Courtroom Debates [Day 1, Early Afternoon]

Mindshred · **Joined:** Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:24 am **Posts:** 1559

(Contemporaneous with the ~Event Thread~)

~ Characters in the Event can post in this thread but cannot make Influence Rolls (as they're doing so in the Event). Other characters can make Influence Rolls in this thread and comment on posts in the Event thread. ~

As samurai pour into his city talking about the Emperor's death, the Governor opens the courtroom up to visiting samurai, giving them all a place to get their bearings and discuss the current situation.

Or argue and yell at each other, as it turns out.

Shimizu Kendo · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:45 pm **Posts:** 126

Shimizu Kendo sits passively and listens closely to all that the court is saying. There is a lot happening, and his hesitation to rush into action is evident.

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:23 pm

It was hard to have not heard the talk as stragglers from Morikage Toshi had entered the city. And it seemed to have been confirmed. Tsukimi tugged nervously at the cowl around her neck, hiding her marked face more subconsciously than before... not that the birthmark was anything new to those who had seen her here in Toshi no Omoidoso during the winter.

Her brows furrowed with concern over this development, as she considered her own words to weigh in.

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

Ren is also present standing somewhere nearby the governor. She is a bit more solemn than one would normally see Ren. In truth she is much more worried about the condition of the people streaming into the city... but this moment and these circumstances seem to pull her soul away from her normal inclinations.

Something is happening... flows shifting rapidly... She needs to find her balance.

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

Tani had found a corner of the court room. Her arms were crossed, face creased in an annoyed furrow. As far as she was concerned, there was not much to discuss.

[PM if approached!]

Ryuuta Kin · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:29 pm **Posts:** 269

"Clearly the legal issue here is that Hantei XVI, the former emperor, recognized our fallen emperor Hantei XXII as the true emperor, never claiming the position as the current Son of Heaven from him while they both stood. As he was not our emperor at the time, murdered our emperor, was not declared a successor, was not an imperial heir or part of the imperial hierarchy Hantei XVI has no standing to inherit the throne from the man that he murdered. It would be akin to an Emperor abdicating and then murdering the child they abdicated to. Their reign has passed and so it would only move further along the line of succession, not backwards. His time as emperor was deemed over by the heavens when a new Emperor reigned after him. To say that the Heavens would wish him to be Emperor again would be akin to admitting the Heavens could make a mistake, calling into doubt every decision they have made before now. That is not a thread any honorable and devout servant of this empire should even consider pulling."

D1 EA, Influence, Imperialist, Courtier / Awareness, VP +1k1+4, Clan Magistrate +3, 2 Called Raises, TN 25: 5d10o10k4+7 36 3 Imperialist points

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki stood near his fellow Lion, as solid and stoic and ever. Still, his normally solemn expression was perhaps even moreso than usual, crossing the border into bleak.

Still, he kept his gaze steady, and his chin tilted proudly up, as though on guard duty.

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

As the lone Unicorn representative, Moto Baatar had a duty to attend the proceedings, no matter how ill-suited to court he felt.

What would Shinjo do here? he wondered. His eyes slipped to the pommel of his scimitar at the thought. Okay, terrible idea, never mind.

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

Her brows furrowed with concern over this development, as she considered her own words to weigh in.

Dragons are supposed to be smart, he remembered. Maybe she would have ideas! Baatar approached the Dragon and bowed. "Excuse me! I'm Moto Baatar," he said. "Big news, huh? I was wondering what the Dragon thought about...all this."

Bayushi Yukinaga · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 11:23 am **Posts:** 175

Yukinaga sat in court in his best kimono which was not necesarrily to say it was fine, no Crane would say so certainly, but it was sturdy and undoubtedly well made. His eyes peered out from above the visage of a fanged smiling oni that covered the bottom half of his face as he listened to the court.

