"Well, that wouldn't be very sporting-" Corlis suddenly falls silent, and his eyes seem to glaze over for a moment.
"... but on second thought, I'm pretty curious to know what it's like to fight alongside the champ."
"No hard feelings, Jake, but Shu makes a pretty convincing argument," Corlis says, turning his attention towards the grappled magus.
vs Pinned
vs Pinned
vs Pinned
vs Pinned
He swings at Jake's sword hand, looking to disarm the magus, and then serves up three solid lashes as Chung Po is holding Jake down.
As the Talon rises from the third hit, Corlis gives the chains a whirl, and, again, the bloodstained bird flies high, offering a dazzling sight.
"...I yield!" Jeevika calls out in Celestial from the depths of the mists, her will to fight suddenly vanished into the depths of a metaphorical ocean. She repeats herself in Aquan, "...Really, I give up! I don't think I can beat all six of you!"
The half-orc points her sword at Corlis, then Karlia in turn, and turns her head towards Marthysan. The paladin shakes his head, and nods over towards Shu.
"Our team, those two." Shu explains. "One in the fog, though, straight in the center."
The half-orc nods and wordlessly plunges into the mist. She makes her way towards Jeevika, and lashes out with her bastard sword, coming up short as the elf yields.
Never keeping her eyes off the half-orc, Jeevika slowly exits the mist. Once her tongue starts working again, she looks over at Shu and then turns to Marthysan. "I don't think 'useless' is a fitting accurate description for Shu, Lord Champion. He's quite powerful..."
She seems shaken about how quickly everything fell apart. Without word, the Waves Oracle begins to heal up Jake. Feeling rather sorry for the poor magus, Jeevika uses two bursts of her strongest healing spell.
Corlis sighs, realizing exactly what transpired. "Whoa... That was... Strange. That's a powerful spell you have there, Shu. I've never met something like this before. Whew. I sure did a number on poor Jake. He should be fine, though, I'm not one for inflicting deep wounds... Speaking of which, ow."
Corlis clutches his side where Liliara struck him. "That was a pretty tricky strike, right there. Not many people have gotten in on me like that before."
"Well, that didn't go as well as I expected." She sees Jake on the ground. "Oh my. Not well at all." She bows to the four fighters that bested them, and then pulls out a wand of infernal healing and uses it on Jake.
He gains fast healing 1 for.. let's say 40 rounds (4 charges).
Thinking over the battle, Jeevika decides to make it a learning experience. She mimics Karlia's bow and then asks some questions.
"You sure bested us. Are... all forms of magic like that allowed in the actual tournament? I have a few spells that I generally restrain myself from using due to their... edge, but if the other teams will be tossing Black Tentacles our way... Also, let's say I know how to cast a long lasting spell like Mage Armor. Would I be allowed to cast that a few hours before the battle?"
Jeevika soon realizes that Corlis is also a bit wounded. She quickly materializes by the gladiator's side and looks over the cut.
"Oh my! I didn't see that wound until just now. Let me fix that up for you, Corlis," she murmurs.
"Thanks, that was a pain in my side... literally. And I'll say. I should see about getting myself shielded from something like Shu's spell. I'd hate to cost my team a victory outside of sparring. You alright there, Champ? I didn't think I'd be able to hit you that hard."
(yep, definitely knocked out)
Jake stands up only to fall back down to a crouch. He stays still for a moment to let the spinning world still itself before attempting standing back up. He approaches Chung slowly and extends a hand for a shake, "That's one mean grip you have there. It's as good enough warning on what to expect in this tournament as any. Thank you and well played."
The four fighters bow in turn to the other team.
Marthysan steps over to Jake as the fight ends, and utters a short prayer to his goddess before placing one hand on Jake's chest, and one hand on his own wounds. A warm, healing energy washes over the magus and the paladin.
"Some fierce blows there. I don't think I've ever been forced to fight against such a unique weapon before. I think I'll survive, though," Marthysan says, bowing to Corlis. "Still, I think I am fortunate that I participated last year. I don't know how long I would last in the arena against the lot of you."
