First Mandokoro Session(CLOSED ATTN EMPIRE OF GREATER NIHON)

[New Aeyariss]

Ishikawa. The enormous city of Shoguns, now decorated by multiple tall buildings, enormous modern skyscrappers, and the old town that still reminded everyone of the Nihonese past. Long long ago, Shogun Chosomake Yorimoto moved his capital here, after defeating the usurper - emperor Go-Jimmu in battle of Shimazu. Winning the ten to one battle in favor of himself given him a lot of prestige, enough to announce himself Shogun. Afterwards, leaving Fujian to the Emperor Kogyoku, Chosokame settled in his ancient city of Ishikawa, beginning the Chosokame Bakufu. Once old provincial city grown into an enormous administrative and cultural center; for to serve multiple daimyo, who were ordered to spend one year at Ishikawa and another at home, multiple businesses were created, artisans moved in, and trade begun to flow, citing Ishikawa's strategic location. Finally, to crown his old capital, Chosokame built the Tosa Castle, his seat of power and symbol of his rule.

Chosokame Shoguns ruled until 1830, when Himeji restoration came; this time spearheaded by Takeda family, who retained status of daimyo, and led the royalist forces in the Himeji war. Since then, Nihon begun to modernize, rapidly inhaling western technology; Christianity, which has been in decline after 1750s, yet again gotten new strength, leading to rebuilding of Nihonese national identity. Several years later Nihon had steam warships and railways as western nations had - and the county Westernized a lot. Old castle of extinct line of Shoguns was turned into a museum, and later... lost it's old glory. Finally in early 1900s it was given to private owner, who sold it back to Maki Kojiro in 2014, when he became Shogun.

Then, Shogun Kojiro himself entered that castle and made it his seat of power - a symbol of Maki Bakufu, and of the restored Nihon.

Now, in the ancient meeting hall, the Shogun Kojiro sat again, with multiple service personnel to visit him. After all, a session of Mandokoro was about to begin. His vassal from Greater Feng was in conflict with Empire of Pillowlandia; thus it was only logical that Shogun Kojiro would be allowed to mediate between the two.

Today seemed like an interesting day...

[Great Feng]

The Emperor stood up on his side of the table(The Left side, recognized by Feng historically as being the Defender's side) to speak.
"I am going to cut the crap and get straight to the point. Feng can beat Pillowlandia is warfare if necessary despite our recent military setback and failure. I admit that was a hastily prepared assault and was doomed to fail from the start. I have simple peace terms that I will explain after proposing them.

Feng's Proposed Treaty of Mandokoro, 1st draft
Terms:
1: White peace between Feng and Pillowlandia.
2: Both sides pay war reparations equal to the damage done over a period of five years.
3: Both sides recognize each other as both the aggressor and defender.
4: Both dynasties agree to respect the sovereignty of Persia, and recognize the Feng territory in Iraq as Feng.
5: Pillowlandia joins the Yujing Pact and formally agrees to mend ties with Feng and become an ally
6: Pillowlandia and Feng begin looking into royal marriage to strengthen ties between the two nations.
7: Pillowlandia's colonial and Imperial efforts will be supported by Feng as long as they do not clash and risk a major war between several major powers. Feng will still offer diplomatic support however, as long as they do not clash with Feng interests or allies in such a conflict.
8: Pillowlandia will agree to build several infrastructure projects with Feng to help strengthen both nations's economies and to discourage conflict.
9: Feng forces gain access to all ports in Pillowlandia, and vice versa.
10: Pillowlandia sends forces to aid Feng troops in Choson fighting Revolutionary Choson
11: Feng and Pillowlandia work to reverse the current diplomatic situation.

