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

Game Master Brainiac

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HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Quick stats:

HP 136/186
AC 35 (36-38, plus physical resistance 4, when inspired), sonic resistance 10
Fort +24, Ref +24, Will +23 (+1-3 to all with inspire defense)
Hero points: 3
Focus Points: 1/3
Spells: 1st [][][]; 2nd [][][]; 3rd [][][]; 4th [][][]; 5th [x][][]; 6th [][][]; 7th [][][]; 8th [x][]
Effects: inspired (defense, 1 round)

"Keep at them," Chkirri urges. "We've got them on the ropes!"

He follows up his own instructions with a spell and another arrow, though he continues to struggle to tell which of these things is real, throwing off his aim again.

Telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (2) + 26 = 28

+2 greater striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 25 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 25 - 5 = 36
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5, 3) + 2 = 12
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 3

Plus inspired defense (+1) continues for this round (last round of it)

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus smiles at the ugly phantom assassin thingy as it attempts to hurt him.
Four hits! Not too shabby for an ugly inexpensive shoe shiner!

The Warrior-monk then winks at Storm Adder.
Much gratitude my friend! Won't due to have those love tabs festering.

(◆◆)Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), grievous blow, Xin, flank(?): 1d20 + 30 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 30 + 4 = 515d8 + 13 ⇒ (7, 7, 3, 3, 8) + 13 = 41 CRIT! (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 34 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.)

He then Strikes again for good measure!
(◆)Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), flank: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 383d8 + 16 ⇒ (6, 6, 5) + 16 = 33 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 34 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.)


With a series of critical hits, Lazarus and Xin finish off the wounded assassin! It crumples to the ground!

Searching the creatures, you only find one thing--a mysterious coin embedded in the back of a shadowy fist. The coin depicts an ancient pagoda, and its surface is slightly warped from powerful magic.

General Hida and Lord Unmar emerge from their hiding places and thank you profusely for saving their lives!

You automatically gain 1 Influence Point with each patron.


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

Society: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

"Well, that turned a pleasant sight-seeing trip sour. Quick thinking, everyone."

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus brushes off any undo dirt, dust, shadow-stuff from his person, before looking about the area.
Anyone know what those were exactly? The odds of this being a coincidence after refusing the Golden League's offer is a bit much, I am thinking.

Recall knowledge Nature(?): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35


Lazarus recognizes the fey assassins as beings called ankous. Ankous are shadowy killers who serve powerful fey creatures, or even the Eldest— the demigods of the First World. Some of these murderous fey are left to their own devices and serve none but their own capricious, cruel whims.

Storm Adder recognizes the coin as the kind used in Hwanggot over 300 years ago. The currency is no longer used in modern-day Golarion, and the coin itself radiates a faint aura of conjuration magic.


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri thinks about what he knows about Hwanggot, then checks to see if he can tell anything more about the coin's magic.

Society (trained): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Occultism (expert): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Medicine DC 30: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 392d8 + 40 ⇒ (6, 3) + 40 = 49

While wrapping a few scratches, Lazarus ponders fey representatives being involved with the Golden League.


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

"Do you think Kas Xi Rai would go that far?" Xin considers for a moment. "I suppose it depends on just how much she bet, although I'd bet she didn't actually place any wagers before talking to us. Too risky."

Once Lazarus announces what he remembers about ankou, she's even more skeptical. "Shadowy fey assassins? Even if she had some way of controlling or bargaining with such creatures, it seems like massive overkill." She looks over to General Hida and Lord Unmar. "Could they have been after you? Did either of you do something that might have made a fey lord mad?"


Chkirri knows that the small Tian Xia nation of Hwanggot, the Kingdom of Flowers, is the ancestral home of the Tian-Hwan people, and is generally considered to be a land of peace, understanding, and diplomacy.

Both Hida and Unmar look at each other and shake their heads. ”Nothing that we are aware of,” Unmar says. ”I have no idea who would send fey after us!”


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

I'm glad I checked; my memory had that as the undead-filled nation!

"Strange," Chkirri says.

"I wouldn't bet it won't happen again, though..." he mutters quietly, mostly to himself.

He scratches his head and, louder, asks, "Could someone have something against the tournament? We don't know for sure that they were after you, and not us."