Shu answers Jeevika's questions after dismissing his aura. The air around him ceases to ripple. "All spells are legal for the most part. Things such as spells that animate corpses or create simulacra have no place in the tournament, but most else is fair game. Spells that enhance abilities or provide a lasting effect, such as mage armor, can indeed be cast before matches. In fact, most matches will offer the opportunity - about a minute, say - to cast such spells before the fight officially begins. I believe more information should be provided tomorrow during the opening ceremony."
Chung Po returns Jake's handshake with a crushing grip, "May we both last in the tournament for a rematch. I do not believe I caught your name...?" he says, trailing off expectantly.
"Well," Marthysan says, clapping his hands together, "I believe I offered my quarters to the winning team, but we seem to have a problem. As I see it, we have a team consisting of six members, since Corlis and Karlia were made honorary members. It would be...unbecoming to split a team, but I believe that I can arrange for-"
Chung Po interrupts Marthysan with a hand wave. "I came for a sparring match; a fight against such honorable opponents is reward enough. Thank you all," he says, bowing deeply, "but I believe it is time I re-joined my team."
The half-orc similarly bows towards the party, then Marthysan, and points off towards the stands to indicate that she, too, is leaving.
Marthysan waves to the two other combatants as the leave to seek out their teammates. "Well, it seems I have a vacant suite that I have no intention of sleeping in. The accommodations are a bit too extravagant for me. Consider it a payment for a match well-fought."
"In any case, I suggest you adjourn for the night," Marthysan says, squinting at the setting sun, "Tomorrow is a rather important day for you, and if you lose in the first round, it's just going to make me look all the worse." Marthysan lets out a sharp bark of laughter at his own joke.
"As if you need anyone else to make you look bad," mutters Shu, drawing a grin from Marthysan.
"My name is Jake. It won't be as easy next time though, you'll see." Jake responds with a grin to Chung before he leaves.
"It's rude to to turn down such hospitality. I would be honored to accept, Marythsan."
The party is led to a large, well-furnished room at The White Tiger, an inn located next door to Yon Loi's Noodle House. The room itself is almost a small palace, with extravagantly carved stone foo dogs perched at the door. The statues are not actual guardians, but carved to look the part. Having sent word ahead, Marthysan has managed to accrue three extra beds to hold the entire party. The paladin himself books a much less expensive and formal room. Night falls...
--------------------
It seems as if all of New Harbor - the small town hosting the tournament - wakes before dawn. Even as the dull orange sun creeps slowly over the eastern horizon, the fishermen have already crowded into their boats. They move swiftly, like blackened silhouettes dancing against dawn's watercolor pallet, eerily silent except for the shuffling of ropes and oars, and the caws of their trained cormorants.
A light knocking at the door is accompanied by Marthysan's booming voice, "You'd best begin moving. You oughtn't be late for the opening exhibition."
Seconds after her distant cousin knocks, Jeevika opens the door and slips out into the hallway, taking a spot right next to the paladin. She seems well-rested and ready to go. Like yesterday, her white hair is tied back, and her pretty face is covered by her mask.
"Good morning, Lord Champion! My teammates will be out shortly. They aren't early birds like myself. Then again, I don't think they only need two hours of sleep like me."
The Grand Pavilion and surrounding fairgrounds lie deep within the cove, and feature a massive and elaborate combat arena specifically constructed for the tournament. Scores of colorful tents cram the grounds spreading from the wood almost to the water. A line of spectators stretches from the Grand Pavilion, waiting to enter the arena. Contestants are given priority, and red-and orange-clad monks usher the eclectic collection of warriors and battlemages into the arena to stand before the Emissary.
One of the monks leads the party to a table, where a young woman with a pair of small spectacles sits with a veritable wall of neatly stacked papers before her. Each stack is weighted down by a stone carved in the shape of a key of Abadar. She watches the party approach with a practiced boredom, and pushes a piece of paper in front of the participants. She wrinkles her nose and sniffs lightly before explaining the contract that lies before the team.
