[D14, EA, Court] The Floor

[Cearnach]

This thread is for official business using the Court Actions rule system. Presiding today is Otomo Tooru, the Otomo Family Daimyo. The TN for court actions is 22.

Tooru is an Otomo Seiyaku, which is a Courtier School

[Fukurokujin]

Sayomi took once more to the floor, bowing to those gathered. "It's my honor to present this trade deal between the Lion and the noble Fox."

"in the Winter of 486 in Kyuden Ikoma, the Lion in a show of good will to the Fox, will send an Ikoma Bard of talent to work with Kitsune Aiko. [1 Art Service]

In return, the Fox will provide the Lion with lumber from their forest [2 units].

To foster good relations moving forward, this deal is supported with a betrothal between Kitsune-ke no kashin Reizei Ikuko and Akodo-ke no kashin Kusama Kenji, with Reizei Ikuko joining the Lion. We hope this blessed union will be prosperous for both clans."

She bowed.

D13 Court. Introduce own position (Fox-Lion treaty). +1k1 Void. 1 raise. (2 out of 3 Court actions) | 8k5 ⇒ 37 (TN: 31)
+15 Points for Kitsu Sayomi

(Posted with apologies. This will NOT expend a Court Action, but responses to it will.)

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei stepped up.

Minor Clan, Great Clan. Deal betwixt.

And the fact that it was the Lion and the fox, whose very existence owed to Lion aggression, was also pleasing to him.

"This agreement is heartening- the Kitsune Mori helping the Lion in their duty, and the skills of our gracious host's Family aiding the Fox in theirs. The Phoenix are gratified by this."

--
Courtier/Awareness TN 22 to Concur with Kitsu Sayomi, Action 1 of 2 for the day, Benten's Blessing applies, Void for +1k1 | 7k5 ⇒ 31 (TN: 22)

+10 points to Sayomi

[Otomo Tooru]

"The court is happy to accept this agreement between the Lion and the Fox. Is there further business before the court?"

[Daidoji Sae]

"Good Afternoon Minna-sama, I am speaking today to ask for the court's direction on a serious matter. It may sound simple, but it could directly impact the lives of millions of heimin and even samurai across the empire.

I am speaking of course of the fish population in Three Stone River, the crucial artery that cuts across our empire from west to east. This river supplies food and drinking water to the lands of many Clans, including the Lion and the Crane. It also feeds the River of Gold.

Should the river's bounty ever be exhausted we would face starvation in short order. As such I ask this court commission a report into the fish population to be staffed by learned scholars from a variety of Clans to report back in 5 years time with testimony that can inform any necessary action.

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Day 14 Court, EA, Court Action 1, Introduce Own position, contested+benten's calling one raise for TN 27 | 9k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 27)

+15 points

[Daidoji Sae]

"I will also draw the court's attention to the variety of issues which may contribute to a decline, temporary or permanent in the River's fish population.

The most obvious is of course, over-fishing. Consider how the population of our great empire has swelled since it was firm formed. The rich bounty of the earth has nourished and supported our people. But any hunter will tell you of the dangers of taking too much too quickly from the land. Now that great cities and many towns stretch the length of the river, are we simply taking too much?

Then of course there may be spiritual implications. This court has already seen the results of disturbances with the kami both great and small. A river of this size is a potent spiritual force, one worthy of the great respect with which we hold any of our natural wonders. Can we truly be sure there is no spiritual malaise? That we are treating the river kami with the veneration they are owed? This is why I would urge that a shugenja assist the report team should one be available so they can contribute their own wisdom.

Lastly we must be ever vigilant against the prospect of sabotage. Although I know none of the honourable samurai gathered here would even consider such a duplicitous act, we cannot rule out intentional mistreatment of the river and its fish population.

All of these are I believe compelling reasons to support the report."

-----
Day 14 Court, EA, Court Action 2, Advance Own position, contested+benten's calling one raise for TN 27 | 9k4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 27)
+15 points to the report.

[Daidoji Sae]

"Now, as to the consequences of declining or even absent fish populations in the river. Let us consider the risks such a thing would pose.

For many fish is a staple food, especially those living around the shores of the great lake Mizu-Umi No Fuko which supports many major communities and castles from Shiro Mastu in the west to Shiro Daidoji in the east. A reduction or halt in fish supplies there would cause hardship to many clans and risk destabilizing a major population centre.

In the short term there would likely be inflated food prices, which I do not have to remind the court are devastating to peasants, but also mass internal movement as whole villages are forced to abandon their homes and move elsewhere. This would cause internal chaos, a rise in crime and lawlessness and a burden for both clan and imperial administrations.

Furthermore, should the cause of any fish population decline be spiritual then the matter is likely not to end simply with less fish, but with great destruction and damage the length of the river, and should the matter be exceptionally serious, the River of Gold as well. Destructive floods could occur, or the river itself could shrink, denying drinking water to those that remain. These would further inflict damage on the Empire."

------
Day 14 Court, EA, Court Action 3, Advance Own position, contested+benten's calling one raise for TN 27 | 9k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 27)
+15 points to the report

[Daidoji Sae]

"Lastly, the composition of the report team.

