Soshi Ayame, an exceedingly wealthy hatamoto to the Soshi daimyo and an infamous social butterfly, is known for her eccentric and expensive tastes. Her banquets are lavish, with dozens of cooks and entertainers ensuring that that her 'closest friends' can enjoy a 'meager dinner' in a 'private setting', meager dinner usually translating to a 18 course meal served over eight hours. A well known collector and a patron of arts, Ayame also runs a gallery on World of Dreams, using the premises as an excuse to show off her personal collection and so most of the pieces on display are not for sale, carefully curated pieces meant to awe and impress any and all visitors. Indeed, rumors have it that the only way for a young and promising artist to get his or her art into Ayame's gallery requires them to find a way to her bedrooms first.

Tonight the gallery is opening with a new exhibition portraying religious art from both Bayushi Rin and Yogo Tetsuo, as well as older, highly coveted pieces from Ayame's own vaults. Digital artwork is displayed among the traditional paintings, screens displaying subtly changing digital drawings and more abstract works taking almost half of the exhibition space. One of the screens shows a drone footage from rough-hewn passageways that are large for human traffic and a vast, unlit chamber with glimmers of light spangled across the faraway walls. Examination of the lights finds small carved scenes behind elaborate stone ‘screens’ depicting almost familiar, but definitely divine subjects whose identities and actions are open for interpretation.

The occasion has both diplomats and socialites scrambling for invitations as the exhibition allows an opportunity to meet and discuss with many of the highly influential patrons of art present in the city. As the sake flows and the shadows grow longer, diplomats and courtiers gather to discuss in whispers, trading secrets among themselves.


Ronin: This is a high society event. Ronin cannot take part to this event.

Magic: Magic is not allowed unless character rolls contested Agility / Stealth (Spellcasting) against the guests. Emphasis is needed to make the roll and only that spells that last at least for an hour can be employed. Needless to say, getting caught has consequences. Soshi Shugenja school technique can be used to bypass this restriction.

Noblesse oblige
As much as the Soshi Ayame loves to flaunt her gallery, she is also rather picky about the people she associates with, her closest allies oten following her lead. To represent this, non-ronin characters reduce their TN's by 1 for each rank of Status beyond 1. Similarly, non-ronin characters reduce their TN's by 1 for each two rank of Glory beyond 1. e.g. Status 3, Glory 3 character would reduce their TN's by 3.

I know something
Character may draw the attention of the Scorpion magnates by displaying a deep understanding of the arts being displayed, either by pointing out a skillful forgery or by making an insightful comment regarding the artists chosen topic. Character may roll Forgery/Intelligence or Lore: Theology/Intelligence against TN 25. Success and each Raise grants the character a Free Raise for their 'Deal of Art' roll.

Deal of Art
Mingling with the artists and their sponsors, character may roll Courtier / Awareness or Temptation / Awareness against TN 20 to pry secrets from the Scorpion patrons present. Success and each two successful Raises called grants the character's faction an Information point. Characters with Contrary roll against TN 25 instead. Rolls are considered to be Social Skill Rolls made against Scorpion characters, but they are not considered to be Contested meaning that techniques and advantages referring to Contested Rolls do not apply. This roll triggers Benten's Blessing.

Watanabe heiress and (slightly-)noted shugenja adventuress Seika has no difficulty securing an invitation to Soshi Ayame's gallery opening. She actually does find some of the art rather interesting, and has a few rather enjoyable conversations about various of the pieces with other gallery patrons. The video footage of Hotaru Tsuyo's asteroid installation is especially intriguing, not least because she'd met the artist at the party she and Sakura threw just a few days earlier.

Her social prestige makes her a desirable guest, but the gallery atmosphere brings out Hoshi more than the (semi-)reserved Watanabe Seika--she bounces here and there chewing Scorpion-branded gum and occasionally wielding a Mantis-branded holorecorder. Alas, most of her pictures tonight don't come out as she envisions them; the light is low in some parts of the gallery but bright and harsh overhead in others, and Seika's trying to be quick and casual so as not to bother the hostess or anyone else, which isn't conducive to careful positioning nor longer exposures that could counter the dark conditions.

---
Noblesse Oblige: -3 to TNs from Status 4. -1 to TNs from Glory 3. Total bonus = -4

D9 EE Information event--Know something, Theology/Int. Noblesse Oblige lowers TN by 4 (added as static bonus to roll). 1CR. VP. | 5k4+4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 30)
Success. 2 free raises carry forward.

