Hi, everyone, I'll be your GM for this adventure. I'm looking forward to it!
”The Decemvirate are truly grateful that so many of you have answered this summons to the Grand Lodge, for they, above all, know the trying lives that field agents endure. Indeed, you have only to look about this courtyard and gaze upon your colleagues to know they have come from all ends of Golarion to be among us. Look not grim, but rather determined, for this summons is not one brought by dire threat or terrible consequence. No! The Decemvirate has instead summoned you to taste the opportunity to enter the greatest contest of martial arts the world has ever known—the Ruby Phoenix Tournament!”
”The legacy of Tian Xia’s legendary mystic arcanist, the nearly immortal Grandmaster Hao Jin, the Ruby Phoenix Tournament is held only once every ten years. The Tournament is run by Sifu Xho Nuo, Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix and sole heir to Hao Jin’s secrets. The prize for victory: an artifact pulled from Hao Jin’s fabled collection of the greatest wonders Golarion has ever known.”
”Though Xho Nuo has made no formal announcement, we have learned the sifu has chosen to hold the qualifying round for this decade’s tournament here in Absalom. The Pathfinder Society has long sought to send one of its members to compete in this tournament. If our information is true, this means that for the first time, the Society has the opportunity to qualify a good number of its field agents. While the chance to glean an artifact from Hao Jin’s collection is enticing, that is hardly the entirety of our goal. However, I shall speak more on this subject at a later time.”
”At present, we have learned that Xho Nuo plans to host a covert meeting to address all would-be contestants. Don’t get too excited though; it’s supposedly being held at a decrepit tavern in the Docks called the Devil’s Dregs. Go there and see what details you can pick up about the competition and the other entrants, but watch your backs. There’s little law to protect you down on the wharves, and it’d take a riot to raise any attention. Oh, and I wouldn’t expect an appearance from Xho Nuo either, as his social status prevents him from contact with such filthy and common places. My guess is that he’ll send one of his agents to rile up as many lowlifes as possible to serve as fodder for the first round of the contest.”
”Lastly, though it’s likely Xho Nuo is aware of our interest in the competition, we need all our agents to maintain as much secrecy as possible. For all we know, he has deliberately chosen Absalom to bait our interests, so it’s imperative that he identify as few of our agents as possible. From here out, to keep our affiliations covert, we request all of you make arrangements for your stay outside the Grand Lodge. Try to pick a place that’s low key to avoid attention. Don’t worry about the cost though. The Decemvirate will pick up the tab. Good luck!”
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Anthys is fairly short, at about 5'5". He wears well-kept full plate and carries a shield adorned with the sword-and-sunburst of Iomedae.
His accent marks him as from Lastwall.
"A tournament of martial skill. Could be dignified and honorable, but we instead have to traipse around this 'Devil's Dregs' and brawl with local scum."
The warrior sighs. "Glorious. For the Society."
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Is this why I was pulled out of retirement in Katapesh? Well, I guess they felt I have something to add. Perhaps they are right. I am Krelin, formerly of the Quadira faction. I've heard things have changed in the many years I've been away.
You see a woodland elf with a darkwood bow. He's obviously not comfortable here in the city.
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Kahwen is tall...for a tengu. That means that Anthys is still a head taller than he is and Krelin towers over him. In fact, he is only a little taller than the long blade strapped to his back is long. Thin and elegant, the curve in the sword will make it immediately recognizable to Krelin as an elven curve blade.
He's wearing the well worn but clean tunic and breeches of a sailor but a dull silver glint of chain underneath hints at the mithral mail that is also generally more associated with elves than tengu.
Plain as his clothing is, the accessories are clearly a cut above. Short boots of fine leather are cut to be light and suggest speed and agility. His belt is clearly finely made with an ornate buckle. His tri-corner hat would be otherwise unremarkable except for the large vibrant plume in it that overshadows a much smaller, duller one.
He sweeps the hat off his head, bowing low until his torso is parallel to the ground. The hat and hand holding it go over his chest while his other hand extends perpendicular from his side.
He repeats the gesture to the other pathfinder and to the other members of their group as they join.
"Please, Companions, clearly this is not the way that we want to approach such an illustrious event but sometimes one must walk through the mud to get to the palace," he says.
"Focus on the glory at the end and not the unpleasantness of the journey."
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The green-skinned and tusked wizard fusses with the placement of one of his wands while he speaks.
"Well, the three of you certainly look fit enough to enter any contest. However it has always been my experience that they call you for one purpose and then the nature of the assignment changes rather radically once you arrive on scene. There has already been hints of this happening so we will have to keep our eyes and ears open and see what is really going on."
Tzleztor never misses an opportunity to chime in especially when his master is speaking. The plucky Mephit speaks his mind.
"How typical, Xilt. Such an exciting contest and of course you would like to keep your hands clean and hope that your assignment changes on-route."
The elemental hovers in the air full of attitude and he pretends to shadow box.
