Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
|
Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Apr 20, 2012 14:17:37 GMT -5
Meanwhile, what’s happening at the court of the Hantei? With the fall of Swift Sword Castle and the sudden turnaround in the forces of the Civil War, new terms and new options are suddenly being discussed. Hantei Naseru’s court is increasingly busy trying to decide what to do with the now less confident Shogun. This thread finds this topic at the forefront of courtly discussion for those who are allowed into the presence of his most imperial and auspicious majesty, the Son of Heaven, Hantei the XL.
"No, you don’t understand, my lord. We cannot continue to fight the Toturi. A continued war not only causes us to have to slaughter our own brothers but will be taxing to say the least on our own position. We are much better off if we await their offers of peace."
I sighed in frustration at the warmongering courtiers in the room. Though we were not in the presence of the Hantei at the moment, the topic was being discussed as if the decision were to be decided then and there. I continued before another could take up the torch of the discussion inasmuch as I hoped that we would be able to resolve the entire matter without further bloodshed.
"The Hantei is infinitely compassionate and is perfectly capable of welcoming his brother back into his good graces. When the proposals of truce come we should accept them with open arms. What will we gain by trying to force the Emperor’s own brother into a more difficult position? If we live in an era of war we will all regret it. Let us return to a time of peace!"
|
|
Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
|
Post by Tamori Koichi on Apr 20, 2012 18:04:28 GMT -5
ooc: If I may ask, why is the Lord Hantei not at his court?
|
|
Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
|
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Apr 20, 2012 18:49:24 GMT -5
Yukihime didn't took a central position in the court. It's always better leave the stage's main spot to the courtiers. They sure enjoy it better than she could ever do.
Despite the mild wind surrounding her, her very presence is discreet as she is not escorted by an insane amount of attendents.
She listens patiently to all that is said. Attentive eyes observing the court. Considering what just happened to Doji Domotai, Yukihime wouldn't be surprised if some enemy of the empire decided for a even bolder course of action.
The possibility of a new assassination attempt was among her concerns, be it against the Hantei or against Toturi, it would ruin all the peace effort she have being watching and encouraging.
She have watched the Suzume family retire from this war, and recently a brave Otokodate gave word of doing the same. Yet, they are all still serving the Empire as they could.
These are turbulent times. The Empire probably can not withstand losses like Toshi Ranbo or SwiftSord much longer. What takes months to be destroied may take years to be rebuild. Numerous heimin had probably fled some of the most productive areas in Crane and Lion provinces. Many crops were abandoned or even destroyed. It's spring time and we are recruiting peasants that should be seeding the soil. But this price is only to be payed next winter. Something that generals may not have in mind right now.
If Toturi had fought for the "people" in Mountain Watch Keep, through this current war he already claimed the lifes he saved and probably more.
Among many concerns the Asahina daimyo nods silently, in agreement with Isawa's last few words.
"Not only we should welcome those who come to talk at this court, as we could send them our invitation, encouraging to do so. By now, peace is probably what most of us hope for."
|
|
Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
|
Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Apr 20, 2012 21:44:20 GMT -5
ooc: If I may ask, why is the Lord Hantei not at his court? OOC: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=2226I figure we're in a court 2 setting and we are meeting in smaller groups where the Hantei need not bother personally attending. /OOC I turned to see the lovely Crane make her remarks though she didn't seem to be one of the most practiced courtiers in the room. Not that I was one to talk. I was barely practiced myself and could only speak on principle rather than the practical voice of experience that so many were able to call upon in their arguments. "I agree with my lady Crane. We ought to organize a diplomatic envoy to the Shogun's camp and plead for his peaceful abstaining from a claim to the throne."
|
|
Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
|
Post by Tamori Koichi on Apr 20, 2012 22:01:08 GMT -5
ooc: Fair enough. I guess some of us could just create posts wherein we address the Emperor in a separate part of the court from you guys. I feel that the Emperor would want to be seen more now, afterall this rebellion started because others felt that he secluded himself too much from his followers when he was needed. We don't need to put Naseru in a bad light anymore than the Toturists already have.
