[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression

[Boogiepop]

The Yasuki Family have been proud of their mercantile roots ever since their beginning in the Crane Clan and then their eventual move to the Crab Clan. They have never shied away from their role in commerce, and that also includes their proud association with the value of money. This may include any personal wealth they might have earned (after properly paid taxes and tithes, of course), any renown accumulated by their business, or merely just any tall talk that might market themselves as a big deal before other samurai. While such boastful talk might have been considered garish by samurai who view commerce as a role beneath them, this is considered a proud custom among the Yasuki.

Yasuki Ayame and Yasuki Umiko have arranged this evening's gathering to welcome their guests to Shiawase Island, a party hosted in the Kuni gardens at Shiro Ei. Several canopy tents have been set up on the open spaces with long tables full of refreshments to cater to their honoured guests from all parts of the Empire, some coming from long-haul trips from other quadrants of the galaxy. The lighting for the event is vibrant without a focus, much like the garden's flora rainbow. Some Yasuki major businesses have seen the event as an opportunity to represent themselves by sponsoring portions of the event. Food and snacks from the Uomoto Company almost seem to do their best to compete against the drinks provided by Kinseka Breweries.

This arrangement presents the perfect stage for introducing themselves and networking, ultimately making for a strong first impression.

Magic: Yes, magic is allowed.

New card. What do you think?
As guests on the island, either having been invited personally by the governor's office or appointed by the Clan to lobby economic interests, characters are required to introduce themselves and make their petition known. It is a common Yasuki business practice to perform the honoured tradition of swapping cards as a quick means of presenting oneself and presumably as a connection for future dealings. While this is a small and customary gesture, there are a few Yasuki who have made this into an unspoken competition. Of course, not everyone is required to adhere to this custom and may introduce themselves through traditional means to the crowd or through mingling.

To present their card or token of introduction, characters can either roll Craft: Chop/Agility, Craft: Card/Awareness, Artisan: Painting/Awareness, or Calligraphy/Intelligence at TN15. If the character wishes to introduce themselves through traditional means, they can instead make a roll with an Etiquette(Conversation)/Awareness at TN20, Benten's Blessing applies and this roll is not Contested. Add the character's glory rank to either roll. On success, the character gets 1 Impression Point and 1 additional Impression Point for each Called Raise.

Impressive
Each introduction made by the guests of the party can be accompanied by a gift given to Yasuki Ayame, the governor, and her ruling office. Before the gift is given, please determine the character's offering and either the intent, origin, or topic of this gift. This is done by selecting any skill and making a roll at TN20, the skill in question must have some relationship to the gift. On success, the character receives a Free Raise when presenting the gift later in the event and an additional Free Raise for every 2 Called Raises made in the roll. The skill and trait combination must be that of the core book, although school technique replacement may apply. This is not a contested roll.

Please note that gifts often stand out when they are most unique, and the choice of skills may determine how they stand among other gifts.

Very Nice
Once the gift is chosen, the character may present the gift before either Yasuki Ayame or someone from her office. When the gift is acknowledged, it will be received and placed on display to the other guests for recognition. To present the gift, the character will need to make either an Etiquette(Courtesy)/Awareness or Sincerity(Honesty)/Awareness roll at TN20. Benten's Blessing applies here and this roll is not Contested. On success, the character earns 1 Impression Point and 1 additional Impression Point for each Called Raise. Please remember to apply all Free Raise bonuses granted by the 'Impressive' portion of the event.

Outcome
By the conclusion of the event, all guests would have made their introductions to the attendees and locals of the island, presenting themselves as either a potential investor or a potential partner to the economic growth of the island. While all introductions and accompanying gifts will receive recognition, there will be one impression at the end of the evening that will become the talk of the evening and linger in the thoughts of the locals for the following few days.

All characters who have at least 1 Impression Point at the end of the event will receive 1 Bid Point to their Clan (or to their person for either Crab Clan or Ronin samurai). All characters who have at least 3 Impression Points will be regarded as samurai who have made an impression with the governor and receive +0.5 Glory Points.

Finally, the sole samurai with the highest number of Impression Points will receive an additional +0.5 Glory Points. Ties are broken by the least repeated skills used by all attendees during the 'Impressive' portion of the event. For example, a sole attendee using Craft: Aquarium will beat a tie among 5 attendees using Etiquette. Ties are further broken by high roll number in the 'Very Nice' portion of the event.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Bayushi Senshuken has no card to present, but what she does have is flair, style, training and traditional courtesy. She offers a bow, exactly as low as she should have, and a polite smile to whomever she has to.

"This is Bayushi Senshuken coming from the World of Dreams. I am here to present you with a unique gift. To most it will look unassuming, ugly even, but those who know will certainly appreciate its beauty." She presents a used bike piston.

"This piston was used in race biking tests for the last two months. It is constructed by a new alloy. Aetherium Alloy is the next generation metallurgical compound designed for high performance piston construction. Forged under controlled void pressure chambers, Aetherium Alloy can withstand extreme heat and compression far beyond conventional metals. Its crystalline lattice adapts dynamically to stress, dispersing thermal energy evenly across the piston surface. This allows engines powered by elemental combustion, whether fire, lightning, or chi, to operate at previously impossible intensities without structural failure. In the age of awakened machines, Aetherium is bound to become the heart of every engine that dares to challenge the limits of mortal craft."

"This is what my company has to offer to the Empire."

