[Day 2, EA] Court: The Floor

[Shiba Rumiko]

Shiba Rumiko waited a beat to be sure the Empress' bit of the day had come to a firm close, then stepped forward again.

"There is just one more announcement. The Empress' kick-off kemari game will take place in the late afternoon in the Forecourt." She cleared her throat.

"Now it is my duty to declare this court open for the Empire's business. To begin with, we will have the formal presentation of Ikoma Ryota's report on the Succession. Lord Ikoma, if you please."

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ryota carefully makes his way to the front of the chamber, his back is slightly hunched, but he looks presentable as he turns and addresses the court.

"As you are all aware, I was tasked at the end of last year's winter court with forming a team and conducting an archival exercise to determine who would be legally acceptable as an heir to throne. While the succession is, strictly speaking, within the Imperial Prerogative, as Her Imperial Majesty has made clear, and therefore any candidate she might choose to name would ipso facto become the heir, without need for ratification, the Empress wished, in her wisdom, to pay respect to the tradition of the succession built up over these many generations since the accession of Hantei Genji.

In each case, proximity of blood in the line of descent was the deciding factor, save in the instances of the accession of Hantei Yugozohime and the regency of Hantei Muhaki. My team and I thus traced the branches of the family tree of the Hantei, searching for those individuals closest in blood to the current Empress, our lady, Hantei Retsuhime. We discovered four candidates. These are, in no particular order,

Seppun-ke no kashin Kanehime Tomaru. Seppun Tomaru's line split from the main line in the 6th generation, making him a second cousin of the Empress. He is descended from Otomo Kanehime, the eldest daughter of Hantei Fujiwa, who married Seppun Takiyo. These begat Seppun Kanehime, who married Asahina Kagetoki, Seppun Tomaru's parents. Seppun Tomaru is married to Seppun Anzai, nee Isawa. They have 3 children and eight grandchildren. Seppun Tomaru has served for many years as a member of the Imperial Security Detail.

Doji-ke no kashin Doji Noriko. Doji Noriko's line derives, of course, from Lady Doji through the person of Doji Masamori, the younger brother of Doji Kakumei. However, she also bears the blood of the Hantei through her mother, Otomo Emihime, the younger sister of Hantei Yugozohime. This makes her the 1st Cousin of the Empress. While ordinarily Doji Noriko's mother having married out of the Imperial Families would naturally disqualify her from the succession, it appears that Otomo Emihime did not forswear her claim to the throne because of a directive from the then-childless Hantei Yugozhime. We could not, in good conscience, disqualify her for her mother's having followed a command of the Most Righteous Yugozohime."

And here he paused as though leaving time for an intervention. Seeing that none was forthcoming, he continued.

"Otomo-ke no kashin Totogasi Gorobei. Lord Gorobei derives from Hantei Bosai's younger son Totogasi, who married Agasha Takiyo, from them came Otomo Kikuhhime, who married Kakita Hiroki. From these came Otomo Otoya, who begat Otomo Gorobei from his marriage with Hiruma Jin. As Lord Gorobei's line split from the main line of the Hantei in the 5th Generation, he is a 3rd cousin to Her Imperial Majesty. Lord Gorobei has served for some years as the Vice-Minister of Public Gardens.

and Otomo-ke no kashin Tohojatsu Keihime. Lady Keihime has been a leading light of the Imperial Courts for her entire life, and has served as the inaugural Imperial Adviser. Her blood derives from Hantei Ningi, the son of Hantei Genji and grandson of the Hantei himself, through Hantei Ningi's second son, Tohojatsu. Each of her illustrious forebears has won plaudits and honors from the Emperors that they have served so well.

These are the four from which the Empress will choose her heir. May she find them worthy, and choose for us one who will reign with wisdom and justice."

He turned and bowed deeply to the throne, then once again to the Chancellor, then once to Keihime, and then finally to the galleries, before returning to his seat.

[Shiba Rumiko]

"Thank you, Lord Ikoma, for your submission. As the Empress has asserted her privileges on this matter, it is not up for debate."

Rumiko takes a quick breath. "There remains one other piece of business, and that is that the Empress' kick-off kemari game will be taking place in the late afternoon. Those interested in taking part as players should report to the 3rd Deputy Director of Sport in the Forecourt in the mid-afternoon.

This court is now willing to hear the Empire's business. Those with business to present before the court may now do so."

The Court is now open for business. The Presiding Officer is Shiba Rumiko, therefore the TN of Court Actions is 24.

[Doji Shinnosuke]

At an appropriate moment, when all the shock of the Empress's break with precedent has faded somewhat, the murmuring over the details of the Ikoma librarians' genealogical conclusions has diffused into a dull hum, and the atmosphere of the Court has returned to something more like a baseline level--in other words, a moment when a courtier of no particular rank might speak without too much fear of being immolated by royal annoyance--Doji Shinnosuke approaches the dais with a graceful tread and waits to be recognized.

