The New Winds

• Air is precise, distant, and analytical. Air does not approach the matter directly, but with care, subtlety, and planning.
• Earth is firm, grounded, and cautious. Earth prefers to act decisively, but only after due consideration.
• Fire is passionate, inventive, and direct. Fire acts swiftly and with overwhelming force.
• Water is flexible, responsive, and powerful. Water acts with confidence, flowing around the problem until it finds a solution.
• Void is the element of no element, the mind of no mind. Void does not think, plan, or react. Void simply acts, moving in accordance with instinct and the natural path of the cosmos

.

The students make their way back into the Academy and are greeted by three judges. Doji Murashige, the Crane that tested them on heraldry, and two new faces. One is a jovial looking Lion named Ikoma Ikehata, and the other a woman masked and clad in the Scorpion colors, standing in a shadow, named Shosuro Tomoe.

"Welcome back, contestants!" Ikehata exclaims brightly. "Step right up and show us your..."

He is interrupted by a glare from both Murashige and Tomoe. The Crane woman steps forward and says in a flat tone:

"The Empire is held together by the proper Etiquette we all show one another."

Ikehata then says "The knowledge that our ancestors and History pass to us."

Tomoe finishes by saying "And the tenants of Bushido that guide us all."

They then point to a student to come forward and have them follow them back into the gallery where they are asked three questions, one on each subject. The questions range from the deceptively simple (“Who receives the last cup in the tea ceremony?”) to the excruciatingly specific (“The Topaz Champion meets an Emerald Magistrate at a bridge wide enough for only one samurai to cross; who must bow and defer to the other?”).

Judge Ring Hint: "Take caution in how you answer, but answer without doubt."

Event Rules:
Participants: Unlimited (Mandatory Event)

Spells: Allowed, Each roll is considered a "Round". You cast the spell just before the event begins and may not cast during.
Kiho: Allowed, each roll is considered a "Round", Kiho must be activated at the start of the event, not during.
Kata: Not Allowed, as this is not a Combat.
Tattoos: Allowed, as each roll is considered a "Round" and you may use free actions at any time.

You may NOT target an opponent with any of these abilities before the event begins.

If you purposefully harm an opponent outside of the realm of the Sumai event (By winning the contested Jiujutsu roll) or the Weaponry event (By winning the contested Weapon roll) you loose 1.0 honor and 10 topaz points. If you do so a second time, you will be sent home in shame, removed from the tournament (and thus the game)

Also please remember that Spellcasting in Rokugan is a very spiritual thing, and to ask for the kami to do something for you is an incredibly rare thing and should not be done lightly.

Select a Ring to use during this event. Unless the roll specifically mentions a trait, you must use that ring for the entire event.

Players must make 3 rolls, all at TN 20

Etiquette / Mental
Lore: History / Mental
Lore: Bushido / Mental

Rewards:
-The student gains 1 Topaz Point per passed roll
-Additionally, students may gain an additional +2 points per successful raise
-Exceptional Success Raises may be utilized if you possess the skill you are rolling, each exceptional success (Up to your Void) granting +1 points
-If a student passes all 3 rolls, they are deemed to have sufficient knowledge, passing the event and are awarded 5 Topaz Points

At the end of the event, the three sensei will reveal which Ring they felt was the most appropriate and you will gain +7 Topaz Points if you used it.

Zashi had talked over helping out one of the other minor clan members, the Mantis Hitoshi and does so now.

"I'm sorry about the horse thing earlier. I did terribly there. This event is the one I'm placing my bets on though."

The kami in the Academy like Zashi much better, and Earth has no issue coming to their aid.

________
OOC
Spell for event: Culture Event Spell-Earths Touch (mental)- Earth 1-2 raises for extra target-TN 20: 6d10o10k4 35

Hitoshi and Zashi increase Willpower by 1 for the event

Element: Earth

His demonstration of etiquette was certainly good, it was a tricky question (how many hours are you supposed to wait to talk with the Imperial Fishing Representative Assistant) and caught one of the sensei by surprise coming from a Crab. He knew enough of history to pass by, and his Bushido question was about the Courtesy he defended, at least to his eyes, last day.

All rolls have a -5 penalty.
D3 LA - Culture - Etiquette, Lore: History and Lore: Bushido TN 20: 3#5d10o10k4-5 45 29 32

Mai proved herself to be very cultured. Even if she stumbled with her etiquette, the sensei didn't noticed and gave her more impressive marks. Her study of history and bushido to impress the Lion proved valuable here.

