The Court of Lord Ho: IC

[Tebryn]

It was a warm day in the spring of the two hundredth and last year of the Hoshen Era, the great Lord Ho having passed without an heir. By Imperial Edict a month of mourning was called and only now, six months after the announcement of the passing of the beloved leader has the Imperial City slowly regained a modicum of sanity. It is now time for a new ruler and a new era to be proclaimed however the bright skies of the past are already swiftly growing dark with storm clouds. Rumors of large barbarian movements in the North have stirred the fears of the peasents through out the empire and the most loyal and trusted clan within the empire, the Dog, has been struck down by a religious movement that threatens to incite the already terrified masses. It is for these reasons and many more that the Lord Regeant has called the remaining clans to the Golden Pavilion to take hold the wheel of government and right the swiftly foundering ship of state and perhaps chose amongst the ranks of the clans a new Emperor. It is here we find the start of this new era, a table set up for the nine Clan Diplomats, an empty seat left for the slain Dog Clan's Representative in respect and honor.

[Erik Vale]

Clan Sparrow.

The time of morning had come to an end, as it must. It was unfortuneate, the loss of a line durring a time of upheavil, and they would have to push ahead.

But only Clan Sparrow would be likely to do this, Eragu contemplated, following the ritual steps from the back of the line. 'And we willl be ignored for our youth as a clan, wont we.' Eragu thought to himself, the thought being completely unsurprising. It had happened before. He often had to recite their history, to remind the other clans that Clan Sparrow had a history just as long as theirs, and even longer than some, even if they were only just a clan now.

'That he had had a child. Life would be easier, and we would be favoured.' Eragu contmplated, as usual, having trouble keeping his mind on all the ceromony.

[Xondoure]

Crane Clan

"Fellow representatives, my name is Osagawa Toshiro. It is an honor to meet you all."

Toshiro spoke levelly; bowing his head upon introduction. His manner was courteous and gave away little about him. He had not been selected for a surplus of emotional expression.

[Elemental]

Horse Clan

Huang Lin stepped through the doors of the Golden Pavillion.
He held in one hand the written warrant that permitted him to speak for Zhi Qiang, and with the other, he passed his sword to one of the guards at the door.
He would not be as forward as the Crane representative to speak before the Lord Arbiter. But his face betrayed his annoyance nonetheless.
Surely the Crane have not thrown away protocol in their quest for wealth...
He stood silently, awaiting his turn to sit.

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

Lull Xing has entered the chamber, his face clear of the ash, that has adorned it for the past moths. The Tanuki Clan has been in mourning for the passing of the Emperor, with criers and wailers shouting their grief unceasingly and the nobles wearing the white of mourning.

The emissary of the Tanuki Clan gave a barest bow of acknowledgments to the two lesser clans of Sparrow and Crane. The passing of the most sagacious ruler Emperor Ho would undoubtedly stir their unworthy ambition to better their stations, yet another woe to the already besieged Empire. His bow to the Horse Clan was more deep, but with eyes firmly fixed Huang Lin, indicating wary and distrust. Other Clans have often hid their venom in honey of sweet words, but Tanuki Clan has always being open about their attitudes and intentions, ever since disastrous affairs at court, have convinced them not to play the games of intrigue and lies.

Silently, Lull Xing took his place, awaiting the Lord Arbiter's announcement.

[Voshkod]

Fox Clan

AnaKhan Ul'lak had ridden hard and fast from the frontier to arrive for the Council. The Fox Clan had not mourned the past Emperor overmuch. Death was commonplace on the borders and came for the young and old like an owl falls upon a mouse. The Emperor had moved on from earthly concerns, and that was that. Now there were new concerns, and new deaths awaited.

She strode into Golden Pavilion dressed in her finest furs and hides, a long curved blade on her belt. Her eyes were light blue, her hair platinum, and her face almost alien, evidence of the interbreeding between the Fox Clan and the barbarians beyond the border. Her eyes swept the room with suspicion and no small measure of awe; the Pavilion was a far cry from the rough buildings and tents the Foxes called home.

"I am AnaKhan Ul'lak," she announced in a loud voice. "The Fox Clan is here."

