[D7, EA, Court] Prince and Pauper: the Floor

[Asako Kenichi]

Amused by the Scorpion story, Kenichi stepped up, citing am amusing tale from Asako Yogo's time, before from his fall for grace.

"And thus shall two twins continue to share ideas, and on occasion,ideals."

Ooc:
D7 court, supporting Soshi Eiji's treaty idea, Storytelling/Awa, Voice, vp for 1k1, 2 cr, tn 31 | 7k6 ⇒ 39 (TN: 31)

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei had desperately wanted to come to Yuna's aid during the Sparrow treaty... incident, but that was an emotional response, and would have surely earned the wrath of his daimyo.

No, his ability to be recognized on this day was less than it had been the last time he'd spoken before the Court, and he needed to save his energies for the interests of the Clan.

He would have offered to stand as her champion in the duel, though- but Togashi-ue had stepped in to accept, and that was that.

And now it was time to do his duty by his Clan.

"Soshi-sama's tale is not merely entertaining- it also takes only minor liberties with the facts, and none at all with the truth."

He made a minor flourish with his fan. It was a surprisingly artful gesture, seeming to draw the viewers closer, as if he were about to whisper in their ears, instead of simply speaking before open court.

"And this arrangement is more than a simple exchange. The proposed Phoenix samurai to be married into the Scorpion Clan is my younger brother, and I take personal joy in this arrangement. A marriage guided by wisdom is certain to be a harmonious one."

He paused, and subtly glanced toward Otomo Mariko. Just subtly enough that everyone could see him do it, but no one could say he'd been gauche about it. A simple acknowledgement of the nakodo's input on both his engagement and his brother's. Just the right amount.

"May Saburo serve the Shosuro every bit as well as he has served the Shiba. May Musubi-no-Kami bless my brother as much as I have already been blessed today. And may the Court bless this treaty."

--
Day 7, EA, Courtier/Awareness to Concur with Soshi Eiji, Shiba Void-Bomb for +2k2, Benten's Blessing Applies +0k1, 2 called Raises for a final TN of 31 | 8k6 ⇒ 52 (TN: 31)

+20 points to Eiji

[Miya Hachi]

"It would seem," said Miya Hachi, "that the parties of this agreement are very pleased with it. As a result, I am pleased to accept it on behalf of the court."

"Is there further business before the court?"

[Akodo Kenji]

It was not the court session that Akodo Kenji had been hoping for but it was the one he had. A little more subdued than normal he approached the floor.

"If it please the court, Miya-sama, I would like to present a treaty between the Lion and the Badger. Our Minor Clan cousins guard the Northern border from majestic but rather barren mountain lands. To aid them in attending to their duties we will provide them with 3 units of rice. In exchange they have agreed to provide us with 2 units of iron and 2 units of arms and equipment."

He paused and pulled out the scroll he had prepared that contained all of the details, signed off with the chop of Akodo Sanae.

"Finally we will reduce the tariff on goods passing through our lands to both the Badger and the Boar Clans for the next year."

Roll
D7. Court. Badger treaty (Assuming time allows). Advance own position. Awareness/ Etiquette. Void for +1k1. | 7k4 ⇒ 44 (TN: 21)

+10 Court points

[Otomo Gorobei]

Otomo Gorobei, having arrived fashionably late to court, strides out onto the floor.

"My view is that this treaty represents a bold step forward for the development of the west. I enjoin all western clans to consider similar measures, so that the Empire may grow in prosperity from year to year...like the...the mighty pine!"

As he stands in awe of his own wisdom, preening just a little bit and hoping that his reach for a metaphor slipped by unnoticed, he catches sight of Tatsuya chatting with his buddy Yasuki Ryoichi.

Huh. Who's that asshole? Looks like a bushi.

His eyes narrowed.


[Otomo Gorobei advances his own position: that the west should see more economic development. +10 Court points to Otomo Gorobei]

[Miya Hachi]

Miya Hachi clears his throat. "Right, thank you, Otomo Gorobei, for that observation. Are there any others who wish to comment on this treaty?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"We hope one day all the Empire will enjoy prosperity and uh... pine-ness," Sayomi offered a respectful bow to Gorobei for his input.

"Which the Lion will contribute to as we exchange goods between us and the Badger, and hoping to foster good relations among us for future generations to come."

Short and to the point, steering the conversation back on track to the trade deal.

