Dragon Position on the Three Rivers matter

[Takezo]

It is uncommon for Mirumoto Takezo to make an appearance in the Imperial Court - it being known to courtiers that he has little patience for the protocol and formality of courtly life - and so when he does it is assumed to be a matter of great importance.

Takezo himself is elegant in a kimono of Toshi Ranbo make - the kimono is not opulent, but is obviously exquisitely fashioned of the finest silk - though he himself, as always, is the picture of the adventure-hardened warrior. Takezo stands - he is unusually tall, and while thin conveys a sense of oaken strength - and speaks:

"The sovereignty of the Three Rivers region has been much thought upon in the high mountains of the Dragon, and we announce our position on the matter.

First, the Lion are needed to commit their military strength to bolstering the Unicorn in defense of the Empire, and it would be unwise to encourage any distraction from their mandate; to grant Lion sovereignty over the region would require them to deploy military resources there, and would necessarily reduce their ability to contribute to retaliation against the Yobanjin, who even now make headway in their invasion of Rokugan. We cannot support the Lion claim on these lands for this reason, and we encourage others who may be swayed by politics in the matter to consider the higher purpose of our collective defense as they decide who to support.

Next, we must consider the Scorpion claim on the Three Rivers region; our close ties with the Scorpion are well-known - we were their greatest champion in the matter of the custodianship of the Black Scrolls. However, such custodianship carries with it a heavy burden, and we deem it unwise for the Scorpion to be burdened in the near term with having to establish claim over new land - let them focus on securing the Black Scrolls, as we all look to them for their strength and wisdom in protecting all Rokugan from their fell power.

Finally, we have the Crane claim on sovereignty. The Crane demonstrated themselves paragons of Compassion in their generous support of the Tonbo restoration, and the proximity of the Three Rivers to Tonbo lands will facilitate ongoing Crane involvement in the project; moreover, as the Crane has recently exercised, in our opinion, primary sovereignty over the region, it will not require substantial deployment of resources to organize and control the region - that is, it will not interfere with the important Crane mandate to also defend our lands from the Yobanjin threat.

Therefore, in the spirit of duty to the Empire, we the Dragon fully support the Crane claim to the Three Rivers region, and encourage the other Great Clans to see the wisdom in this, and to lend their voices to this support."

[Matsu Kaito]

OOC: I don't want ot ruin any RP here, so if it is necessery i'll delete this post at once, but I'd like to write my comments. Also I'd like to note, that theis is my opinion only though I hope it represents my fellow Lion's too. I don't want to hurt anybody and I hope I won't :-) I write in occ, because my character is in a geisha house so he doesn't want ot go anywhere else :-) and I think this topic could be a good base of a discussion.

Though I understand the reasoning of the mighty champion of the Dragon, with deepest respect I still think some thoughts of his go in a wrong direction. He mentioned the swords of the Lion are needed at the frontlines, and with having the territory of the Three Sides River, we wouldn't have enough troops to send into the war against the Yobanjin. One meaning of this though not written down only the warrior-kind clans would be needed there. I strongly believe that every clan should be present in the war, so should the Crane and the Scorpion too.

I really thank for the idea that the Lion is one of the most needed there, but do not believe the most famous tacticians of the Empire couldn't share their troops in appropriate rate. Also I would like to note having troops on the frontline needs a strong heartland. With a little increase in the Lion economy we could afford more troops, better equipments and more stable domestic (Lion) politics.

History shows that a lot of Lion sacrificed her lifes to defend the region of the Three sides river to maintain peace there. I recognize the culture and the honor of the Crane. As an ambassador I spend time there and I honestly believe them brave allies, but i cannot see any reason why the Crane should be favored in this question. They already have strong economy, there's no expectation for them to be on the frontlines - though they are there, what I really honor. I know the Lion clan is a family of warrior, so I won't moan we have to fight against the invaders - actually I jump into the heat of battle gladly in the moment my Champion asks it - but consider that our stocks aren't infinite, and though we are proud to be the Defenders of the Empire next to the Crab, we need resources to fulfill this duty.

Thank You for reading my thoughts and please share yours with me.

[Kakita Asamura]

In the name of the August Lord Doji, I, Kakita Asamura no Naoru, Ambassador to the Dragon, do extend the thanks of the Crane clan for your support. I am honored that the wise and prescient clan of the Dragon has seen fit to honor our wish for unity in this dark time. As per our oath to your noble clan, The Empire can rest assured that resources provided to the Crane are resources ready to bolster those in need. Those who desire a friend and a brother are welcome in the lands of the Crane.

We look forward to further discussion concerning this matter with the Honorable Lion and the Proud Scorpion, and hope that the earnest desire for peace between the three Hands of the Emperor will further that cause throughout the Empire, particularly in these troubled times. The Crane have sworn to work toward that goal with all that we have and are. We do not forget our oaths, and we will not forget those who stand with us in the Emperor's name.

[Takezo]

"Matsu-san

We appreciate your arguments, and value your insights as to both Lion capabilities - which we agree are considerable - and to the history of the region.

We, the Dragon, must base our decisions on what we, with as much wisdom as we can muster, deem to be right, rather than on what may be politically tenable or historically correct. It is our belief that the Crane - as demonstrated by their great capacity to provide rice to the Tonbo - are the most capable of the Clans in matters of managing agriculture and having the means to use that capacity to feed the Empire and its subjects. The Three Sides River region is a bread basket, purely and simply, and there are none better than the Crane to see to it that the bread finds the mouth which needs it... they can do this because they have the political and commercial means to do so, means that neither the Lion nor Scorpion possess (and certainly we Dragon do not, either).

Perhaps there may be a political argument or historical precedent granting sovereignty over the region to another Clan, but that will not feed the Empire in a time of darkess and need.

To fight an enemy or protect a secret, Lion or Scorpion; to lay food upon a table, Crane."

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

Weeks later...

Kitsuki Yuushahime takes a moment to address the court as talk on the decision spreads. She hopes to move any discussion on to other matters and to dimish any remaining agitation from those involved.

"I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for a decision being made on this matter and to positively highlight the fair nature of the decision. It is far better for us to reach a conclusion with words rather than bloodshed when we have a common enemy. From all accounts it was a narrow political victory and that testifies to the strength of all of the positions put forth by those involved. Each had a justifiable claim and it was right for all of them to be discussed and debated. This issue could not be left unresolved for it would have only led to further ill will and misunderstandings. Of course the Dragon are glad to see that our position aided the matter and our explanation in regards to that position was at least considered by some. However, what is far, far more important now is for the Three Sides River debate to move into history and for the decision to take effect - we have many more pressing matters to concern ourselves with now and we must stand united"

She smiles at those present, giving a few key Crane courtiers a strong glance, before bowing as she lets discussions continue