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

The Lull Xing's lips curled in distaste, accompanied by the hostile arching of his brows, at the appearance of the Mongrel clan's representative. At least with the barbarians of the Horse Clan, one knew where they stood. The sly Fox was a beast of many faces, a Clan of untrustworthy liars and troublemakers.

[Voshkod]

Fox Clan

The AnaKhan gives the fat farmer of the Tanuki clan a disdainful smile. It was good they feared the Fox. In days not that long past, the hordes would have made short work of the defenseless tillers. And, perhaps, in days yet to come.

She grabbed a cup of rice wine to wash away the dust of the road as she surveyed the rest of the representatives. The money-hoarders of the Crane Clan. The weakling, traditionless Sparrow. The gelded Horses. She took her seat with a grin.

[ArcaneStomper]

Boar Clan

The boisterous laughter of Zukon Zhao can be heard long before he enters the pavilion as he laughs at some joke or another his retainers have told. Leaving his retainers outside as was proper, never let it be said that the Boar did not know proper protocol not since the incident a century ago anyway, Zukon Zhao enters the pavilion. Handing over his bow to the door guard Zukon continues forward then frowns for a moment as if remembering something and moves back to divest himself of his sword, backup sword, and several large knives before continuing.

Quite a large man, the representative of the boar wore his elegant court clothes like an ill-fitting overcoat and all could see that his boots were those of a Boar peasant soldier and still caked with dirt from some earlier training exercise. Looking at each of the other representatives in turn, his face still creased in a smile from his earlier humor, he gives each one a respectful and equivalent bow, before moving to the Boar's seat and waiting for the Lord Regent to arrive.

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

Lull Xing greeted the arriving Zukon Zhao with restrained welcome, tempered by caution. The Boar Clan emissary was in his view a dullard, but unless that was a clever mask, it actually made him well suited for this council. Better a reliable half-wit, then a men with too many clever ideas in his head. There have been too many of those already, especially with the coming of the Pales. The Emperor's permission for their traders to move freely through the Empire was one of the issues, Xing and his older brother privately disagreed with. Still, behind the dullness of Zukon stood the sharp wit of his brother Shun, and of his designs the Tanuki Clan was far more worried about. After all, the Pigs proper place is in their filth, eating and growing fatter with seasons. But they would be a real trouble, if they were to run wild.

[Grim ranger]

Snake Clan

Walking in after the Boar representative, the diplomat of the Snake Clan smiled very slightly as he saw the tensions in the room. Tempers would likely flare along the course of the heated debates and "discussions" on the future of the empire, like they always had. And as always, Snake Clan was there to make sure that energy of the clans would be directed where it should be... With some subtle prodding, if necessary.

But of course no one knew that. All others knew was that Snake was often useful, even if not a clan to be trusted blindly. And that suited him just fine.

"The Snake Clan has arrived, fellow representatives. I am Kenji Itachi" he said, the smile never leaving the face of the Snake Clan diplomat but not reaching his eyes. They were cunning and alert, and scanned all of the gathered Clan representatives as he sat down, ordering his venom green cloak slightly. This would be an interesting occassion by the looks of it.

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

Kenji Itachi, representative of the Snake Clan. Lull Xing displayed as much scorn towards him, as protocol and good manners allowed. The only good thing one could say about the Snake Clan was, that they weren't Hakama, and sometimes not even that. At least Hakama knew their place. It was too much to hope, that this crisis would see Snake Clan pulled down and destroyed, alas chances of that were slim. When the floods came to the plains after the heavy rains, the good crops drowned, while the things that stayed afloat usually were of most unpleasant nature.

[Voshkod]

Fox Clan

The AnaKhan drained her first cup of rice wine and poured herself a second. When Zukon Zhao entered, she rose respectfully, and when Kenji Itachi slithered into the Pavilion, she actually smiled. Boars and snakes. At least you know where you stand with them.

"What, is no one else drinking?" she asks. "Surely some of you must have a thirst." She pours another cup of rice wine and passes it to Itachi. "Drink, snake, and give us a toast!"

[ArcaneStomper]

Boar Clan

Zukon Zhao's laughter booms across the chamber as he pours his own cup. "Hah, asking the Snake to give a toast. Everyone is probably afraid he poisoned the wine." Rasing his glass cheerfully he said, "A toast to the jade throne. And whoever winds up sitting on it." With a shrug he downs the glass before looking around at the others.

