[D1, EE, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Dragon

[Togashi Mizohachi]

The evening finds the Dragon delegation house in the same state of spartan void as it was when you found it this morning. Sitting calmly in the center of the room is a large tattooed man, easily 6.5 feet (2 meters) if he could stand up straight, but age and care seem to have worn him down somewhat. His eyes, however, remain a brilliant, inquisitive, piercing green. And it is those green points that follow each member of the delegation in turn as they file into the house, greeting everyone with the wry smile of a man who has seen it all before.

[Mirumoto Kichinitonda]

Not far off sits a paler sort of person, ink and brushes and paper arrayed about him in easy reach, looking expectantly at the daimyo and those coming in.

The delegation's scribe, Mirumoto Kichinitonda, is ready to work.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna entered and gave a very deep bow to Togashi-ue, and an appropriate bow to Mirumoto-san.

She was wearing a beautiful green kimono with gold embroidery that introduced peachy-red flowers blooming against the green meadow of the silk. A fashionable and elegant gold headpiece secured her thick black hair. The Ageki mon of the grey castle on the green mountain was pinned to her collar, beside the mons for Agasha, the Dragon, and the Loremaster school.

Her features were soft and her expression serene.

"It is an honor to be here. I am Agasha-ke no kashin Ageki Yuna."

"I am eager to serve as needed here, and grateful that we have this opportunity to gather as a delegation first. As Shinsei says: “Wisdom can be found in many places, but you must always begin at home."

She would stand until it was appropriate to take a seat, and then take a place, kneeling in seiza.

[Mirumoto Kichinitonda]

The Mirumoto's brush moves with a certainty borne of what is clearly much practice. Even from what is an awkward position to read, the script is remarkably clear and precise--exactly such as was on a letter received previously.

Kichinitonda looks at Yuna, returns the bow, and has a little bit of a smile on his face as he does so.

[Togashi Mizohachi]

Mizohachi takes a moment to digest that. "Well said," he rumbles at last. "The Little Teacher has much to teach us about the source of wisdom. You'll find, I think, that most of the samurai you meet here have yet to find it." He winks.

"Please, sit and be welcome. I understand that Susumu has provided snacks."

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro entered the Dragon House and gave a very deep bow to Togashi-ue. He then in turn gave the appropriate bows to Mirumoto-san and Agasha-san.

He is dressed in a green robe that is slightly lighter in shade than his green eyes. He no longer noticed if his limp made others uncomfortable. It was part of who he was.

"It is an honor to be part of the delegation. I am Agasha-ke no kashin Onodera Sanjuro."

"I am eager to serve together with you in any way needed. May we do as Shinsei in turning knowledge into wisdom by listening well in the coming days."

Sanjuro stood, gave his old classmate a nod, and after the appropriate time, took a seat and began to set up his area. He found some appreciation of the no-nonsense accommodation. One less thing to distract him.

[Togashi Mizohachi]

"Be welcome, Onodera-san," the elderly monk replied with a smile, then clears his throat. “Good evening, everyone,” he says quietly but firmly, a twinkle in his eye. “It is my honor to welcome you as official members of the Dragon delegation to Hantei Retsuhime’s winter court. Some of you have served with me in the past. For others, it may well be the first time. Do not be afraid; the differences between Winter Courts are so many and so profound that you will not be too far behind the old hands in a day or so.” He grins. “One learns.”

Rocking forward slightly, he gestures to the room around him. “I would be more forthcoming with hospitality, but I am afraid our esteemed hosts have honored us with their exacting standards. I think it would be best if, as a way of understanding our delegation and setting ourselves on a good footing, we were to take a moment to arrange our work and living space to suit our intentions. Begin as you mean to go on, as my predecessor might have said.” His voice falters as he takes in a memory, withdrawing for a second from the present, but he is soon back and alert. “The design is as you see fit, the materials are as provided, but feel free to elaborate with what you brought with you.” He chuckles raspily as he gestures for you to get on with it. “The metaphors write themselves.”