Etiquette/awareness, void point, 2 raises, glory rank, Day 1 event, New Card | 8k5+3 ⇒ 51 (TN: 30)

3 impression points

Driving/agility, 2 raises, void point, Day 1 event, Impressive | 10k5 ⇒ 33 (TN: 30)

2 free raises

Etiquette/awareness, vp, 1 raise, 2 free raises, Day 1 event, outcome | 8k5 ⇒ 61 (TN: 25)

4 impression points

Total: 7 impression points, 1 bid point for the Scorpion, 0.5 glory

[Agasha Sorato]

Sorato is dressed in his best, which is to say that he borrowed a steamer from the Phoenix Embassy staff to make sure his formal haori jacket with the family crests is nicely recovered from being rolled up in his duffel before pulling it on over his packable wrinkle-resistant dress hakama and shirt. His calling card, calligraphed with "Inner Void" limited edition stick ink on thick Ujimitsu crystal-mulberry stock with its telltale faint shimmer, makes a suitable impression of Phoenix classicism blended with technological progress.

His gift is also carefully chosen: a selection of finely packaged herbal blends for focus and energy, consumable as a tasty tea or blended into smoothies. It's meant to be an example of Agasha products, and possibly also useful for a new, busy Governor and her staff. Unfortunately, Sorato fumbles his attempt to explain this in a charming and diplomatic way, wandering into a too-long digression on the possible antiaging properties of Asakaze Golden Boop-Toot fungus extract and ultimately leaving Yasuki Ayame's aide with the muddled impression that the Phoenix is worried about the Governor's health for some reason.

D1 EE--Earth's Touch for the party (Willpower). 1 Raise for duration | 5k2 ⇒ 36 (TN: 15) (for fluff)
D1 EE--Mental Quickness for the party. | 7k3 ⇒ 22 (TN: 15)
D1 EE Event-- step 1, New card. Calligraphy/Int, MQ bonus, VP spend. 2 called raises. | 6k5 ⇒ 25 (TN: 25) +3 for Glory which I forgot to add to the roll but didn't need. 3 points
D1 EE Event-- step 2, Impressive. Medicine/Int, MQ bonus, VP spend. 2 called raises. | 8k5 ⇒ 43 (TN: 30) 2 Raises to next roll.
D1 EE Event-- step 3, Very nice. Etiquette/Awa, VP spend. 2 FR from Impressive. 1 CR. | 7k4 ⇒ 22 (TN: 25) No points!

Total: 3 Impression Points

[Kakita Hiroki]

Ki-kun was dressed like an album cover Idol. Which was easier than you'd expect as he'd done exactly that many times before. It began with high heeled powder blue boots that added maybe four inches to his height, from those we moved up to blue and white diamond patterned thigh high socks. After the perfectly proportioned Absolute Territory came a one piece short shorts and sleeveless top in a blue and white domino pattern. Elbow length gloves with a matching pattern to his socks completed the look.

His card was a repurposed collectable trading card, one of the now hard to find initial series of Usagi Drop! merchandise. Signed and with his details added to the back. Perhaps a little geeky and stylish at the same time. It was handed over with a flourish.

The gift was designer sportswear in the latest Crane styles but the more muted Crab colours. Exquisitely made and matched to the Yasuki Ayame's size by Crane crafters working from available holonet data. There was none of Ki-kun's usual sass in his presentation and gifting. Only proper Crane manners executed perfectly.

He was here to do a job, and this had been a very good start.

--

New Card. What do you think?: Craft:Card/Awareness. VP for skill. Glory flat modifier. 1 Called Raise TN20 | 5k4+6 ⇒ 25 (TN: 20) Success 2 Impression Points

Impressive: Games:Oshidama/Agility TN 20 | 6k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20) Success 1 FR to Very Nice stage.

Very Nice: Etiquette/Awareness VP for +1k1 1 Free Raise TN 20 | 8k5 ⇒ 43 (TN: 20) Success 2 Impression Points

4 Impression Points. +0.5 Glory to Ki-kun. +1 Bid Point to the Crane Clan

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Yakura gracefully bowed, and handed her card over to the attendant, who took it to the governor.

It read: "Yoritomo Yakura, hostess, proprietess and captain of the Azure Dragon." The card was a bright, jade-like green, and the lettering was gold. If one turned the card around, there was an additional note there: "This card provides you with 20 koku of credit for any games of the Azure Dragon, and a full course meal at the restaurant."

Next, Yakura took out a small wooden box, and slowly opened it. Inside was a minted gold coin, dating to around...some time ago. "This is a rare artifact from my home, Daikoku's Dice. It was held in the Coinhall, the temple of Daikoku there. It is said that this coin was among first coins paid out by the Governor of the casino there. "

She raised the box higher so it can be better observed.

"I offer to you Yasuki-sama, so it may bring great fortune and prosperity to your lovely island."

OOC:
D1 EE Making an Impression Roll 1, New Card What do you think?
Craft: Card/Awareness, 1 CR, tn 15+5, +2 Glory, VP for skill | 4k3+2 ⇒ 27 (TN: 20)
2 Impression points

D1 EE Making an Impression Roll 2, Impressive
Commerce/Intelligence vs tn 20, Daikoku's Blessing
Gift is an artifact coin from the Daikoku Temple from Daikoku's Dice | 7k4 ⇒ 49 (TN: 20)

1 Free Raise

D1 EE Making an Impression Roll 2, Very Nice
Etiquette/Awareness, tn 20, VP for +1k1, FR from Impressive | 7k4 ⇒ 38 (TN: 20)
2 Impression points

Total: 4 Impression points, 1 Bid point for Mantis, +0.5 Glory to Yakura!