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

"It's probably those Golden League fixers! We wouldn't play ball, so now they are trying to sabotage us." Storm Adder growls. "Well, I'm not going to be intimidated, and hopefully this shows them that it's a waste of their time to mess with us."


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

"Possible, but still seems weird to me." Xin stretches her shoulders. "Well, whoever they were after they're dead now. Too bad they ruined our opportunity to see the sunrise. I've heard it's really pretty up here."

"We ready to move on to the Five Pillars Academy? I think that's the only place we haven't visited yet."

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus nods absently at Xin.
Pathfinders, Golden League, Assassins, oh my.


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri shrugs. "Sure, that's fine with me. I bet nothing so exciting happens there..."


After recovering from the fight, your schedule takes you to the Five Pillars Academy. The Five Pillars Academy is a series of wizards’ towers with alternating floors of libraries, scriptoriums, training dojos, and classrooms. Each tower is constructed of varicolored porcelain inlaid with a dizzying array of magical icons. The academy features prominently in Goka’s magic item exports and book trade. Currently, the school is graduating its first small class from a newly constructed tower, where professors teach the bevy of new techniques brought back by Hao Jin when she returned to Goka a few years ago. In honor of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament as well as the graduation, the Five Pillars Academy also hosts a festival of magical displays. Competing teams have each been invited to the academy during the week for a short exhibition.

Just two patrons are present at the academy’s jubilee when you arrive: Malaika Tao and Lord Aldunar Unmar. Hao Jin, incidentally, is also present as a guest of honor. In a short speech to all the gathered guests, Tao explains that the new department, the Tower of Balance, focuses on the training of unconventional magical gifts, especially sorcerers. Rather than focusing on texts, students here are given space to channel their emotions and explore the personal nature of their gifts with master sorcerers who have made similar self-discoveries.

One other team of tournament contenders is also on the scene at the same time as you: the Speakers to the Winds, a group of academics from the Magaambya Academy in central Garund. After watching the demonstration by the Five Pillars students, Malaika Tao invites both of your teams to enjoy some refreshments in a quiet faculty lounge.

In the lounge, the player characters have about a half‑hour (1 round) to Discover information about or Influence the patrons here: Malaika Tao and Lord Aldunar Unmar.


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

"Storm Adder chats with Malaika about the school. [b]" I thought it would be stuffy here, but I like the techniques you have established in the new tower. You can learn more about power from standing in a storm than from some scroll. I'm sure your students will be able to bring many new insights to the study of magic."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (19) + 28 = 47

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Entering the Five Pillars Academy, Lazarus is seen with tears forming around his blue eyes. The former wizard seems to be quite taken back by the ambience of the arcane school. He is seen wistfully taking in all the art, runes inscribed about and even is seen praising most of the resident's hat choices.
Lazarus (tears still visible) approaches Malaika Tao, bowing deeply.
I am at a lost of words as to the beauty of this school. I am honored to have been given this chance at visitation.

Arcana(T): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

The former wizard actually seems to remember a bit about the arcane arts!


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

"Lord Unmar! I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Although I suppose I shouldn't be surprised; I'd imagine the students here are among your best customers. What do you think of the new tower?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40


"It was a harrowing encounter, but I'm none the worse for wear," Lord Unmar says to Xin. "The tower is truly impressive!" He continues to chat with her and Lazarus, whose knowledge of arcane arts impresses him as well. Meanwhile, Malaika Tao is qute impressed by Storm Adder's courteous demeanor and kind words. By the end of the meeting, it's clear that both patrons are now fully under your influence!

You've attended all of the scheduled social events. You have a few days to kill before the exhibition showcase, the final event before the patrons make their bids on the tournament's teams!


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri looks around, seeming a bit subdued. Sure, he has some magic, but nothing to really compare with the students -- or at least the masters -- here. More importantly, though, even with its focus, it feels stuffy. No roar of the crowds, smell of the drakes or thrill of competition and victory.

He keeps largely quiet, just keeping an eye on the patrons and the other team, who he nods politely too.

Perception (master) to Discover anything on Lord Unmar: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

Xin huddles with her team for a quick consult. "I think all the potential patrons really like us which should make for an interesting bidding war. Do we want to spend the next few days learning more about the patrons, the other teams, or investigating the weird ankou attack?"