D9 EE Information event--Deal of Art, Courtier/Awa. Noblesse Oblige lowers TN by 4 (added as static bonus to roll). 2 FR from previous step, 2CR. VP. | 7k4+4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 30)
Success, 3 Information Points

D9 EE Information event--Compulsion. Willpower. | 3k3 ⇒ 9 (TN: 15)
D9 EE Information event--fluff Holorecorder photographing the party. Raise to be inoffensively artsy about it. | 5k3 ⇒ 14 (TN: 20)

Ah! The boring aristocracy of the WoD spending their evening to take a good look at paintings portraying religious art. Senshuken is not very eager to go to this particular gathering, but a courtier has to do what a courtier has to do.

Thankfully it turns out that fun can be found even in the most impossible occasions if one is lucky enough and the Bayushi seems to be that one tonight. First it only seemed like a minor flaw, a brush that wasn't clean enough perhaps and left a hue of crimson within the orange colors of Shiba no kami's robes, but upon better inspection, Senshuken barely suppresses a chuckle that would definitely seem out of place. She says nothing and spends a few minutes looking at the painting and waiting for the hostess to be within earshot. It is only then that her comment is delivered. "If one is to learn everything, they first must begin with their family. Lucky are those who have twins for they can understand them like they understand themselves. Isn't that like slowly taking over one another?" And forging a painting so that the world can see it if they are perceptive enough? With that delivered, the way is paved for socialising and discovering a secret or two in the process.

/I know something: Forgery/Intelligence, crafty, Noblesse oblige, vp for 1k1, TN 23: D9, EE, I know something: Forgery/Intelligence, crafty, Noblesse oblige, vp for 1k1, TN 23 | 5k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 23)

1 free raise

Deal of Art: Courtier / Awareness, Noblesse oblige, 1 raise, TN 23: D9, EE, Deal of Art: Courtier / Awareness, Noblesse oblige, 1 raise, TN 23 | 7k4 ⇒ 23 (TN: 23)

2 Information points

EE9 - Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues - Know Something (Intelligence 3, Lore: Theology 0, Sage Phantom Rank, VP +1k1, 3CR, Noblesse Oblige -2, TN38) | 5k4 ⇒ 24 (TN: 38) Fail

EE9 - Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues - Deal of Art (Awareness 4, Courtier 3, Benten's Blessing +0k1, VP +1k1, 2 CR, Noblesse Oblige -2 TN, TN28) | 8k6 ⇒ 39 (TN: 28) +2 Information Points

Outcome: 2 Information Points

Yuji wasn't a real appraiser of art. A smattering of knowledge to be sure. But he was usually far more comfortable talking down about art with Sadane than taking in any deeper meaning.

But what he was good at, was getting people to talk. The loose lips made picking up spilled secrets so easy. And so, the Deceiver worked the room to catch such juicy little details.

Sakura, wearing a fancy short red dress, was ready to party!

Oh, it was a gallery. With Art. She knew Art! She even had to steal some of it in the past.

"Yes, certainly, the blue really brings out the best in that dog picture."

"Hotaru-san, that is a frog."

"...excuse me, I think someone is calling for me."

Luckily the schmoozing bits worked.

OOC:
D9 EE Gallery of Sacred Rogues, I know something, Forgery/Int, 2CR, VP for +1k1, WW for+2 | 6k5+2 ⇒ 28 (TN: 35)

D9 EE Gallery of Sacred Rogues, Deal of Art, Courter/Awa 2CR, VP for +1k1, WW for +2, tn 30 | 9k5+2 ⇒ 38 (TN: 30)

Total: 2 info points

Tsuyo could hardly miss the event, pre-show jitters or no. It was interesting watching the fashion shift as guests divined that, unlike more recent parties, the attendees' outfits were not supposed to outshine Ayame's proudly displayed art--but everyone still wanted to be noticed and have all the usual unspoken conversations through their fashion choices. Yes...people watching was a great way to forget one's own nerves. Her own silver-grey vest, draped to mid-thigh over a tunic of Firefly earthen brown and comfortable palazzo pants in a cheerful gold. It was quiet compared to much of the high fashion; but that was a message in itself. Her work could display all the flash that warranted an invitation here, and the luxurious silk spoke of enough wealth that she might not be merely a one-season wonder.

