[D1, EM, EVENT] Meet the Daimyo: Lion

[Kitsu Shintaro]

The Lion clan delegation house is as spartan as the others. Absolutely no frills have been extended. But there are subtle differences. For one thing, where there is but one stool in each of the other delegation houses, Lion house boasts four. As you arrive, two of these are occupied. The leftmost by a man in middle age, his hair more auburn than brown, and with a bearing and an energy in his physicality that could see him best described as youthful. He is looking over a scroll, a clever little smile playing around his lips. The mon of the Kitsu family is prominent on his chest.

[Ikoma Ryota]

The stool on the other side of the desk is occupied by Ikoma Ryota, Lord of the Ikoma and the effective host of the Winter Court. It isn’t hard to recognize him, because it feels as though everyone in Lion lands (and probably beyond, too!) has been carrying his image around in their heads, wishing him success in his great endeavor. Although he is three years the Kitsu’s junior, he wears his age, and his stress, much more heavily. In fact, he is nearly bent over the side of the desk, as though his head weighs considerably more than his neck can bear. No smile graces his features, which, though once handsome, are starting to show lines born from too much care.

[Matsu Tsuruyo]

There is, of course, a third person waiting in the main area. Only, she’s not sitting. No, 5’10” of tightly wound energy is currently leaning against the rear wall of the room, some distance behind where the other Daimyo are sitting. Her arms are crossed aggressively, and her face is set in a tight on: expressionless, blank, the lid on the boiling rice pot. This can only be Lady Matsu.

Resting on the floor to her left is a stand filled with scrolls. They look like relatively short ones, sixteen in all.



Please post your arrival below promptly. The Event will commence when the Lion clan is assembled.

[Ikoma Honoka]

It wouldn't do to be late, and so the youngest member of the delegation made sure to be as prompt as possible. She had found one of her nicest kimonos to wear, although it was still going to be a relatively simple one compared to what Honoka expected to see displayed in court.

Arriving, and once allowed in Honoka bowed deeply to everyone in attendance.

"Good morning mina-sama" she said softly, a warm smile on her face, before finding a space to stand that would allow the far more important (and older) delegates to have a front and centre seat.

[Akodo Myorin]

Myorin paused outside the door and let out a soft sigh. Straightening her kimono and adjusting her posture to stand tall... relatively speaking in her case... Myorin entered the room. Carrying herself with the sort of crisp precision expected of the Akodo, the Lioness moved to middle facing the daimyos and bowed deeply. Then in a fluid motion she rose and stepped back to clear the space for the next Lion.

Myorin would drift further back until she found a good spot to observe the rest of her comrades this winter.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Following the gunso, Sayomi took a quick moment to adjust her daisho to not interfere with her bow. Even as her head dipped low in greeting, a friendly and almost serene expression remained on her face, even as she shuffled to the side to take her place.

Her eyes flit over the four seats... and three daimyo present. Oh goodness, would they be honored by the presence of Lady Akodo too?! Sayomi almost dared not to hope, to see her idol in person already.

"Good morning, minna-sama," she murmured in polite greetings, not fully sure if she should speak so out of turn already.

[Matsu Masumi]

As she always did at meeting such as this, Masumi wore the Emerald trappings of her office. It was a soft reminder of her split loyalties. Neither side would ever stoop so low as dishonor, most certainly not, but some may think of her duties as... Conflicted.

Masumi had practiced her smile enough times as to not look too dour at all times. It was a meek one, much unlike her siblings. She offered proper greetings to the daimyo as one would expect before taking a spot as far as possible from the center of attention.

[Kitsu Rini]

The priestess kept herself next to her kin. Rini's Kimono was a lovely shade of goldenrod and sunset red, in keeping with the red of her hair. Her lips painted a dark shade of crimson, not ostentatious, but to be presentable of court. To be prepared for battle, one must wake early to don one's armor, and in court, how one dressed and made themselves appear was as vital as the lacquered shell worn on the battlefield.

Her satchel was affixed, as always, to her side, easy reach of slender fingers. She would bow to the daimyo as their station dictated, and kept her eyes firmly focused on the meeting at hand.