[Tamori Kanna]

The short woman of the Dragon arrived, dressed in an ensemble with bows, lace, and frills. The kimono sleeves had images of merchant-boats of old on waves, a small nod to the Yasuki's ancient past. Kanna had thought it was a nice touch that the Crabs might like. Kanna *had* business cards, sure, but they were... so impersonable! They were about the business, not her, and so instead she successfully inserted herself into some conversations to introduce herself.

"You'll remember me, you don't need my card! Because I'm Tamori Kanna, here to represent Usagi no Yomogi spa. Oh, your card is so pretty! Is that a watermark? The paper is so delicate, and the color is... eggshell? No? Very impressive! Let's take a look at Kuni-san's card!" At some point in the evening, she had a bouquet of business cards she collected from everyone, and she made sure to compliment each and every one - because that was the nice thing to do and that is how they would remember her!

Truly, her Tonbo teachers would be proud, even if they would prefer it if she toned it down...

As the time neared to present her gift, Kanna juggled the stack of cards in one hand as she reached into her purse for the present... aha there it was! She pulled it out, then slipped her hold on the business cards! Oh no! She grabbed for them... then realised she had let go of the gift to grab the cards! An awkward bout of acrobatics occurred as somewhat managed to maintain her dignity as the cards fell about her like confetti... but she had successfully saved the gift from smashing into the floor!

After a brief pause to regain her composure, she presented the gift to the gracious host. "Thank you so much for the invitation, Yasuki-sama. I'm so honoured to be here at this honourable event to honour you, our guest of honour." That was a lot of honour in one sentence! "Please accept this gift that I chose for you! I don't know what you like, but... I thought you'd appreciate this! In olden days, some priests would read the fortunes and the weather for sailing by using shells. So that's what I got you! And I really-really hope you'll like it."

-----------

Benten's Touch
D1 EE EVENT: Casting Benten's Touch beforehand. | 5k3 ⇒ 46 (TN: 15)

D1 EE EVENT: New card. What do you think? (Traditional way). Etiquette/Awareness 6k3. +2k0 Tonbo Tech. +1k1 Void. +1k1+3 Benten's Touch. +0k1 Benten's Blessing. +1 Social Position. +2 Glory. 3 Raises because KANNA CAN DO ANYTHING!! | 10k6+6 ⇒ 48 (TN: 35)
+4 Impression Points

D1 EE EVENT: Impressive. Divination/Intelligence. +1k1 Void. Re-roll with GM grace. <3 KANNA CAN DO ANYTHING | 6k3 ⇒ 43 (TN: 20)
D1 EE EVENT: Impressive. Divination/Intelligence. +1k1 Void. OH BUT WAIT! HERE COMES THE UNLUCKY WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!!! | 6k3 ⇒ 47 (TN: 20)
1 Free Raise, despite the UNLUCKY!!!

D1 EE EVENT: Very Nice. Etiquette/Awareness 6k3. +2k0 Tonbo Tech. +1k1 Void. +1k1+3 Benten's Touch. +0k1 Benten's Blessing. +1 Social Position. 1 Free Raise for effect + 3 Raises because KANNA CAN DO ANYTHING!! | 10k6+4 ⇒ 46 (TN: 35)
+5 Impression Points

Kanna gains 9 Impression Points, +0.5 Glory, and 1 Bid point for the Dragon.

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Ochiba's card has excellent calligraphy, sharp golden edges and even a watermark. However, it is perhaps dangerously close to tacky, especially when tilted in the light to reveal a holograph of her face winking up at the viewer. It is presented very seriously, head bowed, both hands extended and after it is accepted she raises herself straight, rocking back on her heels a bit.

"I'm Ochiba of the Yoritomo, if you haven't heard of me, well none of us are perfect. I'll be one of the Mantis cultural attaches for this program of events and, just as a heads up. We're going to win so."
Jerking a thumb at herself.
"Feel free to come by and have a chat about that later, after you've presented yourself to Yasuki-sama, of course."

Day 1 Bid Event: Making an Impression - stage 1, new card. What do you think?
Etiquette/Awareness, no raises and no void but adding glory. | 6k3+2 ⇒ 38 (TN: 20)

(1 bid point)

Her gift is no less overstated, a shimmering golden carp on a handcrafted teak board surrounded by symbols of the planet's islands, all worked from koku coins.
"And as a token of our confidence, here is this beautiful, refined and heinously expensive gift. Like Yasuki-sama, it is the glittering centre of all that occurs here. May this only be the first of many gifts we exchange on the path to mutual prosperity."
Throughout her announcement Ochiba can hardly take her eyes off all the gold.

Day 1 Bid Event: Making an Impression - stage 2, Impressive. Commerce/Intelligence TN 30. Spending Void. Calling 2 raises. | 6k4+6 ⇒ 38 (TN: 30)
((2 free raises to the next roll))

Ochiba presents the gift, thankfully without a matching song and dance routine (she had not been able to source any local dancers in time) and the sheer opulence of the gift seems to excite enough of the local Yasuki for it to go down well.
Day 1 Bid Event: Making an Impression - stage 3, Very nice, etiquette/awareness TN 20. Using two free raises from stage 2 for bid points. Spending Void. | 7k4 ⇒ 55 (TN: 20)
((+3 bid points))

"Okay, thank you all for your attention, hope the rest of this party goes well, yadda yadda."
Raising her voice.
"I'm hosting a big shindig in a couple days, everyone here of note is invited, it'll have costumes so...don't be boring or you don't get in. And if you're wondering if you're important enough to be on the list...you're not."

Exit Ochiba, probably to go and get shot down by the Governor.

