Fourth DFP Summit [ IC | Closed ]

[Comrade Commisar]

As the Turtleshoomian Theologians began recording the statements of the High Priestesses, High Priestess Yuan sat down with yet another cup of tea. After explaining the key differences between Christianity and the Imperial Shrine, Yuan took it upon herself to answer the theologians' questions.

"If that there blance ya'll said is upset, say, good begins to outdo evil, how's it go about fixin' itself?"

"Well," The High Priestess sighed, cup in hand, "The best part of that, is that it is more of a natural response. Take the four nations of these lands; The Yue are the purest of heart, the Asahinans come second, the Tsao third and the Kheks last. While the North Lands may be generally uncorrupted and incredibly large in comparison, the combined corruption of the Asahinan, Tsao, and Khek states balance this, thus, harmonization. The sun rises in the sky, shedding great light upon the land, yet equally, shadows will adopt to such light and flee. We find that it fixes itself quite nicely."

"It sounds like the role of Priestess in your company is more of a mortal job than a holy or divine calling to special people. Is this correct? Can any devout Yue female become a Priestess because they want to and meet the requirements, or does a special calling from above need to initiate one's drive? In Christianity, in both my denomination and the Doctor's here, a man can not enter the priesthood unless he truly feels that God Himself has spoken to his soul and said 'I want you to tend to feed my sheep', so to speak."

"Ka-ka. If one needed the gods to speak to them in order to obtain a position within the Imperial Shrine, we would have everyman from the Khek State be eligible." Snickered Lang, "While it is true that most Priestesses become Priestesses because they either wish to help their community or were merely choosen because of their abilities, we find that there are some special cases, and we find that fate sometimes operates in unknown ways."

"Take me, for example, the Great Wolf of the North Lands. I massacred entire villages and towns, raised fear within much of the North Lands before being stopped by the Eighth. It was then that I began the High Advisor of the Imperial Shrine for roughly one thousand years before I was allowed to leave by the Eighteenth in return for annihilating the Tsao Armies to the South. However, I returned years later out of kindness instead of spite, and was allowed to rejoin the ranks of the Imperial Shrine. I do not believe this as mere coincidence, and neither do some of my colleagues in the Shrine."

As Lang continued to reminisce of the olden times, Yuan decided to address the Turtleshroomian concerns about the Imperial Archives.

"One, using 'catgirl' to address the entirety of the North Lands would be an insult to the entire North Lands. Our population is mixed of humans, nekomimi, kitsune, tengu, and the like." Yuan simply noted towards the Turtleshroomers, "As for fire, it is quite an interesting element, for it melts ice, resulting in water which extinguishes the fire. Anyway, we have multiple ways to counteract the possibility of fire. Our composition of paper is generally more fire resistant to some extent, and the cold of the North Lands makes it difficult to create fire in the first place. In addition to that, the Imperial Archives within Yoitsu is not exactly the true archives, but rather a duplicate of such. The true location of the Imperial Archives is a secret known only to the High Priestesses, the High Advisors, and the High Priestess of Yoitsu. We would not be as so foolish as to place original documents upon display. Does that answer your questions, Doctor, Cardinal?"

It was then that High Priestess Feng returned from the freezing cold of the outside, where frost and snow had accumulated into her hair and clothing, not much to her caring. Sitting back down besides High Priestess Lang and Yuan, she still looked at the Turtleshroomers with disgust, although this was seemingly an improvement from her normally violent and murderous behavior.

After Cano's fairly long explaination of the situation in Turtleshroom and his great expression of emotion, Yuan continued writing notes in her scroll while Feng made a small, unnoticable grin at the large man.

"KA-KA!" Lang laughed, wiping a tear from her eye, "Tell me, South Lander, if the Imperial Shrine could amass enough of the Asianic populace to travel towards the South Lands and effectively throw the government towards the brink of revolution, what else could such a powerful entity do? In any case, I jest. This so called, 'Easternization' of the South Lands is not related towards the Imperial Shrine as of our knowledge, although it is quite interesting. Perhaps we should document this for our archives..."

"As for your other question, an intellegent man like you should be somewhat notable on the terms of the Imperial Decree with split our nation into four. It stated that the South Lands would fall under Tsao juristiction, yet the Imperial Shrine stated that your lands would be under the North Lands juristirction instead. Do you know why this is so, South Lander?" Asked Lang as she sipped her wine, "It is because it would be most inconvenient for us if the South Lands were to fall entirely under Tsaoist control. We merely wish to maintain the status quo in your state, 'tis all."

"The Imperial Shrine does not have any true policy regarding the relation of economic conduct." Yuan stated, not looking up from her scroll, "Although by Imperial Decree released under the Sixteenth High Priestess of Yoitsu, it states that the Imperial Shrine should attempt to maintain the purity of silver, that it should attempt to bring in enough resources to sustain the North Lands, and that it the purity of its silver should be much stronger than the silver of others, least the Imperial Shrine succumb to the economic prowess of another. However, very little nations in the world today boast any such standard of silver, and the North Lands seems to be doing just fine with the amount of resources on a very small portion of mainland alone - so the Imperial Decree of the Sixteenth remains relatively void and unpracticed."

"Christianity..." Feng stated, having not taken the oath and having no intention of taking the oath, "If the Imperial Shrine of the North Lands wished to destroy Christianity in the South Lands, then they would have already done so. The only reason your religion exists is due to the fact that many High Priestesses and Advisors find the idea of Christianity to be mildly interesting and amusing. So far, the only current reason the Imperial Shrine has been in the South Lands is due to the fact that others have passed on their failures to them. The Christianity of the South Lands is safe, for now."

The Priestesses could sense the Turtleshroomian's fear, something that Lang and Feng seemed to be very reactive to. Although Lang seemed to use it as a way to jest, Feng was much more serious. Christianity forced her to live in fear for many decades in the North Lands, and for the first time in centuries, it was now the Christians that feared her. Crossing her arms, she awaited the responce of the Turtleshroomian Theologians.

[TurtleShroom]

{OOC: I stayed up all night to wait for your reply. EPIC AND WORTH IT.}

"The best part of that, is that it is more of a natural response. Take the four nations of these lands; The Yue are the purest of heart, the Asahinans come second, the Tsao third and the Kheks last...

Jason and West didn't really respond to their claim of purity, assuming that the dark, corrupted soul of the kitsune was an isolated incident in the priesthood. Cano, though, opened one eye and looked at the one that had kept threatening to eat them this whole trip. He said nothing, closed his eye, and continued writing.

While the North Lands may be generally uncorrupted and incredibly large in comparison, the combined corruption of the Asahinan, Tsao, and Khek states balance this, thus, harmonization. The sun rises in the sky, shedding great light upon the land, yet equally, shadows will adopt to such light and flee. We find that it fixes itself quite nicely."

Even TurtleShroomers know when to shut up at least once. They immediately decided not to comment on the purity of the Yue, and maintained poker faces worthy of the stoic Cano, ensuring the priestesses neither heard nor read anything about it.