While they're deciding what to do next she heads over to the Speakers to the Winds and introduces herself. "Hello there, I'm Chou Xin. I heard you came all the way from the Magaambya. How was the journey? Or were you able to teleport? I've never had the opportunity to travel that far myself, so I'm very curious about your experience."

Diplomacy (Gather Information?): 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (14) + 30 = 44


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

"We should learn about the patrons!" Chkirri says, the ankou attack already all but forgotten. It hadn't been that bad (of course, he wouldn't want to have faced them on his own!). "Who knows what benefits they could offer."

We can try to find out about all of them -- I prefer the ladies as potential patrons, but for no real reason -- but do we maybe want to start with General Hida and Lord Unmar, to see if we can figure out their dispute?


"Pleased to meet you. I am Professor Mafika Ayuwari," the leader of the Speakers of the Winds says, bowing to Xin. "We did indeed use teleportation magic to hasten our arrival here, eliminating the need for a lengthy sea voyage! But we have traveled via ship to Danger Island and back, so we have been able to take in some of the beautiful local sights.

"My other teammates are all students who have recently completed their Perquisite--a period of public service required to move beyond the level of initiate in the Magaambya. We were invited to the Ruby Phoenix Tournament as de facto representatives of our historied school. We hope that if we succeed in the tournament, we can use our newfound fame to bring even greater attention to the Magaambya and use our winnings to sponsor promising new students from Tian Xia and beyond."

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus seems to be enamored by Professor Mafika Ayuwar. The former wizard excitedly asking questions concerning arcane forms, runes, and even script style for crafting scrolls!
Arcana(T): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

I had studied throughout the East, but, I would absolutely enjoy studying at the Magaambya!


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri's attention begins to wander. Studying and schools may excite Lazarus, but ... he tries to stifle a yawn.

"I bet there's something more interesting to do around here," he mutters, looking around a bit.


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

Storm Adder studiously ignores the students. He's run into a few members of the Academy before, and has the impression that all they ever talk about is their beloved school and it's founder.


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

And Anchor Root.


The Magaambyan team happily chats with Lazarus and Xin for a while as Chkirri and Storm Adder keep their distance. Eventually, the Speakers of the Winds say their goodbyes.

***

Soon enough, your first week in Goka reaches its conclusion. All of the fighting teams and patrons convene once more, though this time they meet at the grand arena at Goka’s Cliffside Court, where the main events of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament are set to take place. Now that all the teams have had a chance to acquaint themselves with the city of Goka and the tournament’s various patrons, the time has finally come for the patrons to bid on the teams they’d most like to sponsor during the tournament. But before that, the patrons want one final chance to see how the teams fare in an actual arena.

To that end, each team is scheduled to take part in an exhibition match against another team. Whenever a pair of teams is taken to the fighting grounds of the grand arena, are sequestered indoors in order to prevent them from seeing their competition in action before the tourney. The only people in the audience are the patrons, the patrons’ closest friends or attendants, Empress Nai Yan Fei, Hao Jin, Archbanker Miang Malii, and Master of Ceremonies Tagada Emmi.

Tagada Emmi:
The exhibition showcase and the rest of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament is officially hosted by Hao Jin, who is also the tournament’s grand judge. However, unless she is needed to make a ruling during a match, the Ruby Phoenix stands in silence on the balcony overlooking the arena.

To excite the crowd and narrate the fights for spectators without a good view of the arena, Hao Jin has hired a Gokan native named Tagada Emmi to emcee the tournament as well as the preliminary exhibition showcase. Emmi is well suited for the job—she has served as the announcer of dozens of drake races at the Icefang Aerie and has hosted more than her fair share of sporting events, both high-profile and commonplace. For the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, Emmi has chosen to wear red traditional Tian-Shu attire in honor of the Ruby Phoenix, and she has adopted her most excitable and enthusiastic persona (which, conveniently, is her natural disposition). She is bombastic, hyperbolic, and unnecessarily descriptive, filling in gaps in the action with open questions about the fighters’ next moves or what they could be thinking. Rare is the moment during a fight when Emmi fails to offer some truly colorful commentary.

After all teams team have completed their exhibition matches, they will march down the tree-lined plaza adjoining the arena toward a podium where Archbanker Miang is standing. There, each team will sign the contract that officially swears them in as contestants in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament.

