"Fists of the Ruby Phoenix" (Campaign) w/ DM rainzax

Game Master rainzax

Botting for Seishine.

◆ Elf Step (step twice)
◆ Quick Alchemy to make a Moderate Frost Vial
◆ Strike with Frost Vial, splash only on target

Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
Cold damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6+7 splash

Twin Sparring Statues (Round Five / Six)

Seishine freezes White Statue solid - it remains in place a moment, a destabilized icicle, before breaking into pieces upon the ground.

Max's condition takes a turn...

...Max is Up, followed by the Party; We remain in Encounter Mode for the moment!

death save: 1d20 ⇒ 15 success

Twin Sparring Statues (Aftermath)

Max stabilizes, and the party takes time to tend to eachother's wounds, before busying themselves with tasks for the rest of the day...

(16 Hex Turns of Downtime!)

...

...

Was she waiting there the whole time?

Rising from lotus with a gentle levitation, Ingdani Budisuma unfolds her feet to touch the ground "I suppose a single haunted room in an otherwise cleared out ancient monastery isn't so bad!" she points in the direction of room A12 (see Temple map) "And, safe to say that you have completed your objective. The day is young! Ordinarily, I might prescribe rest, but the sun is yet high. And so..."

Entering a stance in which her heels lift from the ground slightly, leaving her bare toes touching, she swings her arms in a wide arc, whirling fingers tracing different paths, and, elevating a knee to balance on a single toe, challenges [redacted]* by flexing her wrist backward with a "get over here!" hand gesture!

If any PC is interested in Retraining, then it is You* whom she is indicating to accept the implied challenge and make a sparring martial advance!

"Good job, everyone." Cirri relaxes when she sees Max stabilize.

Cirri tries to help him awaken.

Natural Medicine, DC 30: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
Critical Success: 4d8 + 30 ⇒ (1, 3, 7, 3) + 30 = 44
"Hey Max, wake up."

Once that's done, she looks to her teammates. "Anyone needs more help?"

DC 20 for 2d8+10 HP, or DC 30 for 2d8+30. You can roll for yourself.

Cirri relaxes, only to squawk up when Ingdani Budisuma reveals herself. "Eek! How long... never mind, never mind!"

She watches Ingdani take a stance, and she gulps. "Uh... Could you help me with my Tien? I think I almost got the hang of it." She raises a tepid finger.

Seishine rubs the warmth back into his hands from the freezing chemicals as things begin to calm down. "Thank you the encouragement Ingdani." Seishine bows respectfully.

Turning to his new companions, he offers them help. "I am fine Miss Cirri. Perhaps I can help if other needs things. I have various healing chemicals, in addition to the more harmful ones. If I run out of chemical healing, I also have some skill in medicine. Please let me know what is needed."

Sorry for my absence guys. Thank you for the assistance as well.

My 16 hexes of exploration
4 hexes trolls lore downtime: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31 he tells stories of them. 24 Extra gold
4 hexes trolls lore downtime: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22 he tells you how to hunt them. I'm not actually fired, am I, I can continue this next level?
4 hexes research speakers to the winds: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39 arcana, he talks about wizards, spells, witches and tries to get them on the subject.
4 hexes research winter's roar: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31 he challenges them to an obstacle course bragging how he is better than them. And tries to show them up, get a feel for how they are and then talk to them afterward hoping they blurt out some info.

Earn Income with Performance. Failure, 2.4 gp
Research vs Arms of Balance. Critical Success. Asked them about their preferred team strategy.
Research vs Biting Roses. Critical Failure.
Earn Income with Performance. Critical Failure, 0 gp

I assume we're still level 11 when we do this downtime/hexploration.

Now that the day is won (except for that ghost...) Cirri works on cleaning up the gunk in the stank beast's lair. It's not easy, but it's important to keep the water clean. It's exhausting, but it's relaxing. Cirri hoots, squawks, and flaps to pass the time.

Performance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 Failure

Ahmitar eventually hands her 2.4 gold pieces just to get her to stop. "Oh! Thank you!" Cirri seems oblivious to Ahmitar's annoyance.

---

With the temple cleared of most of the gunk (or at least enough to make a base camp for the night,) Cirri decides it's time to talk to other teams. Make some friends! Check out the island!

