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 Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:30 am
demon_pachabel KUMIKO: While the ceremony of Kodo is a complex one and may take years to master – upwards to 30 being the quoted amount – it seems that the Clan of Conquest has taken it upon themselves to at least bestow a small challenge of observation upon the students in the form of a game that, in theory, is rather simple. One of the younger members of Conquest’s Clan, for the sake of difficulty adjustment, has set up 5 different samples of incense on scentless bamboo squares.
A small demonstration is made as how to smell them – also known as ‘hearing’ the scents, with the square held up to one’s nose and the hand cupped over the square in order to scent it.
With this done, the rest of the explanation is given: Your task is to determine which scents are the same, and which are different! Several scents might match each other, some might not match any of the others. For this task, you are given several different sizes of block.
Using these blocks, you stack them so that a top bar may be put across matching incenses, which will form certain Genji-mon (also called Genji-ko) to denote chapters of the Tale of Genji (a strange tale from the Human World O_O!! )
For example, if the first and the last scents match each other, you would stack your blocks to form the chapter ‘Maboroshi’ (Chapter 41, ‘The Wizard’) with three shorter blocks in the center, and two taller ones on each end with the longer block set across the top of them.
The trickiness comes in that some scents may be very similar to each other, but not the same, and some might be exactly the same just to trick you!
Once you have ‘heard’ each scent and set up your blocks, the individual who set up the challenge will let you know how you did.Mechanics! [ Mechanics: ] You will roll twice for this! In both posts, roll 5d6. In the first post, the dice represent your students ‘guess’ at the scents. Any matching numbers are matching scents! The second post is the Horseman who set up your challenge telling you how you did. However.As there are only 5 blocks, the number 6 is a wildcard! You may alter the number 6 in your roll to be any number of your choosing! How nice! What the numbers are exactly doesn’t matter, it simply matters that numbers repeat in the same places in each roll. Example First Post Invictus rolls 5d6 He gets 33113 That means he guesses that the first two scents and the last one match, as do the third and the fourth one. That means his blocks resemble the chapter ‘Wakana no jo’ (Chapter 34, New Herbs, Part 1). Second Post The Horseman who set up the event rolls 5d6 He gets 44226 This means that because the last number is a 6, it is a wildcard! I can now change this ‘real’ answer’s 6 to a 4, and have the same matching pattern as Invictus had in his guess! Gasp! He got it right! WHY:
You get points based on your accuracy! (SELECT ONLY ONE)
If you 100% match the Horseman’s set up, take 3 points!
If you were one block off of 100%, take 2 points!
If there are multiple matches and you only get one of the two correct, take 2 points!
If you were one off of the second match, take 1 point!
If you matched the wrong pattern, but there was an existing pattern, take 1 point! 
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 5 6-sided dice:
3, 4, 4, 5, 4
Total: 20 (5-30)
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:48 am
Upon arrive Mitsu took to exploring on her own instead of sticking with Hel like she had last time. No doubt the ghoul needed a break. Quietly she walked the open area until she came to one of the training exercises. It had to do with smells and scents. Figuring that she couldn't be too bad at it Mitsu sat down and watched the horseman show her what to do. The different incense was messing with her nose, much like it had on Death Isle, so she hoped she wouldn't completely screw it up. After the demonstration Mitsu carefully lifted the tiles and sniffed them as shown. The incense made her nose burn and itch but she placed the tiles in the order she thought they should be. It took some time to arrange them and lots of second guessing but finally she sat back and waited to see how she did.
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 5 6-sided dice:
2, 4, 5, 4, 5
Total: 20 (5-30)
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:00 pm
Mitsu wasn't certain she had 'heard' the scents as well as she could have and sneezed accordingly as her nose tried to rid itself of the burning sensation. She apologized and watched carefully as the horseman showed her the correct combination. Her first tile had been correct but the the ones that followed were terribly off. The chapter from the tale that she had guessed was Chapter Seven Momiji no ga (Autumn Outing) and the correct answer had been Chapter Eleven Hana chiru sato (Orange Blossoms). Examining the tiles again Mitsu tried to determine the subtle scents between them. They were easily interchangeable. Once she was satisfied that she had narrowed down on her mistake she thanked the horseman for his time and then moved on so that she could get some fresh air and clear her nose.
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 12:19 pm
ETIQUETTE:You find yourself standing in a precisely manicured field, pristine green grass stretching out in front of you for what seems like miles. A gaggle of large flightless birds stand in the shape of a horseshoe, a few of them already engaged by other students. A horseman of Conquest approaches you, her deep olive hair serving to help camouflage her against the surrounding grasses.
