[Day 2, EA] Court: The Floor

[Shiba Ryusei]

Having slept through or been board-locked out of the last bit of business, Ryusei stepped up.

The proposal was a good one, and near and dear to his heart, given the object lesson his family's history gave about the importance of the heimin.

"The Empress is served by all Rokugani, however humble. My own House's... present circumstances reinforce the importance of those to whom samurai owe their protection. Mirumoto-san's proposal is Compassion at its finest. House Shigi cannot dare to stand in the shadow of House Ito or House Doji when it comes to generosity, but nor can we sit idly by. It is my hope that our humble contribution encourages others to do the same."

--
Awareness/Courtier, TN 24 to Concur with Mirumoto Jinkan's Position, Benten's Blessing, 1 Raise, Shiba Void-Bomb for +2k2 | 8k6 ⇒ 36 (TN: 29)

1-raise success, +15 points to Jinkan
Ryusei pledges... 2 Wealth of House Shigi

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna had smiled brightly at Mirumoto-san's proposal. And Doji-sama's support. And Shiba-san's.

(Oh her heart lifted to see him step in so quickly!)

"House Ageki gladly adds its resources to this important cause. We shall gladly give our gold to the Brotherhood to a cause that shines brighter than any metal."

"As the Little Teacher says: “The strength of an Empire does not lie in the stone of its walls, but the hearts of its people.” This will lift many hearts and fill hungry stomachs. It is the right thing to do."


https://sakkaku.org/r/15813 32 vs TN 29, 1 raise called

1-raise success, +15 points to Jinkan
Yuna pledges... 10 Wealth of House Ageki

[Jihen]

At this point in the discussion Jihen stepped forward to be acknowledged by the presiding official.

"I feel I must express my gratitude as a member of the Brotherhood of Shinsei for this expression of compassion and benevolence."

He bows in deference to the group.

"If I may relate a story that relates to the topic at hand..."

He speaks with a clear and practiced voice the following story:

"In a distant province, there once was a man named Isowake who used to sell fruit. Each time he would go into the market, he would purchase an old horse and saddle it with an overwhelming burden... If it failed to move, he would whip it angrily and drive it forward. The horse staggered along, its eyes full of tears... And when Isowake had sold his fruit he would then kill the horse and sell it to the tanners."

He paused, "After Isowake had killed a number of horses in this manner, one day, while he was making his rice for the day, Isowake's eyes and ears fell from his head and into the pot... He struggled to regain them, but he could no longer see or hear the world around him... and he earned only burned hands in exchange for his efforts."

He then continued, "We must always remember the Way of Causality... Beasts in this life, may have been our parents in a previous life, anyone you see today, may have been our loved ones in yesteryear... We must remember when the Tao tells us: 'Winds blow, nations change, fortunes rise and fall, but the simple folk will always be asked to shoulder the weight'. To feed the people, is to feed the Empire. To serve the Way, is to preserve the Empire."

Jihen bows humbly to the assembly and withdraws back after the proper protocol is met.

----

D2 Court Action #1- Concur, Perform: Storytelling, VP, Voice, Benten, 4 Raises | 10k8 ⇒ 64 (TN: 44)

4-Raise Success- +30 Court Points

[Shiba Rumiko]

"Right, and I believe that the point has been well and truly made. The Court accepts Mirumoto Jinkan's proposal for establishing a charitable fund for this year for the Brotherhood. People wishing to make donations to the Brotherhood under the Imperial Court's auspices may extend their largesse in the direction of the Minister for Religious Affairs."

"Now, is there any other business before the court."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki takes a small step forward, then kneels and bows deeply to Rumiko and the dais, then even lower to the direction where the Empress is. She then stands and bows respectfully to the others before turning to the Imperial Chancellor.

"Honourable Shiba-ue, this humble servant of the Crab would like to make a request that I believe is a worthy complement to those presented before it today. In keeping with Doji Shinnosuke's suggestion to grace this Court with a display of his preferred form, I would like to ask permission for an Art Festival at some point during the Winter - one dedicated not only to one art, but to the great variety of means of artistic expression practiced throughout the Empire, wherever the light of the mother of the Kami falls."

She opens the fan held in her right hand, takes a small step to the side and gestures towards those present, a small twist of her wrist suggesting that she may be pointing wider, beyond the court room itself.

"In keeping with the spirit of Mirumoto-san's proposal, I would like to suggest a structure to this art festival so that it may help us keep our people - and our souls - nourished, protected, and strong. Not through donations of rice or otherwise - valuable and important as they certainly are to those in need. But through remembering the great things the Empire achieves through the unity and joint endeavours of the servants of the Kami."

Another flick of the fan, it closes, and she gestures vaguely at members of each of the Great Clans - and some of the Minor Clans as well before opening it again.

"My suggestion would be for each clan to represent another one in their artwork, so that each of the Kami's children may represent how they see each other - and portray, remember and celebrate the ties between us all, that keep the Empire standing strong."

