Hida Tetsumaru looks towards Emerald Champion to see if he has any other orders. The Crab samurai calls the innkeeper for a room.
"Innkeeper, I would like a room. I am Hida Tetsumaru, a participant of the Topaz Championship."
"Do you also want a geisha for the night," the inn keep asks.
Asao will also fill in the forms, such as they are.
"Hai! Hida-san has the right idea. We should secure places while we can. I find the old man's invitation interesting, but am afraid accepting it would insult our hosts who have made these facilities available to us."
"It is too early for that. Maybe for my evening meal." Tetsumaru declines the inn keepers offer.
"How long have you been here uncle? Have you taken a look around? he asks as he waits for the ink to dry on his application form.
"I have taken a look around, Tetsumaru," your uncle replied. "Every clan has a holding here, that's why Tsuma is so popular to host the Topaz Championship. Have some shochu."
"Thank you uncle." Tetsumaru gratefully accepts the cup with both hands and takes a sip, deciding to delay going to his rooms to have lunch first.
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Once done with his meal Tetsumaru is lead to his room where he situates himself before again joining his uncle.
"I should probably take a look around for myself and familiarize myself with all the venues for the competition. Any place you recommend I look at uncle?"
"Wait, as the clans each have facilities, should we be here, at the inn, or in those facilities? I am afraid the protocol of the situation escapes me, but I wish to insult no one."
Niko finishes her shochu, gets the address of her clan in town and stays there.
Now wondering why her kinsman is ignoring her question, Kiyoko likewise excuses herself after finishing the paperwork and heads for the Kakita dojo where she plans to stay.
Kiyoko nods. "I see. When will they arrive? And do you have the forms with you?"
"Yes I do, and they should be on time today, in this afternoon," Toshimoko said.
That afternoon, the first sign you see of the Imperial Barge is the sun glinting off the crystal staff atop the mast. That holds the imperial sigil. The ponderous barge glides into view around the river. It's hundred oars beating against the water with regularity. It's green sail furls as it positions its self in the river's heart, it's decks streaming with men who maneuver around the catapults getting the ropes ready to more the craft.
The dragon crafted battering ram at it's prow swings towards the warf as the captain of the barge slide slips the craft closer. Spray erupts fore and aft as the anchor stones are cast into the water. Workers on both dock and ship secure the heavy golden plank upon the warf. The Imperial Guard forms up, and as the Imperial standard is raised, all kneel but the guard. Most actually prostrate themselves. A murmur courses through the crowd as the Imperial entourage disembarks.
Give me a roll on Heraldry to recognize the Emperor. TN 5.
Kiyoko's eyebrows rise at the sight of the barge and its retinue. She had been returning from the Kakita dojo to the inn, but now she hastens to join the others greeting the great dignitary. This must be the Emperor.
Matsu Niko while looking out the window of her dojo sees the barge so it is either 11 or 14 success
Matsu Niko sees the emperor is almost docked and puts on her best clothing to meet with him.
Tetsumaru barely makes it in time to see the ship dock. As he watches the passengers disembark he notices the emperor. Awed that he is able to see the emperor he kneels in respect.
Asao lines up to pay his respects, along with basically everyone else anywhere near the village, I would imagine.
(KingHotTrash, Yoshi's player, says his AC is out. So he's been feeling the heat in Texas.)
Yoshi too, recognizes the Emperor's barge and the Emperor himself.
Positioned among the Samurai, you catch a glimpse of the royal Entourage. The Emperor, lean hard features chiseled beneath a mane of gray, stalks through the crowd. He stops to speak with Bayushi Shoju, the Daimyo of the scorpion clan, whose steely eyes are the only feature not hidden by his mask. Lady Kachiko, Shoju's wife, follows behind. You are immediately caught off guard by her dangerous beauty. Her kimono is of the deepest orchid hue and is far from traditionally cut. Her face is only veiled by a mask that serves to accentuate her features.
Asao, you feel someone close to your ear. Stealing a glance, you see a veteran Crab samurai with a long puckering scar has moved to your side. "And of course, here comes Calamari-sama," he says as the emperor's son moves off the boat. He is not easy to see, being a head shorter than his bodyguards, who hold ranks in the most exquisite emerald body armor. The guards scowl at the crowd, looking for any slight against the honor of the Emperor.
