Seated next to a low table on which are stacked numerous sheafs of paper to which she refers as delegation members enter the room, Bayushi Kaguya cuts an interesting figure. Solidly built, Kaguya wears a quite heavy mask made of metal layered on finely cracked porcelain. Her hands and forearms are scarred–the mark of someone who has been in what appears to be a significant number of fights.
Mechanics wrote: This event takes the form of a semi-formal conversation between the members of the delegation. You are expected to enter, make your introduction, and may choose to bring up any subject you wish with those in attendance. There is, however, a political undercurrent to the scene, and that undercurrent is what the mechanical element of the event is concerned with.
This is an Event in three parts.
Part A: Perceive the Situation. There has often been tension in delegations of other clans between the political center represented by the clan leadership and the ambitions or needs of individual houses. Traditionally, the Scorpion has been above such things (or at least has been able to keep their maneuvers under cover). That might be harder this year, because something seems to be up with Bayushi Kaguya. As a player, you may well be aware of Bayushi Kaguya’s unease with court. However, one’s character can sometimes operate a little differently than one would one’s self.
You can identify Kaguya’s insecurity by penetrating her on with an Investigation/Perception check, tn 25, a Courtier/Awareness check, tn: 25, or a Lore: Scorpion Clan/Intelligence check, tn: 25. If you cannot crack this roll, you do not perceive the situation and cannot continue with the mechanical Event, though of course the conversation is still open to your participation in a roleplay and course-planning sense.
PART B: Pick a Track and Act. Knowing is half the battle. Acting is the other half. Bayushi Kaguya’s shaky start could be corrected if the delegation swings behind her and is galvanized at this moment. Of course, a weak center in the delegation presents as many opportunities for an ambitious courtier as a strong one. The course of this is up to you. You can subtly shore up and support your inexperienced Champion, or you can lay the groundwork for an independent operation–or perhaps capture the initiative for the clan. Choose a track.
Track One: Support Kaguya
Make statements in the course of the conversation that broadly support Kaguya’s agenda. Follow this up with a Sincerity or Courtier/Awareness check at TN 25.
Track Two: Undermine Kaguya
Make statements in the course of the conversation that undermine Kaguya’s confidence in her agenda. Follow this up with a Sincerity or Courtier/Awareness check at TN 25.
Track Three: Non-commitment
You may, of course, choose not to support or undermine Kaguya, thus delaying your almost inevitable entanglement in internal Scorpion politics. Make an Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awarness check at TN 25 to maintain your on.
Part C: Identify which track others in the delegation are on.
It can be important to recognize allies and adversaries. In order to ensure that you know who supports Kaguya and who supports having a freer hand in the delegation–or may have alternative loyalties–make an Investigation (Notice)/Awareness check at TN 30. If you succeed, your character will understand the positions of the delegation by studying their reactions to statements made by PCs and Kaguya. Characters who chose Track Three will not be readable unless you call two raises on the Investigation check, in which case your character will learn that they have chosen not to commit at this time, not which direction (if any) they may be leaning.