You have been tasked by Togashi Mizohachi (not that he introduced himself as such) with arranging the layout and decor of the Dragon delegation house. This will require foresight and ingenuity, because the Lion have not been over-generous in what they have chosen to provide. Feel free to discuss the sort of design you would like as a clan. The mechanics here are for realizing your vision and fulfilling the needs of the delegation while ensuring the proper flow of chi through the delegation house.

Component 1: Public vs. Private Space
While some in the delegation might see their role as being entirely at service to the agenda of the Dragon clan (or their own house, come to think of it), the fact is that a person needs a place to go to sleep. Finding the right ratio between public and private space is a process derived from courtly experience. Make a Courtier/Perception at TN 25, an Etiquette/Perception roll at TN 20, or an Artisan: Architecture or Engineering/Perception roll at TN 15.

Component 2: Divider Placement
It’s one thing to know how many rooms one needs, but arranging the proper flow from room to room of the delegation house is of paramount importance if the spiritual well-being of the delegation (to say nothing of their physical well-being) is to be promoted. Make either a Battle (Skirmish)/Void roll at TN 20, or Lore: Spirit Realms/Awareness or Lore: Elements/Intelligence roll at TN 25

Component 3: Decor
As any career diplomat can tell you, messages can be sent in any medium. Careful thought will need to be given to the kind of decorations the Dragon clan will use for their delegation house, but that’s only the start of the task. Resources being what they are, you’ll either have to make or purchase the tchotchkes and knick-knacks to go on public display. Make Any Artisan skill/Awareness or Calligraphy/Awareness roll at TN 25, or a Commerce/Intelligence roll at TN 20.

Component 4: Requisite Rituals
A well-crafted physical space is all well and good, but to truly bolster the efforts of the clan, the spirits will need to be involved. Make either a Commune spellcasting roll at TN 20 or a Meditation/Void roll at TN 25.

In order to be successful, the delegation must have 6 successes in each category. It should be noted that the PCs are not alone in this, as they will not be alone for the rest of court. Take a look at your delegation roster. Each NPC on that roster adds 1 success to the delegation’s effort, but each NPC can only be used once in this way by the delegation. Choose carefully as a team which categories it would be best to apply them to.

With a successful execution of their plan, the Dragon clan will have optimized their delegation house for their purposes.
If the clan has the largest number of their successes from component one, then they receive a +2 on contested social skill rolls within the delegation house.

If the clan has the largest number of their successes from component two, then clan yojimbo will receive a free raise on their Perception checks within the delegation house, and will be able to respond to disturbances within 1 round.

If the clan has the largest number of their successes from component three, then the positive impression the Dragon put forward will earn the delegation early invitations to discussions with the Imperial Families.

If the clan has the largest number of their successes from component four, then the delegation house is under the effect of the Friendly Kami advantage for each element successfully communed with for the first three days of court.

[Mirumoto Kichinitonda]

Kichinitonda's brush moves again, and he returns Sanjuro's bow with relief evident on his face.

It moves further as the Champion speaks, and then he looks to his Clanmates, clearly deferring to them for how to help them proceed.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna considered the challenges, and began to discuss what would work best with the others.

- - - - -

Regarding pubic vs. private space, she leaned on her training in Etiquette, a particular emphasis of her school. Did they not all share a commitment to peace and civility, relying on genteel discourse to resolve problems? And didn't they all share the Tao principle that “You own every word you speak"?

Her insights contributed 2 successes on this topic. https://sakkaku.org/r/15572 33 Etiquette vs. TN25, after 1 raise


- - - - -

Regarding divider placement, she relied on her awareness of Lore: Spirit Realms. The relevant realm was surely Yomi, the realm of Blessed Ancestors. There were accounts of travelers there, and the castles and shrines they had visited, which inherently represented an idealized version of samurai palace interior physical space. She described a particularly detailed account which could be echoed with their dividers.

Her insights contributed 2 successes on this topic. https://sakkaku.org/r/15573. 29 Lore vs. TN 25, and a free raise as a Loremaster.

