[Day 7 - Mid Afternoon] Side Event: Beach Oshidama Tournament (Sponsored by Kinsenka Breweries)

[Boogiepop]

Beach Oshidama is a team sport that is played between teams of two players in a court divided by a net wall. Typically, the sport is played on a beach, but it can be easily adapted to be played on any agreed-upon terrain. The objective of the game is simple: both players on each team work to maintain the ball in the air as long as possible until one team is unable to do so. This makes the game a test of endurance and coordination as teams can work to ground the ball on the other side of the net.

It's a source of great debate as to where Oshidama found its beginnings, with the Mantis Clan making the largest claim to the sport, but there are some academic signs that the Unicorn Clan founded the game from strong gaijin interaction. Nevertheless, the game finds itself widely popular in the Empire, especially in small colonies and any world blessed with warm weather. Yasuki Ayame has been considered the "Oshidama Queen" for the better part of her military career and is quite eager to host a tournament in order to find new players to challenge her.

At the conclusion of Tsuneo's Shiro in the bid event of Storming The Shiro, the 'Shadowlands' is collapsed in quick order by the heimen workers, and the beach finds itself quickly populated by several makeshift beach oshidama courts.

This event will be closed 24 hours after it goes online to ensure that the Finals can be resolved promptly. Once the thread is closed, teams that passed the Qualifiers roll are set into brackets that will be seeded with additional NPC teams if needed. As beach oshidama is played by teams of two, a beach oshidama team is composed of two player characters who must remain a team throughout the tournament. A character may team up with an NPC with Agility 2 Void 2 and no ranks in Games: Oshidama, in case they cannot find a PC as their partner. In such a case, the player will also roll on behalf of the NPC.

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

Qualifiers
The characters that make up the team must both roll Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Agility or Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Reflexes. The team score is an average (rounded down) of the two rolls. If the average is 20 or above, the team is qualified to move on to the bracketed Finals.

Please post your Qualifier rolls to this thread, with the second member of the team quoting the first member of the team posting.

Finals
Teams that passed the Qualifiers roll are set into brackets that will be seeded with additional NPCs if needed. Each of the games is played as the qualifiers, each team member rolling Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Agility or Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Reflexes with the team with the highest average (rounded down as before) winning the match.

NPCs are considered to be Status 1 Crab samurai for the purposes of Techniques and Advantages. If you are paired against a PC team, please PM them to resolve your match. If you are paired with a NPC team, please contact a GM to roll for the NPC team.

Optional Action: Coordinated Strike!
A team can attempt to make a coordinated strike against another team. This is a risky once-per-event feat that could potentially put a team ahead to ensure a decisive victory. If a team wishes to make a Coordinated Strike, they must declare this in the description of their roll and both team members must make a roll using either Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Agility or Games: Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Reflexes at TN20 with the same number of Called Raises. On success, they calculate their average contribution as normal (rounded down) then add 5 for each matching Called Raise together. This means that both players will have to call a Raise (and succeed) to receive a bonus of 5 after their average is calculated, which is further multiplied by each mutual Called Raises.

If one or two players fail their roll with Called Raises here, the player's amount contributed to the average sum is zero. If a player does not make any Called Raises on their roll to match their partner, the maneuver is cancelled. In the event of a fail, pass, or cancel, the Coordinated Strike is used and cannot be used again for the rest of the event.

High Five!
The winning team of the tournament will be awarded +0.7 Glory for their momentous win after a long tournament. Kinsenka Breweries has sponsored the event with great interest and will be providing some additional prizes. The winners will share a case of 24 cans of Lemon ULTIMATE Sour, 24 cans of Kinsenka ZERO Alcohol, 24 cans of Pure GOLD Lager, and 12 bottles of COOL Iced Green Tea (unsweetened). They will also be given a full dinner for four at Tama Izakaya, either a choice of hot pot or grill table.

The runner-up team will be awarded +0.4 Glory for their efforts. They will be gifted with a case of 24 cans of Pure GOLD lager and a small booklet of vouchers for street food stands found at the Harbourfront.

[Kakita Hiroki]

Hiroki had cleaned up after his mudbath in Tsuneo's Shiro and was still extremely pumped up for the Oshidama. It being his favourite sport to actually play.

He wore a powder blue speedo, basically string and triangles, with an asymmetric sash around his waist for style, remaining shirtless, as is traditional for Beach Oshidama.