"While it is true that most Priestesses become Priestesses because they either wish to help their community or were merely chosen because of their abilities, we find that there are some special cases, and we find that fate sometimes operates in unknown ways."

Jason and West smiled. This was an acceptable, even pleasurable, response.
-and then...

"Take me, for example, the Great Wolf of the North Lands. I massacred entire villages and towns, raised fear within much of the North Lands before being stopped by the Eighth.

Total silence. Jason wanted to scream, but Cano slapped his hand onto the Cardinal's mouth before a word could come. West looked at Cano, who retained his poker face, apparently uncaring that this was a serial killer.
All three were silent.
The "Great Wolf" enjoyed their looks. She was fully aware that they were asking within themselves if she did such murder in self-defense and for legitimate means, like tribal warfare, or if she's a manic psychopath.

They dared not request clarification for her "being bound for a thousand years" as she continued on, but they tread lightly on this sudden political third rail.

It was then that I began the High Advisor of the Imperial Shrine for roughly one thousand years before I was allowed to leave by the Eighteenth in return for annihilating the Tsao Armies to the South.

Jason spent much time crafting a respectful response to this revelation, amusing the murderous kitsune to no end as he tried his hardest not to just call her out and ruin everything.

"S-so you... 'ran amok' ...in cities and towns and assumed the Priesthood for one thousand years? Was this a punishment? Or, did they reward you?"

Cano opened an eye and spoke without emotion.

"Ambassador Moorye repeated your mentioning that your take-down of the Tsao was a justified act of war, because they were definitely out to kill you. He dismissed any anger at you and apologized, if I am correct, because you defended your home state."

He went back to writing. Things were getting juicy.

However, I returned years later out of kindness instead of spite, and was allowed to rejoin the ranks of the Imperial Shrine. I do not believe this as mere coincidence, and neither do some of my colleagues in the Shrine."

Not entirely sure what she meant, even Cano stopped writing to ready himself to write their answers.

"Wait, back that tractor-trailer up." the good Doctor said, a bit bamboozled. "So you served, possibly in slave'ry or bondage ta the Yues as an Advisuh, n' they released ya for successfully defendin' yawls' borduhs from the stratocrats. ...-but then you got yerself a whole Stockholm Syndrome and came back to be admitted not as an advisuh bah force, but as a cleric by will?"

The turtle dared not remark on her kindness claims. He didn't want to be eaten. Cano didn't hesitate to continue his writing and amazing ability to monitor despite his eyes looking like they were shut.

"One, using 'catgirl' to address the entirety of the North Lands would be an insult to the entire North Lands. Our population is mixed of humans, nekomimi, kitsune, tengu, and the like."

West looked to Jason, and Jason shrugged in reply. Cano cleared up the confusion, not opening his eyes or ceasing his writings.

"TurtleShroomian law classifies all humanesque beings with ears and tails derived from animals, feline or otherwise, as 'nekomimi'. Although this is, of course, linguistically incorrect, it's easy for the law scholars, courts, judges, and the like. The slang term 'catgirl' was a natural deviation from the original Japanese meaning, since, if I recall, 'nekomimi' translates roughly into 'catgirl'.
A recent private study confirmed, as you have shown and we learned when entering here, that there are other types of neko-like creatures. Her Grace here-" gesturing to the kitsune "-is, as we have learned, a kitsune. Which I guess would be a 'fox-girl' colloquially. Foxes are more of a type of dog, not a cat. I am not sure as to what a 'tengu' is, but I'm pretty sure that study mentioned them as one of the diverse types."

Jason realized what Cano had said.

"We apologize for insulting the Yue Commissariat." he said, slightly unnerved, as the kitsune slowly became scarier to his teenage mind. He wiped his forehead on his sleeve, silently angered at his tendency to sweat when in fear, excitement, or any strong emotion at all.
In traditional fashion for men with his style of hair, he absently craned his neck and swept the bangs back in place.

"We will try to steady our tongues in future discussions with your representatives and people and acknowledge the recognition you have in the diverse types of ca- beings ranging from nekomimi to kitsunes and the like."

The kitsune Priestess easily noticed the Cardinal's nervousness and the sweat. She was amused, again, at making a man of cloth squirm. She noticed that Doctor West, now that she looked down to the black-draped turtle, had pulled his four legs into his shell, his neck the only extended feature as he paid strong, nervous attention to the kitsune's every move. It was a natural reaction of a turtle. Each time she looked at him, West would snap his neck downward and into his shell, as any turtle would if he or she saw something moving near or towards them.

Our composition of paper is generally more fire resistant to some extent, and the cold of the North Lands makes it difficult to create fire in the first place. In addition to that, the Imperial Archives within Yoitsu is not exactly the true archives, but rather a duplicate of such. The true location of the Imperial Archives is a secret known only to the High Priestesses, the High Advisors, and the High Priestess of Yoitsu. We would not be as so foolish as to place original documents upon display. Does that answer your questions, Doctor, Cardinal?

"YES YOUR GRACE." both said, still unnerved by the entire epiphany that the kitsune wasn't kidding about eating them.

This so called, 'Easternization' of the South Lands is not related towards the Imperial Shrine as of our knowledge, although it is quite interesting. Perhaps we should document this for our archives..."

Jason and West felt relieved as Cano continued writing, noticeably striking something from the sheets of paper. In the course of all this, he had consumed well over ten sheets.

"As for your other question, an intelligent man like you should be somewhat notable on the terms of the Imperial Decree with split our nation into four. It stated that the South Lands would fall under Tsao jurisdiction, yet the Imperial Shrine stated that your lands would be under the North Lands jurisdiction instead. Do you know why this is so, South Lander?" Asked Lang as she sipped her wine, "It is because it would be most inconvenient for us if the South Lands were to fall entirely under Tsaoist control. We merely wish to maintain the status quo in your state, 'tis all."

Jason and West were very confused now. West spoke this fact.

"The Tsaos were effectively the national gub'mint'a Comrade Commissar. Regent Young visited 'em 'n described their majesty in details. It took us a long time ta fig-yuh out that ya'll actually came out on top. We still consider the Tsaos and the Shis our absolute closest allies that are still active powuhs, though, somehow, the entire Shis just went gone like a freight train. The Queendom a' Haiz, our true friend, is long past her time and is crumbling inta city states n' expats."

Cano stoically added to West's note.

"The TurtleShroomian state was actually shocked not only at the split, but that the Yue Commissariat rose as the dominant force of the shattered confederacy. In fact, until this very second, we were at a loss as to why the Red and Black Guards did not frequent our halls, calls, and relations more. {OOC: TS as a nation still thinks the Black Guards were national secret police and answered to the Shis or Tsaos. Feel free to exploit.}
We were also confused as to why a nation that runs a ship as tight as the Old Mennonite Amish in technology somehow handed the rears of the Tsaos and Shis on a silver platter. The Kheks were easy, but them? It amazed us all."