When the time comes for your match, you find yourselves facing Tino's Toughest. The other team gives it their all, but as before when you faced them on Danger Island, you emerge victorious once again. Tion's team offer heartfelt congratulations and handshakes after the match. ”Well fought, friends,” Tino says with a smile.

***

Once all the teams have competed in their exhibition matches, the time has finally arrived for the competitors to sign a contract stating they will adhere to the rules of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. The contract also serves as a waiver; the undersigned agree that permanent injury or death are a very real possibility in the tournament, and the tournament staff can’t be held liable if such a tragedy occurs.

The sparsely attended occasion is nonetheless marked with a bit of fanfare. Lanterns line the plaza as the teams approach a stone podium in a meticulously maintained garden space, and Aldunar Unmar hands out firecrackers that explode with colorful smoke. Lady Qiu May Shai congratulates the teams on making it this far and thanks them for the splendid show today. She explains what they are about to sign, and reads aloud all the rules for fighting in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament.

Tournament Rules:
• Grand Judge Hao Jin’s orders must be followed and her rulings are final. Contestants shall not purposefully attack Hao Jin or any of her emissaries.
• Contestants shall not leave the boundaries of Goka until the end of the tournament.
• Once a round begins, contestants shall not accept aid from anyone who is not participating as a contestant in that round.
• A contestant who yields or fails to act for a count of three (3 rounds) shall be removed from the field of battle as quickly as possible and is no longer a contestant in that match.
• Contestants shall not loot fallen opponents.
• There are no ties. Hao Jin shall rule in cases when the winner is not obvious.

As each team approaches the podium to sign the contract, they are each given one final opportunity to impress the assembled patrons. As Archbanker Malii hands the contenders a quill, Lady Qiu May Shai, speaking for all the patrons, asks each team a single question, “What will you do if you win the Ruby Phoenix Tournament?”

You are neither the first nor the last team to sign the tournament contracts, so you can listen to a few other teams’ answers before being asked to provide your own.

Syu Tak-nwa speaks cryptically for the Lightkeepers in a grave voice: “After we complete our mission, our names will be spoken of in legends for centuries to come, and we will take our own piece of history as our prize.” Most of the patrons look at each other quizzically, some of them shuffling their feet uneasily, but Lord Buken Tegora smirks and says to Tak-nwa, “From your reputation, I think you will.”

Going down the line, Tino speaks next for his team, “If we win the tournament, my friends and I will have the glory of a once-in-a-decade victory—and that’s good enough for us!” This elicits slight smiles from nearly all of the patrons.

Now it is your turn to speak...

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus congratulates Tino's Toughest for a well fought exhibition. The Warrior-Monk then bows to the judges and explains his reasons for entering the tournament.
Lazarus, called the Undying. I was once arcanely inspired, but my abilities were taken from me. I am cursed to live without the benefit of magic. I seek reparations for my plight.

Lazarus then bows as he rejoins his team.


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

"We work together for glory! Our names will be known across Golarion when this is all over." Storm Adder is happy to sign the contract, and does so with a flourish.


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri grumps a bit when he sees Tegada Emmi at the exhibition. She's adequate, he supposes, but he's sure his own calls of the races and events he's had the honor of describing have a certain element that she just doesn't bring. Sure, there have been times they've had to work together, but those have never gone well, with both of them always talking over the other. He's so distracted he can barely remember any details of their latest fight with Tino's Toughest.

Later, he thinks for a moment as he approaches the contract, making sure first that the count of three won't cause someone to be eliminated if they're merely briefly knocked out or immobilized somehow I assume that's not a concern, but figured I'd ask. Once he's sure it's all reasonable, he sign the contract.

"Yes, everyone will know our name," Chkirri says. "I'll make sure to tell them as I share the story of our tournament all over the world. I might even go to Absalom so they can hear about how wonderful Goka is!"


The patrons nod and smile at your words. You sign the contract, and the remaining teams do so as well.

All the fighting teams are then sent to dinner at a nearby high-class restaurant, where they can mingle while the patrons negotiate among themselves and coordinate their bids so that no one is left without a patron. Each fighting team is called upon one by one, and all the patrons interested in bidding on that team present their offers in quick succession. The team can then choose whichever patron whose offer the team finds most appealing.