It soon became apparent that not only was this his favourite sport, he was actually fairly good at it. Often sharing a high five, . . . well high for him, with his partner, Bayushi Hinata.

--

D7 Oshidama Qualifier. Games:Oshidama/Agility Partner = Bayushi Hinata | 7k4 ⇒ 32 There you go Hinata-kun. You just need 8 to qualify us.

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Senshuken cuts a striking figure on the sand. Black bikini, red athletic shorts, hair pinned up in a deceptively neat knot that still manages to look effortlessly elegant. She moves with sharp, playful precision, darting across the court to meet each volley as if every incoming ball is a chance to prove someone wrong.

Her small fists aren’t built for war, but they slap the ball with spirited determination. Each successful hit earns a proud little smirk. Each miss a dramatic sigh and a vow to “absolutely get the next one.”

D7, Oshidama, agility raw | 4k4 ⇒ 20

(Sorry Sumi, now you need 20, as well)

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko had rolled up wearing her best (and in fact only) swimsuit, a black one-piece outfit which showed off a lot of the girls pale skin. Where Senshuken was fast however, Sumiko was not. She did her best, and pushed to try and keep up, but sadly the other team knew what they were doing and the game ended with Sumiko being knocked over by a powerful "accidental" shot to her stomach knocking her off her feet and sadly knocking both girls out of the competition. She still bowed to the winners, hiding the wince as she did so.

(ooc D7 MA side event - Oshidama Tournament qualifiers! Oshidama (Beach Oshidama)/Agility+vp for skill. Can we do the impossible?! Need minimum of a 20! | 3k2 ⇒ 9 sadly out!)

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Ochiba was there in a bikini out fit and matching hat which read 'Practice Safe Sets'.

The athletic Mantis was not here to play, diving this way and that for the ball, setting up her teammate and roaring with elation whenever they scored.

"That is what I'm talking about Utaku-san, up to!"
Day 7 MA, Side Event, Beach Oshidama, qualifier roll, Games:Oshidama/reflexes | 4k3 ⇒ 25

[Tamori Kanna]

Kanna was so happy to be teamed up with Honoka, and they had Kaida and Igoro cheering them on from the sideline. She had never played this before, but it seemed to be of great cultural importance, so she would do her best!

"Wheeeee!" the Dragon bounced around on the field, chasing after the ball.


----

D7 MA Oshidama Qualifier! Games: Oshidama/Reflexes untrained! Let's goooooo! | 3k3 ⇒ 19
19 currently for Team Adorable.

[Utaku Itsuka]

Ochiba was there in a bikini out fit and matching hat which read 'Practice Safe Sets'.

The athletic Mantis was not here to play, diving this way and that for the ball, setting up her teammate and roaring with elation whenever they scored.

"That is what I'm talking about Utaku-san, up to!"
Day 7 MA, Side Event, Beach Oshidama, qualifier roll, Games:Oshidama/reflexes | 4k3 ⇒ 25

The Utaku's own bikini was a sports set, dark pink and white with bright yellow details... and a pattern showing a cartoon of a dog pilot alongside his trusty (?) fox companion. Anyone who had a childhood would immediately recognise Space Hero Pilot Captain Inu Shikoku-ken, alongisde one of his friends from the Courageous Warriors of the Stars.

It was an unlikely pairing, the most (in?)famous and confident Mantis around and the local Utaku whose eyes were dead until they suddenly fired up.

But the pep-talk and the strat chat at the start of the game seemed to do it. Or maybe their high five at game start (comically unequal in enthusiasm). Or the inevitable bum slaps as they found their rhythm (comically equal in enthusiasm).

Regardless of what it was, their way to the qualifiers was as smooth as...

... easy! Yes, that's what it was. Let's go with easy.

-------------------------
D7 MA - Games: Oshidama/Agi, need 15 to qualify | 5k4 ⇒ 30 (TN: 15)

Average 27 after rounding down.

[Bayushi Hinata]

Hiroki had cleaned up after his mudbath in Tsuneo's Shiro and was still extremely pumped up for the Oshidama. It being his favourite sport to actually play.

He wore a powder blue speedo, basically string and triangles, with an asymmetric sash around his waist for style, remaining shirtless, as is traditional for Beach Oshidama.

It soon became apparent that not only was this his favourite sport, he was actually fairly good at it. Often sharing a high five, . . . well high for him, with his partner, Bayushi Hinata.

