The Ruby Phoenix Tournament

Game Master polyfrequencies

Once every 10 years, the cosmopolitan city of Goka on the western coastline of Tian Xia hosts the Ruby Phoenix Tournament on an island off the coast. Infamous for its strange spectacles and exciting mix of fighting styles, the contest draws combatants and spectators from all over the world. The tournament’s winning team gets their choice of a single item from the legendary treasury of the long-disappeared Ruby Phoenix, Hao Jin, and earns a reputation beyond imagining.

Having earned a sponsorship and made it through the qualifying exhibitions, your team of warriors is ready to fight in the Grand Pavilion arena against the mightiest combatants and cleverest battle mages on Golarion. In five days, you will know whether you have what it takes to earn the coveted titles of Ruby Phoenix champions. And if not? Well, there's always next decade.

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Welcome! Please go ahead and dot and delete with your alias so that this shows up in your campaign tab! Once we take care of some bookkeeping, we'll get started in Goka before traipsing over to Xielan Islad. You're also welcome to introduce your character in-character here, should you so choose, with an individual scene. Something like final preparations before heading out to Goka, an interaction in the great city, or a representative flasback would all be appropriate tone-setting and set-dressing.

Goka: the Gateway to the West, the City of Wonders. For those who have traveled extensively, it rivals that fabled Absalom in terms of both size and bustle. The Wall of Heaven mountains dominate the city's skyline in the distance, yet other wondrous sights inspire as well. The Gokan Palace, honored home of Empress Lady Nai Yan Fei, looms atop the Diamond Knoll. Layered rectangular terraces rise into a golden ziggurat atop which the Grand Bank of Abadar dominates. Saddles drakes race around the spires of the Seven Dragon Bridge, training for race season with their formidable riders. 250-foot-tall statues of both Shizuru and Tsukiyo, Empress of Heaven and Prince of the Moon respectively, rise from Xu Hong Bay to greet visitors and provide a place of pilgrimage for millions of Tians from across the continent. In the marketplaces, dozens of unfamiliar tongues ring out as Tians trade with Avistani, Casmars, Garundi, and Arcadians alike. Coin also changes hands in various high- and low-stakes games of chance, from nobles setting up extravagant bets on the upcoming Ruby Phoenix Tournament to old men and women putting coppers down on their teahouse games of tiam jeuk.

Much chatter around the city is focused on the upcoming tournament on Xielan Island. While comparatively few of the city's populace will be able to attend in person, thousands of bards are preparing to retell and reenact the most exciting matches. Many of these are present in the city's arts district, where Lady Xhai Zhia has set up a meeting at the illustrious Ming Cha Teahouse. She awaits the arrival of her hand-selected group of mages and warriors: legends in the making behind whom she has thrown an enormous amount of capital.

Here we go! Please introduce your character, hopefully arriving at the teahouse at some point in your initial post.

A young woman stands in the street in front of the tea house, in a black silk komono with crimson accents, spinning an unfurrowed white parasol on her slim shoulder. Thinking.

'Fanfare, one of the Taldorian trumpets, calling of her name, maybe even someone fainting at the awe of seeing her so close... there was still time, she could hire people, cobble a scene together.' her mind fretted.

Then stilled with a whispered "No, this was best."

The teahouse was not a place of chaos, but of refined eloquence. Disturbances would be politely frowned on. While performance is important, the right type of performance for every venue is required.

Lam Ai Lua closed her silver eyes and breathed in: wishing and hoping In then releasing determination. Her darkened lashes rose, her eyes confident, the gaze and demeanor of a queen.

With slow graceful steps on her wooden geta, she swished her silks into the tea house, closing her 'moon' with a soft snap. After seeing her potential employer (she already knew where she was based on a small bribe), the lovely young Tian-Dan woman smiled, lighting up the area around her. "Lady Xhai Zhia" she bowed in formal correctness "I am honored at your call, and more eager than the sun to catch the moon, to show your faith is not misplaced."

As Ai Lua straightens that eagerness danced in the silver of her eyes. "Even more to discover who your 'Other' choices are. And twice as much to know if I was the first of those chosen." a playful smile slips easily into her lips.

Slight backtrack

Before entering, while on the street Thinking, she spends a moment magically preparing her best foot forward.

Fastidiousness, honeyed tongue, raiment of command

As mentioned, Jonovan plans to use Shadow Conjuration to mimic Draconic Ally for free. The resulting shadowy dragon is a pushover in combat. But it is useful as a loyal servant, status symbol, and for nightly duties like keeping watch for intruders, while Jonovan sleeps.

For spells, Jonovan will cast the following on himself: Mage Armor, Rod Extended Heroism, Rod Extended Echolocation

A strange pair of figures walked up to the main door of the Ming Cha Teahouse.

The first was Jonovan, a half-elf of Avistani blood, a laowai in the land of Tian Xia. His cerulean eyes and handsome face, were framed by shoulder length silver hair. And he was dressed in a finely made dark shozoku of a shinobi. Although, for this introductory meeting, the hood and face mask had been taken off.