The Priestesses were pleased to note that, despite the differences, at least they laughed off and looked down on the Kheks as overall losers.

Jason interjected.

"I apologize on my ignorance in this subject, for I cover the matters of my flocks and my God instead of secular state interests, even when called to advise for parochial counsel. If you could, please answer: what exactly was the status quo you were to preserve in our state? We allied with Comrade Commissar, and in that sense, the national powerhouses of the time, those Tsaos and Shis. Wouldn't it make sense, then, that we as the South Lands would want ties with those that the nation knew and loved most? Suddenly, the Yues walk in, and we're meeting them as if the Tsaos and Shis are but ghosts of a nation passed into Lazarus Region..."

Cardinal Jason raised his eyebrows and whipped his head to West, who thought the same thing. Was the Yue engineering this? DID THE KITSUNE EAT THEM?
The Priestesses both enjoyed this speculation. It didn't take a mind reader to read any TurtleShroomers' emotions and thoughts. They were like books. This fitting comparison was emphasized by the learned Priestesses that had long mastered the subtle beauties of the written word and the parallels in life.

*snip silver snip*

For mere moments, West and Jason calmed down a bit as they listened to the explanation of silver. Cano slowed his writing just slightly and continued penning their every move.
After a while, Cano delivered his intensive inquiries to the unorthodox actions of the Shrine and their run on Christendom's dominance in TurtleShroom.

That's when it got scary.

"Christianity... if the Imperial Shrine of the North Lands wished to destroy Christianity in the South Lands, then they would have already done so.

Cano jerked his hand at this remark, and the antique pen made a slight scrape across the paper, leaving a slight, short scribble over an empty part of the paper. He made note of why he did it in there, flipped the page, kept writing, and opened one glaring eye towards the Priestesses comments. It was not much of a scene and didn't catch the attention of the startled clerics beside him.

The only reason your religion exists is due to the fact that many High Priestesses and Advisors find the idea of Christianity to be mildly interesting and amusing. So far, the only current reason the Imperial Shrine has been in the South Lands is due to the fact that others have passed on their failures to them. The Christianity of the South Lands is safe, for now."

At that very moment, the loud winds increased and shook the ornate structure of the Shrine itself, as if the dramatic revelation and daring claims carried extra, powerful meanings. The wind howled fiercely as a silence of shock set in.

-and that was when Cano's reactionary jerk slipped and spurted some ink onto the paper, splattering most of what was blank on the sheet. The sound of the scraping was loud to the ears of all involved with the theology discussions.
Cano jerked his head up, for the first time, his eyes opened in raw, unadulterated astonishment as such a claim. It was not so much a look of fear, but one of awe, shock, amazement, and yes, being intimidated. This was the first time in Cano's life that he had ever been intimidated himself.

The face of the teenage Cardinal, meanwhile, could be compared to a child that had just learned about the parental work behind Santa. It was one of fear, and not just for one's own being, but for their entire way of life. It was true, deep fear.
The Cardinal's greatest nightmare would to see his nation become secularized. At the 2010 NS Papal Conclave, he had seen Cardinals from countries that either persecuted the Catholic denomination of Christianity, banned it, or had betrayed it.

Jason never forgot the heartache of that blessed Germanoslavian Cardinal, his "best friend forever" and worldly hero, as he told his backstory of fighting persecution, hate, and suppression. His story ended with a happy reuniting of his denomination and the Church papacy, and the end of oppression of Catholics, but that wasn't what came to the Cardinal's mind as he recalled the usually happy events from the greatest thing he ever did, in what seemed so many years back.

The sweat increased and Jason nervously and frequently pulled at his clerical collar as he tried to cool off from the sweat. It pooled on his long bangs and in his modern hairstyle- one of that look's few banes -making him wish he could remove his zuchetto. He shook slightly, but steadied himself. Passing the Sign of the Cross over himself, he wiped his beading sweat and looked the kitsune in the eyes, trying not to show any worse fear.

Doctor west shot his entire body into his shell and remained in there, in absolute silence. This was how any turtle or tortoise showed deep fear, of course, and the Priestesses knew it darn well.


What kind of institution can so boldly proclaim that kind of power over TurtleShroom? -the TurtleShroomers thought, fearing for their state. Was Yue hostile, or was this black souled kitsune just joking? Given the kindness of the others, a small voice in the back of the two religious creatures' heads whispered soft words to them. Cano, an Agnostic, saw it secularly: were these threats? Or just the arrogant nature of this evil kitsune?

The Priestesses could sense the Turtleshroomian's fear, something that Lang and Feng seemed to be very reactive to. Although Lang seemed to use it as a way to jest, Feng was much more serious. For the first time in centuries, it was now the Christians that feared her. Crossing her arms, she awaited the response of the Turtleshroomian Theologians.

[/quote]

Thank heavens that Samuel hadn't heard a peep of this, himself occupied with secular matters of state with fellow Pact Members from across the room.


Cano, Jason, and West stood in their respective intimidated, nightmare-reliving, and terrified states (in that order).
Cano was thrown off his usual stoic demeanor, blinking his eyes several times as he wrote the conclusionary remarks on one final sheet of paper.

Without missing a beat, except in his physical body language, he intoned:
"All questions have completed."

The kitsune practically snickered at the TurtleShroomers. Her last statement had literally ended their question and answer period. The other Priestess, though, harbored a slight bit of anger that the fate of the ambitions of the Shrine were jeporadized by the kitsune's ego and going to far. AGAIN. With the exception of the kitsune, who clearly demonstrated that she couldn't care less, the Priestesses prepared themselves.


Cano continued his traditional, deep intonements:
"The analysis and data gathering has been collected. The words and recordings I have written are under oath and are the full truths of Yue Imperial Shrine, Incorporated. We shall now depart to a private place and deliberate the standings, merits, beliefs, and aspirations of the Shrine as stated by its ordained clergymen. Upon completion, we shall ready the Stamps and ceremonies for final entry into these special titles of the TurtleShroom Public Law.

With two great hands, Cano grabbed Jason and West and yanked them to his side. With speed, Cano took the notes, the wagon, the items and things, and his two associates and zipped off like lightning.

They made their way down a hall and into an unoccupied room. They shut the door and locked it with what they had to begin their deliberations.

The Priestesses realized it was done, and they relaxed. The kitsune, though, pridefully bathing in the fear she wrought, called forth a Shrine employee with extra sharp hearing to put her ear to the door they had convened in, to listen, jot down ,and report back their words from time to time.

The kitsune knew not what was to happen, but she knew that she had dominated the spotlight for better or worse. Whatever happened, she felt confident that she alone, the Great Wolf of the North Lands, would rise up and take full advantage of all that would come forth.


