Strong Jaw listens impatiently as the rules are proclaimed. The goblin seems to be hoping from foot to foot in anticipation of the coming events.
The bard begins singing under his breathe while waiting.
Keep your hands to yourself. Got it!
Ryushi thought he'd had enough sensory overload for a lifetime in his one day in Goka but he was completely not prepared for the onslaught that awaited him in the gaming establishment. While he boggles at everything, he's somehow able to stride/glide like the warrior of Shizuru that he is!
Hard to beat a slate of rolls like Aaryn’s, but these are all helpful.
Please share with each other as you choose …
The principle, you can tell, applies in varied ways to the whole establishment. Given that it is volumetrically inconsistent with its exterior, even at first glance, it makes even more sense why the place is so popular, and of course, they can sell space without limits if they are creating it. The real trick is what you can see, and what you cannot: the skybox you are ascending to is quite noticeable. Real space.
Your desire to be “companionated” clearly drew your attention to the companions as they ascended, from afar though your observations had more to do with the transmutations, your key take-away being the origination of the enchantments: it was very clear that some of these courtesans worked their own magic … and some was worked upon them.
You also sense a multitude of spirits; clearly benign, vigilant from the energy you feel, but benign at the moment. You are a goblin, you are sneaky by nature, and when you heard the rules outside, you wondered how anyone would not try to break them. Now you know why.
There is also an almost imperceivable hum from your new ring, and a very very delicate glow within the starmetal: you feel a steely energy wash over you.
Aaryn lets out a low whistle. "Lots of big magic at work here! The whole thing seems extra dimensional, and those companions totally just changed shape! It's quite impressive!"
Strong Jaw rubs his eyes.
I don't recall imbibing anything as of yet.
The Bard waves at any passing server to order drinks.
While in Rome, as it were.
Strong Jaw rubs his eyes.
I don't recall imbibing anything as of yet.The Bard waves at any passing server to order drinks.
While in Rome, as it were.
Ryushi draws the attention of his friends who are distracted by magic and companions and not focused on their main task. Look, there, they seem to be Tino's Toughest, from here they look like worthy competitors. Should we go over and greet them together? No reason not to be friendly rivals, yes?
”Sure, let’s say hi!” Aaryn says with a grin.
"Of course, there's always a reason that 'higher is better' might we not review the evening's companions, and send one of the courtiers here to ask if their team would join us up above? If we ask them to join us, we elevate them socially. It's very Tien ..."
"Competition being what it is, we can always decend to the gaming floor to compete at the tables with them after we refresh ourselves as well"
"Oh, that makes sense! Let's do that!" Aaryn says, quickly changing her tune.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ryushi mumbles underneath his breath about fancy city folk, but only for a bit, he doesn't want to offend Kumiko at all.
The box is, to say the least, sumptuous. Like even more than the airship, it was opulent, not simply functional. As they enter, a comely but basic courtier steps forward from what are clearly the assembled companions:
"Lords & Ladies, we have been told you would like to have a larger gathering this evening and several of us chose to join you. Please, if you would, meet us and speak with us, that we might know each other and pass a pleasant evening.
Oddly enough, Zephyr steps forward
"I do somewhat wish Zathra hadn't been recalled to Sothis ..."
"Lady Aaryn: I only know what I guess and what I glean, but, the half-orc, the half-giant, AND the dhamphir: only suggestions"
Zeph winks: he has a feeling they are good suggestions
The 'Lord of Matches' is agog but something tells you that may not be bad. Zephyr turns back to him.
Zeph then turns to Kumiko, and asks, in Taldane "Someone, not you, can run down to the floor and ask the little Paladin of Irori if he & his team might ascend to meet us, yes? After that you will be OUR guest, with no other concern, please? I can produce the directive I asked your uncle for ... that took a LOT of work by the way. We are set now for the evening, I would like you to enjoy yourself with us, as we have with you."
The room/balcony is, in principle, hexagonal, and the goblins seem to be leading StrongJaw to a freestanding doorframe standing just to the left of the double doors they entered through. There is another doorframe to the right hand side.
Aaryn flushes pink at Zephyr’s suggestions. ”Oh! All three? I mean, I don’t want to be selfish... But, uh, if you insist...” She smiles sheepishly and waves to the companions.
Aaryn flushes pink at Zephyr’s suggestions. ”Oh! All three? I mean, I don’t want to be selfish... But, uh, if you insist...” She smiles sheepishly and waves to the companions.
Zephyr's laugh is the essence of Chaos come to life ...
"My Lady, I had meant to suggest only the company you might enjoy, I would never have spoken to your 'capacities' -- that said, nor would I impugn your capacities ... what an evening we will have!"
