Forum for the Minor Clan Alliance...

[kasuga]

Oh Mighty Admins and Assembled parties...

As you know, the Minor Clans have a hall for their politics, within Kyuden Kasuga, for the Minor Clan Alliance.

I would, however, suggest that we seek a Forum for Minor Clan Samurai to speak together, to discuss our support, in relative freedom from the might and overwhelming wisdom of the Greater Clans.

In addition, Could we add a poll for the Minor Clans only, so that they might vote upon A War Leader and a Political Leader for the Minor Clan alliance. While Honorary titles only, it will help us in our organizational Activities...

I for one, nominate the Morito Daimyo for Political Leader, and the Ichiro Daimyo for Political Leader. They have both shown great ability. As a member of the lowest and most disregarded clan, I am afraid all I can offer is to be a gracious host, and cover the expenses of the hall and delegates..

Is this acceptable to my fellow Minor Clan members?

And will the Major Clans support this? Or attempt to stop such a joining of voices among the minor clans?

The Lowest of the Hatamotos...

-Kasuga

[Tonbo Takeshi]

The Tortoise's speech is met with stoic response amongst those in attendance. It seems that someone will need will need to step forward and break the the tension, and it is Takeshi's voice that washes over those assembled first.

"The Tortoise representative underplays their importance to the Celestial Order. The Dragonfly clan considers itself fortunate to count the Kasuga amongst our friends."

"Friends of the Minor clans, I am Tonbo Takeshi, Champion of the Dragonfly. I thank you for taking the time to hear my words, and ask that you take them not as opposition, but the voice of pragmatism."

"Even combined, our alliance still faces the reality that our clans are very much subject to the whims of the Great Clans, as well as our previous reputations."

"I do not oppose the leadership of the Morito or the Ichiro, in whatever role they feel they can accept the burden for, but I would like to offer other possibilities."

"For a political leader, I would recommend the Sparrow. In the same way that that my clan has roads in to the Dragon; they have the Crane's ear. I can think of no better political ally than the Crane, so shouldn't our leader have such connections?"

"For a military leader, I would suggest the Monkey. Though they are a relatively young clan, there have been fewer more virtuous heroes than Toku himself, and they are friends to nearly all clans. Should the dark day come where we need to martial our forces, there would be considerable advantage in our enemies having to consider that they oppose a group lead by the descendants of such heroes."

"Of course, such suggestions all hinge on those clans joining the Alliance which has not yet been made. I yield the floor to those who would be heard."

[Kasuga Shinobu]

A young Ox steps forward in black and blue kimono, short but lean and strong. She gives a crisp formal bow.

While I am sure that the Sparrow, or the ox or the Badger for that matter, would apply themselves to the role of a political representative for the greatly diverse group of Minor Clans interested in such an alliance, sama's, I would humbly suggest instead that the Tortoise remain in their role as representatives. The Hantei line has always blessed the Kasuga with their favor, and the Tortoise have ever had an ear to the courts. While we have all had time in the court once or twice, I fear it would all be like fish in the mountains of the Dragon.

As for a Military leader, I would humbly suggest the Ichiro or my own family, the Morito. At least in these times, the threat from the north, the Yobanjin, has presented the greatest threat to Rokugan and the Minor Clans. I have nothing but high respect for the Monkey, Sparrow, and all other clans with any bushi withing the alliance, but for the present task, the Badger and the Ox have had the most experience, and would best be able to knowledgeably combat the threat tactically.

The young woman gives another stiff bow before sitting once more.

[Komori Yukio]

A young Komori in sleeveless black and teal robes enters the chamber. His long black hair has been tied back and a polished black komouri mempo hangs at his hip.

The bat bows deeply and fluidly to those assembled.

It is my honor to speak on behalf of my betters until such time as they are able to be present to speak for themselves. We heartily support the notion of this alliance and will help in any way we can.

As to the matter of a regular meeting hall, I believe that it should be located in a neutral location where none of the Great Clans would interfere. Perhaps in the Imperial City?

(OOC: While I like the idea of a dedicated MCA forum, it should be something unobtrusive to the rest of the forums. So likely a subforum in which you must be registered as one of the Minor Clans to even see; whether or not the Spider would count is a decision for the Admins.)

As to the political and military leaders of such an alliance, I would suggest the Tortoise as our political voice and the Ox for our military leadership. The Tortoise have shown themselves to have the keenest of grasps as to our position, even collectively, when it comes to the great clans, and how to thrive among them despite that position.

All of the militant Minor clans are more than capable tacticians and warriors, however the Ox and Badger are currently filled with the veterans freshest from full scale conflict. However, while I am certain that there are many capable tacticians among the Badger, I would equate the comparison to the Akodo and Matsu: Both are masterful warriors and leaders, but in the end it is the Akodo's military strategy which is followed most, while the Matsu's fury is unquestionably the greater among the Lion. Likewise, while none can question the might of the Badger, the Ox strategem is the more flexible and thus better able to command any combined force which we might present.

[Hida Setsuro]

((OOC---

My brain hurts too much right now to be all in character and such. I'll make you guys a forum tomorrow, or whenever it stops hurting, really. The sooner the better.))

[Ichiro Kojuri]

A representative of the Badger clan steps forward and bows deeply to those assembled.

My fellow Rokugani, each of us great or small are like fingers in a hand. Each of us can function separately but still part of the hand. All of us serves for the glory of the empire and the emperor. But even if the fingers can function by itself, working in unison can do wonders for the hand. And most especially, can deliver a powerful punch. Only together we can deliver a powerful blow to the enemies of the empire.

So in response to your call for an alliance...

in behalf of the Badger clan, we gladly accept.

[Hida Setsuro]

(Forum created. All you minor clan guys should be able to access it. If you can't..let me know.)

[kasuga]

It works great! Thank you!