”The Decemvirate are truly grateful that so many of you have answered this summons to the Grand Lodge, for they, above all, know the trying lives that field agents endure. Indeed, you have only to look about this courtyard and gaze upon your colleagues to know they have come from all ends of Golarion to be among us. Look not grim, but rather determined, for this summons is not one brought of dire threat or terrible consequence. No! The Decemvirate has instead summoned you to taste the opportunity to enter the greatest contest of martial arts the world has ever known—the Ruby Phoenix Tournament”
”The legacy of Tian Xia’s legendary mystic arcanist, the nearly immortal Grandmaster Hao Jin, the Ruby Phoenix Tournament is held only once every ten years. The Tournament is run by Sifu Xho Nuo, Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix and sole heir to Hao Jin’s secrets. The prize for victory: an artifact pulled from Hao Jin’s fabled collection of the greatest wonders Golarion has ever known”
”Though Xho Nuo has made no formal announcement, we have learned the sifu has chosen to hold the qualifying round for this decade’s tournament here in Absalom. The Pathfinder Society has long sought to send one of its members to compete in this tournament. If our information is true, this means that for the first time, the Society has the opportunity to qualify a good number of its field agents. While the chance to glean an artifact from Hao Jin’s collection is enticing, that is hardly the entirety of our goal. However, I shall speak more on this subject at a later time”
”At present, we have learned that Xho Nuo plans to host a covert meeting to address all would-be contestants. Don’t get too excited though; it’s supposedly being held at a decrepit tavern in the Docks called the Devil’s Dregs. Go there and see what details you can pick up about the competition and the other entrants, but watch your backs. There’s little law to protect you down on the wharves, and it’d take a riot to raise any attention. Oh, and I wouldn’t expect an appearance from Xho Nuo either, as his social status prevents him from contact with such filthy and common places. My guess is that he’ll send one of his agents to rile up as many lowlifes as possible to serve as fodder for the first round of the contest”
”Lastly, though its likely Xho Nuo is aware of our interest in the competition, we need all our agents to maintain as much secrecy as possible. For all we know, he has deliberately chosen Absalom to bait our interests, so it’s imperative that he identify as few of our agents as possible. From here out, to keep our affiliations covert, we request all of you make arrangements for your stay outside the Grand Lodge. Try to pick a place that’s low key to avoid attention. Don’t worry about the cost though. The Decemvirate will pick up the tab. Good luck.”
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Yes...take a place who it low key and maintaIn secrecy.Says an elf with a flamming robe and rock that float around him.
I have a question that tab will include wand of magic aura or scroll or a casting of non detection? Those who are with you for many years can blind any novice spellcaster by the amount of magic weapon or the valor of our soul.
The elf then scratch his forehead.
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Having just made it in time for the Decemvirate's speech, following a tough mission inside a mystical landscape and then a hardcore drinking session. Tomas nods thoughtfully at the Decemvirate's words, though he clearly has a smile on his face showing his eagerness.
Tomas stands tall and has a well defined physique, Simple white trousers that end at his shins, white a white sash acting as a belt and a white sleeveless robe is worn open over a Mithril breastplate. Tomas eyes are a piercing Ice blue and his hair a pale gold. The thing that stands out most however, is his skin which is the colour of Dark Iron, which upon closer inspection reveals it is Iron, rather than flesh and blood.
A tattoo, now etched into his bare right arm shows his allegiance to the Drunken Hero God, Cayden Cailean whilst another down his left arm is of a Roaring Tien Dragon, curling around it. He carries no weapons apart from a single Cestus looped over his Sash.
"Hmm? What did you say Trickster? It would seem that we do quite stand out, but I would assume all at this tournament would. What we need to hide is our Pathfinder allegience, so no Wayfinders around necks or large Banners of the Open road glyph." he says, pondering their situation.
"Have you ever fought in an underground tournament? I have in a few and their rules are usually few and the prizes big, if you can survive."
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"I suppose i should," says Popol while droping his two wayfinder and changing his robe.
"This is the the first time we see each other haven't we?"
He raises his hands. "My non-elf name is Paul Paquin but you can call me Popol or Paulo. I am a mage and my spellbooks is open to any follow pathfinder who would need it for copy. I would need help for transporting them."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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A lithe but well built half elf joins the conversation with a chuckle. "Tomas, is it? I believe you have the right of it. This tourney will draw many different contenders from all walks of life. It will not be too hard to hide our true allegiances under the disguise of numbers alone. I am Eladrian, Hunter of Demons and Bane of all goblins and lessor species! I will be happy to accompany you through this contest.. my bow and hammer are at your service!" With this declaration, he dips into a formal bow while sweeping his cloak off of one shoulder displaying the aforementioned and well used bow and earth breaker hammer. "Shall we make ready to head for the docks?"
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As you all head toward the docks, in search of the tavern, you realize you're not the only ones doing so. Other groups of pathfinders and hopeful warriors are doing the same, all excitedly talking about how they'll qualify, for sure, and wondering what the prizes of such a massive tournament could possibly be.