The second was Mon-mon, a light blue dragon the size of a medium riding dog. She was covered in azure swirls which resembled the outline of clouds, and moved with a certain grace, following the half-elf by his side. But if you looked too closely, she seemed to fade out of reality, as if she wasn't entirely there. "Master, this looks like the place." She chirped cheerfully.

Jonovan paused, and looked up at the teahouse. His practical mercenary gaze scoured the exterior, taking in possible routes for entry and escape. He had considered simply sneaking into the place, and appearing out of nowhere, like some terribly mysterious ninja. It was a trick he had recently unlocked from cultivating his convoluted bloodlines, and he was certainly dressed for the part.

But he decided against it. Who knew if this generous sponsor would be creeped out by such a stunt. In the end, he settled for simply walking in through the front door, with a dragon servant by his side as a status symbol. Hopefully, that would be enough to impress the sponsor, and his new teammates.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he stepped into the teahouse, and searched for Lady Xhai Zhia.

If he manages to find her.

Jonovan gives a polite bow and a simple self-introduction. "Greetings, Lady Xhai Zhia. I am the Clay-Mage."

The quirk of a lip was all the irritation Lua shows about being interrupted. She turns her head and arches an eyebrow just a touch. "I know you?" her tone searching her memory, finding it suddenly "On a ship, some years ago, a wizard guarding against terrors of the sea, offering to help a poor girl with too much coin and just enough hope find someone she cared about." the tone turned just a touch frosty, speaking of just how the help ended.

She looks back to the Lady, just then connecting the dots that he will be her teammate. A subtle rolling of her eyes, an almost imperceptible groan, then she turns back to the man and smiles a rather charming smile "But that was in the past, and the past helps us not to glory. It is a pleasure to remake your acquaintance Claymige... is that an Ulfen name?" a playful sharpness in her voice means she probably butchered his name on purpose.

"Ah, I remember you." Jonovan's eyes widen in recognition.

"You're Ai Lua, that girl with da..." Jonovan stops himself before he says daddy issues. That would probably not have gone down well, and he still wanted his teammates to like him. At least enough to cooperate with him. *Ahem* "That girl with da...zzling beauty."

Nice save, he thought to himself.

"Really master?" The dragon by his side blurted out. "She doesn't look all that..."

Jonovan winced. "Mon-mon, would you kindly please watch my back?"

"Yes, master." The dragon said cheerfully, before turning around.

Jonovan gives a weak smile, hoping Ai Lua had not taken offence. He quickly tries to change the subject and heap on shameless flattery. "It's Clay-Mage, merely a descriptive nickname. Certainly nothing as grand and poetic as Red Petal sharp against the Moonlight."

Hitome stands at the entrance of the Ming Cha Teahouse, taking a deep breath before she enters. Already she can feel the threads of Destiny pulling at her again. The contact she had received, with the offer of sponsorship, the auspicious sight of the Empress of Heaven and Prince of the Moon statues in the bay, a sure sign that her future was tied to this place, and the legendary tournament, filled her with purpose.

With a serene smile she pushed the door open, striding confidently in to meet her destiny.

The woman who enters the teahouse, would be considered rather exotic by any means, her otherworldly heritage unmistakable. Wearing her best, albeit simple monk's garb, consisting of a beautifully detailed halter, wine colored loose fitting pants and soft boots, accented with a necklace of dragon's eye prayer beads, the first, most noticeable aspect of her, is her remarkable physique, , her body is a sculpture of athleticism and strength, while still maintaining a powerful femininity. Flawless, sun-burnished skin, carries a bronze glow, highlighted by tattoos along her body (most notably a symbol of the sun centered on her abdomen, with a katana cutting across it)

Tall and sleek, her hair, shaved on one side beginning as a wine-like burgundy, gradating to snow white at shoulder length, her stunning appearance is enhance by the way she moves, the natural, effortless prowl of a born apex predator, sharp copper colored eyes taking in everyone in the room, shrewdly assessing each person in moments, while still maintaining an almost noble bearing and an aura of assured calm, and a sense of being in the presence of something near perfect.

As all eyes fall on her as she approaches, the young woman sets her gaze on Lady Xhai Zhia, moving forward and coming to a stop as she flows into a graceful bow. "Lady Xhai Zhia, it is an honor to finally meet my benefactor." she says with a hint of a smile.

Turning to face the others she gives each of them a bow, smaller in inflection, an acknowledgement of equals rather than the deeper respect afforded their host. "I am Murakami Hitome. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Praise is a really good strategy to be used on Lua, making the slightly playful smile, blossom wider as Jonovon speaks. She opened her mouth to respond when the third member of their team arrives.

Her eyes widen slightly, then looks at their sponsor in curiosity. Did the Lady pick their crew based on looks??? Jonovan could make the most chaste's mouth water, the newcomer a stunning visual delight of curves and muscles, and Lua... well she was self absorbed enough to understand her own beauty.

