[D15, EE, EVENT] The Devil Chase: Parade

[Cearnach]

A heavy shadow hangs over the parade this evening, only some of it attributable to the continued gloomy weather. With the death of the Empress, the fire at the granary, the acts of murder, and the shocking rebuke of the Imperial Court by Lady Shiba a few hours ago, the people of Kyuden Ikoma and Ikoma’s Eye are not feeling the celebratory vibes a Devil’s Chase is meant to elicit.

The people of the Ikoma’s Eye, prompted by the samurai of the Lion clan, sticklers for protocol as always, have begun listlessly to line the streets. The court has begun to assemble. The show, however futile, must go on.

This is a hybrid event–something new we are trying out. The designated Devil Chaser should complete the event first. The event will then open for everyone to participate in Step 3.


Step 1: Bow and Shield.
The traditional bow and shield of the Devil Chaser, Lady Asako’s relics, were packed up and taken home by the Phoenix Clan after Lady Shiba’s declaration. This led to a mad scramble to find suitable replacements. Fortunately, Lady Matsu was able to provide a bow of sufficient quality, if not age, but the shield had to be quickly cobbled together this afternoon by Lord Kaiu, and the red skirt hastily stitched together by Lady Doji’s handmaids out of material donated from the spare kimonos of members of the Scorpion delegation. Lord Togashi provided the mask, which, if not made of gold, at least feels right for the task. Consequently, these relics are without spiritual charge, but have a curious symbolism–a potential, perhaps, of their own. You’ll have to make use of that if you want to have any hope of fighting the evil spirits that have suffused this place.

Make a Spellcasting check as though casting the Summon spell with each element to infuse the replica relics with spiritual power as follows:

The Mask: TN 10
The Bow: TN 20
The Skirt: TN 25
The Shield: TN 30

You may choose which element to apply to which relic. If you have the Ishiken-do advantage, you may use Void for all of the rolls. For each roll you fail, that relic is inert during the remainder of the event, and your TNs in the next step increases by 5 as you struggle to make up the deficit.


Step 2: Gathering Strength
It is an unwise shugenja that attempts to do battle with only their own strength. Fortunately, there are many things one can draw upon to fortify the spirit against the terrors that one will face. Choose one of the following rolls. If you are successful, you may subtract 5 from TNs in the next step. If you fail, you add 5 to those TNs.

If you believe that the Fortunes will see the Empire through this period, roll Lore: Theology (Fortunes)/Perception at TN 20

If you believe that the Great Clans will rediscover their unity and reforge the Empire, roll Lore: Great Clans/Awareness at TN 20

If you believe that Shinsei’s wisdom is the key to the Empire’s future, roll Lore: Theology (Shintao)/Void at TN 20

If you believe that the personal honor of samurai will see the people through, roll Lore: Bushido/Intelligence at TN 25

If you choose to rely only on yourself, placing the Empire on your shoulders, roll your School Rank/Willpower at TN 30

Step 3: Follow the Leader
Armed and fortified, you take the first step in your struggle to purge both palace and town of the evil the year has brought. And with the first strike of bow on shield you see them, the twisted spirits and malign fortunes that thicken the air with their miasma. They are the enemy, and they must be driven out. But they are many, and they will not go quietly. Whatever you choose to do, you must remember that you prepare the way for others to follow. Make it safe for them, and they will lend you their strength. Together, you may just succeed.


Devil Chaser: 1) Make a spellcasting roll and
2) either a Perform: Dance/Agility, Meditation/Void, Weapon Skill/Strength, or Defense/Reflexes roll

The results of your rolls will become the TNs of the people following you in the parade.

[Asahina Hoshiko]

Hoshiko was still not over the court's abrupt end, with absolutely nothing decided, but she was also more certain than ever that the rituals that bound the Empire to its spiritual foundations were the way forward. They couldn't have a mortal on the throne without the risk that their immense power would magnify the mundane sins that every mortal accumulated. It would take reform and adherence to the Celestial Order and to the needs of the elemental spirits to keep them from recreating the imbalance that had troubled the Empire for generations.

"The world is fallen; raise it anew."

An enormous task, the Abbot had laid on her shoulders.

The murmurs of the crowd, the shuffling of the drummers setting up, and finally a chill breeze off these foreign plains through her hair remind her that it's not just her shoulders. She just needs to convince others to bear their part of the task ahead.