--

D7 Oshidama Qualifier. Games:Oshidama/Agility Partner = Bayushi Hinata | 7k4 ⇒ 32 There you go Hinata-kun. You just need 8 to qualify us.

(Further Narrative regarding performance at Tsuneo Shiro forthcoming)

Hinata was no stranger to Oshidama... in fact... he was clearly good at it for the most part! Striding atop the sands in crimson and black trunks, a set of string collars hanging from his neck drawing attention to his- Oh sweet kami he's not wearing a shirt! Everyone is far too distracted by the gratuitous display of midriff to notice his mask hanging mnow from his hip.

He contributes enthusiastically to the competition, riling up the audience to cheer them on to victory. Every offer of a high five is first met with shock, then energetic participation.

"I got to high five Kakita Hiroki! Hana is going to kill me from the jealousy!"

They both easily make the qualifiers. Such is the way things go when you're doing your best to impress one of your favourite pop-stars!
D7 Oshidama Qualifier. Games:Oshidama/Reflexes Partner = Kakita Hiroki | 6k3 ⇒ 24
https://sakkaku.org/r/20286

[Yasuki Honoka]

Kanna was so happy to be teamed up with Honoka, and they had Kaida and Igoro cheering them on from the sideline. She had never played this before, but it seemed to be of great cultural importance, so she would do her best!

"Wheeeee!" the Dragon bounced around on the field, chasing after the ball.


----

D7 MA Oshidama Qualifier! Games: Oshidama/Reflexes untrained! Let's goooooo! | 3k3 ⇒ 19
19 currently for Team Adorable.

Honoka was a woman built for the office space, and not for the beach. So, expectations were perhaps low. Yet low expectations was never something that dissuaded Honoka from giving her all. Which was very apparent when she played her a absolute heart out and gave the best performance she could. Still, remembering the whole time through her partner, the reason she and Kanna were really out there: to win.. at fun, at having fun that is. They won at having fun.

It was such a good time!!

[Rolls:]

Day 7, MA | Oshidama Qualifier: Games: Oshidama/Ag | 2k2 ⇒ 17 (TN: 20)

19 and 17 does not the qualifier make!

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

"C'mon. It'll be fun!" "Besides, you'll be able to flaunt yourself a little."

Like trying to herd a cat, Ichitaiyo pulled from the shy Scorpion's wrist, a little victorious smirk on her face. "I know you have.. the flexibility to be good at this. C'mon!"

Thus, they hit the sand, testing out if they could make the cut.

Ichitaiyo merely hits a 15 points! If her partner can hit 25...

Boop

[Kaiu Nagisa]

Well, the prospect of winning beer was a good enough motivator as any. Dressed in simple shorts and a black tank top, which shows off a tattoo on her upper arm of a gear. “Well, I might not be the most graceful or skilled at this game, so let’s focus on just having a good time!”

And by her serve, it’s clear she’s going to require a little help with this game.

————————
D7 Oshidama Qualifiers! Games: Oshidama/Agility Team Engineer go! | 4k3 ⇒ 17

[Soshi Kotori]

"C'mon. It'll be fun!" "Besides, you'll be able to flaunt yourself a little."

Like trying to herd a cat, Ichitaiyo pulled from the shy Scorpion's wrist, a little victorious smirk on her face. "I know you have.. the flexibility to be good at this. C'mon!"

Thus, they hit the sand, testing out if they could make the cut.

Ichitaiyo merely hits a 15 points! If her partner can hit 25...

"Flexibility? Everything hurts from the obstacle course!" Kotori sulked as she was dragged court.

It turned out, that Ichitaiyo's partner was not strong enough to carry them both.


Side Event: Beach Oshidama Tournament Games (Oshidama)/Agility (Untrained) | 4k4 ⇒ 21

[Kakita Haruhi]

Haruhi was there with Agasha-san to represent Team Nature Nerds!

She was wearing her cutest traditional swimwear and matching white straw hat.

She did her best to support him in the qualifier, but he'd have to do well for them to make it forward.

https://sakkaku.org/r/20305 19

[Agasha Sorato]

Haruhi was there with Agasha-san to represent Team Nature Nerds!

She was wearing her cutest traditional swimwear and matching white straw hat.

She did her best to support him in the qualifier, but he'd have to do well for them to make it forward.

https://sakkaku.org/r/20305 19

Sorato gave it his all, he really did... but it just wasn't meant to be for Team Nature Nerds on the artificial beach sand of the dojo court. Maybe they would have done better on a real beach?