"Before you may officially enter the tournament as participants, you must sign this contract, agreeing to each and every one of the tournament's six rules. Should you wish to refuse, you forfeit your right to enter the tournament and will be escorted off the island at our earliest convenience. Should you break any of the rules, you forfeit your right to enter the tournament and will be escorted off the island at our earliest convenience. The six rules are as follows:
"Rule One: The commands of the Emissary and his agents are to be obeyed at all times, and the Emissary's word is final. None shall take violent action against the Emissary or his agents.
"Rule Two: No contestant may leave Xielan Island until the conclusion of the tournament for any reason.
"Rule Three: Once a round has begun, no contestant may receive any aid, be it magical or mundane, from anyone not participating in the round as a contestant.
"Rule Four: Should any contestant yield to a foe and forfeit the battle, failure of other contestants to honor that forfeit will result in immediate disqualification.
"Rule Five: No contestant shall loot the body of a fallen foe.
"Rule Six: All contestants agree that there shall be no ties; only one
team may be named the champions.
"By agreeing to these six rules, your entry to the tournament is complete. To indicate your agreement, each of you is to sign your name next to each of the rules, and list your team name at the top of the paper."
The below syncs up with the Roll20 map:
B1. Judge’s Box: The judge’s box sits ringside, atop a small ziggurat whose terraces bloom with flowering cherry trees and white lotus flowers. During matches, the Emissary sits in a great wooden throne carved with the faces of 1,000 kami. The throne is sheltered by a bright red canopy from which flow dozens of colorful banners. Flanking the stairs to the raised dais are a pair of menacing foo lion statues, powerful guardian spirits that spring to life to defend the Emissary should he ever be threatened.
B2. Emissary’s Respite: Behind the throne is a private area used only by the Emissary and his monks. He can shelter here when he needs privacy or safety.
B3. Competitors’ Entrances: Competitors use these passages to enter and depart from the arena. Each has a private alcove where contenders can prepare for their upcoming fights.
B4. Common Entrances: Red-lacquered torii gates flank the main entrances into the arena, and are decorated with paper lanterns and prayer chimes.
B5. Grandstands: Great earthen tiers support wooden benches that serve as grandstands for the common spectators. The grandstands are hemmed in by blossoming plum trees and artistically placed boulders.
B6. Water Pyramid: This 15-foot-tall stone pyramid has stairs at either side of a central channel cut down the face that empties into a deep trough of water. During those competitions requiring hydraulic power, lines of monks haul buckets of water up the stairs and dump them into the channel, creating flowing water.
B7. The Fight Stage: The center of the arena serves as the 40-foot-by-80-foot fight stage. Around the fight stage’s perimeter stand six wooden scaffolds used to erect and operate fight stages.
A permanent wall of force, 6 inches thick and 30 feet tall, surrounds the fight stage, with gaps allowing contestants to enter and exit, providing a barrier that protects the crowd against flying objects and most spell effects. If this wall is ever disintegrated or otherwise destroyed, wizards in service to the church of Abadar reconstitute it prior to the next round of the competition.
Jake barely looks over the contract.
Looks reasonable enough, however...
"Has there been any history of cheating in this tournament? Also, that water fountain is bothering me... what is it doing in the arena?" asks Jake. Then in a lower voice just for his comrades he adds, "Does anyone have a quill and ink?"
"There have been a few instances of cheating, although all participants found engaging in such behavior have been expelled from the tournament forever," she replies in a dull monotone. "As for the water fountain...you will find out in the course of the tournament, but this is all the information I can disclose at this juncture." The woman maintains a look of extreme neutrality.
Karlia steps up and signs the document. "Seems straightforward enough to me."
The Night Before...
Once the group gets settled into their new suites, Jeevika takes a look outside and then at the magic ring on her right hand's ring finger.
I only need two hours of sleep and a few minutes to clear my mind in the morning. It's not like I'll get hungry or anything. I've got time!
The battle dancer glances at her new friends and announces, "I'm going out to explore. I will be back in a bit; take care, comrades!"
The lithe elf slips outside and begins to walk around the town, focusing on conversations oriented about her recent... wipe of a battle against the Reigning Champion and his allies. Additionally, she also decides to locate any place to buy supplies. For what Shu told her and from what she knows from watching the past two tournaments, all gear and magic that does not involve walking corpses or walking ice statues is fair game.
Present Day...