|
|
Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
|
Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Apr 20, 2012 22:16:07 GMT -5
((OOC: I just thought it would be hard to include Naseru since there's no one to really role-play him.))
|
|
Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
|
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Apr 21, 2012 7:29:32 GMT -5
((OOC:I thought the Hantei wasn't here because being in other thread already rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ic&action=display&thread=2223 Any way, could we "merge" both threads so every more ppl can play? We don't have players enough to run 2 separate courts, imo. I agree Hantei may like to be seen, it's important that he doesn't appear absent or careless of his subjects. May be he will just be a sereve, yet patient, listener/spectator until everything is discussed and proposed before saying something, as, of course, any word of him would be final.)
|
|
Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
|
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 21, 2012 8:50:06 GMT -5
OCC: I’m considering this event is taking place in the first week after CoSS fall.
As Hatamoto of the Crane Clan, Kakita Mitsouko was waiting to be listened by Naseru in a previously appointed private meeting to the Son of Heaven. After the good news of the recent victory in Castle of Swift Sword, the Kakita daimyo was expecting to find the halls of Otomo castle to be full of emissaries and dignitaries, and she wasn't disappointed at all. The Loyal clans had already sent their emissaries after the victory in Swift Sword Castle, and the Voice of the Emperor was listening to the open claims and declarations of loyalists from both great and minor clans. Once again, she felt so inadequate when some skillful courtiers were around displaying their finesse, but, despite it, Naseru was Toturi‘s son and many things changed in the court after the arise of a Lion Dinasty to the Emerald Throne. ANyway, she hadn't had problems to communicate in accord to the Emperor til this day, though she personally wasn't that fond of him. Some conversation was very interesting to be heard, but she was there for asking the Emperor to proclaim an Edict of Full Amnesty and forgiveness in the term that all belligerence has to cease immediately. Not long ago she was the very deliverer of a message from Hantei to Kaneka, and though the content itself wasn’t of her knowledge, she could only suspect it was an offer of peace and an opening for conversation. Also, she, who architected the controversial truce between Crane and Lion along Akodo Tomatsu, was ready to defend peace, though ready to commit to war if needed be. Mitsouko was aware nothing was about to be decided there, since anything else was waiting for what Kaneka and the rebels were deciding in their meetings elsewhere. Also, she knew every agreement on peace should most likely to be discussed in long conversations, to avoid a great loss of honor, and every clan should be treated separately for a better result. Peace was indeed a demanding mistress. Unless, of course, Kaneka claim the mistake for himself and choose to seppuku, when benevolently Hantei could accept their new oaths. She listened to Yukihime's words, as she sat sort of close from where the Phoenix magistrate and the Asahina daimyo were, but said nothing. Yukihime was right, though she was also willing to know how long the Rebels which realized peace was the best solution to the Empire would swallow their pride back and send emissaries to Hantei. Even the Spider sent emissaries once, and it was a display of courage and commitement with a cause. How long?
|
|
Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
|
Post by Yasuki Chad on Apr 23, 2012 0:20:58 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad, After spending several months in the Crab lands, finally returns to the court. He listens to Isawa Mitsuru's statements but visibly disagrees with all her points.
"Unfortunatly I can see no way to peace as long as Kaneka is alive. He's already broken his sworn vows once, and while he remains alive he could be used as a rallying point for any current and future supporters."
"As painful as it is to say, the Toturi Dynasty must be ended a second time." "
|
|
Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
|
Post by Tamori Koichi on Apr 23, 2012 2:01:50 GMT -5
Tamori Koichi, daimyo of the Tamori family strode straight through the sea of courtiers. A pair of Seppun flanked him on both sides as he followed the captain of the guards to the open court room. He paid no heed to the peering glances and the hushed whispers of those around him, walking tall as he could towards his destination. It was expected, courtiers afterall were like frogs, croaking and jumping everytime rain fell, and here was the Tamori daimyo falling hard.