[Ikoma Tanji]

A late arrival breaks the air of feminine beauty, a man slightly older than the maidens but not quite past his prime walks in. His hair is dark, and coming in it covers the eye, but as his body comes into focus, it shifts away, revealing the eyes are different, but not in a way that people would compliment. However, he is clearly a member of this delegation, so he takes a seat at a corner. "Good morning cousins, have you had your rice?"

[Akodo Sanae]

The keep-facing door slides open to reveal a tiny woman, only 4’8 in her stocking feet, flanked by two fully armed and armored bushi. All wear prominent Akodo mons.

She takes in the room slowly, her head moving from left to right as she studies face after face before facing forward again and permitting herself a smile. She clears her throat and speaks softly, with a voice that seems pitched to reach each listener individually, as though she were speaking only to them.

“Good morning, minna-sans, I trust you have thanked Ikoma-ue for his hospitality?” She begins to move forward, her steps firm and purposeful, the delegation parting before her like chicken at the joint. She favors Lady Matsu with a private smile as she rounds the desk, letting her hand gently tap Kitsu Shintaro on the shoulder to pull his attention from his scroll before favoring Ikoma Ryota with her gaze. “Thank you for your gift of rice, Ikoma-san. It was delicious.”

She sits, then, in a perfect warrior’s seiza. “Before we begin the formal interviews–” she grins at this, a small twinkle in her eye visible to everyone in the room save Lady Matsu “--I believe it would be most efficient if the delegation would form a line by rank.” She waits patiently for this to materialize, and when you are so assembled, continues. “Matsu-ue, if you would be so kind?”

Behind her, the Matsu bows, the act of submission transfigured into a violent display of personal strength. It seems that the Champion of the Lion has removed the lid from the rice cooker. You have room for one thought as she picks up the first scroll and stalks out to stand before the table: Matsu Tsuruyo is about to explode.

EVENT: Meet the Daimyo, Lion style.
The formal interviews consist of a battery of questions posed by Matsu Tsuruyo in a series of clipped, staccato barks. The first of your goals for this scene should be to avoid Lady Matsu’s wrath by answering her questions to the best of your ability like a good samurai should. Of course, this is Winter Court, and that is fundamentally not the only thing that is going on here. There are four daimyo in the room, and while Lady Matsu may be asking the questions, each is listening to the answers, looking to see who best meets their particular needs. This is your chance to get close to one or more of them. Just remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Phase One: Appeasing the God of War
Matsu Tsuruyo shouts a series of questions at each delegation member. Your goal is to answer all of the questions as sincerely as one can. To survive, you must pass 3 Etiquette/Awareness or Etiquette/Willpower checks. The questions are uniform, save one, which is specifically tailored to you. You must answer these questions; no rolls and promises of descriptions later, please. You may answer truthfully, or you may lie. Liars must succeed on a TN 25 Sincerity (Deceit)/Awareness roll to avoid being caught by Lady Matsu and the (very distracted) Lord Ikoma, and an additional TN 35 Sincerity (Deceit)/Awareness roll to avoid being caught by Akodo Sanae and Kitsu Shintaro. There will be consequences for failure, depending on which question you are lying on.

The questions are as follows:
1st check: TN 10 lets you answer:
“What is your name?”
“What is your normal duty?”
“Where are you stationed?”

2nd check: TN 20 lets you answer:
“What makes you worthy of serving at this court?”
“What resources do you bring to this post?”

3rd check: TN 25 lets you answer:
“Is there anything I should know before court officially begins?”
Bespoke Questions
Kitsu Sayomi: You have demonstrated your strength in this place before, but in a different situation. How do you intend to show it now?

Akodo Myono: Your family is known to me. How can I trust your commitment to the unity of our delegation when the hands of your kin are stained with the blood of Matsu?

Matsu Masumi: Tsuruko’s eye twitches as she looks over your dossier. “Why should I not toss you out as untested steel?”

Ikoma Honoka: “I already have a Kamoshita. Why would I want two?”

Ikoma Tanji: “Suitai? How will you wash away the stain of failure that has dogged your house for centuries?"

Kitsu Rini: "A priest? What strength can you bring to bear for this delegation?"