[Xondoure]

Osagawa Toshiro turned to address the AnaKhan. "We have business to discuss. Forgive me but I do not see how rice wine contributes to civilized conversation. Should we not first turn to matters of the state before allowing ourselves respite?"

Edit: Assume this happens after the toast, before Toshiro drinks.

[Voshkod]

Fox Clan

"To the Jade Throne, then, and whoever ends up stuck in it," the AnaKhan says, looking directly at Zukon as she drinks.

"Civilization," she snaps back at Osagawa. "I thought the hallmark of civilization was comfort. We'll talk better over meat and wine."

Edited to avoid doublepost.

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

Lull Xing observed Zukon's merriment with a pang of envy. At least the witless oaf was enjoying himself, while he, Lull Xing, had to endure this mostly unpleasant company.
''We can't exactly begin the discussion with the Tiger Clan absent, or they would cause them great disrespect. They may even think that we are conspiring against them.'', he said outloud, in reply to Toshiro's words.

Lull Xing lips formed a tight line, at AnaKhan's disrespectful words towards the Jade Throne. The Fox Clan's impertinence was growing, as were Xing's concerns about their already tenuous loyalty to the Empire.

[Grim ranger]

Snake Clan

Smiling sharply in response to Boar representative's words, the Snake diplomat shook his head modestly. "Please, you must think worst of my house always to even suggest such a thing... We would have poisoned the cups, not the wine..."

Raising up from his seat, the representative of Snake Clan lifted his cup in a toast. "To the throne and our new, illustrious leader... Whoever that may be."

[ArcaneStomper]

Boar Clan

Zukon smiles at Itachi, "My friend I do not think the worst of you. I do not believe you would have poisoned the wine at all. Why I'm sure that if you wanted one of us dead we would have simply suffered a terrible and unfortunate accident not something so uncouth as posioning."

He pours a second cup and looks at the others, "Not just the Tiger. The Naga is not here either. And the Fox is right, while we wait for them some friendly wine will only help ease the tension. We are not enemies after all, that we need to be ever alert and on guard. If a little rice wine helps keep the meeting friendly it will do nothing but encourage us to remember that while we are of different clans we are all united under the Empire, and that the true purpose of this meeting is to ensure its continued well being."

[Dorizzit]

Naga Clan

Finally, the representative of the Naga clan strides through the doors of the golden pavilion. Xue-Tai Yun is a short and slender but also surprisingly muscular young woman, with loose, with black hair tied back and the slitted blue eyes that are characteristic of the Naga clan's nobility. The wealth of the Naga clan is obvious; she is dressed in practical, but obviously well made clothing. As she enters, she passes off an ornate dagger to the door guard. She bows to the assembled clan emissaries.

"Xue-Tai Yun of the Naga clan has arrived."

She moves to her place at the table, taking her assigned seat with some hesitation.

"Please, forgive my tardiness. The main road between Xiajat and the capital has been obstructed by an avalanche. I was forced to a take an alternative route."

As she explains, Xue-Tai settles in and directs a steely glance around the table, sizing up each of the other clan representatives.

Sparrow. In many ways the polar opposite of her own clan: new to their status, unbound by tradition, and innovative in thought. She envied them, in some ways.

Crane. A clan with a paradoxical relationship to her own: many trading deals had been made between the clans, but there was still bad blood because the Naga had supported the older brother before the Crane's founding. She would let their representative...Osagawa Toshiro...set the tone of their relationship.

Horse. Despite sharing a border, the two clans had surprisingly little contact, although they were generally on good terms. She would get her own measure of the representative soon enough.

Tanuki. Similar, in some ways, to her own clan. While the Naga had isolated themselves, however, the Tanuki had played the games of courtly intrigue with abandon and had lost, contrasting the Naga's stasis.

Fox. Odd in appearance, strange in behavior, and a wild card through and through. The Naga know little of the Fox, and they are a complete mystery to Xue-Tai.

Boar. The straight arrow, strong, loud, and without subtlety. Many of the Naga found the Boar clan to be uncouth buffoons, but Xue-Tai acknowledges the critical role they serve and does not look down on them.