((4 bid points total, we have glory and +1 Mantis bidpoint))

[Kakita Haruhi]

Haruhi was determined to make a good impression on the Governor, on her patron, and on the fascinating new samurai that she had been meeting.

Sculpting was one of her arts. She usually made the avi-drones, but she could certainly sculpt a card. It was a beautiful bas relief carving of a rectangle of pure silver, with raised images of her three personal avi-drones in a triangular formation. The Sanmeichō. The warbler, the flycatcher, and the robin. Three songbirds known to herald the change of seasons with their song.

https://sakkaku.org/r/18758" - 7k3+3 = 22; Artisan (sculpt)/awareness success + 1 called raise = 2 impression points

This was her chance to present her gift - her unique art form. She composed an original song to sing, in which her voice intertwined with two twinned avi-drones that were to be gifted, along with the performance. The avi-drones were nightingales - birds with beautiful birdsong, and over 200 unique phrases, so the song itself, though the birds were twins, gave each its own unique voice and phrases, a true trio, and the three voices only combined on the same phrase in the beautiful ending of the song.

https://sakkaku.org/r/18759 - 10k4 = 32; Performance (voice) success with 2 called raises = 2 free raises for presentation

And then it was time to present. A beautiful performance, flawlessly executed. Her voice intermingled with the avi-drone's birdsongs. A gift of craft and performance both, honed by relentless hours of practice.

https://sakkaku.org/r/18768 - 8k4 = 39; Etiquette (awareness) success with 1 called raise + 2 free raises from prior step = 4 impression points

6 total impression points
+0.5 Glory Points
+ 1 bid point Crane

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Bayushi Kazushi appears, and he's dressed to impress. His traditional courtly attire - in crimson and black, of course, with gold highlights - that seems to shimmer, and in fact it does. It's lightly phosphorescent, the result of genetically-engineered silk worms. His normally short hair is now quite long and luxurious, likely the result of extensions or some kind of Shosuro trickery...



He presents a beautifully designed business card, listing himself as Marketing Executive of the Orchid Department and Chair of the Board of Directors for Zakuro-ishi Business Solutions.

To the governor he presents two small cases. "Within each of these is something unique, of my own design. The Orchid Department announces the launch of two new fashion lines - the formal World Heritage suite, which pays homage to the many cultures that once existed on Rokugan, and the sporty Mirai-jin suite, patterned after Shosuro Isamu's groundbreaking Neon Prophecy novel series, as illustrated by the incomparable Soshi Heyako. First is an Anarkali, noble formal wear from the ancient Ivory Kingdoms, updated using modern silks and nano-embroidered to my exacting standards. The second is a replica of the outfit worn by Jinx, the lead in the third Neon Prophecy book, Shadows and Dreams - my personal favorite. These are exclusive designs, and will not be available as part of the regular World Heritage or Mirai-jin lines.



The outfits are...okay, but not particularly special - not Kazushi's best work. He does a better job showing them off, though, and he's clearly a more gifted marketer than he is a designer.

Impression Points
New card. What do you think? - (Calligraphy/Intelligence, which I should have noted in the roll description - oops) 2 points.
Impressive - Not so Impressive, 0 points.
Very Nice - 2 points.

Outcome: 4 Impression Points, adding 1 Scorpion Bid Point and +0.5 Glory.

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Nope. This won't do. Neither will this.

Ungh.

Was moments like this that Ichitaiyo became pointedly aware that she was not, in fact, a Courtier. Etiquette and correct vocabulary was easy enough, but to play the delicate mind games related to the smallest gestures and notions was not quite the same than doing so as her schooling taught her. She knew how to read people's eyes, she knew how to link actions to intention, you could ask questions and notice where the speaker evaded the answers.

But by the love of Benten she couldn't figure out why brush size was so damn important, or why the minimal difference between the tones of the ink could speak so much about a person, or the damn thickness of the paper could extend the projections of power or insecurity. Ichitaiyo banged her head on the desk, upon the realization that her attempts to join the fad of cards was doomed to failure, and settled with turning a normal greeting.

Not impressive.. but she could make up with the gift.

==

Thus, during the rest of the day, she wandered the parks and streets, listening to the chatter and gossip of the heimin. They might be bellow in the Order, but that made them invisible, able to listen to things Samurai were blind to.

After a while, as she lunched takoyaki on a street stall, the conversation between two old men by her side finally seemed to hit at her.

"And she didn't blink! Paid full price without hesitation."

"Are you sure it was her?"

"I mean, she had shades and a hat to cover herself, but who else wears the marks of such station and still dresses like she's going out for a jog in public?"

"Well, I cannot discuss that. Still, items from the early Era of Expansion is quite the.. odd fascination, but not scandalous at all."

==

While her Dragon peer arrived dressed to impress through the lavish use of details and imagenry, Ichitaiyo veered on the opposite direction, bearing a striking minimalism, instead impressing by the macro design, the deep black of the center piece contrasting firmly against the green flowing sleeves and the paleness of the ghost's skin. The sleeves fell down side to side, stitched onto up the cascade, giving the impression of the motions of a feather swaying side to side.

Ichitaiyo bowed past the ninety degrees, obeying to the traditions of greeting, a hand resting on her stomach to her the sleeve cover her legs.

"I thank you so much for your invitation, Yasuki-sama."