Akodo Kenji: "Kusama Tetsuo's little brother, and the grandson of the Lady of the Thousand Cuts. How will you shine from so deep in their shadow?"

Results
Characters who succeed at all three checks (thus answering all 7 questions truthfully (or seemingly so)) and maintain their composure pass muster with the Daimyo. They earn 2 glory points and may pass to the next phase.

Characters who lose their composure earn the disdain of Lady Matsu. They do not earn glory points, and they will need to prove themselves in another situation for Lady Matsu to trust them again.

Characters who lie and are caught by Lady Matsu will be confronted immediately; stay tuned for your RP opportunity.

Characters who lie and are not caught by Lady Matsu but are caught by Lady Akodo and Lord Kitsu will not suffer any immediate effects, but are now on their Champion’s radar.

Phase Two: The Four Feudatories
It doesn’t take a scholar to know that there is something more happening in this room than a preliminary inspection of the delegation. Everything speaks of it, from the way Kitsu Shintaro smirks at Lady Matsu’s demeanor, to the wince that highlights the lines around Ikoma Ryota’s eyes, to the piercing way Akodo Sanae’s eyes scan the faces of those being interviewed. It would be a poor delegate indeed who did not try to harness this division for their own ends and the ends of their house. Oh, and for the benefit of the clan, too, sure, yeah…

Characters can attempt to call the attention of one or more Daimyo to a particular answer they give, whether its style or its substance. To do so, they can make a Courtier (Rhetoric), Courtier (Manipulation), or Perform: Oratory/Awareness check at a Tn that varies based on the Daimyo in question:

The Perceptive Akodo Sanae: TN: 20
The Playful Kitsu Shintaro: TN: 25
The Intense Matsu Tsuruyo: TN: 25
The Distracted Ikoma Ryota: TN: 35

You may only signal to one Daimyo, though another may catch your drift if you aren’t careful. Should you fail your roll, the GMs will determine which, if any, other Daimyo picks up what you lay down.

When this Event is over, Akodo Sanae will brief you as a continuation of this scene. We will begin that in a “part 2” thread below so that late arrivals can still participate here.

[Akodo Myorin]

When it was her time, Akodo Myorin stood before the assembled rulers of her clan. As soon as she realized Matsu-sama was the one leading this interrogation, the Akodo knew what was coming. Her eyes focused on Matsu as she answered the first question. Her voice was controlled and as devoid of emotion as it could be made.

“Akodo Myorin of the House Nariakira. Gunso in the service of Akodo Tadahiro, as such I usually serve in my House’s lands.”

She blinked once but her voice stayed steady and her expression calm. “I have experience in both the planning room and the court room, though nothing of this scale. And the full confidence of my lord, Akodo Tadahiro. The resources I bring, beyond my experience, are a talent for song and speech.”

Then came the last question, the one Myorin knew was coming. “I believe Matsu-sama refers to the destruction of House Suketsune undertaken in Akodo Tadahiro’s youth.” She sighs and takes a breath, deciding the response was probably going to irritate Lady Matsu so might as well make it a good one. And for all her faults, Myorin could at least sound impressive...and did she ever, “House Suketsune was as a tree rotted from with in, tall and splendid once…but now weak and teetering on collapse. A gnarled and twisted mockery of a past glory, stealing the very sun and soil from stouter trees and promising shoots. Better the axe end it before the rot brings it down flailing and destructive. My house ultimately proved to be that axe." She paused to take another breath. "The Suketsune claimed to posses skill and prowess in war. The Nariakira crushed them utterly in open battle, sure enough proof of their weakness they had thought to conceal. Is that not your way Matsu-sama, to excise the rot of weakness before it robs the arm of strength?”

Myorin let her voice drop now, shifting from an almost confrontational tone in the first part of her answer to one more conciliatory perhaps even with a hint of regret, “The matter died with the last Suketsune heir, as far as both my lord, my house, and myself are concerned. I am here to serve the Lion.” Here eyes briefly flick from Lady Matsu to Akodo Sae. “Which would be best done united…in my humble estimation.”

------------------------------
I forgot to change the TN, but listed the correct one in descriptions, so you can see they passed.