One by one she dons the ritual attire, offering a prayer to each that though they too are new to their purpose, they rise to serve as best they can.

The skirt of many fabrics, a riot of reds. Embroidery of black scorpions, blue and green riverbanks, winter pines, ribbons, and kemari balls laces through the patchwork sections. The heavy pleats shimmer with every movement as Hoshiko asks the spirits of Water to bless her steps and bring their healing in the wake of the dance.

After a skirt made of Scorpion gifts, perhaps it is appropriate that a mask is donned next. It may not be gold, but the wide, toothy mouth and dark eyes are suitably fierce. She asks the spirits of Earth to grant their purity to her intent and their permanence to the work begun today.

She next lifts the bow in her gloved right hand, an instrument she's only held for such ritual purpose, but use has worn the grip into one even she finds comfortable. The size of it intimidates all on its own. When she asks the Fire to bless the bow, they respond with wild enthusiasm and the wood warms beneath her touch. After a moment of surprise, she commands them to impart their blessing without the destruction they always long for. Dark spirits will be reminded of how many this bow has slain in one world, and fear its repurposing to act in another.

The shield is lifted next, heavy iron bands wood that seems to be take from a sake barrel. Well, those ferments are blessed at some point, making it a pragmatic reuse on extremely short notice. She calls the Air to enjoy the fumes remaining and bless the shield, lending their skills to make it appear more venerable, larger, truly capable of protecting those who will follow

Armed and armored with the elements of this world, she calls now to other realms, to the Fortunes who intercede and guide the workings of Ningen-do. Calling upon Hamanri as the obvious Fortune for this unsettled time, Bishamon for Strength, Amaterasu for her purity to drive away all evil, Osano-Wo for the thunder to frighten the darkness, and Emma-O to remind each person of their responsibilities and sins so they may chose a life that lessons their punishments after.

After that, she needs only to step where others can follow, letting the drums and the forms of ritual move her and them onward. Each clash of bow against shield is meant to inspire the people behind and intimidate the spirits that do not belong here. This is not their place! They have no power here! With focus, any may become one with the dance, each one enlarging it.


******************************

Step 1: Bow and Shield.

The Mask: TN 10: Earth 5k2
D14 EE The Devil Chase: The Mask
Spellcasting Earth | 5k2 ⇒ 22 (TN: 10)

The Bow: TN 20 : Fire 5k2 (void for 6k3?)
D14 EE The Devil Chase: The Mask
Spellcasting Fire, Void spent | 6k3 ⇒ 48 (TN: 20)

The Skirt: TN 25: Water 6k3
D14 EE The Devil Chase: The Skirt
Spellcasting Water | 6k3 ⇒ 32 (TN: 25)

The Shield: TN 30: Air 7k3 void for 8k4
D14 EE The Devil Chase: The Shield
Spellcasting Air Void Spent | 8k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 30) With Defense keyword (GM question in PM) succeeds with the FR
Edited for Shield after leaving Skirt in Sakkaku. TN is correct.


Step 2: Gathering Strength
If you believe that the Fortunes will see the Empire through this period, roll Lore: Theology (Fortunes)/Perception at TN 20
D14 EE The Devil Chase: Gathering Strength
Lore: Theology (Fortunes)/Perception | 7k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 20)

Success to -5 on next step TNs

TNs for later rolls

Step 3: Follow the Leader
Devil Chaser: 1)
D14 EE The Devil Chase: Follow the Leader
Missed that there is another spellcasting roll here. Sticking with Air for more dice to pick from | 7k3 ⇒ 8
Edited to the correct 7k3

-5 from Step 2 = 3

2)
D14 EE The Devil Chase: Follow the Leader
Meditation/Void | 6k3 ⇒ 7

-5 from Step 2 = 2

[Cearnach]

Parade Supporters: Drawing on your spirit and your hope to support the Devil Chaser, make the following rolls:

1) A Lore: Theology (Fortunes)/Perception Roll at TN 3.
2) Either a Perform: Dance/Agility, Meditation/Void, Athletics/Stamina, or Defense/Reflexes roll at TN 2.

If the majority of Parade Supporters pass their rolls, then the miasma of evil will dissipate, to the good of the Empire. A period of peace will extend until the last attendee of court arrives safely to their next destination.

