Sapphire Ambassadors

After the previous day's competition, the servants spent the evening carefully relocating the more permanent works to the Gallery of Dusk and storing records of the one's that could not be such as cooking and dance. Then the gallery was thoroughly cleaned and blessed. Even more toughly cleaned than before since someone couldn't resist bringing a pony. The next day it slowly fills throughout the day as various artists maneuver into their spaces. Some artists arrive early, overseeing peasants maneuvering heavy statuary while certain poets arrived barely ahead of the judges. The artists' spaces have been meticulously arranged according to their art of choice. The most fragrant arts have been spaced as wide apart as possible, so the scent of, say a certain Scorpion's Garlic Gyoza does not intermingle with the scent of the ikebana displays. Those who arts contain a sound component have been staggered, so the judges might clear one catchy song from their minds before listening to an impassioned flute solo. Neutral gray screen are available for the artists whose works should be viewed shielded from the rest, while others bask in the suns rays, visible to all with eyes.

Contestants make a single (Appropriate Stat)/(Appropriate skill for the culmination and final touches of their work depicting Yu. The TN is 15 (20 for those trained in the Kakita Artisan school) Success earns one sapphire point, plus one per successful raise. Failure earns no points. 15 points earned across the entire competition will earn you the honor of being named a sapphire ambassador.

There will also be two pieces that will be picked as "Best in Show" based solely off the written description that the GMs feel are best written. One piece in the entire competition will be named best in show, earning it the equivalent of 3 best in show picks. The artist who has the most best in show picks total (ties broken by sapphire points) will be named Sapphire Champion

Additionally, artists may dedicate their works to one of the three amigos as per the rules for that side game, helping to influence the host of the next sapphire tournament.

This thread is exclusively for your description and rolls. Discussion between each other and the judges is for the discussion thread.

Bayushi Choudai gave no indication that he had spent the entire afternoon making up the sleep that had been ruined by the business with Doji Yoshino the previous night, and that his cooking prior to his arrival had been a grueling marathon of prepwork, securing ingredients, and snarling semi-coherent threats at balky assistants.

The Scorpion with the avian-themed mask walked in, looking like his usual self, having apparently done most of his cooking for the day prior to his arrival, and trailed by a few servants carrying the fruits of his labor. As the servants started unwrapping their burdens and setting them out, he began a sort of... patter.

"Courtesy is vitally important, as it distinguishes a samurai from an uncouth brute. As samurai, we must show respect for one another's customs."

The first servant unwrapped the bowl he was carrying- it proved to be a large bowl of soup rich with the thick udon noodles favored by the Crab Clan, with fried shrimp floating in the broth along with the vegetables- each of which had had the mon of the Crab carved into them before being added.

"Both those which have become almost universal among all samurai of Rokugan..."

The second dish was bowl of perfectly fluffy white rice, and here Choudai stepped in, wielding his grandmother's knives to skillfully cut up pieces of a freshly-caught fish, artfully arranging the deep red slices of salmon on the white rice in the shape of the Crane mon.

"And those which circumstances make more common in some places than others."

The third dish consisted of a sort of snack platter of vegetables pickled in the style of the Dragon Clan, arranged in the shape of the Dragon Clan's mon.

"For we all serve the Empress, and all respect Bushido."

The fourth dish consisted of skewered chicken, prepared in a Lion style, with light sauce but a dash of salt. The soya drizzled over them in the shape of the Lion mon was immaculate in its placement.

"This makes us equals in service, whatever else separates us."

Rice and mushrooms wrapped in leaves and cooked in the Phoenix style graced the next platter, arranged, as might be expected, in the mon of the Phoenix.

"And vast as the gulf can sometimes seem..."

Perhaps rather scandalously, he had cooked red meat of some sort in the Unicorn style, heavily seasoned, and served with flatbreads, the latter each branded with the mon of the Clan.

"... we are all owed the respect that entails."

The last dish, the Scorpion dish, had no mon to it. The steamed gyoza, redolent of garlic and other spices, as well as a hint of heavily-seasoned chicken, spoke for itself.

"I hope anyone present may find a small taste of home among these."

He bowed, then backed away- taking none of his own food this time.

[Two-raise success for three Sapphire points, win dedicated to Shosuro Otoko

Choudai gets to flex his rank of Lore: Clan Cuisine!]