Patron Offers:
Malaika Tao: Malaika bids 11,000 gp, a robe of the archmagi, a greater shock rune, a stone bullet, and one 8th-level scroll of any common spell (players’ choice). In addition, Malaika offers to cast a magnificent mansion spell for the party each day—a significant improvement in accommodations—during the tournament, as well as teach the spell to anyone capable of learning it. She adds to her bid staff of power, a stormbreaker fulu, and a greater oil of object animation, and a diadem of intellect. Finally, she offers a major boon: Up to once per night during the tournament, she can help one spontaneous spellcaster retrain one spell, allowing them to forget one spell they know and learn a new one in its place.

General Kaso Hida: Kaso bids 9,000 gp, an antimagic rune, a high-grade silver shield or buckler, and an instant fortress. He also offers the party a month of service from an entourage of four highly skilled mercenaries. These mercenaries won’t fight alongside the player characters, but they can keep a lookout for cutpurses, protect the fighters’ lodgings, and other basic guard tasks. Kaso adds to his bid a suit of dragonplate, an apricot of bestial might, and a flame navette, as well as a suit of impenetrable scale, and the chance to retrain up to three feats per character with his own personal legendary trainer in the week leading up to the tournament

Lord Aldanar Unmar: Lord Unmar bids 16,000 gp, a greater corrosive rune, a wand of continuation (6th-level blink), and four greater potions of resistance (players’ choice which types). Additionally, Lord Unmar can pull some strings with his business contacts, lowering the Price of any alchemical items the player characters buy in Goka by 25% for the duration of the tournament. Lord Unmar adds a major slick runestone, a truesight potion, and a dose of nightmare vapor to his previous bid. He also offers five greater mutagens; the player characters can choose from any common alchemical items with the word “mutagen” in their names. If chosen as sponsor, he also grants the party his personal alchemical services nightly through the end of the tournament, automatically restoring the characters to their maximum HP and removing the following conditions: doomed, drained, and fatigued.

Lady Qiu May Shai: Lady Qiu offers offers 14,000 gp, a high-grade silver buckler or shield, and a wondrous figurine (obsidian steed). If chosen as their sponsor, Lady Qiu offers to arrange a 1-hour private audience with anyone in Goka for the party, including any of the patrons, any other team, Hao Jin, or even the Empress of Goka. Lady Qiu ups her bid with a +3 weapon potency rune and one scroll of any common 9th-level spell, as well as a headband of inspired wisdom and a special offer: For the duration of the tournament and up to a month afterward, the player characters can retain the services of one frost drake mercenary per character from the Icefang Aerie for use as mounts. The drakes do not take hostile actions; in combat, the drakes are allied mounts with the minion trait.

Lady Xhai Zhia: Lady Xhai bids 13,000 gp, a greater flaming rune, a necklace of fireballs type VI, a greater bravo’s brew, and a major elixir of life. She also offers the party unfettered lifetime access to her extensive personal costume wardrobe; the DC for the player characters to rally the crowd is reduced to 30. She also bids a moonstone crystal ball, four potions of flying, and a scroll of uncontrollable dance, as well as a 7th-level wand of manifold missiles. In addition, she can arrange for some spectacular additions to the battlefield of one exhibition match of the player characters’ choice. These “additions” come in the form of four 16th-level snares and/or hazards, which can be any combination of hail of arrows snares, omnidirectional spear snares, floating flamethrower hazards, or freezing floor tiles hazards. Lady Xhai arranges for these snares and hazards be placed around the grand arena at the player characters’ discretion.


Lady Xhai smiles widely as you accept her offer of patronage. "Excellent! I think this will be a very successful partnership, indeed. Now, come, come! We have to get you fitted for costumes!"

Once all the teams have accepted a patron, Hao Jin informs everyone that they have 1 week to prepare for the tournament. In the meantime, the fighters can continue to explore Goka, rest and relax, retrain if necessary, and make use of the payment from their new patron. After a week, each team will report back to the grand pavilion at the Cliffside Court, where the Ruby Phoenix Tournament will commence at noon sharp.

Everybody is now level 16!


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

Xin spends most of their week off with her parents. "Hey dad, so you may have noticed I'm not fighting at range too much anymore, and also that that makes me a teensy bit more likely to be attacked, so nooffensebutI'mtrainingwithmomnowloveyoubye!"

