DM Brainiac’s Fists of the Ruby Phoenix: The Searing Light of Divinity (Inactive) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Maps on Google Slides
Map of Danger Island
Current Date: 24 Sarenith, 4721 AR
Day 1: 4:00 PM, Feathers: 5/10
Hexploration Activities Remaining: 16/32


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The crowd erupts into a frenzy of cheers and whoops as Irekeek dispatches the final foe! You bask in their adulation as you emerge the victors!

"Excellent! Excellent!" declares the Lantern King. "Princess Hot-bottom, you have truly gathered a worthy group of warriors here. I am pleased to officially sponsor you as the First World's representatives in the upcoming Ruby Phoenix Tournament!"


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3
Irekeek wrote:
"They are great warriors, fast, strong, and beautiful." other than that gnome, ick she thinks "But they were not... US!" goodness it would be great to have a name here but she is flummoxed.

"... The Searing Light of Divinity!" Nomi shouts out over the top of Irekeek's fumbled ending. She turns to give woman a wink as she spreads her arms wide.

She slowly settles to the ground to take in the crowd's applause. "What's there to drink around here?" she asks. "Or smoke?" Shigi settles onto her shoulder and gives an affectionate, but chiding currr. "Oh, come now, I've earned a little celebration."


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

I like the searing light part. Irekeek thinks to herself. She has never been much of a follower of the gods though. But done is done. After a returned nod of acceptance of the name to Nomi, she lands to accept their sponsorship from a big ball of fire that speaks. Nothing odd about that at all.


Suli Kitsune Cleric of Hei Feng 12 | Fists of Ruby Phoenix - Ended

"We don't smoke." Akira declares on behalf of Orchid who is strongly opposed to such a thing, not that Orchid ever expresses said strong opinion. Perhaps it is just that Akira decided Orchid is strongly opposed to smoking.

"Drinking though, now that's a pastime we can get behind! We can recount our glorious battle!" Akira tilts her head at Mizuta quizzically for a moment. "Why did you say "Searing Light of Divinity" to describe our group? I really do think it is a great name, but I would like to know what gave you the gut feeling that it worked. Was it...fate perhaps? Or maybe your friend here thought of it?" Akira talks very fast when she has questions on her mind, but directs the last one at the raven nestling on the woman's shoulder.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

Nomi chuckles lightly. "No, if Shigi here had come up with the name it would be something like 'Ripe Berries' or 'Easy Meat'," she says with a grin. The haziness in her gaze has faded somewhat and more clarity shows in her eyes.

"Searing, because it brings to mind intensity and power. Divinity because it adds an air of destiny. No one can deny us our destiny, after all."


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"'Ripe Berries' would have been an interesting name. Not Inspiring, but still interesting." Irekeek lands and looks more relaxed than ever. Bloodshed, even her own, does wonders for the heart.

"Drinking in the company of those who kept you alive is a worthy pasttime. Fermented milk is what they would drink in the rookery but I have grown fond of the human's 'Whiskey'" she enunciates the word, long and drawn out, just for effect. Giving a wiry but happy smile after.

Her head moves to look at Akira "You kept me in the fight." the large woman dips into a deep bow "For that I am very grateful."


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

Orchid, now that the violence is over, has relaxed into some sort of meditative stance and doesn't seem to be doing much of anything apart from relaxing in the sunshine.

Still, hooded eyes keep a watch on the rest of the group - even if their interactions remain puzzling.


Suli Kitsune Cleric of Hei Feng 12 | Fists of Ruby Phoenix - Ended

Akira bows deeply to Irekeek, "You put on a good show, how could I let someone with skills such as yours fall so easily? Hei Feng would deem it a waste of your skills if we did not at least attempt to save you." Akira looks Irekeek up and down as if judging her abilities further. "I would like to know more about all three of you, so as to be able to tell our story, let us go and find this drink."

