DM Brainiac's Fists of the Ruby Phoenix: Victorious Secret!

Game Master Brainiac

Xin stands there for a moment before kicking the rubble. "That'll teach you not to interrupt a girl's beauty rest. Heal up and go back to sleep?"

Lazarus looks shocked!
You mean that THIS isn't just a dream?

"I only dream of the magnificent prizes Hao Jin will award us when we win her tournament. We should ask the organizers about this interruption in the morning. Perhaps a jealous team is trying for an unfair advantage."

"In the morning?!" Chkirri exclaims. "We shouldn't wait! No one's supposed to be able to steal our feathers, or try to kill us!"

Unwilling to wait for the others, he starts marching out to find an enforcer to complain to.

It takes some time, but Chkirri is able to find an enforcer nearby. When told about the attack on the temnple, the enforcer shrugs. "We did not sanction the attack. Do you have any evidence the soldiers were sent deliberately to attack you? This island is dangerous. It is possible they were just an indigenous threat."

Chkirri looks shocked. Random roving bands of terra cotta soldiers aren't something he'd bet on. But he heads back to further investigate the remains to see if he can find any further clues -- or maybe some indication of where they came from.

He doesn't know? That is some shoddy security. So, we tidy up, finish resting and see what Day 3 brings?

The soldiers' clay bodies bear obvious markings similar to those at the Taumatan shrines you have discovered scattered about the island. It certainly appears plausible that the attack may have just been a strange occurence tied to Bonmu's ancient history.

Xin yawns. "This place was full of ghost monks and giant spiders when we got here. We can't walk two steps outside without running into some gigantic monster or another. Terra cotta soldiers are a bit strange, admittedly, but I don't think there's any proof they were trying to kill us." She considers. "Okay, they were definitely trying to kill us, but I don't think they were trying to kill us. If you get my drift."

"Let's just get some bandages so we don't bleed all over our beds and go back to sleep."

"Agreed. I must say, we've been extremely respectful of Bonmu's gods. Perhaps they could direct their wrath elsewhere for the rest of the night so we could get some sleep."

Storm Adder helps everyone get healed up, then retires to bed.

They say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Indeed, you feel yourselves better prepared for the challenges that still await you on the third and final day of the prequalifier.

Everybody is now level 14! You may now rest without further interruptions.

***

Fortunately, the rest of the night passes without incident. You are able to rest and prepare for the final day on Danger Island.

Before you depart from the temple of Irori, though, a dull roar, like an earthquake, disrupts the serenity of the third morning of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament pre‑qualifier. Monkeys, birds, and rodents screech in terror as a plume of red fire erupts from the peak of Mount Haminabu near the island’s center. The blinding flames paint the sky violet and blast away the clouds around the mountain before dramatically twisting into the unmistakable form of a blazing crimson phoenix.

“Good morning, competitors!” a woman’s voice echoes across the skies of Bonmu, emanating from the phoenix. “I, Hao Jin, the Ruby Phoenix, congratulate you for surviving Danger Island so far. We now begin the final day of this pre-qualifying round for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament.”

Cheers echo distantly across the jungle island. The voice continues: “I have placed a palace here on the peak of Mount Haminabu and invite you to join me and my guest, Empress Nai Yan Fei, for a pleasant evening of stimulating conversation, fine local food, and rousing entertainment. To join us, simply bring me your phoenix necklace and ten silver feathers. This will secure your access into the palace as well as the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. I await all of you who are worthy of the honor. You have until sunset to reach the mountaintop. Fight well, combatants.” With Hao Jin’s final words, the phoenix erupts into a halo of brilliant fire and disappears.

Mount Haminabu is area P on the map. Since you already have gathered 10 silver feathers, you can either continue to explore the island some more or head to the palace directly!

Waking up the next morning just as the dawn begins to brighten the horizon, Lazarus goes to the shrine of Irori to pray and meditate for an hour.
Feeling a bit leveled up, the Warrior-Monk decides to gather breakfast for the group while enjoying the excitement of this final day!
We are going straight away?

