[D5, EE] Event V:The Governor's Office

[Cearnach]

The office of the Governor is remarkably understated for such an important official, particularly given what is traditionally understood about Scorpion taste. Simple calligraphic scrolls hang along one wall. A folding screen depicting the city separates the door leading to what must be the Governor’s private apartments from the office proper. There is someone behind the screen. They aren’t trying to hide it. It would take a total greenhorn to miss it. But then, only a greenhorn would be so crass as to say something about it, either. The governor’s writing desk sits on a raised platform. Mats–comfortable ones–have been provided for you to sit on.

Shosuro Ryusei.jpg (6.27 KiB) Viewed 1494 times

He rises to greet you, his expression unknowable beneath the avian mask that covers his entire head. “Good evening, honored representatives, and welcome to Ryoko Owari. My name is Shosuro-ke no kashin Abiko Hametsui, the Governor of Ryoko Owari.”

He is lying. He is not trying to hide it.

“It is my deepest pleasure to place my office in the service of the Empress’ agents. Now, what brings you to my fair city? Tell me, please, that I may strain my resources to the utmost to serve our beloved Empress best.”

This encounter is suffused with problems, but you’re in it. If you wish, you can do the honorable thing and inform the “governor” of the nature of your mission, to a greater or lesser extent. To do so, simply make a Sincerity (Honesty)/Awareness roll at TN 15, let us know in character what precisely you are saying, and watch as he makes himself of use. Cut straight to Event VII: The Hinge of Fate.

Disadvantages that apply: Failure of Honesty

If you intend to obfuscate your purpose, make a Sincerity (Deceit)/Awareness roll at TN 25, losing honor per using a Low Skill. Tell us how you lie. Proceed to Event VI: A Ronin in a Haystack, triggering the “Someone’s Watching Me” rules. Additionally, bespoke consequences may be in store depending on the specific nature of your lie.

Disadvantages that apply: Can't Lie

If you are the type to shake things up, or if you have the Contrary disadvantage and fail to resist, you can always try to cut through the noise and call out the “Governor.” It would take an act of Will, so make a Courtier (Rhetoric)/Willpower roll at TN 20 and suffer an honor loss equal to a Major Breach of Etiquette. If you are successful, the scene will change rapidly. Stay tuned. If you fail, the “Governor” will apologize for not being able to be of service to you and terminate the meeting. Proceed to Event VI: A Ronin in a Haystack with the “Somebody’s Watching Me” rules triggered.