posted 11-02-2003 06:25 PM            

Tanjiro smiled ferally as he watched them each bow and depart, taking stock of how each of them moved. Some bowed deeply, thinking to impress him with their politeness while others bowed minimally, thinking to impress him with confidence. Turning away from the last of the crowd, he stepped through the door at the back of the chamber still smiling.
Let the games begin.

OOC: This literally translates into "Begin politicking, blackmailing, bribing, coercing, working favors, intimidating, friendinizing, and generally using your wits to garner votes."

The list of Candidates (and, if any personas are missed, please list them on this thread) are as follows:

Crab - Kuni Munenori (Randall Constant)

Crane - Doji Masahiro (Walter Duncan)
Daidoji Blacklyte (James Bagsby)

Somewhere between those two is Fugue (Stephen Chapman)

Dragon - Mirumoto Kenji (Ken Duncan)
Togashi Sayuri (Timandra Calhoun)
Togashi Hirocho (Chris Drennan)

Lion - Ikoma Sonji (Steve Shimmell)

Mantis - Tsuruchi Takumitsu (Allen Jones)

Phoenix - Isawa Tonkatsu (PJ Lockabey)

Scorpion - Bayushi Oseru (Rick Backhouse)
Soshi Kumori (Bobby Turman)
Shosuro Kawashige (John Puckett)
Bayushi Yoshiaki (James Crawford)

Unicorn - Moto Sagatechi (Jason Weeks)

On the odd chance that James Patterson is able to convince enough people to vote for Nezumi we will have to make a special case. Tanjiro is not of the mindset to allow a Ratling to take any formal position. However, to represent the massive work that James would have put into the vote, if he gets it he may choose any other candidate and they will become Governor. Their first duty will be to strike up an alliance with his persona and put the Ratlings into a position of political power (such as gaining a position as Advisor).

Shadowlands - This is for those of you who can use the sexy power of the taint to corrupt the vote. Should a Shadowlands persona (none are listed, so list them if you want to use them) win, that person will also be able to choose his own candidate. Instead of the new governor making an alliance they will instead be required to appoint the Corrupted winner's character to the position of seneschal (right-hand man).

WARNING! - Even if either of the last two win, the choices made MUST MAKE SENSE. Its suggested to already having worked out with someone else who you will choose to become Governor should you win. If someone decides they don't want to be a governor allied with the Rats, they DO NOT have to accept the position.

Also, at the next tournament Otomo Tanjiro will announce who the official representatives (Dignitaries) of each clan will be in Shiro Gemu.

That is all.

posted 11-03-2003 11:40 AM            

IC: The old Scorpion listened to the Imperial's little speech from his place near the back of the room. He could not help but chuckle at the barely thinned disdain that the man held for every person assembled in this room. Whateve the reason for his sudden decision to leave the affairs of running Shiro Gemu to another rather than himself, it was plainliy obvious to even a novice from the Dojo of Lies that the Otomo would rather keep it within his grasp, no matter how hard he tried to appear as if it were otherwise.

Poor, poor little man, who did not realize just how fortunate he was at this very moment, to save himself from this little nest of venomous vipers.

Inazuma smirked slightly behind his elaborate mask, which covered his face completely, and idly ran a hand back along his long hair. He stooped slightly, as certain a sign of his advanced age as the white that intersperesed itself along his mane. Of course, no one had ever seen his face.

In fact, no one in Shiro Gemu knew much about him, not even his Clanmates. Inazuma liked it that way, at least for the moment. It would not do for these young upstarts to know more than they're required at the moment. As the Otomo dismissed the assembled court, Inazuma lingered on behind, until he was the last one in the room even after Tanjiro stepped out himself.

And once there was no one else left, he smiled inwardly. He straightened up only slightly and looked around at the empty room, memories of a time long gone flooding his mind.