After the last speaker sat Yukinaga stood and addressed the court "This Steel Chrysanthemum has been a shadow lurking in our midst for sometime now. We relaxed in his presence as he did not bare his fangs to us. Now his true colors have been shown, as he slits the throat of his own family in order to seize a throne death already relieved him of. The son of Hantei XXII is the clear heir and his mother should undoubtedly rule until the child comes of age. This is not a complicated issue Hantei XVI had his time, it is over."

With that he sat and waited to hear any other arguments.

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Day 1 influence roll courtier/awa vp +1k1 1 raise tn 20: 8d10o10k4 24

2 imperialist points

((Please PM if approached))

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:44 pm

Moto Baatar wrote:

Dragons are supposed to be smart, he remembered. Maybe she would have ideas! Baatar approached the Dragon and bowed. "Excuse me! I'm Moto Baatar," he said. "Big news, huh? I was wondering what the Dragon thought about...all this."

"Moto-san. I'm Togashi Tsukimi," she murmured, nodding and bowing in acknowledgment of him. The two hadn't had a reason to cross paths earlier in the winter, but she had observed that he had diligently represented his clan in the adversity of it all. So there was a measure of sympathy for him being a fish out of water. Or a horse in a courtroom.

"... I don't know the mind of my fellow Dragon, but... this is troubling. It's never good when people kill eachother for power like this." There was much she thought about saying, but it seemed too wordy still in her mind. "One thing is to respect and honor the ancestors - it's another thing entirely for them to kill their descendants in an attempt to usurp their place in the world."

Tsukimi's features softened a little as she looked at Baatar. "Did the Unicorn perhaps have any encounters in their travels that were similar to this scenario?"

Shosuro Sara · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:50 pm **Posts:** 689

Sara moved away, glancing at her fan. Of course there was some spittle on it.

She moved to a table where some refreshments were served. Some tea at least.

[PM if approached]

Hida Shiko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 42

Somewhere in the corner was an annoyed-looking red-headed crab, listening to what was going on as she worked on making some snacks and drinks disappear. Take it where you can, because you won't have another chance later, or some such thinking might've been involved.

[pm if approached]

Kanade · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:32 pm **Posts:** 129

As a minor clanner, Kanade decided to wait her turn to speak. However, she was firmly in agreement with those who had spoken. A significant amount of political wisdom and clout was being thrown around. Is it worth voicing my opinion in these tense times? Surely, honorable samurai will come to the right decision.

Then she saw a familiar red head and former clansmate. "Hello Shiko-san!"

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko had changed from what she had worn on the road as she had been forced to flee Morikage Toshi. Her designated court kimono was a little worse the wear from the surprise outing, so she had been forced to dress up a little. Outfitted in a Kaoku original, she entered court and paid the requisite obeisance to the Governor before moving to a small table to listen to how recent events were affecting the local environment.

She was not one to rush headlong into debate and stick her foot in her mouth. She would take her time and test the waters gently.

(PM for conversation)

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:59 pm

Freshly cleaned and warmed from the Onsen, Matsu Mogami enters the court with a kimono and courtiers fan, followed by two men also dressed in kimono. The two men take up a position behind her and keep their head down, eyes at the ground.

She listens for some time as others discuss what has happened before finally speaking.

"It is absolutely preposterous to think that there is any claim to the throne other than the Emperor's son and heir. The Empress should be the regent, acting in his name until he comes of age. Anything else is an insult to the histories and customs of Rokugan and spits in the face of Heaven itself. "

She delivers her statement clearly and decisively.

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Roll: https://orokos.com/roll/796650 Success
Imperialist Points +3

Hida Shiko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 42

Kanade wrote:

As a minor clanner, Kanade decided to wait her turn to speak. However, she was firmly in agreement with those who had spoken. A significant amount of political wisdom and clout was being thrown around. Is it worth voicing my opinion in these tense times? Surely, honorable samurai will come to the right decision.

Then she saw a familiar red head and former clansmate. "Hello Shiko-san!"