"Ooh!" Chkirri says, awaking with new vigor and a new challenge!

"I bet we can get there first!" he exclaims. "It doesn't look like it's that far."

Let's walk north, exploring as we go? I feel like it's not tactically the smartest thing, but I'd like to know more what the adventure has to offer. Just go in the hexes with F8/C, to F12/N, to F14, to J6/P.

Lazarus take another bite from a delicious (but sour) pomegranate.
Sounds seriously serene seriously!

Sounds like a plan!

"Works for me. I'd like to get there soon, just so we don't risk getting our feathers stolen along the way." Xin stretches, yawning. "Plus I could use a nap."

Chkirri's plan sounds good.

You begin to journey north towards Mount Haminabu. Before you get far, though, a group of enforcers intercept you. "You have been chosen for another match against an enforcer. Your opponent waits for you nearby."

Unable to refuse, you follow the enforcers to a fighting arena near a waterfall. There, on a bridge spanning the pool at its base, waits a hulking onidoshi! Long horns emerge from the red-skinned ogre mage's brow, and a huge greatclub rests across her back. She grins. "I am Koto Zekora, Hao Jin's chief enforcer! I have been waiting to partake in a spirited fight for days now, and I finally have that chance. You must wager 3 of your silver feathers against me! I value a good challenge--win, and you will be handsomely compensated."

Ingdani steps forward as you take your starting positions. "Koto Zekora versus Victorious Secret! Ready? FIGHT!"

Battle Cry: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27

Storm Adder lets out a fearsome battle cry, but Koto Zekora seems unfazed!

Chkirri, Xin, and Lazarus may act!

"Victorious Secret has been waiting for a good fight for days, too!" Chkirri shoots back, his voice amplified as usual for a battle. "I bet we're still waiting once we're done here!"

Knowing the best offense is a good defense, Chkirri hopes his words are inspiration enough for his companions to realize they need to protect themselves, and then casts a spell on the oni.

Inspire Heroics (defense), Cast a Spell (synesthesia, DC 33 Will save)
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 37 (very hard level 14): 1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 27 + 2 = 30 Oof! We're going to Hero Point the heck out of that!
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 37 (very hard level 14): 1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 27 + 2 = 30 OK, I get it dice roller. I'm not being inspiring at all.

Lazarus just looks at his fellow companions with a simple shrug.
This may take a while. Anyone already make preemptive dinner reservations?

Lazarus then immediately enters his Gorilla Stance.
(◇) Stance Savant

The Warrior-Monk then roars a challenge at the oni!
Victorious Secret accepts your paltry challenge!
(◆) Intimidation (M) to Demoralize Will DC ? : 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36
Demoralize

Lazarus then (◆) Strides up to the oni and attempts to knock him off his flaming feet!
(◆) Athletics(M) Ref DC ?: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35
Trip

I feel like those were not quite enough....

Xin eyes the hulking enforcer with the giant greatclub and prudently decides to stay right where she is. Not that it stops her from trash-talking. "You want a spirited fight? You've come to the right team. I just hope you don't think you have a chance of winning said spirited fight." She smirks, hefting her starknife. "What compensation are you planning, anyway? Last time we got a nifty statue that lets us refuse fights. Not that we need to use it here."

She'd been looking forward to hearing Chkirri's inspirational words, so when they fall flat it makes her turn her head and arch an eyebrow inquisitively. (Which does not help her own aim.) Frowning, she calls to Lazarus, "Stick close enough and she'll have trouble using the greatclub or spells!"

◆ Bon Mot: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (6) + 26 = 32 Since Chkirri reminded me Hero Points exist, I'll use one here to get the panache train rolling.
◆ Bon Mot: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 46
◆ +2 Starknife: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (7) + 27 = 34 P. Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 + (6, 4, 3, 1, 4) = 27 + Persistent Bleed: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 5, 3) = 13
◆ One For All, Lazarus: 1d20 + 26 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 26 + 4 = 47

Bon Mot (Critical Success): Koto Zekora is distracted and takes a –3 status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: Koto Zekora gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +3 to your next attack roll

"A large sum of gold will be yours if you can defeat me!" Koto Zekora shouts to Xin. The swashbuckler's quips leave her distracted, but she still dodges the hurled starknife.