He sighed, shaking his head. Bayushi Inazuma had survived his Clan's destruction, their exile, a war between the Clans, the Day of Thunder itself, a war against the Darkness that the Scorpion had harbored for a thousand years, a war against our very own past, and of course, the turmoil that the recent years had brought with them since the death of Toturi.

But through it all, he had never felt the weight of his years as he did now. Then again, back then, he had purpose, a reason to survive, to fight on. Even though his show of age was a mere ruse, an elaborate and convincing disguise that likely only a master Shosuro actor could truly fathom, and even though he was still vital with the strength that the remaining Taint in his body gave him, he had already finished the task that he had set out to do so many years ago. He should have died of his wounds, but didn't. When he accepted the Taint as a part of him instead of letting Emma-O claim his soul so he could fight on, his purpose became his all-consuming focus.

But now? His Clan had forgotten him. Practically everyone that he had known and loved was dead, and those that weren't? He could never be a part of their lives.

He was an anachronism now, despite the fact that he could still be a force to be reckoned with, either with a blade in his hand or with a pen and paper, it didn't matter.

But, he was not yet ready to end it all. There was still more that could be done. The question was, how to begin? Perhaps this little place would be as good as any. If not as governor, then perhaps an advisor. After all, no one in their right minds would dismiss the wisdom of a man who's great cunning and skill has allowed him to outlive both his own generation and the one that followed, would they?

And if the Scorpion did not appreciate his efforts, Inazuma was sure that there would be others that definitely would...

posted 11-05-2003 10:41 AM            

Get to politicking!

posted 11-05-2003 11:21 AM            

Mirumoto Kenji
Togashi Sayuri
Moto Sagatechi (?)
Kuni Munenori
A Scorpion Candidate (it bothers me that I still don't know which of them is actually running)

These are the ones that I've seen some support for. Are there any others? Are we going to just let one of these take the vote without opposition? Come on people, Rock the Vote, yo!

posted 11-05-2003 12:06 PM            

I promise a plum tree in the garden of all those who recognize the superiority of my technique!

posted 11-05-2003 05:24 PM            

------------------
Doji Masahiro
Crane Clan Samurai

posted 11-05-2003 06:25 PM            

After all, who would believe election promises from a Scorpion, no matter how genuine those promises were?

And who here has forgotten that Shiro Gemu was once ours?

We have already run the city so successfully that it was deemed worthy enough to be taken as an Imperial province. If we were to try and Govern the city, there would be suspicion, would there not, that the problems that have befallen Shiro Gemu were all engineered so that we could control the city once more.

I cannot speak for all of my Clanmates, but I would rather step aside in this instance, lest the rumours and slander that so often afflict our Clan come to sully us once again. By stepping out of the road, I hope to avoid being covered by the mud that is so often churned up during these events.

Of course, it were for the greater good .....

------------------
Bayushi Oseru
Scorpion Clan Courtier
*Scorpion Ambassador*
Master Cook
Master Storyteller

posted 11-06-2003 08:53 AM            

------------------
Bayushi Inazuma

Scorpion Clan Kolat Pimp
Crane Clan Honor Monkey
Monkey Clan Honor Crane
Soul of Akodo Shaft

posted 11-06-2003 10:58 AM            

All Scorpion, save for possibly Soshi Kumori have decided not to run. Tonkatsu has withdrawn. As has Blacklyte.

That still leaves us with some fairly powerful candidates. Anyone else going one way or the other?

To answer your question Walter, yes, I do have another character in the making. It is not, however, a Crane. Not exactly anyway. I have three different concepts at the moment. I'll probably drop one, use one as an NPC in the Keep to further some story and play the other. All three would be considered...Unaligned, so to speak.

Last note, Jesse! I need you to e-mail me.

THankee sais,
Chris

posted 11-06-2003 01:59 PM            

Yes, I know I'm being a pain, but I'd like to see what kind of Governorship we can expect before making a real commitment.

As far as I am aware, candidates that have promised anything, have currently promised as follows:

Sayuri - free tattoos.

