After a few years, as his children neared their graduation age, Hinata began to take. His daughter, who would become Asahina Ryoko after her gempukku, was immensely bored with the convention and often found herself loitering the lobby throughout the day to work on her creative pursuits. In the subsequent Realm Expo, she would use the venue to set up a booth where she would present her artistic interpretations of the realms on canvas and personally-designed clothing articles. Hinata and his associates were quick to overlook the stand but Ryoko was able to attract attention with passersby, many of whick had no interest in the expo, to begin with.
From Asahina Ryoko's stand, the creative and entertainment aspect of the convention would continue to grow and eclipse the foundations laid out by her father. Much of the academic crowd would slowly distance themselves from the popular affair, becoming a smaller portion of the convention. It would be her marriage into the Shosuro family that would perhaps cement the annual event in the World of Dreams and Realm Expo would become a convention celebrating artistic visions inspired by the many spiritual realms beyond Ningen-Do. Presently, the expo serves as both parts celebration and amusement, inviting attendees from all over the galaxy to experience the creative interpretation of the spirit realms with bits of education sprinkled along the way.
This will be the 34th annual Realm Expo.
Magic: Magic is allowed.
Traverse the Realms
Realm Expo has long grown from a few conference rooms and a lone stand, becoming a full-blown convention. Each section of the convention is separated by realms, each often hosting its own multitude of stands and exhibits dedicated to their realm. While it is possible to see all of the realms in their entirety, it is perhaps more difficult to experience each offering in its entirety in one visit. Attendees will have to plan their day accordingly and select up to three realms to participate in.
During their time in the realms, each attendee is given a 'passport' where they are able to log their participation. These accumulated and earned passport stamps will be translated into Realm Points, which will measure each attendee's ultimate standing in all of the spirit realms. At the end of their journey, attendees will be evaluated for their participation and their worthiness to earn an exclusive plushie of Realm Expo's mascot, Fuyuki the Fox!
Chikushudo - Realm of Animals
Chikushudo is depicted as a realm with a pleasant woodlands landscape, made possible by potted trees and rolled-out turf to make the realm a very real illusion for visitors passing by. The lighting here is as warm and vivid as natural sunlight to give it a bright disposition. Animals from the local menagerie also make an appearance here, meandering freely as they roam the space alongside their human guests. The experts have made sure that the animals are mostly herbivores and won't pose a risk to the guests, or each other.
At the centre of the area, attendees will find perhaps the only civilized structure within an open clearing in the artificial forest, a small traditional temple dedicated to Inari. Many of the roaming animals will congregate in this area as there are is plentiful of feed littered about for them to feast on. There is an acting trope dressed as fable kitsune which seems to be performing the custom of a traditional wedding where two grooms are being wed. In order to observe the wedding, guests will need to either remain hidden or manage the animals so that the proceedings aren't interrupted. This will either require an Animal Handling/Awareness check at TN15 or a Stealth (Sneaking)/Agility check at TN20. A successful roll will earn 1 Realm Point with an additional Realm Point for each successful Raise called.
Gaki-Do - Realm of the Hungry Dead
The realm of Gaki-Do is represented in a desolate landscape surrounding a dilapidated and crumbling feudal kyuden. The ground is made of dried earth with uneven patches that might make for tripping hazards for the careless. Temperatures here have been turned down to make it chilly with wind generators piped in to create the occasional gusts for effect. The lighting here is tinges of yellow and red to create an eerie experience alongside the droning soundtrack of moans coming from the hungry dead.
The landscape isn't the only thing that's hostile to visitors here, as the realm packs several surprises designed to scare any attendees who attempt to make their way through the area. There are holographic projections of hungry ghosts, engineered contraptions, and the occasional costumed volunteer who lurk in the shadows. Ultimately, all of these are mostly harmless but will test the resolve of each attendee depending on which one path they take. Each attendee chooses one of the following paths and makes a Fear check, determined by the path.
- Courtyard - The courtyard is the most scenic and the longest path around the kyuden. There are perhaps more dangers found in the uneven terrain and the bits of foam rubble that may be found strewed about in a haphazard manner. Most of the ghosts are preoccupied inside the kyuden but there are some who roam around with the sharp gusts of wind. If a visitor isn't too careful, they might find themselves encountering one of the hungry dead. Each attendee here makes a check against Fear 2 (TN15). On success, they will earn 1 Realm Point.