The Lord of Matches goes to each of the doorframe / archways and touches them in a pattern "Please ... if you and your companions would like to spend some more private time together, these spaces are prepared for you. They can take care of everything else you might want."
Aaryn giggles in a slightly delirious manner. ”Right, thank you, Mister Matches. Alright, uh, you... Let’s see what fun we can get up to.” She gestures for the half-orc companion to follow her into one of the archways.
Aaryn giggles in a slightly delirious manner. ”Right, thank you, Mister Matches. Alright, uh, you... Let’s see what fun we can get up to.” She gestures for the half-orc companion to follow her into one of the archways.
Team Endless Sky only catches a glimpse of the chamber beyond ... as Aaryn ventures forth to be companionated.
Strong Jaw 's beady red eyes dart back and forth between Aaryn and Zephyr like he was watching a tennis match where the contestants were hopped up of that white powdery stuff that longshanks out west seem to enjoy!
He orders a round of drinks. He quickly downs all of them, before reordering the same drinks. On their arrival, the goblin hands them out to the team.
To a raucous good time!
He gets up to follow Aaryn, the half-orc, the half-giant, AND the dhamphir.
This should be documented for my book.
Strong Jaw 's beady red eyes dart back and forth between Aaryn and Zephyr like he was watching a tennis match where the contestants were hopped up of that white powdery stuff that longshanks out west seem to enjoy!
He orders a round of drinks. He quickly downs all of them, before reordering the same drinks. On their arrival, the goblin hands them out to the team.
To a raucous good time!He gets up to follow Aaryn, the half-orc, the half-giant, AND the dhamphir.
This should be documented for my book.
The Master of Matches comes over to you, while Zephyr is speaking with Ryu over by your bar area.
"Master StrongJaw! Forgive us! I had no idea that you would want to be together, privately, with your companions. Our rules are very rigid I am afraid ... the other doorway is at your disposal of course, and when Miss Aaryn returns we can certainly discuss all of you entering a new space together. Again, my apologies."
He bows to you, gesturing towards the unused doorway ...
Strong Jaw looks up at The Master of Matches with a confused look on his goblin face.
I am only interested in the goings-ons of this type of establishment for prosperity. It is purely academic, I assure you, my good Master of Matches.
The bard then bows to him.
[b]I shall return to our table to celebrate the oppression of the intellect. I thank yee.
Strong Jaw returns to the table, downs a drink and begins writing furiously in his journal.
Strong Jaw looks up at The Master of Matches with a confused look on his goblin face.
I am only interested in the goings-ons of this type of establishment for prosperity. It is purely academic, I assure you, my good Master of Matches.The bard then bows to him.
I shall return to our table to celebrate the oppression of the intellect. I thank yee.Strong Jaw returns to the table, downs a drink and begins writing furiously in his journal.
Zeph turns to StrongJaw and smiles
"Really little bard? Really? There isn't music that goes with this? There has to be!"
Zeph snaps his fingers like he does
"It was the 3rd blue moon ... on that summer's day ... when he became a man at the hands of elf almost thrice his age ...
"... and it wasn't so much her words as such as the way she was hung ... it was the way she was hung ... Sarenith! oh Sarenith!"
** spoiler omitted **
Feruk'k smiles that kind of smile only a half-orc can smile
"and I'm not saying I didn't do that either, a long time ago. As much as we pretend otherwise, the world isn't all that kind to half breeds: not elves, not orcs, not the really weird ones. So I have been here at The Rainbow almost 3 years. My best years in Goka to be honest."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The inventor finishes her wine and finds herself relaxing more. She crosses to the steaming bath and carefully unties her kimono, and lets it fall to the floor. She looks over her shoulder at the half-orc. ”Care to join me?” she asks as she steps into the tub.
Kumiko returns to the team's terrace, bows, and goes over to the bar where Zephyr & Ryushi are talking
"Sirs, I am pleased to say that I was able to speak to Tino personally. He was very honored by your request, and he is gathering his team now. They should ascend shortly. I am sure Lady Aaryn will be able to meet them when she returns ... I am sorry that we cannot let her know."
Zephyr smiles his smile born of Chaos itself ... "Oh, not to worry, I can take care of that."
Zeph winks at the girl as he goes over to the doorway The Master of Matches looks on with some consternation, not sure if he should intervene
Zephyr whispers ... and then traces a glowing pattern on the doorway, finally blowing on it ... and the glow seems to go through the door itself
"No need to be alarmed, that was just a Message but I cast it through the doorway so that it wouldn't disturb anyone too too much."