"Now I will explain the terms and why I reached such terms.
For 1: That would be the most beneficial for both of us, and our populations would likely agree to that over their own nation surrendering any land.
2: I believe it is quite obvious, we need to rebuild as soon as possible.
3: This will be a compromise, Feng will recognize itself as an aggressor to satisfy Pillowlandia, and Pillowlandia recognizes itself as the aggressor to satisfy Feng and Persia, and if we both recognize each other as the defender and aggressor, we both view ourselves as the defender too, satisfying our citizens.
4: This will ease tensions between us and we will work together to ensure Persian people or the government doesn't carry out any terrorist attacks.
5: This one is quite simple. We would be useful allies for each other and it would be best for us to work together than against each other, as it would be beneficial for both of us and we can make each other grow stronger.
6: We will marry into each other's families. That doesn't mean one Feng kid becomes emperor or crown prince of Pillowlandia or vice versa, we simply marry into the family and it will strengthen bonds.
7: This will be useful for Pillowlandia. Feng sees no problems with doing so.
8: This will strengthen each other and help us build ties that will last and prevent a future conflict.
9: This will be very beneficial for trade for both of us.
10: Feng and Pillowlandia if they work together can bring down this Communist Dictatorship, and it would be a chance for both to spread their influence.
11: This will also work to prevent a future Feng-Pillowlandian conflict.

Now, these are our initial proposed terms." The Emperor took a break from talking constantly to take a few breaths.
"What is the Pillowlandian response to this proposed treaty?"

[Pillowlandia]

Emperor Johnathon Athrawes Johgs simply raised his eyebrow as he looked over the terms presented to him, a frown growing as he read them. Even now his forces held the advantage, for now at least, and were pressing deep into Persian land as planned and giving the Fengense quite the time defending themselves against his armies marching into Feng proper. "While I readily agree that a white peace is acceptable the precise terms described here read more like those I would sign under gunpoint. The first item I am prepared to accept, however the second and third points are so contradictory as to be entirely useless. If we both recognize ourselves as the aggressor then we remain at square one. My people at least are not stupid enough to have wool dragged over their eyes on that point. Furthermore, the main damage thus far has been from the indiscriminate attempts to firebomb the many protected forests of my nations north. As for your fourth point I refuse to recognize the continued sovereignty of the Persian government, they have made that forfeit the moment they decided to launch a government sponsored strike upon my people." At that he paused, "The remaining terms are additionally unacceptable, they utterly benefit the Feng government at the expense of mine. Not only that, but given the current state of my dynasty, we're a bit low on people to simply marry off as appeasement for a war which lies squarely upon your people. Especially when you sit in a position of comparative military weakness at this current moment. Now, are you willing for more logical terms?"

[Great Feng]

"The sovereignty of Persia's and it's current government is non-negotiable." The Emperor objected.
"But not marrying into the Pillowlandian royal family is acceptable, however, Feng will not recognize itself as the sole aggressor in this conflict.
Feng will either recognize itself as the defender or both sides are responsible for aggression. Also Feng desires a healthy and productive relationship with Pillowlandia and is willing to pressure the Persian government into doing certain things and to make up with Pillowlandia, but no more. I would like to remind you to not get arrogant over your recent victory, and Feng can easily turn the tide and win this war. It simply is not in Feng's strategic interests to continue this war, but Feng will continue it if no acceptable terms are agreed upon."

[New Aeyariss]

The Shogun, who until now kept silent and watching, suddenly moved on his legless chair and straightening his back, begun to speak. Looking at two emperors on both of his sides, Kojiro couldn't do anything other than smile - even during his days as head of Nihonese military intelligence he never imagined that he would be making peace between two emperors. Oh how much the Emperor of Emperors, Christ the Heavenly King, given him for his faithful service...

"Jonathan - san, Yin-san" he begun with silent voice "Our goal here is not acknowledging which party is aggressor and which party is a defender. The way I see it is that we had a dispute between two sovereign states, and instead of falling into pointless morality debates, we should aim at developing a clear international system that would benefit all."