Kumori - plums trees in every garden

Munenori - jade strikes for all

Honestly, if some campaigning doesn't start soon, Oseru may run - and campaign - just to take it beyond everyone voting for their better OOC friend of those that are running.

After all, wasn't THAT the idea? Or was it actually intended to be an OOC popularity contest?

Once more, I apologize to anyone that I may have inadvertently offended with anything in this post. I didn't mean to. Damn, you people are sensitive! Too much flower arranging if you ask me. Not that you did.

posted 11-06-2003 08:34 PM            

Sorry for any misconceptions on the tattoos...unless you just really have get that Bayushi Kwanchai tattoo on your character's butt

------------------
Dragon Clan * Tattooed
Master Artisan

posted 11-06-2003 09:10 PM            

Personally, I prefer to leave Oseru's skin to remain unblemished ... for the time being.

posted 11-06-2003 09:19 PM            

I have no interest in destroying reputations or weakening clans. I will consider all my duties with the devotion for which my clan is known.

I hold no grudges or bad history with any individuals currently living in Shiro Gemu. Nor do I hold any particular individual closer than another.

Only Moto Segatechi and Mirumoto Kenji have lived in this city longer than I. With that in mind I can say that I know this city and its workings rather well.

I promise stay alert for all forms of corruption (and consider who is saying this). I will never turn my back on justice. This may at times be harsh, but it will always be equal.

I have stood against Moto Reis and seen him brought low.

When my daimyo Utagu was murdered I did not seek revenge but kept my post and my duty.

It was at my command that the Dark Daidoji's attempt to steal the precious artifacts of our governor's mansion was foiled.

My clan currently protects the walls and gates of this city and will continue to do so as long as I draw breath.

My ancestry is strong and glorious.

My ancestors held the Maw at bay while the Great Kaiu Wall was built.

It was my family that first took up the mandate to hunt down the followers of the tsukai Iuchiban.

Within the veins of my clan flows the blood of a Kami, three Fortunes, and the Sun himself.

This is who I am.

This is what I am.

posted 11-06-2003 10:33 PM            

I hereby offer my respect and support for Kuni Munenori and urge all samurai of Shiro Gemu to do the same.

------------------
Doji Masahiro
Crane Clan Samurai

posted 11-06-2003 11:14 PM            

Your words are noble, my esteemed colleague, but it seems to me that the reciting of the deeds of your Clan and family and the boasts of your own action more befit a general entering battle than a potential Governor of our city.

No honorable samurai should ever aim to bring another low without just cause. All samurai should execute their duties to the best of their abilities. I cannot help but wonder why you would feel the need to tell us that you would uphold an oath that you have already sworn.

To say that you would hold no particular individual closer than another is to say that you renounce your fealty to Empire, Clan and Family, holding them all equal. How can we believe that to be true when we know that not a single one of us could make that boast sincerely?

All honorable samurai will fight corruption and are sworn to uphold justice, regardless of their station. Any station that you wish to hold should not be a factor in this, your sworn duty.

The time that you have spent within these gates does not make you more qualified to govern the city. A familiarity with the streets does not give one a knowledge regarding the best way to sweep them clean.

You have said that you have no enmity to any that currently reside within Shiro Gemu, but made no promise that you would not use the position of Governor to bring low those that are not within its gates.

Your Clan, family and you yourself are noble and your honor and loyalty are beyond question, but the same may be said of many within the gates of Shiro Gemu.

Nothing that you have said shows that you would do any more than your duty. Duty alone will not give us an able Governor, Munenori-san. Your words do not show you to be any more qualified to govern this city than any other of the candidates.

Munenori-san, your Clan are renowned for their ability as warriors, holding back the evils from outside of the Empire with a devotion and fervour that is beyond words. I must say, with respect, that your Clan and its members are not, however, renowned for their tact, subtlety and diplomacy. I think that these qualities would be eminently more desirable in a Governor.