----

D7 EA Court. Action 1/2. Support Kenichi. Courtier/Awareness. | 7k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 21)

+10 to Akodo Kenji (wrote Kenichi in description but meant Kenji!)

[Asako Kenichi]

Asako Kenichi stepped up, in support. "It is quite good to see such a close alliance between Greats and Minors, for a stronger Empire."

Ooc:
D7 Court, Etiquette/Awa, supporting Kenji, vp for asako 3k1, prodigy, 3 cr, tn 36 | 10k5 ⇒ 43 (TN: 36)
+25 court points for Kenji

[Miya Hachi]

"The court, seeing strong support from the Lion and the Phoenix and the plain benefit to the Minor Clans from this deal, accepts this treaty."

"Is there any further business before this court?"

[next deal...incoming!]

[Cearnach]

When the chance presents itself, Masaki will step forward, bowing deeply to the dais and appropriate to the others in the Court.

"Miya-ue, if this one may." Another bow to the Miya. "I would like to ask the Imperial Bureucracy to officially endorse something that has long been, in fact, widely and traditionally recognised - but this one trusts reaffirming our traditions may go a long way to keep us steady."

She gestures to the room for a moment with the fan, then faces the dais again, eyes roughly at the Miya's feet, as appropriate. "It has long been known that any large-scale military conflict within our glorious Empire, however righteous or honourable the cause may seem to those involved, may only be declared with the express sanction of the one chosen by the Heavens to lead us. This is nothing new, of course - it has been the rightful way since the early days of our clans."

She lowers her head again. "This tradition should mean that no military conflict between the clans ought to be declared, much less accepted as legitimate, until the Heavens have seen fit to declare their choice for all to see. When the chosen Child of the Heavens sits on the throne, they - and only they - will be able to judge, and grant or deny Imperial sanction to any such conflict as the Heaven's Will decides. Until then, Heaven's Will could not be known for sure without its child on the throne - and so, it seems, to sanction such large-scale conflict would be hasty, and potentially dangerous."

"Again, this is nothing new, as it has been our tradition for long. But, again, our traditions help keep us strong, and in difficult times reaffirming them may be more important than ever."

Another deep bow, and she steps back to join the crowd.

----------------------
D7 EA - Court. Introducing proposal (now for reals, as the previous one was dropped after talking to GMs). An actual emperor/Empress on the throne needed for interclan war to be sanctioned! Base TN 21, 2 Raises called. Seppun-sanctioned effect for +4, VP spent. | 8k5+4 ⇒ 47 (TN: 31)

[Miya Hachi]

Hachi frowns.

Just as the act of affirmation provides an opportunity for some to erase the tradition entirely. What a painful risk. But to reject the debate...would it not have the same effect as failure. Oh, little Yasuki, I hope that your instincts are correct.

"The court...the court will hear this debate."

[Matsu Tsuruyo]

Lady Matsu strode onto the floor.

"There are many things that one could say about this proposal in principle. However, I will limit myself to an observation based on the actual point of law Yasuki Masaki has cited. Yasuki Masaki claims that only the Imperial prerogative permits war between Families and Clans, and that without an Empress to approve them, all war must die in its cradle until the Heavens give us some sign of who the Empress is to be.

There is much to question about that view of the world. How will the heavens signal us? What "clear" signs should we be looking for? Who will be the observers? These are but three of the inherent assumptions in this motion that I know we will debate and chew upon for the remainder of this court.

But the core question is this: is war a natural part of the political process or no? Yasuki Masaki paints it as an exception. Yet, we have had troop movements accepted by this court already, in spite of our oaths. Yes, the clans in question say that these movements are precautionary, but precautionary for what? I say to you that they and you know as well as I that war is inevitable. It sits behind the words you all exchange, however much you try to hide it behind your civility and your courtesy. It is why you hold true to your agreements, and it is why you seek to make them. It is the rule, not the exception. I urge the court to reject this proposal as woefully unrealistic. War is inevitable. Only by being able to draw the sword can we ensure peace from those who choose not to keep to their oaths, or who were never bound by them in the first place. That is what preserves your veneer of civility. You would be fools to throw it aside."

[Matsu Tsuruko refutes the position. -10 points to Yasuki Masaki]

[Asahina Hoshiko]

Hoshiko frowns slightly, but smooths her features and drawing her fan for the floor battle.