They could feel the feeling of authority coming from Maki Kojiro; this person seemed majestic by his very look. Calm, polite, cultured, often silent - but his silence made him like an enormous monument of a glorious general from the past, and his manners - almost like they were taken from XIX century. For sure the current Shogun was a person to be counted with.

"Christ the Emperor gave you both mandate to rule your separate lands" begun the Nihonese Shogun "And both of you done what you seen as good for your respective states, to ensure good of which you were called. While I could debate over who was right - I firmly think that we should not aim at creating typical status quo diplomacy. This is in no one's interest..."

And so, Maki Kojiro spread out the map:

"What do we really need is a proper balance of power in the region" he said looking at data that Gunpeitai agents gathered observing the conflict "we need to create a regional situation balanced enough that neither Feng, nor Pillowlandia, could get an advantage in the region that would make both nations mutually check each other, and thus, prevent the other from growing too strong. Achieving a balance of is our priority now. Now a few questions, if I may ask. First - did Fengese government conduct an official investigation into the terror attack issue? Second, what are the plans for Persia by Pillowlandian commonwealth. Third, what interests do both parties keep in the region? Fourth, what are the current military deployments from both sides?"

Kojiro finished speaking, and sat quietly, resembling a statue of a famous samurai; not only a great warrior, but a great statesman; gentle and moral, but cunning and ruthless when needed...

[Pillowlandia]

Johnathon looked at the Feng Emperor, "Of course the fate of the current Persian goverment is non-negotiable. It will be replaced. The current government has had years to make good it's errors and crimes against my people and nation, it is time for them to reap what they have sown. Furthermore, if results are reproducible then one might assume it as fact and not arrogance." At that he turned towards the Shogun, "I agree that with the current state of affairs, getting either of us to admit is akin to getting us to willingly step into lava. As far as our plans for Persian, we are making final preparations to ensure that a new peaceful government is elected under a new constitution which ensures both human rights so long denied to it's people and ensuring that it can not legally create a force meant for foreign aggression. After that, if they so choose they will be allowed a chance to become a sovereign memberstate of the Commonwealth. As for my military deployments I am willing to divulge that I have committed three army groups to the Persian theater and two to the Feng theater. Anything further would jeopardize operational security."

[Great Feng]

Immediately after the Emperor of Pillowlandia finished his statement Yan stood up to object.
"Those terms are non-negotiable. Feng would find it agreeable to gradually reform the government but it is to not join the Commonwealth. It is a key Feng ally and it's population is 73% Pro-Feng."
The Emperor pulled up the results of a nationwide poll taken in Persia. He then continued speaking.
"Also the monarchy in Persia has a democratic has a good deal of democracy and has high popular support. The royal family is also since 1780 related to Feng directly due to an intermarriage, and a centuries old agreement that Feng has always honored states that Feng will support the Persian Royal Family in power, though Feng will make attempts at reforming it. Reforms are welcome but not government change. Feng will allow for some border adjustments however, but only ones that are reasonable. Lastly your statements on the people being free are false, as they have freedom of government criticism, and an average human and civil rights record. So Feng is not willing to allow government change as the majority of people(65%) support the government, and would fight to keep it. Feng will ensure that the will of the Persian people is not undermined. As such, any negotiations regarding government change will be halted. Feng is here to agree to a peace that benefits Feng and Persia and Pillowlandia, and doesn't make Persia a Pillowlandian puppet nor changes the government. The government can however be told to pay reparations for it's harm towards the Pillowlandian people."

[New Aeyariss]

"Before we jump to the conclusions" the Kojiro interrupted "Yin-san, has any investigation been carried out about the terrorist incident? You hadn't answered my questions"

Turning back to the Pillowlandian emperor, it was visible that Maki Kojiro planned something:

"Jonathan-san, what information do we have on Persian Royal family? Do you believe that it would be possible to find candidate acceptable to both parties, and then confirm his candidacy via personal referendum? In addition, I think that Yan-san needs to address the terrorist threat. If the threat is real, and - as Jonathan says, there was risk of violent non-state actors taking hostile actions against Pillowlandian forces - then I do expect you to address this issue."