Will, Bon Mot: 1d20 + 26 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 26 - 3 = 24

Chkirri inspires defense in the party and then attempts to mess with Koto Zekora's senses. The spell works spectacularly, leaving the onidoshi stunned as she tries to process the sudden sensory shifts!

Lazarus manages to demoralize the chief enforcer, rushing forward and managing to knock the hulking woman off of her feet! She hits the ground with a heavy thud.

Koto Zekora recovers from the stun, but it's all she can do to stagger back to her feet!

Lazarus may take an Attack of Opportunity as Koto Zekora Stands. Everybody may act!

Storm adder narrows his eyes, "You should think twice about challenging us! Victorious Secret will overwhelm you!"

Storm Adder casts debilitating dichotomy
mental: 18d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 4, 3, 6, 1, 5, 6, 5, 2, 1, 1, 2, 6, 1, 4, 5) = 66 DC 33
Will Save: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

As the wind starts to swirl around him, he casts shield.

"Oh, she's on the ropes now!" Chkirri cries excitedly. "She's staggering around like she's been drinking saki all day! She'll be lucky if she can land a single blow on Victorious Secret, and they're all over her!"

Then he gestures, and sends a piece of rubble flying toward the oni.

Lingering composition (inspire defense!), Cast a Spell (telepathic projectile)
Performance for lingering composition vs. DC 32 (standard level 14): 1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 27 + 2 = 31 Failure The composition lasts 1 round, but you don't spend the Focus Point for casting this spell.

Telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40
damage: 7d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5, 5, 1, 1, 6, 3) + 5 = 31

Geez, I'm just not inspiring this fight. That said, it is defense for everyone for 1 round, and no loss of Focus Point, so I can try again next round.

Lasarus winds up as the Oni begins to stand back up!
Should've stayed down, friend!

(↺ ) Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), flat-footed: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 363d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3, 6) + 8 = 23 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+8/11/14 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 33 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Flat-footed not included.

Lazarus sighs. He then attempts to (◆) Climb the very sides of the bridge to maneuver to the opposite side of the big fella.

AC 35 currently and not flat-footed when climbing.

Lazarus then waves at the big fella just prior to delivering a Grievous Blow!

(◆◆) Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), Xin: 1d20 + 29 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 29 + 3 = 525d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 2, 1, 4, 3) + 8 = 26 CRIT! (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+8/11/14 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 33 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Lazarus just shakes his head sadly.

Xin glares at her starknife as if it's personally offended her before throwing it again. Her aim still isn't perfect, but it's significantly better. She'll take better.

Squinting, she realizes from her current position she can't quite see what Lazarus is doing from behind the giant onidoshi. Besides, flanking is always a good idea. Right?

I hope I don't regret this...

She runs forward until she's right in front of Zekora. (Which gives her an excellent view of the punch Lazarus fires into Zekora's kidney.) "Oooh, that's gotta sting. Are you regretting challenging Victorious Secret yet?" She winks at Lazarus. "'Cause he's got more where that came from."

◆ +2 Starknife: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (12) + 27 = 39 P. Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 5d6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 + (4, 2, 1, 3, 4) = 22 + Persistent Bleed: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 2, 3) = 10
◆ Stride
◆ One For All, Lazarus: 1d20 + 26 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 26 + 4 = 44

Exemplary Finisher: Koto Zekora gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +3 to your next attack roll

"Why can I taste color?!?" Koto Zekora shouts, too overwhelmed by her scrambled senses to respond to your barbs and taunts.

Will vs Dichotomy, Arcane Countermeasures: 1d20 + 26 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 26 - 3 + 2 = 29

Lazarus punches Koto Zekora as she gets to her feet. Storm Adder blasts the onidoshi's mind, and even though she attempts some arcane countermeasures to resist the magic, the gnoll still overwhelms her with his debilitating dichotomy. Chkirri batters her with a hurled projectile, then Xin hurls her starknife into the enforcer's bulging belly, leaving a bleeding wound. Lazarus then clambers along the bridge to get behind Koto Zekora, leaping up and delivering a critical hit, slowing her!

