Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

Event Type: Suitor/Affection, Main
Participants: All
Timeslots: Early Evening

Description: The main hall of the Spring Palace was transformed into a flowering forest and lights mimicking bioluminescence. Both twins were present, Joran is a sharp uniform of the Panteer guard and Jameela is a beautiful green gown with a plunging back line that shifted various shades of green as she moved though she tended to stay near her mother who was dressed in one of her signature long gowns of white. Near to her side was Ziandra Thul and members of the Queen’s Guard and the Blackguard.

Anyone who was anyone was present at the mixer.

Rules: Players need to decide a few things before they start; one if they are going for Affection or Suitor Points/Queen’s Rose, they can try to earn points for another but this increases the difficulty of all steps by one.

If going for Suitor Points or the Queen’s Rose, upgrade the difficulty once and add two setback dice as the Queen is not easily impressed. Player’s cannot aid each other and Sidekicks will not apply.

Walk it, Talk it: The character should of course obey the proper rules of etiquette when in the presence of Alderaanian royalty they do this by making a Hard check using Cool (Presence) or Discipline (Willpower) and success here means they act as is proper. If they fail the roll upgrade the check by one. A Triumph here grants a free upgrade to the next Check and every 2 Advantage grants a boost die on the next roll up to a max of 3 Boost dice, while every 2 Threat grants a setback die up to 3 setback dice. A Despair on the roll means they have embarrassed themselves so badly that they are escorted out by the Queen’s Guard and cannot continue the event.

First Impressions: The character can now say their piece and offer congratulations or praise or whatever they feel will make a good impression. This is a Hard Charm (Presence) or Deception (Cunning) check, if they Succeed with at least 2 successes on the roll they can gain an Affection Point, if going for Suitor or Queen’s Rose they need at least 3 Successes on the roll. Threat grants strain, while three Advantages, one time use, can add a success. A Triumph also grants an additional Affection or Suitor point/Queen's Rose, while a Despair removes an Affection point or again get’s the character kicked out of the Mixer for rudeness if going for Suitor or Queen’s Rose.

You can only gain a max 2 Suitor or Affection points from this step.

The Gift: This stage has no roll, if the player wishes they can offer a gift to the Queen or the Twins based on if they chose Suitor/Queen’s Rose or Affection and the gift will be judged by the respective receiver.

If they like it they may grant another Affection or Suitor point, or lose a point if the gift is a poor choice. This is an optional step and if the player has already earned 2 Suitor points they can’t gain anymore for this step.

Rewards/Outcome: They can earn Suitor or Affection points based on the rolls. Or a Queen's Rose.

Queen's Rose: This token is a golden rose that will last for the ten days before withering away, it grants 1 free upgrade to any one roll per session during their stay at the Festival.

Destiny use: Flipping Destiny for each Suitor that is 12 used. Please upgrade your roll one time. Use this on Step 1.

Katarzyna Ulgo wasn't a common sight at these sort of events, and even less rare it was to see her decked out formal regalia, with the Ulgo-pin safely secured to her chest.

However her Jedi training made her adept at keeping her cool and growing up on Alderaan meant she knew what was socially expected. How to pick up a glass of refreshment from the server and politely acknowledge the one giving you such a service, how to eat some of the more obscure hors d'oeuvres that required a bit more skill and elegance than just plopping it into your mouth. Were it not for the elegant container on her hip that held her lightsaber, it would be hard to remember that this was in fact a Jedi Knight.

But while she was adept at navigating the social event, Katarzyna got a bit too lost in keeping up appearances, she wasn't able to make any impact in speaking of the future of Ulgo and Panteer united. At least she avoided any glares or embarrassments, and it was all just overlooked in the bustle of things and more interesting guests.

"Your royal majesty," Katarzyna knelt to the queen, offering a small box. "Few things could compare to the beauty that already is here on Alderaan, but as a Jedi Knight I have come across many small sights of beauty on other worlds. Please accept this small gift of beautiful stones that comes from the faraway world of Seline. While they are not the precious gems we see here today, they hold their own simple beauty with their unique colors and polished sheen. Sometimes, one must be patient and look past the first glance to appriciate the simple treasures that can be found in the galaxy."


------------

Trying to gain Suitor Points for Yulastranza.
EDIT: Added in the Gift, as per Dapper's clarification. The Queen recieves a gift of pretty stones from a distant world.