Given the Theologically-oriented nature of her own work, she enjoyed her chance to see the other new works. She was particularly keen to see Tetsuo's new work, always vibrant, with layers of spiritual meaning that required more than one viewing to tease apart...at least in her experience.

Inevitably though, as one of the artists with work on display, she had to spend a fair amount of time being entertaining and interactive, providing the guests with diversion beyond the art on display. At least, if she had to be distracted from the show, she was able to pull some useful information from them in return.

***************************************
Noblesse oblige
Glory 4 = -1 to TNs

I know something
D9 Event: I know something (-1 TN from Noblesse oblige), Lore: Theology/Intelligence, Void for +1k1 | 4k4 ⇒ 28 (TN: 25) TN actually 24

Success, 1 FR for next step

Deal of Art
D9 Event: Deal of Art (-1 TN from Noblesse oblige), Courtier / Awareness, Void for +1k1, 1FR from previous step, 1CR TN 24 | 7k4 ⇒ 55 (TN: 24) Forgot Contrary, TN actually 29. Still a success

2 points total

The Akodo managed to secure an invitation, likely owing to her proximity to the social butterflies of the Lion: the Generals. While not a stranger to art, the subject matter was simply outside of her depth of knowledge...or interest really. She tried to recall anything that would aid in discussing the subjects of the works but was simply unable.

So instead she tried to work her charms on the crowd, but being rather snoody Scorpions they did little but politely mock the clearly obtuse Lion. Fortunately for them, Reki was not a woman given to answering arguments with fists. So ultimately she left frustrated and empty handed, while her conversation partners got to keep their noses intact. For now.

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Noblesse oblige - Status 3 for -2 - Glory 2 for 0

[D9 EE] - Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues - I know something - Lore: Theology/Intelligence. -2 TN from Status 3. VP for skill. TN23 | 4k3 ⇒ 16 (TN: 23) - Failed unsurprisingly

[D9 EE] - Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues - Deal of Art - Courtier/Awareness - Contrary TN25. -2 from Status TN23. Benten's Blessing Active. VP for +1k1. 2 Called Raises | 8k6 ⇒ 26 (TN: 33) - Failed surprisingly

0 Information points

The Princess of Twilight was of course invited, being famous, fashionable, and of importance. For the evening her outfit combined the colors of the Spider, Crane, and Mantis.

Perhaps surprisingly to everyone, Yakumo managed to showcase that she really understood art, even of a more classical variety. "The artist has done an impressive depiction evoking the elements of Jizo-no-Kami here, as you can tell by the light in this painting being drawn to the toppled tower of small stones in the background..." she said, going into some of the details on how the undertones of the painting was on the subject of mercy.

Being a famous artist herself, there was a rather natural draw around her to speak about art, inspirations, and possible collaberations. While Yakumo had a lot on her mind, she was very focused when it came to art, and that focus paid off with some interesting tidbits she'd share with her kin later.


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D9 EVENT EE. Gallery of Sacred Rogues. I Know Something. -4 Noblesse Oblige. Lore: Theology/Intelligence untrained. +1k1 Void. TN21. | 3k3 ⇒ 21 (TN: 21)

D9 EVENT EE. Gallery of Sacred Rogues. Deal Of Art. -4 Noblesse Oblige. Courtier/Awareness. +1k1 Void. 1FR from "I Know Something", 3 Raises. TN 31 | 8k5 ⇒ 61 (TN: 31)

3 Information Points

Another party, another dress. This time in Kakita Ruri's frilly, lacey, gothic style, but still in Crane blue and with thigh highs. Never going to give up on his favourites after all. His hair had been braided up into twin tails, one behind each ear.

He was a priest. Had almost become a funerary priest by assignment. Carried the rich history of the Asahina family, and the art appreciation of the Crane. Oh my kami was he bored traipsing around all this dull religious art. UGH. At least the drone shots of the big sparkly asteroid interior were a bit more interesting and held most of his attention. Not that he understood any of it, just pretty sparkles . . . .

Now the talking to people after the art, that he was better at. Enough that he got something useful for the clan out of it.