Glancing back at the small Leshy, trying to gain some new semblance of calm, Akira adds, "Orchid here would love to head back to the Witchmarket, for a drink, come, let us go and be Merry!" Akira gestures at the new group of oddities and begins to walk in a random direction, not really sure which way she should head. "Now did you all know that Orchid is worshipped as a symbol of good luck and fortune back in some towns in Minkai and if we take her with us to get a drink, we will be bestowed with more good luck and fortune ourselves!" The Kitsune claims, her voice full of optimism.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Irekeek bristles "'Easily' is not how I would put it." stated in a low growl. The winged woman apparently has a bit of anger in her but she seems to grab ahold of it and lock it away, her face returns to a tired but pleasant smile. "Apologies. The fight is still fresh inside of me. I agree that... my 'tactics' do tend to lead to toward an abundance of Injuries. The hope is always that they suffer more than I."

In full princess mode, Irekeek doesn't comment on the lack of comments from the plant person that nonetheless manages to find their way in the fox's mouth. She bows low to the meditating plant, with her arms fanned out to her sides, like sweeping skirts she does not have on "It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of such a worshipped spirit. I have the hope that your continued fortunes will grace our shoulders for some time to come."


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

The raven on Nomi's shoulder turns a black, beady eye towards Orchid. A quiet crukk causes the sorceress to chuckle. "No, Shigi, I don't think our new friend grows berries, no matter the season. And even if they did, they would probably take offense at your coveting them."

She follows along behind Akira, seemingly not concerned whether the kitsune knows where she's going or not.


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

The leshy watches Nomi and her raven with a clear-eyed gaze and raises a tendril in obvious invitation to the bird.


Ifrit Sprite Ranger 12 | HP 142/174 | AC: 32 | F: +23, R: +24, W: +20; juggernaut, evasion | Per +23 | Speed 20 ft | Focus 1/1| Hero Points 3/3 | Conditions: None

"Let's go! I know the perfect place to drink and celebrate!" declares Princess Hot-bottom, doing aerial pirouettes around the party.

She leads you to a tavern at the edge of the Witchmarket built inside the trunk of a giant, hollowed-out tree called the Oak and Dagger. Within, a dryad bartender serves drinks to the patrons of various and diverse ancestries.

"Here's to us!" Hot-bottom declares, hoisting a comically oversized tankard before guzzling down its frothy contents.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Irekeek is impressed with the establishment. "This last decade I have lived in the human lands known as the Dragon Lands. Despite the name, it was a sea of the same. Here..." she smiles "... for once, I am the Norm." a long thin glass of something red that the dryad bartender called the fire's sin is tipped back and slowly gulped to nothingness.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

Nomi settles for a glass of whatever they served when she asked for wine. Ignoring the sideways glances, she reaches into her bag to produce a small, intricately carved bone pipe. She drops a couple of small white lumps into the bowl and then applies a spark from her fingers.

She takes a long draw from the pipe and holds the smoke as she closes her eyes. After almost a minute she exhales with a low, throaty groan. "Not as good as refined, but beggers and all," she says, finally opening her eyes. Her pupils are large and glassy and she smiles at the others as she reaches for her drink.

"Oh, sorry," she says. "I didn't mean to be rude." She holds up the pipe towards Irekeek with a pale hand.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Irekeek tilts her head at the pipe, her eyes following her head movements as they always do, "I have tried many avenues of acceptance often leading to retreats of regret, but... new experiences in new company and all." with a nod, she takes the pipe and inhales deeply, pauses, blinks, then way too late coughs mellowy. "Oh..."


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

Orchid sniffs cautiously at the pipe, then takes it and inhales. And inhales. And inhales. Eventually, after far too long without breathing, the leshy passes the pipe on as a cloud of smoke emerges from its high petals, creating an oddly artistic display.

"What is the purpose of this pipe?" Orchid asks. "Is it one of your 'intoxicants'?"


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

"This is pesh," Nomi says, taking the pipe back. "Well, raw pesh. It's much better refined, but hard to get in this part of the world." She takes another draw before offering the pipe to Akira.

