There are two purposes to a party: to see and to be seen. Each represents an imperative to political relevance. The opening reception of the season represents the first official opportunity to take stock of the opposition and to put forward the face you want the world to see.

Choose one of the following: Masters of Court or Still Waters Run Deep.

Masters of Court
You may choose to make yourself known as a force to be reckoned with. Each step of this event consists of two courtly options and one gauche way to achieve this. While the gauche way has easier TNs, please remember that public use of Low skills does generate honor loss.

Step I: The Cornering.
While you are more than likely to meet scores of functionaries and minor players in the course of an evening, the true masters of court know how to isolate and make an impression on those of status. Choose an NPC in Attendance. Make a Courtier(Rhetoric)/Awareness roll at TN: 25 or Perform: Dance/Agility roll at TN: 30 to either rhetorically command their attention or to elegantly separate them from the crowd for the time you need to make a statement as to your importance. A success on this roll is necessary to continue the Event. The NPC in question will take notice of you as well with a Defense/Reflexes roll at tn: 20 to simply put your body between them and the rest of the party.

Major NPCs in Attendance
Otomo Keihime, Seppun Sadako, Miya Hachi, Kakita Hajime, Chou-sin, Do, Akodo Sanae, Kitsu Shintaro, Matsu Tsuruyo, Doji Minehime, Doji Noriko, Bayushi Kaguya, Kaiu Masahiko, Togashi Mizohachi, Ichiro Himari, Heichi Batsuda, Moshi Akane, Kitsune Aiko, Suzume Ryobu, Gusai Ryoshida, Kasuga Izumi


Step II: Pas-de-Deux.
Introduction and Small Talk: What actually gets said to a person of status in public like this is most likely drawn from a shockingly narrow list of acceptable subjects. The Weather. Some element of culture, perhaps. But whatever it is, it must be innocuous, or at the very least appear to be so. Only the gauche or the desperate would actually try to make a blatant political maneuver in such a setting.

Players content to dance by the numbers and make the right play for the moment must make a TN 25 Etiquette (Conversation)/Awareness roll. A success allows you to maximize your time monopolizing the attention of the NPC, and is equivalent to 1 free raise on your roll in part 3 of this event. Raises on your Etiquette (Conversation)/Awareness roll translate to additional free raises in part 3 at a rate of 2:1.

Players wishing boldly to convey a subtle political message to or subtly ask a political question of the cornered NPC must make a Sleight of Hand/Agility roll to pass a note or Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness roll to pass their information in double-talk. These rolls are made at a TN of 30.
Players who wish to throw caution to the wind and gauchely talk shop at the reception must make either a Sincerity (Honesty)/Awareness roll to assure the person they are speaking to that you are for real or an Intimidation/Willpower check to just make them listen to you already, geez! These rolls are made at TN 20. Make the most of your opportunity!

Step III: See What I Did There?
A clever courtier now checks the crowd. An unsophisticated observer might assume this is to get a sense of the efficacy of your little power-play, but the wise know it for what it is: a display of dominance. Make a TN 25 Acting/Awareness check to strike the perfect pose or a TN 30 Meditation/Awareness roll to project your most centered poise. Alternatively, make a TN 20 Perform: Oratory/Awareness roll to exercise those bragging rights.

Scoring
Each player will receive a number of Glory points equal to the number of successes they had in the course of the event. Raises will also gain Glory points at a rate of 2:1.

In addition to the qualitative rewards embedded in the nature of the options above, please count the number of times you rolled at each TN. If you:
Chose and passed at least 2 TN 30 options and no TN 20 options, you have mastered the subtlety of court and have earned the esteem of your audience. Gain 5 additional Glory points and the use of the Darling of the Court advantage for 1 day during this court. You must inform the gms at day flip that you are using your good vibes.

Chose and passed at least 2 TN 25 options, you have successfully flexed your political muscle. You receive an additional 3 Glory points and the NPC you chose will bear you good feelings in the coming court.