Bayushi had retired quietly that evening, making as little of a fuss as possible while the rest of his companions made their own settling. In the night, he handed the gifted blade to his cousin and explained the strange circumstances that he had come across the katana. Expressing his curiosity, he asked his cousin to do his due diligence and learn the origin of this incredibly sharp, beautiful weapon.
Dressed in his finest reds and blacks, Yoshi kneels like his kinsmen in the presence of the Emperor and his family. His head bows low, only barely skirting a glance at him and his kin as they pass.
Matsu Niko finds her cousin and bows the appropriate depth to the Emperor.
Niko through the corner of her eyes tries to read the lips of the conversation between the Emperor and Bayushi Shoju
Perception Trait Roll exploding dice on a 10
Bayushi had retired quietly that evening, making as little of a fuss as possible while the rest of his companions made their own settling. In the night, he handed the gifted blade to his cousin and explained the strange circumstances that he had come across the katana. Expressing his curiosity, he asked his cousin to do his due diligence and learn the origin of this incredibly sharp, beautiful weapon.
[dice=Intelligence (Lore: Heraldy)4k3]4d10
Dressed in his finest reds and blacks, Yoshi kneels like his kinsmen in the presence of the Emperor and his family. His head bows low, only barely skirting a glance at him and his kin as they pass.
Sugai does as well, paying heed to the Emperor, and the Daimyo of the Scorpion Clan. He makes a smile at his aunt, Bayushi Kachiko.
Matsu Niko finds her cousin and bows the appropriate depth to the Emperor.
Niko through the corner of her eyes tries to read the lips of the conversation between the Emperor and Bayushi Shoju
Perception Trait Roll 3d10 exploding dice on a 10 1d10
That's good. Maybe you should have rolled a ninja.
The Emperor is only requesting that Bayushi Shoju keeps the security of the Topaz Championship as tight as possible.
Kiyoko hurries to the crowd and joins them in performing the proper obeisances before the emperor. Perhaps now the tournament can begin, she thinks to herself.
If anyone want to challenge the Crab samurai for his slight, speak up now.
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Asao is the only one that heard him, yep.
The young shugenja-to-be turns and looks at the Crab who had spoken so dishonorably. Without raising his voice, but also without lowering it, "I do not understand, Crab-sama. Why do you refer to a member of the royal entourage as seafood?"
"I said nothing," the Crab samurai said.
You are correct, if the adult denies he said anything and your status as a child makes your words irrelevant, there would be nothing to punish.
You all hear the following rumors after the commotion with the Emperor dies down:
1. War is likely between the Lion and the Crane. As the Crane are looking weak.
2. The Emperor might not step down in favor of his son.
3. Bayushi Sugai entered the Championship at Kachiko's behest. Even though he is a nephew of Kachiko.
Bayushi remains quiet during the Emperor's arrival, though he keeps his ears open in regards to the rumors and going-ons here at the Topaz Championship. Rumors of war amidst the clans comes to the surface, specifically that between the Lion and the Crane. With peers representing both clans, Bayushi quietly mused how they would approach the tournament and each other. The rumor of the Emperor not stepping down, while important, did not bother the Scorpion too much. The affairs of the Emperor and his court was so vastly above his station that he had little chance to involve himself with it. The best he could do would be to observe and capitalize on whatever fallout may come from it.
The news of his cousin entering the tournament at his aunt's behest was of importance to him. He had not expected his cousin to become a rival of his now. With the clan daimyo attending the championship, it would be a chance for him to showcase his skill and talent for the family. With his cousin entering, perhaps a political maneuver was in the motion? He needed to see if there was any other close family nearby to speak with to get better insight with.
The stress made the Scorpion's chest tight before he gives a series of coughs, shaking his head as he looked up to the sky. The championship was growing more complicated, it seemed.
You have the skills to learn more about Sugai personally. It will take an etiquette roll at TN 6.
Alternatively, you could ask Sugai directly. After all, he is your cousin. It just depends on how close you are.
After the commotion with the Emperor's arrival dies down, Kiyoko notes with only passing interest the rumors that the Lion clan might go to war with her own. Perhaps she would see battle soon after the Championship, then, she muses somewhat hopefully. The Kakita samurai-ko turns away from the crowds to return to the inn for dinner and sake.