The bow and greeting broke her out of her musing, which she returned in a dipping bow of equal respect. "Lam Ai Lua. May the heavens mark the day of our meeting, Murakami Hitome."

It took some time to get things in order at the docks. The Malevolent Grace wasn't exactly the most visually appealing ship, but she was a rather sea worthy and battle tested ship. The crew looked a more ragtag bunch of homeless folk as opposed to an organized crew.

The Irom Maiden gave her commands to the crew and appoint her first mate to take charge while she was busy.

keep the crew out of too much trouble, this place isn't as forgiving as other ports She warns her first mate.

As Noro makes her way through the streets, she pulls out the parchment she received, Ming Cha Teahouse. She says as she scans the buildings.

After some wandering, and getting several looks she arrives, though a little late. Well let's see what's what

Noro takes a swig of her bottle of rum. Then a frown crosses her lips Damn, empty She tosses the bottle to the ground and walks in.

Noro has the smell if the sea, and rum, about her, leather pants and boots to her mid calf. A dirty ruffled shirt and long leather coat. A wide brimmed hat adorns her head. She carries no weapons. She has long black hair and sea weathered skin. She is short, maybe just over 5 feet. One thing is certain, she walks with a confidence and a look that says, don't F**** with me.

She walk about the room looking for the lady she is supposed to meet. She catches sight of a small group forming that doesn't look like the teahouse type.

She grabs a chair and pulls it over to the group, taking a seat at the table. right, so who here is ahhh... She pulls the parchment out again Lady Xhai Zhia She asks trying to read the writing.

Lua's smile becomes a Grin, as the pirate come in. "Noro! Kasuri!" her proper tone lost in surprised delight, splintering into a more gutter dialect "Its been... Years! You bashed my face in for what felt like hours in that pit of a stain in the Peril, then we drank for what felt like Da--" she stopped, suddenly remembering her persona. Smoothing her silks back down, she dips into that perfect bow, and resumes the imperious enunciation "The brilliance of this moment is past all expectations."

As Hitome approaches the table, Mon-mon chimes, "Someone's coming. This one looks like a real dazzling beauty, not like..."

Jonovan sighs. "Mon-mon, please just describe who is coming and leave it at that."

"Yes, master." Mon-mon nods.

Turning to face the others she gives each of them a bow, smaller in inflection, an acknowledgement of equals rather than the deeper respect afforded their host. "I am Murakami Hitome. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Jonovan returns Hitome's bow. "Greetings, I am the Clay-Mage."

Noro has the smell if the sea, and rum, about her, leather pants and boots to her mid calf. A dirty ruffled shirt and long leather coat. A wide brimmed hat adorns her head.

As Noro approaches, Mon-mon does her duty once more. "Another one is coming, this one looks like a filthy unwashed vagrant..."

"On second thoughts, just let me know if someone is coming." Jonovan shakes his head. "No need to describe them."

"As you wish, master." Mon-mon pouts.

He turns to look, and realizes his dragon was speaking truthfully. The woman did indeed appear to be a filthy vagrant. And with the smell of rum clinging to her, a drunk vagrant at that.

To be sure, she moved like an extremely confident drunk vagrant.

She grabs a chair and pulls it over to the group, taking a seat at the table. right, so who here is ahhh... She pulls the parchment out again Lady Xhai Zhia She asks trying to read the writing.

As Noro drags a chair in, Jonovan wonders whether she had the wrong table. He was about to ask her who she was looking for, but then she mentions the sponsor. Jonovan raised an eyebrow at the woman's apparent lack of manners. She didn't even bother to introduce herself. But decided if the Sponsor had selected her, it wasn't his place to tell her off.

And apparently Ai Lua knew her. From the sounds of it, they had fought, and then got drunk together. He didn't know that Ai Lua had a drinking habit... but it certainly wasn't out of place for a girl with daddy issues.

Lady Xhai Zhia has secured a private room within the teahouse, where each new arrival is escorted on their one-after-another arrival. She smiles pleasantly at each new arrival, observing their interactions with each other. She is dressed in the height of modern Gokan fashion, wearing a pink and maroon kimono trimmed with goldleaf, dazzling golden earrings set with rubies, and an elegant hairpiece with two golden, feather-shaped hairpins set with glittering gems and painted to look like peacock feathers. "Welcome, my honored guests," she says. "Please sit. What tea would you like?" She gestures to half a dozen pots arrayed before her, aromas mingling tantalizingly as they reach the noses of those gathered, inviting you to smell before you choose.

Feel free to choose/make up a tea that you think represents your character.

To each as well, she has an additional word of greeting. For Ai Lua, she grins impishly. "I trust the stories I have heard more than the endless chase of the lights above us. The sun rarely catches his quarry, but I believe I won't have to wait ten years to catch mine."