- Halls - The attendee may choose to go inside the haunted kyuden and through its halls. Many ghosts lurk in the shadows, often giving some hints of their presence to notch up tensions before making their appearance just when visitors think they are safe. Each attendee here makes a check against Fear 3 (TN20). On success, they will earn 2 Realm Points.
- Inner Sanctum - The quickest way through this area would be going through the kyuden and into the inner sanctum where the courtroom is found. Unfortunately, this is where all of the hungry ghosts are found in great numbers and they are hungry to feast on the visitors. The ghosts found here will be relentless and will haunt the visitors at every chance they get. Anyone who passes through here unscathed will be highly respected. The attendee makes a check against Fear 5 (TN30). On success, they will earn 4 Realm Points
Jigoku - Realm of Evil
The Realm of Evil is interpreted as a narrow, cramped, and claustrophobia-inducing rock cavern whose path seems to twist in a spiral toward the centre of the room. Along their journey toward a certain direction, visitors will see both projected and costumed oni standing on the sidelines to welcome them to a sort of hell. The oni will also be seemingly operating various torture implements. While these have no obvious victims, the constant wailing filling the rooms does a lot to paint a horrendous picture in the imagination. The room constantly fluctuates between cold and hot, giving very little comfort to those here.
The end of the journey around the twisting path will bring the attendees to a throne where an oni lord sits. Lesser oni will surround the attendee while the oni lord promises power and riches if they are willing to pay the price with their souls. Ambient whispers will be played in the background to tempt the attendees to this offer of power but ultimately the choice is theirs. This will leave the attendee to select one of two choices:
- Refuse - Attendees may roll Etiquette/Awareness at TN20 to refuse the offer without angering the oni, or roll Lore: Shadowlands/Intelligence at TN10 to discern the oni and his true intentions. A successful roll will earn 1 Realm Point with an additional Realm Point for each successful Raise called. In the case of either success or failure, the attendee is ejected from Jigoku and sent on their way.
- Accept - Those who accept the oni lord's offer must give up 2 Realm Points. Those who do not have enough Realm Points when participating in this event are put at -3 Realm Points instead for their current total moving forward in the event. Attendees roll 1d8-2 and gain that many Realm Points from their pact with the wretched oni lord, this can cause the attendee to lose further Realm Points.
Sakkaku - Realm of Mischief
Attendees will immediately find themselves in a distorted space with the use of smoke, mirrors, and kami-generated projected illusions. There are no certain direction attendees can go as they traverse through this engineered funhouse, passing through a maze of mirror screens, twisting floors, and constantly shifting doorways. The convincing projection of a denizen of Sakkaku will occasionally appear in front of attendees before blinking out of sight, making it almost seem like it was only a trick of the light.
During the dizzying adventure through the Realm of Mischief, attendees will find themselves with a random encounter where they will have to test themselves against one of the denizens of Sakkaku. To determine their encounter, roll a 1d4. The result will the corresponding encounter.
- Mischievous Mujina - A group of mujina will plague the attendee during their stay here, often giving them false advice and changing the entrance before them to send them on a circular path. Attendees may attempt to see through their tricks with an Investigation (Notice)/Perception check at TN15 or attempt to scare them off with an Intimidation(Bullying)/Willpower check at TN20. A successful roll will earn 1 Realm Point with an additional Realm Point for each successful Raise called.
- Ornery Orochi - A fearsome Orochi guards the way out of the realm. While it has endured years of trickery putting up with the other denizens, deception and mischief are the best answers against the creature. Attendees may either make a Stealth(Sneaking)/Agility or Sincerity (Deceit)/Awareness check at TN20. A successful roll will earn 1 Realm Point with an additional Realm Point for each successful Raise called.
- Konfounding Kenku - A Kenku approaches the attendees with some riddles and enigmas drawn from its journey throughout the spirit realms. Those wanting to decipher the riddles will need to make either a Lore: Theology/Intelligence or Lore: Spirit Realms/Intelligence check at TN15. A successful roll will earn 1 Realm Point with an additional Realm Point for each successful Raise called.