Chose and passed at least 2 TN 20 options, you surely got something out of your shameful display, but…eesh. Gain 2 points of Infamy and the ill-will of Akodo Sanae.

Whoa, so this is an actual Champion's Reception! Emiko's wide-eyed look about the room takes in the myriad sights, from the row of well-dressed servants grilling skewers of fish to...oh my kami, that's Matsu Tsuruyo!! And Otomo Keihime!! Trying to contain her fangirling, Emiko stops stock-still, but a friendly bump from Michishita Erina's shoulder jolts her out of her daze.

That's right, she's not here to goggle uselessly at the women that run the Empire! She's here to make a splash, get noticed, and get things done! Only...maybe not by approaching Matsu Tsuruyo. She's soooo cool, but she's also very scary. No, much easier to talk to...Doji Minehime! Emiko rememebers reading stories about her adventures when she was a little girl. It would be unfortunate not to take this opportunity to say hello...

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Step I: Emiko has a great dice pool for this courtier roll, even considering that she does not have the Rhetoric emphasis, particularly when she spends void. Unfortunately, she gets more than a little star-struck around powerful women, and Doji Minehime is very powerful indeed, so she forgets to call raises. Silly Emiko! She blasts through with a success at 42.


Step II: Emiko hasn't got an agenda!...that concerns Doji Minehime, so she chooses to engage in small talk, commenting on the weather and how it reminds her of Kakita Naoko's Tale of the Little Sister (a famous pillowbook recounting some of Doji Minehime's adventures). Some people might find flattery annoying, but Minehime is so used to it that she can choose to indulge youthful courtiers during their first meetings. After all, it doesn't do to clip their wings before they can even take flight, and, anyway, this one seems nice enough. Asako Emiko of the Sasaki, Lady Doji will have to remember that one.

Several things come into play for Emiko on this roll. There is her Doubt: Etiquette disadvantage (her Granny kind of did a number on her), which requires that she call a raise for no benefit. Fortunately, her Asako Loremaster Rank 1 technique allows her to roll +3k1 when spending Void on Etiquette, so you can bet that's what she's going to do. Her dice pool comes out to 9k5, which is pretty solid. Her TN is 30, but how often does one get a chance to make a first impression? She's going to call 2 more raises, boosting her TN to 40. That's sort of at the outer range of plausible for Emiko, and indeed she fails the roll with a 35. Fortunately, Emiko has some Luck, so she burns her re-roll for the session and succeeds (just!) with a 43.


Step III: Emiko feels awesome! She talked to Doji Minehime and did not even stutter once! She wonders, momentarily, whether Lady Doji appreciated her reference, but of course she did! Catching Erina's eye across the room, Emiko juts her chin out just a little and puffs up in pride. For the first time, she feels like she's where she belongs.

Emiko's in a little bit of trouble for this roll, because she doesn't have any of the skills called for. She'll need to burn her last Void for the day to generate a phantom rank in Acting to go for the TN 25 roll (she certainly doesn't want to brag). She has a Free Raise from her success in Step 2 and an additional Free Raise from her 2 called raises. She uses these to drop the TN to 15, then calls 2 fresh raises of her own, garnering a result of 33, which is a success.


Results
Emiko passes all three rounds for 3 Glory.
Because she chose the TN 25 route, she gains an additional 3 Glory.
Because she had 2 successful raises on step 2, she gains an additional 1 Glory.
Because she had 2 successful raises on step 3, she gains an additional 1 Glory.
That's eight glory total. In addition, she gets good vibes from Doji Minehime during court!
Now, if Emiko knew who she was supporting as Imperial Heir, she could dedicate her points right now. Unfortunately, she can't decide between Otomo Keihime and Doji Noriko, so she keeps the Glory for herself.

Kenichi entered the famikiar environs of the Banquet halls. He was dressed in a brand new kimono, frwhly arrived via the Phoenix delegation. His fan, on the ither hand, depicted the Ikoma plains, a gift from his hosts.