After being allowed to rise, she procured her offering from under the sleeves and kneeled before the Governor, lifting a factory made model of the famous Kaiu C62 C-Class, the steam locomotive had been the Empire's veins and blood during the Era of Expansion, with the markings of the Imperial Express, the lines that moved passengers from and to the Imperial City. It wasn't a particularly expensive nor niche model, nor it was one that Ichitaiyo had built herself, but she intended to infuse the meaning with her words:

"I gift you this as a symbol of the friendship between our clans and your might. Albeit built by the hands of the mighty Kaiu Engineers, it was the Yasuki that weaved the rails that united the Empire. And I gift with it, my promise of knowledge and sight, shall you request it from me."

Ichitaiyo's gift was taken from her hands by a servant. And with a final bow, she set off to join the chatter.

==

Roll Results

New card. What do you think? ~ Etti/Awareness, VP Used, 2 called raises, TN 30 | Success, 3 Impressive points

Impressive ~ Investigation/Perception, 1 called raise, 1 free raise (School 1), TN 25 | Success, 2 free raises for Nice

Very Nice ~ Ettiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness, VP used, 2 called raises, 2 free raises (Impressive result), TN 30 | Success, 5 Impressive points

Total Result:
- 8 Impressive Points
- 1 Bid Point
- 0.5 Glory

[Moto Shiwahime]

The guys back at the ambassy had explained to her some of the local traditions which, thankfully, had included the business card exchange. She hadn't got any, obviously, so she took she of the embassy's regular ones but wrote on the back with a black sharpie:

Moto Shiwahime: Bounty hunter. For a limited time only.

Her name was made in the pointy fashion of metal bands and she even drew some doodle along with it. Every card had it's own doodle related to either hunting, fighting, motorcycles, horses, etc.

New card. What do you think? Calligraphy/Intelligence at TN15, void for skill, raise, +2 for glory | 4k3+2 ⇒ 41 (TN: 20) +2 impression points

She also had printed out a copy of her daily routine as well as several tips on how to do it on the road, in nature, or other situations for when you couldn't get access to a proper gym. Some of these tips were written after the fact in the margins using a purple pen. She thought it would look honest and casual

Impressive, Strength/Athletics=Strength building manual using your environment, 2 raises | 7k4 ⇒ 46 (TN: 30) + 2 free raises

And now for the gift giving

Fuck

She hated anything formal and knew that anything formal sounding from her would be cringe for all those involved.

So she did it her way

''Heya, good evening Yasuki-sama. Heard about the Thundering Greatsharks and fucking shit paint me impressed. You are though as nails for real, far from a bloody polyester wallpaper for sure, steamin' respect here!''

Nailed it

Very Nice, Sincerity/awareness, void for skill, antisocial -1k0, 2 free raises to lower TN | 2k2 ⇒ 22 (TN: 10) +1 impression point

3 impression points
1 bid for the 'corns
+0.5 glory

[Asako Hikari]

Dressed in an almost neon orange haori jacket embroidered with birds in flight above a river of carp layered atop a crisp black kimono-suit hybrid cut in the current style, Asako Hikari makes his way into the party with a small case made of dark molded plastic, idly twirling between his fingers and a silk wrapped parcel clearly visible within his jacket. Seeing the assembled samurai gathered, many of them Yasuki, he was more than happy to begin mingling amongst them, handing out a series of high-tech business cards...thin wafers of clear plastic that once grasped in the hand, shone softly with his contact information as well as the symbol of Renewal Financial, the company symbol also etched into the cards themselves. He would gladly take any card offered him and converse quietly with the owner, making sure he matched names to faces and taking time to make personal notes about each of them on their cards right in front of them so they would know his commitment.

Having had the day to think about what to bring the Governor and what she might appreciate, he had pondered long on the forthright nature of the Crab, but also the duty that they carried but could not often share. A thought had crossed his mind...something a bit personal but also could be kept private. An old, leatherbound journal, half-full of thoughts from his youth, his struggles. It would be perfect, he just had to present it the right way.

Once it was his turn to approach the Governor, Hikari bowed deeply to the Yasuki and rose once bidden, and from within his jacket pulled forth a well-worn journal, the leather soft and scuffed from travel, tiny little ink spots dotting the cover from years of use. "Thank you for the invitation to Green Carp Yasuki-sama, and for the opportunity to speak with you and your functionaries on behalf of the Phoenix." He raised the book for her or an attendant to take, an earnest smile on his features. "It is my experience that as samurai, we frequently have to hide our true feelings...to save face, to keep painful truths from others they may not understand...to live. Sometimes, we are not even allowed to be honest with ourselves at times...but I learned in my youth, that no matter what happened, I could be honest with my journal. It could listen and handle any truth, no matter how painful or inconvenient. And so now, I offer it to you...as a place that you might be able to be honest when no other place will do. The Crab face many struggles and despite a stoicism that rivals the ancient Carpenter Wall, even sometimes the strongest of us must take set down our burdens, even if no one sees us do it." He would give a final bow and step away and let the next person in line present their gift.

========
Rolls down here!

Day 1: Making an Impression (New Card) Calligraphy/Intelligence TN 15, Void for +1k1, +2 for Glory, 1 Called Raise | 5k4+2 ⇒ 34 (TN: 20) || Success, 2 Impression points.

Day 1: Making an Impression (Impressive), Sincerity (Honesty)/Awareness, TN 20. Void for +1k1, Free Raise from Ide 1 +5, 2 Called Raises. | 7k5+5 ⇒ 32 (TN: 30) || Success, 2 free raises earned.

Day 1: Making an Impression (Very Nice), Sincerity (Honesty)/Awareness, TN 20. Void for +1k1, Free Raise from Ide 1 +5, 1 Called Raise, 2 Free Raises from Impressive. | 7k5+5 ⇒ 34 (TN: 30) || Success, 4 Impression points earned.