"Don't worry you can always put me in in your place. I will show them a thing or two about personal combat, extra-planar style of course."
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It had been a typical day for Vina. Petite and covered in yellow fur, with a prehensile tail darting to and fro for one book or another, she was quite the unusual sight for her fellow Pathfinders. Devoid of any clothing in the traditional sense, at the exception of humble looking yew wood headband, pearl earrings, jade bracers, a simple bronze ring and a braided alpaca wool belt holding a two short sticks of darkwood, the only noticeable feature she wasn't born with which drew people's eyes immediately was a cluster of emeralds on her chest attached to a delicate golden clasp arranged in the likeness of a five-petaled blossom. Oddly enough her favorite oak tree outside was also marked by a similar gem flower along his trunk's bark...
When not scouring the Grand Lodge libraries, she had most often been seen outdoors in the nearby gardens that day, devouring a borrowed book while strangely speaking or softly singing to 'her tree'. Things got perhaps a little bit stranger later in the evening for any who may have witnessed the tree deciding to uproot itself and give her a ride towards the north part of lodge's grounds...
As the odd duo went along, Vina had heard the general hum of a small crowd gathered to discuss among themselves. This very much could be the gathering she had been told to attend by the Venture-Captains, but she was uncertain and didn't wish to intrude on a private meeting she was not invited to. Following the growing noise with caution, she arrived at the vestibule of a smaller building to see Pathfinders of all stripes and levels of skills, and the discussion appeared to circle around refreshments or cakes...
With a growing emptiness in the pit of her stomach, she waved Lakadee forward - she seemed to have named this particular tree for some reason - and motioned for her oaken friend to lean over so as to avoid defoliation by door-frame. Shrinking to small size, Vina climbed down a few feet lower, nimbly jumping from branch to branch, and settled upon a small tree swing swaying through the canopy. From the perceived safety of her companion's foliage, she then dared to listen further. After she spotted a few familiar figures down below - a tall human, a tengu, a half-orc and an elf she had met days before - she managed to shyly ask, "Anthys? Kahwen? Krelin, Xilt and T-t-tzleztor? y-yes? We talked a few days ago as you enjoyed the beauty of the gardens remember? I... I'm not sure you remember me... my name is Vina. And this is Lakadee. Do w-we know why we have been summoned here exactly? I have heard whispers of a t-t-tournament being organized near the Docks..."
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Kahwen bows to both Vina and Lakadee.
"Of course we remember you. We had that wonderful discussion about how the nature of the soil can influence the size and color of flowers," Kahwen answers.
"It seems that we all know much the same. There is a grand tournament being held somewhere but we don't know exactly where and there are qualifying rounds being held here in Absalom but we don't know exactly where so we must go to find out so that we can win the tournament and the prize."
Without warning, a flash of smoke flares up from the center of the tavern floor. As it clears, a towering, golden-skinned humanoid of hideous and terrifying countenance steps forth, ebon teeth gleaming fiendishly. Standing before the crowd, she greets them with a slow and gracious bow, yet her eyes never look away. The creature gestures to call the crowd’s attention, and one by one they fall silent.
"Good evening, and allow me to introduce myself. I am called Kiang Zhen. My sifu, Xho Nuo, the Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix, wishes for me to tell all of you that he is most pleased to see so many of you eager to attend the tournament. It is his desire that everyone please find a table and make yourselves comfortable at his expense."
The room becomes increasingly packed as contestants file in, and barely a minute later arriving contestants quickly fill all remaining tables leaving the tavern with standing room only – yet more and more continue to fill the place out – it is tightly packed and it is a struggle to both keep a hold of your own food and drink as well as dodging the spilled food and drink of others.
After a few moments, the creature clears her throat.
"Again, your attention please. I regret to inform all of you that Sifu Xho Nuo will not be present this evening, though he has appointed me to speak on his behalf."
"To speak with candor, there are many who wish the Sifu dead and wish to steal from him the ancient secrets he was appointed to guard. This comes as no surprise to the Emissary, for he has been charged with the protection of a great and terrible power. Even now, in this very room, some of these same individuals sit amongst us. To them I say, Sifu knows who you are and fears you not. He even entreats you to join the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, for he shall not compromise the primary intention of the contest – to find the world’s greatest martial artist. Rest assured, this tournament shall test the mettle of its contestants, regardless of their intentions. Competition shall be fierce and violent without regard for contestants' lives. That is your concern – not mine, not the Emissary’s. Those who fail might be lucky enough to walk away with their lives. For this reason, there are few places where our tournament is truly welcome. Thus, given the nature of the tournament and other circumstances, the Emissary has expressed to me the need to retain secrecy. However, I assure you he shall make an appearance before the end of the qualifying round."
"Lastly, I have noticed many of you have come as teams. This is good, for initially, you may need help from allies you trust." The beast pauses for a moment, letting her dark, pupil-less gaze hover upon the crowd. From her belt she unfastens a leather satchel and holds it aloft before the crowd. "I have here 100 rubies. On the morrow, fifty of these rubies will begin to glow, and those individuals or groups in possession of one such gem shall be contacted by one of our agents, who will give them the details of where the first event of the qualifier will take place." Then, with a wide and wild grin she says, "And so it begins!"