"Less than a week ago, every single clan swore to hold violence until the Empress named her heir. Do any think death absolves them of their oaths?." Her storm-blue gaze sweeps the assembled faces, as if judging those who might say, or even think, Yes.

"If our ancestors watch and judge our actions, do you not think Emperors and Empresses watch over the empire they ruled? An heir will become apparent...we trust this do we not? Or do we believe the Empire to remain rudderless?" She shakes her head in sharp negation.

"I trust we may debate what sign constitutes the divine Empress's will in the matter, but not whether we should ignore our oaths in the meantime."

******************
D7 EA Court, Support Masaki's position. VP for +1k1 2 raises | 8k5 ⇒ 48 (TN: 31)

Support (broadly) for Masaki's 'no war is the current rule' position. +20

[Kitsu Shintaro]

It was then something strange happened. Kitsu Shintaro stepped onto the floor.

"Um...well," he began, suddenly a little at a loss for words, but then he began to almost tremble with energy.

"Well...I have the solution for this debate! It is much as Asahina-san says. The influence of an Empress lives on! And so does her spirit, in a very real and scientifically verifiable sense! We can merely ask her what she believes that we should do! In fact, I can..."

[Akodo Sanae]

Akodo Sanae rises to her feet. "Lord Kitsu, such talk is premature. Attend me."

And the Kitsu withdraws with a quick bow.

"And I rise in support of the proposition for peace, though I concur with Lady Matsu's concern with the terms of Yasuki Masaki's condition for recognition of the next Emperor. We may not have the privilege of waiting for a clear sign from the heavens, and there would be entirely too much disagreement over what such a thing would entail. In spite of that, the Empress' will was clear, and I, at least, intend to keep to my oath. I expect that others will do the same."

[Akodo Sanae Introduces her own position: Peace between the clans according to the Daimyo's oaths, but some other method must be used to determine who succeeds the Empress. +10 points to Akodo Sanae.]

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"I think we all should listen to the wisdom of Lady Akodo!" Sayomi added in enthusiastically. Heavens and destiny waits for no one, I think, and we can't wait around for a sign."

She paused a moment. "So, uhm, we must still keep the Empress' peace!"

It wasn't very persuasive. And seemed almost childish.

----

D7 EA Court. Action 2/2. Support Sanae. Courtier/Awareness. +1k1 Void. 2 raises. | 8k5 ⇒ 24 (TN: 31)

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki bows low to Hoshiko after her support - but also bows respectfully to Sanae, and then Tsuruyo. Sayomi gets a nod along the way as well.

"Miya-ue, if you will allow this one another word on the matter." She turns her gaze to the ground in front of Sanae.

"I see, in fact, great agreement between the traditional position this one brought to the Court today and Akodo-dono's. What I am asking the Imperia Bureaucracy to endorse is, in essence, the same oath Akodo-sama speaks of, by other words: that no all-out war between the Empire's clans be declared and accepted as legitimate while we do not have a rightfully recognised Mikado sitting on the throne."

She turns her gaze towards the Matsu, gives her a polite nod, her fan by her side.

"This is not to say, of course, that all war can be avoided. The Crab, of all people, know that is not always the case. And recent history shows that the Empire would be weakened if we forget that there are, indeed, times when fighting is inevitable. So we do in fact agree, with a great deal of honourable Matsu-dono's words. That those who break their oaths must face consequences is also not in question - this much has also always been part of our traditions, for those who feel wronged to seek the right to see such wrongs amended - or avenged."

She nods again. "Sanctioning by the Child of Heavens has rarely been needed in such cases - unless, of course, the conflict in question escalates to large-scale war between two of our clans. It is this conflict that our traditions have always required to receive the Heaven's blessing to be considered just - and it is this tradition that I ask the Imperial Bureaucracy to officially endorse today, so that our path to the future of the Empire may keep steady."

Turning to the Akodo again, nodding to Hoshiko along the way.

"On wow it is that the Heaven's Choice will present itself to us, or this Court, I am in full agreement with Matsu-sama, Asahina-san and Akodo-sama that this is very much open to debate - and I do not doubt Matsu-sama's words when she says that this debate may be upon us for most of the remainder of this Winter Court. For my part, I can only declare my trust in our Blessed Empire's capacity to find the means to decide who the Celestial Heaven's Chosen Child is. I do not mean that this should be an omen, or a directmessenger from the Heavens. Perhaps it is, but this is not for me to decide. I ask only that, while that decision is not taken, we hold to our traditions and refrain from open war while there is no Mikado to properly assess and bless it."