Etiquette/AWA for question time. First Question 1. TN10. No Void | 7k4 ⇒ 20 (TN: 10)

Etiquette/AWA for question time. First Question 2. TN20. No Void | 7k4 ⇒ 23 (TN: 10)

Etiquette/AWA for question time. First Question 3. TN25. No Void | 7k4 ⇒ 38 (TN: 10)

Perform: Oratory/AWA to draw Lady Akodo's attention. Voice! TN20 (rolling the correct pool!) | 7k5 ⇒ 46 (TN: 20) - NOTICE ME SENPAI, I HAS VERY PRETTY VOICE (to spout propaganda with...) Aimed at drawing the attention of Akodo Sae...mostly as a demonstration of talent...

Edited with permission as it was written prior to the full rules being posted.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi managed to give a genuine and friendly grin to her cousin, proud of how well Rini carried herself in these courtly surroundings. Truly, the Tatsukawa were blessed with a treasure like her!

Then the Champion arrived, and despite the woman's diminutive size, she was impressed! So commanding, so inspirational. All in such efficient tiny packaging. Her quiet admiration for Sanae made her a little unprepared for the suddenness of all that happened next, but like a dutiful soldier she formed up as bid, and spoke when addressed. No student of the Akodo would fail at something like that!

"Kitsu Sayomi of House Tatsukawa, student of the Akodo. "My duty falls under the rank of Hohei in our chain of command, and as a security guard. Back home, my duties would have included mounted patrols. I am stationed here at Kyuden Ikoma - before, Tatsukawa-lands near the Water Dragon Lake."

A breath between the verbal blows.

"My betters have believed I am worthy enough to be here now - like a true Lion, I must continue to always earn their esteem, just as we continue to prove our worth to the ancestors. I believe in my betters, and won't sully them with any doubts that may cross my mind."

"Aside from being the current heir to House Tatsukawa, I am well known here and know well Kyuden Ikoma; it's people and its surroundings. I'm a warrior, but also well-read and have learned much about many artistic pursuits. Court is a battlefield, and I have adapted to it, Matsu-sama."

Those had been some difficult questions, but the hardest ones came last, and she actually had to reflect a moment to best put her true feelings into words. It was tempting to just say that there was not much worth knowing about her in the eyes of a daimyo, but she knew from her studies that a General needed to know the true worth of their most important officers, and in a way they were exactly that!

"I... did say I am the current heir of my House, but as I have not been blessed to commune with the kami or ancestors, I agree with my family that it might be best that I marry out of the Tatsukawa, so a more sacred heir may shrine brightly upon the House's future." Sayomi spoke these words honestly with no trace of ill feelings of this matter. "It may seem a trivial matter, but I would not wish to keep anything from my betters when asked."

She couldn't help but to bow her head in surprised gratitude. "I'm honored that my actions have proven my strength before in your eyes, minna-sama," Sayomi straightened herself again. "I intend to show a different side of my strength in facing our guests and rivals in the games of the court, and to bring glory to the Lion as I do."

It was hard to choose who she wanted to impress the most in this room, but Sayomi believed that the Lady Sanae was the unifying presence. The general of them all that would lead them to victory this winter, even if it wasn't on the battlefield of summer. She hoped that her sincere words in all her answers would be something the Champion approved of.

----------------------
Rolls:
Sayomi is honest and does not lie!
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 1. | 7k4 ⇒ 51 (TN: 10) - success
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 2. | 7k4 ⇒ 38 (TN: 20) - success
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 3. | 7k4 ⇒ 36 (TN: 25) - success
D1 EM. The Four Feudatories. Courtier/Awareness for Sanae's attention | 7k4 ⇒ 40 (TN: 20) - success

[Akodo Kenji]

If there was one thing that the last few years in the Imperial City had taught Kenji it was how to make an entrance without making an entrance. He had slipped in like part of the furniture just at the right time to go unnoticed as the senior dignitaries arrived. His face betrayed no emotions as the daimyos entered, despite that their Champion's presence made his heart sing, and soon enough Lady Matsu began her grilling.

It was pleasant not to have to stand before the questions first. A little time to prepare was, in this case, gratefully received and he would have to find time to thank those who went before. His hair was surruptitiously adjusted to a more advantageous position. Still, one cannot avoid the fury of a Matsu for long and soon enough the eye of the storm arrived, placing Kenji in its calm but perilous centre.