"It makes you feel ... mmmm ... good. And sometimes you see ... visions," she says, closing her eyes.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"Visions?" a bit of more mellow in her voiced question "How'd you tell in a place like this?" Irekeek's face is watching a bubble of water waft through the air with a family of fish people swimming through the market in it.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

"Well ... here it feels like everything is a vision," Nomi says with a dry laugh. "But back home ..." Her humor fades a bit. "Back home is different."


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"Back home..." Irekeek gaze drifts away for a moment "Back home is being alone, truly alone, no matter how many are around you." her voice loses its lofty inflection she always maintains. Her voice drifts off is memory takes over, drowning her worse than any pipe ever could.

Then she blinks. She smiles. "A poem I read once, sorry." the tone returned. Only the misting in her eyes betray the complete lie she is speaking.


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Suli Kitsune Cleric of Hei Feng 12 | Fists of Ruby Phoenix - Ended

Akira frowns when Orchid tries the pesh and then starts wafting ineffectively at the haze surrounding the leshy. "Just because you can see through smoke and darkness doesn't mean you should be practicing!" The cleric says sharply. "Is your body not a temple? A finely honed weapon for Hei Feng's glory?"

Seeing the Warrior Princess becoming maudlin Akira bounces over to her. "Don't worry Xena. I have exactly the story for you! Sit, sit!" She insists that Irekeek sit down and then sets to work. "Once upon a time, far to the west, was a young woman who was born to a loving mother and a mysterious father. Once she grew up she found that a good friend of hers was the heir to the ancient kingdom of... Monkai! Our heroine, Flori, was a budding wizard with a lust to see the world. She of course went with the queen and together they fought their way through a haunted castle, great swarms of traitorous ninjas and a mighty oni who was sworn to end the queens line!" The story goes on for some time...


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Irekeek nods along with the story, "Flori sounds strong and smart, maybe she should be queen." she suggests.


The celebration lasts long into the night. The next day, you begin your training as a team...

Months pass..

And finally...

The time for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament has come!

Fists of the Ruby Phoenix!

No sorcerer on Golarion can boast more fame than Hao Jin, the Ruby Phoenix. Renowned for her interplanar travels and phoenix-like powers of self-resurrection—the source of her sobriquet—perhaps the only thing that can rival Hao Jin’s fame is her vast collection of relics and artifacts. She accumulated these treasures over centuries in honor of her deity Abadar’s reliquary of wonders, the First Vault. Her ultimate goal in seeking such treasures was to achieve true immortality, but this destiny ever eludes her.

When Hao Jin finally resigned herself to the fact that she would someday die, she set about devising contingencies to prevent her priceless relics from disappearing into the annals of history upon her death. She left the Gokan Temple of Abadar detailed instructions for how to handle her estate in the event of her disappearance. Such a contingency came to pass in 6891 IC (Imperial Calendar; 4391 AR), when Hao Jin failed to appear at the temple as she had said she would. The Abadarans could only presume her dead and, in keeping with Hao Jin’s wishes, organized the first Ruby Phoenix Tournament—a grand fighting spectacle that would draw athletes from around the world. Every 10 years, the winner of this glorious competition gets to claim one item from Hao Jin’s magnificent vault as their prize. In this way, many of her relics were released back into the world, one by one, for over 300 years.

This year’s Ruby Phoenix Tournament promises to be unlike any before it—because the Ruby Phoenix herself will be there! In 4719 AR, as the church of Abadar continued their usual preparations for the 32nd Ruby Phoenix Tournament, the unexpected occurred: Hao Jin returned to Goka. The church scrambled to determine its next steps as the contract with the sorcerer assumed her death, which was obviously not the case. Hao Jin recognized the importance of the tournament and was content with continuing the tradition, so long as she had her share of input into the process. The church agreed, and Hao Jin immediately began making changes to the tournament’s format.

Rather than permit several dozens or even hundreds of entrants, Hao Jin hand-selected and approved just 32 teams of fighters. The teams included competitors from other major tournaments around Golarion, famous and up-and-coming martial artists, and even notable adventuring groups. Hao Jin chose these contestants with consideration not only for their martial prowess, but also for their anticipated entertainment value.