Another low bow, to all those involved and Miya Hachi, and she steps back again.


-----------------------
D7 EA - Court. Advance own position - "An actual emperor/empress on the throne needed for interclan war to be sanctioned". TN 21, 2 Raises called, VP, Seppun-sanctioned bonus for +4. Holding a Jasmine tree trinket on her hand for +2k0. | 10k5+4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 31)

Advancing own postiion - "An actual emperor/empress must be sitting on the throne for interclan war to be sanctioned"
Success with 2 Raises, 20 Court Points.

Current Court Points for this position should be 50 if I'm counting right.

2nd action (plus 1 gift waiting in line, if we get to that!)

[Miya Hachi]

Miya Hachi stepped forward. "I have heard the positions on this matter, and I take it very seriously. There is no denying that this is a time of inflected tensions. We are not currently in a position to permit the clans to abrogate the oaths they made to the throne, as Lady Matsu implies that we should. I am inclined, therefore, to accept Yasuki Masaki's proposal, with the proviso that the method of determining the Empress' successor will be a matter for future debate."

"Yes, peace between the clans will be the will of this court until such time as an Emperor or Empress permits it."

[Cearnach]

That was when the Crab stormed the floor with gifts.

Day 7

“Respectfully, I would like to make an offering to the memory of our great Empress,” Ryoichi said solemnly, bowing as he offered the ikebana arrangement. “It is a small thing compared to the glory of the Daughter of Heaven, but I hope it may show, in its small way, the high esteem in which we all held her.”

The flower arrangement prominently featured a white chrysanthemum, still brilliant in color despite the lateness of the season. The stem of the flower seemed not quite strong enough to support the heavy flower, but had been carefully wired to a support so that it appeared that it was bowing with respect. Five green leaves sprang from the stem, which was held in a white porcelain dish marked with the character for “snow”.


—
7EA Gift for court, Artisan: Ikebana/Awareness +Void Point TN21 | 6k5 ⇒ 36 (TN: 21) passes

Daichi in a what would be his first time to address the court himself, stepped forward to present a gift to the Court. What he offered was a well-made netsuke in the shape of a Hare. Carved from maple it had been oiled and polished to a shine, care and time evident in even the smallest of details.

Artisan/Awareness to craft a gift day 7 Court. Tn 21, Void for 1k1 | 6k4 ⇒ 28 (TN: 21)

Masaki steps forward again, carrying something on her hands - this time not in a small pouch, but wrapped in a furoshiki sack.

"Miya-ue. The Crab have spoken of strength and unity in our first days here. We have spoken of the importance of collaboration, the value of cooperation - and how breaking the ties of fellowship among our peoples should not be done lightly. "

"Speaking as a retainer of Hida's Clan, I understand that we are often seen as a people built for and shaped by conflict." She shakes her head slightly. "It would not be right to deny that, of course. All here know that to be true. Our eyes must be always wide open to a conflict that cannot be stopped by words."

She shakes her head again. "But that is not the whole truth - and that is why we place so much value on strength and unity here, among the Kami's peoples, where words can weight more than weapons. Collaboration, amity, peace even, however short it may be for us, and beauty. Those are all also part of our lives in the south."

She opens the furoshiki to reveal another artwork in Straw. "I would like to present a gift to this court today which is meant to represent some of the spirit of the Crab. A tranquil, quiet river crossing through southern lands. A quaint scene, simple even, showing that it is not only weapons, armour and fighting spirit that lives in our hearts - ready as we are, and must be, to draw on all of those and wield them at any time. But we are ready to do so to protect a spirit that is larger - in our lands, and in the Empire that we love and serve."

A deep bow. "Thank you, Miya-ue."

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

D7 EA - Court. Action 2: Gifting the court a small model of a riverside scene, a bridge atop an empty space representing a river that runs besides margins with tall grass, reeds, and a small, simple house. Artisan: Straw Plaiting, TN 21. Seppun-sanctioned effect for +4 | 7k4+4 ⇒ 43 (TN included in description, but not the box! Passed either way)

25 Court Points, should be Action 3.

[Miya Hachi]

"Okay..." said Miya Hachi. "That'll do the court on gifts from the Crab for today. Nice work, everyone."