D1 EE EVENT: Suitor's Mixer. Walk it, talk it. Suitor Points (but not a Suitor herself). Discipline/Willpower. Upgraded for Suitor/Downgraded with Noble Regalia. 2 Setbacks from Queen.: 2eP+1eA+3eD+2eS 1 success

- Katarzyna does not cause a scene!

D1 EE EVENT: Suitor's Mixer. First Impressions. Suitor Points (but not a Suitor herself). Charm/Presence. Cascader upgrade, Player Destiny. Influence (Force). Upgrade for Suitor/Downgraded with Noble Regalia. 2 Setbacks from Queen.: 2eP+1eA+2eF+3eD+2eS 2 failures, 2 threat, 2 Light Side, 1 Dark Side

- Using the two Light pips to cancel out the two Threats. Final result is 2 Failures. Katarzyna doesn't persuade anyone.

GM's Note: In case it is not clear, the Gift stage can be done even if the roll is failed as long as you don't get kicked out.

Archie does well to keep his head above water in the middle of the crowd. However, he doesn't manage to keep his composure long enough to make a good impression with the heads of state.

Step 1:
D1 EE: Walk it, Talk it, Affection points for Jameela, Cool/Discipline, Hard Difficulty, 4 presence: 4eA+3eD 2 successes


Step 2:
D1 EE: First Impressions, Hard Difficulty, Greased Palms: 3eP+1eA+3eD 2 failures, 1 advantage

(Forgot to input Upgrade for GM destiny point, noble regalia downgrade)
-50 credits for Greased Palms talent.

Step 3:
He does, however, manage to remember to give a simple gift to the princess: a simple synth-graphite pencil that looks like it has seen better days.

It seemed another Ulgo was next in line and Garth approached the dais with a small bundle in his hands. "Ah understand this be the fest'val of thous'nd flowers, so ah brought a flower from the planet of Bankor, to hopef'lly plant roots 'n flourish here."



Walk it Talk it for affection Hard Cool + free advantage: 2eA+1eP+3eD 1 failure, 3 advantage

(next roll difficulty upgraded for failure, +2 boost dice to next roll for advantages)

He bowed as best he could, but the bow he offered to Ziandra was shallower than it should've been and he set the dignitaries's backs up almost immediately.

First Impressions Hard Charm, upgrade for previous fail. Destiny to upgrade pool, free advantage, 2 boost from previous roll: 2eA+1eP+2eB+2eD+1eC 3 successes, 1 advantage, 1 Despair

(+1 affection for successes, -1 affection for Despair = zero sum game)

And while the curiosity of his presence was initially charming, Garth just couldn't stop talking and the rambling words that just kept coming out offset any positive impression he may have made.

Cynella, dressed in her signature jacket, stepped onto the stage with a gracious bow. "I am Cynella Rhiannon Esmetrice Andrim and I have come to, well, win the heart of the dear prince and/or princess." She flushed; perhaps it wasn't the best idea to declare so brazenly that they'd compete with one another. "Kuat extends its warmest welcomes to Alderaan during these trying times. After all, we know that the Sith threat is only so close!"

She glanced at everyone and took a moment, just a moment, to peek at her manual. Something was off about how she'd presented herself... had she bowed improperly? Had she worn her hair in a strange fashion? "In my time here, I will prove that I am worthy of such a thing. Perhaps it would be good for me to pursue the killik problem that I've heard about?"

Maybe it wasn't the best idea to bring them up. "Or House..." Should she mention Thul? When did it get so hot? "Your planet is just so beautiful! I'm honored to be here, truly. It'd be a shame if something happened to it... wait, that sounded like a threat." She held up her hands with an awkward smile. "Truly not the best first impression, is it?"

"It's not," one of the guards said as he took her by the arm.

"I can take my-oh okay, yes, I'll follow you."

Sometimes these things happen... but I'll give it another go another day!

---

D1 EE Event Stage 1 (Suitor): Cool at Hard, 1 Setback Removed from Commanding Presence: 1eP+3eA+2eD+1eC+1eS 3 failures, 1 advantage, 1 Despair


Of course. Bye-bye, Cynella.