Fortitude vs Brawling Crit: 1d20 + 31 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 31 - 4 = 32

The onidoshi's bleeding wound is counteracted somewhat as she starts to regenerate. She risks opening herself to another attack from Lazarus as she casts a spell.

Concentrate, DC 5 Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Assuming Lazarus's attack doesn't interrupt her, she completes the spell, banishing the fighter to an extradimensional maze!

Lazarus may take an attack of opportunity. If it's a critical hit (AC 36), it disrupts her spell. Otherwise, he is under the effects of a maze spell (Survival or Perception DC 36). Everybody may act.

Lazarus makes a strange face.
I feel funny!

(↺ ) Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), flat-footed, Xin: 1d20 + 29 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 29 + 3 = 433d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 8, 1) + 8 = 19 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+8/11/14 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 33 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Flat-footed not included.

If our Bard switches his inspire....lol.

Oh, maze! High-level play is so fun. I'm really enjoying this AP.

"Chirri, it's healing! Any ideas?"

Storm Adder will make a Religion check to see if he can figure out if it's possible to turn off the regeneration.
Religion: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Then, he'll cast shield and go hold the line with Xin.

Maze is a great spell. Totally wiped out an encounter when I was GMing Night of Gray Death.

Chkirri's starting to feel bad for the oni -- right up until Lazarus disappears.

"OH MY GODS! She just disintegrated Lazarus! That can't be allowed in the rules!"

He shakes his head as Storm Adder's words penetrate. "I'll see how she likes some fire!"

Inspire Heroics (defense), Strike x2
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 37 (very hard level 14): 1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 27 + 2 = 48 Critical Success! The status bonus from your inspire courage or inspire defense increases to +3!

I'm guessing these could have some penalty due to cover from Xin
+2 striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (4) + 24 = 28
Piercing: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 3

+2 striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 24 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 24 - 5 = 32
Piercing: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 6

"Wait, what? Where did Lazarus go?" Confused, Xin ducks underneath Zekora's legs to get into a flanking position with Storm Adder. "What the hell did you do to him?" Angry now, she focuses her attention on the already-bleeding enforcer and aims straight for the hamstrings.

"The quicker we take her out, the quicker we can get Lazarus back. You with me Stormy?"

◆ Tumble Through: 1d20 + 26 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 26 + 1 = 33
◆ +2 Starknife, PF: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32 +2 Starknife, PF: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (20) + 27 = 47
P. Damage: 2d4 + 3 + 5d6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 + (4, 1, 6, 3, 2) = 23
◆ One For All, Storm Adder: 1d20 + 26 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 26 + 4 = 39

Storm Adder: +3 to your next attack roll

Lazarus Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39

Lazarus makes his way through the magic maze, making progress towards finding the exit. Chkirri misses with his arrows, but Xin manages to tumble through the oni's legs and scores a critical hit!

Koto Zekora growls and swings her heavy club, bashing Xin once!

Greatclub vs Xin: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (9) + 31 = 401d20 + 26 ⇒ (4) + 26 = 301d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Damage: 3d10 + 20 ⇒ (8, 2, 5) + 20 = 35

35 bludgeoning damage to Xin. Everybody may act. If Lazarus succeeds on a DC 36 Perception check on his turn, he will exit the maze and be able to take his other two actions normally. Otherwise, he's still stuck there.

Perception DC 36: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

I really need to keep a pocket of breadcrumbs!

Storm Adder's eyes flare, and fire runs down his arms and surrounds his sword. He laughs as he swings it at the enforcer.

◆Elemental Assault: Fire
◇Conduct Energy
◆Strike
◆Strike

wishblade: 1d20 + 24 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 24 + 3 = 32 for slashing: 3d10 + 6 ⇒ (7, 5, 8) + 6 = 26 and fire: 1d6 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + (5) + 3 = 10
wishblade: 1d20 + 24 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 24 - 5 = 23 for slashing: 3d10 + 6 ⇒ (9, 7, 9) + 6 = 31 and fire: 1d6 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + (2) + 3 = 11

I guess the dicebot is the one laughing!