For Jonovan, she nods her head. "A Mage of Clay and yet not a Terra Cotta warrior in sight! Come, laowai, and sit with your honored guest." She refers to the dragon, before it is dismissed. This action draws a curious, raised eyebrow from the benefactor.

For Hitome, she blinks several times, seeming almost stunned. "It seems trivial to say that the honor is mine, and so I will not! And yet, ah--there it is anyway! We heap honor on honor."

For Noro she titters lightly. "That would be me, Lady Kasuri. You've come quite far. I trust the seas were kind and cruel in equal measure."

With the prospective team at last gathered, and hopefully sitting with a steaming cup of tea, Lady Xhai takes a delicate sip, closing her eyes. "Thank you all for coming. The Ruby Phoenix Tournament begins tomorrow. As much as it would have been good to have you all train together, you were difficult to find. But I have already been spreading word of your individual legends, and there is much excitement throughout Goka about you. Ylistäel Shonen has even made cards of the four of you to sell in his shop."

"I have a question for you, and then I invite any questions you have of me. First, my question: what do you know of the Tournament you are to compete in, especially the one held ten years ago?"

You are welcome to roll a Knowledge (local) check here, or a retroactive Diplomacy check, to represent knowledge you have gained through schmoozing. I'll reveal what you each know based on the results.

Lua's smile becomes a Grin, as the pirate come in. "Noro! Kasuri!" her proper tone lost in surprised delight, splintering into a more gutter dialect "Its been... Years! You bashed my face in for what felt like hours in that pit of a stain in the Peril, then we drank for what felt like Da--" she stopped, suddenly remembering her persona. Smoothing her silks back down, she dips into that perfect bow, and resumes the imperious enunciation "The brilliance of this moment is past all expectations."

Noro laughs at the comment as she uses that to hide the fact that she is trying recall which face it was as she has based many faces (and been bashed many times as well)

of course the mention of the party did little to help as she has been drinking for days already. but then it dawns on her, yes i remember you, the face not the name really, of course I am surprised you remember anything. You really need to learn to drink

knowledge local DC 20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

knowledge local DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

as expected, Noro isn't the know stuff kind of gal, unless its pirate stuff or which rum gives the best buzz

Noro looks at the tea, any Sake? she says rather bluntly.

Once seated I don't go by that name, not yet at least, most know me as "The Iron maiden"

Knowledge local to know anything important about the tournament: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

shoozing isn.t her thing and I think that intimidating people right now would be unwise

To Noro "Drinking is not about Holding, but experiencing. If the point was to simply endure, where would the fun come from." her tone adopting wise advisor, but holding enough amusement to be Her.

In the tea room
Lua lowers herself gracefully into her seat, choosing a spice cinnamon tea with mint floating lightly on the surface. "The tales were earned, my Lady, that I promise." Lua has fought from one side of the lands to the other, defeating man and creature alike to make her name.

She considers exactly how to answer Xhai's question.

diplomacy for knowledge: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39

Her brow rises at the name Iron Maiden, sure that is new.

"Of course, Captain," Zhia says, her eyebrows rising gently at the admonition against the Iron Maiden's given name. "But I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I didn't learn a bit more about you than merely what most would say."

As for sake, Zhia seems more amused than insulted. "Though most would warn about your boozy penchant. Later, dear. Try the oolong for now."

The benefactor leans to another elbow as Ai Lua waxes poetic and nods appreciatively at her choice of drink.

(There are four key pieces of information, and Ai Lua knows all of them. But I want to give Hitome and Jonovan a chance to figure out what they know. If they miss, then I'll give the rest of the information via Ai Lua.)

"Please sit. What tea would you like?" She gestures to half a dozen pots arrayed before her, aromas mingling tantalizingly as they reach the noses of those gathered, inviting you to smell before you choose.

As a foreigner to Tian Xia's tea culture, Jonovan never did learn to appreciate the bitter brews. In fact, throughout all his travels, he had found only one tea tolerable for his Avistani palette, and only because sugar was usually added. "Sweetened Chrysanthemum, boiling hot please."

The request that the tea be scorching, did not arise from any particular preference for a scalded tongue. Rather, by his crude estimation, roughly one tenth of all the food and drink he had encountered in Tian Xia, had been poisoned by Boogeyman hunters.

An additional one in a hundred had been tampered with in some other unusual way, in order to evade his Detect Poison cantrip. Some had used harmful magic such as potions or Philters of Love. Others had been laced with foul diseases. While he could use Detect Magic to find potions, diseases were entirely beyond his ability. The best-albeit imperfect-solution he had arrived at, was to make sure his drinks were boiling hot, in order to kill off any disease which might be lurking within.

When his tea arrives, he casts Detect Poison and Detect Magic upon it.

For Jonovan, she nods her head. "A Mage of Clay and yet not a Terra Cotta warrior in sight! Come, laowai, and sit with your honored guest."

"Thank you, Lady Xhai Zhia" Jonovan says with another bow, before he takes a seat.