He scanned the crowd, and deciding to be bold, stepped forward towards Otomo Keihime.

"Otomo-sama, wrll met. I hipe your travels have been pleasant to Kyuden Ikoma." He glanced around slowly, lowering his fan and pointing towards some fans on the wall. "Those have been gifted to the Kyuden, not one person, actually. They are quite the pair, painted in an older style. Sharper lines, more muted tones."

His piece said, he glanced around the room, asserting his dominance. Yeah, I did that.



OoC:
D1 EE Masters of Court, Courtier/Awa, Step 1, Otomo Keihime, Prodigy, VP for +1k1 | 9k5 ⇒ 39 (TN: 25)
Otomo Keihime cornered!

D1 EE Masters of Court, Etiquette!Awa, Step 2, Otomo Keihime, Prodigy, VP for +3k1, loremaster 1, 2 cr for one more free raise, tn 35 | 10k5 ⇒ 64 (TN: 35)
2 free raises for step 3!

D1 EE Masters of Court, Step 3. OTOMO Keihime, Meditation/Awa, 2 free raises from step 2, prodigy, cr 30 | 6k4+10 ⇒ 45 (TN: 30)

Success!

If forced to pick her favourite kinds of reception, Sae would have ranked a surprise ambush over court (people tended to be more honest and generally less obtuse on the battlefield).

Still, is how business is conducted. She takes a moment and then...realises everyone else seems to have seamlessly settled into various huddles, leaving only a few less sure onlookers. Well, no time for hesitation, into the fray.

The tall Daidoji simply picks a knot and random, steps in front of the lowest ranking person there (apologies, Abott-san, your argument about enlightenment through gardening sounded fruitful) and then bows her respect to the highest who is...the Dragon Champion? Oh boy.

"Togashi-sama, it is an honour. If I can ask for a moment of your time and plead that I will be direct..."
Given he did not walk away or twist her head off, Sae took his calm look as a positive response.
"I hope to speak to several of your vassals over the coming days to negotiate some important matters. I can promise to negotiate honestly, and respectfully. And I would beg your blessing to reach out to them."
Again, no walking away or head twisting.
"Thank you for your time, I am sure we will speak again over the course of the court and... and if I may, I believe persimmons would better suit the Abbot's argument than pears. They change their flowers year to year, as we mortals are forced to do."

With another bow she departs. That had gone a shade better than expected.


Results: - Talking to Togashi Mizohachi

Step 1, Defence/Reflexes TN 20 - Success

Day 1 EN - Masters of Court, Step 1 - Defense/Reflexes roll at tn: 20 to talk to Togashi Mizohachi | 5k3 ⇒ 26 (TN: 20)

Step 2, Etiquette/Awareness TN 25- Success
Day 1 EN - Masters of Court, Step 2 - TN 25 Etiquette (Conversation)/Awareness roll to talk to Togashi Mizohachi, Benten's | 8k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 25)

Step 3, Acting/Awareness Tn 25(20)- Success
Day 1 EN - Masters of Court, Step 3 - TN 25 Acting/Awareness (unskilled) roll to talk to Togashi Mizohachi. Spending a void point for +1k, free raise from step 2 to lower TN to 20. | 4k4 ⇒ 21 (TN: 20)

It might have seemed an odd choice, but as Hikaru looks around the room he attempts to meet the Kaiu daimyo. Kaiu Masahiko had been out the line of succession and that struck a chord that had surprised himself. Of course, starting with that was likely to go poorly, and Hikaru had something he suspected would be after his own heart.

"Kaiu-sama, I have heard about your latest treatise on castle construction, but I have not had he chance to read it. My family has been honored with the task of keeping a river delta defended from banditry, and I would appreciate an honest assessment to our current defensive outlay."

A light flashes in the man's eyes for a moment and the ghost of a smile comes to his lips.

Hikaru doesn't quite preen. That would be unseemly. To some, the act of "I'm not preening" is even worse, but it can't be denied that he shows off the interaction well.