When she reappears to talk to her teammates again there's a new spring in her step and she twirls the phoenix fan with even more stylish flair. "Enemies had better hope they don't miss me, because mom taught me this awesome new trick for taking advantage of the situation to attack back! Pretty neat, huh? She says if I get the chance to train with her again she'll help me get better at parrying too."

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus spends his time Rambo training.


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri spends little of his time training. Instead, he heads out into Goka to enjoy his even greater fame -- and of course place several wagers on Victorious Secret to win the entire tournament. He searches out other prop bets, looking for more ways to bet -- even if some of those may not be on himself or his companions.

That said, he doesn't completely ignore his own role in the tournament, preparing himself as well with a few visits to Malaika Tao's school. Going to retrain Inspire Competence, which I've never used, to Cantrip Expansion, adding daze and message to my repertoire.


The next week passes by rather quickly as you train intensely and hone your fighting skills to ensure they are at their peak for the start of the tournament!

At long last, the time has finally come for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament! Over the course of 8 days, the eight qualifying teams will compete in a bracket-style competition to determine who is worthy of the title of Ruby Phoenix Champions.

The first day of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament opens to much fanfare and celebration. Officiants struggle to prevent ticket scalping for the limited seating in the grand arena. Most spectators must make do with sitting at the hundreds of tables set outside the arena where they can listen to the emcee’s narration of the fight. You and the other competing teams are flown via drake-drawn carriages from the Ruby Village to the Cliffside Court to make your grand entrance at the main arena.

Thousands of people from all over the world cheer your names as you enter the arena alongside the other teams. As the top seed in the tournament, you will have the honor of taking part in the first tournament match. In this match, you'll face off against Winter’s Roar, the last‑place seed. The warriors from the Land of the Linnorm Kings size you up as you await Hao Jin's speech to officially kick off the tournament...


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Chkirri can't help but grin as the time approaches for the tournament. That morning, he goes over their plans with his companions, hyping them up and getting them ready to fight. Installing an earworm in everyone (see below).

He looks over their opponents as they get ready to begin, bouncing the wand in his hand as he figures to use it early on and let it work its magic the rest of the bout. Hmm. Doesn't look like I can easily use both wand and bow, but I'll mix things up a little.

Earworm:
By endlessly repeating a motif, you implant an earworm, a memorable song that repeats over and over again in your allies' heads, preparing them to respond to it later. Choose a composition cantrip (inspire defense) and spend 10 minutes repeating a melody, chant, speech, series of motions, or a similar performance that embodies that cantrip. This activity gains the traits appropriate to the type of performance. You implant the earworm within all allies who can see or hear you (as appropriate for the type of performance) for the entire activity. Once you've created the earworm, you can attempt a Performance check as a free action to activate it. This check uses a very hard DC of a level equal to that of the highest-level target of the earworm present at the time of activation. On a success, you cast the cantrip on all allies who learned the earworm and can perceive your performance; on a failure, the earworm is corrupted and lost. Because it is based on the earlier repetitions, you can't use further free actions like lingering composition or inspire heroics to modify the activated earworm. Allies forget the earworm after it is activated, if you spend 10 minutes to implant another earworm, or during your next daily preparations, whichever comes first.

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus the Undying strides into the waiting applause as if he were Spartacus himself!

The warrior-monk does itch a bit after Chkirri pauses to whisper sweet inspirational words in his ear.

Lazarus smiles at Winter's Roar.


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

Storm Adder grins as he limbers up for the match. After looking down the blade to make sure it is sharp and true, he holds it aloft and runs a gout of flame from hit to tip.


The crowd falls quiet as Hao Jin rises into the air on fiery wings. "Welcome, one and all, to the 4721 Ruby Phoenix Tournament! Our competitors this year have fought long and hard to make it to the competition, and I can assure you that they are nothing short of the finest fighters from across Golarion! So, without further ado, let the games begin!"

Hao Jin hurls a ball of flame at a towering brazier, which ignites, to the cheers of thousands!

With the preamble out of the way, most of the teams leave the arena, save for you and Winter's Roar. High above, Emcee Emmi flies about, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to kick things off with a bang! They come from the land of ice and snow, but their blood runs hot! I give you Winter's Roar!"

The team's leader, the half-orc Urnak Lostwind, raises his icy greataxe. The shieldmaiden Huldrin Skolsdottir clangs her flaming trident against her steel shield. The halfling witch Juspix Rammel twirls his filcher's fork. The hobgoblin brawler Troff Frostknuckles cracks his neck and gives you a grin.