"Greetings. You may call me Rucha. Today you will be working with the adara." She sweeps an arm toward the birds, her long sleeves trailing through the grass at her feet. "On the whole, members of this species have a lot in common with humans as far as temperament and intelligence are concerned, so you should have no trouble getting them to tolerate you." She frowns and looks you up and down. "In theory." Rucha moves to one side, allowing you to step past her.
"Take this," She hands you a list of instructions. "Choose a bird, and make an effort to earn its trust."Instruction One Begin by bowing to the adara to show it you mean no harm. Try to at least act sincere.Roll 1d4.1: Your bow is suitably impressive. The adara inclines its head and drops a feather. Perhaps it will be of some use later. Go on to the next instruction.2: The bird screams in terror and pushes you to the ground before running away. You fail and may not continue further today.3: You don't make proper eye contact at first, but soon your adara is nuzzling up to you anyway. It seems you have a natural affinity for dealing with the beasts, at least at the moment. A future as a DETH representative might be in the cards. You obtain one feather and may go on to the next instruction.4: You bow, but it's kind of a weak attempt. Still, your bird responds. It doesn't seem terribly enthusiastic about the whole situation though. You may go on to the next instruction, but you have not earned a feather. Instruction Two Next you should offer the adara a refreshing drink of water or a salted cracker.Roll 1d6.1: The adara nibbles at your cracker, then turns away and starts to graze on the leaves near its feet. You pass, but not by much. You may move on to the next instruction.2: After you've fed your bird its snack, the adara puffs up and begins to gag. You've failed the challenge, but you do obtain a feather as a result of its misery! You may not continue further today.3: Your adara drinks its water daintily, then allows you to pet it. You pass and you get a feather! You may move on to the next instruction.4: Sadly, after your bird eats your cracker, it quickly moves on to the next student, letting them pet it and collect one of its feathers. The two timer! Eventually your adara wanders back. You pass and may move on to the next instruction.5: The adara in front of you ignores your cracker, but another animal wanders over to eat it instead, giving you one of its feathers in thanks! You pass and may move on to the next instruction.6: You drop your water and crackers, watching in dismay as a passing bird tramples them. You fail and may not continue further today. Instruction Three Ask the adara something about itself, listening attentively when it answers, even though you can't understand a word of its reply.Roll 1d6.1: You ask the bird to tell you where it was born and it responds with a happy trill and a long, drawn out bird story. After a while, you begin to get bored. The adara stops mid-chirp, gets up, and waddles away. You fail and may not continue further today.2: The adara looks on in confusion and dismay as you try to stutter out an interesting question. You fail and may not continue further today.3: Your bird is pleased by your question. It sits down and shares a tweety tale of intrigue that you manage to remain bright-eyed and alert for. You pass and may move on to the next instruction.4: Your question frightens the adara and it leaves your vicinity with a shiver. Its shaking causes one of its feathers to fall nearby. You fail and may not continue further today.5: In an effort to seem like you care, you ask your adara a very personal question that it refuses to answer. You fail and may not continue further today.6: You've coincidentally hit on your adara's favorite topic of all time, and even if you can't understand what it's saying, it's still pretty entertaining. You listen as attentively as you can, and are awarded with a feather for your trouble. You pass and may move on to the next instruction. Instruction Four Lastly, tell the adara a secret. These animals love to think they're up on the latest gossip.Roll 1d4.1, 2: Your secret is a sad, boring one that nobody cares about. You fail.3: The adara listens, rapt, as you tell it a little-known tale of intrigue and madness. When you're done, it drops a feather at your feet. You pass.4: Everybody knows that secret! The adara shakes its head, accidentally dislodging a feather for you to keep. You fail. Horsemen Points For each feather you have (up to three) at the end of this test you may claim a Horsemen Point. Quote: Q: What happens if I fail?You stop. You can try again tomorrow or the next, but once you fail you're done.
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 1 4-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-4)
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:10 pm
As Mitsu continued exploring she never expected to stumble upon an etiquette class. The instructor was barely visible, stepping out from her spot to gesture to the bird and explain what Mitsu needed to do.
Nodding lightly Mitsu looked around for a moment, nervously trying to decide who she should try to approach. She spotted one of the colorful birds not far off and approached it slowly and carefully. When she was a suitable distance away Mitsu first dipped her head before bowing respectfully to the creature as the instructor had told her to.
It seemed to work, she supposed. It didn't scream in terror or immediately take flight. Instead it dropped a feather which Mitsu gently picked up and examined.
Feather Obtained!
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 1 6-sided dice:
4
Total: 4 (1-6)
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:16 pm
Taking a seat with the adara Mitsu looked around to see what the others were doing. It looked like they were offering their birds food or drink. That seemed polite so Mitsu carefully lifted a cracker to the adara.
"Would you like one?"
The adara seemed eager to eat the cracker but once it was finished it wandered off to be petted by another student. Only after a time did it return.