- - - - -

Regarding decor, she contributed calligraphy of key phrases from the Tao - surely the best possible decor for this space. Her calligraphy was exquisitely beautiful. As she noted, "Appreciation of beauty is the beginning of wisdom."

Her insights contributed 2 successes on this topic. https://sakkaku.org/r/15575. 36 Calligraphy vs. TN 30, after 1 raise called.

- - - - -

Regarding requisite rituals, she deferred to the shugenja present, contributing only a supportive serenity from her practice of meditation.

Her insights contributed 1 success on this topic. https://sakkaku.org/r/15579. 39 Void meditation vs TN25, no raises called.

- - - - -

Regarding which other delegates contribute on specific topics, she would suggest the two NPC shugenja support requisite rituals, and the two NPC artisans support decor. And the monks and bushi could fill in as most helpful, based on where gaps remained after Agasha-ke no kashin Onodera Sanjuro and Mirumoto-ke no kashin Ito Jinkan weighed in.

[Mirumoto Jinkan]

The Mirumoto yawned for a long time while blinking at the ceiling. The grey surface never failed to beat him at staring contests. One day ceiling. One day.

When asked for his opinion he would take a bit to understand what was being discussed but he wasn't unintelligent, quite the opposite in fact. His experience led itself more to supporting mining work than living quarters, but people needed space to breathe in both places didn't they?

[D1, EE, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Dragon, Component 1: Public vs. Private Space, Engineering/Perception, 1 raise, 1VP for 1k1, TN20, 5k4 | 5k4 ⇒ 27 (TN: 20) Success with 1 raise.

He also had some understanding of how to avoid being killed at night by unwanted visitors. Barriers to entry could also become barriers to exit in the event of a fire.

[D1, EE, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Dragon, Component 2: Divider Placement, Battle (Skirmish)/Void, TN20, 4k3 | 4k3 ⇒ 29 (TN: 20) Success.

Jinkan however had exactly zero interest or understanding on matters of aesthetic pleasure. Maybe if they were sleeping under the canopy of the stars instead of the grey prison.

[D1, EE, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Dragon, Component 3: Decor, Artisan: Poetry/Awareness, TN25, 4k3 | 4k3 ⇒ 12 (TN: 25) Failure.

He was highly attuned to the spirits. Or so he said.

[D1, EE, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Dragon, Component 4: Requisite Rituals, Meditation/Void, TN25, 4k3 | 4k3 ⇒ 33 (TN: 25) Success.

[Mirumoto Kichinitonda]

All the while, Kichinitonda takes copious notes. His brush moves astonishingly quickly, the more so for the consistent quality of his script.

He peers intently at Yuna's contributions to the décor, perhaps the only time his brush slows. A small grunt and nod escape him as he does.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro listens to the advice of his cousins and considers how to best arrange the space.

He suggests that we do not need as much room for sleeping and sleep space around the perimeter should suffice. This gives us the entry way for visitors, the center for delegation business and the rear center space for meditating and our shrine.

OOC: Etiquette/Perc TN 30 5k2, with 2 called raises.
TN actually 30, 2 raises called
Meet the Daimyo, Part 1 | 7k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 25)
3 successes

Sanjuro works with his cousins to arrange the dividers for the open and enclosed spaces. His momentarily unsure, but then it becomes clear.

OOC: Lore: Spirit Realms/AWA TN 25, with 1 called raise
Meet the Daimyo. Part 2 | 5k4 ⇒ 37 (TN: 25)
2 successes

As we move on to discuss decor, he agrees to the placement of the tea tables and the traveling shrine. He nods in agreement to Yuna's suggestion of sayings of Shinsei. Sanjuro feels he doesn't have much to add here, His own style is usually sparse and he prefers the decor of nature. While an artisan of metal, he appreciates the beauty artists of other media are able to create, having no vision in those areas.

OOC: 5k4 Artisan/AWA TN 25, no raises called
Meet the Daimyo, Part 3 | 5k4 ⇒ 17 (TN: 25)
Failure

Once the final areas are complete, he spends time in the presence of the shrine paying his respects to Shinsei, and communing with the Fire Kami for vision, wisdom and steadfastness in the coming days.