D3 Culture: Etiquette/Willpower VOID 1 Raise: 6d10o10k4 20

D3 Culture: Etiquette/Willpower VOID 1 Raise Luck: 6d10o10k4 48 +5 Topaz Points

D3 Culture: Lore: History/Willpower VOID: 5d10o10k4 25 +1 Topaz Point

D3 Culture: Lore: Bushido/Willpower VOID: 5d10o10k4 29 +1 Topaz Point

Total Topaz Points (Not Counting Ring Bonus): 12 Topaz Points

While Mirai was good with knowledge (and it ended up showing), she wasn't quite certain she could show the proper etiquette. She applied herself a bit towards showing her politeness, and in the end, it all seemed to work out.

------------------------------
Earth Approach
Etiquette/Willpower, V3 for skill, 5k4 = 23 (1 TP)
Lore: History/Willpower, 5k4 = 31 (2 TP)
Lore: Bushido/Willpower, 5k4 = 30 (2 TP)

10 TP

Finally, the last event of the day. The first two had been... not very pleasant. Learning experiences, sure, but not pleasant ones.

When it was his turn to display his understanding of culture, the young Kuni surprised most folks with a deeper understanding than most would likely expect from a Crab. But those people likely lumped most Crab together with run of the mill Hida warriors that knew more about how to swing a tetsubo than they did about taking baths. Wardens were definitely different though, having a stronger understanding of the culture that they were expected to protect on a spiritual level.

----
Ring: Earth

D3 LA, Culture Etiquette, Etiquette / Willpower, VP +1k1, 1 raise, TN 25: 8d10o10k5 48 +5 points
D3 LA, Culture History, Lore: History / Willpower, VP +1k1, 1 raise, TN 25: 6d10o10k5 27 +3 points
D3 LA, Culture Bushido, Lore: Bushido / Willpower, VP Phantom Rank, Strength of Honor +5k0, 1 raise, TN 25: 10d10o10k4 40 +4 points
+5 for passing all three rolls

Topaz Points: 17 points

Kokyou looks at the Crane sensei that removed the points from HItoshi and shakes his head, ignoring her question with a sigh. When Ikehata asks about the first Topaz Champion, Kokyou says, "Probably not a Mantis."

When Tomoe questions him about bushido, he says, "One tenant cannot overcome the other. How could one be so dutiful to forget compassion. That cannot do."

--
Ring: Earth
D3, LA, Etiquette/Willpower TN 20: 4d10o10k3 19 - Failed
D3, LA, Lore: History/Willpower TN 20 Unskilled: 3d10 15 - Failed (Edit: the VP Has been removed)
D3, LA, Lore: Bushido/Willpower TN 20 Unskilled: 4d10 22 +1 TP (Edit: the VP has been removed)

Asahi's felt much better than he had in the morning. He was ready for this test

"The bow must be this low."

"The 6th century, year 556, Month of Bayushi…. 11th day."

"Sincerity would require that I fulfill my word, and so I would, regardless of what it would cost me."

- - -
Ring: Earth

(Day 3, LA) Mandatory Event: Culture, Etiquette/Willpower TN 20, Hungover, VP for +1k1: 7d10o10k4 35-5=30 Hangover Cure Adjustment: 35 2pts

(Day 3, LA) Mandatory Event: Culture, Lore: History/Willpower TN 20, Hungover, VP for +1k1: 6d10o10k4 23-5=18 Hangover Cure Adjustment: 23 1pt

(Day 3, LA) Mandatory Event: Culture, Lore: Bushido/Willpower TN 20, Hungover, VP for Skill: 4d10o10k3-5 24 Hangover Cure Adjustment: 29 1pt

9 points

Edited for Hangover Cure Adjustment

D3 LA Culture : Etiquette/Earth W/ Honor and Bond, 3 Raises TN 35: 10d10o10k8-5 50

1 +6 for 3 Raises +1 Exceptional = 8 TP

Hangover Cure +5, +1 Topaz Point

D3 LA Culture : History/Earth TN 20: 6d10o10k4-5 24

1 TP

D3 LA Culture : Bushido/Earth TN 20 Void: 5d10o10k4-5 32

1 TP +1 for Exception +5 for Event - 7

Total Event Points Before Ring: 16 (17 total with cured hangover)

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

After his poor performances in Horsemanship and Athletics earlier today Wyn puts literally everything his has into this event, banking both his honor and drawing on his friendship with the Unicorn to push through the pain of the hangover and begin answering the questions. Despite his issues he does well and scores at least a few points to impress the judges for a change.