Total Impression Points Earned: 6
+1 Phoenix Bid Point
+.5 Glory

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Formal occasion meant formal dress, which in the case of the pilots of the Unicorn Navy meant a well tailored uniform that was something of a throwback to the old horse days. Suh-Hyun wore a rich purple ensemble, that while not modern fashion still likely drew attention. Mirror shined black riding boots ran up to her mid calf, emerging from their top were a well pressed set of straight legged purple paints cut to perfectly fit. A silver embroidered pattern ran on either side of her hips, disappearing under her shirt and belt. The shirt, or more accurately tunic, was also purple in color with a high midnight blue collar and similarly colored cuffs. Down the front of her tunic were three rows of silver buttons, nestled in perpendicular lines of silver embroidery. Each sleeve like wise had silver embroidery trimming where the cuff and sleeve meet, then running up to near her elbows. The belt was a woven mix of silver and midnight blue cording, four cords high. A white sash ran from right shoulder to left hip, near the shoulder rested a set of displayed medals. Finally the high collar had a fine silver embroidered pattern. All of this of course meant something to those familiar to the Unicorn Navy, to most it was probably just somewhere between impressive and garish.

Suh-Hyun was not really an expert diplomat, but she had been in enough formal events to make her way through a crowd. She had fabricated a chop earlier at the recommendation of the consul, a decent enough effort. It certainly showed a level of care above what normally was expected. And more importantly it had opened enough doors to get her in proximity of Yasuki Ayame.

The Unicorn knew she was never going to match the finery most would bring, Suh-Hyun was just a pilot after all. But in her mind gifts weren't always about just being flashy. Heck her gift was not merely bland, it was down right broken. She cradled a mechanical part, the few engineer minded would likely recognize it as a linkage for a vectored thruster. Anyone would recognize it was damaged beyond use, the moving parts having apparently melted together. But this little bauble had a story and for Shinjo Suh-Hyun it was very important.

Approaching the Governor, she would relay the story. A tale of a young fighter pilot's first combat flight. Of heavy damage sustained by her craft and a harrowing limp back. Then she held up her gift.

"After I landed on the carrier, one of the technicians approached me after they had broken the craft apart for repairs. He had this with him. It's the backup linkage for the main thruster on my craft. The primary was in about 20 pieces. You can see this one isn't in too great a shape. In fact neither myself nor anyone I asked could figure out how I made it home on this...but I did." She turned the little part in her hand, not bothering to hide the sadness as she prepared to relinquish it, "I carried it with me in the cockpit ever since. It's been with me through well more close calls then I care to imagine. I don't know if it brought me luck or not, but well it felt like it did. I'm not sure if it will bring you luck, nor do I think you need it. Skill and hard work makes its own luck and you don't lack for either. Still every little bit helps no?" Suh-Hyun took one last look at the little linkage that had saved her life at least once and offered it to the Governor, "May it aid you like it has me."

------------------------------
Craft: Chop/Agility. VP Spent for skill. 1 Called Raise TN 20 | 5k4 ⇒ 26 (TN: 20) - 2 Impression!

Piloting/Agility for fancy gift. D1 Making an Impression. +1k0 from Prodigy. 2 Called Raises. TN30. | 10k4 ⇒ 48 (TN: 30) - 2 Free raises on the last roll! (1 from passing, 1 from 2 CRs)

Etiquette/Awareness. D1 Making an Impression. VP Spent for +1k1. 2 Free Raises from Piloting. 1 to lower TN and 1 to raise. TN15 | 5k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 15) - 2 Impression!

4 Impression
+0.5 Glory
1 Point for the Purple Space Ponies

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka had gone full traditional dress for the Governor's big welcoming party. She watched with a slightly amused expression as some of the attendees presented their business cards. Somewhere in the history of the Empire, there had to have been a Yasuki who invented those as a way to squeeze a few coins out of simple greetings. Her line was prestigious, but not that prestigious sadly. And they were so impractical, she already had her hands full with the gift, where exactly in her traditional out was the business card supposed to go, taped to her head? Well that'd be one way to introduce herself.

She bowed with the precision and grace that would at least pass a Kakita etiquette master's standards.

"Good evening, Yasuki-chiji. On behalf of my father, Yasuki Hiroto, and our family's business, Flying Battle Carps, I Yasuki Taraka am honored to attend this gala to celebrate the arrival of the island's guests. In gratitude for this night of opportunity, we ask that you accept this humble gift from our business."

She opened the box, revealing a quadcopter drone and a banner.

"This is from our highest quality line, the Legends series, repainted in the colors of the thundershark to commemorate your military service. " she says showcasing the very shiny drone.

She pulled out the deep blue azure banner with golden calligraphy, "This banner bears your honorable name and mon so all who see it know your name While we realize that your duties may leave your little time for recreation, it is our sincere hope that your name and the hopes of the island it supports will fly high for all to see."

She bowed again, relinquishing the gift. Sure the odds of the governor actually entering the leaderboard competition were small, the exposure if she flew it even once would be grand.

Step 1: Etiquette(Conversation)/Awareness at TN20 7k4 +2 w/ void 47

1 impression point

Step 2: Int/Engineering. TN 20 6k4 w/ Void. 32

1 Free Raise for Step 3

Step 3: Awa/Sincerity 6k4 w/void and get a reroll

28 2 impression points (1 for pass, 1 for free raise)

3 impression points = 1 Bid point, +0.5 Glory

[Miya Kisha]

Dressed in fashion-forward clothing that echoes but does not mimic the traditional wicker cloak of the Shisha, Miya Kisha can hardly help but fall back on the training her Family has provided her, bowing eloquently--and her lack of height makes a lower bow easier to accomplish--and proclaiming herself to her kind host.