Jeevika carefully reads the rules and nods at the spectacled woman's remarks; though she had no read them specifically, it does not seem too much different from what she saw during the time she served as the healer for Kyonin's champion two tournaments ago. The elf signs it without work and begins to stretch out her legs. She glances over her shoulder at the fountain and smiles, hoping that her element comes into play.
"Looking forward to the first match!"
Jake waits in line patiently and in complete silence to the table with the quill and ink. His face completely hidden inside his hood as he looks around the crowd trying to gauge his potential enemies' abilities and remember anyone that seems to stand out.
"Grim, let me know if you sense any other intelligent items in the crowd. They might be worth watching out for."
Oh, I'm itching to fight... especially after that spectacular loss from yesterday before I was even able to draw my blade.
A friendly old dwarf who seems eager for a willing ear rambles on about Marthysan and his victory last year.
"In th' last Ruby Phoenix Tournament, a sorceress from...Lingshen, I think it was. She was disqualified just prior to the final round for cheatin'. She swore vengeance upon her competitor, the de facto victor Marthysan the Righteous. Half-elf paladin. Nice hair. While some believe that magic spell castin' lady may strike soon, the event happened a decade ago. That's too long for a feud. Like as not, she has forgotten about the whole thing. Or moved on.
Last year was a rough one, to be sure. More'n 30 o' the 128 entrants in th' tournament perished in unrelated accidents, or exhibition combats not covered by th' tournament’s strictures on ethics n' whatnot. More'n half of th' deaths were because'a the dragon Huyanwo. His defeat has long been th' ambition o' Ruby Phoenix contestants hoping to make a name for themselves outside th' arena."
Monks escort the party to the fight stage, where they find many other contestants already assembled, each waiting patiently, and watching performer acrobats entertain the growing crowd as the audience files into the grandstands.
In the grandstands, a tenuous hush falls upon the immense and eager crowd. Moments later, the curtains part, revealing the Emissary flanked by the oni Kiang Zhen and Marthysan the Righteous. Behind the Emissary, like motionless statues, stand no less than a dozen monks — his disciples and bodyguards. As all watch rapt, the Emissary rises and addresses the crowd.
|
The Emissary stands at average height, but with the self-assurance of a giant. His face is calm and impassive, and bears a few light scars that are only just visible at the distance. The Emissary wears a long, loose, orange-and-red robe that lightly flits in the wind, giving the appearance of a flickering flame roiling about his body. He is clearly old, but seems powerful despite his age.
The Emissary speaks in a deep, sonorous voice that reverberates through the entirety of the Grand Pavilion. Although spoken with a quiet calm, his words hold an air of command.
"I am Sifu Xho Nuo — Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament and guardian of the legacy of Hao Jin, the once-immortal sorceress in whose name you are gathered here to battle. To honor the Grandmaster’s legacy, I stand before you to carry out her final will: the thirty-first decennial Ruby Phoenix Tournament. Without further delay, we begin our first round of the contest. May the worthiest win!"
Upon his final words, the crowd erupts into clamorous applause, and the contestants scatter for their respective seats or positions throughout the pavilion. Whether by luck, or by the designs of a man taking advantage of the crowd's hunger to see the team that - according to rumors - sparred with Champion Marthysan, the party of Corlis, Jake, Jeevika, and Karlia are in the first match.
The party is escorted by a group of silent usher monks and directed to the center of the fight stage to face their first opponents. Today, the arena is properly set up - the match will take place atop a large wooden platform that is surrounded by an invisible wall of force to prevent stray projectiles and spell effects from hitting the audience. Shu sits in front of one of the walls, and three other similarly-dressed officials sit before the other walls. He waves politely at the party as they step into the arena.
Entering on the other side of the arena is a group of four monks: a Tian man and woman wield spades, a dark-skinned Shaonti woman wields a meteor hammer, and a second Tian man carries a seven-branched sword.
The Emissary explains that each team will have a minute to make the appropriate battle preparations. The last team standing wins.
You have one minute to buff up. Once everyone has indicated any buffing spells they wish to cast and rolled initiative, we'll fire up the first fight!
Corlis inspects the document very carefully, making notes of the rules one by one.