He kneels and bows deeply.

"My lady Chancellor. I have a modest suggestion to make of the Imperial Presence. Though I'm of small fame, I come to this court as a student of the Kakita Artisan Academy, trained in the art of acting. This ancient art not only entertains humans, it also propitiates and pleases the kami and Fortunes. In order to invite such blessings on our Winter gathering and lighten the spirits of all in the Court, I humbly propose that the Throne might sponsor a theatrical performance here at Kyuden Ikoma."

"Of course," he adds, pitching his voice somewhere between formal and practical now, "I understand that such performances are not common here, and the lands of the Lion Clan are not well supplied with professional acting troupes of quality. But there are many talented samurai present for the Winter Court, and I'm sure that with only a little trouble we could assemble a satisfactory performance by--and for--the gathered nobility."

---
OOC:

Shinnosuke proposes: Let's put on a show!

D2 EA Court--Action 1, Introduce Own Position, base TN 24, 1 raise, Courtier/Awareness + Prodigy + Benten | 8k5 ⇒ 57 (TN: 29)

He succeeds, for 15 Court Points (base 10 + Raise)

Shinnosuke's Court Stats:
2 Court Actions, 1 used.

[Daidoji Sae]

When its her turn to speak Sae steps forward and echoes Shinnosuke's words albeit with less elegance and more force.

"Doji Shinnosuke is one of the empire's premier actors, I can think of few who could better accomplish such a task with the skill necessary to be worthy of the throne itself."

Bowing her head. "If such a performance can bring together the hearts and minds of the samurai here so that they may be united in wisdom then all the more reason for my humble support of it."

With a deep bow and thankful to have not botched it, she retreats.


---
OOC, Action 1/4, Concurring with Doji Shinnosuke, called and hit 2 raises, +20 court points.
Day 2 EA, Court, Action 1 - Concur with Doji Shonnosuke's position.

Base TN 24, calling two raises for TN 34, Benten's, Spending a Void Point
Roll 2: courtier/awareness, calling two raises for TN 30, Bentens | 9k5 ⇒ 39 (TN: 34)

[Otomo Tooru]

From his position just at the edge of the dais, Otomo Tooru rose to his feet.

"I rise to oppose this motion, as there seems to be some confusion as to the credentials of this "actor." Either he is of small fame or he is a premier actor of the Empire; he cannot be both. It seems, furthermore, that if we cannot be certain of the proposer's true stature, then it will be difficult to be sure whether our hearts and minds will be 'united by wisdom,' or whether we will simply be as confused as this proposal."

Courtier (Rhetoric)/Awareness, 2 raises called. | 10k6 ⇒ 49 (TN: 67)

Unfortunately (for him, but perhaps fortunately for others), Tooru's half-hearted little stab seems not to fall on Rumiko's ear in the way he might have hoped.

[Asahina Hoshiko]

Edit to quote the post supported.

Hoshiko rolls her eyes. Some people were just determined to be contrary and get in the way of a good time. She feels a moment of sympathy for a generation of Crane courtiers dealing with such ridiculously thin objections to perfectly unobjectional things.

The sturdy priestess steps forward with a spring in her step, hands clasped before her heart as if to contain her joy. "Just the thing to set a mood for the season, and, as you say, an excellent spiritual element for the season. The air kami adore all the costumes and music!"

If you act as if it's a done deal, a reasonable subset of folks will act along with you. "Something classic? Or will these new actors have something new to portray for the court?" Either way, get them excited...or perhaps get them advocating for their preferred choice...rather than for the doldrums of cancelled entertainment.

*****************************
1 and only court action
Day 2 Court: Concur with Another’s Position Aiming to bolster our actor's good idea for some entertainment. Courtier/Awareness VP 1 raise | 8k5 ⇒ 44 (TN: 29)

Supporting Shinnosuke's proposal +15 points

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenichi coughed lightly as he entered the frwy, waitong to be allowed to soeak.

"I concur with Doji-san. A play with actors from across the Empire is just the kind of cuktural touchstone everyone woukd sppreciate at this court. And often passion matters as much as skill, or at least can make up for it."

OOc:
Supporting the play
D2 court, sgreeing with Shinnosuke's proposal, Etiquette/Awa, prodigy, Loremaster 1 for +3k1 vp, 2 cr, tn 34 | 10k5 ⇒ 44
3 actions left, 20 court points

[Isawa Ebiko]

The small Phoenix stepped forward and waited for her own chance to chime in. Once indicated, "I also agree with Doji-san's proposal. Some of the most beloved courts referenced in the historical archives hosted a play."

concur with Shinnosuke's proposal Awareness/ etiquette base tn 24, spend vp +3k1 for technique =tn29:
48 success
4 actions left, 15 court points to Shinnosuke

[Shiba Rumiko]

Rumiko decided to cut this off before it became a rout.

"Well, it sounds like there are no substantive objections to this proposal, so Doji Shinnosuke is permitted to stage a theatrical production. How long will it take you to get such a thing together?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Rumiko decided to cut this off before it became a rout.