Snake. Assassins, open about their trade. It was unlikely they had aspirations for the throne, but their actions could never be perfectly predicted. Xue-Tai is wary, but largely unconcerned.

[Ninja_in_Shadow]

The Tiger Clan
Speaker of the Order Dofeen strides calmly into the pavilion.
I apologize for my late coming. I was delayed in my travels.
He sits down and calmly watches the merriment.

[ArcaneStomper]

Boar Clan

Now that they were all here Zukon looked around the room at the other representatives. Despite what he had said earlier Zukon wasn't a fool, he knew each representative would likely be maneuvering for the good of their clan rather than the empire. Putting his thoughts in order he considered each of the clans.

The Tiger clan he didn't know well. Monks and their mystical ways. They were good warriors which he could respect. And while he didn't quite agree with their venerating the empire at least they were loyal.

The Naga clan held themselves aloof, and they'd probably never be friends with the Boar, but they were good trade partners. Lumber flowed into the mountains in return for the metals that the Boar couldn't mine themselves. Something to remember for the negotiations.

The Snake clan, well he meant what he said. He didn't really trust them, but on the other hand if they wanted to sabotage the Boar they probably could without anyone realizing. If mysterious crop failures started occuring or the granaries caught fire he would look into them, but otherwise he wasn't too worried. For one thing the Boar had made it quite clear that if anything happened to their diplomat they'd exact a blood price.

The Tanuki Clan had what the Boar needed. Food and lots of it. His brother had told him to make sure relations remained good. And Zukon saw no reason that they wouldn't.

The Crane clan was another major trading partner. There had been a bit of bad blood centuries ago during the civil war, the Boar had almost gone to war with itself over which brother to support, but that was in the past. Now the Crane fleet was built with Boar lumber, and the Crane made sure Boar merchants got what they needed.

The Sparrow was inconsequential to the Boar. They had crazy ideas, but nothing that really changed anything. Maybe if they figured out a way to double rice production the Boar would start listening.

The Horse Clan were always prancing around on their horses. Zukon would take a good spear group of Boar peasant militia over the Horse riders any day. And they had nothing Shun wanted so no need to have anything to do with them.

The Fox clan was interesting. They had the potential to be a good trading partner. Trading exotic goods from barbarian lands for fine Boar lumber. But Shun didn't want to commit to anything while their succession was still in doubt. Maybe after their old clan leader finally died the Boar would have more to say to them.

[Tebryn]

With all the Clan Representatives assembled it was time to call order and begin the proceedings. There would be time enough to discuss pleasantries over the course of deliberation. The Lord Regeant, dressed plainly so as not to assume to great a station rose from the seat beside the Jade Thron with a clear voice.

"Greetings Honored Diplomats, may your Clan's have one thousand years of peaceful harvests and gentle winds. You have been called to the Imperial City for two reasons. The first reason is to manage the state of the Empire with our Grand Lord Ho, may his afterlife be filled with sweet fragrances, and to guide it through the dark times that already rear their foul head. The second, should it please the Heavens, is to decide an honorable man or woman to rule over our country and to name the new era. It is with these two goals in mind that I call the first session of the Spring Court to session. We have three matters to discuss. I will lay them out in turn."

Issue One

It is with the deepest regret that I inform you all that as of last night we have received word that honorable Dog Clan has fallen to heretical uprisings at the hand of the movement known as the Pure Land. With peasants in hand the noble Dog Clan's homes were raided and their women and children slaughtered by the honor-less beasts. Those nobles who were not killed swiftly defected along with a sizable portion of their army. The Pure Land now holds the Dog Lands, their weapons and supplies and have fortified their boarders. A full scale conflict could easily destroy this uprising but peasants across the Empire have heard the call of these swine and while the risk is manageable such a crack down could incite further revolts and stir other cells of the Pure Land to take hold of other lands. The leaders have yet to show their face however we believe a core member of their inner circle is heading the control of Dog Lands.

Issue Two

Barbarians from the North and South have shown surprisingly determined attacks having heard the news of our Grand Lord Ho's death, may he rest eternal in his kingdom beyond the veil. What is more, weapons recovered from the barbarian hordes from the South show surprising crafting. There is a strong possibility that one of our enemies from abroad or more disturbing enemies at home are supplying them with better arms and armor. While a full scale invasion seems far off, it would be best if we could find were these weapons are coming from and see if we can stop them.