“What is your name?”
“What is your normal duty?”
“Where are you stationed?”

"Akodo Kenji of House Kusama. I am recognised as an Imperial Scribe by training and my usual posting has been to serve as chief record keeper in our Clan's embassy in the Imperial City."

Simple enough, and an important task if not exactly the most glorious one. His eyes did not flicker as the Lady Matsu went on.

“What makes you worthy of serving at this court?”
"I graduated top of my class and have spent years navigating the Imperial Court. I may not have experience of war but I understand courtly matters and the skills required to win on this battlefield. Speaking on behalf of my house the Kusama have proved our worth time and again. I will be no exception."

A slight bow in recognition of his ancestors was offered.

“What resources do you bring to this post?”
"I am a Kusama, an Akodo bushi, an artisan, and a scholar. I bring my sword, my brush, and my intellect. Each is a weapon I devote in service of my clan."

It was short but direct and to the point. He did not need to spell out his house's resources as well. They were well enough known to those who paid attention.

“Is there anything I should know before court officially begins?”
"Only that as the youngest living heir to my house, with five older siblings, and with no match yet arranged, I expect I could be married off to suit our Clan's interests. I have no wish to leave the Lion but I will do as Duty demands."

Kenji was Lion through and through but he was also a realist. In the grand scheme of things he was not important, not like his eldest brother...

"Kusama Tetsuo's little brother, and the grandson of the Lady of the Thousand Cuts. How will you shine from so deep in their shadow?"

The other questions had been the warm up act. This was the full percussion session of the Imperial Orchestra. The storm's eye went merrily on by, but his little boat was somehow still upright, surfing the enormous first wave.

"When the shadow is at it darkest, even a candle looks like the sun." Kenji relaxed a fraction. "My brother is built like a bear, he was chosen of Bishamon by the age of five; at the Akodo War College he wins three unwinnable battles before noon. My grandmother is a living legend, we could check the records but it is said no-one alive has killed as many mortals as she." There was a break in the storm, the winds began to die down. "I will shine for the Lion in my own way Matsu-sama, minna-sama. A candle in the darkness. Whether that is by sword, or scroll, or brush remains to be seen."

As his questioning drew to a close Kenji hoped the his Champion, Akodo Sanae had noted his answers, particularly to the final question. She was an inspiration to him, and the Kusama had a long history of directly supporting their daimyo in the most epic of ways.

----
Rolls
Part1: Honesty is the best policy!
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 1. | 6k3 ⇒ 27 (TN: 10)
Straight up roll succeeds!

D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 2. | 7k4 ⇒ 52 (TN: 20)
Voiding succeeds!

D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 3. | 7k4 ⇒ 27 (TN: 25)
Voiding succeeds!
Gain 2 Glory points.

Part 2: Champion my Champion
D1 EM. The Four Feudatories. Courtier/Awareness for Sanae's attention | 6k3 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)

[Matsu Masumi]

As befitting her station throughout her entire life, Masumi lined up towards the back. It started off easily enough. "Matsu Masumi of House Morikawa, Emerald Yoriki under the service of Daidoji Sae." The mention of a Crane gave her a momentarypause. "Wherever she goes, I shall follow."

Masumi's doubts crept into her a moment when her skills were brought into question. However, she knew better than to ever show weakness among the Matsu. "I uphold the values of our Clan and the Empire. Bushido flows through me as freely as air." She inclined her head. "Martial skill may have earned me the chance to serve as an Emerald Yoriki but my words have served me just as well when dealing with the other Clans." If only she could offer more in the way of connections.

Any anxiety over her shortcomings came to fruition when the Daimyo questioned her worth so directly. Masumi knew better than to rage against such words. To show weakness, however, not with another Matsu. "House Morikawa has provided some of the Family's greatest warriors for generations," she announced, her voice growing firmer and her posture prouder. "They would not have sent me out into the world if they did not think I was ready. Subsequent training has bolstered my skills. If any would dare to cause a disturbance at here of all places, then they shall answer to Matsu Masumi."