Which team?: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
Cirri scopes the Arms of Balance, waves hi to them and introduces herself. "Hi, I'm Cirri. Uh, I lead Cirri's Corsairs. I hope you had a good first day. This island is beautiful, huh? A spider the size of a hill almost ate my friends. Fun!" Cirri begins comparing notes about the Natural creatures and terrain.

Nature: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40 Critical Success

"Hey? What's your favorite strategy? I'm a big fan of using the beach to my advantage. My Parent taught me how to skip through shallow water- turns out I'm a natural."

---

Which Team?: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Occultism: 1d20 ⇒ 12 Critical Failure

"The Biting Roses? Why would you do that? Brambles are very tough and not nutritious at all." Cirri sits there, bewildered by their conversation on Occultism. They dismiss her and she quickly takes the hint to skedaddle.

---

Cirri returns to the temple, serene. "I'd like to practice my new Tien. I hope you don't mind if I tell a story."

Cirri squats and covers her feathery shins. "It's been a long time since I've stopped moving around. Dad and Parent retired early. I love them, but I had to leave the nest. Besides, a night at the beach feels so good. Water keeps your feathers warm, wind whips through your hair. It's a reminder. You're a part of this world, and it needs you to keep it together."

Performance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Critical Failure

Ahmitar is out of sight by the time Cirri finishes. Uh, maybe he was sleepy.

Good call, frankly. Cirri heads to the roof of the temple and sleeps under the stars. What will happen tomorrow?

I realized I did the research wrong, I misunderstood it. I was suppose to roll the 2d8 before researching. It was confusing for me give there were 31 teams and only 7 listed, was very confused trying to figure out where the rolling of a d8 came from.

1) Arms of Balance (Nature or Religion)
2) Biting Roses (Astrology Lore or Occultism)
3) Lightkeepers (Gladiatorial Lore or Thievery)
4) Speakers to the Winds (Arcana or Society)
5) Steps of the Sun (Acrobatics or Performance)
6) The Name Takers (Intimidation or Crafting)
7) Winter's Roar (Athletics or Survival)
8) GM's choice
who: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16 My first roll was an 18, so that plus my highest modifier probably does reach 30+, I'm trained in at least one skill for them all.
who: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7 The Name Takers, with my 10 I rolled earlier that is 21+10=31 crafting, plus it would make sense I'd pick a team where I have the higher modifier. If I can keep my rolls, 18 and 10 to the highest modifiers I have, cause that is what I would have if I did it correctly from the last post I made.

At the end of the trail among the wounded walks a rather unusual medic. He is carrying a full plate armor, with a symbol on his chest of bastardsword crossed with a wing. His outfit had numerous red or silver elements in them, like his pauldrons and belt being of crimson color.

He worked with only his helmet and gauntlets off. He was helping to patch the more wounded contenders.

His scarred face is looking without many emotions on those in pain, but his work was good. "May Ragathiel wings of flames shield you next time."

On his back, he carries a long bastardsword.

=========================

In some of his free time, a rather large and muscular orc organizes classes on how to behave when in the arena. It is more merely a talk about swinging weapons or roaring, but also how to win the crowds. How to move in an arena, what are the most common traps and how to use them to your advantage

Lore gladiator, DC26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 4 hexes - Success 24 gp
Lore gladiator, DC26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 4 hexes - Success 24 gp

The multi-day course is followed by workshops and some practice bouts. Overall others have taken it favorably.

Then Drockhar spends his time with...

Who: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 7) = 11

Winter roar team, he approaches them as a cleric seeing if he is able to help them but in fact trying to learn about them.

Winter roar, Athletics E, DC30: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24 4 hexes - Failure, 2 hexes to retry

Winter roar, Athletics E, DC30: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23 2 hexes - Failure, 2 hexes to retry again

Winter roar, Athletics E, DC30: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26 2 hexes - Failure ok.

But his multi-day engagement brought nothing. Either his heart was not in it or he was slacking off. But no one was even eager to talk to him. But at least they did not have him.

"I've been wanting to adjust a few of my songs; some time to relax and work on my compositions will be wonderful!"
Zurrus leans back against one of the statues and plucks at her harp strings, occasionally shaking her head and trying out new tunes.

Retraining Haste into Time Jump, I think it's thematically similar :). Third level spell, so DC 20 Occultism to retrain? Normally takes a week, so 7 retraining points.

Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24 Success, 1 RP, Total 1
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 Success, 1 RP, Total 2
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 Crit Success, 2 RP, Total 4
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 Crit Success, 2 RP, Total 6
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 Crit Fail, -1 RP, Total 5
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 Crit Success, 2 RP, Total 7

After a few hours, Zurrus has her song exactly where she wants it! She gathers everyone for a quick impromptu performance, to their admiration and/or annoyance.

6 Hex turns used, 10 left.

Which Team?: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 6) = 13 The Name Takers
Intimidation (T) DC25: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 Crit Success!
"The Name Takers, huh? Don't suppose I could take your names?" Zurrus smiles a bit too wide, showing rows of sharp teeth. "Any of you have any fun spells? I'm always looking to expand my repertoire."

Which Team?: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 Steps of the Sun
Performance (M) DC25: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (10) + 26 = 36 If I'm allowed to count the bonuses from using my harp it's a Crit Success. Otherwise regular success.
"You guys look fun! Can we trade songs? Please?? OH! Let's put on a performance for each other!" Zurrus is practically giddy to be around other performers, and particularly another catfolk. She asks of the dancers: "Those fancy dances aren't just for show, huh? Got any secret moves up your sleeve?"

8 hex turns spent scouting other teams.

Zurrus spends the remaining two hex turns putting on performances for change, using her trusty harp.
Performance (M): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 46
Critical success, if we're still at level 11 during this downtime (and it's a level 11 task), that's 20 gp.

The strings are more magical than usual tonight. She stays up late, plucking a soft tune that rises into the sky above the temple.

Using Craft to Earn Income.

Craft (DC 30): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27 1 HEX
Critical failure. YOU'RE FIRED!

Not sure if you will allow another check. I will roll anyways, and if no further rolls are allowed just ignore them.

Craft (DC 30): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41 15 HEXES x 15 gold per day = 225 gold
Critical failure to critical success.

I have updated Seishine to 12th level. Only think not updated is the results of the downtime.

Campaign Intermission (Part One)

31 Rival Teams: Research

Consider "favoriting" this "anchor post"!

Cirri asks a bit about the Arms of Balance and their favorite defensive techniques.

She was born at the sea, and she enjoys talking about warm water, whistling winds and crumbling sands.

Max would like to know speaker of the winds special abilities, like the commonly used tactic.

Using my two rarity boons on Catfolk ancestry and Suli heritage.

Zurrus asks the Steps of the Sun about their favorite offensive dances.

Gladiator Lore (earn income) DC 28: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31 Second 4 hexes = 20 gold

Gladiator Lore (earn income) DC 28: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32 Third 4 hexes = 20 gold

Gladiator Lore (earn income) DC 28: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21 Fourth 4 hexes = 32 silver

A couple of issues with the original but nothing that meant much of a difference, so going to stick with the results above.

Campaign Intermission (Part Two)

Looks like we are all complete! I will get to moving us along shortly...

31 Rival Teams: Research (V.2)

Consider "favoriting" this "anchor post" as it incorporates and overwrites the previous one!

Survive (Chapter Two)

An hour before the sunset of "day zero", a pair of enforcers communicate via the phoenix necklace:

Who is wearing it?...

"Qualifiers, please meet us at the front entrance of the temple"

The party quickly heads over and are instructed to produce the necklace, which is quickly confirmed and returned to the holder with care and reverence.

"Your objective, over the next three days, is to collect 10 feathers by legitimate combat: Do you have any questions about the Rules of Engagement?"

Drockhar meets the others, his chain from his nosering to the ear making a bit of noise whenever the wind blows. He stands in his full-plate armor like it would not be bothering him.

He looks at the phoenix necklace and looks at his allies "Who would like the necklace?" I don't mind carrying it, but if some skill is needed to be related to talking maybe Zurrus?

"So this will be about the fight, hmm." I don't see it written anywhere, and I don't want to ask a question that is obvious to others but are the fights lethal? Should we be stopping our blows, or at the end of the fight there is someone healing the fallen?

Cirri snores quietly, wrapping her wings like a coat as she sleeps. "Wha?" she hoots awake from her second nap. "What are we- what's going on? Oh! Front of the Temple?" Swayaah stretches her wings, grabs her staff, puts on her armor and catches up to the team.