"And their opponents, who I'm sure need no introduction, the top seed going into this tournament, Victorious Secret! This clash of champions is about to begin, so let's get into it! Victorious Secret versus Winter's Roar. Ready? FIGHT!"

The crowd roars as the battle begins!

Initiative:
Chkirri: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
Chou Xin: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (1) + 28 = 29
Lazarus: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (10) + 26 = 36
Storm Adder: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24
Winter's Roar: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28

Battle Cry: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44

Everybody but Storm Adder may act, though Storm Adder may choose one foe to frighten with his battle cry!


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

I'll frighten Red

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus bows to his teamamtes, bows to Winter's Roar, and bows to Hao Jin and accompanied honored sponsers.
We gladiators salute you!

Lazarus then sizes up the 4 opponents mentally.

The Warrior-monk begins to pound his chest and roar!
◇Stance Savant Gorilla Stance

He then grins at the team's leader, the half-orc Urnak Lostwind, raising his icy greataxe.
You look like you may have just pissed your pantaloons.

Lazarus then ◆◆Sudden Charges the frightened 1/2 orc!
Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L): 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (12) + 31 = 433d8 + 13 ⇒ (6, 3, 5) + 13 = 27 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 35 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 then ◆Cloud Jumps 60' back into a more advantageous position. He bows to those seated there!
DC 20 with Athletics +29(L)


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Status:

HP 198/198
AC 36 (37-39, plus physical resistance 4, when inspired), sonic resistance 10
Fort +25, Ref +25, Will +24 (+1-3 to all with inspire defense)
Hero points: 3
Focus Points: 2/3
Spells: 1st [][][]; 2nd [][][]; 3rd [][][]; 4th [][][]; 5th [][][]; 6th [][][]; 7th [][][]; 8th [][][]
Effects: inspired (defense)

Chkirri shakes his head at the emcee's introduction. That will never do.

[bigger]"This is it! The first clash of champions, and the start of the march to be named king of the ring! Tyant of the tournament! Boss of the battle! Will Victorious Secret be exposed? Will Winter's Roar be silenced? It! All! Starts! HERE!"

He's so focused on his own efforts, however, that he botches his attempt to activate the earworm he whispered to his companions before the fight. Shaking his head, he tries again, then moves away from his companions so they're not all bunched up and blasts the half-orc with the wand.

Free action to activate earworm (fail!); inspire defense; Stride; one-action magic missile from the wand
Performance to activate earworm vs. DC 40 (very hard level 16): 1d20 + 31 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 31 + 2 = 36 Failure; earworm is lost

Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 40 (very hard level 16): 1d20 + 31 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 31 + 2 = 49 Success: The status bonus from inspire courage or inspire defense increases to +2!
Magic missile force damage: 7d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1) + 7 = 20


Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None

Seeing her companions focus their efforts on the half-orc, Xin wants to join in. If they can get one opponent badly injured before the fight even really starts it'll be a good omen. Unfortunately he's just out of her normal range, leaving her with a difficult decision. Run up and start swinging, which would leave her surrounded by enemies who don't need to move to attack? Or keep her distance for a round?

For once Xin decides discretion is the better part of valour. Swaggering closer, (but not too close), she starts twirling her fan. "I'm not going to waste my time coming to you. Oh no, you're going to have to come to me."

Glancing backwards, she mouths to Stormy. "Be ready for it and get them when they move."

◆ Stride
◆ Dueling Parry (+2 AC)
One For All, Storm Adder: 1d20 + 31 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 31 + 4 = 55

Felicitous Riposte Trigger: An opponent within reach critically fails a strike against Xin
Felicitous Riposte: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (12) + 30 = 42 Felicitous Riposte: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (7) + 30 = 37
S. Damage: 3d4 + 11 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) + 11 = 19 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Storm Adder: +4 to your next attack roll

Status:
AC 39
F +27 R +32 W +27
HP 232/232
Effects: Inspired Defense +2, Dueling Parry
Conditions: None


Xin moves up and makes herself ready for the opponents to come to her. As Chkirri begins his song and blasts Urnak with magic missiles, Lazarus moves in to clobber the half-orc before leaping away!