{OOC: It's 2:00 AM in the morning. I wrote this post for almost four hours, and I left it at a cliffhanger for your response. I'll write the rest over the course of the weekend and the next week. The deliberations will be spoken and eavesdropped on for even more great RP fun. You totally made staying up to late and wrecking my sleep worth it. That was a great post, a great twist, and a downright perfect storytelling plot device. Thank you. Thank you.}

[Comrade Commisar]

Lang was quite pleased with herself, and the theologian's reactions in general. Inbetween jesting and seriousness, the Turtleshroomers were at a loss, and the Great Wolf of the North Lands knew exactly how to exploit it.

"S-so you... 'ran amok' ...in cities and towns and assumed the Priesthood for one thousand years? Was this a punishment? Or, did they reward you?"

"Not quite," Stated Lang smugly, "I was forbidden to leave the perimeter of Yoitsu for one thousand years. It was only under the Eighteenth High Priestess that she gave me the option to decimate the Tsao Armies, a single act, for my freedom. Suffice to say, you know which option I chose."

"So you served, possibly in slave'ry or bondage ta the Yues as an Advisuh, n' they released ya for successfully defendin' yawls' borduhs from the stratocrats... -but then you got yerself a whole Stockholm Syndrome and came back to be admitted not as an advisuh bah force, but as a cleric by will?"

Although Lang never answered that question herself, her close friend, High Priestess Feng merely smirked. Feng knew that Lang never did rejoin the Imperial Shrine out of kindness, but for the mere fact that she had become lazy and had trouble relearning how to hunt her prey. Although Lang would possibly rip Feng apart if such information were to be revealed, although being an immortal, Feng would merely laugh it off at the expense of the Great Wolf of the North.

As the meeting progressed, Lang snickered more and more to herself as the frighten reactions of the Turtleshroomians mimic'd those of other humans back a millenium ago.

"If you could, please answer: what exactly was the status quo you were to preserve in our state? We allied with Comrade Commissar, and in that sense, the national powerhouses of the time, those Tsaos and Shis. Wouldn't it make sense, then, that we as the South Lands would want ties with those that the nation knew and loved most?

Mister Jon Smith took it upon himself to answer the question for the Priestesses.
"It is a well known fact that many Communist societies have people question and disregard religion, and the highly educated dismiss religion as false claims. Either way, it does not help the Imperial Shrine any... and it certainly does not help Turtleshroom." He said as he and the High Priestesses exchanged quick looks.

"The Imperial Shrine is merely protecting Turtleshroom from the influences of socialism and atheism..." Finalized Smith as he continued to drink the Yue Flaming Wine, which he recoiled with every sip due to the strong alcohol content.

As the further statements of High Priestess Lang caused the Turtleshroomers to cower in fear and abruptly end the conferrence, the other two High Priestesses looked at Lang as the theologians made their way to a spare room within the Shrine. Yuan, not particularly pleased, was the first to address Lang's actions.

"Lang, I hope you recall that High Priestess Feng here is the only person in this room that cannot be killed under any circumstance..." Whispered Yuan in the Yue Language, "If things do not turn out well, the High Priestess of Yoitsu will tear you limb from limb..."
"'Tis fine," Lang replied, "Fear is quite the motivator throughout the world, I am sure the theologians shall make the right decisions. If you are so worried, let us have one of our assistants monitor them, such will relieve your anxiety."
"Well, at least you did not tell them of my actions..." Stated Feng as Yuan was clearly holding herself back from strangling Lang, "I've been reassigned towards the South Lands after this conferrence, and the things I have done make your actions look relatively small. Should've the South Land theologians found out, I am sure they would not be so content with me travelling to the South Lands with them..."

"Ah yes, that whole incident..." Spoke Lang quietly, "Why would the Imperial Shrine of Yoitsu reassign you towards the South Lands knowing your general relationship with them... and that incident..."
"I honestly do not know..." Sighed Feng, "I'm not one to question the Imperial Shrine's actions though. Do not get to comfortable either, Lang, I've heard rumors that the Imperial Shrine shall be sending considerable amounts of people towards the South Lands, although for whatever reason is still unknown to us. Just try not to get hung by those fairly paranoid South Landers, will you?"

"In any case," Sighed Feng as she stuck a cigarette in her mouth, "It's been nice seeing you again, Lang. I'll be getting a head start on these South Landers, I'll hopefully see you in a few months. Until then."

Feng walked quickly down the halls of the Shrine, where she passed and exchanged a quick look with Samuel, although her fiery aura made it feel more like minutes. Feng exiting the Shrine, High Priestess Lang waited patiently for one of the assistants to report back to her, High Priestess Yuan was rubbing her temples, obviously very anxious of the theologians' decision. For now, all they could do was wait...

[TurtleShroom]

"That is the most wicked creature I've ever SEEN!" shouted West, with Jason also shouting in agreement.

"She's antithetical to everything a legitimate religion is, unless she's the Yue Company's Satan. She has openly declared that she wants to kill the very base of our country, undermine our foundations, and EAT US." Jason said.

Cano shook his head.

"Gentlemen, that does not reflect the Yue Company itself. The fact that they have erred and placed a bloodthirsty, demonic maniac in power does not and should not reflect the beliefs and legitimacy of the religion. Cardinal Jason, of ALL people, you and your Church should know about isolated demons cloaked in righteousness. If one evil clergyman does bad, does that make your Church evil? Or, should Four Chan refresh you with their contraband ursines?"

Jason shivered. The Catholic Church in TurtleShroom has aided in the prosecution of over two hundred pedos in her ranks, and all of them were declared guilty of their heinous crimes.Under Jason's own hand, he ordered the subordinate flocks to report any homosexual or sexual behavior amongst the clergymen to the police, and directed them to supply all witnesses and documents.
On his command, the Church aided in flushed out hundreds of pedos and sent them to the gallows and other forms of execution.

"Point taken." he said, nodding.

"Aside from the demon's rants," Cano said, "Yue has shown that it is not a threat. The only threat it could pose is to our businesses, but if they have the funds, where is that illegal?"

"I agree." West said, "-but they'd be exempt from taxin' when they buy and sell things."

"We barely have an income tax on ANYTHING," Jason said. "We haven't had a corporate income tax in generations."

"Real true." West said.

Cano nodded.

"All the records I have collected are positive to the faith and negative to that wretched kitsune freak. To arbitrate neutrally, we must ignore her threats."

"-but what if they reflect the company?" Jason asked.

"They don't any more than pedos reflect Catholics." argued Cano. "Right?"

Jason nodded.


"I think we're about ready to prepare for the ceremony. Yue Shrine, Incorporated will be recognized as a legitimate religion in the Holy Republic of TurtleShroom."

[Comrade Commisar]

One of the tengu assistants, listening in upon the Theologians' conversation, silently made their way back to High Priestess Lang and Yuan. The tengu, climbing upon the small stand, whispered towards both of the High Priestess's of the Theologians' decisions.

"Things are looking very well," The young tengu said, nodding childishly, "The South Landers are saying that the Imperial Shrine is 'legitimate'."

