succeeds at 27, https://sakkaku.org/r/17519

Sorry, barely functioning. Hajime approves this treaty.

[Cearnach]

Excellent.

Then please put the following into the court log for the day:


Jihen steps forward and bows to the dias.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of a prominent member of the Order of the Seven Thunders... Master Bokushi. He was found slain by an unknown assailant outside of the city the night before last. His funeral rites began yesterday, being presided over by the Temple of Tengen and Masters Do and Chou-sin."

He continues, "He was a man of great impact in his life... a known associate of our beloved past Empress who we still collectively mourn... and a guide to many in his life. He followed the way and will undoubtedly earn a reward for his good deeds in the life that waits beyond this one."

He then bows again, "In his honor, I wish to share a story told by the people who live near the home of the Order of the Seven Thunders."

Mirumoto-ke no Shishi no Chizuru of the Dragon clan was the daughter of a Soshi woman and Asako man who had married into the Dragon shortly after her coming of age. Her husband died of disease after they had been wed, but before she had arrived in her new home. She devoted herself to her duties and the way despite the tumultuous nature of her young life. She was kind and gentle... and she would often collect herbs and serve them to the Master Gyogi at the Shrine of the Seven Thunders.

One day she went into the mountains to collect herbs and saw a large snake swallowing a large frog. She entreated the snake, "Please set the frog free, I beg you." But the snake would not. She entreated again, "If you will do the favor of freeing the frog, I will become your wife."

On hearing that, the large snake raised its head high to see her face and spit up the frog. Whereupon, Chizuru said to the snake, "Come to me in seven days."

The snake looked at her with avarice and replied, "You will be a far better meal than that frog. I will come for you in the appointed time..."

Before the appointed day, Chizuru's heart continued to mount with tension. The night before the appointed day she traveled to the temple one last time and told her story to Master Gyogi. He replied to her, "You cannot break your promise. Be diligent in following the precepts of honor and the Way as you always have..."

Hearing his words, she reaffirmed her faith in the Way and set forth to face the dangers that awaited her at home.

However, on the way home she met a strange old man with a giant crab in a cage. She asked, "Who are you revered elder? And will you please set this crab free?"

He answered, "I am Mumei. At the age of seventy eight with no sons to depend on I have no means of survival. I must sell this crab to the market for its meat. So I am sorry my lady, but I cannot give it to you."

She took all the money she had on her person and offered it to the man, but he refused. She took off her outer robe and offered it in addition to the money but he refused. She then took off her silk kimono and offered it to free the crab. The man finally agreed and gave the cage to the woman with a chuckle.

Chizuru quickly returned to the Shrine and asked Gyogi to free the crab with a blessing. The venerable master praised her for her noble deed and sent her on her way home.

That night, as Chizuru slept, the snake returned as the hour passed onto the seventh day. He climbed the roof, pulled back the thatching and dropped itself into her room... ready to consume his 'bride'.

Suddenly there was a great tussle and Chizuru, frightened arose from her slumber and struggled to light a candle to see into the dark. As she did, she recoiled in surprise as the head of the snake lay next to her bedside. Beyond the head, the snake's body had been severed in several places... and beyond the body stood the large crab she had saved the day before.

She heard the chuckle of the old man in her mind... and the sound of a frog bellowing in the summer night outside her village.

Jihen paused for a moment to indicate the end of his story and then added, "From this tale we learn that the deeds we do in this world will return* to us... Good for good... and evil for evil. Thus the life of Bokushi will be rewarded, and those who slayed him... punished. May we all follow the Way with all diligence and receive a just reward is my sincere desire..."

He bows and recedes back into the flow of the court gathering.

-------
*kaeru: a homonym for frog


Present an Offering Action:
D13 EA, Court Offering, Storytelling, VP | 10k8 ⇒ 62 (TN: 26)

Donating points to Tomaru

[Kakita Hajime]

"Thank you, Jihen, for your words."

[Cearnach]

Day 13

“I have a small offering for the Court, intended to commemorate the many agreements with the Minor Clans we have made today,” said Yasuki Ryoichi as he presented a striking ikebana arrangement of red and white flowers, protected by a framework of angular branches.


Day 13 ikebana.jpeg
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13EA Gift for court, Artisan: Ikebana/Awareness +Void Point TN26 | 7k5 ⇒ 44 (TN: 26) succeeds for 25 Court Points