_______________________________________________________________

D1-Master's of Court-Cornering Kaiu Masahiko-Courtier/Awareness TN 25 - VP spent | 8k5 ⇒ 29 (TN: 25) Pass

D1-Master's of Court-Pass au duex-Ettiquete/Awareness TN 25 - VP spent | 8k5 ⇒ 37 (TN: 25) Pass, free raise passed

D1-Master's of Court-See What I Did There-Acting/Awareness-Free raised used for +5-VP Spent | 6k5+5 ⇒ 28 (TN: 25) Pass

Outcome
3 Successes = +0.3 GLory
Succeeded with TN 25 checks=+0.3 Glory & Connection to Kaiu Masahiko

Kiuchi tried to find someone important to talk to.

TRIED was the key word.

Masters of the Uni-Court Courtier/Awa VOID for Skill | 4k3 ⇒ 8 (TN: 25)

Shinnosuke has heard so much about the Lion Clan Champion--by all accounts a civilized woman in the very best sense of the word, and her last novel was pretty good too, for a modern work. It's not that he can't resist the chance to go and talk to her, if he really wanted to, but why should he resist? Court is for meeting important people.

Locating Akodo Sanae in the crowd despite her diminutive figure, he insinuates himself into the swirls of chattering courtiers and finds himself an opening in her circle with a few well-considered remarks about literature, keeping up for several quite enjoyable conversational volleys on the subject before allowing himself to be drifted away again.

Alas, his attempt to peacock over his success goes rather astray, so excessively theatrical that anyone watching might get the mistaken impression it's the set-up for some joke whose punchline never landed. Still, he got to talk to the Akodo Sanae! And she probably wasn't watching that last bit after he'd taken his leave of her. He hopes.

---
D1 EN Masters of Court--step 1, Cornering, Courtier(Rhetoric)/Awa TN 25. Prodigy, VP. 1 Raise. | 9k5 ⇒ 53 (TN: 30)

D1 EN Masters of Court--step 2, Cornering, Etiquette(Conversation)/Awa TN 25. Prodigy, VP. 2 Raises. | 9k5 ⇒ 42 (TN: 35)

D1 EN Masters of Court--step 3, See what I did?, Acting/Awa TN 25. Prodigy, KA1, VP. Apply 2 FR from step 2. Call 3 further Raises | 10k5 ⇒ 39 (TN: 40)

Flew too close to the sun on that last one, oh well!

2 rolls passed, 3 total Raises, so +3 Glory from rolls.
Passed 2 TN 25 options, a further +3 Glory and Akodo Sanae likes me a bit.

Ebiko did her best to catch the eye of someone important as she bantered and debated with the other samurai in attendance making sure not to say anything too objectionable. For a brief moment, she had the attention of one of the attendees she wanted to meet most, Ichiro Himari, writer of a somewhat controversial modern historical text she'd recently read. However, she ended up just a bit starstruck and excused herself after the briefest of introductions.

courtier(rhetoric) tn25, spending last vp for the day, have emphasis36 success!
choosing Ichiro Himari
etiquette/awareness tn25 21 fail
meditation/awareness tn30 23 fail
1 success for 1 glory?

Hoshiko generally found these kinds of things pleasant, but found herself feeling a bit intimidated by how much more power was concentrated here than at any other court she'd been to. She circulated a bit, catching snippets of conversations, then spotted someone alone who'd be worth talking up. She needed to interact with high powered Imperials and he was, at least, the least imposing of the lot.

He seemed somewhat lost in thought, making it even easier to approach him and cut off anyone else in the crowd who hoped to grab his attention. Stuck between a well-shuttered window and an extremely tall vase painted with the history of some famous military action or other, the Miya daimyo politely accepted that he was obligated to converse.

It seemed that she'd caught a reasonably large fish...now what? Unfortunately, she dove far too directly into a pitch for integrating records keeping in this realm with that in Meido, and his eyes went from mildly amused to mildly concerned, to outright worried that he was trapped by a lunatic. Climbing the vase may have started to look like an acceptable exit strategy.