"Well, it sounds like there are no substantive objections to this proposal, so Doji Shinnosuke is permitted to stage a theatrical production. How long will it take you to get such a thing together?"

Shinnosuke had risen to let others take the floor and state their positions, but now bows again. "This one is grateful for the Imperial Chancellor's beneficence. As five is a sacred number, I propose to give this performance five days hence, in the afternoon [Day 7]. Will it be acceptable to use the stage in the castle forecourt?"

[Shiba Rumiko]

Shinnosuke had risen to let others take the floor and state their positions, but now bows again. "This one is grateful for the Imperial Chancellor's beneficence. As five is a sacred number, I propose to give this performance five days hence, in the afternoon [Day 7]. Will it be acceptable to use the stage in the castle forecourt?"

Shiba Rumiko turns to the Minister of Entertainment and Delights, starting a chain of looks until the Senior-Under-Vice-Minister of Entertainment and Delights waves his fan to signal the affirmative after checking his (blank) schedule. That sends a cascade of fan-waves back to the Minister, who turns back to Rumiko with a nod.

"Yes, it would appear to be free. You have the Imperial Assent for your production in the afternoon five days hence."

She turns to face the fore again. "That concludes the business of Doji Shinnosuke's proposal. Is there any further business before the court?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Sae waits an appropriate amount of time after Rumiko's question before politely stepping forward and adding.

"My house will be honoured to provide the necessary tools to support the performance."
A deep bow and she retreats again, turning to find a runner to ensure the appropriate goods were purchased.

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OOC - Present an Offering (offering made by another).
Day 2 Court, Present an Offering, Base TN 24, Benten's, Etiquette/Awareness | 8k4 ⇒ 24 (TN: 24)

Success, +15 court points.

[Shiba Rumiko]

"Right...well...okay, then. If the porters could deliver those to the...Crane delegation house...from the...Crane...delegation house, that would be the thing to do."

*ahem*

"Is there any other business to be brought before the court?"

[Ikoma Tanji]

The Lion scribe glides through the crowd, taking a second to get the proper posture before taking the stage. "This humble servant wishes to present a gift to the court. A collection of copies of scripts, lost among the vast volumes traded among letters over the years. I have taken the time to curate them and bring them here for the bright new talent to have a look at and give them a revival."

(Present an offering to the court, Calligraphy)
D2 EA: Present an offering Court Action, Calligraphy/Intelligence, free raise from Imperial Scribe, modified TN 19 | 7k3 ⇒ 31 (TN: 19)
Pass, +25 Court Points

[Shiba Rumiko]

"Scripts as in theatrical scripts, Ikoma-san?" Shiba Rumiko asked.

[Ikoma Tanji]

"Among others yes. These are collections of correspondences so some are scripts, others are merely thoughts that were left undeveloped for various reasons. I would not wish to step on others' toes; but with proper acknowledgments, I do hope they will honor our new talent and our ancestors."

[Shiba Rumiko]

Rumiko nodded. "Well, I am sure that the court can find some use for them, if the Ikoma Libraries could not. Thank you, Ikoma-san."

"Is there any other business before the court?"

[Mirumoto Jinkan]

A Dragon in green steps before to the court to give the proper bows of respect to the assorted figures. Then he began speaking.

First he spoke of the farmers, those who work hard to feed the Empire. Then the craftsmen who make the tools needed for everyday life. Finally the merchants who make certain food reaches those who need it. He talked about the hardship of miners, of fishermen, of loggers.

"The hardworking people of this Empire have touched my heart. Great is the number who despite their labors cannot feed and clothe their families. While I am but one man, I would seek to request a wave of giving! Of charity! Of good deeds! In this time we must help those below us, for it is our duty. It is honorable. It is the Way." Jinkan lifted an arm to the high ceiling like it was Tengoku.

"I will begin by pledging resources of my house to assisting the needy, through those who walk among them already, the Brotherhood. I ask for the court's support and that others add what they can spare. Thank you." Jinkan bowed again as was proper.
([Jinkan is using Introduce Own Position: Pass A Collection For The Needy, and sets aside (5) wealth of his house to give to the Brotherhood.)

[Day 2, EA] Court: The Floor, Courtier/Awareness, TN24, VP for 1k1, 7k4 | 7k4 ⇒ 79 (TN: 24)

[10 points.]

[Doji Noriko]

A cool, clear voice broke from the gallery.

"Mirumoto Jinkan has spoken true words, and I find myself moved by his reminder of the words of the Little Teacher. In memory of the snowfall he shared with Lady Doji, and of the generosity of spirit he showed in giving of himself to defend the realm of the Hantei, I will give what I can, and encourage others to do the same."

Concur with Position roll Courtier/Awareness | 10k6 ⇒ 48 (TN: 29) +10 points to Jinkan's position. Noriko sets aside 20 wealth from the House of Doji.