"Ouch! Coward!" Urnak shouts, but he points at Xin. "Take her out first!" He rushes up and swings his greataxe in a brutal arc! Chkirri's song saves Xin from taking a critical hit.

Greataxe: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 453d12 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) + 13 + (3) = 31

Huldrin enters her Iron Maiden Stance, keeping her spiked shield raised as she moves up alongside Urnak, protecting herself and him.

Juspix moves up and uses a hex to boost Urnak's vitality, giving him fast healing.

Troff moves to flank Xin and gouges at her with icicles that appear on his hands! Once again, Chkirri's song spares the swashbuckler from a critical hit!

Icicle Gouge Flurry: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (19) + 28 = 471d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30
Damage: 2d8 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 15 + (4) = 22

28 slashing, 18 piercing, and 7 cold damage to Xin. She is dazzled for 1 round. Everybody may act!

Enemy Status:
Urnak -33, fast healing 14 3 rounds


HP 246, AC 42*, F30/R30/W32* Male tengu bard 20

Status:

HP 198/198
AC 36 (37-39, plus physical resistance 4, when inspired), sonic resistance 10
Fort +25, Ref +25, Will +24 (+1-3 to all with inspire defense)
Hero points: 3
Focus Points: 2/3
Spells: 1st [][][]; 2nd [][][]; 3rd [][][]; 4th [][][]; 5th [x][][]; 6th [][][]; 7th [][][]; 8th [][][]
Effects: inspired (defense)

"Oh my gods, they're ganging up on Xin! It's four on four, but for her, it's four on one! She's barely keeping herself up!" Chkirri shouts, urging Xin to continue to protect herself.

Waving the wand around as it continues to pour missiles forth at Urnak, he casts another spell, calling black tentacles up to grab three of the Winter's Roar members.

Inspire Heroics (defense), cast black tentacles, let wand continue to work
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 40 (very hard level 16): 1d20 + 31 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 31 + 2 = 42 Success: The status bonus from inspire defense increases to +2!

Force damage vs. Unrak: 7d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 4, 3, 4, 2) + 7 = 26

Black tentacles (DC 37):

Oily black tentacles rise up and attempt to capture creatures in the area. Make spell attack rolls against the Fortitude DC of each creature in the area. Any creature you succeed against is grabbed by a tentacle and takes 3d6 bludgeoning damage. Whenever a creature ends its turn in the area, the tentacles attempt to grab that creature if they haven't already, and they deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage to any creature already grabbed.

The tentacles' Escape DC is equal to your spell DC. A creature can attack a tentacle in an attempt to release its grip. Its AC is equal to your spell DC, and it is destroyed if it takes 12 or more damage. Even if destroyed, additional tentacles continue to grow in the area until the duration ends. You can Dismiss the spell.

Scarab Sages

Male HP 308/308 Perception(M)+29 Initiative +31 (Perception) Hero Points: 3/2◆◇↺ Conditions Necklace of Fireballs! Dispelling Silver Human (Vudrani) Fighter 20 [Martial Artist/Medic] AC(M) 45 Fortification DC 17, Fort(M)+32 Juggernaut, Ref(E)+30 Evasion, Will(E)+29 Bravery

Lazarus watches all the action developing at Xin's expense!
They apparently like you.

The Warrior-monk ◆Cloud Jumps 90' into a Flank with the swashbuckler.
Hello, Urnak Lostwind! Picking on a girl seems a bit dirty.

Lazarus then attempts to deliver a Grievous Blow to the 1/2 orc!
◆◆Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), flank, grievous blow: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (12) + 31 = 435d8 + 13 ⇒ (6, 8, 1, 4, 7) + 13 = 39 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 35 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.)

AC 39


CN male (he/him) suli gnoll oracle 20 HP 248/248 | AC 40 | F +29 R +27 W +33, Gr. Resolve | Perc +31 | 10: 1/1 9: 2/3 8: 2/3 7: 3/3, 6: 3/3, 5: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 2: 3/3, 1: 3/3 DC 45 Speed 30 ft | focus 3/3| Hero 1 | Curse Level: None| Active Conditions:

Hmm...let's see how long you can prop him up now, Juspix

Storm Adder twists the divine power that flows though him, unleashing it on Urnak.

Cast spiritual epidemic (DC 36 Will)

Then he calls on lightning to flow down his blade.

Activate Elemental Assault (electricity)

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