Unable to keep him from eventually declaring, "ah, sorry, I believe the Imperial Advisor is calling me..." and scooting away after etiquette-required bows, Hoshiko tried, and failed to suppress her dismay. Why were these things so late at night when everyone was tired and cranky?

*****************************************
Step I: The Cornering.
D1 EN: Reception: The Cornering: Courtier(Rhetoric)/Awareness | 7k4 ⇒ 62 (TN: 20)
success

Step II: Pas-de-Deux.
D1 EN: Reception: Pas-de-Deux: Etiquette (Conversation)/Awareness VP for +1k1, two raises | 8k5 ⇒ 32 (TN: 35)
Failure

Step III: See What I Did There?
D1 EN: Reception: See What I Did There?: Meditation/Awareness VP for +1k1 | 7k5 ⇒ 21 (TN: 30)
Failure

1 success = 1 point of Glory

Arai takes her time to check her surroundings and she how the event unfolds. At some point she notices that the Matsu daimyo is at the right place for her to make a move. She walks closer and smiles faintly. "A great day to take some rest before the spring marches." There are so many things she could say on that but even the slightest pause seems to make the Lioness lose interest. She looks at the room around her. "I will be honored to face you in the court room. And we will always have the spring to wait for." Her words are said more playfully than in a challenging tone. Hopefully the Matsu will appreciate the directness and the small jest.


/The Cornering
Awareness/courtier, the Cornering | 7k4 ⇒ 48 (TN: 25)

Pas de deux
Etiquette/Awareness, pas de deux | 7k4 ⇒ 19 (TN: 25)

See what I did there
Acting/Awareness, vp for 1k1, see what I did there | 5k5 ⇒ 25 (TN: 25)

0.2 glory from successes, 0.3 glory from 2 TN25 successful rolls, the npc will see me favorably in the next court session

Jihen took a moment at the beginning of the court to take in the new surroundings. It differed from the capital but he noted the forms and rituals he was familiar with remained consistent here.

Jihen was his master's disciple and he began talking with the guests with a strategy in mind. He would most likely need allies while here, and there was no better ally to start with than a head of an imperial family... one from which he was born and still received support. They had invested in his future, and he would see to it their needs would continue to be met.

He skillfully drew the attention of Seppun Sadako, and politely maintained a compelling conversation that subtly hinted at potential opportunities to communicate in the future.

The young monk came across as supremely centered... Why wouldn't he? He had spent his life training for moments like this, and he quietly thanked his master's teaching as he spent the rest of the time judiciously making his presence known.

----

D1 Masters of the Court, Step I, Seppun Sadako, VP, TN 25 | 9k6 ⇒ 47 (TN: 25)

D1 Masters of the Court, Step II, Seppun Sadako, VP, 2 Raises TN 35 | 10k6 ⇒ 44 (TN: 35)

D1 Masters of the Court, Step III, Seppun Sadako, VP, 2 Raises, 2 FR, TN 40 | 10k6 ⇒ 53 (TN: 40)

3 Successes = .3 Glory
6 Raises = .3 Glory
2x 25+ TN = .3 Glory and Good Feelings of Seppun Sadako

The application of sharp elbows and good timing let Yasuki Ryoichi gracefully slide himself into the group of courtiers surrounding the Boar Champion, Heichi Batsuda. There, the topic of conversation appeared to be …. Food?

“Crane food is the best,” one of Batsuda’s hangers-on declared. “Gracefully constructed, beautiful to the eye… delicious on the mouth.”

“Bah, not for me,” one of the other courtiers said with a dismissive wave. “Lion food is the best - strong flavor, a bit spicy - gives your body extra vigor.”

“Ayooo, no,” said another. “Scorpion food is the best. Tantalizing scent and fragrance, and a hint of danger with every bite. There’s nothing quite like it.”