Surely, Munenori-san, you offer more than battle boasts and the reaffirmation of your oath?

------------------
Bayushi Oseru
Scorpion Clan Courtier
*Scorpion Ambassador*
Master Cook
Master Storyteller

"Who was that masked man?"

posted 11-06-2003 11:22 PM            

How very atypical for one of your Clan.

------------------
Bayushi Oseru
Scorpion Clan Courtier
*Scorpion Ambassador*
Master Cook
Master Storyteller

posted 11-07-2003 12:49 AM            

IC:

As the Scorpion's speech concludes, a silent figure steps forward. The ise zumi's attire is simple and without courtly attachment. Her expression is blank, but for the trace of a smile on her lips. The lively dragon that dances across her skin seems to perk up as eyes turn her way.

"Oseru-san, I believe that you unjustly accuse Masahiro-san. The Crane and Crab are allies in these peaceable times and it suits the members of the two clans to ally with one another in our fair city as well." Sayuri bows respectfully to Masahiro and Munenori, dropping a bit lower to the Kuni in deference to his station.

The Togashi turns away from Oseru and puts her back to him before he can reply. She walks until she stands in the center of the court and turns her eyes upwards to the ceiling.

"Many of us here are filled with a desire. A few seek the power that comes with control. To rule this city, however much one can call being the Governor of the Otomo-sama's city can be called ruling, is desirable. A few others seek to back the new Governor and take power from behind the throne. This is an admirable goal, if not entirely honorable." The little dragon twists its body almost imperceptibly and looks at those around Sayuri. It seems to wink.

Sayuri's face slowly turns from the ceiling to look each samurai present in the eye. As she turns to do so, she continues speaking in a calm, even tone.

"Some here do not seek power at all." Her eyes drift past Munenori and move to Masahiro. "Some seek to bring greatness to our city and ensure that it is safe. I ask only that you remember a few things, honorable Tanjiro-sama," the Dragon's eyes turn to the Provincial Daimyo and she bows slightly. "Remember only that the Dragon does not seek power. It does not seek control. It does not even desire to protect those under its wing. The Dragon, much like myself, seeks to ensure that the world does not fall away to corruption - taint, or the simple desires of men. And the Dragon, much like myself, does not sleep."

Once again, Sayuri bowed low before the Provincial Daimyo and turned to step back into the assembled. The dragon on her skin started to rest, but perked again as Sayuri suddenly stopped. It looked as if it tugged her, and indeed, until she turned around, lines of stress could be seen on the tattoo as it pulled. The ise zumi turned aroand tilted her head. "I must say one other thing. I apologize if my sudden speech offends. I know that most of the court is used to the Dragon sitting on the proverbial fence. Simply know that I do not mean to harm anyone by my words. The Dragon have remained idle for far too long...this will change."

Sayuri smiles openly and the dragon mocks her expression. She steps back to the edge of the room and waits for the next courtier to state his case.

------------------
Dragon Clan * Tattooed
Master Artisan

posted 11-07-2003 08:59 AM            

IC:

As Sayuri stepped back, Oseru stepped forward once more. As he did so, he bowed deeply - a little too deeply, perhaps - to the ise zumi.

"Togashi Sayuri-san has most eloquently told us what the Dragon does not do. It does not seek to hold power, does not seek to control and does not try to aide those that seek its protection. Can we take it, from those words, that the Dragon, and those of its Clan, do not seek to lobby for the position of Governor of Shiro Gemu? If we cannot, may I most humbly ask what it is that the Dragon - or its representative - does do, besides that which we are all sworn to do?"

As Oseru bowed once more to Togashi Sayuri, a friendly smile could be seen on his lips, if only for the briefest of moments. Those that noticed could not help but know that this was most uncharacteristic for the Scorpion courtier.

Oseru withdrew, giving Sayuri the opportunity to respond, or any other to make comment or lobby.

