#nobilis reference

So, I've posited before that the entire resolution system of Nobilis is semantics arguments. One of the major focuses of the game is finding out what happens when Platonic forms collide with reality, via lists of Estate properties. This can lead to arguments about where the boundaries of one Estate end and another begin.

Court cases about tariffs (import taxes) need to do almost exactly that. The most famous case of this type is Nix v. Hedden, the case about whether a tomato counted as a fruit or vegetable for the purpose of import taxes. Though most other cases in this vein are less interesting, it turns out that there is a place where you can find many, many more cases of this type.

That place is the website of the United States Court of International Trade. Specifically, you're looking for the list on the "Opinions and Orders" page. The cases on "1581(a)" are the ones you'll want to look at. (For previous years, look in the left sidebar.)

Why am I talking about this in terms of Nobilis specifically? For example, Jedwards Int'l, Inc. v. United States contains something that looks suspiciously like a set of Estate properties:

Plaintiff eschews the definition of animal oils in the Explanatory Notes, and instead proffers a more generic definition of the term “oil” that Plaintiff argues is “(1) viscous; (2) liquid or easily liquefiable at room temperatures; (3) combustible; (4) soluble in certain organic solvents such as ether but not in water; and (5) used in a great variety of products (e.g., foodstuffs, lubricants and fuels).”

These don't quite get at the dharma of Oil, and would need to be reworked significantly to make them useful for Persona miracles, but the spirit is there.

I’d add the Chronicles of Amber for chancel politics

"Difficult week?" asked her future self.

"You could say that" she said, sitting down across from herself. "I always thought future versions of yourself were supposed to be more badass, like with eye-patches or cybernetics."

The time-traveler looked down at her rumpled suit, with a fir sprig sticking out of the front pocket and a small lotus pin.  "It can't be said we've ever held with tradition.  Honestly, I happened to be in the area and needed a quick break."

They sat in silence, watching the night pass by. 

"So, I have to ask- any advice for your past self?"

That said, TIME FOR SHIT TO GET WEIRD!

Wrath- A creature of smoke and fire.  The fires of Wrath stoke and consume the soul, whilst its smoke obscures the consequences of your deeds until it departs.  They hide within the heart until stoked by the world.

Lust- A shapeless, slithering thing, made solely of flesh and the parts that feel.  It desires only to consume and touch and have the object of its desires, leaving only when it tires of its plaything or there is nothing left to have.  They ensnare humanity by entangling the heart and mind in a haze of desire and want.

Envy- An androgynous figure.  Their eyes are cut emerald,seeing in all the world only that which others possess.  Envy has many arms, all of which reach for the possessions of others.  They think only of ownership and taking that which is not theirs but care little for what they have; they are blind to such things.  Envy is born within one's corrupted desires.

Sloth- A pillar of stone.  Carved into it is a single closed eye- an eye because it exists; closed because it refuses to act in the world.  Its weight can be felt upon one's body and soul, pressuring them to inaction.  It is ever-present, forever exerting its weight upon the world.

Greed- The flesh of Greed is made from gold and all that is valuable in this world.  It seeks to acquire more and more wealth, even though it may bring about its own or other's destruction.  This fortune it stores within its own body, for Greed is loathe to part with it.  Greed infects the mind with delusions of wealth and power.

Pride- A mighty creature, blind to its own inadequacies.  With its many mouths it proclaims its greatness, and with its many eyes it judges all inferior.  It thinks itself great, and it may be; that is to be decided by the world.  It lives within the masks we wear to deceive ourselves.