(Honestly was really tired these last 3 days, going to assume I'm already out of the running for best work)
A collection of well built, but intentionally featureless shrines are gathered around a plague. This is the only evidence that Kaiu Kunio was at the gallery today. However, this plague does make certain to remind the crowd that it through emulation of the gods that we understand that petty insults and defacement of the self mean nothing to the greater whole. In this way, Courtesy is less about being a good person to others (which is represented more through compassion and one should do their best to show greater compassion regardless) and more about keeping the On which emulates the ways of Tengoku as told by our founding Kami. There is also a post script thanking Shiba Aibou for providing safe transport for the various monks who will come and present these to the local kami as the Emperor's Blessing moves along its path in the coming month.

D4 EE Event, prepared ahead of time, Engineering (Construction)/ Intelligence, Void Point, Kaiu technique, 3 raises, emphasis, TN 30 | 8k6 ⇒ 52 (TN: 30)

Yoshiaki arrived as he usually did with another monk in tow this one an older man one who Yoshiaki knew to be the very spirit of courtesy, his door was always open to those in need and he would always bring food to gatherings and had a welcoming smile.

On the man's arm sat Yoshiaki's work a beautifully done Crane that was much more his style than his sensei's. The Crane not realistic looking but stylized the lines and shape spoke to an other Worldly grace of the creature as watercolors painted the background. Inviting, warm, colors showed the Crane's great ability to host and make all feel welcome.

As the judges approached "There can be no greater example of courtesy than our hosts who have not only welcomed people from all clans both friend and rival with open arms and full courtesy. They have made every accommodation to the artists putting up no less than eight of my order to allow me to display my art at this competition. I could think of no better subject for this tenet and a personal thank you from myself for this opportunity."



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D4 Rei artisan: Tattoo/awareness, needles +1k1, vp +1k1 3 raises tn 30 | 10k6 ⇒ 55 (TN: 30)

4 sapphire points, 4 points to Shosuro Otoko

D4 rei comp fluff courtier/awa DC -1k1, vp +1k1, Crane tattoo +2k0 | 9k4 ⇒ 32

A compassionate painting... How did a painting show compassion? A compassionate subject matter? A compassionate message?

Those seemed corny to Asano, like those paintings you'd sometimes see of a subject before and after you told them they were beautiful. No, she went for something that needed no explanation, at least to her.

Though perhaps she failed in that. She went with a vast array of colors and painted a tree. On the base of the trunk chrysanthemums grew, and the leaves were of all different colors. It was to represent how everyone was part of the same Empire and was welcome there. No matter their Clan or size or appearance... or indeed other things. She added little touches like leaves of different colors touching and branches supporting one another.

If there was one thing she knew, after all, it was nature.

Day 4, EE, Contest of Rei, Painting/Awareness, TN15, 3 called raises, TN30, void point 1/3 from Day 4 for +1k1 | 6k5 ⇒ 39 (TN: 30)

+4 sapphire points

Courtesy was an all invasive part of their society. It even extended out of the ranks of samurai to common eta. Which was somewhat funny to Jakuchou. Usually the samurai didn't expect people they considered lesser to hold to tenets of bushido... but that wasn't the case with Rei. In fact, one might consider Rei to be the most hypocritical of all tenets of Bushido. Jakuchou certainly did.

That isn't to say she did not believe in it. She absolutely did act as courteously as she could convincer herself to. Particularly towards non-samurai. But samurai EXPECTED others to treat them with courtesy, even when it was part of social rules that weren't written for them. And if treated without that expected courtesy, they will very often act in retribution even if it was not something expected of the other. It was the tenet that she felt tended to be treated most hypocritically and abused. So todays performance was a bit more performative and points out this potential hypocrisy.

She has several eta and servants take a place of honor for her performance, all instructed to cast aspersions and insults at her dance that she had noted for them. But before it begins, she addresses the crowd for a short moment just as she did the day before. "It is my great honor and privilege to perform for you all today. I hope you enjoy this performance." She bows respectfully and begins.

The performance starts off well. Exceptionally well. And then about fifteen seconds in, one of the more courageous of the servants casts an insult her way. "Bad form! Do better!" To which she responds with a move in his direction, a dance move that looks a great deal like a bow of thanks.