On her final words, she tosses the bag into the air, sending the rubies scattering everywhere. The next moment, she vanishes, leaving behind only a vaporous wisp.
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Chaos erupts, as everyone grabs at the rubies!
Please put your tokens on the map linked at the top of the screen. I would assume you are together as a team.
Also, anyone who has combat reflexes or for any other reason cannot be caught flat-footed may make a reflex save to try to catch a gem in the air.
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@GM Redelia - My character would not throw on a ton of buffs before going to sit in a tavern but I think it would be reasonable to assume that he would have Mage Armor up on both himself and his familiar. If that is alright with you?
Xilt also examines Kiang Zhen while she speaks.
(His take 10 on K-Planes is 29 but his other knowledge skills are also good if she is not extra-planar.)
Tarowr knows nothing about the creature who spoke, but is able to grab a ruby from the air.
Several people near you wearing Aspis symbolism notices you get the ruby and turn toward you.
Anthys, Krelin, Kahwen, Xilt, and Vina (plus their companions, if relevant) may all act. You may look for another ruby using perception, fight the enemies, or try to leave with the one ruby you have.
Xilt, I agree that is reasonable to have mage armor up, considering it's a lasting and cheap buff.
She is a kuwa oni. You know of her malice towards you, but also that she is bound to serve and so cannot work out that malice.
I also want to clarify that there are enough people around that you cannot move more than your movement speed per round.
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Anthys has the Heart of the Streets alternate human racial trait, so he does not treat crowds as difficult terrain, if that matters.
Anthys moves towards the Aspis agents drawing his sap and readies to attack if they initiate hostilities.
His AC if attacked is a base 27, but there are several situational bonuses depending on how many allies are adjacent when the attack happens.
Tarowr may also act.
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"Aspis," Kahwen growls when he sees the insignia. He might have tried just grabbing a gem and getting away but when the Pathfinders' old foes present themselves...
He draws his sword and rushes forward but moves past his opponent, twisting in a way that prevents him from attacking the tengu.
Kahwen gets past the enemy agent and spins and slashes when he's opposite Tarowr. With the same motion he turns and keeps moving, ending up well behind the Aspis agents.
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Xilt's ears perks up at the mention of their dreaded foes, the Aspis Consorium.
"Really?"
@GM Redelia - My character has a boon against any Aspis agents or hirelings of the Apsis. It reads as follows: Beheading the Serpent (All Aspis agents and hirelings are at -1 to hit, damage, saves and skill checks).
The wizard knows that he could probably clear the room with a few of his more explosive spells but he chooses to be more cautious. Xilt decides to focus on disabling rather than destroying. He pulls a rod out of his trusty Handy Haversack and attempts to blind most of his opponents. He then steps backs swapping places with his familiar.
Glitterdust Will DC 23 with potent magic, Persistent with Rod. It will target Yellow, Blue and Purple. If they are Aspis related they will take -1 on their saves from the boon above.
Tzleztor switches places with his master. He turns to Xilt perhaps a little miffed.
"You know I can do that too? In fact it is one of my specialities."
Streams of salt particles leave the Mephit body coating many of their opponents.
Glitterdust Will DC 14. It will target Blue, Purple and Red. If they are Aspis related they will take -1 on their saves from the boon above.
The Mephit cranes his head to see the lumbering tree and Druid move away from the combat.
"Hey, newbie. Cast a spell first and then run away just like my master. He is really good at that."
The familiar stops knowing that perhaps he has crossed several lines.
All agents fail their saves against at least one glitterdust.
Tarowr locates a second gem sparkling on the floor. Krelin looks, but is unable to find one.
OK, you now have 2 rubies. Do you look for more, try to leave, or something else? Tarowr and Krelin get one more turn's actions, everyone else gets 2 rounds worth.
Anthys finds 2 more rubies. That brings you to 4 total rubies for the party,and you need one ruby to glow. Xilt, Vina, and Kahwen all may take 2 rounds of actions.
Tzleztor turns to his master.
"Hey boss I am closer to the ground than the others. I am sure that I can find some of these rubies faster!"
Tzletzor finds another ruby (now at 5 for the party)
Xilt is now vanished.
Tarowr is unable to find another ruby.
Vina and Kahwen each get two rounds of action.
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"Time to go, Companions! Half the rubies glow so we only need 2 to make sure that we get one that does glow!" Kahwen calls out, demonstrating his obvious lack of understanding of statistical probability.
He heads for the exit but doesn't leave, keeping his sword out in case any more people assault his fellow Pathfinders.
Vina looks around for any gems that have ended up near her exit.
Vina finds one ruby.
Lacadee perceptions:
nope.
Two rivals who appear to be wearing Red Mantis emblems notice your gems and attack.
Xilt is up!