Xin tries twice to leap onto the enforcer's shoulders to get a better view of what's happening on the other side. Both times she fails to get any purchase and falls right back down to the ground. "Screw this."

"Whatcha doing over there Stormy? I hope it involves lots of fire."

◆ Tumble Through: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27
◆ Tumble Through: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27
◆ One For All, Storm Adder: 1d20 + 26 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 26 + 4 = 36

Storm Adder: +3 to your next attack roll

Dicebot is definitely laughing.

"Oh, that's a tough blow for Xin! She's going to feel that one. It looks like she may be a bit addled, in fact! Can't take another blow like that!"

Inspire defense (no more Focus Points I want to spend, so just the basic +1); then Strikex2

+2 striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36
Piercing: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 = 11
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 3

+2 striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 24 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 24 - 5 = 38
Piercing: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 4
Crit? (deadly d10): 1d10 ⇒ 7
Crit? (persistent fire damage, ignores resistance): 2d10 ⇒ (8, 4) = 12
Hopefully that second arrow hit.

Both hit!

While Storm Adder and Xin fail to harm Koto Zekora, Chkirri strikes her with two sonic-empowered flaming arrows! The fire stops the oni's regeneration, and as she grasps at the painful projectiles, she raises her hand unsteadily. "Alright! I yield! You have won, now fix what you have done to me!"

Lazarus reappears as the oni ceases concentrating on the maze spell. Ingdani raises her hand. "Victorious Secret wins!"

The other enforcers applaud before one moves to apply healing to their leader. Once Koto Zekora has recovered from her wounds, she laughs heartily. "Oh ho! You are stronger than I had been told! A fine challenge, indeed. Thank you. You have earned this reward."

She snaps her fingers, and the other enforcers present you with a bulging purse filled with 5,500 gp!

Chkirri breathes a sigh of relief as Lazarus reappears.

"It was a good fight," he says. Then he frowns. "I can't undo my spell, but it should stop in a minute or so."

He grabs the purse and opens it, eyes wide. "Oh, that's very nice. Of course, we can't spend it right now, have places to be and all that."

Will take 10 minutes to Refocus before moving on while everyone else is healing.

Storm Adder will happily patch up the enforcer, "No hard feelings!"

"Think about how you would spend it, Chkirri--I'm sure it's just a taste of Hao Jin's riches."

Lazarus pops suddenly back into view! The Warrior-Monk seems to be on his hands and knees crawling about. He looks up at everyone with tears running down his face!
I forgotten to bring the breadcrumbs!

After a few moments of deep thinking, Lazarus jumps up to his feet, bows to Koto Zekora, and to his friends.
Honor to your House! That spell sucks! Yes, let us quickly hurry to the final reward before anyone else takes a chance on us!

You hustle across the island towards Mount Haminabu. You pass by a few more team bases and fighting arenas, as well as a village of boggards, but you know you don't have a lot of time to explore if you want to secure your place in the tournament! You do happen upon an abandoned shrine along the path, which holds a candle of truth and 264 gp in various coins, gems, and other offerings in its offering box.

At last, you reach the base of Mount Haminabu! Climbing to the peak of the mountain, you find the newly created palace dominating the summit. A number of other teams are already at the peak, though only as spectators. None of them have enough feathers, but most have decided to cheer on and congratulate the qualifying teams.

The Ruby Phoenix, Hao Jin herself, waits in front of the gates of the palace. "Welcome, brave warriors. May I see your phoenix necklace and silver feathers?"

She takes the offered items and waves her hands over them, transforming them into a phoenix fighting fan. She returns the fan to you. "Congratulations! You are one of the eight qualifying teams for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament!"

The spectators break out in applause and cheers!

Storm Adder bows to the mighty sorceress, then tourns and makes a sweeping bow to the crowd.