Yasuki Ginkarasu is very polite about sharing his general knowledge about history, but forgets to apply courtesy when he's asked to talk about the Yasuki War.

No, there he really gets specific about how the Yasuki were given leave to leave and how so many people died because of the confusion over the meaning of words.

*******************
Earth
D3 Culture: Etiquette / Willpower, 1 Raise, TN 25: 5d10o10k4 30 = 3 TP
D3 Culture: Lore: History / Willpower: TN 20: 4d10k4 32 = 1 TP
D3 Culture: Lore: Bushido / Willpower: 1 Raise TN 25: 5d10o10k4 20 = 0 TP

4 Total Topaz Points

Bayushi Jiro was fairly confident that if he put his faith in precision and subtlety, he would perform much better than by taking an overly cautious approach. He called to mind his cousin and his truest friend, using their example to enhance his own strength.

[Choosing Air; Invoking Bonds with Nobuko and Kaidan(enhancing Awareness by 1, +1k0 to each of the skills tested.]

His answers swept away all doubt as to the poise, culture, and intellect of the Scorpion. He accepted the accolades with dignity, and withdrew to gather his things and go paint in the gathering dusk.

Etiquette, 4 raises=80 Exceptional Success [13 points]
Lore: History, 2 raises=51 Exceptional Success [7 points]
Lore: Bushido, 2 raises=42 Exceptional Success [6 points]

26 points+5 for all correct=31 points.

Nobuko had been trusting herself to whatever the world threw at her. But in this test, when it came to remembering details of things she'd read and learned, she trusted in her own mind above and beyond everything else.

However, she did glance toward a couple of friends to give her confidence, and remind her of a few extra facts she might otherwise have forgotten to include when speaking on the topics at hand. Not that the judges needed so much detail, but, well... she was a bit of trivia buff.










. . .perhaps more than a 'bit' of one.

-----
OOC
Ring Selection: Fire

D3; LA; Etiquette/Trait+Precise Mem+Void+bond+honor; 5 raises: 10d10o10k10+8 67 vs TN45; Pass +1ToP; Raises +10ToP;(67-45)/10=2.2 Exceptional +2ToP (13)
D3; LA; History/Trait+Precise Mem+Void+Bond 1Raise: 9d10o10k7 75 vs TN75; Pass +1ToP; Raises +2ToP; (75-25)/10=5 Limited by Void Ring; Exceptional +4ToP (7)
D3; LA; Bushido/Trait+Precise Mem+Void: 8d10o10k7 56 vs Tn20; Pass +1ToP; (56-20)/10=3.6 Exceptional +3ToP (4)
Pass all rolls: +5ToP
Total: 29

Correction: Already used Jiro's Comrade Bond this session, would have -2 on First roll due to keeping one less dice, for a total of 65. Topaz Points total still stand.

Of the participants that were not part of the Ruby Champion's special group of students, the following perform as follows during their assessment:

Hitoshi—male Mantis bushi. Hitoshi looks frustrated once again, having failed the test. (receives points for passing 3 rolls)
+3 Topaz Points

Kakita Riku—female Crane bushi. Riku comes out from the gallery looking quite content with herself, having passed all the questions excellently (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, 3 raises for the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+19 Topaz Points

Bayushi Mei Lin—female Scorpion bushi. Mei Lin has no difficulty with the tests at all (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, 1 raise, and selecting the correct ring)
+15 Topaz Points

Mirumoto Hinata—female Dragon bushi. Hinata passes but nothing exceptional about it (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+13 Topaz Points

Shiba Tōya—male Phoenix bushi. Tōya is able to answer each question correctly. (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+13 Topaz Points

Moto Batbayar—female Unicorn bushi. Despite her previous trouble with Heraldry, Batbayar impresses the judges and passes the Culture event (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+13 Topaz Points

Kitsu Tsubasa—male Lion shugenja: Still benefiting from the Lion study sessions, Tsubasa does well on this exam. (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+13 Topaz Points

Yasuki Jun—male Crab courtier: Jun seems to be taking the competition more seriously today and is able to answer everything correctly. (receives points for passing 3 rolls, passing the event, and selecting the correct ring)
+13 Topaz Points

Utaku Himeko—Female Unicorn Bushi: Once again, Himeko insists on going after her brother, matching him in performance. (Receives points equal to Utaku Ichiro in this event)
+19 Topaz Points

Hazrat made a note to listen attentively as the others answered their questions. There were several times throughout others' tests when he frowned, looked confused, or repeated something to himself. Finally, his turn came. He stood up, took a moment to root himself, then stepped forward to face the questioners.