"Off beat, no good!" Another bow. "Feet are off, learn your steps!" Bowing once more.

This continues until the completion of the dance. All of the insulters seem slightly nervous at all of this, since it was completely outside their comfort zone. Jakuchou, however, seemed incredibly pleased which eased their nervousness a bit. And so she spoke up once more. "These friends of mine have already been held to account for their requested and shared words. Any attempt to suggest that they have acted towards me in a way that I did not expect or request will be met with me defending the honor of their actions. I hope you have enjoyed my performance," she states with a large pleasant smile to set people at ease.

+But there was a seriousness to her expression that suggested that anyone claiming these heimin and eta were acting inappropriately would be met with a challenge of steel... and she carried her blade like she knew exactly how to do so. A final act of courtesy as part of the performance, or a true act of courtesy demanding that her fellow performers be treated with respect... who knows?

D4 EE, Rei Performance, Perform: Dance / Agility, VP +1k1, 3 Called Raises | 9k5 ⇒ 37 (TN: 30)
4 Sapphire Points

Ameiko did something quite simple as a display of courtesy. She kept the song, short, sweet, and did not make any bizarre play to garner attention.

She played the Bayushi dojo's fight song, which is best played on taiko and shamisen, but the words, if one knew them, are written as a welcome to the students who come from other clans. A longstanding tradition of the Scorpion to openly teach their techniques to others.

(except on Saturdays when they all get together without the outsiders and talk trash about them)

OOC
Dedicated to Otoko
Made my roll vs Overconfidence to take the normal TN instead of the Kakita Artisan TN
Flute playing, TN 30 (3 raises): 44
+4 points

Ameiko didn't leave the stage when it came time for Hatsuki's turn. Like the previous day, she had chosen to make a bit of a performance element to her art. She had Ameiko sit, settling herself in front of her and slightly to the side so the audience can observe her doing her work.

The beginning takes a little bit. She spends the extra time on the skincare - cleaning off pre-existing makeup and applying some kind of nourishing moisturizers. As that part was settling in, she Began selecting her ingredients. Something bold and confident, reflective of Ameiko's nature-

It wasn't working. No matter what she tried, the events of the rest of the day left her unable to focus on this.

She murmured an apology and a promise to fix it now that the presentation was over.

D4 EE, Rei, Artisan (Makeup)/Awareness, Void, Tech, 3 Raises for TN 35 | 10k5+2 ⇒ 33 (TN: 35)

Fail

For the third time in the competition, a small grey-screened off area had been set up in the back. For the third time the artist had arrived early in the morning, and left before any had arrived. Nor did she return for the judging.

The scene was painted to resemble a small tea room with two samurai arranged by a tea set. The one on the right was clearly Doji Nadeshiko she was facing away from her tea guest, examining her fan, rather than noting his display.

The samurai on the left, meant to represent Bayushi Choudai was ineffectively trying to shield himself from the large dark cloud that eminated from Doji nadeshiko which somehow managed to connect with him while avoiding spilling any of the tea.

More than any other tenet, Courtesy is about adhering to the standards set by Lady Doji regarding proper Rokugani behavior. Thus, it’s the one where the Unicorn most often find themselves making missteps.

Sriyani has again taken some time with her lighting, thinking the fresher feel of dawn suited this presentation. Her face is fully painted in the style of this past winter’s court, literal and emotional ‘face’ in place.

In one hand, she holds an elegant fan of ivory, closed for now. Even closed, its antique style is apparent. Two blue and silver cords dangle from the bottom, each with an ivory bead at the end. One is of a crane in flight, while the other is a crane in a standing pose. The ivory is artfully, but artificially aged, obviously recalling Doji’s fan—with which the Unicorn proved their provenance as the Ki-rin—without crassly duplicating it.

She brings it to waist height, and rests the other end across her open palm, an offering and reminder that surely Doji’s recognition was one of the greater courtesies the Unicorn have known.

A gentle *snap* opens the fan, the carved ivory casting a lace of shadow across her white face as the symbol of belonging becomes the tool to avert her gaze from some imagined moment of broken decorum, offering that small grace to someone else.

The moonstone rings keep Emma-O’s regard from being forgotten.