Issue Three

Our Astronomers have divined that this summer will be dry through out the Empire with a strong possibility for a wide scale drought. As the second issue on the table this is not pressing however better planning from the Council could possibly negate wide scale food shortages. The Imperial Lagers have always boasted a surplus and we could easily share the extra food to a wide majority of the Empire, however the citizens of the fine Imperial City have never known the pangs of hunger and this would certainly cause them to experience this for the first time.


The Issues are on the table for your esteemed selves to judge. Your choices will guide us for the season. May the Heavens shine upon your decisions.

[Elemental]

Huang Lin rose to address the assemblage.
Lord Regent. It is good that you have called this council so expediently. I shall now speak for the Horse on each issue.

As always, we shall ensure the security of our border against all external threats. If we need aid against the Barbarians, we shall call for it.

My people do not fear the coming drought. We raise almost no crops, and thus, do not fear bad harvests. We will do as we have done always and merely range further to search for the bounty of nature. Unfortunately, we can provide no assistance to our fellow clans.

Now, the issue with the fall of the Dog Clan... This matter should demand our full attention. I suggest we reinforce the Imperial City. It stands perilously close to the border of this so-called "Pure Land", and there is no telling how rapidly mindless fanatics may push through the territory of the Boar.

[Dorizzit]

As Huang Lin sits after delivering his speech, Xue-Tai rises.

"I concur on the urgency of the Pure Land. This uprising must be dealt with immediately. Reinforcement of the city is a good first step, but we must take the offensive soon. The Pure Land will likely march on the Imperial City soon. Additionally, we should take steps to ascertain the identities of the leadership of this organization.

This drought is a concern. The Naga clan has a similar position to the Horse: we raise no crops and have enough storehouses of food for such an incident. We cannot afford to share our supplies, but we will not need assistance, either. We can loan money to assist with the process of transporting food across the empire, however.

This weapon affair is also concerning, but is a secondary issue to the others. Perhaps this is connected to the Pure Land? They have the requisite level of technology, proximity to the southern barbarians, and the desire to harm us."

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

''I agree with the Horse Clan and disagree with Naga Clan on the issue of Pure Land. We need to strengthen defenses of the Imperial City against the fanatics, but acting against them would be too risky. As you have heard a drought and possibility of famine approaches. A reckless crackdown, combined with shortages of food would be enough to make Pure Land insanity spread like wildfire. Instead of one rebellion we'll have to deal with dozens all across the land. We should do nothing for now and wait for the drought to pass, so we have a more secure position, before we act against the Pure Land.''

''On the issue of food, I would say we need to open the Imperial Lagers. The stability of the entire Empire is at stake and it is a test of leadership for this Council. We must avert food shortages across the Empire at all costs. It may cause some wory in the Imperial City, but at the same time their concerns would focus on Pure Land and as per Horse Clan suggestion, its garrisons would be bolstered, increasing the public order.''

''As for the Barbarians they are only a threat due to the better weapons and those weapons are most certainly coming from within the Empire. We need to cut the supply, before the problem grows too large. I would propose the Boar Clan to position its army at their borders and inspect all passing travelers and especially merchants. The Crane's fleet should meanwhile block the southern ocean, so no ships with weapons sail west.''

''I would advise against use of assassins against the Pure Land. We'll have martyrs to inspire more rebellion.''

''I find it hard to believe, that Pure Land would be connected to the Barbarians, considering their strong hatred of foreign influences.''

[Xondoure]

Osagawa Toshiro would have frowned if he lacked better control. He had been sent to the capital mere days after hearing of the emperor's death. And had expected the representatives of the clans to be called immediately after the month had come to an end. Instead they were now gathered five months after. The empire had gone six months with the clans involved purely in their own affairs, and the central authority in the hands of the lord regent alone. And he did not think this was an accident.

"It fills me with great sadness to hear of the fall of the dog clan. Our people have a long history. And I do not see the wisdom in allowing the pure land to grow unopposed. We cannot allow such things to continue, especially in a time of such uncertainty, lest the empire look weak. Let us see how bold the movement is after they find themselves facing a united chrysanthemum. Perhaps then they will see the error of their cause. And if they flee to the shadows..."