After picking the teams, Hao Jin made one more significant change to the tournament process: rather than simply setting the teams against each other in a tournament bracket, the Ruby Phoenix created a large preliminary qualifying round. In this round, all teams will compete against each other in a multi-day freefor-all that tests their survival skills, teamwork, and mental fortitude. Only the top eight teams from this preliminary round will qualify to enter the Ruby Phoenix Tournament’s main event. So, Hao Jin’s 32 teams have traveled to the remote island of Bonmu, where they will compete against one another for three grueling days until the pool is whittled down to just eight finalists...

Bonmu:
During the Age of Legends, the magnificent empire of Taumata spanned most of what is now modern-day Minata. The Taumatans used their great knowledge in the arcane arts and engineering to maintain an empire spanning thousands of miles. During the Earthfall disaster, great floods, storms, and tsunamis wiped out Taumata, an event that most Minatan folklore assigns to vengeful gods angered by the country’s blasphemy. Most of Taumata was lost, with only a handful of structures and relics surviving the cataclysm. The land itself shattered into countless islands that constitute the archipelago now called Minata. Among this vast archipelago lies the small island of Bonmu, once the location of one of Taumata’s capital cities and featuring one of the most complete collections of ancient Taumatan architecture and artifacts.

Several millennia after the Taumatan empire’s destruction, a large number of Tian-Sings discovered Bonmu and took residence among the abandoned structures. They made the island a center of religious worship, repurposing many of the temples to forgotten Taumatan gods into temples of Tian-Sing deities like Gozreh, Hei Feng, and Irori. The new Bonmuans enjoyed peace and prosperity for decades.

This peace met an abrupt end in 4606 AR. A massive tsunami struck the western Arcadian coast and pulled much of the ocean away, creating temporary land bridges between Minata’s islands that lasted for days. Terrifying creatures from the nearby Valashmai Jungle—including Mogaru, a massive saurian kaiju—used these new bridges to make their way to the Minatan isles, including Bonmu. The Bonmuans watched in horror as Mogaru rampaged across neighboring islands and smaller monstrosities overran their home. They ultimately fled to avoid obliteration and never looked back, believing the again-abandoned island to be cursed. Since that time, Bonmu has had an ill reputation, though most pragmatists—including Hao Jin and her fellow tournament organizers—disregard these rumors as nothing more than superstition.

***

Part 1: Welcome to Danger Island

23 Sarenith, 4721 AR

It took several days to journey across the waves from the city of Goka, but at long last, your ship arrives at the island of Bonmu. As you disembark on the docks, you can see all of the entrants to this year's Ruby Phoenix Tournament lining up, stretching, practicing their techniques, and sparring with each other. The air buzzes with anticipation.

After a few minutes, a cloister of red-and-gold-outfitted monks arrives at the docks and calls the assembly to order. One monk meets with each team and introduces themself as the team’s attendant and guide for the duration of their time on Bonmu. Eventually, an old man wearing brilliant robes arrives by boat at the docks. All the monks bow to the man before he begins his speech.

A hush falls over the crowd as the wizened man steps onto one of the docks and clears his throat. Even the ocean’s waves seem to cease their crashing for a dramatic moment, and then the man speaks in a loud and clear voice.

“I am Sifu Xho Nuo—Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament and guardian of the legacy of Hao Jin, the immortal sorcerer in whose name you are gathered here. Know that in simply receiving an invitation to qualify for the tournament, you have already earned a place among the greatest fighters Golarion has ever known. However, only eight teams may continue on to the tournament proper, and that is why you are here today. Welcome to the island of Bonmu, or, as dubbed by Lady Hao Jin, ‘Danger Island.’ This will be your home for the next few days, and it is here where you will earn the right to enter the tournament.

“Bonmu is vast. It is a place of ancient ruins and sites left untouched by the centuries. Lady Hao Jin has reclaimed this place and picked out a suitable location for each team to reside during their stay. Of course, nothing is given freely at the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. Each team has been assigned a specific location somewhere on this island, but many of these sites are filled with dangerous creatures or worse. It falls to you to make your site safe. Within your residence you will find the phoenix necklace and three silver feathers. Your mission here is to acquire and keep seven more such silver feathers.