Considering Batsuda’s reputation, Ryoichi began to doubt that they were actually talking about food, but he gamely resolved to speak up for his Clan.

“Pardon me, minna-sama, but Crab food is the best,” the Yasuki said. “Big, meaty buns - a hearty meal that leaves a man satisfied.” With a careful movement, Ryoichi struck a pose demonstrating the proper technique for grasping a large bun in each hand. There were grins all around, and one of them even guffawed.

And just like that, Ryoichi was part of the clique.

—
1EN Masters of Court Step 1, Defense/Reflexes +Void Point TN20 | 6k5 ⇒ 66 (TN: 20) succeeds
1EN Masters of Court Step 2, convince NPCs that Crab food is the best, Etiquette/Awareness +Benten’s TN25 | 9k5 ⇒ 35 (TN: 25) succeeds
1EN Masters of Court Step 3, strike a pose, Acting/Awareness, Void Point for skill, FR to reduce TN, TN20 | 5k4 ⇒ 23 (TN: 20) succeeds
+6 Glory, Heichi Batsuda now likes Yasuki Ryoichi

Isawa Shingo attended the Akodo daimyo's reception with a clear plan in mind: start making connections that can facilitate the clan's goals. Of course, he needed to do so thoughtfully, not just rushing off after the first wind or clan champion he spied. Especially since the actions of such an outspoken Higashime supporter could be seen as indications of Lady Shiba's political preferences. No, some subtlety was in order.

"Seppun Sadako-sama," Shingo said warmly but commandingly when his navigation of other attendees at the reception finally allowed him to box out competition for the Imperial's attention. "This one is Isawa Shingo, a local lord and shugenja of the Phoenix Clan, and it is my great honor to meet the lord of the Empress' elite Hidden Guard," he said with a deep bow, voice warm and polite but laced with genuine pride at meeting such a noble servant of the Empress."

The Seppun seemed genuinely shocked to have been noticed by anyone with the energy that this young Isawa was bringing. Her courtly skills easily managed the shock, however, simply giving Shingo a warmer smile than other attendees had seen from Sadako. But the smile stayed and remained warmer as Shingo stressed that even great Phoenix shugenja like himself respected the skill and diligence of the Hidden Guard. He planted seeds for future conversations about the important duties of the Seppun, and a seemingly innocent desire for introduction to Seppun Tomaru to discuss the history of the Hidden Guard in greater detail and pay respects to the man's years of loyal service.

It all went as planned, and was as respectful and transparent a ploy as the Seppun daimyo would expect. But she couldn't shake an appreciation for how the Isawa had attached all the right small talk and other trappings to make the political pieces proper, and she was genuinely smiling as Shingo bowed and she stepped away from him. Luckily for the Phoenix, he turned before straightening, so there's was no danger of Seppun Sadako seeing that his victorious stance was accompanied by an unmistakably exhausted look on his face. He quickly reset with a deep inhale, but already sleep was calling strongly to Shingo.

------
Rolls:
Step 1: success gaining Seppun Sadako's attention. TN 25
Step 2: success doing the dance as proper. TN 25
Step 3: fail, but still feel good.
2 glory points, plus Success on 2x25 = additional 3 Glory points and Sadako will bear you good feelings in the coming court.

Making the approach was easy enough. Ryu had done this often enough. It was simple to catch the Bayushi at a quiet moment between conversations, allowing the two a moment to themselves.

What Ryu didn't count on is how difficult it was to have a quiet conversation with a Bayushi and have it not appear sinister. Sure, the two just talked about weather and philosophy. But simply using the phrase a chill wind seems to be blowing suggested... what? Cooling relations? Assassination?! Poisoning by shinobi?!?! Why, it could be any of those!!!!! Or, so one might have wondered, seeing the two together, and hearing them quietly speak.