** spoiler omitted **
"Companionship" Badge Awarded - for superior roleplay aligned to character's backstory! NICE WORK!!!
Ryushi is excited by the prospect of meeting their competition. That more than anything else makes the whole tournament feel real to him and he finds himself looking forward to it more and more. The ring on his finger and the comfort of Shizuru's magic within him brings him to his feet, bouncing with nervous energy. It has been a long while since I've fought for anything other than survival, but still, learning of our foes is half the battle, yes?
The message sent, she sighs and relaxes in the warm water as she waits for Feruk’k to join her.
Kumiko looks around the room, frowns a little, and then a thing seems to happen with her face ...
"Much better!" Kumiko seems tohave conjured a complete do-over for the furniture, now very very able to seat 12-15 people in several different groups
With some excitement, Kumiko goes to the top of the stairs to usher in the new guests.
They are clearly impressed with the space, and each smiles, although the human smile is perhaps easiest to interpret.
Tino and his friends are an amicable lot, much like Endless Sky, and Tino introduces himself and his team, then explains that he ‘overheard’ that the ES would be headed to the Rainbow that evening and hoped they all might meet before setting sail tomorrow.
Tino’s Toughest seems like a motley bunch at first glance. Tino, though exhibiting youthful exuberance and a finely honed body with a fashionable tattoo of the Master’s Rebus on his chest, is already into his middle years and has seen his fair share of triumphs and tragedies. Ji-yook, a striking Kitsune, is coy and aloof, telling everyone that she’ll strike out on her own after they win this, but looking like someone who would never part with her friends. Takatorra, a rather imposing looking Tengu, is Tino’s best friend since childhood, and Tino has loyally helped Takatorra—whose lengthy search for self-realization and rare sweets don’t hinder their mastery of swordplay—through countless challenges both existential and confectionary. Yabin “the Just” – every bit as nagaji as the racial gossip in Absalom – is the most stoic of the lot, though even the slightest mention of anything dragon-related is enough to get the sorcerer babbling about his favorite topic of study.
Tino and his team see the Ruby Phoenix Tournament as an opportunity to improve their fighting skills. “We’ve met a lot of people on our adventures,” Tino says, “but there’s always more to learn. When we got word we were invited to take part in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, we leapt at the chance to travel to a new place and test our strength against worthy opponents. It would be quite a thing to earn one of Hao Jin’s great treasures ... but as long as we’re having fun and making memories, I don’t think any of us would regret losing the tournament!”
Tino suggests that the party and his team engage in a friendly sparring match. If the player characters seem reluctant, Tino assures them that the fight will only be a friendly match, with no intent for anyone to get seriously hurt. Tino doesn’t pressure the characters but suggests that the prestige that would be created for all of them by creating a pre-pre-qualifier could be immense. If the characters agree to the fight, Tino lets them know that Rainbow is already prepared to create an extra-dimensional arena for them … and handle all wagers associated with the match.
Tino also suggests they toast to new beginnings, and the spirit of honorable competition.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sipping his drink (toying with the purple umbrella in it more), Strong Jaw watches as Tino's Toughness engage Endless Sky. The goblin smiles at each of them in turn (still playing with his purple umbrella).
When the suggestion for a mock match was mentioned, the bard casts Bullhorn, before the goblin spurted out his purple umbrella with a shout
He gives a thumbs up to the group.
** spoiler omitted **
"Just a refill Lady Aaryn, or I should bring the bottle? The bath already has a minted lilly oil added to it, but we can change that. Let me know.
Sipping his drink (toying with the purple umbrella in it more), Strong Jaw watches as Tino's Toughness engage Endless Sky. The goblin smiles at each of them in turn (still playing with his purple umbrella).
When the suggestion for a mock match was mentioned, the bard casts Bullhorn, before the goblin spurted out his purple umbrella with a shout
He gives a thumbs up to the group.
Zephyr smiles as he comes over to shake hands (and paws, and wings) with the group.
"I think this will be fun for you guys! If we can all refresh ourselves for a bit, I'm sure the timing will be even better for the club, AND our team member and her companion will be able to ... rejoin us. Aaryn is as competative as she is lovely, you will see. It IS nice to not be the only team committed to diversity; so very much a pleasure.
***
Sometime later, Aaryn finally emerges from the companion chamber, looking quite relaxed indeed. She greets the members of Tino's Toughest amicably. "A sparring match? Sounds great! Let's do it!"
Ryushi, rubs his goatee thoughtfully, before holding up his cup of warmed sake and toasts. Every fair test of strength is an honour to Shizuru! Let us preview what awaits us in the tournament.