In a quiet, rundown section of the Docks, you finally spot a weathered wooden sign hanging above a wide alcove that reads "Devil's Dregs". A pair of thick wooden doors within the alcove lead to the tavern.
Without warning, a flash of smoke flares up from the center of the tavern floor. As it clears, a towering, golden-skinned humanoid of hideous and terrifying countenance steps forth, ebon teeth gleaming fiendishly. Standing before the crowd, she greets them with a slow and gracious bow, yet her eyes never look away.
The creature gestures to call the crowd’s attention, and one by one they fall silent.
“Good evening and allow me to introduce myself, I am called Kiang Zhen. My sifu, Xho Nuo, the Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix, wishes for me to tell all of you that he is most pleased to see so many of you eager to attend the tournament. It is his desire that everyone please find a table and make yourselves comfortable at his expense.”
The room becomes increasingly packed as contestants file in, and barely a minute later arriving contestants quickly fill all remaining tables leaving the tavern with standing room only – yet more and more continue to fill the place out – it is tightly packed and it is a struggle to both keep a hold of your own food and drink as well as dodging the spilled food and drink of others.
A short time later…
”Again, your attention please. I regret to inform all of you that Sifu Xho Nuo will not be present this evening, though he has appointed me to speak on his behalf.”
”To speak with candor, there are many who wish the Sifu dead and wish to steal from him the ancient secrets he was appointed to guard. This comes as no surprise to the Emissary, for he has been charged with the protection of a great and terrible power. Even now, in this very room, some of these same individuals sit amongst us. To them I say, Sifu knows who you are and fears you not. He even entreats you to join the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, for he shall not compromise the primary intention of the contest – to find the world’s greatest martial artist. Rest assured, this tournament shall test the mettle of its contestants, regardless of their intentions. Competition shall be fierce and violent without regard for contestants lives. That is your concern – not mine, not the Emissary’s. Those who fail might be lucky enough to walk away with their lives. For this reason, there are few places where our tournament is truly welcome. Thus, given the nature of the tournament and other circumstances, the Emissary has expressed to me the need to retain secrecy. However, I assure you he shall make an appearance before the end of the qualifying round.”
”Lastly, I have noticed many of you have come as teams. This is good, for initially, you may need help from allies you trust.” The beast pauses for a moment, letting his dark, pupil-less gaze hover upon the crowd. From his belt he unfastens a leather satchel and holds it aloft before the crowd. “I have here 100 rubies. On the morrow, fifty of these rubies will begin to glow, and those individuals or groups in possession of one such gem shall be contacted by one of our agents, who will give them the details of where the first event of the qualifier will take place.” then with a wide and wild grin he says “And so it begins!”
On his final words, he tosses the bag into the air, sending the rubies scattering everywhere. The next moment, he vanishes, leaving behind only a vaporous wisp.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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As the rubies fly through the air, you see countless other hopefuls scramble to catch one! You've noticed members of the Red Mantis Assassins, the Aspis Consortium, and other lesser known organizations gathered in this room, and now all hell is breaking loose as the tightly packed people (mob rules in effect, the room is shoulder to shoulder packed) all jostle and shove each other to get a ruby!
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Oh my. That is special. Thinks the elf. What should I do? Obviously, there will be two difficulty. Catch and don't be stolen. We should only take and depart.
I think this is sad that they haven't giving me at least a scroll of non detection or obscure object. Our rival even if we have a rubies could search for this using a locate object. My god. I should have think about this. An obscure object scroll is what 150 gold? not that much.
Oups, my mind have gone away. Again what should i do. I estime three possible solution.
1. help Eldarian to find a ruby
2. Cast as spell to do... something
3. Cast an object.
Good lord. I haven't I have think to buy a scroll of obscuring mist. What I a mage I am! Refocus.
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Tomas looks to his new found group as they begin to talk if the tournament and nods to a figure they recognise, even if their obscure nature is buried under cloth.
"Hello again little one," he says to Nivi, patting the Wayang on the shoulder and wincing and the sounds of tinking glass as he does."Well met to you all, I am sure the tournament here will often some interesting challenges and I will gladly fight by your sides in this endeavour."
Sitting at the Tavern, Tomas' hands unconsciously clench at the appearance of the vile Oni, a constant plague on his homeland. Seeking to keep his tongue for now he watches the Rubies fall and uses his training and keen sight to grab one before it falls.
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Galmar rushes to the "Devil's Dregs" and gives a groan of dismay upon seeing it so full.
I know my brother must be busy running Taldor, but you'd think he'd have time to say hello to me when he's in town. I waited so long and now I'm late!
Fortunately Galmar's small size allows him to move through the crowd, and he catches the tail end of the oni's speech.
Galmar's eyes go wide as he locks onto a spinning ruby!
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Round 1!
Eladrian- Finds a Ruby!
Popol- Helps Eladrian!
Brother Theo- Finds a Ruby!
Tomas- Finds a Ruby!