------------------
Bayushi Oseru
Scorpion Clan Courtier
*Scorpion Ambassador*
Master Cook
Master Storyteller

posted 11-07-2003 10:08 PM            

Bayushi Yoshiaki eyes the gathered assembly, listening to the candidates boast of their accomplishments. Mirumoto Kenji and Moto Sagatechi, his old comrades-in-arms, stare openly at the friend they thought lost to the Shadowlands.

Without preamble or pretense, Bayushi Yoshiaki utters simply…

“None who have spoken are worthy”. He eyes his Scorpion clansmen calmly, before turning back to the assembly.

“Let the voices of experience speak in the hallowed halls of Shiro Gemu. I would see Moto Sagatechi in the governor’s seat.”

Yoshiaki glances around the room, waiting for a response.

posted 11-07-2003 10:55 PM            

------------------
Doji Masahiro
Crane Clan Samurai

posted 11-07-2003 11:36 PM            

"This conversation has been enlightening and I feel that more than a few of us have come to a multitude of interesting considerations and I thank you, Yoshiaki for your vote of confidence, but I believe that to remain within Tanjiro-sama's audience chamber once he has left may be taken poorly by him. Especially if he has other appointments."

Moto Sagatechi bowed deeply to the group, mostly in the direction of the newest addition and left without another word.

------------------
Moto Sagatechi, Unicorn Clan Shugenja, Daimyo, Magistrate, Chui in the Baraunghar

"What do you mean, 'Can't be done.'? If that were the truth, I'd have been dead long ago, Scorpion-san."

posted 11-08-2003 08:00 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doji Masahiro:
"I do not know who you are, I believe however, that you have mis-spoken, for surely you do not claim Otomo Tanjiro-sama to be 'unworthy'." The Crane samurai lets the last word linger just a bit too long, then finally turning to face the shadowy figure, "Or do you?"

---

"I do not know you either, Crane, and I have not heard Otomo Tanjiro-sama offer himself as a candidate for governor."

Yoshiaki bows to the assembly and turns to go, pausing only to whisper to Masahiro "Certainly you can do better than that, Doji-san." His eyes smiling above his mask, Bayushi Yoshiaki makes his way outside and into the darkness.

posted 11-10-2003 04:44 PM            

Munenori bows to Sayuri and Masahiro. “Thank you both for you gracious words.”

Munenori turns and bows to Oseru.

“Oseru-san I appreciate your desire to bring to light the real qualifications of those who run for the government of our great city. After all whoever holds this position has a great responsibility and we should take care to put the most appropriate individual in this esteemed position. That being said I must point out that I respectfully disagree on some of your statements.

First, I think that it is important that one approach any position or theater as a battle. Did not the great Kakita Yoshi-sama say the very same?” At this Munenori bows to Masahiro. “Also I must point out that even Lady Doji who created out social system acknowledged the fact that ultimately our society is ruled by the sword. This is why that even the most politically savvy clans have great warriors as their leaders. Is there any here that would care to face either Doji Kurohito-sama or Bayushi Sunetra-sama in combat either personally or on the field of battle?” Munenori paused for response. “I did not think so. While I do not in any way consider myself the equal of either of these esteemed individuals I think that the point is still made that warrior pedigree is important to leadership positions within our society.

“Secondly, we have spoke of duty. When I brought up my devotion to duty I was not in anyway implying that there are not others that would be equally devoted. I spoke of duty because I wished to illustrate that I understand that taking this position is not about prestige or the honor of being chosen. It is about responsibility.

“Thirdly, I believe there is, perhaps, some confusion as to my statement about not ‘holding any individual closer than another’. I stated that within this city, as this is the subject at hand, I do not hold anyone closer than another. I am a samurai and therefore my devotion to the Exalted Presence and my liege lord are not matters open to discussion or debate.

“Fourth, I believe that time in the city is a reasonable attribute to acknowledge. While it is not the only attribute, and certainly not the most important I must say that experience is an issue.