As he was seated, he recited a prayer to the spirits. "Zhuanlun, Lord of Changes, smile upon me and grant me Good Fortune."
Both Murashige and Ikehata looked at him askance as he did this, while Tomoe seemed to very deliberately not notice.
Spellcasting Roll: 31

RING: Earth

Etiquette / Willpower: 19
Reversal of Fortunes Re-roll: 32 *using this one* +1TP ES

"A gift should be refused and offered twice," answered Hazrat. Thinking for a moment, he quickly amended himself. "That is, I mean, it should be refused twice and offered a total of three times. If someone offered twice, was refused twice, and did not offer again, it would show a lack of sincerity in the initial offerings."

Lore: History / Willpower: 25 *using this one*
Reversal of Fortunes Re-roll: 16

"Ooh! That was at the Battle of Sleeping River," replied Hazrat, excitedly. "It was recounted in a chapter of The Days of Salt and Sun, where Ikoma Honzo slew the Tainted Twins with a ...." he trailed off. "Well, you probably know the story, but that's when it happened."

Lore: Bushido / Willpower: 28 *using this one*
Reversal of Fortunes Re-roll: 24

After some consideration, Hazrat offered an answer. "I think a retainer who was lacking in Duty would expose their lord to the most harm, as failures of that nature can take place over many years." This time he did not mention how his answer was based upon a failed romance in a pillow book, but simply explained his reasoning. "Cowardice and discourtesy can have long-lasting repercussions, but they often happen in an instant. Disloyalty has a way of festering and growing."

As the questions came to an end, Hazrat gave a sigh of relief. It looks as if his habit of reading or listening to every tale he found had some advantages after all.

Though, as a Unicorn, Ichiro had wanted a better showing on horseback he at least had not made a fool of himself. Still, if he could not excel where they expected he could surprise them where they did not. Though he had been taught no more etiquette since leaving the Ruby Dojo, and only the smallest bit of history, he knew enough to impress the judges.

Bushido he had also received little training in, Moto-sensei only paying lip service to the philosophy, but the honorable and heroic spirit within Ichiro did not need more than the basics to grow and expand upon. Leaving the judges solidly impressed at his knowledge and devotion.

(Approach: Earth

Retcon Fairy strikes: I am no longer hungover mechanically - removing the -5 penalties

Etiquette/Willpower, TN 20 = 36 - Exceptional Success - 2TP
Lore:History/Willpower, VP for +1k1, TN 20 = 32 - Exceptional Success - 2TP
Lore:Bushido/Willpower, VP for +1k1, Honor for +4k0, 1 raise, TN 25 = 60 - Exceptional Successx3 - 6TP + 5TP for passing all three

Total: 15 Topaz points + potential ring bonus)

"Shosuro-sensei." Zashi says the words quietly, but bows to the familiar face, his acting instructor. He can remember her lessons, and decides to treat it like one of their acting roles: let them offer hints as the role they want you to provide. After years of practice, the (at least non-Scorpion) among them had a way to make leading questions.

Zashi shows a surprising improvement in his Lore training, but is distracted as he hears some of the questions being sent to Hitoshi, far more difficult than his own. He pauses for a moment, in the middle of a complicated answer, making him lose his train of thought and causing a furrow of annoyance over Tomoe-sensei's brow.

Well, know I'm sure I know the culprit. But why?
___________
OOC
Earth Ring Selected
Willpower increased to 5 with Earth's Touch spell
Culture Event-Etiquette/Willpower-3 Raises-TN 35-VP spent: 9d10o10k6 34 Missed by 1, failed
Culture Event-Lore:Bushido/Willpower-3 Raises-TN 35-VP spent: 9d10o10k6 54 Pass with 3 raises, +1 exceptional success for 8 TP
Culture Event-Lore:History/Willpower-3 Raises-TN 35-VP spent: 9d10o10k6 45 Pass with 3 raises, +1 exceptional success for 8 TP

16 TP pending ring announcement

Another quiz, thinks Sasaiko, and moves to answer the questions posed her. The first, she answers adroitly, impressing the judge. The second is not as solid, though she gets the answer correct enough. And she gets cocky trying to answer the third question, leaving the judge frowning at someone who showed so much promise early on failing to meet it.