Ryushi, rubs his goatee thoughtfully, before holding up his cup of warmed sake and toasts. Every fair test of strength is an honour to Shizuru! Let us preview what awaits us in the tournament.
[dice=Warfare Lore try to suss out the tactics of the team.]1d20+13
** spoiler omitted **
***
Sometime later, Aaryn finally emerges from the companion chamber, looking quite relaxed indeed. She greets the members of Tino's Toughest amicably. "A sparring match? Sounds great! Let's do it!"
”I have a small gift, which I now give to TWO teams! A gift from the future …”
K smiles and swirls her hands above the main serving table. The beverages and food are all translocated throughout the room, and the image of a rather ancient monk appears on the table:
“I am Sifu Xho Nuo—Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament and guardian of the legacy of Hao Jin, the immortal sorcerer in whose name you are gathered here. Know that in simply receiving an invitation to qualify for the tournament, you have already earned a place among the greatest fighters Golarion has ever known. However, only eight teams may continue on to the tournament proper, and that is why you are here today. Welcome to the island of Bonmu, or, as dubbed by Lady Hao Jin, ‘Danger Island.’ This will be your home for the next few days, and it is here where you will earn the right to enter the tournament. “Bonmu is vast. It is a place of ancient ruins and sites left untouched by the centuries. Lady Hao Jin has reclaimed this place and picked out a suitable location for each team to reside during their stay. Of course, nothing is given freely at the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. Each team has been assigned a specific location somewhere on this island, but many of these sites are filled with dangerous creatures or worse. It falls to you to make your site safe. Within your residence you will find the phoenix necklace and three silver feathers. Your mission here is to acquire and keep seven more such silver feathers. “Without further delay, I leave you to the whims of Bonmu. The pre-qualifier begins at sunrise tomorrow. May the worthiest win!”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ryushi, rubs his goatee thoughtfully, before holding up his cup of warmed sake and toasts. Every fair test of strength is an honour to Shizuru! Let us preview what awaits us in the tournament.
[dice=Warfare Lore try to suss out the tactics of the team.]1d20+13
Hrm, does not really give us an advantage, so I do not think Shizuru would consider this cheating... but 10 feathers to find? Perhaps we can spice up this friendly match... the loser will pledge to transfer one feather to the winner. What say everyone?
Strong Jaw takes out his Horn, giving it a loud blast after the announcement from the representative ended.
The goblin smiles.
Hrm, does not really give us an advantage, so I do not think Shizuru would consider this cheating... but 10 feathers to find? Perhaps we can spice up this friendly match... the loser will pledge to transfer one feather to the winner. What say everyone?
Hrm, does not really give us an advantage, so I do not think Shizuru would consider this cheating... but 10 feathers to find? Perhaps we can spice up this friendly match... the loser will pledge to transfer one feather to the winner. What say everyone?
Tino looks very very briefly blindsided ... before he smiles and turns to his team: "I like these people; let's make this wager!" He turns to Kumiko ...
Kumiko looks like she has fallen into some kind of trance, albeit very briefly, blinks her eyes, brightens as she smiles: "There is no rule which says you cannot do this! While this agreement, made here, is not bound by the Tournament itself, this gift would function almost exactly like finding random feathers which have been around the island. In principle, you could simply place the feather in front of tonight's winners, and they could "find" it. This is brilliant!"
She pauses just for a moment
"In my experience though, I would suggest finalizing this in front of an enforcer. So that the exchange is counted as legitimate for the purpose of the qualifying round."
Everyone looks to Team ES for assent ...
Aaryn winks and flashes a thumbs up! ”Sure thing! Let’s make it interesting!”
Strong Jaw jumps up onto the table, kicks the cups and plates away and the goblin begins singing (loudly)!
Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I needed money 'cause I had none
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I left my baby and it feels so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the-
Robbin' people with a six-gun
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I lost my girl, and I lost my fun
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I left my baby, and it feels so bad
Guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the-
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the law won
I fought the law, and the....
Strong Jaw then smiles.
Zeph applaudes
"What really were the odds that the 2 most racially diverse teams possible would meet for drinks tonight? When my mother sent me word that we needed a replacement, I knew she had our best interests in mind. The winged kobald though, well, I just needed to get to know her before I questioned my parent's judgement. My parents aren't wrong yet ... there's a LOT of talent packed in there! I'm glad you're with us Essri!
Team: please roll;
Perception
Arcana
Divine
Occultism
Nature
Any knowledges (racial especially)
Fell free to add action/dialog to these rolls if you want: you won't get this chance with every opponent.