Matsu Niko follow ettiquette 6k3+3 = 22
She follows the proper etiquette presenting herself as the newly appointed Topaz Champion and a new recruit of the Emeralds and her companions.
Mirumoto will present his papers as appropriate in turn.
The shugenja will simply wait in line and then follow the guard's instructions to the best of his ability.
"Hold, let me see your papers," says the guard.
Matsu Niko shows the guard her papers and subtly twists her hip with her newly won blade on it.
She then says, "Long live the emperor and I hope these suffice."
"Indeed," says the guard. He checks your papers. "Looks like everything is in order, you may enter."
Mirumoto shows his papers and enters after they are confirmed.
And Asao follows suit.
Matsu Niko says, "Let's make our way to the bath houses and then we shall check in."
Dai nods and says, "I have not been here before. Have either of you had experience with the local bathhouses?"
The guard offers information. "The bathhouses are nice, I go to one everyday before guarding here," he says.
"Would you be so kind as to provide guidance to this establishment? A reputable bathhouse would be most welcome." Dai asks the guard.
"Well, I can't, since I can't leave my post," says the guard. "But, I can summon a guide to show you the best bathhouses."
"I think he ma have just been asking for directions."
Matsu Niko bows her head and says, "A guide is very pleasant or you may could give us oral directions."
The guard proceeds to give you directions. "IF you walk down the main plaza street, and then turn left at the second turn off, you will be at the Mazinga Bathhouse, the best bathhouse in the district," he says, drawing a little map.
Matsu Niko nods and says, "Much obliged." and then she follows the directions given to them by the guard.
"Thank you for your guidance." Mirumoto Dai says and then turns to walk with Matsu Niko.
Walking down the plaza, you see many people selling fruit and vegetables. They are also selling animals. Although no one eats red meat, some cattle are on sale. Fish is also on sale, and since most people consume fresh fish, the fishmongers are doing better than the butchers.
There are people of every stripe here. Most are hinin, and some are bonge, and you espy some eta in the streets. You don't see many of them, of course.
Asao follows his companions, politely avoiding watching the other people.
Matsu Niko walks down the street with her companions and tries to read lips to see what the gossip is or for useful information, read lips perception 3k3
The current Topaz Champion is on everyone's lips today. Some are proud that the current Topaz Champion was a lion bushi, and some wish their favorite did win the Topaz Championship. Some of them are preparing for the coming winter, while others are talking about what the Emperor is planning to do.
Other topics include the Imperial Legions, and what they are doing in Scorpion lands. And, of course, the courtiers are on most everyone's lips.
Matsu Niko makes sure to cover her Topaz blade in order to be somewhat discreet. She hopes that maybe some of the people can be won over by her.
Once arriving at the recommended bathhouse she tries to reserve a bath to make herself look properly for the court.
Mirumoto Dai also looks to get a bath and shave to make himself clean and presentable before their introduction.
The baths are warm and clean enough for a good soak. Geisha girls are there to take your clothes and get them cleaned. Most every where is crane iconography, as well as pastel blue and white. This bathhouse is run by the Crane Clan.
The young shugenja will cleanse himself physically, and then sit in prayer while the others finish up.
A geisha girl approaches Isawa Asao. "Tea?" she asks. She has a teapot and some tea cups.
Matsu Niko politely orders a sake from a nice looking Taikomochi.
He gives you some nice sake.
"Ah, I could appreciate a simple cup of tea, thank you. Though I would hope my associates remember we are here to become presentable and must be presenting soon."
Matsu Niko smiles and says, "I must have my hair done with some fine curls for the meeting as well. I look forward to the meeting. It shall be a delight, Isawa-san."
Dai will thank those who aid him as is appropriate and enjoy the warm water.
"Ah, I could appreciate a simple cup of tea, thank you. Though I would hope my associates remember we are here to become presentable and must be presenting soon."
She hands you the cup of tea. It's dark, like oolong tea, and is pleasant tasting.
Matsu Niko smiles and says, "I must have my hair done with some fine curls for the meeting as well. I look forward to the meeting. It shall be a delight, Isawa-san."
The boy says it's possible and can be done here.
Matsu nods and gets a bath and then gets her hair did in the best way that a Samurai woman would get for court. She does flirt with her Taikomochi.
Asao leisurely sips his tea while awaiting his new companions. He does his best to appear calm and relaxed, despite his actual impatience.
Matsu nods and gets a bath and then gets her hair did in the best way that a Samurai woman would get for court. She does flirt with her Taikomochi.
The taikomochi is flattered, of course, with the flirting. The curling iron doesn't take long, and Niko has flattering curls.
After bathing and getting her hair did, getting formally dressed, she suggests that the group move on and check in with their new Daimyo.
As you go down the street to meet with the Emerald Champion, you pass by various people selling their wares. Some of them is selling material, others are selling food stuffs, and others are selling pottery and porcelain.
Mirumoto Dai takes a disinterested look as he scans the items, most of which are far nicer then he has seen in his own remote mountainous village.
Matsu Niko keeps her eyes out and looks at some of the things on offer but does not want to make the Emerald Champion wait unduly.
She says, 'Let's make haste."
The Shugenja smiles sweetly as he sets aside his tea and begins moving. He follows the others, saying nothing about the display of good and services, but simply continuing on the path, using personal space and his continued movement to nudge his fellows along if too distracted by the merchants.
You reach the Palace in an hour, but its guarded by two guards. The doors are made of cherry wood, and they show the Chrysanthemum of the royal line, on the two doors.
"State your business," one of them says.
The young shugenja bows respectfully to the guard. After returning to upright, he indicates his companion as he speaks. "After Matsu-sama won the Topz Championship, we were instructed by the Emerald Champion to travel here where we would be provided further instructions."
Matsu Niko using ettiquette 5k2+3 =15
She then says, "Indeed, my companions and I are required to report to the Emerald champion as you can see I have the blade of the Topaz Champion, may we proceed?"
Indicating her newly one katana tied in her sash around her waist in a not threatening way.
The guards both nod at each other, and open the gate to the Imperial Court, allowing you to enter and meet with the Emerald Champion.
Matsu Niko tries to hide her excitement as she enters the gate inside the Imperial Court. She subtly moves her eyes to and fro to take in her surroundings as she gets ready to be presented to the Emerald Champion.
The Emerald Champion meets you in the hall. "At last, you arrived," he says. "Do you have any questions before we proceed?"
Asao bows very deeply.
"Only what you would have of us, an idea of what we will be doing to serve you, Doji-sama."
Etiquette 5k2+3 = 18
Matsu bows to the Emerald champion and says, [b]"It shall be an honor to enter your service and to acquit ourselves for the honor of the empire, Doji-no kimi."[b]
"Good, my seneschal will record your names and give you your uniforms," Satsumi says. "You are magistrates right now, so you will be under me."