The New Winds

D7, LA, Courtier Debates: Initiative: 6d10o10k5 19

Bayushi Jiro enters the debating area from the other side. Perhaps it was the strain from having prevented a war, but his mind appears to be elsewhere at the moment. Still, he bows good-naturedly to the Phoenix.

"Greetings, Kaito-san," he said quietly.

Kai returned the bow.

"Bayushi-san, good afternoon. Let us speak of things this afternoon. Gaijin exist beyond our borders: presumably they have things of worth to exchange for the bounty and wisdom of our own empire. Is it not proper to open our borders, at least in some small way, to exchange with these barbarians?"

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D7 LA Debate Init: 5d10o10k4 36

"I agree in principle, Kaito-san, though I feel that cultural divisions with the barbarians nearest at hand, stemming from their decision to reject the Kami in our past, may warrant caution. Rather than a full opening, perhaps a small commission dedicated to fact-finding may be of some use until we can ascertain whether these barbarians actually do have something worth exchanging, or whether it is best to leave them in their benighted torpor, lest we open ourselves to another White Stag."



[You won initiative pretty handily, so you're first up!]

(I can't believe I forgot the actual roll for having won init. )

"Mm. This is true. Still, we are a brave and vibrant people and the world should be gifted the opportunity to witness this. For a samurai, word and deed must be in accord. If the empire were to decide upon trading and set its hand to it, it must do so with purpose and without the dissembling that bureaucracy and committee lends itself to."

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D7 LA Debate Round 1 Courtier roll TN20: 7d10o10k4 34 +2 Points

D7 LA Debate Round 2 Courtier roll TN20: 7d10o10k4 29 +1 Point

"I am sure the Otomo will be pleased to learn that bureaucracy is an impediment to virtuous governance, Kaito-san, but setting that interesting theory aside, if we open ourselves entirely, what will prevent another Battle of White Stag? Precautions may not always be glorious, Kaito-san, but they are rarely placed without good reason. Surely the death of Hantei Yugozohime and the scars on the eastern wall of the Ekohikei are reason enough to be wise about our approach? After all, the wise child does not grab foolishly at the steaming fish just after it has left the pan. Rather, he uses his chopsticks."

D7, LA, Courtier Debate: Round 1+2 Courtier/Awareness, 2 raises called, tn=30: 2#10d10o10k5 67: Exceptional Success +6 Topaz Points. 57: Exceptional Success +5 Topaz Points

+11 Topaz Points Total

"Hmm. You may have a point there."

Kai replies icily.

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Conceding match.

Kaito Kai is eliminated
Bayushi Jiro advances, earns 22 points for a new total of 254