- Pekkle's Proposition - A strange clone of the attendees appears before them but certain subtle details about them are missing, creating a rather unsettling uncanny valley about them. The young pekkle has taken a great interest in them, wanting to replicate their form convincingly to become more human. If the attendee attempts to aid them to complete their appearance, the pekkle will thank them and grant them safe passage through the realm, giving the attendee 3 Realm Points for their help. If the visitor has Cursed by the Realm: Sakkaku however, has no choice to help and will lose 3 Realm Points for the Pekkle's Proposition.
The spirit realm of Toshigoku is represented as a warzone that seems reminiscent of feudal Rokugan in the history records. The foreground of the area features a ruined battlement of a kyuden, smashed through with siege weapons. There is a wall that encircles an area that serves as an arena with banners, weapons, and debris strewn about the muddy-textured floors. Both sides seem to be locked into an eternal war. A sinister red haze that seems to colour the mood with plenty of sweltering heat is piped into this portion of the expo.
Visitors of this realm may participate in this eternal war with their fellow attendees or the volunteers dressed as the cursed soldiers of the realm. Each attendee is given a foam or holographic melee weapon that deals no real damage and fight for either the silver or gold army in this war. Attendees will make three skill checks with Melee Weapon Skill/Agility at TN20, each successful roll will net them one Realm Point. Raises called here will have no effect on earning additional points.
Bonuses that affect the first round of combat only count to the first roll. This can be considered attack rolls against an opponent with 2.5 Honour. There are no initiative values for either combatant as this is a constant melee with no formal start or end. Any further questions should be asked in the corresponding Q&A thread, please.
If the visitor has Cursed by the Realm: Toshigoku, they will gain the Fatigued condition at the start of the event regardless of their success for their overzealous participation as they exert themselves. This condition lasts until the attendee has a moment to rest.
- There is Only War
Attendees who rolled successfully three times will find themselves still standing at the end of the battle and locked in conflict as another round of participants file in to participate. They will make three separate skill checks with the same skill used previously at TN25, TN30, and TN35. For each successful roll, they will earn one Realm Point. Again, raises called here will have no effect on earning additional points. The affair is a gruelling challenge and participants here will have the Fatigued status for the rest of the day after all rolls for this portion are done.
The realm of dreams at the expo act as a central hub which is appropriate considering Yume-Do's interactive proximity with many realms. This portion of the expo takes the decor from the various neighbouring 'realms' at the leading entrance before they are slowly faded out into an open space with several hanging translucent curtains and veils with soft lighting. Soothing and abstract ambient sounds fill the space to give the space an ethereal mood. Attendees traversing through this realm happen into pockets of space hosting either abstract art pieces, an artisan booth, or merely a comfortable place to sit (and potentially nap).
While there can be a few stalls and booths found throughout the other realms, Yume-Do is where most of the booths dedicated to custom artistry and creative works are found. Much like Ryoko in the past, locals and guests are invited to set up their own booth where they can share their creative work with the public in a casual fashion. Often, various wares and replicas are put up for sale or given out by each corresponding booth to further spread the word of their work.
Attendees may choose to visit Yume-do multiple times to perform different activities. Each time, they may choose one of the following that they haven’t attempted before.
- Showcase - Following in the spirit of Ryoko, attendees can choose to book a table or booth to host their own artwork or creations to the public. The amount of attention their booth receives depends on a number of uncertain factors that affect how much their work can endear, inspire, or strike a quick fancy. Attendees may make either a Crafting or Artisan skill check at TN20 and earn 1 Realm Point on a successful roll. Each successful two raises called here will earn an additional 3 Realm Points.
- Sales - Attendees with their own table or booth can prioritize commerce over artistry, which often involves getting their or an associate's creation of choice produced in large quantities to be sold at a low cost to attendees. The participants can choose to make a Commerce/Perception skill check at TN15 to earn 1 Realm Point on a successful roll. Each successful raise called here will earn the attendee 1 Bu in profits.