--
D9 EE Gallery of Sacred Rogues: I Know Something, Lore:Theo/Int, -2 for Glory, TN 23 | 3k2 ⇒ 12 (TN: 23) Thank you Sakkaku, a roll I expected to fail fails at last!
D9 EE Gallery of Sacred Rogues: Deal of Art, Court/Awa, -2 for Glory, TN 18 | 5k4 ⇒ 20 (TN: 18) 1 Info

Totals: 1 Information Point

Ah yes, art. It wasn't something that Rei knew much about. Fitting in to a crowd like this wasn't easy.

But, well, it didn't really matter. The art was only the excuse. The conversation was the real goal for most of them, and the smooth Hare was charming enough that the other guests didn't mind that his comments were limited to "looks nice" and "good use of colors".

In the end, he didn't come away with a lot, but he did get a little.

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D9EE Event, I Know Something, Unskilled Theology/Int, Status 2 | 3k3 ⇒ 21 (TN: 24)
D9EE Event, Deal of Art, Court/Aware, Status 2 -1TN | 5k3 ⇒ 28 (TN: 19)

1 Info Point

"This is a banana glued to the wall."
"This is art Kitsu-sama."
"Also, the glue is melting due to the heat from all these harsh lights."
"This is living art Kitsu-sama."
"Also, didn't you pay some starving artist a few koku for the idea, and now you're selling it to for thousands of koku?"
"This is the art market Kitsu-sama."

---

D9 EE | Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues | I know something
Lore: Theology/Intelligence TN25 | 3 called raised, total TN40
VP for skill | 5k4 ⇒ 18 (TN: 40)

Fail.

D9 EE | Information Event: Gallery of Sacred Rogues | Deal of Art
Courtier/Awareness TN20 | 2 called raised, TN30
VP for +1k1 | 8k5 ⇒ 25 (TN: 30)

Fail, no point.

Well, it was definitely probably art perhaps. Unless this was all some sort of clever Scorpion trick to make everyone look bad. Katsutoshi squinted a little and looked around at the hosts. Hmm, maybe. After all, he didn't see any sculpted asteroids, so what kind of art was this anyway?!

Wandering around somewhat confused he struck up a few conversations that undoubtedly led the hosts to conclude he knew nothing about fine art. This was true. However, it did lull them into a false(-ish) sense of security, and the Firefly managed to pick up some useful information as he drifted between conversations asking foolish questions.

Rolls
Day 9. EE. Gallery of Sacred Rogues. I know something Lore: Theology/Intelligence against TN 25. Void for skill. 5k4 vs TN25 | 5k4 ⇒ 23 (TN: 25)
I know nothing.

Day 9. EE. Gallery of Sacred Rogues. Deal of Art. Lore: Courtier / Awareness TN20. 2CR. Void for +1k1. 8k5 vs TN30. | 8k5 ⇒ 40 (TN: 30)
Success. +2 Information points.

With the theme of the gathering, Sumiko went back to her usual kimono style that she hadn't been wearing a lot recently. She had missed it, as nice as the 'modern' style of clothes was the girl felt more at home in her kimono.

Wandering through the gallery, she could see the theme clearly. Motioning to one of them as she was speaking with a young Soshi artist and speaking in detail about how the artist had used a rendition of a scene based of an actual event that happened on the main Rokugan homeworld a few thousand years ago. This sparked up a debate on art, and during that Sumiko learnt a few things about the artists that would be useful to know.


(OOC:
D9 EE Information event roll 1 - Lore:Theology(sage)/Int TN25 | 5k4 ⇒ 36 (TN: 25) passed, 1 FR to final roll
D9 EE Information event roll 2 - Courtier/Awareness+prodigy+bentens blessing. TN20+1 raise +1 FR from I know Soemthing. TN25 total | 8k5 ⇒ 42 (TN: 25)
2 information points total

Osamu looks over the paintings, interest obvious. A Scorpion looks on.

"Are you impress Phoenix-san?" He asks, amusement in his voice.

"It's masterful work" Osamu replies.

"Oh my, you are quite the art coneissour Phoenix-san?"

"Oh no!" Osamu shakes his head. "Not of art. But the forgery is extremely well done. You can barely see the places where the art was digitally edited from the artist's actual pattern for this recreation." He beams. "I hope our host did not pay too much for it."

The Scorpion's humor immediately fades as he rushes back to chat with a friend. Osamu is able to glean some very interesting details from the discussion.