She refers to the dragon, before it is dismissed. This action draws a curious, raised eyebrow from the benefactor

To be clear, Mon-mon is just turning around on the spot to watch Jonovan's behind. She is still by Jonovan's side.

"I have a question for you, and then I invite any questions you have of me. First, my question: what do you know of the Tournament you are to compete in, especially the one held ten years ago?"

Jonovan tries to recall what he had heard in his travels.

Jonovan does not have Knowledge History or Local so he can't even make the first 2 checks. As for Diplomacy, I'll roll first without skill ranks and skill focus, since I am considering switching it out. Total bonus should be 7 Cha + 3+1 Circlet of Persuasion + 2+1 Heroism

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Jonovan finds the tea free from both poison and magic. Zhia snaps open an ornamental fan and wafts a light breeze towards herself. "You're being particularly careful," she says, showing only her eyes above the fan.

The Chrysanthemum tea is good, as the staff had taken pains to ensure that the boiling water did not harm the flavor. (That particular tea was best prepared at the boiling point anyway, rather than at a lower temperature.) Some of the flowers have even been lightly caramelized with added sugar, infusing a candied flavor to the delicate tea.

The last key piece of information is Hitome's if she meets a DC 20 Diplomacy, otherwise Ai Lua and Jonovan will get it.

Retcon: Mon-mon is the size of a housecat. Instead of standing next to Jonovan, she will be perched on top of his chair.

Jonovan finds the tea free from both poison and magic. Zhia snaps open an ornamental fan and wafts a light breeze towards herself. "You're being particularly careful," she says, showing only her eyes above the fan.

"Regrettably, there are many enemies who seek my life." Jonovan says with a forced smile.

The sorcerer wonders what his sponsor is thinking. Of course, the fact she chose to hide her face usually did not bode well. Sense Motive to get a hunch

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 (Including bonus from Heroism) I guess that means no.

He tries to get a bead on her mood, but fails to notice anything other than the fact that her eyes are very entrancing.

The poised flower sipped her tea, listening and thinking, before deciding to speak about a rumored worry. "I was a child during the last games, and still a few years before I discovered the enticement of the arena." Ai Lua took another appreciative sip. "Even with little interest, I heard of the taint that had hovered like blood flies over a corpse." her father had been long gone, so their family was struggling in the gutter, where gamblers dreamt of winnings and rarely acheived anything other than death.

"The Golden League" the young woman said with a tilted head and a slow look around to gauge their reactions. As a gladiator, she knew they were always around, profiting on her wins and loses, they were an unfortunate part of the system. Her silver orbs return to their host "Rumors say they are unhappy, fewer teams mean fewer losers, fewer bets, Less Profit. Further whispers suggest they plan to do something about it." she sets down the cup, shrugging one of her perfect shoulders "The 'what' is like a thousand moths around a single tiny flame."

The bow and greeting broke her out of her musing, which she returned in a dipping bow of equal respect. "Lam Ai Lua. May the heavens mark the day of our meeting, Murakami Hitome."

”And may it be one we look upon fondly in years to come.” Hitome replies with equal grace.

She watches at another joins the group, giving both her and the stoic elven man with the dragon companion a polite bow of acknowledgement as introductions are made, and the invitation to tea extended by their hostess.

Selecting the delightful Gyokuro, she smiles as Lady Xhai Zhia honors her, the effect akin to the sun peering out from light cloud cover. "May I continue to honor you as you do me, bringing joy to us both."

Knowledge Local: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

She watches the actions of Jonovan, and it's effect on their hostess, silently making note of the exchange.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Noro settles in her seat, oolong, sounds fine, though a hint of ginger might add a bit of heat to it.

She does not seem to have much to add and listens to others for now. These people are not crew that can be commanded about.

At times shevamost looks sick from all the "formalities" going around.
She glances to Lam, the look on Noro's face can almost say it all, when does the party star

referring to simpler times when both noro and Lam were younger and way more reckless

Lua's eyes sparkle with amusement at Noro's look. While she does agree, her true love is the Roar of the crowd as a battle starts. But she recognizes the need to play the game, of satisfying the patrons and hosts.

'Tomorrow' she mouths silently, the eagerness apparent in her face. She wants to bounce she is so excited to be in the RUBY! But she contains the urge. Somehow.

"I once served as the caravan guard for a fairly talkative merchant. Who sat in the audience of the last games." Jonovan says, between sips of his tea. "As he tells it, a full quarter of the 128 entrants died in unrelated accidents or in the exhibition fights. And more than half were killed by the brine dragon Huyanwo."

"Rumors say they are unhappy, fewer teams mean fewer losers, fewer bets, Less Profit. Further whispers suggest they plan to do something about it." she sets down the cup, shrugging one of her perfect shoulders "The 'what' is like a thousand moths around a single tiny flame."

"I'm not a gambler." Jonovan says with a frown, the gears in his head spinning quietly. "But if I had to guess, when a criminal organization wants to earn more money from gambling, they can try to rig the outcome."