Sitting upright, Kojiro spoke his final sentence:

"I do also request to know if both of you here presents are willing to create a stable system in the area based on balance of power; a system where neither Feng nor Pillowlandia is capable of gathering strength big enough to gain an edge over their rival. Still, I wholeheartedly feel that the issue of Persia needs to be answered first. Jonathan-san, is it known which terrorist group staged the attack and on whose order? Have any terrorists been aprehended?"

[Great Feng]

"It is not clear which terrorist group sent it, but, the government has assured us that if there is enough evidence to compel Feng to believe the government is behind it, they will pay 20 Billion dollars in war reparations. They sent me the message that they will do so right before negotiations began."
He shows them an official document from the Persian Empire.
"I can have them publicly state their intention to do so if necessary."

[The Unified Isles]

The Permanent Royal Ambassador to the Mandokoro, Sir Frederick Palmer, had been silently standing behind the Shogun until this point. The High Lords had taken a great deal of interest in the negotations between Pillowlandia and Feng, as had the Directory. Both had, for once, opposing opinions, making Sir Fredericks involvement in this strained. The High Lords were of the opinion that allying with Feng was the best option. Sadly, this has lead to the Isles dropping out of the War against Feng moments before Victory, angering the Directory and the Royal Army much.

Sir Frederick was in the uncomfortable situation of having achieved his current position as Ambassador to the Mandokoro soley on the basis of him having good relations within the Directory. And honestly, these relationships were probably more important. Yes, maintaining a good relationship with the Directory was definitly more important than having a similiar one with the High Lords. So Sir Frederick decided to grill Emperor Yin-Yan for a bit.

"Your Excellency, Kojiro-sama, may me speak ?", he asked the Shogun. A slight nod confirmed the Shogun's will. "Emperor Yin-Yan", he started, deliberatly omiting any honorifics. Any Isle'ish Person would have considered something like this a heavy insult. "Kojiro-sama askedeth thee a simple question: Haseth any investigation carried out about the terrorist incident ? Thee art quick to uset polls, statistics et reports ift be true yond't comeths to proving yond Persia loveths thee, but thee hast no report on any investigations ? What sort of Empire ist thee running ?"

[Pillowlandia]

"A suitable candidate could certainly be a potential option. However, I remain of the opinion that an entirely new government is needed to remove the corruptness of the old." At that he pulled out a sheet of paper. "This is a partially declassified report on the attack. Many of the attackers were 'former' Persian special operations operators. Furthermore, the attackers used weapons which had serial numbers that are known to be apart of Persian Military inventories. All in all, it is excessively clear that the strike was perpetrated by the Persian Government."

[New Aeyariss]

Letting the Isleish delegate speak, Maki Kojiro spoke himself now. The eyes of the Shogun focused on Yin-Yan like eyes of an eagle on his prey:

"Yin-san do I need to repeat myself" he said, politely, but with enough strength "I am officially asking weather there were any investigations conducted by you or jonathan-san in this regard. Situation is extremely important, because the way I see it, former persian SOF operatives do not necessarily ensure that persian state was involved. To begin, I have to note that many ex-special forces operatives find employment in criminal structures; it had been a case with Russian Spetsnaz for years. Second, weaponry could have been stolen or bought from Persian magazines. While not decreasing risks posed by corruption, this is certainly a possibility. And my first and most important rule in the world is - justice."

Turning to Pillowlandian representative, Kojiro spoke:

"Does the Pillowlandian government have full list of Persian royal familly including their psychological profiles and any general idea who can become next Shahanshah?"