Cirri will gladly wear the necklace if no one else wants to.

The necklace is beautiful. Even if they never found the extra feathers in that sandstorm. She was certain they would claim the extra feathers they needed.

"Oh! Thank you for all of your help. I hope the necklace looks good. These phoenix feathers are beautiful. I'm kind of jealous. Assuming the phoenix gave their feathers with consent." Cirri kind of runs on while the officials politely ignore her.

"Rules of engagement... got it..." CIrri reads the rules.

Max looks over the rules. Sounds simple enough.

As the PCs nod to the Enforcers, they bow and move along their patrol. The night passes and morning comes.

Ingdani is doing morning yoga, and if anyone approaches her, she asks "So - where are you headed first today?

Seishine slings his pack over his shoulder as he comes down the steps.

"Headed, huh?" he ponders. "Well to fight of course! That is the purpose of the tournament, is it not?"

He approaches Cirri as she wears the necklace. "So how many feathers do we currently have?

Drockhar looks at Seishine and his odd answer

"How about east? Let's head towards that mountain that we see from here, then we will walk around it, from the northern or southern side."

Drockhar never showed much interest in the tournament

No Society skill so I would have to go with the flow on this one. With regards to direction I have no proposition so east is as good direction as any.

How many feathers do we have? 3?

"Wait, give me a minute." Cirri squats, closes her eyes, and breathes slowly.

Cirri will >Survey Wildlife< to determine what creatures are in the area.
Survival +18 to observe animal signs/tracks/scat. Then she can make Nature +22 checks to identify animals in the area. She's a Master in Nature so she suffers no penalty.

Survival: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

"Okay, if we're going east, we should look out for these flora and fauna."

Cirri leads the team East, as their guide, Ingdani Budisuma, follows dutifully.

Though the day is not as sunny as yesterday, even the partial clouds leave plenty of room to gain a better perspective of the island.
Visibility today: 2 Hexes

Cirri is able to identify the gargantuan tracks as those belonging to some species of deadly mantis - perhaps their lair is nearby?
Cirri may Recall w/ Nature vs DC 28 to ask one question.

Random Encounter (Invert Flat DC 20): 1d100 ⇒ 53
No REs

Cirri notes the giant tracks. "Ooo! Look. Mantis tracks."

Nature: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

"Now, let's see... any special... attacks they could have? It's best to be careful."

Drockhar would follow after Cirri trying to search for any signs of trouble. Perception +21, Reconnoiter to get a better understanding of what is there.

He searches the lands trying to stay close to the others. "Mantis? hmm, I don't think I ever thought one."

"These indicate the mantises are big. They can do this thing where they leap and strike you while moving. And if they hit, they grab you. Very powerful leg control." Cirri rubs her own leg instinctively.

You can read the spoiler in the >GM's post< for specifics.

"I... might be able to ask them to leave us alone. Then again, bugs are pretty simple minded."

Druids have Wild Empathy. I can use my +15 Diplomacy to Make an Impression on most wild animals, but I have no idea if they will work on insects.

While Cirri decides whether she'd like to track the mantises to their lair for a chat, Drockhar wonders what other features might be nearby...

...as the rest of the party weighs in on what to do next!

"Well, the easiest way not to get hurt is to just avoid them." Cirri stands up. "Let's go... South East."

Cirri wants to check out hex F8.

"South east sounds good to me!" days the orc looking in that direction. "I think our goal should be to fight other teams to win the feathers and try to avoid other combats"

I think F8 is north east, since the map is sideways. Fine with checking it out though.

"Find with me! I've seen enough bugs after those spiders..." Zurrus shivers.

Doing their best to steer clear of the Mantis's Hunting Ground (G3), the group veers northeast, as part of the forested area unfolds under the partial cloud cover, revealing yet more of the center of the island. Further north and just slightly west, a great mountain is lost among the clouds - looking to be the highest and tallest natural formation upon the island - Mount Haminabu!

Ingdani pipes up "It is imperative to reach that peak by sunset (before "Late") of the third day - and be rewarded with it's incredible view!" she stares off blissfully in the direction indicated, as if recalling a panorama...

...