Tarlia had worn naught but her Jedi robes to the party, which left her looking painfully out of place. So things started off...poorly. And it continued to spiral downward from there. She was planning to approach the Queen, but the Thul's presence drew her attention on the approach. The wounds from the war were still too fresh and her mask of calm slipped long enough for open distaste of the Sith's allies to flash across her face. Something that was quickly picked up on by the Queen and her entourage.

"Master Jedi." One of the guards stepped between her and the Queen. He inclined his head toward the exit. Tarlia dipped her head in acknowledgment and left.

Cool (Presence) vs Hard with Upgrade because Suitoring for the Ulgo. -1 Setback from Commanding Presence: 1eP+3eA+1eC+3eD+1eS 2 failures, 1 advantage, 1 Despair

Riss looked like someone who didn't want to be here. It was in the way she walks, the way she looks around, and the way that her dress was clearly pulled out of some old trunk. It was probably eloquent once, a deep blue color that matched her appearance at the time but now clashes a little with the light tones of pink in her hair. As well, a cascader that she wore on her wrist which was sewn into a small cloth cuff that matched the color of whatever she was wearing, this time being a deep blue. Perhaps if it was a little lighter or her hair was a little darker it would have been perfect. However, as with most things connected to Riss they hardly were.

In a moment that appeared like an accident, even though it wasn't, Riss wound up stumbling into Joran during a rare moment in the mixer when he was alone. A pretty smile, a quick apology for bumping into him, they got to talking for awhile. Perhaps it was her more grounded view of the world, the experience she carried in what she saw, or maybe it was just that she was really pretty and knew how to work that, or maybe it was just that she always knew how to work toward getting someone to laugh. Regardless of what it was that inspired the connection the two hit it off for the time they had together.

[Rolls:]

Walk it, Talk it:
D1: Suitors Mixer | Affection (Riss/Joran): Cool (Presence) vs Hard: 1eP+3eA+3eD 0 successes, 1 advantage


Upgrade next by One.

First Impressions:
D1: Suitors Mixer | Affection (Riss/Joran): Charm, Congenial, Cascader, Player Destiny vs Hard, Previous Upgrade (Negated): 4eP+1eA+3eD 5 successes, 1 threat, 1 Triumph


Overall: Two Affection Points with Joran, Two Strain (Congenial to Downgrade the Upgrade)

Aurilie was dressed in her absolute best, to say the least, appearing every bit as regal and stoic as befitting of her reputation as the Prince of Mount Joral. Her royal coat gave her great presence and the cascader would certainly do its job of increasing the sharpness setting where it was needed the most. She could only offer momentary glances to the ones who had been ousted from the main hall. However, utterly embarrassing. She supposed that was the cost of allowing just anyone past the gates of the palace. It was tradition, of course, but one with some risks taken on behalf of the hosts. Some rift-raft were going to get in and make embarrassing fools of themselves.

When it was her time and she would step forward with the utmost confidence in presenting herself. "I am Aurilie Alde, Prince of Mount Joral. As a ruling member of House Alde, I present myself as a noble guest and an honoured ally in your court. After the hardships endured on Alderaan, it is the time for rebuilding and there is no better way to see to that with marriage so that Alderaan may grow stronger together. While I don't present myself as a suitor, I would wish for the best when it comes to the traditional affairs of Prince Jamella and Princess Joran..."

Aurilie blanched all of suddenly when she realized her misstep in her words. She said she had everything right, how could she suddenly find herself in a misstep of words?! They were twins but certainly not so easily interchange in their titles, unlike herself...

As Aurilie wrestled with herself to conjure the words to fight back from her tragic misstep, she felt a hand on her arm as the guards began dragging her away. Her pride quickly kicked back in, if far too late to save herself the embarrassment, and brushed off the hand on her arm. She straightened her coat and merely made her leave with the guards flanking her to see that no further harm was done.

Walk it, Talk it:
Day 1, Suitor's Mixer, Queen's Rose (for herself): Cool (Presence) with Kamperdine, Cascader and hard diffculty upgrade once (and again from destiny), using destiny flip: 4eP+2eC+1eD 1 failure, 3 advantage, 1 Despair


]Day 1, Suitor's Mixer, Queen's Rose (for herself): Cool (Presence) with Kamperdine, Cascader and hard diffculty upgrade once (and again from destiny), using destiny flip (NOTE: Forgot 1 setback for extra insult, 1 was eliminated by the talent): 1eS 0 successes, 1 threat


Final Result: 1 failure, 3 advantage, 1 Despair

"It must be love, love...love. Nothing more, nothing less. Love is the best"
Keyhote floats forward towards the dais while by his side Sando struggles beneath the weight of a huge chest
"A nobleman of House Panteer wrote those words forty years ago. At the time, they said it was madness. But I say he was a visionary! He saw to the heart of things as your noble house is want to do.