"Looks good. Clean fights, minimizing needless cruelty."
Corlis takes the proffered quill and signs his name where requested, bowing to the tournament official before departing to rejoin his team.
Corlis enters the arena clad in an outfit his roommates don't recall seeing him unpack. Alongside his well polished breastplate, he is wearing a blue warrior's dress, bearing the Ruby Phoenix Tournament's insignia as a mark of respect. A proud-looking Zephyr is perched on his gauntleted hand, following its master into the arena.
"Well, well, well, that's quite a crowd we have here, wouldn't you say?" Corlis says, grinning to his teammates. "Let's give them the show they came for, wouldn't you say?"
Corlis sends Zephyr off with a motion of his arm, and the bird takes off with a thunderous screech, giving the audience a quick fly-by before finding a spot to perch, high on a wall.
Corlis draws his weapon and gives it a twirl through the air above his head, warming up for the coming fight.
"I'm not entirely sure what that spell was that you cast, Jeevika, but it sure did a good job last time... well until Shu happened, but that's another story."
Feeling cheeky, Corlis decides to give the crowd and his opponents something to feast their eyes on. He performs several rapid maneuvers with the Talon, lashing and whirling about, throwing in a few movements of an agile, dynamic dance, in rhythm with the deadly blade. As it slices through the air, the weapon whistles menacingly.
Karlia will grant Jake her Sieze the Initiative ability, allowing him to roll twice and take the better roll.
Karlia will bow to her opponents, then begin buffing up.
Round 1: summon monster IV summoning a Shae, will last 14 rounds. It will benefit from Augmented Summoning and Summon Neutral Monster. (EDIT: The Shae's stats including all current bonuses are listed on Karlia's profile page)
Round 2: bless - all allies get a +1 Morale bonus to attack, damage, and saves for 14 minutes.
Round 3: prayer - all allies get a +1 Luck bonus to attack, damage, saves, and skill checks for 14 rounds.
Round 4: using her Copycat ability to get a single mirror image, lasts for 14 rounds.
Round 5: channeling both positive and negative energy into her Greyflame rapier, its Enhancement bonus increases by 1, it counts as good, evil, silver, and cold iron for bypassing damage reduction, and it deals 1d6 extra damage to either good or evil creatures, or 2d6 extra to neutral creatures, this lasts 5 rounds.
Round 6: mislead - functions as greater invisibility and also creates an additional illusory double of her that she can control as long as she concentrates plus 3 rounds
Jake enters the arena with his regular suit of clothes and hood drawn up.
All out then. Better give the crowd a show they won't forget.
"Hey Corlis, want to fight them as a giant?"
Prep-time actions
Round 1: Draw Grim
Round 2: Swift Action - 2 Arcane Pool Pnts for +2 Enchancement Bonus on Grim + Flaming (10mins)
Round 3: Cast Shocking Grasp as Spellstrike.
Jake swings a flaming sword now with electric sparks coming out of it as if there was an enemy if front of him whose chest he is slashing through. Trails of fire and lightning flow around his sword.
Round 4: Cast Obscuring Mist on our position to hide other preparation steps.
Round 5: Enlarge Person on Corlis if he accepts (10mins).
Round 6: Grease on self (10mins)
Round 7: Blur on self (10mins)
Round 8: Mirror Image on self (10mins)
Round 9: Haste on party (10 rounds)
Round 10: Activate Ring of Invisibility
"Oh? Huyanwo? Mind telling me more about this dragon, good sir? He sounds simply dreadful!" Jeevika says softly as she brings her dainty hands over her mouth.
One minute before combat begins, Jeevika quickly grabs Jake and Corlis' hands and taps her foot against Karlia's leg.
"If you need to get skyward, you can now; just walk!" the white-haired elf announces softly in Celestial, hoping that they understand her. She gives everyone a kind smile before breaking contact.
Before combat starts, Jeevika flexes her tight, respectable muscles, which promptly swell in size. She then claps her hands together, causing a thick, shimmering forcefield to materialize around her entire body. The elf starts to dance, swaying side to side so quickly that after images of herself begin to form.