*****************************
Day 4 Presentation: Rei. VP for +1k1, 2 Raises. TN 25 | 8k5 ⇒ 51 (TN: 25)

3 SP dedicated to Shiba Aibou

Shizenko's display may seem simple a 50 origami boxes placed neatly on display. Each box has inside a small origami token, be it a flower or an animal. She followed the gift giving protocols until there were none. If the judges were to arrive an no gift was left Shizenko would take a piece of paper and make a gift for them.


//rolls in PF

Nadeshiko’s once again a late contender, this time because she walked the floor to experience the other contestant’s work before sharing her own. There’s much to celebrate here: food for the crowd, ferocious dancing, gifts of origami, and, of course, gorgeous jewellry and paintings and tattoos and songs. Where yesterday her heart was silent, today it’s full, warm and embracing everything.

Life is good, she thinks.

When she finally takes her place in the gallery Nadeshiko finds herself stepping into the kind of peace she thought she’d lost. And that’s the beauty of today, isn’t it? There are people here who care for her and strangers who offer kindness. Her hands rest over her heart as she lets herself be enveloped by it. Love takes root.

At the judge’s call the Doji bows. When she stands up, she unties the little silk pouch at her hip.

“Today I present two pieces of art: a poem and a kinchaku pouch. It was made on my request by the clothier Koharu from Kyuden Doji. I dedicate my presentation to Shosuro Otoko.”

Despite the solemn nature of her poem, each line is spoken gently, her feelings welling up to spill out into her voice. Scorpion, Crane, and Lion all experienced losses last summer. Her own still cut deep. It's only thanks to time and empathy she’d come out the other side herself; they’d swallowed her hate. Hate wouldn’t bring the dead back. It wouldn’t heal their pain. There’s little she can do to mend relations between the Crane and the Scorpion… but Nadeshiko will still try what she can.

“The cresting waves break
Upon the jagged rocks of the shore.
The tide smoothes the sand.
We who once were enemies
Find ourselves anchored to the past.

My grieving brother
Whose loss mirrors my own, please know
This heart holds no hate
And these hands hold no weapons.
I want to be forgiven.

Come dawn, meet me there
At the cliffs beyond our pain.
I want to forgive.
Let the dark waters swallow
That which we cannot forget.”

Today her poem stands beside her in the brief silence she gives both herself and her audience. Together they look to the judges, art and artist each seeking something different from the two Crane that stand before them. Nadeshiko’s gaze is cold at first, but slowly it warms as she opens herself up to understanding. The judges’ world is small, and little outside that tiny sphere matters to them, she thinks. They don’t cherish the task they have been given. There’s little she can do for them beyond accept it. Well, she’s still work to do. The little silk pouch is offered up for inspection. Her poem, in turn, offers up her heart.

“This kinchaku is one of a pair. Its twin is held by Kuni Hikari.” Yes; her strange, sweet friend. Nadeshiko smiles. Hopefully Hikari’s well and happy in this moment. “We share a deep love of cherry blossoms, so it was only natural to give Hikari-san a gift of sakura that will always bloom, no matter the season. However,” She undoes the drawstring, opening the pouch so its contents show: finely ground powder. “It’s what’s inside that shows true Courtesy. A stranger to me – Bayushi Choudai – offered me some of the spices he brought upon hearing I forgot my own. This small act …” It’s hard for Nadeshiko to even articulate how she feels. He gave her a piece of home. A reminder of family and childhood, of stealing bites of her father’s meals, of him sneaking spices on her food, of warm meals shared. It’s such a simple thing and yet it means so much.

“Bayushi-san showed me courtesy. In doing so, he reminded me of my own humanity.”

The truth of things finally expressed, she bows again. “Thank you.”

Day 4 Tournament Event: Artisan: Poetry / Awareness, Avant-garde emphasis. Prodigy for +1k0. Void point spent to gain +1k1. 2 called raises for Sapphire points. TN 30. | 10k4 ⇒ 46 (TN: 30)
+3 Sapphire points.

Dedicated to Shosuro Otoko. +3 Amigo points.

This was a struggle for our young Matsu. Rei - Courtesy.

If nothing else it showed her the limitations of her knowledge of Bushido, because she spent almost an hour racking her brain in the morning to even come up with something, but eventually Inori did.