(Using Earth
Select a Ring to use during this event. Unless the roll specifically mentions a trait, you must use that ring for the entire event.

Players must make 3 rolls, all at TN 20

Etiquette / Mental , Raise to 25, pass at 48, https://orokos.com/roll/835298; +5 Topaz; +1 for passing, +2 for Called Raise, +2 for Exceptional Success
Lore: History / Mental, pass at 29, https://orokos.com/roll/835300; +1 Topaz
Lore: Bushido / Mental, Raise to 25, fail at 21, https://orokos.com/roll/835303

So, in the aggregate, +6 Topaz before possible Ring award.)

Kenji was in no good shape when he went to the next test, the setbacks had piled up to here.

He greeted the three sensei and started to answer the questions. He was rather lethargic and in his head the words "You are a disappointment" echoed again and again, rather automatically fulfilling the necessary standard for etiquette and history.

Then the scorpion-sensei stood opposite him and asked him about Bushido. It was this one topic that was beaten into him again and again. In great detail Kenji went into all Seven Pillars, the conflicts they brought with them, the solutions that were not always easy and the burdens that the individual clans put on their samurai. It was an impressive testimony to the depth of understanding of Bushido that Kenji offered.

However, the mask hid whether Shosuro-Sensei was impressed or not, Kenji did not care, he did not see his success here. Looking down, he left the test...

---
Ring: Earth

Etiquette/Willpower: D3 LA Etiquette/Willpower TN20: 6d10o10k4 38 +2 TP
Lore:History/Willpower: D3 LA Lore:History/Willpower TN20 VP for Phantom Skill: 5d10o10k4 24 +1TP
Lore:Bushido/Willpower: D3 LA Lore:Bushido/Willpower TN40 +Honor +VP 4CR: 10d10o10k6 43 +9 TP

+5TP for being successful in all 3 Rolls

16TP + Ring Choice

While he was refreshed and had spiritual fortitude at this point, Saburo couldn't arguably feel that he was ready for the full weight of Rokugani culture in the aftermath. He still smelled horse hair and sweat and mud in his nostrils. He'd cleansed himself, but he still smelled it and it drove him to absolute distraction. He did try to follow the direction, to remain cautious in his approach, and when he spoke to the subject of gift giving, it certainly got a satisfied nod from the Doji. The Ikoma's lips drew in a thin line and he shook his head as he was asked about the particulars of the chronicling of history, followed by a soft sigh. And Shosuro Tomoe, who looked ready to assume the worst was nevertheless pleasantly surprised that he still seemed to show promise in responding to the topic of Compassion in application.

It wasn't the most sterling performance in his life, but finally he was through the day as he bowed to each in turn and thanked them for their wisdom before being ushered out for the next student.

======
Ring Selected: Earth
Required Rolls:
-Etiquette/Willpower, Void for 1k1, 1 CR (TN 25): 39, Exceptional Success +1
-Lore-History/Willpower, Void for 1k1 (TN 20): 14, Failure
-Lore-Bushido/Willpower, Void for 1k1 (TN 20): 41, Success (No exceptionals with Sage)

Results:
2/3 Successes (2), 1 Called Raise (2), 1 Exceptional Success (1) = 5 Topaz Points (+Ring Bonus if applicable.)

Ichiro had no great expectations about this trial but he had proven himself handily at today's physical trials so he wasn't overly worried about it. He answered the question on etiquette easily enough though it was a softball. The question on history he was short on just a little but Ichiro was no great scholar.

The question on bushido they tried to stump him with by asking an incredibly complex question but Ichiro despite his many faults was a samurai through and through surprising all the judges.

------------------------------------------------
Ring: earth

D3 LA culture etiquette/stamina tn 20: 4d10o10k3 22 1 point
D3 LA culture Lore: History/stamina vp +1k1 tn 20: 4d10 19 fail (by 1! >:[)
D3 LA culture Lore: Bushido/stamina vp for skill honor tn 20: 8d10o10k3 40 +1 for passing +2 for exceptional success 3 points


total before ring decision: 4