“Without further delay, I leave you to the whims of Bonmu. The pre-qualifier begins at sunrise tomorrow. May the worthiest win!” At that, the teams burst into excited conversations with their escorts and rush toward their residences. Danger Island awaits!

Your escort turns towards you again. "I am Ingdani," she says as she bows. "As your team's escort, I will accompany you during your stay on the island and answer any questions you have. Your residence will be at a temple to Irori roughly a third of a mile away from the docks. When you are ready, I will take you there."


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"Greetings Ingandi" Irekeek says, dipping her head in acknowledgement of the bow. Full regal princess in place. After months with her, her companions are well aware the Princess is a persona she wears for the ring and all that accompanies it. "We welcome your service and will endeavor to be worthy of it."

She ruffles her wings, stretching them out to their full wingspan. An act that proved difficult with any regularity on the ship. "To the residence then, to clear it of any obstacles the game's masters wished to test us with. Do you know anything of the creatures inhabiting this temple?"


”I do not know what lies within the temple,” Ingdani says, ”but even if I did, I would not be at liberty to divulge those details. You will have to discover and defeat whatever lies within.”


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"Sometimes solutions can be hidden behind a single question, I was once told, assuming the asking will never be attempted." she gives Ingdani a shrug of her shoulders "Meaning it never hurts to ask."

As she waits to see if her odd companions have any questions, her head turns to take in the rest of the teams.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

"While you can't divulge any details, I'm curious whether the teams face individual challenges or are they the same for each group?" Nomi questions.


”Each team’s residence hosts its own unique series of challenges,” Ingdani explains. ”But the rewards are the same: a phoenix necklace and three silver feathers to get them started. After that, there are several ground rules to follow. They are provided for you here, along with a map of the island.” The monk hands you a scroll.

Danger Island Rules:
Basic Rules

• 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.

• The emissary employs a number of enforcers to maintain order on the island. The enforcers are agents of the emissary and so have the authority to declare unique challenges and matches.

• To qualify for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, a team must collect a total of 10 silver feathers. A team can attempt to earn feathers by challenging another team to a match and wagering feathers.

• All teams must be able to readily present their phoenix necklace and at least 1 silver feather to the emissary or his enforcers. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.

• No contestant may leave Bonmu, for any reason, until the conclusion of the qualifying round, unless they are disqualified or lose all of their silver feathers.

• The qualifying round lasts a total of 3 days. On the third day, any team with a complete set of silver feathers can visit Mount Haminabu to confirm their entry into the tournament by presenting their necklace and 10 feathers. Once eight teams have qualified for the tournament, the qualifying round is over, and all remaining teams are immediately disqualified.

Contests
To earn silver feathers, teams must engage other teams in official fighting matches. Teams can challenge one another to a match at any time once the qualifying round begins except for designated safe hours (every night from midnight to sunrise). A team must challenge another team in the presence of an enforcer. A challenged team must accept the challenge or be disqualified.

Once a match has been declared, the challengers must wager between one and three feathers. The defenders must then match the wager; if a defending team can’t match the wager, they must wager their remaining feathers. Once the wagers are placed, the feathers are handed to the enforcer, who takes both teams to the nearest designated fighting site. Teams can also agree to fight one another without making a wager, in which case they are free to fight anywhere on the island, and the defending team isn’t required to accept the challenge.

Once at the fighting area, the challenge begins. Only the two teams are allowed to participate in the challenge. Neither team can accept aid from anyone not participating in the challenge. The challenge is a free-for-all between both teams. The last team standing is the winner. A team can choose to yield and forfeit at any time during the challenge. Failing to honor the forfeit results in a disqualification. The slaying of an entrant during a challenge is entirely possible and permitted, but if an agent of the emissary catches any team attempting to lethally harm an entrant outside of a challenge, that team is disqualified.