Random Encounter (20%): 1d100 ⇒ 65

"Oh, I bet the view must be wonderful!" Cirri's wings twitch excitedly. "Maybe one day I'll be able to fly from the peak to the base." She hops around a few times before containing her excitement.

"Maybe we can head towards the forest, though. Northeast?" She points to the section marked F12 on her rough sketch of the island. "We can cover more ground that way- maybe we'll meet another team!"

Cirri's enthusiasm invigorates her teammates - pressing along the northeastern forest ridge, more of the mighty Mount Haminabu becomes visible through the light cloud cover at the shifting of perspective - as well as three bodies water to the northwest, north, and northeast - two lakes and one sea-connected cove!

Fully half of Bonmu topography now known to the party as they continue to travel quickly over it's tropical landscape!

...

Random Encounter (20%): 1d100 ⇒ 25

"Let's keep on going, we need to find other teams, those feathers do not grow on trees." says Drockhar I am fine with keeping to the same direction.

Cirri seems bewildered. "Tree feathers? Well, feathered creatures may drop a feather near their nest, which is often in trees. But Phoenixes are much too large for these trees. Maybe a mountain?" She hops with glee. "Oh, maybe we'll see a Phoenix nest when we climb the summit!"

Off to F14

Breaking from their northeastern path somewhat, the party heads northwest straight for Mount Haminabu, whose summit comes fully into view as they comb the coastline that hugs the lush ridge into which a small archipelago is also nestled. They continue to push through the island with great speed, seemingly unconcerned with exploring anything but perhaps a final destination.

Random Encounter (20%): 1d100 ⇒ 11
Event or Encounter: 1d2 ⇒ 1

But the island, in a turnabout, seems curious about them! For another Rival Team - two Vudran humans - and Cirri's Corsairs seem to be on a collision course, and from a respectable distance, the sisters, one of whom also sports a phoenix necklace with 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 feathers, bow and hail them!

...

First Challenge (Part One)

NPC Team: Ahmoza Twins (Sister Human Ki Adepts)

Of average height and build, with a couple choice monastic weapons strapped to their backs, these two sisters have stern features and walk with the grace of martial artists, and though not identical, share a clear familial resemblance, where like yin and yang, they differ really only in their choice of monastic garb: Manyala's robes sport red and orange-yellow embroidery of the Monastery of Unblinking Flame, whereas Rijana's robes sport the blue-teal and purple of the Monastery of Unbreaking Waves.

It is the latter sister that speaks first "Hail. We challenge your team with Honor and Respect: And submit for consideration our interest in the Terms (2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6) of Distance and Preparation. Do you need time for Council, or shall your Reply be rendered in lieu?"

While her sister speaks for the duo, the former sister holds a cupped hand over fist forward - which blossoms into a tiny gentle flame! - indicating that the same words speak for her, and that she is ready, and that she is eager to begin!

Diplomacy, aid, DC25: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37 Crit success on aid means +2 to Zurrus

"May Ragathiel's eyes fall upon you and for his wings to shield you from harm!" says Drockhar with zealotry in his eyes

"Before accepting your challenge, in Honor and Respect, Cirri's Corsairs would like to negotiate the terms."

"Speak then, Corsairs, seeing as Council you need not, and plainly. I am Rijana Ahmoza, of the Houses of Perfection, and this my sister is Manyala, who you see, is eager to dispense with the formalities, to test her Mettle against your Brave Team - for there are none who had made it this far as to secure an invitation to this Sport who are not so - and already half the morning is gone! Let us lay our feathers to Bid, for that we are Diplomats not, and may the Fists of the Ruby Phoenix determine which among us is Greatest in Spirit!"

Adjacent to the speaker, her sister's smile broadens into a toothy grin, the gentle flame from her clutched fist gesture propagating across her body to wreathe around her eyes - drawing her ki towards her crown!

...

Open spoiler only after Fully Resolving Negotiation and Choosing your preferred Terms first:

Diplomacy (E) to Negotiate, DC 25, +2 circ: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 21 + 2 = 41 Crit success!

”Alright!! You’re getting me fired up for this!” Zurrus’ tail starts lashing back and forth excitedly. ”How does this sound: two feathers, six seconds to get ready, and 60 feet to start.” She bares her sharp teeth in a lighthearted sneer. ”May the best team win!”

Based on the discussion thread, went with 2 feathers, one round prep, 60 feet starting distance.