_____
D9EE-Gallery of Rogues-I know something-Forgery/Intelligence-TN reduced by 2 for Status 3 (Noblesse Oblige)-2 raises called-TN 33-VP spent | 8k5 ⇒ 46 (TN: 33) 3 free raises passed

D9EE-Gallery of Rogues-Deal of Art-Courtier/Awareness-TN reduced by 2 for Status 3 (Noblesse Oblige)-1 raises called, 3 free raises I know things in effect-TN 28-VP spent | 8k4 ⇒ 51 (TN: 28) pass with 4 raises

3 Information Points

Borrowing once more from the Crab embassies stores of very fancy dresses that were more often loaned out to almost any other family aside from the Kuni, Koyuki comes dressed to impress once more.

Looking through the pieces Koyuki could tell the theological importance therein regarding some of the notable ones. However, it wasn't a realm of theology she often found herself most concerned with. Only every vaguely being able to keep up with conversation concerning them rather than really wowing anyone with her additional understanding. Still, she maintains herself well enough among a small group of lesser scorpion courtiers for the night who laugh and joke among one another of the goings on. Keeping herself in the good graces, and eyes, of that central head of the group enough that she desired Koyuki's company throughout the portion of the evening that was spent together.

[Rolls:]
Day 9, EE | Know Something: Theology(int) | 4k3 ⇒ 21 (TN: 25)
Day 9, EE | Deal of Art: Temptation(awa) | 4k3 ⇒ 25 (TN: 20)

1 Information Point!

Kiyoshi stifled a yawn. He had just finished a nap and was still trying to wake up. He really didn't understand the art on display, but it was interesting.

The Detective found some of it very appealing. The Fox, on multiple occasions, had to pull his companion away from a display he'd become too fascinated with. It was a problem and they'd have to leave early, but the Detective had created the opportunity for at least one informative conversation.


- - -
Cannot pass I Know Something

[D9 EE] - INFORMATION EVENT: GALLERY OF SACRED ROGUES, Courtier/Awareness, Glory 6 | 4k3 ⇒ 29 (TN: 18)

1 Information Point

It had been a rather long, big day for Yamako and she sadly didn't know much about art, much less religious art. This was unfortunately evident. Perhaps she should have stayed home.

D9, information event, EE, I know something roll

2 int, void used for skill, Tn -2 du to status. | 3k2 ⇒ 17 (TN: 23)

Failure, no free raises

She tried to listen in on conversations but unfortunately just kept hearing people arranging assignations. Was everyone just having sex on this world? Was there something in the water? Kami damn it.

D9: EE Information Event, Deal of Art roll

Courtier 4, Awareness 3, 1 void used for 1k1, TN reduced by 2 due to status 2 | 8k4 ⇒ 18 (TN: 28)

No success, no points.

Nishdia knew how to make good comments for art, but it was his attitude towards art that prevented him from collecting information.

"You wanted how much koku for this painting?!" he was heard shouting once across the hall. "Profiteering, for a doodle that a Shiba Inu on drugs could have done better!"

Needless to say, he was quickly removed from the lot.

----
D9 EE - I know something: Lore: Theology 1 (Sage)/ Intelligence 3, +1k1VP, 1CR | 5k4 ⇒ 48 (TN: 30) +2FR

D9 EE - Deal of Art: Courtier 3 / Awareness 4, +1k1VP, 2FR, 2CR Noblesse Oblige -2 | 8k5 ⇒ 26 (TN: 28) - Fail -_-

Kazumi was in a good mood going into things tonight dressed in a all black suit with a crimson tie with subtle darker red scorpions on it. They had their eyes done with black around the eye directly and red around that going out in a wing.

Things started off well as Kazumi pointed out a fair number of issues with a few pieces indicating their status as forgeries but they perhaps pried a little too hard on the guests as it became clear they were looking for information and the other guest while still enjoying Kazumi's company retreated to safe surface layer topics.

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D9 EE event I know something Forgery/Intelligence vp for skill -1 tn for event rules tn 24 | 5k4 ⇒ 25 (TN: 24) 1 fr on next roll

D9 EE event deal of art courtier/awa vp +1k1 -1 tn from event rules 3 cr 1 fr tn 34 | 8k5 ⇒ 31 (TN: 34) fail no info

Event is closed, but you can still post your Information gains to your clan folder if you have not done it so.