Once one side has fallen or forfeited, the enforcer declares a winner and provides the winning team all of the wagered feathers. If the transfer of feathers would grant a team more than 10 total feathers, any excess feathers go to the enforcers and are taken out of play from the qualifying round. There are no ties in challenges and in the rare case where a winner is not immediately obvious, the enforcer has final say on declaring the winner. In addition to earning the feathers, the winning team also earns a bonus of 500 gp for winning a challenge. The enforcers are free to add to the winnings as they see fit in cases of particularly spectacular or memorable matches. Looting of defeated teams is permissible only if all members of the losing team have been killed.

After a match, the winning team can’t challenge the losing team again for the duration of the event. The losing team doesn’t have this restriction, however, and can challenge a team that has beaten them to rematches until the losing team either runs out of feathers or wins. Finally, any team with 10 or more feathers is prohibited from issuing challenges to other teams, though other teams are still allowed to challenge them.

Enforcers
Rather than send in their own priests, the church of Abadar has recruited capable fighters to help maintain order on Bonmu and act as judges. These enforcers have the power to oversee challenges and directly interfere when any team breaks the rules.

In addition to acting as referees, the enforcers are a type of rival team themselves. An enforcer or group of enforcers can challenge any contending team on the island to a match. The enforcers are not required to wager any feather tokens, though they may require the defending team to wager up to 3 feathers. This process is intended to thin the pool of available feathers and make it more difficult for some of the teams to acquire the 10 feathers they need to qualify. If a challenged team defeats the enforcers, the winners earn 500 gp instead of silver feathers. Of course, no lethal action may be taken against the enforcers.

The enforcers also have the power to declare unique challenges that don’t involve a fighting match. These challenges are designed to encourage the teams to travel the island and overcome the environment. To entice teams to participate in these challenges, the enforcers possess a number of additional silver feathers that they can give out as rewards to the challenge winners.

Though the emissary is ultimately in charge of all the tournament agents on the island, including the enforcers, he has delegated command of the enforcers to an onidoshi named Koto Zekora. Koto Zekora is considered the final arbiter of any enforcer decisions, and her authority is second only to that of the emissary.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

"Wow, that's a lot of rules," Nomi says as she scans over the extensive list. "How often do enforcers actually challenge a team?"


”This is the first time the pre-qualifier round has been held, so it’s impossible to say right now,” Ingdani says with a shrug. ”You’ll have to wait and see, I suppose.”


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

"Must the enforcer making a challenge do so before another enforcer?" Orchid asks. "Or may they simply challenge at their own will?"


”An enforcer may challenge a team either individually or with a group of other enforcers.”


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

Nomi is still looking over the scrolls of rules with a frown. "Lead on, Ingdani, lead on," she says with a wave of her hand.


Ingdani nods. "Before we go, let me show you a few sites of interest nearby. There nearest fighting site is to the temple of Irori is to the south, in the forest over there. You are free to accept challenges at the temple, once you have claimed the residence, but you can also move any challenges to that arena if you wish.

"North of that is the Stone Market." The monk points to a set of small stone shacks to the southeast of the docks. "Each of these buildings is magically connected to a tournament-operated stall in the Neverending Market in Goka, allowing competitors to purchase any common goods and equipment during their time on Bonmu.

"Finally, there is a transport tower over there." She notes a stone tower looming over the treetops half a mile north of the temple of Irori. "The tower is one of five located around Bonmu. These towers are all connected by teleportation magic and allow for quick transport around the island. The towers are considered safe sites; any attempts to fight or declare a match within them results in instant disqualification.

"Any questions before we proceed?"


Ifrit Sprite Ranger 12 | HP 142/174 | AC: 32 | F: +23, R: +24, W: +20; juggernaut, evasion | Per +23 | Speed 20 ft | Focus 1/1| Hero Points 3/3 | Conditions: None

"None from me!" Princess Hot-bottom proclaims. The fiery sprite darts back and forth, gaping at all the structures in the distance. "We're here! We're finally here! This is amazing! We're gonna kick so much ass! Get all the silver feathers! Win the tournament! We can do it!"

Her wings flutter as she leaps in the air and spins around, full of manic pixie energy!