Day 1 - EE - Suitor's Mixer, Discipline Roll, Suitor Points for another, hard difficulty then difficulty increased by one, then upgraded once with two setbacks from the queen. Spending destiny, intense focus: 3eP+1eA+1eC+3eD+2eS 1 failure


"Please, allow me to present the deepest greetings from the Desilijic family. Long have we valued our relationship with the noble planet of Alderaan and the strong and capable leadership of House Panteer. Longer still shall they reign."
Keyhote pauses
"Oh, and Lady Cynella Andrim is a newcomer to these exalted climes, but I have judged her strong of spirit and with good character. That her own modesty prevented a successful first impression is one of her virtues."

Day 1 - EE - Suitor's Mixer, Charm Roll2, Suitor Points for another, hard difficulty then difficulty increased by one then difficult upgrade and two setback from the queen, then difficulty upgrade for failing the previous roll, greased palms and intense f: 4eP+2eC+2eD+2eS 0 successes, 1 threat


"Pantha, the box!"
With his knees trembling the Drall huffs forward until he deposits the chest and then carefully undoes the antique lock within revealing a huge stack of ancient looking parchment
"As a sign of our regard, I would be honoured if you would accept this collection of ancient Alderaani histories we confiscated from a blackmarket antiquities dealer."
Keyhote shakes his head at the very thought of the scoundrel...one of the clan's best smugglers for over a decade now
"Within these pages are many beautiful tales of your virtuous ancestors who led with chivalrous bravery. I hope they can be an example in trying times."

The older Pantoran seemed quite regal in the formal regalia of his station. The lines in his face smoothed by the projector from the Cascader. His vibrosword, the mark of his rank in the Pantoran Defense Forces polished to a fine sheen.

Approaching, he bowed to the Prince and Princess, before a deeper bow to the Queen.

"Your Majesty, it is an honor to be a guest for these festivities. The crew of the Turtle is excited to be here. If there is anything we can do for you, or the system and the festivities, please, do not hesitate to ask." His voice was made more charming by the device, and even the harsh scrutiny sremed softened by his talent with the Force, ripples of his usage echoing through the crowd.

EE1 - Suitor's Mixer - Walk It, Talk It - Queen's Rose (Presence 4, Cool 1, Hard Difficulty, +2eS Queen's Scruitiny, Upgraded Once, -1eS Commanding Presence 1): 1eP+3eA+1eC+2eD+1eS 2 successes, 1 threat


EE1 - Suitor's Mixer - First Impressions (Presence 4, Charm 0, Hard Difficulty, Upgraded Once from Queen, +2eS, Influence Control, Downgrade from Noble Regalia, Upgrade from Cascader): 1eP+3eA+3eD+2eS+2eF 5 successes, 3 threat, 2 Light Side
Using the Light Side Pips for Advantages to bring it down to 1 threat.

Outcome: Durasay has 1 Queen's Rose

Jocasta was nervous approaching the Queen's entourage. First impressions were very important. She checked, double checked, and triple checked that her dress uniform and jacket were squared away.

As her turn came to address the Queen, she started into a short noble curtsy but shifted into a military salute. She could tell from the looks around her that she had come off as awkward, but the Queen seemed appeased with her reverence.

Walk it, Talk It
Day 1, Suitor's Mixer, Suitor Points, Cool(Pr) Hard, -1 SB for Commanding Presence: 2eP+2eA+1eC+2eD+1eS 1 failure, 4 advantage


"Your Highness, I am Lieutenant Jocasta Teraan, here on behalf of House Teraan. We would like to express our gratitude for the safety and prosperity House Teraan and all of Alderaan has enjoyed under the guidance of House Panteer."