The green and gold of Koichi's kimono was fitting of his stature. But it helped little in others not noticing the bandages surrounding most of his upper right body. The red still seeped into them indicating that the wounds have not yet fully healed ... if they ever would. Keener observers would notice that the Agasha Daisho was gone, replaced by Koichi's own swords.
They arrived into the court room where several other dignitaries were probably waiting to be received by the Emperor as well or had come to court to maneuver their own interests forward. Again he paid them no attention. The entourage stopped and the captain turned to the Tamori. "Please wait here. You will be informed when the Righteous Emperor wishes to see you." He bowed and Koichi returned it, the captain then quickly taking leave. Koichi knelt on the prepared mat, slowly and gently as his weakened body could.
He closed his eyes and waited.
I will not move until I understand.
|
|
Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
|
Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 23, 2012 4:22:16 GMT -5
I do so hope the battle you won is the last one for this war, Koichi-san. She smiled sadly, gently talking to the Tamori daimyo. His eyes were closed but she thought he was just very very tired. It was a fact they never met in person before, but it wasn't really a hard task to recognize him right now. It’s a honor to finally make your acquaintance.
|
|
Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
|
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Apr 23, 2012 9:25:21 GMT -5
"Kaneka-san is nothing but one man. If Kaneka-san found followers to his cause, does the problem lies with him, or with those following him? Do Yasuki-sama believes that ending Kaneka's-san life will end this war? At this point, how can we be sure Kaeka-san dosen't have a "yet unknow son"?
I believe everyone can see where this war is leading us. Will we really insist on this path?
I don't expect any honored samurai to easily give up their beliefs or take their words back, but there must be a way to avoid more loses." Yukihime stood up " Estimated nobles samurai of this court, allow me ask; what is truly desirable now? What are we seeking? Are we pursuing Kaneka-san life? The end of the war? What are our desires? And where such desires comes from? Unfortunately, this is not heaven, not world of perfection yet. Our mortal side must be watched over and, most of the times, contained.
Kaneka-san death is not the same as the end of the war, the end of the war is not the same as peace. Peace is not easy.
Once we are sure on our goals we can work on how to achieve them, but would be a mistake to hushly assume that Kaneka-san death is, necessarily, a step towards the end of the war. It may be, but may also not be. Death at all may not be a step towards our wishes. A strong Empire needs a worthy Emperor, but also needs several subjects" ((OOC: This situation kinda reminded me of Quing Dynasty fall in 1911. The ruling nobles were 'absorpted' into the "commom man" class, but they were not killed - not like in many western situations where kings abdicate and their bloodlines are burned out of existance anyway.
I wonder if this war could lead into West Rokugan and East Rokugan )) Yukihime took a look around, truly looking for answers. She was confident no one would give up their duty as defender of the son of heavens but after so many protracted conflicts more variables have come into play. The shugenja sat back in seiza position, as she was before. She wished to move towards the Tamori Daimyo, but it didn't seem as he needed any disturbance. The Dragon sacrificed much, they gave the Hantei side their greatest achievement until now, and there was nothing to celebrate or be content for. This is probably the worst part of the war.
|
|
Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
|
Post by Yasuki Chad on Apr 23, 2012 14:28:20 GMT -5
"To be blunt, yes. The problem lies with Kaneka and we should seek his life. Without him the rebellion is over. There is no other scion of Toturi to make a claim. Perhaps his followers could be recused for obeying their lord over their emperor, perhaps they should all be made Ronin or ordered into exile or seppuku....ultimatly they are irrevelent. So long as Kaneka is alive, there cannot be peace."
"I would spare his followers if I could, if only to use them against the true threats to Rokugan."
|
|
Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
|
Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Apr 24, 2012 11:14:54 GMT -5
"If one living man can be used as a rallying point, then how much more can the memory of a martyr be used for the same cause. We have no need to cause further bloodshed, whether for war or honor.