[Atmaera]

Chancellor Julius Walcott sat observing the negotiations between the two Emperors of Feng and Pillowlandia. The Chancellor himself has had several briefings on the conflict, not in the case of Atmaeran intervention but because it resided in the sphere of Atmaeran international politics. To be quite honest his excellency was quite entertained at the negotiations between the two nations. The tension was palpable but he knew that these negotiations could be much worse. Though he was entertained, the thought of these negotiations stagnating made him feel somewhat impatient. He had with him his own agenda which was imperative in getting the ball rolling between the member states of the supranational Nihonese Empire. He felt as though he should speak up and help to mediate the situation but he figured that the Shogun would have a plan of some sort to have a treaty signed. Rushing into the unknown was not his preferred method in any event. He would leave flapping one's gums on matters they no nothing of to the fools he left back in The Republic. So for now he would keep silent.

The Shogun, the two Emperors, through this contest of diplomacy the Chancellor will be able to observe and come to an conclusions. Even though he wouldn't be able to gather an entire psych profile like the one Shoun Kojiro spoke of, he reasoned with the rule he has used throughout his career in politics that it would be best to know those around him, their ambitions, their faults, their strengths in order to build a conducive working relationship with the leaders around them. After all now their fates followed together down the same path. So for now he would observe.

[Pillowlandia]

"As current events stand, very little of the sitting family is worth retaining their positions. They are a family notable for extremist views focused on strict interpretation of Islam. However... their youngest prince Kikuma Miyakawa has been noted as a moderate willing to cooperate. While we would prefer to unseat them entirely he is one of the few potential candidates we could live with. Furthermore we have sevreal bank records to further indicate the official Persian involvement in the operation. Though we are still working to confirm their authenticity."

[Great Feng]

"We could live with the youngest prince being the leader under a Feng regency. Feng will have a Feng official fluent in Persian and having Persian blood travel to the kingdom to be regent. The Kingdom will still be sovereign but undergo a series of reforms to moderate it's views and to form close ties with it's neighbors. I reckon this would be acceptable?"

[New Aeyariss]

OOC: Since Feng left NS, we are moving on.

"My vassals" shogun Kojiro begun, looking forward as the negotiations ended "I would like to know your opinion over the concept of establishing a common market, or at least a series of free trade agreement, to provide economic stability and faciliate exchange of goods which I will myself guarantee and ensure stability needed for the commerce to grow. We all understand that in modern society, with the third wave coming at us, we are becoming more and more dependent on each other in terms of resources; my vision for this Empire is not only a political, but a commercial block to ensure access of resources we need to prosper for each other. Who would like to state their opinion first?"

[Sharko Federation]

Daimyo Ikeda Masamune, sitting on the right side of the table, nodded. "I would, My Lord." He paused. "It seems like an exellent idea, and I am all for establishing a common market between the vassals of Nihon." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Sang-eo Yeonmaeng too is in a need of recources to have our commerce grow. With the loss of Manchuria several years back, we have lost alot of resources that were used to have a very good economy and grow our commerce proprerly." He said.

[Shonburg]

Queen Annemarije van Rijssen, who had been sitting straight backed, slightly uncomfortable and hot in the corset and formal wear of the Royal house that custom dictated she wear to such a meeting, decided she finally had something to say now that this interesting proposal had been brought up by the shogun. She closed the fan she had been using to keep cool and cleared her throat, her mind racing as she went through mental dictation in her mind as to what she was about to say.

"My Lord Shogun, if I may speak?" She asked in heavily accented oxford English, her makeup hiding her blush at such a fact. Once Kojiro nodded his consent, she continued:

"I think this idea of a 'common market' is an excellent idea. As you may know, my nation is geographically small, and with our growing population and decreasing natuurlijke bronnen our industry is struggling and becoming more expensive to run. The cabinet of my prime minister is very worried about a possible economic crash in the next twenty years." She straightened her shoulders, reminding herself she should work on her English for future meetings.