Sighing out of pure relief, High Priestess Yuan shook off her anxiety, sitting back peacefully. High Priestess Lang, however, wanted to know what the theologians' thought of 'The Great Wolf of the North Lands', and pressed on.

"They called you a demon, High Priestess Lang." Nodded the tengu nervously as she continued, "They also said you were a Satan... whatever that is. They sounded really scared, except for one of them in the room."

The tengu braced for the worst, instead being met by the Great Wolf's amused laugh, and then a small pat on the head.

"Ah, 'tis entertaining these South Landers. I have not had this much fun since I spooked those Khek merchants many decades ago..." Lang sighed happily, before handing the tengu a small charm as well as a Tsao Wooden Coin, "Take the charm as a gift, it is from the Imperial Shrine in Yoitsu, perhaps it shall bring you luck some day. As for that Tsao Wooden Coin, I wish for you to smash it upon the support beam near the South Lander's conferrence room a single time. I honestly enjoy jesting with them, 'tis entertaining."

Nodding, the tengu stood up once more and headed off towards the Theologians' room. Taking the wooden coin and hitting it upon one of the heavy timbers, there was a distinguishable 'tok' sound, although it was quite silent for even the tengu's fine ears. Shrugging, she walked off towards another area of the Shrine, content that she had finished her job.

While the wooden coin produced a silenced 'tok', upon the outside of the room, within it, the sound was a noticable clicking sound between the howling winds. A clicking sound similar towards that of a wooden checker piece hitting a wooden game board. It was pretty clear what the Great Wolf was attempting to do; with Ai and Leroy playing checkers down the hall, Lang wished to give the impression that the walls were not as thick as the Theologians' presumed them so. She wished to make them paranoid, to make them question anything and everything, whether it be her intentions or the physical structure of the Shrine itself. She enjoyed scaring humans, and with the paranoia of the South Landers, she was having quite the time.

High Priestess Yuan was not as content with Lang's tricks though, being that the fate of the Imperial Shrine was at stake. A single wrong move, and the entire fate of their operations within the South Lands was ruined. Sure, the Imperial Shrine had more 'straight-forward' back-ups for such an event, but why would they when such an easy opportunity presented itself. Calming herself down, Yuan was attempting to make her calm and cool appearance take presence over her great anxiousness. High Priestess Yue wouldn't only have Lang's head if things did not happen correctly, and Yuan was certainly not going to suffer from the actions of an arrogant wolf. Even though she knew that everything was under control, she couldn't help but worry.

It was then that the young tengu appeared once again, apparently forgetting to mention something to the High Priestesses.

"Umm... I'm not sure if this is important or not..." Fidgetted the tengu, charm hanging around her neck, "But I heard the South Landers speak of 'pedos' reflecting Catholics... whatever a 'pedo' is. Erm, that's all now..."

As the assistant scurried away, it had dawned upon both High Priestesses of the significance of such a statement.

"It appears that even the Christians are not free of corruption, dispite their claims..." Smiled Lang, who was willing to use that as a weak point in any argument the theologians could pull up about her, "Heh, how fun you humans are..."

"It means..." Smirked Yuan, "That the actions of a few does not represent the masses... wonderful."

[TurtleShroom]

The three TurtleShroomers concluded their main deliberations and set to writing their official definition of the Yue Shrine faith, and to prime the ceremonial stamps for their use. Things went smoothly and quietly, until...

Clink!

The three sat up and looked around, paying attention for the first time to the howling winds in the rafters of the Oriental-style building. It was warm in here, but just listening to that freezing wind made West pull into his shell and Jason rub his shoulders. Cano remained as stoic as ever.

"How stable is this building, you think?" Jason asked.

"Like arn." West responded confidently.

"Iron, Doctor? Why?"

"Shoot, I ain't a preachuh, but I's travelled with 'em to advise and plant churches throughout the country. Them in the jungles would go a-buildin' it all 'outta wood. Wooden pegs, wooden slots, like Linkin' Logs, unshakable like cong-crete n' as steady as a mansion in a twistuh. I assure ya'll, this buildin' ain't goin' anywhere."

West thumped a hindleg against the thick, oaken hardwood as emphasis. The reassuring, loud clunking it made relaxed Jason's nerves.

"When ya have ta rely on things as weak as wood, ya take the time ta interconnect it and make it real tight, like a drum. This buildin' is as stable and unmovin' as the tallest casino in TurtleShroom, or a rolluh coastuh at Capitol Land."


Jason nodded.

"Well, that's good. I've made my input. West, you have, and Cano, you're charged with writing the whole thing. I guess we're about ready."


Cano opened an eye and responded.

"Yes. It is almost time."

[TurtleShroom]

{OOC: All right, ladies and gentlemen, with this post, I officially close my NS Forum activity until my return on July 8th, 2012. Do not go nuts without me! -and please, if you believe in such, don't forget to pray for me!! }

[TurtleShroom]

NATIONSTATES
YOU’RE A LEGIT RELIGION


Cano, Jason, and West had made their decision, but they had huge fear in regards to that pesky kitsune, the “Wolf of the North”, as she called herself. They would have to lay down the law in that department, but otherwise, it seemed that they were ready to hand off the green light.

The delegation re-entered the room and stood before the seated Priestesses. Cardinal Jason pulled out the box the Priestesses had taken notice of, opening its seal and holding it at arms’ length in reverence. Inside it was one stamp for each classification of religion.
Each stamp was delicately and intricately crafted, beautifully carved and gilded with details that were quite impressive to anyone, much like the Bible the Yues had received. Stamps for newer classifications were made of metal, high quality but properly conserved wood, or silver.
The oldest “good” and “evil/banned” stamps had handles made of ivory and bases of rare rainforest heartwood. Engraved in the oldest stamp, apparently the one being used for this ceremony of sorts, were Christian insignia and the “T” from the Seal of TurtleShroom, alongside small depictions of smiling cherubs and decorated crosses. The imprinting part, the actual stamp, was made of handmade, embossed rubber from the natural rubber plant. The newer stamps maintained industrialized, durable rubber from modern times.


Jason handed the ivory stamp to West, which he put in his mouth. Cano, not missing a beat, pulled out the old white book and held up a vintage, beautifully engraved fountain pen. He spoke in his usual stoic tone as he squinted his eyes shut and prepared to write, opening the book to a blank page about two thirds into the book.

“Your Graces, after careful and detailed deliberation in private, we have decided to approve Yue Shrine, Incorporated, as a legitimate faith. Despite your capitalistic and monetary endeavors, it seems to be part of the faith to invest in benefits of the faith. Except for the wretched ‘Wolf of the North’, whose mixed actions of self-defense and raw evil have left a permanently negative impression of your company and faith in our minds and data, we have no legitimate reason to deny to your faith and its followers in TurtleShroom a fundamental right to worship freely.”

Jason smiled.