First Impressions
Day 1, Suitor's Mixer, Suitor Points, Charm(Pr) Hard, 1 Destiny Point upgrade, 1 difficulty upgrade from failure, 2 boost from advantages: 2eP+2eA+2eB+2eC+1eD+2eS 1 success, 1 threat, 1 Triumph


"If it would please your Grace, when my troopers learned I was coming to the Grand Spring Palace for the festival and would be granted an audience, they asked me to present these to you." Jocasta pulls out a stack of handwritten letters wrapped in a gold ribbon. Each letter is from a different trooper under her command, expressing their gratitude and loyalty for Queen Solara and House Panteer.

Tethys, like Tarlia, arrives in the same simple clothing and voluminous hooded robe she's been wearing all day. Unlike Tarlia, she manages to remain unfazed by the onslaught of glitter, wealth, and noble disdain. Experience helps, perhaps; so does detachment from the internal power struggles of the Panteer royal court. Tethys hasn't decided yet whether it's wise to interfere in Alderaanian marriage and succession politics, let alone whom she'd support, so for now she aims only to make herself known to Queen Solara.

"Your Majesty." She nods gravely--Jedi rarely bow. The Cascader device, a small confection of wire and crystal wrapped into her locs, doesn't alter her appearance, but it helps her grave voice slide through the chatter of the other partygoers at an intimate pitch. "Whatever the future holds, I can see you've raised very strong and intelligent children. You must be proud."

No gifts, please, we're an ascetic quasi-religious order. Nevertheless, Queen Solara seems to look on the tall Jedi somewhat favorably.


---

D1 EE Mixer event--Step 1, Walk it, Talk it: Hard Discipline, +upgrade +2 setback to impress Queenie, I think that's everything: 2eP+2eA+1eC+2eD+2eS 4 successes, 2 threat

Pass, +1 setback to next roll.

D1 EE Mixer event--Step 2, First Impressions: Hard Charm, +upgrade +2 setback to impress Queenie, +1eS for threats, +1eB Sense Emotions, Influence FP, Cascader upgrade, Congenial downgrade (1 strain taken): 1eP+1eA+1eB+3eD+3eS+2eF 2 successes, 4 threat, 2 Light Side, 1 Dark Side

Convert 1 LS to Success, 1 to Advantage. Final tally: 3 successes, 3 threat.

Tethys takes 4 Strain in total (4/16) but gains the Queen's approval in flower form (Queen's Rose)

He was surprisingly well dressed, compared to his usual fashion at least. He was getting better at camouflage. But, that didn't bring him any comfort.
Galen asked himself again why he was here. He still couldn't think of a good answer. Walking among the nobility felt more dangerous than being surrounded by a pack of raptors. He hadn't felt like prey in a very long time.

He froze and glanced around, his discomfort and nervousness clear. He was ready to run, certain he'd already broken some rules of etiquette he'd never know.

But, then he saw the princess. Something about her brought him comfort and pushed him forward to present his gift.

"From the Twilight Glen of the Viridian Sea, on Bankor." he offered. "They glow. For real, I mean. You can't really see that right now. Look at them later."

Flight. Should have chosen flight. Time to go.

Without another word he turned and walked away, hoping to find some place away from people. Only after leaving, did he realize he had said the name of the flowers.



- - -
[Day 1 - EE] Suitor's Mixer (Twin Event), Affection: Jameela, Hard Discipline: 1eA+1eP+3eD 2 failures, 1 threat


[Day 1 - EE] Suitor's Mixer (Twin Event), Affection: Jameela, Hard Charm, Upgraded by Failure: 2eA+2eD+1eC 2 failures, 1 advantage


Failure all around.

Delmi arrived at the mixer in her full dress-uniform... medals and all. It'd been the first time she probably ever put on the medals after the ceremony. She smiled and chatted politely with the people in the room always keeping proper decorum. She'd been to a few of these types of functions over the years and knew how to be quiet and listen to the self-important people talk.

She noticed out of the corner of her eye the prince in question...

He's not bad, I guess... Looks approachable enough.

As she was glancing it seemed as if their eyes met for a moment she smiled softly and thought she saw a smile in return.

She took that as her green-light for operation: Meet the Prince.

"I'm Delmi Koor... a pleasure to meet you." She nodded graciously as they exchanged pleasantries.

"I uhh... heard that you enjoy hunting. So... I have this... gift for you. It's a Zeldrate fang on a necklace from my time on Balmorra. Hope we maybe get to go out and see Alderaan's outdoors sometime in the next week and a half."