[Soradour]

The Soradourian Representative on the Mandokoro Placide Moreau, Conseiller d'État, effectively a low-ranking government official without a specific power. The Prince was, for a variety of reasons, not present at the meeting, most notable his general dis-interest for politics.

"Indeed the Principality would have a great interest in a common market. You see, our industry is currently very focused on importing resources from semi-independent oversea possessions and free trade between our nations would definitly benifit us."

After Moreau had lowered his voice, the Isle'ish Ambassador immediatly: "Me hopes yond thee would allowst the Isles in such an endeavour ? Surely, all thy vassals must see the benefit of co-operating with us."

[New Aeyariss]

Shogun Kojiro slowly looked at all assembled in the hall, leading his eyes around his vassals, and trying to read their reactions. Indeed, it could have been said that Maki Kojiro was a silent type; one certainly gained this attitude after spending lifetime in Nihonese military intelligence. Yet at the same time there was much of the old, samurai style honour in this man; he had no intent to double-cross his vassals or perform machiavellian tricks on them. After all, in his personal belief, if he wanted to rule, he had to be servant of all.

"I would request to ask you then" he looked at the vassals calculating his ideas "What are principal sectors of your economies, current trade policies especially in terms of tariffs, major trading partners, and of course, major industries and branches. If we were to implement such thing, we have to remember that introduction would have to be slow and gradual; to ensure that not just me, but also us all, benefit from it. Furthermore there arises question of currency used in such transactions..."

Kojiro was himself careful about this. He long planned for his vassals to form an unified economic block that could compete with the other ones, leading towards specialization among the nations. Nihon of course had security and defense industries as one of it's main traits, something that would be extremely important for his vassals - they would be the ones handing it.

"Furthermore" his voice was rised "Annemarije van Rijssen - Joō Heika is therefore nominated to position of minister of the center, handing judicial affairs, while the prince of Sorondur will be nominated to the position of minister of the right, handing joint defense affairs. I highly expect that both of you will be carrying your affairs with virtue and honor. May Heavenly Father bless you on your path to excellence in office."

[Atmaera]

The Chancellor spoke up, " The largest sectors of the Atmaeran economy include the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing as well as banking with our major industries being the Petroleum, Coal, Agriculture, Arm's, automobile, as well as Technological industry which is on the rise of late."
The Chancellor took a sip of the tea that had been prepared for him before speaking "In Atmaera we have Free trade agreements with multiple nations our biggest trade partners includes The UMU and Orentor. Our primary focus is ensuring minimal economic barriers to global trade, this includes low taxes on imports with nations we are partnered with.

"Kojiro Sama if I may, I would like to offer points to the question of currency used in the future system of economic interdependence we are developing. In order for a standardized form of currency to be successful it is imperative we are careful that any unified system we use can adapt to changing economic issues at both gross and local levels, as I've mentioned before financial services make up a major sector of our economy any unified system must ensure that said industry remains competitive on the world stage and most importantly any unified system must promote higher growth, stability and a long-term increase in jobs. For this as well as the implementation of what we decide here today I offer myself for the position of Minister of the Left should you have no objections."

"Furthermore I am confident that once we have identified what we all have to offer for the success of the Greater Empire as a whole we can begin to see our local markets becoming world class ones in addition to other benefits that include reduction of outsourcing outside of the future system of economic interdependence we are building."

[Guadalupador]

The recently appointed Guadalupadorian Observer and Ambassador to the Empire of Greater Nihon, Stans Duoz quietly arrived into the chamber and took his seat near the back of the room, he was caught up to speed by his assistant who handed him several documents, and the agenda for the session. As he watched the session take place he was interested in how it worked, he started to jot down several notes and eventually caught the eye of the Shogun. Stans addressed the Shogun: "Greetings Honorable Shogun. I am the Guadalupadorian Observer to this organization." Stans bowed before continuing to explain his quiet entrance: "I didn't want to interrupt your session with my arrival. It is a form of politeness where I come from not to interrupt things going on when a person arrives."