“This is a magnificent triumph for your faith. Of course, the state recognizes it as a false faith- no offense -so it will not receive the Religion and Spirituality tithes and offerings traditionally dispersed amongst the Southern Baptists and lawfully redistributed to other Christian denominations. You will have to maintain your Shrines in TurtleShroom as you do here, and ensure they stay in the black and accountable to any obligations and debts made, like any business, parochial or secular.”

Cano began writing in the book, sketching depictions of Yue insignia, symbols, emblems, and the Yue equivalent of christograms (like the icthys or the cross itself). He had borrowed an Archive book on his way back, documenting the absolute basics of the faith (finding it with the descriptions from the Priestesses), and had returned it to its proper place.
(They would eventually know he borrowed it because he’d leave fingerprints, but not for years, even decades, unless someone checked the book out or the Priestesses wanted it.)

Occasionally, he opened one eye at the ‘Wolf’, then went back to his work. Although it initially confused her, she realized he was sketching her, but said nothing, sort of pleased that she was important enough to be in the fundamental descriptors of the Yue faith.
(She would not learn how she was depicted until the Ministry of the Storehouse returned a copy of the pages.)


“Cano here’s a-writin’ the lore of your faith and its core tenents. Your clerical hierarchy and job descriptions from Cano’s notes are bein’ placed in the Book. The White Book’s the definitive book on all legitimate religions and forms the basis of all TurtleShroomian jurisprudence over them Yues in TurtleShroom, and in all matters of civil cases and how the institution interacts with the state. Whenevuh a judge arbitrates in manners with yer faith, he’ll be presented with this as the ‘synopsis’ of yer faith. It is as accurate as possible and lists all ya’lls’ major gods, goddesses, or equivalents, as well as any equivalent ta evil incarnate- like the Judeo-Christian Satan -and divine messengers, spirits, or other supernatural or paranormal aides, good and evil. All things written are directly from your own words.”

Cano nodded and held out the book to the Priestesses, ensuring that his large hand covered the part of the book he didn’t want the Priestesses to see. The other page(s) were obscured by simple sheets of black construction paper and cloths like unused tissues and such.

A square drawn in the corner of the each page referring to Yue was blank and ready for the stamp, but Cano had directed the Priestesses’ attention to several lines. The signatures of Cardinal Jason Icfella, the Reverend Doctor West Moreland, and the Honorable Cano Noah were in the book. Under these signatures were several other blank lines.

“Sign here. All matters must be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Although John Raven Codes order a nekomimi’s signature to require a recognized sentient being to co-sign, no law enforces this on the nation or our affairs. The Yue Faith can not be made a legitimate faith without the signatures of each of you and any clergymen or key laity in this Shrine. Ultimately, your highest cleric slash head of religion must sign within seven years, or the status is revoked, but until then, your signatures will have the force of law.”

Jason and West looked on eagerly as the Priestess next to the ‘Wolf’ took the beautiful pen and positioned the inkwell for dispensing. Jason spoke one last note.

“By the way, you will get to see the entries into the White Book after it is processed and ratified by the Ministry of the Storehouse and the tax collection bureaucracy and encoded into the Codex, our public law. You ready to make history?”

[Comrade Commisar]

The Turtleshroomian Theologians had returned from their long discussion, boxes and books in hand. Opening the box to reveal multiple stamps, the High Priestesses could see the differences between the Turtleshroomer's ordinately specialized stamps and their simple wooden blocks. The Turtleshroomian Theologians, wasting no time, began stating their conclusions, Cano starting with his rather straight-forward tone.

“Your Graces, after careful and detailed deliberation in private, we have decided to approve Yue Shrine, Incorporated, as a legitimate faith. Despite your capitalistic and monetary endeavors, it seems to be part of the faith to invest in benefits of the faith. Except for the wretched ‘Wolf of the North’, whose mixed actions of self-defense and raw evil have left a permanently negative impression of your company and faith in our minds and data, we have no legitimate reason to deny to your faith and its followers in TurtleShroom a fundamental right to worship freely.”

High Priestess Yuan Li felt relieved, that mischievious Great Wolf of the North had not costed the Yue their legitimate position within the South Lands. Looking aside, the High Priestess could see Lang brushing her tail with almost a mocking grin on her face, herself feeling accomplished from frightening those odd, odd South Landers. Of course, the Theologians weren't quite finished with their conclusions...

“This is a magnificent triumph for your faith. Of course, the state recognizes it as a false faith- no offense -so it will not receive the Religion and Spirituality tithes and offerings traditionally dispersed amongst the Southern Baptists and lawfully redistributed to other Christian denominations. You will have to maintain your Shrines in TurtleShroom as you do here, and ensure they stay in the black and accountable to any obligations and debts made, like any business, parochial or secular.”

'False Faith' were two words that struck High Priestess Yuan Li and many of the Shrine Assistants with grave insult. Never had such ignorance been displayed within the North Lands, not even from the mostly Atheist Asahinans. The High Priestess of Yoitsu would have to hear about this, Yuan Li silently brushing a small note of this insult in her scroll before addressing the Turtleshroomian Theologians.

"Ehem, while we may not receive the offerings dispersed within the Turtleshroomian State among Christian religions, the Imperial Shrine humbly accept their position among many other recognized religions in Turtleshroom. Thank you." The High Priestess said, the Great Wolf smirking to herself about the forced words.

The Great Wolf, however, did noticed the tall and dark Cano secretly staring at her, something which made her raise an eye in curiousity. The man was writing in his books again, something which the Great Wolf frowned upon, being as she couldn't read. However, a brief glimpse showed that the tall man was drawing something, herself perhaps? Smiling, Lang continued to brush her tail as she felt flattered at her recognition.

The Turtleshroomian Theologists continued explaining the legal matters behind their notes and research of the Imperial Shrine, something which High Priestess Yuan Li wrote down word by word in her scroll. After finishing her multiple brush strokes in the many characters of the Yue Language, the Turtleshroomian Theologians held up their book, allowing the High Priestesses to view the contents of the piece of literature. Handing High Priestess Yuan Li the luxurious fountain pen, the Theologians began explaining the legal issues with the signatures of the Yue.

“Sign here. All matters must be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Although John Raven Codes order a nekomimi’s signature to require a recognized sentient being to co-sign, no law enforces this on the nation or our affairs. The Yue Faith can not be made a legitimate faith without the signatures of each of you and any clergymen or key laity in this Shrine. Ultimately, your highest cleric slash head of religion must sign within seven years, or the status is revoked, but until then, your signatures will have the force of law.”

The High Priestess looked up at the Turtleshroomers with suspicion, but ultimately dismissed them as she dipped the pen in the inkwell.

"The High Priestess of Yoitsu is what one may consider the 'heir' to the Imperial Shrine, although many other High Priestesses share the same power and influence as her. Should you attempt to seek a signature from the High Priestess of the Imperial Shrine, you must send these manuscripts to the City of Yoitsu - The High Priestess and her Advisors rarely leave the city, and something as trivial as this won't convince them." Yuan Li stated as she signed the two characters of her name within the book, handing the pen to Lang.