“Fifth, you are correct that I made no promises to ‘bring low’ those outside our gates. The thought to do so had not entered my mind so I must admit that I’m at a disadvantage at how to defend myself here.

“Sixth, you mentioned that my ancestry and clan is not known for its subtlety. If by that you are implying that the Crab are not very good at saying one thing and doing another then yes your certainly correct. However, if you mean that we traditionally lack the guile to fight our enemies on our own terms then I think history disagrees with you.

“You may be correct in saying that I have stated nothing that sets me apart from any other. Others will have to be the judge of that. Of course like anyone else who would ascend to the position of governor I would desire to see the city prosper, see crime abolished, and see our citizens living honorable and safe lives. I could also lie to you and tell you that I have the plans that will do all of these things. However, I do not. Having not held a responsibility as large as that of governor it would be nothing but arrogance for me to assume I have all the answers to situations I have never experienced. What I can promise is to approach these problems with the efficiency and eye for justice for which my clan is known. What I can promise is to listen to the council of those that are wise. What I can promise is not to bully those that serve our empire loyally.

“If these things are not enough that is fine. I have stated who I am and what I’m capable of. If the court feels it is better represented by another then I will serve under that representative loyally and with no complaints.”

Munenori bows.

posted 11-10-2003 06:46 PM            

He waited for a few moments after Munenori had finished talking to allow the Crab lord's words to be absorbed by his audience.

Once more, Oseru approached the center of the room and bowed to Munenori.

"Firstly, I would ask the courts forgiveness for the outspoken manner of my Clanmate, Bayushi Yoshiaki-san. There are many here that do not know his name and many here, myself included, have only heard it in stories of Shiro Gemu's past. If the stories are true, Yoshiaki-san has spent many years in combat against our greatest enemies and perhaps, in light of this, Otomo Tanjiro-sama would be kind enough to forgive this outburst. I am sure that Munenori-san will attest that those samurai that take that long, dark walk rarely have need of the niceties of court as they rarely return to it."

Bowing to Yoshiaki; "I welcome you back to Shiro Gemu with a glad heart, Yoshiaki-san, and would be honored for you to take your place, once more, amongst your kinsmen."

Oseru turned to face Munenori and bowed deferentialy to the Crab leader.

"Munenori-san, it is good that we do not always speak with one voice on all matters as, I am sure you will agree, our differences make us stronger against a common foe. If we were all to approach every situation from a single point of view, we would become easy to predict and, thus, easily defeated. Your examples of Doji Kurohito-sama and Bayushi Sunetra-sama are well taken, for they are indeed great warriors. They are also great courtiers.

As to duty, I am heartened by your words and agree that there should be no question that each of us here will uphold their duty without discussion or debate. I was simply confused as to why you would feel it necessary to bring that subject into this .." Oseru paused, as if searching for the right word,"..debate. I understand your intention with greater clarity now.

I also agree that experience must be consideration, but I must disagree in that where a man is standing when he gains experience is hardly as important as the experience that has been gained. After all, who would question Otomo Tanjiro-sama's appointment as Governor of Shiro Gemu, even though he never set foot in the city before being given that position?

Please be assured that I meant no disrespect when I said that your Clan were not known for their subtlety. It would hardly be a virtue when defending the Wall. Nor did I imply that you lack guile. You have quite ably demonstrated the opposite to be true by responding to words that I neither said nor, by any stretch of the imagination, implied.

Your honesty in stating your intentions should you find yourself in the position of Governor of our city is, most certainly, appreciated by all present. Otomo Tanjiro-sama will, I am sure, be gladdened by the knowledge that, should he choose you to take this esteemed position, you will.." a slight edge came to Oseru's voice ".. do your best."

Thank you, Munenori-san, for clarifying your words for us."

Oseru bowed deeply to the Crab before withdrawing.

------------------
Bayushi Oseru
Scorpion Clan Courtier
*Scorpion Ambassador*
Master Cook
Master Storyteller