"My Lord Yasuki Sado, there is no need to end the life of his imperial majesty’s own brother. There must be some way that we can ensure the safety of the empire without demanded his seppuku. As we have discussed previously, the Son of Heaven is merciful. Perhaps we may request that he forgive his brother when Toturi-sama shaves his head and takes his vows.
"I have to say that even if a man has made mistakes previously, I believe that he can still regain his honor without making three cuts."
|
|
Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
|
Post by Tamori Manji on Apr 24, 2012 12:22:49 GMT -5
Yasuki-sama, I ask that you pay heed to the reasoning of Isawa-sama and Asahina-sama, said a strong voice from amidst the crowd of courtiers. Moments later, an old man appeared dressed in a changsam of emerald green and gold that marked him as a Dragon. At the side of his family mon, that of a dragon encircling and clinging to a swirling lightning bolt, stood the symbol of his office, a magistrate's badge. Although time had not been especially kind to his appearance, intermingling its indelible marks with the scars left by many decades of service, his vitality seemed untouched. He was Kitsuki Sogetsu, the magistrate who had foiled the assassination attempt against Doji Domotai and the one who was now in charge of investigating that heinous case. The old Dragon bowed to all those present, extending an especially low bow to the Asahina daimyo, then said, although such decision is currently out of our hands, we should never close our hearts to forgiveness.
His unexpected presence and remarks caused a commotion amongst the courtiers present in the hall. Sogetsu patiently waited for the hubbub to die down then continued, as the wise Asahina daimyo has pointed out, the Empire needs its citizens in order to thrive and its doubtful that the Son of Heaven would wish to rule over the dead. Isawa-sama also speaks the truth when he says that an ideal can inspire more than a single living person and, because of that, we should be careful when dealing with the repercussions of the former Shogun's actions.
Our victory over the Lion and the Unicorn at the Castle of the Swift Sword came at a great price. The mere presence of the former Shogun inspired his followers to fight madly until and after their very deaths, leaving the Dragon with no choice but to use the full extent of its magical power to erase their rebellious resistance. This was the first time we have witnessed such powerful spells being used in the war but, if this conflict drags on, it will not be the last.
Do not mistake yourselves, we are going face to face against former Clans that represented the military strength of our Empire. The Unicorn easily boasts the most mobile troops, the best cavalry and knows tactics that are foreign to many of our generals. The Lion was the ultimate symbol of our military might and ingenuity. The Crab has the most durable and strong infantry in the whole Rokugan, also boasting knowledge of siege weaponry and fortifications. And the Mantis, even though temporarily defeated, control the seas.
Now I ask you all, what are the Dragon and the Phoenix known for? How do you think we will have to fight our battles in order to win against such powerful enemies? We are the ones who can hear the kami, our gifts are those of the spirit and so are our weapons. Expecting us to fight without our magic is the same as expecting the Lion to fight without their swords and armors.
There is a reason why the Phoenix is reluctant to fight and why the Dragon stays in its mountains, we both know very well what our powers can do, even if the Empire has forgotten. This is why the voices that claim for alternatives, that plead you all to be forgiving, are the voices of your shugenja, they know what their powers can do when released. They know that after such huge battles, like the one that razed the Castle of the Swift Sword, spiritual predators will roam the battlefields, the dead will become restless and the elements will fall out of balance. And it is your shugenja the ones you will call upon when such things happen, so, I beg you, hear their voices and make the effort to understand their reasoning, for they carry wisdom.
As for the possibility of peace, the decision lies now with the former Shogun. If he can overcome his pride and recognize that his efforts have harmed the Empire, instead of helping it, I cannot see why shouldn't we offer him an honorable option that, as Isawa-sama noted, does not involve the three cuts. As Isawa-sama said, the Son of Heaven is merciful and I do not doubt that, if given the opportunity, he would prefer to bring our lost brethren back into the fold instead of simply decreeing her deaths, as silence falls over the halls, the old Dragon bows respectfully to his peers and sits calmly in seiza.
|
|