The painting depicted a sword, sharkskin-wrapped hilt and all. Inori took care to show it in great detail, and also showed the decorated Tsuba. Deadly steel, ready to cut - but nothing of the blade was visible. It was sheathed, and Inori had taken even more care showing the details of it. The glossy lacquer, small flower and bamboo motifs. Mounting rings to hold a string for a carry handle of sorts - and a slim hand closed around said sheath.

The deadly, cutting spirit of Bushido, encased by beauty and form so as not to cut the one holding it, nor his enemies - unless necessary.

It would do.

Rolling for 3 sapphire points Successfully (39), supporting Shiba Aibou

"There is way too much overlap between Compassion and Courtesy." Hamada mumbles under her breath.

As before, the Tsi Smith had settled upon an unconventional choice:



The fan is an elegant work, but spiked tips and ridges disguise spikes with razor sharp edges.

Beneath the displayed work is a small placard:

Never forget the steel and the edge that lies between the mask of courtesy

This time, the unconventional choice goes over far better, with Hamada even seeing a few subtle nods in agreement and admiration.
___________

Presentation of Rei-Crafting a Warfan-Craft:Weaponsmith/Intelligence-3 called raises-TN 30-VP used | 7k5 ⇒ 31 (TN: 30)

For her display Yoshino elects to perform a very traditional tea ceremony. This was done intentionally and with purpose.

The approach was the same one she had learned in school and alongside her mother. They were the same techniques and principles passed down the Doji lineage for generations. There were no modern variations on aspects or reinterpretations of anything. Even the tea blend chosen was an orthodox green tea. It was old-fashioned, but steeped every way possible in convention and custom. In effect the whole display was lauding the values of centuries of hospitality and courtesy.

Yoshino performs the ceremony a few times, each time inviting onlookers to be seated and passing around the tea. Her whisking was with haste, yet not rushed. Her pouring of the hot water was refined and graceful. Every motion was practiced and intentional. Her words were the same set phrases that had persisted since Lady Doji's time. Others may have performed the ceremony with more flair or beauty, yet this particular courtier displayed the core essence of the craft as close as she was able. The popular and new twists were set aside. If it was possible to perform the ceremony as it once had been done when Rokugan and the idea of Courtesy was new... then Yoshino surely came close.

It helped that the tea kept her calm and focused.

-----
Day 4 presentation: Rei. Void for +1k1. 2 raises TN25, 7k4 = 29, pass

3 Sapphire points.

Though the cartographer had been mysteriously absent from the prior day's display, he hoped a presentation reminiscent of his first would help reassert positive impressions of him.

Today another finely detailed map was laid out for the judges. This time, the origami figures were placed carefully upon the map: several lions in repose along a line that, according to the map, ringed a city; a pair of simple wagons, seeming to pass through the lions, pointed from west to east, according to the map; and in the city a pair of less than carefully folded birds - what might have been phoenix in their fancier days - looking rather cowed by the lions facing them.

This scene was rather less obscure than the one Tatsuya had previously highlighted, and in fact could be one of several cases throughout history when a Lion army had allowed some kind of relief to pass through their lines to an enemy seemingly beaten - a prioritization of courtesy over military efficiency. Neither the map nor figures suggested how the story would end, but of course that was the point, in Tatsuya's eyes: Courtesy is a function of the now, not what might be.

In the map's lower right corner, a small dedication was noted: "From Moshi Tatsuya, humble student of the Yasuki School, to the honored samurai who embody bushido even when their immediate interest might not be served by it."

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Roll:
D4EE Rei art: Craft Cartography/Intelligence, TN 15, 2 CR for TN 25. Skill 3, Int 4, VP for 1k1. | 8k5 ⇒ 46 (TN: 25)

3 Sapphire Points

Dedication to ally Yoritomo Tomodachi

Once more the judges confer having examined all the art pieces. Then they relay their decision to the host who has the local servants capture the attention of those in the room.

"My compliments once again to the artists gathered here. Once again you have brought honor to the lessons of your teachers and have brought forthdiverse and wonderful displays of art.

Of course, as always, two are picked by the judges as their favorites. Today's selections are done by Horiuchi Sriyani and Tsi Hamada. May Sadahako continue to smile upon all of you as the competition progresses. We all look forward to your offerings on the morrow."