"Nice work, everyone." The gnoll truns to his companions. "A good warm up for us! I wonder who else retrieved enough feathers?"

Stormy keeps an eye out for future competitors.

Following Storm Adder's lead, Xin bows to Hao Jin first before turning to bask in the crowd's applause. "Over the past few days we've proven we truly do hold the secret to victory!" She pumps a fist into the air. The adrenaline rush, the fact that she's actually made it, is more than enough to make up for the disrupted sleep of the night before.

Mom? Dad? I'm going to make you proud.

Settling down somewhat, she looks around at the spectators to see if there are any teams she recognizes. "Looks like even with the enforcer's challenge, we still made it here first. At least of the qualifying teams."

Lazarus appreciates the rustic scenery giving way to modern opulence.
This was only the warm up! The actual tournament should be even more fun!

He keeps a weathered blue eye out for any Pathfinder teams....

"Ha, I knew we could do it!" Chkirri says, waving to the competitors here to see him them.

He takes back the fan and looks to see if Xin wants it. That's a pretty sweet fan if anyone wants to claim it.

Also, we should probably go back and catch up on any loot we've collected since our last update. I may have time to do that this weekend?

Xin spots a few familiar faces among the crowd: the Ahmoza Twins. The other teams here are ones you hadn't fought against, though.

Hao Jin smiles. "A few other qualifying teams have already arrived," she says. "They are taking some respite within the palace, as you are welcome to do. My servants will show you to your quarters here in the Ruby Palace. You are free to rest, relax, and explore the grounds until dinner, which will be an hour after sunset. You may meet with the other qualifying teams as well, but fighting within the palace is strictly forbidden."

The servants guide you through the halls of the vast palace to a large private guest room that includes several beds, a screened outdoor bathing area, and a scenic view of Bonmu. You note signs of occupation in other nearby suites, should you wish to speak with the other teams who have qualified so far.

Xin blinks as Chkirri offers her the fan. She was so used to fighting with her starknife that it hadn't even occurred to her she might switch weapons. But she probably was the only one of them, (apart from Lazarus), that had any idea how to use it, and Lazarus seemed content punching people, and it was very shiny...

She takes the fan with a look of almost reverence on her face.

As they make their way to the guest room a nap is the furthest thing from her mind. She asks the servant, "Is there a common room where the qualifying teams can hang out? Or is everyone staying in their rooms?" She wants to assess the other teams, but doesn't want to just go around knocking on doors and possibly disturbing people who don't want to talk. Regardless of the answer, as soon as they're left alone she bounces around the room for a moment before turning with a grin. "Who wants to go exploring?"

"Yes, let's! I want to see this palace--and I wouldn't mind scoping out our future competitors."

Storm Adder jumps up from the couch he had flopped into only moments before.

Chkirri also jumps up to join his companions. "Yeah, we should see who we're going to have to beat in the tournament!"

Lazarus also rises from the divan that the Warrior-Monk was relaxing on.
I concur! Perhaps, our tour will provide some advantage. Besides, this palace has remarkable architecture. Just look at those capitals on those doric columns. Just an amazingly nice display of classic motif.

He smiles.

Which Team?: 1d6 ⇒ 5

You knock on the door of the nearby suite, and after a few moments, it opens to reveal a lithe Tian woman. "Oh, hello! You must be one of the other qualifying teams! Please, come in, come in!"

Relaxing within the suite is another woman who bears a familial resemblence to the first, as well as a catfolk and a samsaran. "We are the Steps of the Sun. I am Amihan, and this is my sister, Maalya," says the woman who answered the door. "We are battle dancers from Minata."

"Halspin the Stung," says the catfolk member of the team. He draws a bow across his morin khurr, producing a vibrant chord. "So named for my doomed encounter with the kaiju Ebeshra the Winged Razor. I was bedridden for months and thought I would be unable to ever fight again, but Amihan and Maalya gave me the inspiration I needed to get back on my feet."

"And I am Joon-Seo," says the final member of the team, the samsaran. "I am a song striker, using my voice as my weapon. This power is the result of every one of my previous lives singing within me, empowering each note."