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 1 6-sided dice:
2
Total: 2 (1-6)
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:39 pm
When the bird had finally returned Mitsu tried to think what to do next. Her mind was a little muddled now so all she could manage to do was stutter. She had been hoping to ask the adara a question but now that wasn't possible and after a moment the bird simply wandered off.
Ears falling back Mitsu looked to the instructor nervously before getting up to leave. Maybe she would try to win the bird over tomorrow.
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 5:23 pm
Those who had taken Week 1 of the Clan of Conquest's class might recognize the female seated on the chair in the room; in front of her was a Guzheng. Standing on her left was a horsewoman who was dressed like a servant ghoul holding a Pipa, and on her right stood a horsewoman who looked like she was of the same age as the servant ghoul, but was dressed in clothing that looked more colorful and decorative.
"Welcome. I am Zhang Liulian, but you may address me as Professor Zhang. Traditionally, dancing is an art form reserved for females, but in recent years, even males had taken up this art," She explained, giving you a small smile, "It requires flexibility, a quick reflex... It is not as easy as you think it might be. In fact, it requires years of practice to get dancing down. Here, let my disciple show you." She turned to the ghoul on her right and gave her a nod; immediately, the young ghoul brightened up, moving to the space in front. When Professor Zhang started to play the Guzheng, accompanied by her servant's Pipa, the young ghoul performed a dance so entrancing, it probably kept you captivated.
"Same say that dancing may even lift your spirits and heal your soul... Why don't you find that out for yourself, child?"Quote: Time to dance!-> Roll these in separate posts and RP it out! -> It's more fun with friends. >_> Step 1: Costume : Just describe/post/draw it!-> Keep it CHINESE. -> Not Asian... CHINESE. >| Google it! -> It can be from the Huns as well. As long as CHINA. Step 2: Picking a prop from a "blind box" : 1d41 : Paper fan 2 : Streamers 3 : Nothing 4 : A long strip of thin fabric...? -> Remember to use what you got with the prompt below! Step 3: Now you dance : 1d201 - 6 : You tripped over your costume/foot/flat ground/etc and failed. 7 - 11 : You were a little out of pace with the music, but at least you tried! (1 Horsemen Point!) 12 - 15 : You were one with the music, but... Your dance wasn't exactly that graceful or captivating. In fact, are the Horsewomen giggling at you?! (2 Horsemen Points!) 16 - 20 : You did well for a beginner! It seemed like you had earned a genuine smile from the Horsewomen! (You obtain 3 Horsemen Points!) Horsemen Points - You win 3 horsemen points for completing step 3/ rolling 16 - 20 (after finishing all other steps fully)!
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 5:57 pm
Mitsu had show up for training in the performing arts in an outfit that had been loaned to her. The colors weren't as bright but it was still rather pretty and much more functional that she had imagined. At least after she was able to switch the skirt for a pair of pants. The long flowing robes didn't agree with her awkward footing and she often found herself face first on the floor. After a sore nose and thoroughly scraped hands, it was deemed it would be safer to put her in something that wouldn't drag around her feet. She smiled at Professor Zhang as she arrived listening to her instruction before watching the ghoul at her side perform. It was...simply amazing. Mitsu knew for sure she would never be able to match her skill. She would still give it her best though!
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 1 4-sided dice:
2
Total: 2 (1-4)
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 5:59 pm
The Professor gestured Mitsu and a few others toward a box. One by one the students ahead of her picked out random items, streamers, bits of fabric, fans and so on. She wasn't sure what she would get when she reached in and looked the box over curiously before sticking her hand inside and groping around.
After a short moment the lycan drew back a bundle of streamers in her hand. Colorful and decorative she wondered how she would put them to use.
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Inu-Mitsu rolled 1 20-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-20)
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Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 6:01 pm
Gripping the streamers nervously Mitsu watched the other students go before her. It was obvious they had been at this longer. They were graceful as they danced across the area either on their own or using their prop to enhance what they were doing.
When it was her turn Mitsu slowly made her way center stage and suddenly remembered she didn't like to be the center of attention. She fidgeted with her streamers staring at the teacher who was urging her to try. With a reluctant nod Mitsu began to move.
She unfurled the streamers as she tried to turn, already knowing her movements were awkward at best. Mitsu would never have a chance to figure out how awkward though because the streamer quickly tangled around her feet. In a matter of seconds her lower half was basically hog tied and she teetered, trying to hop to stay upright. One hop, two hop, three hop, floor.
Ah the ground, her old nemesis. Gravity was a cruel mistress. She wiggled trying to free her feet from their bonds, nervously looking up at the horsemen as they exchanged looks, shrugging, or laughing as they pointed. Disappointed with what she had done Mitsu quickly made her exit after apologizing to the teacher.
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