Amazing Red's Ruby Phoenix Tournament (Inactive)

Game Master Daxter

GM Dot.

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One dot for me and one for the fallen brothers and sisters of Sarenrae.

You are called to the Grand Lodge in Absalom for a mission. You are directed to an office immediately. Though as you step inside, you find it is barely an office. Papers lay haphazardly around and fur and gnawed upon bones litter a corner of the floor where a very large dire wolf lies. The canine has a collar around his neck that has the words 'Venture Lieutenant Thor' engraved on it. An ulfen man, though short for his race, still stands fairly tall comparatively as he shuffles through some papers with a little frustration. The sign on his desk reads 'Venture Captain Tallak'.

"I'll make this quick. The legendary Ruby Phoenix Tournament only happens once every ten years and we are just around that time. We've entered you lot into this tournament in hopes that you bring the prize back to us. Over the course of five days, you'll take part in matches, exhibition fights, and challenges of skill. Now keep in mind only the best fighters in the world compete so be at your best. Don't embarrass me by slacking off. Any questions?"

"A fight, where I can go all out? And show everyone how awesome I am? ALL RIGHT!"

"Although, now that i think about it, we are going to need more details than that captain. Hmmm... where to begin?"

"We got the who, and I guess we have the why, as ambiguous as it is. How about the where, when, and how are we supposed to get there? I know I'm good, but even I can't teleport somewhere that I haven't been before without knowing where I'm going. I really don't want to turn into Marissa gibbets on a bad teleport you see. Its bad for my skin; and my muscles, and my brain, and my spleen. Though I think my soul would be ok, even if it were detached from my body. I don't think I've made any compacts with devils or demons or youkai recently..."

"It takes place on Xielan Island in Tian Xia. You'll take the ferry to the island. The trip will be a few days but you'll live. You leave tommorow morning." Tallak responds raising an eyebrow at the inquisitive and spritely mage.

Pallas is a tall Keleshite man with a blue and gold turban, and an aquiline nose is stunned by the news of their travel to Tian Xia.

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"We are going to Tian Xia? And by boat? Venture-captain, a sea journey to the far side of Golarion is a dangerous proposition at the best of times, and could only be accomplished by the bravest sailors in just under two months, and that is if we don't run into any sea serpents, pirates, or other dangers on the way."

"Did I say days, I meant months. Either way you'll get there right on time. But if you want I can arrange for a teleport."

Pallas nods. "I'd prefer a teleport over a two month voyage through some of the most dangerous waters on the planet, if it's not too much trouble, that is. The Dawnflower blesses those who are generous."

"And the Lady of Graves says whatever will be will be. But I guess if you insist, I'll arrange one." Tallak says with a sigh.

Pallas nods again, and seems to become excited that the venture-captain is engaging with him in a theological debate.

"Very true, venture-captain, although the Lady of Graves is far more interested in our immortal soul and what becomes of it after we pass on than anything that happens here on this plane. Sarenrae urges us to reach out to others and help them lead a virtuous life in the here and now."

Marisa wonders over to the extra large wolf is, pulls out some beef jerky, and boldly offers it to the venture lieutenant.

"Heya Lieutenant. Want some?"

handle animal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"What I meant by that was, if you did end up dying due to pirates or sea serpents, then it was meant to be. I didn't mean anything philosophical by that."

The large canine looks up and quickly grabs the jerky out of Marisa's hands. Thor seems to nod happily and nuzzles the girl.

"And to think my best friend used to be a vicious dire wolf." His ulfen companion comments.

Pallas keeps his distance from the dire wolf, having somewhat of an aversion to such large animals, even supposedly domesticated ones.

Instead, the Keleshite man turns back to the venture-captain. "So do we have a priest traveling with us as well? Sarenrae has blessed me with some minor curative spells, but if we are to be sent into gladiatorial combat, I would prefer to travel with a combat medic of some kind."

With a 1000 watt smile, Marisa begins to vigerously pet the wolf.

"Oh, don't be like that Captain. I'm still sure that he can eat bad guys heads just as well as the next wolf over."