The fan is closed, she bows to the others, takes a step back, kneels and bows deeply again.

-------------------------------
OOC:
Court Action 1:
Introducing own position: Art Festival to celebrate the empire's strength in Unity

EDIT: Forgot to add which skill was used, not that it should matter much. But Courtier/Awa!

D2 EA - Court: Introduce a position: Art Festival to celebrate the Empire's strength in unity. VP, Seppun-sactioned effect for +4. Base TN 24, 1 Raise called | 8k5+4 ⇒ 41 (TN: 29)

1 Raise called, 15 Court Points I think?

[Hiruma Daichi]

Daichi wasn't really here to put his foot in his mouth trying to talk court with a bunch of courtiers. Kaiu-sama had been right about how they needed to support each other. So, when given a chance he stepped forward, and offered the proper bows to the assembled court before speaking.

"I believe Yasuki Misaki-san's proposal is a wise one, and I would like to lend her my support in this." He offered simply before stepping away.

Concur with Masaki about art festival! Etiquette/awareness Void for 1k1, 6k3+1k1 = 7k4 at tn 24. Nothing special | 7k4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 24)

+ 10 court points for Misaki.

[Isawa Ebiko]

Ebiko stepped forward again, "I propose along these lines, if we have art and a play, perhaps we could have a theme proposed so that some of these collected projects could be compiled into an illustrated pillowbook or anthology showcasing the talents of the attendees, that it may last alongside the events of the court throughout the ages."

Advance/Introduce Own Position(add a theme(s) to art+plays so we can make it into a book)

Awareness/ Etiquette base tn:24 spend second void +3k1, +1k1 since contested for path technique 3 called raises 51 success
25 court points! 3 actions left.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna stepped forward.

"As a librarian, I heartily support capturing the events into a book for preservation and reference. Let us document the arts, through vivid description. Visual artists might also help illustrate a scene from a play or an image of a sculpture or other art not directly translatable to the page. It will tell a story not only of artistry, but of cooperation between the clans. And remain a fascinating contribution to the history of art in Rokugan."


Support: https://sakkaku.org/r/15831 Etiquette/awareness 34 vs. 24 +10 court points to Isawa-san
(2 of 3 court actions available)

[Yasuki Masaki]

Daichi's words of support are received with a polite, but war nod by the Yasuki. Ebiko's words are heard carefully, and apparently with interest, although a careful observer might note her right eyebrow raising behind her carp-adorned fan, ever so slightly. The Dragon's words are similarly received with interest, but no sign other than a nod can be seen this time.

After Yuna steps back, Masaki gestures with her fan, as if requesting permission to speak again, then takes a step forward again when it is given.

"Recording the displays of art proposed in an anthology is indeed a valuable suggestion - for preservation and reference, as Agasha-san says. This humble servant would like to note, however, that a theme is already included in my original proposal. To wit: Each of the clans representing another one in art, so that through this we may, together, portray, remember, and celebrate the ties between us that give the Emerald Empire its strength. If we had to put it shortly, I suppose we could say: 'The Empire's Strength in Unity and in Diversity'"

Her fan, apparently particularly active today, gestures again towards the gathering of delegates. "So that all the Empire's servants may take part in the festival, each of the Great Clans might represent another one, and each of the Minor Clans another of theirs. The Empire's most sacred heavenly lineage would be a recurring theme, of course. Our kin who left to travel and learn more of the world should not be forgotten either, so they may appear in different ways."

She pulls the fan back close to her face before continuing. "I believe this gives the festival both a consistent theme, and enough freedom in means and thematic specifics for the great artistic variety of the Empire to blossom." A small nod. "How the ties between us are represented may vary greatly as well - marriages would be a prominent example, as could friendship, lessons learned and exchanged, or even trade - all within the same overarching theme.

She shifts her eyes to Ebiko for a moment, then to Shinnosuke, before turning to face the dais again.

.

"One possibility to keep the topic consistent throughout the anthology would be to have the play proposed by Doji Shinnosuke-san fit the same theme proposed for the Art Festival. Perhaps each of the actors could portray members of a different clan than their own?"

--------------------------
D2 EA - Court - Advancing previous position: Art Festival to 'celebrate the Empire's Strength in unity' (that's a theme! XD). Courtier/Awa, Seppun-sanctioned effect for +4, TN 24. | 7k4+4 ⇒ 54 (TN: 24)

2nd Court Action: Advance previously introduced position. 10 Court Points (current total: 35)

[Shiba Rumiko]

Rumiko spoke.

"I am afraid that the matter of the theatricals is closed. Delegates wishing to make suggestions to Doji Shinnosuke about the contents of his work are welcome to take it up with him, as the Throne's agent in this matter.

However, I would hear more about this theme of Unity for this festival and commemorative book. You say that it is Unity through diversity. I have heard delegates from the Crab and Phoenix clans. Is there further diversity of support on this matter? For that matter, is there a projected date for this artistic festival?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

The Yasuki nods, then bows respectfully at the Chancellor's answer.

