Ide Rushia, a caravan master and socialite, sent out invitations to a few selected Samurai. She wishes to enjoy a picknick and some entertainment, catch up on recent events in the city and get in touch with a few new faces.

As the hours pass, the sun sets and servants bring small candles, handing one of them to each guest, lighting the flame.

Rushia will now ask each one of her guests to tell a story. Once they have shared their tale, the performer shall blow the candle, so darkness slowly gathers around them.

The Flow of the Evening

This part is a Freeform experience, but because every voice deserves to be heard, we will use a light turn order to ensure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.

Setting the Stage: Initiative

Before the first tale begins, let’s see who captures the audience’s attention first!

• The Roll: Sentiment (Void) TN 1.
• The Score: Successes + Focus.
• Style Points: Use those Opportunities to show exactly how your character carries themselves as they prepare to speak.

As always, if you have an Advantage, Disadvantage, School Ability, or Shuji that feels perfect for this scene, let me know before you roll—I’d love to see you use your unique gifts!

The Weaver of Tales

On your turn, you have the floor to tell a story. To see how your tale lands with the assembly, you’ll perform a masterful "Three-Step Performance":

1. The Insight: Sentiment (Water) TN 2 to read the current mood of the guests.
2. The Knowledge: Culture (Earth) TN 2 to recall the perfect story to fit—or shift—that mood.
3. The Delivery: Performance (Fire) TN 2 to tell the tale with enough heart to captivate your listeners!

Mastering the Mood

The atmosphere of the picnic is a living thing, flowing in a beautiful cycle! Your goal is to navigate these emotions:

Wonder ↔ Passion ↔ Fury ↔ Solemnity ↔ Safety ↔ Serenity ↔ Melancholy ↔ Suspicion ↔ (Back to Wonder) And at the heart of all things lies... Awe.

The Challenge Rating:

• Steady Hand (TN 1): If you choose to stay within the current mood, the TN is reduced!
• Natural Flow (TN 2): If you move to the next or previous mood in the circle (or move toward Awe), the TN remains standard.
• The Bold Leap (TN 3): If you try to jump to a mood that doesn't naturally follow (like going straight from Wonder to Solemnity), the TN increases.

Opportunities can be used as usual to add flavor, reduce strife, or gain social momentum!