"That's a good boy! That's a good boy! Here want some more?"

Marisa digs out some more jerky, handing it over to the wolf.

-2 Rations. I'll pay 1 gp to restock.

"Oh, you are so cute! Well, cute as in you aren't one of those types that tries to bite my head off first before asking if I'm willing to share my food."

"There should be two to three more showing up and I think one of them can heal. Just remember, while you don't want to just let them just kill you, big crowds like that don't like to see healing. And you want the crowd on your side."

Thor barks happily and takes more delicious jerky from the female wizard.

"Well, you know more about these things than I do, Venture-captain. I have entertained crowds with my music many times, but never with my swordplay. That will be something new."

A larger than average Tengu seems lost in thought during the briefing, or perhaps he's just simply lost in the nearest shiny object. The wolf's barking seems to get his attention for some reason. With a slight squawk, he speaks.

"Well, going back home should be interesting. And for the tournament? As in in the tournament? Well, that's going to be fun. I hear there's lots of shiny there!

"Well this is a different kind of crowd. They crave action and excitement. They want to see physical risks and flashy spells. Oh and larger than life personas battling it out. I would suggest some ring names for yourselves. Even a stable name would be helpful."

A larger than average Tengu seems lost in thought during the briefing, or perhaps he's just simply lost in the nearest shiny object. The wolf's barking seems to get his attention for some reason. With a slight squawk, he speaks.

"Well, going back home should be interesting. And for the tournament? As in in the tournament? Well, that's going to be fun. I hear there's lots of shiny there!

"Good, then you should already know how it works. And you could even work the hometown hero angle."

"Well this is a different kind of crowd. They crave action and excitement. They want to see physical risks and flashy spells. Oh and larger than life personas battling it out. I would suggest some ring names for yourselves. Even a stable name would be helpful."

"Well, considering the reputation of the Society, the "Murder Hoboes" is not out of the question."

"Appropriate if a little on the nose."

"So we need to make a favorable impression for the Society..and win the contests?. This sounds like it will be ...challeging.."

"The most important part is winning the tournament. And yes, it will be very challenging."

Seems like we're being thrown into this with very little preparation or support, but what can you expect from such a haphazard collection of adventurers, treasure seekers, and mediocre scholars?

"So for those of us who aren't particularly familiar with the customs of Tian Xia, what exactly is this Ruby Phoenix Tournament? How old is it? Who runs it? What are our opponents going to look like? Do we fight individually or in groups? What are the prizes? Do we keep them if we win, or are we doing this for the everlasting glory of the Society? Are there any local customs that we need to watch out for?"

"It is like, the biggest gladiatorial tournament on the planet, held every 10 years. I heard that there was some qualifiers held in Absalom a while ago. The society won a bunch of slots for the tournament. I would have participated, but the master of scrolls said, 'You arn't ready for it. Now keep practicing those Magic Missiles.' Stupid Taldan."

"Why are we being sent off? Not that I mind, since I love to show off and all, but where are the actual tournament winners from back then? Oh, and can I take a quick joyride with Thor? I'll bring him back really quick."

A tall, heavily muscled, man enters the room. On his back rests a sword thats nearly as big as he is. He looks over those present, "Sorry. I'm Vahanian, V for short. Ship took longer to get to port than i thought. What have i missed?" He asks waiting to be filled in.

"Oh Hey! I'm Marisa Hayami, mage extraordinaire! From the looks of things we are all being shipped off to Tian Xia, so we can appease the more violent nature of man. We have been selected by our Venture Captain as lucky contestants who get to risk our lives to compete for cash and prizes, bringing with us our assortment of powerful weapons and magic to compete in a closed arena in front of a live audience, all of which is broadcasted via clairvoyance/clairauience around the world."

"Yup! The future is now."

Props to you if you get the reference.