Masumi simmered there for a brief moment, trying her best to match her Daimyo's intensity without crossing the line. Afterwards she bowed and waited to be dismissed from questioning like a properly trained cub.

---

D1 EM First Question: Etiquette / Awareness TN 10 | 6k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 10)

D1 EM Second Question: Etiquette / Awareness TN 20, Benten's Blessing | 6k4 ⇒ 22 (TN: 20)

D1 EM Third Question: Etiquette / Awareness TN 25, Benten's Blessing, VP Spent | 7k5 ⇒ 42 (TN: 25)

2 Glory Earned!

D1 EM Appealing to... Matsu Tsuruyo! Courtier / Awareness TN 25, Benten's Blessing Applies? | 6k4 ⇒ 42 (TN: 25) (I went ahead and added BB... it passes even if I drop the lowest kept die!)

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka didn't react too much when the first questions started flying her way. Although it was her first experience of how loud a Matsu could shout when they were just in front of you.

“What is your name?”
“What is your normal duty?”
“Where are you stationed?”

"I am Ikoma Honoka, of house Kamoshita. Diplomat, bushi, duelist, storyteller. I am stationed at the court where I'm delegated to, whether that be here in Kyuden Ikoma has it has been the last few months, or further afield. I act as the word, or the blade, as needed."

“What makes you worthy of serving at this court?”
“What resources do you bring to this post?”

There was a smile at this.

"I'm worthy because those who have seen me know I'm worthy. Despite my youth and perceived inexperience, I've served the Lion and impressed many in the last two years while some of my previous classmates were still finishing their gempukkus, such is the confidence my sensei had when he pushed me to finish gempukku early and take to the field of court and my uncle the honourable Lord of the Kamoshita Ikoma Hozumi pushed for me to be here. Whether it be arguing for our cause, defending our honour, or entertaining, you can be confident as I am of talents I've presented at every court so far."

“I already have a Kamoshita. Why would I want two?”

"Why indeed" Honoka replied without breaking a sweat, a smile growing a little more with her confidence "why have two Kamoshita? Because the Kamoshita is a varied house with many different skills presented. The Kamoshita was a formation of three towns after all, all with their own respective talents and bringing their own abilities together to further grow and prosper. One would not refuse to have two valuable assets at their disposal simply because they shared a similar house, ne? No, in these times and at a stage of such prestige it does not matter if there is one or two Kamoshita, because the Lion is one family. One unit, all moving together, all together on a greater cause to bring the best for the Lion without split focuses or distractions. Wouldn't you agree?"

It was subtle, but the hint about letting other things distract you from the Lions cause was a hint to the most unfocused on in the room. Or a flex of her natural talents. One of the two, either way the young Ikoma girl carried herself with an unflinching confidence in her words. Some could almost call it overconfidence, but Honoka believed in the words she spoke.

(ooc: rolls
D1 EM Lion daimyo event first question - Etiquette/Awareness TN10 | 8k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 10) passed
D1 EM Lion daimyo event second question - Etiquette/Awareness TN20. Benten's applies | 8k5 ⇒ 52 (TN: 20) passed
D1 EM Lion daimyo event third question - Etiquette/Awareness TN25. Benten's applies | 8k5 ⇒ 34 (TN: 25) passed
Final part D1 EM Lion daimyo event Phase 2(The Four Feudatories) - appealing to Ikoma Ryota! Courtier(Manipulation)/awareness vs TN35. VP spent | 9k5 ⇒ 41 (TN: 35) to get Ryotas focus on track

[Ikoma Tanji]

Likely near the front of the line, Ikoma Tanji has done this often enough for the first set of questions to be rote to him.

"Ikoma Tanji of House Suitai, Imperial Scribe in the service of the West Lion Embassy, I oversee the missives and filter articles of importance for my supervisors. I have experience with the hustle and bustle of events with all clans involved. I bring my experience, my art, and the fact that I am outside the normal expectations. I recognize that there are multiple candidates that would have been chosen before me, but I am ready to do what is necessary for the good of the Clan and the Empire."

He then takes a moment to give the off the cuff question given to him particularly. "I do not pretend to know the future, but with the tides of a new day, the deeds of the past are on their way to the realm of waiting. I shall build a vessel of improvement for those I am responsible to, plant the seeds to a tree I will never eat from its fruit, and grant a larger canvas to hide the stains of failure."