At this Toshiro glances at the snake representative.

"We will deal with them there."

The crane diplomat, and eldest son of the lord Osagawa permitted himself a small sip of rice wine.

"In an effort to keep things of an honest nature. My people have made dealings with those outside the empire from time to time. But we would not be so foolish as to supply weaponry to those who attack our borders. And in fact peace treaties were signed when beginning such transactions. Those that violate the treaties would, and have been cut off.

However, Crane is too far removed from the hostile barbarians to weigh in on the matter of defense."

Toshiro finished. He was confident that what he had revealed was not any more than the more informed of the representatives already knew. And as it was mostly their goods the Crane clan had traded; he feared little for any accusations made against them.

"Finally, a harsh summer does not seem like a matter for this counsel. I imagine most clans have enough stores to feed themselves. I know our merchants have contracted enough to supply any who are in need. If the Naga clan wishes to cover that expense for the other clans I am sure they will accept such a generous offer."

[Elemental]

A harsh Summer is an issue for this council. It threatens to strike hardest at the Empire's weakest point. The people of the Boar and their reliance on imported food.
Each of the other clans may be able to feed themselves, but the Boar may not.
If this comes to pass, their great armies may be disbanded, and the Empire will fall. We must open the Imperial Lagers.

Spoiler

Show

Are you sure you didn't mean larders?

As for the closing of borders... It would be best if the armies of the Boar Clan did not seal the Southern border.
Doing so would have them too far out of position to respond if the "Pure Land" chooses to invade.
The Horse Clan will fulfil it's duties and seal the border without aid. We can move much more quickly if we are needed elsewhere.

[Thelonius]

Tanuki Clan

''I would oppose a military move against the Pure Land. Let me explain my reasons.''

''If we march boldly against the Pure Land we only confirm our role as a villain and oppressor in the play they are staging for the common folk. Their propaganda would gain them ten men, for a single one we slay. They are experts at stirring unrest in shadows and our armies would have to be stationed across entire Empire and conentrated in the Dog Clan lands. Is that wise, in the face of the threat of barbarian invasion?''

''We should take a subtler and more cunning approach. The Pure Land claims that we are corrupt and unfit to rule. Well, now they are in charge of the Dog Clan Lands. Does anyone here honestly expects those fanatics and malcontents to rule wiser, then any of us? They can cause chaos, but creating order and prosperity requires actual skill and tradition of statesmanship, that only we possess. They will fail miserably and in their failure they'll show the entire Empire, that the order they offer as replacement for our rule, is a poor trade indeed.''

''There is a drought coming to the Empire. Well, while we will feed our people, the peasants, who so foolishly followed Pure Land would starve. I expect half of their supporters to change sides as soon as their bellies begin to rumble. They will be proven incompetent and fade away like a bad dream.''

[Voshkod]

Fox Clan

"Bah," AnaKhan Ul'lak snaps, putting her feet up on the table. "What would the great Ho say about us cowering before some peasants? The mighty Boar should march to crush them without delay, while the Snake bites at this renegade monk and his three sons. Cut off the head and trample the body and leave any peasant that complains hanging from a tree for the ravens to peck at."

"Now, the barbarians, that's a tougher nut to crack," she continues with a fierce smile. "You either buy them off or push them back. Surely the Horse and the Tiger can hold the line for now, until the Pure Land fools are crushed and the Boar's forces can be used against the frontiers!"

"And that leaves us with a drought, the most difficult of problems," she says. "The Naga's wealth can purchase food from outside the borders, and the Crane can move the food. The Tanuki can grow and store as much food as possible before the drought, and the Sparrows can work in Tanuki lands to improve the irrigation systems to lessen the impact."

She stands. "If we work together, if we stand together, not drought, not peasants, not barbarians can undo this Empire. When we start to peck at each other, cracks appear, and those cracks erode into chasms that will plunge us all into the depths."

Her long legs striding quickly, she paces around the room. "The honorable Lord Regent leaves a fourth item of great importance to the side. Who shall sit upon the Jade Throne? We need someone of strength, courage, intellect, and wisdom, someone who can fill the gap in our hearts left by the death of Lord Ho. While we pick and thrust at the problems of the margins, let us not forget that we have a gap in the heart of the Empire!"