After her meeting she mixed back into the crowd.

That wasn't terrible...

----

D1 Twin Mixer Event, Affection Route, Cool, Rep Seal of Service, +1 success: 2eP+1eA+2eD+1eC 1 success (w/Republic Seal), 1 Triumph


D1 Twin Mixer Event, Affection Route, Charm, Triumph Upgrade, Destiny, Rep Seal of Service, +1 success: 3eP+1eA+2eD+1eC 4 successes (w/Republic Seal), 1 advantage



So... 4 Successes = 1 Affection point for Joran I think?

Also giving a hunting trophy from Balmorra as a gift.

Mark should not be here. Maybe he had lied to his bosses a little too much? Maybe they thought he wasn't some scumbag? Well, even so, he should not be here. Why is everyone staring at him? He wants to run away. But there is money in this. Even when he fails to marry the princess, there is the possibility of success. Well, gotta stay as calm as possible. Can't get kicked out at least.

This his turn came. He gave his best flattery. Not too over the top, but it was still a bit much. Had he spoke to the princess, he might have earned some favor. However, the queen had heard enough flatters that she could tell when a speech was a bit too practiced.

Then, came the gift giving. "My queen, I present you with these." They appeared to be a bundle of papers. "I have traveled far for House Antilles. I have been to many planets, including those who are recovering from the war. These are letters and drawings from children who you saved with your generous aid. Children who wanted to thank the queen from far away that kept them fed and clothed during the worst time of their life."

And that's why you don't throw away anything you don't have to. Never know when it will come in handy.

Cool/Presence Suitor (Mark Fallenstar): 2eA+1eD+2eC+2eS 4 failures


Deception/Cunning: 4eA+1eP+2eD+1eC+2eS 0 successes, 2 threat

Ashlin was there... Everyone who was anyone was supposed to be there, and, much to her discomfort, she was... of note. So, she showed up, dressed in her finest and looking slightly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, it was patently obvious as she tried to remember all the niceties of etiquette. Too much time spent with her team aboard ships and not enough figuring out how to interact with other nobles was not doing her any favors at the moment.

"Um... The festival is looking to, uh... be lovely going forward, thank you."

Her eyes land on the prince and she cleared her throat. "Ah... I heard you enjoyed thranta racing. I thought I could make something interesting with that." She took out a box, opening it to show a drone that was painted to look like a miniature thranta. "I built this. I won't turn it on in here, but if you take it outside, it's a pretty good flier." She nodded to the three Panteers. "Nice meeting you..." She glanced at the whole family. "If you need anything fixed or built, I'm always available."