To build on the theme of unity we have seen advanced time and time again across this court I propose the team be comprised of junior samurai from many clans, at least one representative each from each of the clans whose lands would be most directly effected. There is no need for this august court to decide on the particulars beyond that as I know they possess many brilliant young samurai who would diligently perform such a task.

I would also ask that a scholar familiar with the matter be sought to lend their wisdom to this cause. That way we can temper youthful energy with experience and wisdom. After all, we will be relying on this team to produce a comprehensive report supported by testimony.

Further , the team should be supported with visitation rights and local guides who while lacking perhaps the education and skills of our team will have the important knowledge of local customs, environments and habits to serve as a foundation for the report.

In conclusion, this matter is important, and requires a resolution, but it is one that, with proper thought and guidance, can be resolved while providing the Empire with further knowledge and surety.

I thank the court for its time."

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Day 14 Court, EA, Court Action 4, Advance Own position, contested+benten's calling one raise for TN 27 | 9k4 ⇒ 31 (TN: 27)
+15 points to the report

[Otomo Tooru]

Tooru, who had stopped listening some time before, simply said "Daidoji-san's proposal will, of course, be studied in full by the Bureaucracy before implementation, but receives the conditional acceptance of the court."

"Is there any further business before the court?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

To wake the court up with something more exciting (and herself too), Sayomi took to the floor and bowed to the gathered crowd.

"Minna-sama, ah... My apologies, this is a very late invitation to give, but the past few days have been so busy for us all and. Anyway." She cleared her throat. Or killed a yawn induced from all the fish-talk?

"It would be an honor to invite everyone out for a hunting excursion tomorrow morning. With plenty of times for folks to come back in time for the court and its very important debate." She bowed quickly. "But I understand if it's not something for everyone, as tomorrow is very important!"

It really wasn't her best delivery, and there was a nervousness to her words as she knew it was very last minute to invite to everyone to such an arrangement.

----

D14 Court. Introduce Own Position (Hunting event D15). Courtier/Awareness. +1k1 Void. 1 Raise (1 out of 2 Court Actions) | 8k5 ⇒ 25 (TN: 27)
-10 to own position.

[Akodo Kenji]

Kenji stepped forward to support Sayomi who appeared to have lost her usual confidence, perhaps distracted by the weighty fish-based matters that had just been discussed.

"Ah, if I may? I believe that Kitsu-san's proposal would allow for some much needed relief from the matters shortly to be faced by this court. It will be a refreshing opportunity to enjoy the Ikoma countryside and refocus. I lend my support to this noble endeavor."

---
D14. EA. Court. Supporting Sayomi's proposal. Etiquette/Awareness. Void for +1k1. 1CR. | 7k4 ⇒ 41 (TN: 27)

Success, +15 court points to Sayomi.

[Otomo Tooru]

"If there are no objections, the court accepts this proposal of the Lion's to engage in a hunt."

"Is there any further business before the court?"

[Cearnach]

Yuna stepped forward and gave a deep bow.

"Otomo-sama, thank you for the opportunity to speak."

"I understand that there was a fire at the granary last night, capably handled by Lady Hirasawa's complement of the Ikoma Army. Let her name be honored here, and the names of any soldiers she might wish to submit in report for their particular bravery."

"Likewise, it is my sincere hope that not a grain of rice was harmed. It may be so! The Army acted swiftly!"

"But on the chance there was, let it be clear that the Lion are surrounded by friends and allies, and no external ill-doer shall disrupt the peace here."

"It happens that the Dragon have one surplus unit of rice when all the trade deals were completed. We offer it to the Lion, with our well wishes."

https://sakkaku.org/r/17544 25 v 22

[Kitsu Sayomi]

(since none of my bosses jumped in to refuse it xD)

Sayomi rose to answer Yuna. "The Lion thank the Dragon for this generosity." She bowed deeply. "We were lucky to salvage most of the rice, thanks to the brave efforts of Lady Hirasawa and the people under her command. The Dragon's gift is a welcome donation to make up for what was lost."

[Otomo Tooru]

"The court thanks the Dragon clan for its generosity and the Lion clan for its forbearance. This proposal is approved. Is there any further business before the court?"

[Cearnach]

Yuna stepped forward with a deep bow.

"Otomo-sama, I have a proposal for the court."

She spoke with authority. Clear and compelling.

"In short, I recommend that the imperial court diversify the format in which taxes can be paid. There are numerous advantages to this. Presently, all taxes must be paid in rice. I recommend that you permit payment in metal, also. To have a diverse treasury with rice and gold and silver and iron... That is inherently more valuable than having all resources of a single kind. Diversified assets provide stability and flexibility. The net value is greater, even if the goods are of the same value. Each of us negotiating our trades experienced the advantages of having a diverse set of resources on hand."

"Likewise, there are inherent advantages to metal over rice."