- Relax - Conventions can be both fun and exhausting experiences without a break in between. Attendees are more than welcome to relax at one of the many comfortable "Dream" rest areas, which offer complimentary tea service and snacks. This will recover 2 Void Points without rolling, the Void Points gained here must be used for the event or are lost. If the visitor has Cursed by the Realm: Yume-Do however, they will gain no void from the Relax option.
Meido is represented as a place devoid of colour, all things here are often a shade of grey to make the decor bland and emotionless. A pervasive mist engulfs the area with flickering outlines of people moving about the floor without a certain direction but slowly wandering their way toward the foggy outline of a grand palace in the distance, likely where they will finally receive judgment and move on from this featureless purgatory.
Attendees wading through the mist will find an open theatre with standing space only where various movies are playing. Many of these movies are several centuries old but there are some newer movies that are given the greyscale treatment to make them appear older than they actually are. There is no certain theme about these movies but they seem to easily spark scathing discussion and snide critique.
The most prominent feature is a very recent horror/action movie called The Prettiest of Them All, starring Bayushi Mariko and Shosuro Takumi. The plot seems to revolve around a Crab kyuden that is hosting a marriage between the heir and a partner of the Unicorn Clan but finds itself targeted by a horde of Shadowlands monsters when an oni jealously wants the heir all to herself. The main characters are a Mirumoto samurai (played by Takumi) who fights through the hordes with ease while a helpless Doji maiden (played by Mariko) clings to his side, often stumbling into trouble at every opportunity she gets. The movie has drawn some unexpected attention despite its limited release due to its low budget, lazy direction, and its shockingly tone-deaf writing.
Attendees may make a Games: Sadane/Awareness check at TN20 to either critique the movie or purposely use its laughable nature to talk about the other participants. Alternatively, a Sincerity/Awareness check at TN25 can be made instead to attempt to pick out a few positive aspects of the film (however few and unlikely there are). Attendees gain 1 Realm Point for a successful roll and an additional 1 Realm Point for each successful raise called.
If the visitor has Cursed by the Realm: Meido, they will find themselves wandering the halls aimlessly in a daze, resulting in a -1k0 to rolls done here.
Attendee Ranks
At the conclusion of the attendee's time at the Realm Con, their total amount of Realm Points will be tallied up as an indicator of the knowledge and experience they've accumulated during their journey through the spirit realms.
3-5 Realm Points, Novice: The attendee is given the novice stamp on their passport upon their return to the Realm of Mortals and granted the rank of 'Novice'. Their venture into the realms has likely been shaky but they show some potential. Additionally, the character gains +0.1 glory.
6+ Realm Points, Veteran: The attendee is given the veteran stamp on their passport upon their return to the Realm of Mortals and granted the rank of 'Veteran'. They have shown a lot of natural aptitude in traversing the realms and might even have been a denizen of the realms in a previous lifetime. Additionally, the character gains +0.3 glory and are gifted with a Kazuya the Kitsune Traveller plushie!
Artisan items available for purchase
Gummies, Orochi-shaped - 1 zeni
Hard candy, fox-shaped - 1 zeni
Artisan-created art, print - 5 zeni
Pillow with custom artisan design - 1 bu
Commissioned art piece, sketch/basic - 1 bu
Plastic Oni or Kitsune mask - 1 bu
Chibi Starlight Miko Crusaders mystery box (collect n' trade) - 1 bu
Renga, Absconded Away - 1 bu
Denizen of the Realms plushie, small - 2 bu
Hand-made netsuke - 2 bu
T-shirt with custom artisan design - 2 bu
Nonfiction textbook on the Spirit Realms - 3 bu/per Realm
Commissioned art piece, line/basic art - 3 bu
Wish Dolls by Bayushi Mariko - 3 bu
Custom made tea set - 1 koku
Starlight Miko Crusaders: Guardian of the Realms statue, 1/7 scale - 1 koku
Starlight Miko Crusaders: Guardian of the Realms, remastered OVA collection - 1 koku
Denizen of the Realms plushie, large - 1 koku
Artisan-created art, original - 1 koku
Commissioned art piece, coloured or painted/completed - 1 to 3 koku
Massive encyclopedia collection on the Spirit Realms [Provides +2 assistance to all Lore: Spirit Realms rolls] - 2 koku
Actor 
DENIZEN OF THE REALM OF METAL 