If the majority of Parade Supporters fail their rolls, then evil spirits will infest the land. Shugenja who commune with the kami and fail their rolls will find themselves speaking with kansen. Furthermore, even before the first attendees of court arrive home, the first of what will surely be many bitter conflicts in the Era of 5 Winds will erupt.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Following the Devil Chaser, Sayomi kept in mind the similar rituals she had observed from her shugenja cousins and direct family. Even if she wasn't a priest, she recited the prayers that would ward off ill spirits and banish darkness, all the while her hands formed gestures and wards against evil.

She thought of the future. Of how uncertain it looked. Her own immediate future wasn't uncertain though, but how would it be impacted by the current state of the Empire. Would her family, the Tatsukawa, remain safe in the more remote location of the Empire or would they once again be drawn into conflict as in the day of their house's founding? And what of house Tetsumura in all this? What would happen there?

Would she and Daichi be sent off to war right away? Would the marriages arranged this season be stopped because of conflict right away?

She prayed away such dark thoughts, hoping the ancestors would guide them in these dark times. How they had failed them though, unable to prevent a throne left vacant.

---

D15 EE. The Devil Chase. Lore: Theology/Perception. | 4k3 ⇒ 16 (TN: 3)
D15 EE. The Devil Chase. Defense/Reflexes | 4k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 2)

[Soshi Eiji]

While Eiji was concerned about Shiba Ryusei and Agasha Yuna, this was not the time for those sorts of thoughts. When you were doing a thing, you had to be concerned with that thing, and that thing alone. And so, as per tradition, Eiji watched the Devil chaser in her borrowed finery and makeshift weaponry....and fortunes be good, he could swear she was almost shining with the radiance of Lady sun Herself. The Phoenix may have been repelled by the demons of stupidity infesting the court, taking their sacred implements with them....but clearly the Crane were more than ready and able to take their place.

Now Eiji was no dancer, but watching the Chaser he practically felt complled to join in the dance, warding off the demons for the year. The results were....actually perfectly acceptable for a background dancer. He wasn't going to set the court on fire with his sick dance moves, but the activity left him feeling.....surprisingly good about the coming year, as if through just the activity alone the demons of doubt and fear were being banished.

Step 1: Per/Lore: Theology 27 vs. 3 Link

Step 2: Agi/Perform: Dance 15 vs. 2 Link

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna was there, to do battle with the spirits, through faith and optimism alone. She was no shugenja. But she believed Heaven would find a way. Perhaps this was a period of necessary testing and refinement.

There might be conflict, verbal and otherwise. But they could all stand strong, together, against evil spirits. Togashi-ue and Miya-sama had helped calm and focus her.

She could be with the Phoenix soon. As soon as a week! All would be well.

And now, she drew focus from meditating on the Tao as she walked. “Even in times of trouble, remember this: there is no evil in nature. What is now has been before and will be again. It is the short sighted and foolish who believe that life has no patterns, no purposes. All that is now is part of what has been and what will come to be."

This had purpose. This had pattern. In the end, there would be peace and good. Heaven was in control.
Heaven was refining them.

She had her small role to play. And she would play it.

Evil spirits could not find weak points in the armor of hope and faith.

https://sakkaku.org/r/17677 lore theology perception 13 v 3

https://sakkaku.org/r/17678 meditation void 27 v 2

[Daidoji Ryu]

Ryu was not the most devout samurai. He'd built something of a power base for himself without any more than a basic level of piety.
The Fortunes were distant unknowable beings with unknowable effects on the Empire and his day to day life.

Or, they had been. Just last night, Ryu had seem a miracle of magic. And he'd seen a Fortune in the... flesh? Spirit? He wasn't quite sure. He still didn't have all the answers, not by a longshot. But he wanted to find them. And, of course, he'd made a promise.

And he knew that if he couldn't count on his own skills, he could count on Hoshiko.

And so he followed along, doing his best. For the sake of her, of him, his family, his clan, and the Empire.

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D15EE Parade, Lore:Theology/Perception, unskilled, vp spent because this matters, darn it. | 3k3 ⇒ 8 (TN: 3)
D15EE Parade, Athletics/stamina | 5k3 ⇒ 15 (TN: 2)

Obviously both passed!

[Kuni Shiori]

The most dour of Kuni might have seen such a ceremony to be frivolous, considering that this seemed almost merely symbolic or heimen's play compared to the actual fighting of such terrors to the south. Nevermind the Family took to wearing symbolic facepaint that didn't really provide much of a mechanical bonus. However, Shiori didn't find herself relating to such a sentiment here in the slightest.