Mechanical Bits:
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 1, Technique +1k0 | 8k4 ⇒ 27 (TN: 10)
Passed
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 2, Technique +1k0 | 8k4 ⇒ 37 (TN: 20)
Passed
D1 EM. Appeasing the God of War. Etiquette/Awareness round 3, Technique +1k0 | 8k4 ⇒ 44 (TN: 25)
Passed
D1 EM. The Four Feudatories. Courtier/Awareness for Ikoma Ryota. Void Point, Technique | 9k5 ⇒ 32 (TN: 35)
(failed to get the attention of Ikoma Ryotal)

[Kitsu Rini]

Waiting for her turn, Rini allows her manicured fingers to trail along the edge of her Scroll Satchel, well organized and kept quite tidy. She listened closely to her fellow Lion, paying attention as they move along in rank.

Finally, to her. The redhead closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and finding her center before answering.

"This one is Kitsu Rini, a member of House Tatsukawa. I have most recently been stationed at Shiro Kitsu, where I conducted work as a researcher. Though I also maintain duties as a priest as needed, as befits my schooling." Her voice was soft, though confident. The edges of her lips draw to a small smile.

While not one who is boastful or needs to preen and show off, Rini understands her worth. "I am worthy of this station here because of my training, and as noted by my sensei, I have shown severe talent in my schooling. I demonstrated a natural ability to all aspects of what is needed to work as a priest, and even in courtly duties." Her lips purse as she considered what resources she brought, "and with that, I do bring potential offerings for marriages to seal negotiations and treaties, as well as a keen intellect to aid in any and all analysis of our dealings."

She wasn't sure if that was truly what was meant by resources. She wasn't a Lord, or in the mainline of any leadership or kuge, but she knew she was a master of the arcane. Her talent for dealing with the Kami was her greatest gift.

"A priest? What strength can you bring to bear for this delegation?"

At that, her smile widened to something more proud, and eager. "If there is a need for anyone to have to answer with steel, I can make sure they are well taken care of afterwards. But I bring quite a rapport with the kami, and I have always found it easy to Commune and bring that spiritual strength to bear for our needs."

As she spoke, she would glance, and direct her words to her Daimyo, bringing out her fan to flash the mon of the family, though her signaling as she spoke was clumsy, perhaps the nervousness of being before all four daimyo was finally getting to her.

Roll-
EM1 - Meet the Daimyo: Lion - Appeasing the God of War - Roll 1 (Awareness 3, Courtier 3, Prodigy +1k0, TN10) | 7k3 ⇒ 45 (TN: 10) Pass

EM1 - Meet the Daimyo: Lion - Appeasing the God of War - Roll 2 (Awareness 3, Courtier 3, Prodigy +1k0, TN20) | 7k3 ⇒ 45 (TN: 20) Pass

EM1 - Meet the Daimyo: Lion - Appeasing the God of War - Roll 3 (Awareness 3, Courtier 3, Prodigy +1k0, VP +1k1 TN25) | 8k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 25) Pass

Gains 2 Glory

EM1 - Meet the Daimyo: Lion - Appeasing the God of War - Phase 2 Roll - Target: Kitsu Shintaro (Awareness 3, Courtier 3, Prodigy +1k0, VP +1k1 TN25) | 8k4 ⇒ 18 (TN: 25) Fail

[Cearnach]

Results

Though the meeting continued for a time as Akodo Sanae laid out the Lion's briefing, and though the work of the delegation was only beginning, yet the first step has been taken:

Akodo Kenji: +2 Glory, Akodo Sanae is aware that Kenji is a scion of a mighty house, but means to shine in his own, undetermined way.
Akodo Myono: +2 Glory, Akodo Sanae is aware of the quality Myono's voice.
Ikoma Honoka: +2 Glory, Ikoma Ryota snaps to attention (actually listening in the next scene).
Kitsu Rini: +2 Glory
Kitsu Sayomi: +2 Glory, Akodo Sanae is aware of her sincerity
Matsu Masumi: +2 Glory, Matsu Tsuruyo is aware of her fiery nature…and of her connections to the Crane.