At least when Ryu stepped away, he did so with proper grace and style.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Masters of Court Step 1, Court/Aware TN25, targeting Bayushi Kaguya, vp spent | 8k5 ⇒ 38 (TN: 25) - pass

Masters of Court Step 2, Eti/Aware TN25 | 7k4 ⇒ 17 (TN: 25) - fail

Masters of Court Step 3, Acting/Aware TN25, vp+1k1 | 5k5 ⇒ 29 (TN: 25)

Result: +5 glory, Bayushi Kasuga likes me!!!

Ikoma Tanji takes a moment to look around the room and casually try to figure out who's who. After finding the right opportunity to try to schmooze one of the VIPs, he manages to catch Kaiu Masahiko walking to sit down for a while. He then introduces himself briefly and talks about some writing that stumbled upon his desk from time to time. Something small, but niche enough to be worth his time.

D1 EN Masters of Court step 1: Cornering, Courtier/Awareness targeting Kaiu Masahiko, 1 called raise, technique +1k0, imperial scribe +1k0 | 9k4 ⇒ 45 (TN: 30)
(success)

He then goes on to ask about any fun crafting projects he has going on, hoping to glean some insight into the circumstances in the south. Of course fun projects could also mean a new weapon, and alas nothing distinctive is gained.
D1 EN Masters of Court step 2: Pass-de-deux, Courtier/Awareness targeting Kaiu Masahiko, 1 called raise, technique +1k0, imperial scribe +1k0, Void Point | 9k4 ⇒ 34 (TN: 35)
Fail

However, he is able to make a good impression as he shows a sort of pose that would go well with whatever Kaiu-sama decides to fling with his new invention before he has to attend to other guests.
D1 EN Masters of Court step 2: See what I did there?, Acting/Awareness targeting Kaiu Masahiko, Void Point for phantom skill | 5k4 ⇒ 51 (TN: 25)
(Success)

Glory Count:
2 Success=+0.2 Glory
1 successful called raise= no benefit

Passed 2 TN 25 options, +0.3 glory and Kaiu Masahito will have good feelings in the coming court.

After the blunder earlier in the day - and a good amount of reflection on it before the reception - Masaki is determined to put her best foot forward now at least.

The question is with whom. There were many important people here - more than she'd seen in her whole courtly career so far, probably. But trying to get some attention of even one of them would be hard - more than one would be all but impossible.

Remembering some talk with her clansmates earlier in the day, she looked at some of those present. Seeing Ryoichi talking to Batsuda, she shifts her gaze to another side. There seemed to be a lot of people around Seppun Sadako... could she make space for one more, maybe?

"Honoured Seppun-sama. Might this humble one ask for a moment of your precious time to discuss a matter of spiritual import?"
She almost paused before the last words before her mind came back to the earlier reflections - action instead of doubt. A simple change, but one that gave good results!

D1 EN Masters of Court. Courtier/Awa + Air (Air Kami's Blessing still active) vs base TN25 | 7k4+4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 25)
Pass at TN 25!
+0.1 Glory, get Seppun Sadako's attention

Conversations in settings such as this were never particularly long ones - the moment the Seppun could spare for her was but a short one, and the conversation seemed to revolve around the Wind, the Earth, Purity and the necessary measures to keep it. A good observer would notice that there was more behind it, of course... but what was not necessarily that easy to figure out for those not in the conversation itself.

D1 EN Masters of Court. Part 2: Courtier (Manipulation)/Awa + Air (Air Kami's Blessing still active) vs base TN30. VP spent. | 8k5+4 ⇒ 37 (TN: 30)
Pass at TN 30!
+0.1 Glory, convey a subtle political message to or subtly ask a political question to Seppun Sadako (will post in PF!).

The bow after the conversation, and especially the walk - her time in southern courts had taught her how important those were, and still it was never as easy as the conversation itself. But the earlier reflection, while walking, helped her once more. Her expression was one of pure peace as she made her way back to the refreshments - her gait one of pure, if flowing, confidence.

She'd done one thing right today, at least.

The small grin as she got another cup of sake showed she was well aware of that.