That is all the audience gets to see; Jake quickly throws up his Obscuring Mist and blocks the rest of Jeevika's routine from their sight. However, the white-haired elf is not bothered by the magus' move. Quite the opposite in fact. She can still see everything around her as clear as day. She strikes a pose, causing two spheres of water to form in her hands.
The water flows over her slender body, freezing solid as it travels. In the next instant, Jeevika resembles an icy version of herself, but that is hardly the most dramatic change in her appearance. The ice elf begins to twist and expand in form. Her limbs lengthen, and her form starts to sloosh side to side like water. While the mist blocks the full effect, the Oracle also starts to radiate a powerful divine aura.
"May fate be with us!" Jeevika the Water Elemental chants in Aquan.
The blessings are much stronger this time around. Not only does the Blessing of Fervor empower the group once more, but Jeevika feels her own physical and mental might strength greatly. Jeevika then strikes a stance and readies herself to rush into the thick of combat.
Round 1: Communal Air Walk - (27.5 Minutes for Everyone)
Round 2: Bull's Strength (11 Minutes)
Round 3: Shield of Faith (11 Minutes)
Round 4: Mirror Image (11 Minutes)
Round 5: Ice Armor Revelation (1 Hour)
Round 6: Water Form Revelation - Large Water Elemental (11 Hours)
Round 7: Archon's Aura (110 Minutes)
Round 8: Divine Favor (10 Rounds)
Round 9: Magic Circle against Evil (110 Rounds)
Round 10: Channel Vigor - Spirit (11 Rounds)
-Posted with Wayfinder
Rounds 1-3: Karlia will go through a short ritual of prayer to her pirate goddess, Besmara, which will involve a karate-style "form" or "kata" using her greyflame rapier.
Round 4: magic vestment on her shield, giving it a +3 enhancement bonus.
Round 5: summon monster IV summoning a Shae
Round 6: bless
Round 7: prayer
Round 8: Copycat
Round 9: channeling both positive and negative energy into her Greyflame rapier,
Round 10: mislead
"As a giant?" Corlis grins. "I've seen it done before, but I've never had the chance myself. Bring it."
communal air walk - (affects everyone except my summoned creature, since I summoned her after it was cast) allows us to walk into the air as if it were solid ground, maximum angle upwards or downward movement is 45 degrees.
magic circle against evil - (affects everyone, assuming we were wisely grouped together within 10 feet of Jeevika, and only lasts while within 10 feet of her) - +2 Deflection bonus to AC and +2 resistance bonus to saves, both only applying vs. evil creatures. Evil summoned creatures can't enter the area around the person touched.
haste - (affects everyone) - extra attack on full attack, +1 to attack rolls, +1 Dodge bonus to AC, +30 feet movement
bless - (affects everyone) - +1 Morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear effects
prayer - (affects everyone) +1 Luck bonus to attack rolls, damage, saves, and skill checks
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Begin," intones the Emissary in his crystal voice.
Order: (parenthesis to indicate which is which on roll20)
Hammer (on the map with a hammer, even though a meteor hammer is essentially two heavy weights on a chain)
Spade 2 (unarmed, blonde)
Jeevika
Corlis
Sword (sword)
Jake
Spade (unarmed, black hair)
Karlia and Shae
The monks are intimidated by the giant Corlis' display of might.
The meteor hammer monk steps forward and whips forth his weapon, striking at Corlis, attempting to trip him, then attack.
However, neither attack manages to land a blow on Corlis.
The male monk armed with the spade charges headfirst into the mist. "For the Enduring Spirit!" he cries as he rushes forth. He makes a full loop through the northern end of the mist, through its center, and finally spies Karlia's double as he loops back around.
Jeevika and Corlis are up!
With the audience's view blocked by the mist, Jeevika does not do anything fancy. She simply shifts her large, icy water form toward the blonde monk engaging Karlia and thrice lashes at him with her long, whip-like, liquid arms. Despite her blows essentially being large blocks of ice backed by several hundred pounds of water, the sheer control Jeevika exerts in her strikes is simply otherworldly. At worst, any connecting hit would be dazing and mildly chilling.
All three attacks successfully hit Spade 2.