As soon as you start your trip toward the temple of Irori (but before you make it very far), another team runs up and hails you. They seem a motley bunch at first glance--a middle-aged Tian-Shu man with a fashionable tattoo of Irori's Master's Rebus on his chest, a coy and aloof kitsune woman in black garb, a scarred tengu in armor and with matching fan-shaped swords at their belt, and a nagaji in robes with a curling tattoo of a dragon over his face.

"Greetings to you," the Tian man says in Taldane, bowing. "I am Tino Tung, and these are my teammates Ji-yook, Takatorra, and Yabin the Just." He indicates the kitsune, tengu, and nagaji in order. "Together, we are Tino's Toughest! I overheard that you are headed to the temple of Irori. We are going to be staying in the library of Gruhastha, half a mile from the temple, and we are all eager to meet our island neighbors!"


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"And greetings returned." Irekeek says with only a light dip in return to his bow, (princess and all). 'And here I thought we would be the oddest group here.' her mind smiles, but at the same time recognizes a scouting mission when she sees it. Still, politeness is important. "Of course. While we are destined to be opponents, that does not mean we cannot be cordial in between bouts. I am Irekeek, and my fellow warriors are..." she then gives the names of each of the others, pausing at orchid, wondering suddenly if she should introduce him as Akira's familiar to throw them off. So she simply raises an eyebrow to the kitsune in question on how she wants to proceed.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

Nomi returns the bow, but doesn't give on that she understands the barking language the man speaks.

"Greetings to you," she says in Tien when her name is mentioned.


Suli Kitsune Cleric of Hei Feng 12 | Fists of Ruby Phoenix - Ended

Akira's eyes narrow at their new opponents, focussing on the kitsune woman as if she is her own personal challenger.

Realising that Irekeek did not introduce Orchid, Akira tilts her head before bowing deeply and gesturing towards the plant.

"And here we have Sunshine Slayer! She..." Akira pauses, looking back up at Irekeek's glance. Perhaps she should not be so honest about Orchid's incredible power this time. "Sunshine Slayer is my disciple, and merely in my tutoring programme, no need to concern yourself with him."

"Who are your friends that we have here? Worthy opponents I am sure!" Akira adds, her concentration focusing back on the other kitsune.

Kitsune Lore: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 Can Akira work anything out about them by their dress etc


Tino repeats his introductions in Tien for Nomi's benefit.

Ji-yook returns Akira’s appraising look. She appears to be an Empty Sky kitsune, giving her access to ancestral magical abilities. Her tail flickers with wisps of blue foxfire, and her black garb likely indicates that she is a ninja.

Tino’s smile widens. ”They are worthy, indeed. We have been together for a long time. We’ve met a lot of people on our adventures, but there’s always more to learn. When we got word we were invited to take part in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, we leapt at the chance to travel to a new place and test our strength against worthy opponents. It would be quite a thing to earn one of Hao Jin’s great treasures... but as long as we’re having fun and making memories, I don’t think any of us would regret losing the tournament!

“Would you be up for a sparring match before you head to the temple? All in good fun, of course!”


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

Orchid catches Akira's eye and shakes its head slowly. Giving away knowledge of their styles is most unwise.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Irekeek catches Orchid's shake of the head and agrees wholeheartedly. "Accomidations before fun, I am afraid. Once we have secured our temporary home, may... be..." the princess smiles.


Tino nods. ”Of course. Feel free to find us any time you want a friendly match. Oh, but before you go, take these.” He gifts you two ghost touch weapon runes, saying with a wink, “I’ve heard this island is covered in undead. I’d hate for ghosts to get the better of you before we have a chance to fight again in the tournament. See you around!” His teammates wave as they depart.


Without further adieu, you make your way to the temple of Irori. The path to the temple begins at the bottom of a hill, several hundred feet from the door. Thin stone pillars carved with representations of the Master’s Rebus line the path on both sides. A small metal brazier rests atop each pillar. The braziers are currently unlit and empty.

A simple dirt path leads up to a large pair of wooden doors bearing numerous intricate carvings. Two statues, each of an androgynous human, stand to either side of the doors, though the southern statue has been knocked over and now lies in pieces in the grass. Large webs cover the temple door and the exterior walls to the northwest and southwest. Something massive writhes in the thick webs that cover the northwest wall.