"Rice is bulky and fragile to transport. It is vulnerable - in the field - to weather and battle. It is vulnerable in the storeroom to fire and rot. It rapidly loses its value for it does not endure. At most, rice can be stored for two years, and much can go wrong in that interim, even as hungry bellies are left unfed."

The issue of fire had proven out. She wished it hadn't. But it was an inherent problem of large granaries as the sole and obvious stockpile of wealth.

"It would cost less and take less space to transport and store and be potentially easier to defend, leaving more resource at every stage for more local use. Even if a ship goes down, metal can be recovered. Rice cannot. Allowing payment in metal leads to less ... the economic term is breakage. Less loss of resource to the economy that becomes unusable. More would be fed. And the arc of balance - the ability for a strong year to protect against a lean one - would extend indefinitely, rather than be bound by at most one additional year. Metals do not decay."

"Those rich in rice can still pay in rice. It simply provides all with greater options. And it is an option that may appeal in years with unexpected events like drought and war that impact the rice harvest and make it more important to keep the rice local to feed your own people."

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


https://sakkaku.org/r/17546 56 v 32, 2 raises called

[Shiba Ryusei]

The Phoenix had agreed, by treaty, to support the Dragon in this matter.

And Ryusei would be damned to the depths of Jigoku if he let Yuna float this proposal alone.

So he stepped up right beside her.

"The Phoenix endorse this proposal. This measure will make years of poor harvest less damaging- as Agasha-sama notes, those with abundant rice are not disadvantaged, and may carry on as before. What this does is make the duty every Clan owes the throne simpler to meet in times of agricultural difficulty. It will also introduce a less... erratic basis to taxation. House Shigi has always paid our taxes in rice, as is law- but we have first to secure it from elsewhere, as our lands, entrusted to our care since the time of the First Hantei, are ill-suited to farming."

He opened his fan, with its sandpipers on the shore- not exactly prime rice-growing country- and fanned himself.

"And the price we pay in other materials varies from year to year. If this proposal harms anyone, it is those who speculate in rice and leverage it against those who must obtain the crop from them simply to fulfill their duty under the Celestial Order. Rice will always have value- we cannot eat gold. But the Empire's wealth takes many forms, and as all of it must serve the Throne... we encourage the adoption of this proposal."


--
Courtier/Awareness to Concur with Yuna, TN 22, Benten's Blessing Applies, Shiba Void-Bomb for +2k2, 1 called raise for TN 27 | 8k6 ⇒ 46 (TN: 27)

1-raise success, +15 points to Yuna

Action 2 of 2, no more court actions for Ryusei.

[Hiruma Daichi]

Where the Dragon and Phoenix trying to start a war? Daichi shook his head and stepped forward. offering polite bows to those on the dias.

"I will skip over my personal feelings on this matter and simply get the point. This sort of action is ambitious and well out of the purview of this court or the Clans.

"Therefore I believe any discussion of this should be set aside until an Emperor is in place on the throne and can truly weigh in on the ramifications of such a thing. Next winter at the earliest. "

‐‐----‐---------------

advancing own opinion.
Set this aside until we have an Emperor.

proposing a topic. day 14 court void TN 22 | 7k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 22)

10 points.

[Akodo Kenji]

Akodo Kenji rose and stood beside the Hiruma delegates. "Minna-sama, I find I must lend my support to Hiruma-sama's position. Now is not the time for introducing measures with the potential to destabilise the entire Empire's economy. The idea may or may not have merit, but it can be considered in a year's time once a new Emperor or Empress reigns."

He nodded to Daichi and awaited further voices.

---
D14. EA. Court. Support Hiruma Daichi. Etiquette/Awareness. Void for +1k1. | 7k4 ⇒ 38 (TN: 22)

+10 to Hiruma Daichi's position

[Yasuki Masaki]

That a Yasuki stepped forward to speak on such a proposal most likely surprised a total of zero people in the court room.

"Otomo-ue, minasan", she says with a deep bow, her face covered with her fan so that it almost looks like the Carp on it is talking instead through the flower in its mouth.

"As Akodo-san and Hiruma-sama's words make clear, this sort of change could have wide-ranging economic effects. Or it could have little effect - we do have coins circulating already, after all. Some reasons Agasha-san give for the change might even warrant further consideration, but reducing the circulation of rice might itself have unintended consequences."

She shakes her head slightly. "Given all of these variables, and the important consequences that might follow, it seems far too hasty to decide on such a matter without due time to further study and discuss consequences and possibilities - a discussion which, by its own nature, focused as it is on economic matters, is probably more fit for other environments than the court. Even more importantly, as Hiruma-sama and Akodo-san say, a decision of this magnitude is one I believe should not be taken without a rightful ruler on the throne."

She bows deeply to Tooru and the crowd, then steps back.
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D14 EA - Court. Action 1/4 - Support Hiruma Daichi - economic discussions such as this should wait given the circumstances. Base TN 22, 2 Raises called. VP spent, holding frog-chan in her hands as she speaks for +2k0, Seppun-sanctioned blessing for +4 | 10k5+4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 32)

.... just enough!

20 Court Points to Daichi's proposal
Current total: 40