"Most Esteemed Governor," she begins, "it is an utter pleasure and joy to be here in this lovely place and received by your eminence. I know I'm just one small herald in a big Empire, but I've gone to many places and have seen what's up and coming. This place is certainly that, and I'm sure it will join the tradition of excellence emerging from Anoa'i's Reach. The people there have added a new twist to the dance at the end of sumai bouts, something poised to go viral, and I have the first records of it, which I'm happy to present here in the hopes of starting something special."

She bows deeply, going through the cycle of offers and refusals until the recording of the refined dance is accepted and placed well. And with that much done, and herself having made a decent showing, Kisha bows again and goes to mingle.

Etiquette / Awareness
Lore: Popular Culture / Intelligence
Etiquette (Courtesy) / Awareness

(New Card 32, https://sakkaku.org/r/18797; +2 Impression
Impressive 36, https://sakkaku.org/r/18798; +1 Free Raise
Very Nice 52, https://sakkaku.org/r/18799; +3 Impression

Results
+5 Impression
+1 Bid
+0.5 Glory

If I'd've called more Raises, I'd've blown the rolls, I'm certain of it.)

[Otomo Koroshi]

A very tall figure in green and silver parted the sea of courtiers with powerful strides. Otomo Koroshi had arrived to the party!

And despite being only average in height naturally, he had forgone sense to acquire a pair of stilts which allowed him to tower over the tallest person by half his height again. The stilts were within specially made extremely long silver and green striped pants, with over-large grippy shoes at the end for support. His hair was not particularly long but he had used criminal amounts of spray to stick it straight up from his scalp to achieve greater heights, and it looked to have recently had dye removed from the coloring. Some eyeshadow, and liner filled in to make his eyes visible, along with dark red lipstick and darker lip liner, to highlight his lips so that even those from a distance could make out his face. One wouldn't want to be unnoticed after all!

A trail of silver streamers followed him, attached to his suit jacket which was a swirl of silver on green velvet. From above the crowd (literally) he rained down a papery flurry of business cards on thick hot pink stock. They were covered in introductions, listing his lineage, positions, the positions of his lineage, his favorite hobbies, his least favorite hobbies, his favorite places to eat back home, his desire for the reader to have a most excellent day, his current weight, thoughts on whether ice was dry water...and so on. The cards were almost unreadable.

Thankfully for everyone he could not bow correctly from on the stilts, and he had to get down (the pants separating at a previously unseen joint) and present his offering to the fine lady Yasuki!

"Yasuki-sama, this humble servant can do no more than grovel from your beauty, grace, and hospitality! May your leadership last for many years." He bowed as was proper, though Koroshi's voice was as loud as his personality. Most people's inside voice was his whisper.

"Allow me to offer you a moment of dance!" Throwing his swirling suit jacket off to reveal a similarly swirly vest and violently purple long sleeved shirt underneath, he began moving with a grace that was entirely at odds with his attire. The choreography was good and obviously practiced, with moves that were drawn from local sources he had been able to see in person or find on the public net once he had arrived. Koroshi had spent most of the night before getting it down perfectly so he could avoid falling on his face. He thought it went well.

[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, New card. What do you think?, Calligraphy/Intelligence, three called raises, spending VP for 1k1, TN30 | 6k5 ⇒ 25 (TN: 30) (Failure.)

[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Impressive, Perform: Dance/Agility, two called raises, spending VP for 1k1, TN30 | 6k5 ⇒ 42 (TN: 30) (Success, 2 Free Raises.)

[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Very Nice, Sincerity/Awareness, 2 free raises, VP for 1k1, TN10 | 4k3 ⇒ 24 (TN: 10) (Success, 1 Bid Point. 1 Impression Point.)

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko knew that this would be the start of a long difficult challenge; easily the most difficult challenge in her very young life. It wasn't a friendly world, and while most worlds weren't friendly worlds to the Spider (even rumoured allies worlds) this one was even more dangerous and far more challenging. The Gaki-Do on the World of Dreams are likely more friendly to the Spider than the Crab! But the girl was as ready as she could be, and after an afternoon of planning and designing on her computer along with using the resource in the Spider embassy (the clerk was already on first name basis with her, the amount they had spoken through the day) she had arrived at the party ready. Her gift carefully wrapped in neutral colours rather than Spider colours and held closely to avoid 'accidental' knocking.

She made sure to dress in her best kimono, but she didn't arrive with a card. The traditional ways are better and she's certain any card presented would be destroyed immediately with little fanfare whereas Courtesy meant she would at least be heard. Which is why she worked herself into many different conversations over the evening. Bright smiles, perfect very respectful bows, and charming conversation. All with the same type of introductions, delivered with honesty and passion that drew people in.

"Mina-sama, wonderful to meet you. I am Susumu Sumiko and I come representing opportunity. What is opportunity? Allow me to explain..."

When it came to the gift giving time she could feel the eyes on her, brighter than any Jade strike. She had made sure her sleeve was slightly up on her left arm as she approached to ensure her Jade tattoo was visible:

two rings round her left wrist, with small Spiders linking them all round her arm. Jade, tattooed into her arm to show her purity. It looks painful (which it was!) but stunning.

Her bow was perfect and her smile was friendly and welcoming.