Moving through the events on the street as well as the tea house owned by his clan, Yoshi carefully navigates the dangerous waters of social etiquette. Learning about his cousin was important and why Kachiko was so interested in him acting in the event.
Matsu Niko shrugs at the possibility of war between her clan and that of the crane. For she knows the way of the samurai is the way of death. It is very important to live one's life as if one were already dead. It makes life simple.
She then finds decides to walk around trying to enjoy the festivities. She also tries to gather any information through lip reading about her family, clan and potential flare ups
Perception Trait roll
With no other event after the emperor's arrival Tetsumaru decides to check in at the Crab estate to see if the rumours of a war between Lion and Crane are true.
At the inn, Kiyoko finds a table and waves down a serving girl. "A bowl of ramen and a tokkuri of umeshu . Or sake, if you do not have umeshu."
She eats in silence, then returns to the Kakita dojo. She had noticed a number more representatives of each family than she had expected--perhaps there were other Crane or Kakita kin here to participate as her rivals too, then. She would ask around to see what matters of clan politics she needed to look out for, as well.
Matsu Niko politely gives each of her rival cousins the slightest of nods, both acknowledging their common childhood but stressing business nature of their transactions throughout the tournament.
She then gets some dinner, eating Takoayaki because they have a nice spice to them.
Once the gathered crowd has finished their obeisance, Asao will return to the shrine at the edge of town, where he will calm and center himself through the ritual prayers to the various kami. Not only is this something others might expect of a shugenja, but it helps him control the anxiety he has over participating in the tournament.
Afterwards, he seeks out the old man's hovel, the one who identified himself as Megumi. "Grandfather, I came to thank you for your offer of hospitality, but my clan has a place for me, and it would insult my lords if I refuse their support during this event."
Having confirmed that the rumor is still a rumor Tetsumaru asks around the Crab estates to see if there is anyone or anything, beyond the usual, he should be on the look out for.
It's day one, and Bayushi's hour just ended. The earth has barely shed it's dampness as you find yourselves in the Kakita School's courtyard. Your hearts beat quickly as you see the spectators. Rokugan's most honorable stand witness to your exploits the next two days. For the honor of your clans, you must not fail!
FIRST ROUND
All of the spectators who hold seats within have entered. You and the other contestants have entered, formed into two single lines. Students from the school stand erect, forming four small lines, allowing you entrance. Each group wears a different color obi, or belt. Their hasmimono bear their mon. Most are from the Crane Clan, but two Unicorns, a Lion, a Dragon, and a Phoenix is also present. Under their gaze, you find them questioning each of you of your skill, just as you question it yourself. Without a word, you march yourselves toward destiny.
First Challenge: Sumai
Sumai, or wrestling, is your first challenge. While Miya Yoto calls forth the contestants, you pair up and begin wrestling. Your task is to move your contestant out of the ring.
This is a Strength roll against your opponent!
Matsu Niko nods to her opponent before grappling with her opponent and then gets started exploding die
Likewise, Kiyoko nods to her opponent and settles into a low stance. On cue, she leans forward and grasps her opponent's forearms, then attempts to heave him or her forward out of the ring.
Matsu Niko nods to her opponent before grappling with her opponent and then gets started 5d10 exploding die 1d10
Niko's opponent rolls her Sumai.
Looks like you moved her out of the ring. Niko has won the challenge.
Likewise, Kiyoko nods to her opponent and settles into a low stance. On cue, she leans forward and grasps her opponent's forearms, then attempts to heave him or her forward out of the ring.
Strength 2k2: 2d10 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9
Kiyoko faces her opponent, another girl.
Well, she got 31, so she pushes Kiyoko out of the ring.
Asao approaches the ring, bows to the it, enters the ring, bows to his opponent, and then turns to bow to the judge.
The rituals in life help people stay on their paths, help to calm the mind. Why isn't that working? he thinks to himself before beginning the competition.
Kiyoko kips up to her feet after her landing outside the ring, and bows to her opponent, then the judge. An inauspicious start, the Kakita swordswoman thinks to herself. She looks around her to see how the others--both the ones she traveled with, and the other contestants in general--fared.
Tetsumaru takes a deep breath before stepping into the ring and bowing to his opponent. Taking a wide stance he braces himself and moves to push his opponent out.
Matsu Niko against her opponent sees a quick openning and reverse slams her quickly and cleanly out of the ring. She then nods to the referee and gets ready for the next challenge.