D1 EN Masters of Court. Part 3: Meditation/Awa + Air (Air Kami's Blessing still active) vs base TN30. VP spent. | 6k5+4 ⇒ 52 (TN: 30)

Pass at TN 30!
+0.1 Glory.
Chose and passed at least 2 TN 30 options and no TN 20 options!
+0.5 Glory (total +0.8), use of the Darling of the Court advantage for 1 day during this court.

"Lady Doji, a singular honor to make your acquaintance..." Reiko smoothly drew her target away at a vulnerable moment.

"Oh, but yes the weather is..." Polite small talk was exchanged. Perhaps it was enough to be seen here, now, at this moment to demonstrate what needed to be demonstrated.

But a strong coda sets a lasting tone that resonates long after the work is finished and Reiko intended to leave her mark tonight.

----

Part 1:

D1 - EN - Masters of Court - Part 1: Doji Noriko - Courtier/Awa | 7k4 ⇒ 37 (TN: 25)

Part 2:

D1 - EN - Masters of Court - Part 2: Etiquette/Awa | 7k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 25)

Part 3:

D1 - EN - Masters of Court - Part 3: Acting/Awa+VP, FR from Part 2 for TN reduction, 2 CR | 10k5 ⇒ 44 (TN: 30)

Chose and passed at least 2 TN 25 options, you have successfully flexed your political muscle. You receive an additional 3 Glory points and the NPC you chose (Doji Noriko) will bear you good feelings in the coming court.

Total Glory: 3 rolls passed + 2 TN 25 options chosen (3 pts) + 1 pair of CR = 7 Glory points.

The Dragon finds his tortoise prey easy enough, she wasn't near any of the Great Clan samurai when he struck. Well, metaphorically speaking. He offered her a drink in a moment where she was breathing in and whoever she was talking to had reached the end of their sentence. Hopefully that was the end of the sentence, but what does it matter.

[D1, EN, EVENT] The Right Hand's Reception Option 1: Masters of Court, Step 1, Courtier/Awareness TN25, 6k3 | 6k3 ⇒ 40 (TN: 25)

From there the Dragon gets caught up in his own thoughts, speaking in odd turns, and staring unblinkingly into Kasuga Izumi's eyes.

[D1, EN, EVENT] The Right Hand's Reception Option 1: Masters of Court, Step 2, Etiquette/Awareness TN25, 6k3 | 6k3 ⇒ 15 (TN: 25)

When she excuses herself from his company, he stares after her with his brows furrowed. Something is wrong there. Something I can't see. Oh well. I am sure it won't end in everyone's deaths.

[D1, EN, EVENT] The Right Hand's Reception Option 1: Masters of Court, Step 3, Acting/Awareness TN25, 3k3, unskilled | 3k3 ⇒ 19 (TN: 25)

(1 success across the event for one point of glory.)

By the time the reception came to a close, certain names would be remembered as true players in the pageantry of Court. And some would be remembered as tragic might-have-beens. These are:

Results
Asako Kenichi: 8 Glory and the good will of Otomo Keihime

Daidoji Sae: 6 glory and the good will of Togashi Mizohachi

Doji Hikaru: 6 glory and the good will of Kaiu Masahiko

Doji Shinnosuke: 6 Glory and the good will of Akodo Sanae

Isawa Ebiko: 1 Glory

Asahina Hoshiko: 1 Glory

Doji Arai: 5 Glory and the good will (somehow) of Matsu Tsuruyo

Jihen: 9 Glory and the good will of Seppun Sadako

Ryoichi: 6 Glory and the good will of Heichi Batsuda

Isawa Shingo: 5 Glory and the good will of Seppun Sadako

Daidoji Ryu: 5 Glory and the good will of Bayushi Kaguya

Ikoma Tanji: 5 Glory and the good will of Kaiu Masahiko

Yasuki Masaki: 8 Glory, Darling of the Court advantage for 1 day.

Shosuro Reiko: 7 glory and the good will of Doji Noriko

Mirumoto Jinkan: 1 Glory