"Of course, since this is a fighting tournament, cheating is more complicated than simply loading dice or palming cards. Instead, the Golder League could try to provide material assistance to the team they favor: potions, support spells, better equipment, useful info on their rivals, that sort of thing."

"At the same time, they could try to weaken the team they wish to see defeated. Perhaps bribe them to throw the match. Or attack them with thugs at night, so they are not in peak form. Or put poison and curse magic in their food and drinks." Jonovan emphasizes the last point, to impress upon their sponsor that casting Detect Poison and Detect Magic on your Chrysanthemum tea were the actions of a wise warrior, not a paranoid lunatic.

Lua's attention turns back toward the mage. Nodding she says "Yes, as I said, a thousand moths" parting her hands in a V, luminous wings of lights flutter out of them accompanied by the sound of tiny flapping wings, only to disappear seconds later.

Pure fluff of dancing lights and ghost sound, ignoring the casting time for theatrics (since it has absolutely no benefit other than to look cool.)

And now for the final key piece of information, for Hitome! Both Jonovan and Ai Lua are familiar with this tale, though Noro is not.

(If any of you want to personally know Marthysan, I can see reasons for all of you to have met him at some point, with the possible/likely exception of Noro.)

The staff brings a plate of fresh ginger to Noro's side moments after the request has spilled from her mouth, and Lady Zhia pours the oolong from a painted, ceramic tea pot.

"Just so," the sponsor says, nodding at both Jonovan and Ai Lua's answers. "I would love to pretend that these games are entirely fair, but The Lady of Chrysanthemums knows as well as any that this is not the case."

"Of course I aim for our cause to be legitimate. What better way to establish this decade's legends than to be above reproach? I don't want to encourage paranoia, of course, but do be aware. Everyone wants to win. And some people," she pauses for dramatic effect, closing her fan with an audible slap, "are willing to do so at any cost."

The woman sips her own tea and casts her eyes around at the gathered. "I do hope you win this year. But even if you don't, I expect you will become Tournament favorites. How could you not? I mean, look at the four of you!" She smiles. "So of course I have to ask. I'm thrilled that you each accepted my invitation. But why? I've told you what I hope from you, but what do you hope from you?"

Hitome nods, remembering well the biggest disgrace of the last tournament.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Repressing an amused smile, she considers Lady Zhia's question. "For myself, to rise above every challenge set before me. To improve, to force myself beyond my limitations, and continue along the path to perfection."

Her words carry no trace of arrogance or ego, simply a confident statement of fact.

Ai Lau nods in respect to the Heaven's answer, and for a moment the purity of the goal makes her want to answer with perfumed flowers, but no, this would not be the time.

"The Roar, my lady." she waves away the moths. "Those moments the crowd is on their feet, screaming with all they have, for You. It washes over you connecting all together focusing on a single center." she smiles, looking around "Well in this case, Four centers."

The Half-Elf cringes slightly, when Lady Zhia mentions the word 'paranoia'. Regardless of her intent, it felt like it was directed at him. It was probably the most common complaint he received, from those who worked with him. Nobody took his concerns seriously.

His new teammates seemed to be no exception. None of them seemed interested in what the Golden League might try, or what countermeasures they could adopt. He decided to drop the topic for now, he did not want to creep out the sponsor any more than he already had.

"So of course I have to ask. I'm thrilled that you each accepted my invitation. But why? I've told you what I hope from you, but what do you hope from you?"

"I seek to achieve great fame." The Half-Elf says with a serious expression and a raised clenched fist. "I need all of Golarion to know who I am - Jonovan Wick, the Clay-Mage."

He did not elaborate on why he wanted this fame, and he hoped nobody would ask. Rather unusually, his entire team was female. Hence, the joke answer he had mentally prepared - that he wanted groupies - did not seem like it would go down well.

This is the first time he is mentioning his full name. It is possible the other PCs might have heard of Jonovan "Boogeyman" Wick. I leave it to the GM to decide the possible Knowledge DC.

I believe that Noro is the only one trained in Knowledge (local), and the only one with sufficient reason to have been in a region where the Boogeyman would have likely operated. It's probably a DC 20 either way, with possible increases or decreases based on what country or countries we're talking about. Noro has canonically spent most of her time in Varisia or the Shackles. I have put a rough, reductive look at the Nations of Avistan in the Discussion so that you can pick an element for your background, Jonovan.

Zhia sips her tea, nodding at each reason. "All quite achievable, yes. Good." She turns to the Iron Maiden last.

Noro sips her tea, then adds a bit if ginger, then sips again. She smiles as it is just right.

Setting her tea down. my reason? A chance to hone my skills, and... She pauses wonder if it's worth saying.

my family. A chance to prove I'm not... She stops again and sips her tea obviously wishing it was something stronger.

it's a family thing, and we'll leave it at that.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 I may have missed something about this boogeyman

Zhia gently places her now empty teacup on its accompanying plate. Noro gets the distinct impression that Zhia might know something about the aforementioned "family thing," but isn't going to press it here or now.