She was about to take another sip when she heard her name, and looked up into a face that was... maybe vaguely familiar? She'd seen too many faces; today, and all the days before it; to make the connection clearly. Or maybe it was the alcohol. Or both! Or maybe she didn't know this person *at all*? People had a habit of recognizing Shiko these days, after all. Though this was an odd time for a fan meet-and-greet.

"Uh, hello..." She offered, a raised brow barely hiding her tired confusion.

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

"... I don't know the mind of my fellow Dragon, but... this is troubling. It's never good when people kill eachother for power like this." There was much she thought about saying, but it seemed too wordy still in her mind. "One thing is to respect and honor the ancestors - it's another thing entirely for them to kill their descendants in an attempt to usurp their place in the world."

Tsukimi's features softened a little as she looked at Baatar. "Did the Unicorn perhaps have any encounters in their travels that were similar to this scenario?"

"There's a city out in the Burning Sands where politics is mostly about who cuts who's throats," the Moto mused. "But everyone told me things were different here."

"Having the ghost of your grandfather come back to kill you is certainly not something I've heard of before," Baatar admitted. "A bad omen for sure. But what does it mean?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 7:04 pm

Seitouna follows Asakuro into the facility. He defers to the other Tortoise, though, and takes up a position in the court to observe.

(Lots going on; PM if approached, though I may move off as time allows.)

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

A woman wearing a relatively light richly made pink kimono, for the current weather that's it, appears in the court room. She has raven black hair, carries daisho and certainly could pass as a Doji maiden except for the fact that she carries the mon the Mantis minor clan on the back of her kimono.

She approaches respectfully when she is acknowledged. She opens her beautifully decorated fan

'' My name is Nagiko, most estemeed minna-sama, coming from the far away lands and islands of my clan, across the vast domain of Suitengu-no-kami.'' She starts

'' This clearly is a remarkable situation, unique in its occurrence. Strange times lie ahead of us. '' She continues.

A pause.

'' I was surprised and shocked, as everyone else here and in our vast empire, when i was informed of the death of Hantei-heika. I doubt there is anyone here or beyond that could not see the crime that was commited by another one of the Hantei line.''

'' Yet, the Heavens spoke when Hantei XVI-heika appeared and returned to us, i am no expert but the fact that he returned from the beyond could be considered a sign that the Heavens are acting in ways that we currently don't fully understand.''

'' Clearly there should be a discussion among priests and people knowgeable about the spirit realms of how better to react to this event. In the meantime i suggest patience to all of us as this event unfolds.'' She finally said.

She made a bow to all those present and then returned to where she was.

***************************************

[OOC - Rolls]

Influence; Courtier/Awa 7k5; +0k1 Benten's; +1k1 VP - 47|Pass [1 VP; 3 CR]

+4 Traditionalist Points

[PM if approached please]

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 7:10 pm

Moto Baatar wrote:

"There's a city out in the Burning Sands where politics is mostly about who cuts who's throats," the Moto mused. "But everyone told me things were different here."

"Having the ghost of your grandfather come back to kill you is certainly not something I've heard of before," Baatar admitted. "A bad omen for sure. But what does it mean?"

A hand touched the prayer beads she carried with her. The calloused thumb brushing over the bead one by one as her mind recited a sutra - a soothing gesture for her own troubled mind.

"It means war, death... chaos. Many will suffer once the snow thaws enough to allow this Steel Chrysanthemum's forces to march." Despite this, the Dragon seemed very calm, although melancholic about such a future for the Empire.

"The actions of this returned Emperor goes against the Celestial Order and the Kharmic Wheel. Hantei the Sixteenth had already lived his life and lived his destiny - to return in this way, instead of being reborn as is the natural cycle, is a mockery of the Heavens. It is unnatural. He might have governed a prosperous time in the past, but that time is long ago. It's the will of the natural cycle of things that the right to rule passes to the young heir."

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D1 EA Influence Roll. Imperialist. Courtier/Awa. +1k1 Void. 3 Raises. TN 30: 6d10o10k4 41
+4 Points for Imperialist (Hantei Tokiyo)

Courtroom Debates [Day 1, Early Afternoon]

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