"Thank you, Shiba-ue. I shall speak to Doji Shinnosuke-san on the matter, then, if the Lady Chancellor sees the festival as a worthy proposition." Another bow and she speaks again.

"Further diversity of support I must of course leave to be given by those who serve the children of other Kami. But if Shiba-ue would allow, I would suggest the Festival, if approved, be held on the eighth day of court - eight being similarly a sacred number, its shape (八) broadening gradually towards prosperity - as our horizons broaden and prosperity follows when we all work together. The evening, after all other Court activities are planned are concluded, might make a good time, although of course we would accept any time seen fitting by the Imperial Officers."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

One of the Lion stepped forward to lend her voice to the Crab's cause.

"This one supports Yasuki Masaki-sama, and would like to contribute to the idea of celebrating the diversity of our glorious Empire - in the name of unity under our most divine Empress. As the world is made up of different elements to make a whole, so too is the Empire."


----------

D2 Court. Concur with Yasuki Masaki's position. Courtier/Awareness. | 7k4 ⇒ 38 (TN: 24)

+10 points to Masaki's position (current: 45)

[Matsu Masumi]

Masumi, always waiting for an opportunity, saw one when her fellow Lion stepped forward. A show of unity was in order, so on theme. "This one believes we should always celebrate what makes our Empire strong." Differing perspectives kept them from becoming completely stagnant. She could have done with a little less influence from the other Clans though. Nonetheless it didn't leak much into her words, at least.

---

D2 EA Court: Concur with Yasuki Masaki, Etiquette / Awareness TN 24, Benten's Blessing | 6k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 24)

+10 Court Points to Masaki, Total: 55

[Shiba Rumiko]

Rumiko nodded along.

"Well, as the Lion and Phoenix have joined with the Crab in this expression of unity and accompanying book, I see no imminent objection to such a festival. Scheduled for the 8th day of court, it will be a nice prelude to the art show sponsored by Lady Doji and Lady Akodo on the 11th day. Yes, I think that shall work out nicely. Clans wishing to demonstrate Unity in Diversity may contribute, if they wish, to this festival proposed by the Crab and the accompanying book proposed by the Phoenix. Both are sanctioned by the throne."

A pause.

"Is there further business before the court?"

[Hantei Retsuhime]

It was then something that would go unrecorded occurred. Right in the middle of the talk of unity, the Daughter of Heaven began to cough great, wet coughs behind her screens The silhouette trembled, and then a sound emanated. No, it roared.

It was long. It was loud. It was unapologetic.

And, if the struggling ons of the Imperial Officers--and the unsubtle way Hida Kozume shuffled away from the epicenter--was any indication,

It reeked.

[Shiba Rumiko]

For her part, Rumiko, standing in the presiding position at the very edge of the occlusion zone of this terrible wind, simply cracked open her fan as (late) cover, so as to signal there was to be no public comment on what just went down.

Resolute, budging not an inch, she repeated. "Is there any further business before the court?"

[Akodo Kenji]

In the aftermath of the Divine Wind a young Lion stepped forward bravely into the unknown. He prostrated himself appropriately before Shiba Rumiko.

"Honorable Shiba-sama, if it please the court, this humble Lion bushi seeks to present an offering." Kenji held the artwork rolled up before him in both hands. "I have crafted this work in High Rokugani. It depicts each of the Clans in their correct places according to the will of the Heavens."

Part banner, part scroll, part exhibition of how to write kanji in exquisite beauty, it had been a good challenge of his abilities as a Scribe.

D2. MM. Making art! Calligraphy (High Rokugani)/Intelligence. Void for +1k1. 1FR. 2CR. Base TN24 for Shiba Rumiko so TN 34 | 10k5 ⇒ 57 (TN: 34)

[Shiba Rumiko]

Rumiko smiled happily.

"A splendid offering, Akodo-san. The court accepts with gratitude this sign of your clan's commitment to the traditions and history of the Empire."

[Akodo Kenji]

Thankfully the game of gift giving resolved swiftky and without incident. "On behalf of House Kusama I am deeply honoured by the court's acceptance. I shall not take up any more of your time Shiba-sama." Kenji bowed as deeply as he could, inwardly beaming.

He swiftly left the battlefield to the next brave soul.

[Doji Shinnosuke]

At some point Shinnosuke returns to the floor, this time with a box held carefully on both palms. "My Lady Chancellor. Since Art has been the subject of much discourse today, I think it not too soon to present this gift bearing the teaching and intentions of my sensei at the Kakita Academy. I did carve this mask myself, but it also carries the goodwill of my teachers and peers."

The mask is in the style used to represent a wise noblewoman, immortal, or goddess--figures like Benten, Amaterasu, or the former Empress Yugozohime.


(source)

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D2 Court--Present an Offering, Artisan: Masks/Awareness TN 24, Raises don't do anything! | 7k4 ⇒ 48 (TN: 24)
Present an Offering: Success.