--
D7 MA Side Event--Oshidama qualifiers! Need to hit 21 to carry through. VP | 4k4 ⇒ 12 (TN: 21)

[Kitsune Soratoshi]

Well, the prospect of winning beer was a good enough motivator as any. Dressed in simple shorts and a black tank top, which shows off a tattoo on her upper arm of a gear. “Well, I might not be the most graceful or skilled at this game, so let’s focus on just having a good time!”

And by her serve, it’s clear she’s going to require a little help with this game.

————————
D7 Oshidama Qualifiers! Games: Oshidama/Agility Team Engineer go! | 4k3 ⇒ 17

Soratoshi boosted the team with his deep, competitive spirit, and their match went absolutely down to the wire!

------
Roll: 22, so the team score is a 19.5? Wow Sakkaku.

[Yasuki Ayame]

Ayame slowly zipped down her jacket before casting it aside to boldly reveal a dark blue halter top bikini with high-waisted briefs as her outfit of choice.

It was time...for beach oshidama!

She had a reputation for being good at the game, even more so as a means to draw some attention to her. While she didn't have a strong showing this time around, she made sure to stay active in the game to still garner those eyes on her.

***

Day 7 - Mid Afternoon, Side Event: Beach Oshidama Tournament, Games: Oshidama/Reflexes | 6k4 ⇒ 25

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko would be her sister's partner here! She was dressed less for the "sport" and more for actually taking a dip in the water in a blue wetsuit. While she admittedly wouldn't be the first, nor tenth, partner of choice for her sister...this was supposedly a good way to show cohesion and solidarity.

It didn't quite dawn on her that this was one of Kaito's ideas a few days ago until she was given the ball by Ayame and found herself completely out of sync with a veteran of the game, who worked moves to get some attention. She was struggling just to keep the ball up!

However, that beginner's luck might have paid off, and people were rather impressed by the ex-idol's more adorable showmanship.

***

Day 7 - Mid Afternoon, Side Event: Beach Oshidama Tournament, very unskilled Games: Oshidama/Reflexes, VOID! | 4k4 ⇒ 26

Umiko and Ayame qualify!

[Miya Kisha]

Kisha knows she doesn't have the build to carry off many of the looks she sees on the beach around her, so her demure one-piece stands out in other ways. But despite the fuller coverage, it doesn't much impede her movements, not nearly so much as the sand itself does, and as she nods to Moto Shiwahime and play begins, she looks ready to do her best.

She manages to keep the ball aloft, preventing the easy loss that might be thought for someone of her build and demeanor...

~~~~~
Qualifier roll 24, https://sakkaku.org/r/20365
Moto-san, you need a 16.

Also, please note

Ill get you on my shoulders and well form two regular adults?

I'm game if you are and it's still open!

I'll be on later this afternoon

Just so you know, O, GMs, that I *do* have a partner coming...

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Suh-Hyun had seen the game played many times, though her space born comrades preferred the zero-g game of smacking a ball against the wall and trying to get it past their opponent on the rebound. Surprisingly the Unicorn was pretty good, or more accurately fast and tall. With her sunglasses, sport swimsuit, and ball cap, Suh-Hyun looked like a real pro!

----------------------
Raw AGI for Oshidama on D7. Behold the power of Team SeaHorse! | 4k4 ⇒ 26

TN 14 for Yoritomo Yakura! Let's GOOOOOO!

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Suh-Hyun had seen the game played many times, though her space born comrades preferred the zero-g game of smacking a ball against the wall and trying to get it past their opponent on the rebound. Surprisingly the Unicorn was pretty good, or more accurately fast and tall. With her sunglasses, sport swimsuit, and ball cap, Suh-Hyun looked like a real pro!

----------------------
Raw AGI for Oshidama on D7. Behold the power of Team SeaHorse! | 4k4 ⇒ 26

TN 14 for Yoritomo Yakura! Let's GOOOOOO!

Yakura managed to rope in the wiry Unicorn into her scheme. Wearing a guady swimming dress that was more suited for showing off than athleticsm, she jumped high to hit a spike! Unsure of what was a bigger miracle, her amazing shot, or no slips of the bikini, she high fived her companion.

"Atta girl! Hit them where it hurts!"

OOC:
OShidama! | 4k3 ⇒ 31 (TN: 14)