Then she quickly retreated into the crowd.

~~~

Walk It - Cool (Presence) v Hard difficulty: 2eA+3eD 1 failure, 1 advantage


First Impressions - Charm (Presence) v Hard difficulty: 2eA+3eD 0 successes, 1 threat
- Noble regalia to remove the upgrade.

Hopefully he'll like the gift.

"Major Brannis Brayko Ulgo of Alderaan's House of Lords, recipient of the distinguished..."

As he waited for the detailed introduction to be completed, Bran started to get a little antsy, despite his usual cool. This was sort of important, and he needed to not mess anything up while the spotlight was really on. Seeing Jameela there and recalling the drama from earlier in the day, he directed most of his remarks to her.

With focus and effort, he manages all of the necessary and appropriate actions and words, even managing to elicit a small smile from the princess as he compliments her poise before the ruffians at the spaceport. "And do rest assured, princess, that my staff are looking into the organizers and will engage the appropriate parties in necessary next steps." It sounded a bit too political, too bureaucratic to get the reaction he'd really hoped for, but at least he'd performed positively.

"Finally, with our honored queen's permission, I offer a humble gift to Princess Jameela," Bran says, bowing his head respectfully to the queen and then taking a step forward to place before the princess a brilliantly colored but clearly handmade, knitted quilt.

"During the recent invasion, my beloved mother, Avarina Ulgo, took to knitting this quilt one row per day for the length of the conflict. On days of heavier fighting, yellow, orange and red appear, while lulls in fighting are marked by cooler colors. And, as the signing of the treaty approached and fighting fully subsided, a dark teal marks the end." He takes a steadying breath, needing to continue his composure on this delicate topic.

"I offer this, not to remind you of the war or its terribleness, for who among us will be able to forget those. Instead, this quilt speaks to difficult times being able to still yield something positive -- helpful, even -- and it provides a reminder that simple necessities like blankets -- meeting the needs of the Alderaanians most affected by the war -- should remain our highest priority."

He bows deeply and steps back, hoping the simple gift speaks to Jameela in the same way it does to him.

-------------
Affection points
Rolls:
Walk it, talk it: Cool (Presence). Hard, destiny upgrade: fails.
Natural Leader reroll: success, 1 setback next roll.

First Impressions: Hard Charm (Presence) succeeds but not enough.

The Gift: described above.

Alysele Organa, lady, knight, wife, and all around charming person entered the scene, dressed in white, of course.

She bowed and curtsied, following the appropriate protocols, and it seemed like the queen was impressed. Someone who knows the protocol, after all! Too bad she's married to Alderaan's former Most Eligible Bachelor. Alas.

"My Queen, I am s glad to be back home for thos lively occasion. I am sure this Festival will give quite the impression for everyone, and result in quite the success to all parties involved. As a small thanks for the invitation and the occasion, I brought something for you from a place that is dear to me."

She produced a small vase holding a weird, yellow flower.

"Now many think that Coruscant, with its vast urbanization, has no native flowers anymore, that everything has been driven off or killed. But they would be wrong. The people of our order have spent decades and centuries cultivating what little remains of the native flora. And then there's this little piece of joy, who sprouts amidst the hydro-concrete of the streets, unabashed. Strong, proud, uncaring of adversity. Just like our queen, and our planet."

OOC:
D1 EE Mixer event, Queen's Rose, Cool (Presence), Hard, Upgrade and Setback from QueenQueen: 2eA+2eP+1eC+2eD 3 successes, 1 threat

D1 EE Mixer event, Forgotten setback on Cool roll: 2eS 0 successes, 1 threat


D1 EE Mixer event, Queen's Rose, Charm (Presence), Sense Emotions, Influence Control, Cascader, Upgrade and Setback from Queen: 1eA+3eP+1eB+2eF+1eC+2eS+2eD 1 success, 1 Triumph, 4 Light Side

D1 EE Mixer event, Extra setback on Charm roll: 1eS 0 successes


Reward: Queen's Rose?

To say that Layne's particular set of skills was ill-suited for something like this was an understatement. And, more importantly, it was probably a *terrible* idea for her to be here in the first place. That whole episode with her killing an Alderaanian noble at one of these fancy get togethers had never been properly addressed as far as she knew, after all. She was half expecting to get into a fight the moment she'd try to walk into the palace, but apparently she hadn't pinged any alerts... yet.

Which she was kind of disappointed by as trying to navigate etiquette was a far harder task than fighting people. But she *did* try! She did the whole bowing thing. At the wrong angle, and it didn't last anywhere near long enough. But hey, maybe the fact she was making a genuine effort was enough to impress-- oh, it wasn't? Well. Okay.

Then, she opened her mouth.

"I uh..." she cleared her throat. "I'm Layne Hoshin, Jedi Knight. Just you know, here to say hello. Pay my respects. Make sure everyone's safe. I uh..."

People had complimented the queen, hadn't they? She should do the same!

"...I like your... palace?"

It was an obvious lie. But amazingly nobody was dragging her out of there yet. They had dragged others out of there. But not the former assassin of one of their own. Huh. Maybe she was actually really good at talking and stuff?

"I uh... got you a little something. I mean, it's polite, right?"

She produced a small bracelet of obviously inferior make. Not the sort of thing that would adorn a royal's wrist by any means.

"This here's a bracelet made for me by one of the children I helped rescue from Imperial slavery. Their families were taken during the war as little more than trophies. I couldn't get them their parents back, and I couldn't... get them back home in person at the time... so I dropped them off on Delaya instead where they gave me this. I expect they'll have made it back to Alderaan by now, though."

Wow, that was actually like, a really good gift. Maybe.

Depended on how sentimental one was.

Discipline, upgraded difficulty?: 3eA+1eC+2eD 1 failure, 1 advantage


forgotten setback (1 ignored): 1eS 1 failure


Deception, 1 setback ignored: 2eA+3eD+1eS 0 successes, 3 threat


(3 strain?)

Was going for rose, guess it wasn't to be unless the gift works.