The winter had been plagued with so many complications and difficulties. The complex negotiations of trade and treaties, the "untimely" death of the Empress, the turmoil around the throne that followed, the spiritual unrest, th haunting of the corrupted Emperor Ningi, and among other things that she was less aware of in Court. The final day of Winter Court didn't provide any solace, maybe even exacerbated those issues, the Throne was still empty and sentiments boiled enough that even peace wasn't something that anybody could take for granted. There was so much uncertainty in the future and that weighed on everyone's shoulders. Much like everyone, she felt a great need to cast these growing weights from her shoulders and find some semblance of positivity in all of this. Hope was that shining star in the sky, so far away from reach but every present regardless how dark the skies became. At least for tonight, that star felt brighter with this parade.

It also helped that Asahina Hoshiko was someone who she could easily consider a comrade in arms, after everything they went through together. She would be more than happy to march to her lead, an actual oni chase or not.

Perhaps emboldened by her efforts on stage a few days ago, Shiori would try something new and attempted to dance in this parade as they yearned to push out all the bad luck of the season so that good spirits could be ushered in. Her footwork wasn't particularly great and she looked admittedly clumsy but it might have been enough to scare away evil.

Yes, let's say that.

"Devils out! Fortunes in!" she could call out to the Fortunes as she joined in the confetti throwing.

(Also, confetti thrown!)

Rolls
Day 15 - Early Evening, The Devil's Chase, Lore: Theology/Perception | 4k3 ⇒ 26 (TN: 3)
Day 15 - Early Evening, The Devil's Chase, Perform: Dance/Agility: Void for skill! | 3k2 ⇒ 14 (TN: 2)

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka had followed the chase with her usual smile on her face. She wasn't a heavily devout one, in fact one might say she was the opposite at times, but with the ending of court even she was one to understand the importance of this parade. Yet she had no worries as she looked within herself.

She was so young, but was she good enough? Could she take the steps needed?

Looking within, it didn't take long to find an answer, and with it her grin grew. She was a Kamoshita, the most resourceful House in the Lion. And not just any Kamoshita, but the rising star of the family. Her legacy was already growing and she knew without doubts that her story would be a great one. No dark spirits were going to dampen her future, they'd flee from her brightness.

I'm ready to shine.

(ooc:
D5 EE Devils Chase: Lore Theology(Fortunes)/Perception at TN....3. I dare you Sakkaku, I dare you to fail this nearly impossible to fail roll. | 2k2 ⇒ 7 (TN: 3) passed
D5 EE Devils Chase: Meditation/void vs TN2. Yeah, Tn2! Rolling 4 dice! Let's gooooo (no 10s pls I need those for other things) | 4k4 ⇒ 22 (TN: 2) passed, what a surprise!

The devils have been chased away, but what of the devil within?

[Akodo Kenji]

As Asahina-san conducted the chase to perfection there was no doubt in Kenji's mind. He followed along as was needed and performed the roles required to chase the evil spirits away. It was somewhat soothing to forget what had transpired earlier and lose himself in the chase.

---
D15. Ghost chase. Lotlre:Theology / Perception. Sage. | 4k3 ⇒ 17 (TN: 3)
Success.

D15. Ghost chase. Defense/Reflexes. Prodigy | 5k3 ⇒ 27 (TN: 2)
Success.

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki was clearly among those who were less than ecstatic about the parade today - the way the last court session ended was far from ideal, and in fact it could easily send down the drain the last two weeks of work she and the others in the delegation had done to maintain some degree of stability and peace during the transition. Some conflict was inevitable, everything pointed at that. But the way things had ended was one step away from all out war, and that... it made their work seem futile.

But she still came to the parade. There was another promise to keep, another duty to perform.

She joined the chanting, the prayers, the gestures, something between a dance and a ritual fight. She did so with great emphasis as well - almost as if performing this role could somehow overcome the frustration of work and dedication leading to little. Almost as if this ritual could serve as a form of catharsis.

Perhaps it could, even.

Close to the last steps of the ritual, she did as duty called. She drew what seemed to be confetti from a pouch hanging from her obi, and started throwing it around, making sure that its would cover as many of the parade goers as possible - like a blessing one wants to share far and wide.