A small footpath leads around the north side of the temple.


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

Once they are away from the other group, Irekeek hands the runes to Nomi, "Are they what he says? No tricks?" The time together (and the feigning of lack of language knowledge) has taught Irekeek Nomi has a suspicious mind, much like her own, but more intelligent so can find more twists and patterns than she can.

if okay, and okay with everyone, she will affix one of the runes to her polearm?

At the temple, the bird like woman crouches and whispers "can anyone tell what it is, other than ugly"


Ifrit Sprite Ranger 12 | HP 142/174 | AC: 32 | F: +23, R: +24, W: +20; juggernaut, evasion | Per +23 | Speed 20 ft | Focus 1/1| Hero Points 3/3 | Conditions: None

"Let me check it out," says Princess Hot-bottom. She casts a spell, transforming into a little, innocuous-looking lizard. She scuttles towards the webs, getting a closer look. After a few minutes, she comes back and returns to her glowing sprite form.

"It looks like a dinosaur is stuck in the webs! A three-horns! Uh, triceratops. There are two enormous spiders on the roof of the temple, but I think they're asleep. We could try to sneak past them, but they'll notice if the webs are disturbed."


Female Strix Barbarian 12 | 171/212(0 temp) | AC 30(29 with polearm, 28 when raging) | fort +23 (success as crit success) ref +19 will +17 | Perception +16 : Initiative as Performance +21

"'TRI'cera'TOPS'? Humans really named a creature after the number of protrusions out of their head?" she groans in irritation. Then forces herself to concentrate. "we are meant to clear the temple, and this is the front door of the temple. Also if we run into anything just inside the doors, it will probably disturb the sleeping spiders and we'll be wedged in." opinions and thoughts laid out, she around to see if anyone thinks differently. Another thing time has taught her, each of them are not prone to being Ordered about. Which is a good thing.


Appearance - Female Half-Elf Sorceress 12 | HP 116 | AC 28 | Fort +19, Ref +20, Will +16 | Perc +16 | Low-light Vision, detect magic | Class DC 31 | Hero 3/3

"Much more unique than naming them after their number of legs," Nomi says with a smile. "But we're going to have to deal with the spiders at some point or another and one thing I've learned about spiders ..."

She weaves her hands in a complex gesture and a small ball of flame appears in one hand.

"... They must be killed with fire."


HP: 12/24 | AC: 14 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +8 | Arc/Crft/Dip/Lor/Soc +6, Med/Nat/Rel +8, Per +10| Lvl 1: 3/3, Font 1/3, Wand 0/1, Foc 1/1 | HeP: 3 | Active:

"It would be a shame to kill the tri-cera-tops." Orchid says quietly. "Maybe Akira can make it calm?"


Determined to take down the spiders, you prepare for combat. As you approach the temple, the massive arachnids awaken and begin to stir!

Initiative:
Akira: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 21 + 2 = 26
Irekeek: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 2 = 33
Nomi: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 2 = 23
Orchid: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 2 = 29
Princess Hot-bottom: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 22 + 2 = 25
Spiders: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

Irekeek may act. The spiders are 15 feet up on top of area A1. The webs cover the entire rooftop and e spaces immediately adjacent to the walls and front doors. The webs are difficult terrain. Clearing a square of webbing requires a single attack or effect that deals at least 10 slashing damage or 5 fire damage. A square has AC 5, and it automatically fails saving throws. If the web takes at least 5 fire damage, it catches on fire; each turn, the fire burns away the webs in that space and spreads to any adjacent webbed squares. A creature that starts its turn in a burning square takes 5 fire damage.

The webs covering area A1a must be destroyed before the temple’s doors can be opened. Area A1b’s webs are thick enough for a character to climb up to the temple’s flat stone rooftop. At area A1c, the spiders’ latest meal—a badly wounded but still living triceratops—lies half-cocooned in webs and stuck to the temple’s exterior wall. Destroying the webs around the triceratops frees it.

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