OOC: 7k4 Commune spellcasting roll TN 20, no raises called
Meet the Daimyo, Part 4 | 7k4 ⇒ 35 (TN: 20)
1 Success
Total: 6 successes

[Agasha Sanjuro]

OOC: For the rest of our delegation, the contributors are as follows:

4. Agasha-ke no kashin Agasha Daisuke Component 4
5. Agasha Seizaburo (Shugenja) Component 4
6. Togashi Takashi Component 2
7. Mirumoto Kichinitonda (Artisan) Component 3
8. Mirumoto Hiroshi (Bushi) Component 1
9. Mirumoto Ikio (Bushi) Component 3
10. Mirumoto Atsushi (Bushi) Component 2
11. Togashi Susumu (Monk) Component 4
12. Mirumoto Kyuu (Bushi) Component 2
13. Mirumoto Yunosuke (Bushi) Component 3
14. Mirumoto Reiko (Bushi) Component 2
15. Mirumoto Takako (Bushi) Component 1
16. Agasha Masao (Artisan) Component 3

All delegates together total as follows:
Public vs. Private Space: 9 Successes
Divider Placement: 9 Successes
Decor: 6 Successes
Requisite Rituals: 6 successes

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna participated actively in the planning, and smiled as the space took shape.

The flow of the space felt harmonious. The energy of the space flowed freely. Sitting spaces were arranged in a way that made it easy for people to communicate with each other.

Her calligraphy decorated the walls - all quotations from the Tao.

She studied the contributions of the others who had focused on decor, eager to learn more about their artisan skills, in particular
Mirumoto Kichinitonda (Artisan), Agasha Masao (Artisan), Mirumoto Ikio (Bushi), and Mirumoto Yunosuke (Bushi). She complimented their work and chatted with them about their style and vision.

Mirumoto Kichinitonda was also a calligrapher, like Yuna. He produced a calligraphic wall hanging that expressed the kanji for dragon and for mountain in a way that suggested the shape of each. On closer inspection, he had hidden black and white (since it was ink on paper) bu-sized depictions of each family and house mon represented in the delegation into small circles around the kanji for dragon, helping to form the shape of a dragon, and visually reinforcing how the group together formed the Dragon clan It showed his particular talent in working in miniature in ink with remarkable precision. He had a custom set of brushes, some as fine as a single hair.

Agasha Maso was best known for her work in ceramics, including kintsugi and mosaic. Her tea sets featured moriage and used dragon motifs - dragonware, often gilted in gold. Her finest set that she had ever made had been presented to the Ikoma-ue for the Empress earlier that day, but she had brought a very fine set for their common use entertaining guests.

Mirumoto Ikio had brought bonsai with him, a passion of his. The plants brought nature inside the space and had been carefully cultivated with rounded formations and leaves only, to support the flow of energy in the room.

Mirumoto Yunosuke was an armorer and weapon maker, a Water Hammer smith. She focused on the decorous storage and display of the weapons brought by the bushi. The placement of each daisho stand. She made sure that weapons were displayed away from the direct entrances and seating areas to avoid confrontational energy, with attention to symmetry. Designs that evoked stability and protection. Defense of peace.


(Storyteller, feel free to correct references to gender and to highlight any planned skillsets for these NPC. Adjust as needed! I thought it would be fun to describe and a chance for Yuna to build a bit of rapport with this group of delegates.)

[Cearnach]

By the time Togashi Mizoachi had released his delegation back into the wild, the delegation house was looking distinctly more in keeping with Dragon traditions.

Results
Component 1 9 Successes
Component 2 9 Successes
Component 3 6 Successes
Component 4 6 Successes

As a result, Dragon House has the perfect proportion of private to public spaces for its function as a place of political business, earning the Dragon Clan a +2 bonus on contested social skills rolls within the delegation house.

Furthermore, the perfection of the layout means that Clan yojimbo will receive a free raise on their Perception checks within the delegation house, and will be able to respond to disturbances within 1 round.