"Onto other business then. Once you get to Xielan Island, you will not be permitted to leave," she says, pouring herself another cup. "As your sponsor, I will be considered a non-combatant member of your team and will likewise be unable to leave. So if you need to acquire anything, be sure to do so before getting on the ferry. The Tournament staff have been trained this year to detect any measures to get around the restriction against outside aid, so I implore you not to try anything sneaky or untoward."

She smiles and tilts her head. "Don't worry about me, by the way. Just because I'm registered doesn't mean I intend to fight, nor to share in the prize. Furthering your careers is prize enough for me."

She pauses to see if there are any further questions. (Assuming none since you haven't asked any, but feel free to insert any you have now.)

"The next ferry leaves in an hour, and one more three hours after that. There will be no more until tomorrow morning. I will be on the first. Unless you have another method to get across, I recommend you do the same."

What do you do? Feel free to linger in this scene if you like, or go elsewhere. Once the party decides to go to the ferry, I'll advance us there.

Lua sets her cup down with a soft barely audible click, then stands. After smoothing down her silks, she announces "Within the hour then" she gives bows to each of them, then departs with her parasol on her shoulder.

Once out of the tea shop, she slips out of her wooden slippers, bends to pick them up then hurries barefoot to her residence. Then it is a race against time to get out of her kimono, all her things repacked (since she redid it all twenty times it seems), then out the door armed and armored.

To the nearest shop, where she buys a backpack, a bedroll, a canteen, a mess kit, all the things needed to camp, since their sponsor's words implied that there might be Some of that.

Lua found the idea of camping idiotic. She understood the doing of it when it was needed, even had spent a few bad weeks on the street. City camping, her mother had said, shame not hidden at all. But why do it on Purpose??

Inns! Taverns! she grumbled internally, remembering to pick up a few tinderwicks as well. And a knife in case something needed cut, something she would not use her petal on.

Her last stop was at a liquor shop since they were going to win, and winning required a celebration afterward. That shop happened to be next to a sweet shop where the keeper assured her that her selections would last a few days without worry.

Lua was ready.

She smiles and tilts her head. "Don't worry about me, by the way. Just because I'm registered doesn't mean I intend to fight, nor to share in the prize. Furthering your careers is prize enough for me."

Jonovan's eye widened at this statement. "Pardon my directness Lady Zhia, but this concerns your personal wellbeing. While you do not intend to fight, do you have any means of defense or escape, if the fighting comes for you? Say, for example, if the Golden League decided to attack you while we were busy with the tournament?"

In the back of his mind, the Clay-Mage was all too aware that some Boogeyman hunters were willing to adopt scorched earth tactics, even going after those he was apparently associated with.

"On a more practical note, what do you know of our food and lodging on the island? Or more specifically, since we cannot leave to procure supplies, do we have to prepare our own rations and camping gear before setting off?" The Sorcerer's intent was more than mere logistics. He had already brought up the idea of the Golden League attacking them outside the tournament or tampering with their food, and wanted to know more.

"Finally, you mentioned you have already been spreading word of us. Exactly what is being said of us? And should we wish to pay a visit and check out our own cards, where is Ylistäel Shonen's shop?" Jonovan brushes his hair back, hoping that he did not seem too vain with such a question. But he wanted to be sure nobody was mistaking him for the Boogeyman.

How far is Xielan island from Goka? And can Jonovan find his way there via Shadow Conjured Phantom Steed?

Hitome finishes her tea, content to sit back and observe the others' questions.

Noro finishes her tea and sets the cup down.

Our own way across? you do know I have a ship, right? or is there some rule against that? as far as places to stay, perhaps staying on my own ship, assuming it does not leave the island, would be in the spirit of the rule, would it not?[/b]

Zhia smiles, a fire alight in her eyes. "Naturally, Mr. Wick. You might be surprised how many rats one has to exterminate in theaters." She lays her chin on a supported platform of her flattered, interwoven fingers, splaying her fan open upside down. "Though your concern is appreciated."

She continues on to describe accommodations. "Xielan Island has a village of about 75--no, 76--permanent residents called New Harbor. Most of the inhabitants are fisherfolk and their families. The only proper restaurant to speak of is Yon Loi's noddle shop. The island residents do find this a good opportunity to earn a bit of extra money. Some may rent their homes or boats out to serve the crowd and competitors. So clearly the Iron Maiden's plan to sail across and stay on her own ship is valid. Some might even offer their homes for free with the hope that they house the winner of the Tournament. I wouldn't be surprised either if they set up makeshift inns, taverns, and shops." She pauses. "I travel in style and conjure my own accommodations, of course."

The Lady's fan waves lazily beneath her chin as she moves onto Jonovan's third line of inquiry. "The crowd has been seeded with people speaking of the triumphs of the Blade of the Heavens, the Clay-Mage, the Iron Maiden, and the Red Petal Sharp Against the Moonlight. Deeds with scant details. Enough to whet tongues with anticipation and set the crowd crowing with rumors."