-----
D15 EE - Devil's chase Theology/Per. 2 Raises called. | 4k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 13)

D15 EE - Devil's chase Defence/Ref. 3 Raises called. | 5k4 ⇒ 19 (TN: 17)

And confetti thrown.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Following Asahina-san's performance, Sanjuro joins the others who are here to drive out the evil from the encampment, the house and the individuals, though not necessarily in that order.

While the throne sits empty, he is confident we have done our duty here, despite some of the dismay others are feeling. He turns his focus entirely to driving out the evil spirits. He will pray for Rokugani hearts to be lightened and their minds to be open after the parade is done.


OOC:
D15 Theology/Perception | 3k2 ⇒ 18 (TN: 3) Success
D15 Meditation/Void | 5k4 ⇒ 24 (TN: 12) + 1 VP +2 raises; Success

[Jihen]

Jihen followed along on the parade, his knowledge of the spiritual world and his enhanced perceptive abilities guiding the proper administration of the powerful warding mudras and techniques with which he was well-acquainted with.

With imbalance everywhere... he would try to do his very best to assure he brought harmony and pacification with him in his wake. Now and forever...

----

D15 Chase Parade, Theology/Perception, VP, 2 Raises | 7k4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 13)

D15 Chase Parade, Meditation, VP, 4 Raises | 10k6 ⇒ 36 (TN: 22)

Don't think the raises do anything... but EFFORT!

[Hiruma Daichi]

Daichi's still wasn't happy about the Phoenix Ladies actions. Running away while leaving the rest of the court to pick of the pieces of peace and unity was a level of cowardice, he couldn't quite fathom. Not one he expected from the Phoenix either. How the rest of the Empire came together to put on this last bit of ceremony was a spark of hope though.

Even if some would put their single-minded selfishness above the good of the Empire there were others that would step up and fill the roles as needed. If the Phoenix couldn't do their part? Well, maybe it was time to for someone new to step into their place. Not that he would voice such thoughts out loud.

For the most part though, he let such thoughts slide by as he joined in the festivities, until the end when he shared in the duties of the other Crab and reached into his pouch to throw confetti an effort to see the people around him blessed in at least a small way.

Day 14! Theology/perception! Let's do us some devil chasing! | 3k3 ⇒ 14 (TN: 3)

Day 14! athletics/stamina! Tn 2! Let's go we can do it. | 5k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 2)

(Confetti thrown)

[Shiba Ryushi]

He has been rather obscured even when his glory grew in this winter court. He knew that not following his clan champion would bring repercussions but sometimes those repercussions can be better than what is currently happening. The Shiba knows that protecting the shugenja is the duty that was taken by the Kami Shiba himself. Thus Ryushi knowing that he decided to join the Devil Chase.

He kept his guard up protect from the incoming spirits.
//Rolls in PF

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Shinnosuke whirls and stomps in Hoshiko's wake, the pale fabric of his sleeves flying like banners through the humid air. The samurai of the Crane Clan are showing their spirit and leadership in this ending to the winter's court, however odd and awkward its conclusion might otherwise be, and he won't be behindhand. Even in times of uncertainty, move through the confusion with grace.

---
D15 Devil Chase--Lore: Theology/Perception | 4k3 ⇒ 19 (TN: 3)
D15 Devil Chase--Dance/Agility, Void because it's ART | 7k4 ⇒ 43 (TN: 2)

Both obviously passed.

[Cearnach]

The Chase wound its way through castle and town, driving the bad spirits away with the crash of bow and shield and raising the spirits of the many with the power of the dance. Rokugan was being made anew, and though this day began inauspiciously, hope was beginning to crest on the horizon. And, through the actions of these dancers, the people would not be alone, for the Fortunes smiled once more.

Results
The majority of Parade Supporters passed their rolls, so the miasma of evil will dissipate, to the good of the Empire. A period of peace will extend until the last attendee of court arrives safely to their next destination.

Fortunes: The Fortunes will become more active–for good and for ill–in the daily lives of the people of Rokugan. The Blessed by the Fortunes Advantage is one point cheaper for all clans. The Cursed by the Fortunes Disadvantage gives 1 more point. In addition, characters may, when out of Void points, call upon a Fortune appropriate to the situation to add 4 to a roll. They may do this once per session, and must call that they are doing so before seeing the result of the roll.