"Thank you for your kind and generous invitation Yasuki-sama. It has been a wonderful gathering and I'm truly blessed to be able to be a part of this moment. I would like to present you with a gift designed and produced by myself as a token of this moment as well as future times to come. As a scholar and a historian that we learn that no matter the differences, bridges can be built and fortunes can prosper. This I truly believe in."

She presented her gift, carefully removing the wrapping and presenting a crafted model made from a computer design. The model showed a modern style suspension bridge looking pristine and new, standing and bridging over a base of the remains of a broken road riddled with cracks and holes. One side of the bridge was lighter in colour than the other, and the middle was made to stand out slightly more to symbolise meeting in the middle.

"Thank you again for your time" she bowed once more.


(ooc: rolls
D1 EE Bid event: New card. What do you think? Etiquette(Conversation)/Awareness+void+bentens+glory. TN20+2 raises (TN30) | 8k6+2 ⇒ 60 (TN: 30) passed 3 points
D1 EE Bid event: Impressive! Use Computers/Int for 3d print design. +1k1 from inheritance. TN20 +4 raises (Tn40) | 10k6 ⇒ 43 (TN: 40) (was supposed to be keep 5 but dropping the lowest dice (a 1) is still a pass so 3 free raises to final roll)
D1 EE Bid event: Very Nice! Sincerity(Honesty)/Awareness+void+Bentens blessing. TN20+2 raises+3 free raises from Impressive! TN30 total | 8k6 ⇒ 53 (TN: 30)

9 impression points, 1 bid point, +.5 glory

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi’s art was limited to performance. Even his calligraphy was somewhat lacking. He was a capable conversationalist, however, having met and traded words with many fans and critics of his work. It was easy enough for him to mingle with those gathered and work his way towards Yasuki Ayame. He and the Detective were both dressed in fine attire that would evoke memories of the original Mystery 5, for anyone familiar with the show.

Once he had the opportunity, he introduced the Detective and himself with a deep bow of respect. He then spoke of the beauty of Shiawase Island. In particular, he described the verdant jungle and the unique wildlife that dwelled within. He whistled and a bird flew to him from elsewhere in the gardens. It had a bright red chest and iridescent golden-green wings and a long flowing tail.



“There is so much that can be discovered and shared here.” He smiled broadly. “Such amazing animals can draw naturalists to your island paradise, if they are allowed to thrive in protected sanctuaries. It would be an honor to assist with such a project, if it were of inerest.”

He Kitsune handed the bird, which was friendly and well-natured, to an attendant before bowing again and withdrawing with the Detective back into the crowd.

- - -
[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, New card, Etiquette/Awareness TN20, + Glory | 4k3+7 ⇒ 31 (TN: 20)
1 Impression Point

[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Impressive, Casting Reversal of Fortunes TN 10 | 5k3 ⇒ 13 (TN: 10)
[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Impressive, Animal Handling/Awareness, Touch of Chikushudo, Void for +1k1, 2 CR, TN 30 | 8k5 ⇒ 28 (TN: 30)
[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Impressive, Animal Handling/Awareness, Touch of Chikushudo, Void for +1k1, 2 CR, TN 30, Reversal of Fortunes Reroll | 8k5 ⇒ 36 (TN: 30)
2 Fee Raises for Very Nice

[Day 1 - Early Evening] Bid Event: Making an Impression, Very Nice, Sincerity/Awareness, Void for +1k1, 2 FR from, Impressive, TN 20 | 5k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 20)
3 Impression Points

4 Impression Points Total
1 Bid Point
+.5 Glory

[Soshi Kotori]

Kotori hated gift giving – some post traumatic stress reaction. But perhaps that was also the reason she felt the need to try so hard rather than just skate by doing just enough… some sort of redemption perhaps?
Simple calligraphy would have done just fine for a greeting card, but no she had let it get to her head, and try make something of it, and what good did that do her? Looked like an amateur did it – well an amateur did do it, but that was beside the point. Maybe next time she’d pay someone to make a bunch… kinda handy.


The gift…? It should have been easy – a little search here, a little search there. It didn’t need to be too unique, it just needed to be good enough, something reliable. A bottle of fine liquor should have been an easy choice, but overwhelmed with options led back to the easy route - and the desire to at least pick something unique, something interesting... and so the choice was… lacklustre. More of a gimmick than an artisan's craft.


And thus, a poorly made card and equally poor gift, Kotori introduced herself to the Governor. She may not have been the most courtly, skilled in calligraphy or the art of gift giving on sudden notice, but at the very least she was refreshingly sincere for a Scorpion – or so she seemed. And then she promptly departed to wallow in self-pity.

New Card: Failure
(Not so) Impressive: Failure
Very Nice: Success +1 Impression Point

Outcome: 1 Impression Point, 1 Bid Point, Crippling Shame.

[Kuni Iwane]

For reasons Iwane did not fully understand, his sensei had insisted that he spend hundreds of hours perfecting his brush strokes. After all, no priest dabbled with brushes and paper anymore. Everyone he knew carried their spells on digital slates. Having realized that he would have to write a business card for the welcome party, Iwane found himself grateful for his lessons.

He presented the governess with some hand-crafted, sweet-tasting analgesics, offering pleasantries along with his gift, even if he was fairly sure the small tablets he had prepared would end up in some nondescript drawer at the governess's offices. With dozens and dozens of guests arriving on Shiawase Island, there was no way the governess would have the time to go through all the items handed to her. She had staff for a reason.

Seeing no reason to queue to meet the governess herself, he presented his gift to one of her aides, happy to spend hios time queueing for the drinks instead.

_________
OOC: Rolls here.
5 Impression points, 1 Bid point, and 0.5 Glory