"Because you're available to go and because you're good at what you do. You will be fighting as a group for the most part, though there are a few challenges that are not combat. The tournament dates back to 4391 so about 300 years give or take, and is held every ten years. It's run by a branch of Abadarans. You'll be facing people from all over the world, though a decent chunk will be fighters from the surround Tian Xia. You'll be winning glory for yourselves and a prize for the society. The higher ups are looking at a magical tapestry and want to study it. As far as local customs, ask around. I would say don't spit at people and don't insult their food to start. And no riding Thor. He hates that."

Ready to go?

"I wouldn't worry about the local customs. We should be fine between me and our tengu... errr... what's your name?" Marisa says as she looks sheeply at the anthropomorphic bird.

Using gold, Marisa will buy two scrolls of suppress charms and compulsions. One scroll of Gust of Wind, 1 scroll of adoration, 1 scroll of negative reaction, 1 oil of grease. I'll use 2 PA to get 750gp worth of diamond dust. I will take 10 to scribe the relevant spells into my spellbook.

As a side note, if anyone has any requests on what spells I should take, please ask in the discussion section. My spellbooks are in the bottom of my character sheet, and my opposed schools are enchantment and necromancy.

I would suggest that each of us have ways of dealing with all the usual combat problems (e.g. flight, overcoming various DR, incorporeal foes, magical darkness, foes not in melee range). We should also talk about general combat tactics and what we can each do to contribute to the whole.

I'll start! I'm a "toolkit" kind of dervish bard, although I don't have the inspire courage ability (I only inspire myself). I have the bodyguard feat, which means that standing next to me in combat is a very good thing (I can give you a +8 untyped bonus to AC as an AoO). In combat I excel at melee combat, but have a decent composite bow if things get hairy. I also have the the Discordant Voice feat, which means that whenever I am using my bardic performance and you are within 30' of me, you do an additional 1d6 sonic damage. Spell-wise, I'm a self/party buffer who can cast Heroic Finale, Dimension Door, Haste, Slow, Good Hope, Cure spells (up to Serious), Silence, and Arcane Concordance. I also have the Symphony of the Elysian Heart masterpiece, which gives everyone within 30 feet of my freedom of movement.

I hit things. Then get angry and hit them harder. I also don't let people get away easy. I have the step up chain and the rage power no escape.

Chugan replies with a squawk. "I'm Chugan, though I'm rather used to 'that bird guy who mumbles in wierd languages'."

Chugan is going to run out and pick up a headband of mental prowess (Int/Cha) +2. As he's had more time to attend human theatre in his semi-retirement, he's going to find a headband that teaches him to act better. His Performance modifier is now a +6. He'll also pick up a fresh Cure Light Wounds wand as his is almost out.

Lets take the tactics stuff into the discussion thread.

Why is it that tengus always put themselves down?

Pallas turns to the tengu. "I do not recognize your accent, Master Chugan. Are you originally from Tian Xia?"

Brachus nods

"..no spitting on people. I'll try to remember that.."

Ready to go

After you make your last minute purchases, you are teleported to the Lantern Lodge in Goka before taking a ferry to the Island of Xielan. When you arrive, townsfolk shower you with cherry blossoms and hand out ceramic cups filled with warm, pungent liquor. The crowd forms a reception that leads to the center of town, where a crowded noodle house, Yon Loi’s, serves as the hub of all activity in New Harbor. The noodle house is a large, open-air structure centered around a courtyard filed with long, shaded tables for commoners. Smaller round tables fill a roofed balcony surrounding the courtyard, from which wealthier patrons and the tournament elite may look over the establishment. As you sit down, you are treated to a complimentary bowl of a savory and salty noodle soup filled with pork-belly and vegetables. As you begin to eat, a rather striking woman sits down at your table. Though she wears the clothing of a Gokan fisherman, her features are that of an Avistani woman complete with auburn hair and Chelish features. "So it looks like we have new competitors for the tournament? I am Risha. Where are you all from?"

Marisa makes a quick casting of detect poison. Assuming it isn't pinging, she begins to eagerly slurp her food.
Yup! We are here to compete! I'm Marisa, that's Pallas, he is Brachus, the big one is Vahanian, and the bird guy is Master Chugan. We came all the way to here from Absalom. Nice to meet ya Risha! Wow. I haven't had this food in awhile!"