The Great Wolf of the North Lands, wanting to be known in the South Lands, held the pen in front of her... then suddenly paused. The Turtleshroomian Theologians and the High Priestess, looking at Lang, began wondering what was wrong. The Great Wolf looking angrily at High Priestess Yuan Li, began explaining the situation with the High Priestess in the Yue Language.

"If I cannot read, how can they expect me to write?!"

"It's your name. Not to mention your name composes of only two characters - the same character - I might add." Noted the High Priestess as the Great Wolf began shakingly writing.

Slopily writing her name, the characters looked more like it had been writen by a child rather than a distinguished member of the Imperial Shrine. The Great Wolf looked away, restraining herself from mauling the Turtleshroomian Theologians in her rage and embarrassment from being unable to properly sign her name. Sighing, the High Priestess looked at the theologians, finishing her own observations of them and rolling the scroll up to be placed away in the Imperial Archives. With the blizzard pounding against the thick timber logs of the Shrine, the High Priestess quietly sipped her tea as she waited for the Turtleshroomians to conclude their 'judgement'.

[TurtleShroom]

"Ahem, while we may not receive the offerings dispersed within the Turtleshroomian State among Christian religions, the Imperial Shrine humbly accept their position among many other recognized religions in TurtleShroom. Thank you." The High Priestess said, the Great Wolf smirking to herself about the forced words.

Naturally, the gullible TurtleShroomers took every word as gospel. Cardinal Icfella and his turtle friend grinned ear to ear and nodded to each other.

"Let me be clear, by the way." stated West, still smiling. "Despite the belief of us and our gov'ment, the Constitution of TurtleShroom guarantees a fundamental right to proselytize your beliefs with no state standin' in yer way. All legitimate faiths enjoy a tax-exempt status on all expendit-chuhs, purchases, 'n deeds.
Further, all contributions by Yue Shrine Incorporated are tax exempt, and you, like any comp'ny, spiritual or worldly, may spend unlimited money- assuming your bylaws permit corporate spendin' and secularly economic actions, as it seems ta do -for any political or otherwise cause ya'll believe in. 'Course, ya gots ta log every monetary contribution ta the nearest hundredth of a decimal, and if it ain't money, ya got ta itemize it, but ya'll are such skilled record keepuhs that it ain't 'gonna be a big deal."

Cano interrupted him.

"As opposed to my colleagues and my country, I am not a follower of any religion. As such, I do not believe your faith is false. I noticed you enter my words regarding the government's stance in your records. Please clarify that these are not my words, but the laws of TurtleShroom. I am required by law to state them. In actuality, I am more interested in your beliefs and will look into them in due time."

The other two looked at him, as Jason shrugged.

"Eh. He's agnostic."

West jumped back in with eagerness.

"ANYWAYS. In addition to you guys bein' tax-exempt, all clerics and immediate temple staff- that is, your High Priestesses and shrine laity that we've seen a-scurryin' 'round -are tax exempt from all of their personal actions as long as they serve in the ministry. Simply by registrin' with the Storehouse as an ordained Yue Cleric or laity office that directly supports the spiritual needs and beliefs of the comp'ny and presentin' the photo ID that follows, ya'll are waived from sales tax n' any tax TurtleShroom can levy, includin' and especially income."

He continued.

"-and that's not all! All who give tithes and offerins' ta yalls' Tray-jury or whatevuh it is are eligible to be tax deductible, and the offerins' themselves are tax exempt!"

Nodding, West continued his repetition of law.

"Remember, the Constitution gives a fundamental right of all legitimate faiths to practice their beliefs and, more importantly, evangelize. Nothing can lawfully stand in yalls' way from spreadin' yer faith to all a TurtleShroom. The choice between a cree-chuh and their God, or their gods, or their otherworldly spirits, as ya'll said, is incontrovertible. If ya ever see anythin' in the gov'ment doin' so, ya are guaranteed a right ta take it to the courthouse and get a fair, unbiased, and impartial trial."

Cano interjected.

"As a loophole, only ordained clerics are permitted minor clairvoyance to contact spirits if prayer is not how you perform it, but that must be done in private and in your temple.
You are also permitted:

• To sense things and see visions,
• To pray and chant in any language,
• To prophesy,
• To faith heal and operate medicine men,
• To sacrifice any animal that is not a turtle, mushroom, or a human, and said sacrifice may be done in any way without animal cruelties binding you in any way you,
• To handle serpents without regulation,
• To hawk wares that are tied to the faith,
• To utilize any spiritual gifts or psychic powers granted by your spirits, except to read minds or perform criminal deeds,
• To, in the presence of an officer of the Ministry of the Prohibition, to smoke anything your faith has deemed sacred for over one hundred years, after which the items must be surrendered to the aforementioned special agent for tagging, bagging, and proper disposal, but under no circumstances may you serve alcohol and under no circumstances may you allow non-clerics and temple laity to do the same, no matter what and regardless of anything in your scriptures,
• To may speak to the spirits through pagan seances, but under no circumstances may you call any spirit to the mortal world, speak to the dead, or other forbidden actions, which can be viewed in the TurtleShroom Codex of Public Law,
• To mint, coin, print, or produce your own currencies in case, as was with Judaism, that non-Yue money into the Shrine Treasury is considered evil, but under no circumstances may you make a profit from this, and you must obey a one-one ratio of exact worth, or else the Ministry of the Storehouse will dispatch special agents to flip your tables, confiscate the deceitful money, and drive you from your temple with a leather whip as officers raid and seize the money made by defrauding the faithful in your religion,
• To send foreign ordained clerics and special laity to TurtleShroom on special, permanent passports and visas for the purpose of aiding the faith in any way, shape, or form,
• To speak and write all texts and sermons in a non-English language without exception, and to have your language certified as a religious dialect for the purpose of expressing the faith, and to deliver all contribution records, tax records, and other such things in that said language, but if you exercise this right, you must release into the Public Domain the language itself, and allow anyone to study and learn to speak and translate it, and permit, if the Free Market wishes, to teach it as a class in school,
• To establish parochial schools that teach the Yue Shrine Incorporated doctrines alongside key curricula,
• To discriminate from the priesthood of your faith any category, race, species, or trait in creatures,
• To operate seminaries to ordain new clerics and teach Yue theology without editing or hindrance,
• To have any and every book you officially and specifically consider as sacred scriptures- think something like your equivalents to the Bible or the writings of Confucius -uncensored and unregulated, no matter how violent, sexual, or normally censor-ready they are, and to challenge any Board of Censor ruling on your scriptures,
• To operate a tax-free printing press to print and distribute the said scriptures at whim and without hindrance by any public or private institution,
• To display and take pride in any symbols, logos, emblems, sacred objects, pictures, writings, and anything else, in picture and print, online and off, digital or analog, big or small, that directly represents your faith- in the same fashion as the ichthus of Christianity, or its cross, or the Star of David and the letters 'YHWH' and 'LORD' in Judaism -in public or in private, on your person or as a monument, as decoration or a promotion of Yue-endorsed products
• To instruct the government to print a "Yue-certified" sticker on all foods compliant with your faith, without exception, but only if your faith has dietary laws, such as the forbiddance of the consumption of pork,
• To allow your followers to take certain days off without pay from any business without regards to their contracts, on days that you consider especially holy, or your equivalent of the Sabbath slash day of rest, as stated in your scriptures,
• To discipline and enforce orthodoxy within the walls of a Shrine or a Shrine-operated business by your own privatized religious police force, Inquisition, or other board of regulation, and to arbitrate all disputes amongst believers in a non-governmental, privatized tribunal that can and will produce valid contracts enforceable by TurtleShroomer courts,
• To discipline believers and clerics within the walls of a Shrine or a Shrine-operated business with any non-physical force or punishment,
• To compel and request the police to remove disturbances from your presence if they are heckling or otherwise interrupting or bothering worship,
• To contract any privatized security firm, or to create your own, to protect and ensure the safety of you, your clerics, your believers, or other such things,
• To bind yourself to a foreign authority alongside TurtleShroomer law,
• To order or encourage your flock to refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance to TurtleShroom, to sing any patriotic anthem, and to conscientiously object to a combat role in the military if you get drafted, but you will still be required to stand in honor of your host country when such things are performed, and you will still have to take some sort of military support role,
• To create a Chaplaincy in our military so that the believers of the Yue Faith can worship in the most critical, but all chaplaincy vestments must be permitted to be decorated with military honors, and all chaplaincy members must wear a pickelhaube with an emblem of their faith on it,
• To fly the flag of your faith above the National Flag of TurtleShroom when on the same flagpole exclusively on Shrine-owned property and businesses, and to, exclusively on Shrine-owned property and businesses, waive the Flag Code in ways you see fit, provided you file the proper paperwork to obtain etiquette exemptions,
• To waive the Flag Code's etiquette of flying the Flag of Christendom over the national flag or any flag of your own at any time, and to allow your believers to do the same on their land, but the Flag Code will require the National Flag of TurtleShroom to fly over your faith's banner,
• To establish monasteries, nunneries, and similar training centers for new clerics in connections to your faith,
• To copyright and trademark anything sacred to your faith, so that no business or other institution, including the government, can use it as their own in any way,
• To sue anyone that uses the Yue emblems or tries to profit from your faith without the faith's expressed consent,
• To establish parochial student unions at universities and evangelize to college-aged creatures,
• To preach on street corners,
• To unrestrictingly lobby the government of TurtleShroom without need for registering a lobbyist or lobby firm,
• To create completely tax exempt corporations under the Yue Shrine that are directly affected and ruled by it without parallel or separation,
• To own land, to buy, sell, and trade stock, property, goods, and services as a legal person, that is to say, that the Shrine as a whole may hold stock or land, etcetera,
• To ignore fire codes and regulations regarding buildings and safety codes, but in doing so you assume all responsibility and monetary damages for deaths, injuries, or other destruction of property or life in your hands, and waive the right to most governmental reparations in such events,
• To forbid believers from using any government service, but that can not be construed to allow exemptions from the Great Pension, any tax, or military conscription,
• To exempt, completely and totally, all ordained Yue clerics and key laity from conscription for the ensurement of continual operations of the faith even in times of war,
• To establish Shrine-operated charities and goodwill organizations,
• To wire money internationally without the paperwork,
• To have a holy city or seat of your faith abroad, as you said with the Yoitsu See,
• To create and chart dioceses and determine jurisdictions of each Yue Shrine,
• To organize hierarchies and hegemonies of superior and inferior ranks of clergy in TurtleShroom to mirror that of your homeland, and compel all subordinate Yue Shrines and institutions to submit to and be under said hegemony
• To, from abroad, dispatch fully binding and enforceable orders, decrees, and parochial bulls from the Yoitsu See or any higher Yue cleric and compel all subordinate Shrines to obey them,
• To establish and enforce orthodoxy amongst your ranks and flocks,
• To allow believers to perform a pilgrimage to any holy city or relic with an expedited and low-paperwork Parochial Visa and Passport,
• To establish a headquarters in TurtleShroom,
• To establish a National Convention and allow or even compel subordinate Shrines to enter into it or any Yue hegemony,
• -and to advertise your beliefs on the television and radio by applying for late-night televangelism timeslots."

To ensure that the Yues got all of that, Cano handed them a paper with a Storehouse letterhead listing the previously stated rights.

"The High Priestess of Yoitsu is what one may consider the 'heir' to the Imperial Shrine, although many other High Priestesses share the same power and influence as her. Should you attempt to seek a signature from the High Priestess of the Imperial Shrine, you must send these manuscripts to the City of Yoitsu - The High Priestess and her Advisers rarely leave the city, and something as trivial as this won't convince them." Yuan Li stated as she signed the two characters of her name within the book, handing the pen to Lang.

Cano nodded as the Wolf prepared to sign.

"The book must be signed in person before a representative of the parochial division of the Ministry of the Storehouse. Either I, or a creature with the same occupation as myself will personally travel with this book to acquire the signature of the High Priestess of the Yoitsu See, no matter the risk or cost."

Sloppily writing her name, the characters looked more like it had been written by a child rather than a distinguished member of the Imperial Shrine. The Great Wolf looked away, restraining herself from mauling the Turtleshroomian Theologians in her rage and embarrassment from being unable to properly sign her name.

The TurtleShroomers did not laugh, smirk, snicker, or ridicule Lang's signature.

"Uhh, Honorable Lang? If ya were expectin' us to insult you fer not bein' able ta sign stuff, ya probably don't understand that turtles cain't sign stuff any good either. Your signature is perfect and legitimate as anythin' else in thar."


Cano interrupted.

"I forgot a few more notes.
As a private business, you are allowed to hire and fire anything and anyone at any whim for any reason, or no reason. You are allowed to segregate or forbid from entering and partaking in services any class of creatures, including non-believers, and the police are required to enforce your wishes of segregation or integration like any contract or law of TurtleShroom.
In particular, even when a city or district orders it or incentivizes it, religious institutions can never be bound by the John Raven Codes without expressed consent. You may hire, fire, and serve- or not -any catgirl slash nekomimi and any derivative without exception, and if your bylaws permit, ordain them as clerics and grant them any privileges over any species, even humans. However, they are still required to submit to the national laws demanding veils and concealment of neko features at all times, except when an ordained, non-layman cleric is actually preaching."



Cano took back the delicate white book, looked over the signatures, and them scribbled a perfect duplicate of them into his records, making particular note of Lang's, adding that under the photograph-quality sketch of the Wolf and logging more data about her.

After a few more writings, Cano shut the book and intoned.

"It is finished.


He waited for any questions or comments from the Priestesses, not changing his stoic expression.