Nivi- Doesn't Find a Ruby, Manages to Pickpocket One!
Galmar- Finds a Ruby!
The bulk of the rubies apparently flies right to your group, as all of you are able to grab one from the floor. Eladrian snags his ruby when Popol points one out right by the half elf's hand, and the rest of you easily grab an shining gem right before the throng of people surges toward you, falling over themselves, tables, chairs, each other, and you, making movement difficult, and making getting out of the tavern even more so. In the confusion, Nivi manages to snag a ruby out of someone's belt pouch as they try to push and shove their way out of the place, and no one is the wiser. You don't get the chance to celebrate your finds, however, as two burly half orcs, proudly wearing holy symbols of Gorum and the symbol of the Aspis Consortium come barreling toward you! They look like they are in some kind of fury, as their eyes are wild, their teeth are bared, and their greatswords are held high! One of them has a greatsword made of pure energy flating behind him!
Give us those rubies! We saw you grab 'em!
Round 2!
Nivi-Up
Eladrian-Up
Popol-Up
Galmar-Up
Tomas-Up
Cleric 1
Cleric 2
Theo
Everyone but Theo is up! Please feel free to rearrange yourselves on the map before taking your action.I just placed you in the general area of the beginning of combat.
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Tomas eyes up the approaching Half-Orcs and gives them a snarl in return, cracking his knuckles as he spins into life, calling upon the drnken hero to bless his strikes with luck against this new found foe. Stepping forth to join Eladrian Tomas strikes out at the same Cleric as the Slayer.
for
for
for
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Round 2
Nivi- Fires two arrows, misses!
Eladrian- (17 Damage) Misses with his first swing, catches the cleric with his backswing!
Popol- Greases The greatsword,
Galmar- Drops a bomb on the Cleric!
Tomas- Attacks the cleric, but doesn't make much headway against their divine armors!
Cleric 1- (20 Damage)
Cleric 2- (27 Damage)
Theo- Up!
Nivi, seeing the half orcs coming, looses two arrows at the burly brutes, but they bounch of the holy warrior's armor! Eladrian steps forward, and swings his sword mightily, but the cleric just grins and sidesteps. The grin quickly becomes a snarl of rage as Eladrian smirks and brings his greatsword back against the brute's neck, drawing a large line of blood! Popol chants, and points a finger at the sword of the non- injured cleric, and the blade becomes covered in a shimmer of shiny grease! The cleric looks on in surprise as his grip suddenly fails, and the sword falls from his hands! Galmar takes the opportunity to chuck a bomb at him, and the explosion somehow misses his allies and the throng of scrambling warriors, exploding square on the Cleric's chest. Tomas steps forward to attack the cleric with his fists, but they just bounce of off some kind of force field in front of his foe! Eladrian's foe growls mightily as he swings his greatsword in a return strike, and draws a deep gash on the half elf, and then misses with his backswing! His Spiritual Weapon bashes itself against Popol, but he is easily able to dodge its edge, and the half orc howls in rage! The half orc who dropped his sword steps toward his ally, and casts a spell, touching him!
His ally begins howling like an animal, and his eyes grow wide with rage!
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Theo casts a silence spell on the area, and for Tomas and Eladrian, the sounds of the brawl fade away. No longer can they hear the enraged howl of the cleric still holding onto his weapon, and even the sounds of their own breathing have disappeared.
Round 3
Nivi- Up
Eladrian- (17 Damage) Up
Popol- Up
Galmar- Up
Tomas- Up
Cleric 1- (20 Damage)
Cleric 2- (27 Damage)
Theo
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Attack Cleric 2! He is the one with the greatsword!Shoots popol with a righthous tone.
Popol draws a silver staff with a single ruby on top. He waves in the airs and point it toward cleric 2. 4 successive shot can be heard, leaving only a silver trail behind them. Popol goes back a few step because of the recoil.
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Tomas growls silently at the frothing Cleric, rolling his eyes at his allies magic cutting off his own spellcasting. Damn Tricksters he grumbles to himself, again no sound comes forth. Stepping low into a fighting stance mimicking Ancient Dragons before striking out again at the Raging Cleric, seeking to bring him low.
for
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Between Tomas' assault, and Nivi's first bomb, the two clerics are left a beaten and bloody mess, smoking from the explosion. They're both still breathing, though barely. The brawl continues around you, and you all know it won't be long before either the authorities show up, or you're attacked by another group for your rubies...
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He said that 50 of 100 would work. Are they magical? Searching for more could limit our opponent but we don't know what await us outside.
Popol casts arcane sight seeing if those rubies are magical.
"I would vote for getting out if we know the validity of those rubies.
Our mission was to give the society a ticket and we have. Better save our ressources
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Eladrian puts his hammer over his shoulder, ready for more fun.. however, common sense wins out with but a single look about the room. "We have at least a few chances to win.. I agree with Popol. We should get out of here and rest up for the real tests to come. Lead on.. I will take rearguard. Try to stick together until we are free of this mess!"