Marisa yells out to the front of the "Hey barkeep! Could I get another order of Pork Chop Noodle soup and some good sake?"

Back in her normal conversing voice, she says to Risa, "So, I'm guessing you are here to greet the non-local competitors. You know where we are supposed to go to register?"

The cook nods to Marisa and drops another clump of dry noodles into boiling water. Another worker starts pouring more drinks.

"Nice to meet you. You can sign in at the Grand Pavilion. Tell me more about yourselves, travelers from Absalom. I've seen the fighting styles from the locals here, but what about you? Any special moves or an exciting fighting style? I love hearing about techniques from far off places."

Pallas makes a polite bow to Risha. "As my companion explained, we are indeed from far away, but so seem you, judging by your fair skin and auburn hair. Are you a spectator, participant, or perhaps part of the tournament staff?"

It's strange that someone would be so bold and direct to complete strangers. I wonder what her agenda is?

Pallas attempts to discern more about her motivation and background from what he can see about her and what she says, while also trying to ingratiate himself as much as possible.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30

The tall brute stares at the girl. "I don't like you. Your noisy. And at a tournament like this any surprise can help you win."

I kinda want to intimidate here but we might need her...

1d20 ⇒ 20

"I'm just a lowly fan. I just love talking about this kind of thing. I might be bordering on obsessive at times, but I just find it so fascinating."

She is taken aback by Vahanian though. "I'm sorry, I guess you're one of those no-nonsense types. I didn't mean to offend."

I'm going to assume that it is actual poison and not the GM being annoying and treating all alcohol as poison.

Marisa blinks owlishly.

wisdom check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Marisa mumbles to herself, "Well, the underhanded tricks sure started early. Note to self, I have to pick up a little bit of alchemy."

"Hey Barkeep! Can you get us all replacement sake? The stuff you gave us is probably going to give anyone you serve it to bellyaches tonight. Not good if you want us competitors to give a good showing, ya know?"

"Good. Then go bother someone else." V says. Then turns to the bar, "An ale please." He says to the barkeep. When it arrives he quickly downs it.

Fort: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 If needed

1d20

"I'm just a lowly fan. I just love talking about this kind of thing. I might be bordering on obsessive at times, but I just find it so fascinating."

** spoiler omitted **

She is taken aback by Vahanian though. "I'm sorry, I guess you're one of those no-nonsense types. I didn't mean to offend."

"Hey, hey. Don't be so hard on her Vahanian. You don't have to answer her. She is just a fan of the tournament. Heaven knows I was sparkly eyed when I spectated the tournament 10 years ago when I was barely a teenager. Around here competitors are big celebrities. You typically don't get to compete unless you are among the best of the best."

"Good. Then go bother someone else." V says. Then turns to the bar, "An ale please." He says to the barkeep. When it arrives he quickly downs it.

[dice=Fort]1d20+16 If needed

"Sorry about that." Marisa says to Risa. "He wants to win above all else. He is kinda right though. I normally wouldn't mind talking about my magic, but it is a tournament with a big prize. Someone might overhear our conservation, and then we'd be at a disadvantage at the beginning of the tournament. We can talk about our styles to you after we show off. I can promise you though it will be very flashy."

What accent does she have?

"Hurumph" V grunts with a shrug, ordering another ale.

Fort: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Hey, alcohol is a poison, technically. Don't worry about fort saves for right now though. She has an Avistani accent.

"Yes, all of you are heroes and inspirations to everyone. Between the big strong people with equally big weapons to the flashy mages throwing out spells that light up the sky, it's all wonderous."

Pallas looks deep into the woman's eyes. "Don't forget that as amazing as these feats of battle might seem, they are nothing compared the highs and lows experienced by a single human heart."

He then pulls out a strange-looking instrument with strings, a crank, and keys and begins a tune. It sounds strangely plaintive, echoing of lost love and a home left far behind across the dunes of a distant land.

Link to what Pallas might sound like playing his hurdy-gurdy :)

Perform (keyboard): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35