Mechanically, you will start off with 4 Victory Points and the crowd will start with a Friendly Attitude towards you in your first bout instead of Indifferent.

She also provides directions to Ylistäel Shonen's shop.

Xielan Island is in Xu Hong Bay, one of numerous islands off the coast of Goka. It's visible from the city.

---

Noro, would it be possible to include quotation marks in your prose instead of just bolding? A little redundancy helps when formatting gets wonky. Thanks.

"Naturally, Mr. Wick. You might be surprised how many rats one has to exterminate in theaters."

Jonovan nodded quietly. He wasn't sure what manner of rats the sponsor dealt with in theaters, but she seemed confident enough. "I have no further questions, Lady Zhia."

Our own way across? you do know I have a ship, right? or is there some rule against that? as far as places to stay, perhaps staying on my own ship, assuming it does not leave the island, would be in the spirit of the rule, would it not?

"Oh, you have your own ship?" The sorcerer raised an eyebrow. His opinion of the drunk vagrant went up slightly. Although the image in his mind was of a tiny fishing boat in a state of disrepair, and littered with empty alcohol bottles. "Would you happen to have enough free space to ferry and house your new team mates?"

"I'll cut to the chase." Jonovan turned to everyone else at the table. "In case the Golden League does decide to attack us at night, I suggest we should coordinate sleeping arrangements. Now since the rest of you are all women, I fully understand you wouldn't want to share a room with an unfamiliar male, such as myself. But at the very least, we should be within shouting distance of one another."

"But this is merely a suggestion. What do you all think?"

Since the others seem to have less hurry in them than the bard, Lua pauses in her quick exit. She dips into a proper bow (partially sinec Noro won't care for it at all), "Thank you, Miss Noro, Iron Madien, for the kind offer of conveyance. I will decline at this moment, so I can travel with our host, since worry of violence is in the air." which is not the reason, since she doubts the League wants to thin out teams before the matches start. Less teams is their irritation. Anything could happen with their host, non-League related. Fate is fickle, and she does not want to miss this chance.

As Jonovon speaks about rooms, she smiles with amusement. She looks at Hitome's sculpted form, Noro's primal strength. "You are not in the presence of three shy maidens, freshly introduced to society by their doting parents." she shakes her head "Sharing a room, if it comes to that, poses no Concern I believe. None at all."

She pauses another moment to see if there is more to discuss, her mind ticking off the time she has remaining.

"Thank you, Miss Noro, Iron Madien, for the kind offer of conveyance. I will decline at this moment, so I can travel with our host, since worry of violence is in the air."

"If the Iron Maiden is willing, and the boat has space, I'm sure our Sponsor can come along as well."

"A berth on the Malevolent Grace?" Zhia says, her eyes glittering. "That does sound delightful. I can even provide some, shall we say, cosmetic additions--if you would like." She stands and provides a payment to the staff of the teahouse, then turns back and grins. "I just hosted Aliette de Bodard for the operatic rendition of The Red Scholar's Wake, and I spared no expense on the proper sets."

"I would be honored to sail on your vessel" Hitome says, giving the renegade captain a smile. "And sailing into the harbor on our own vessel would be quite an entrance."

With their employer signing on for the voyage, the twinkle returns into Lua's eyes (replacing the anxious need to hurry), "Fireworks... big ones that will shake the skies on our arrival." the showman in her awakens. "Unless our wizard here can make the heaven's light in fire and blistering colors?"

Jonovan considers his repertoire of spells. He lacked big flashy attack spells like fireball. This was intentional, and shaped by an approach to sorcery, which had been developed from the serious study of various treatises on arcane magic.

And besides, he was hesitant to spend large amounts of magic on a mere show of vanity. Who knew what awaited them on the island? Better to reserve some arcane power, in case they had to fight.

"Regrettably, the best I can provide is Minor Image. And while that might be used to mimic fireworks, I imagine you would get more bang from the real thing." The half-elf rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Anyway, I'm sure we can come up with more creative uses for Minor Image than just fireworks. Perhaps a chorus of floating trumpets?"

Zhia rubs her hands together, glad that some of her chosen cohort have picked up on her taste for flair. "Fireworks I can do. New sails. Fresh coats of paint. The arrival can be dramatic."

As your sponsor exits from the teashop, she whirls around to each of you. "And since we're not beholden to anyone else's timing, you are each welcome to visit my costume wardrobe if you wish to clothe yourself in any fineries or have outfit changes prepared. The wardrobe is rather extensive."

There are seventeen types of fireworks, and Zhia has them all available to her. If y'all want for the heavy to go alight in fire and blistering colors, anyone is welcome to describe the firework display. There may be certain benefits depending on the description. Similarly, there may be a red carpet of sorts where you could be asked to describe who/what you're wearing.

When the group is ready to go to Noro's ship, we can move there. I just need to know when.

Ready anytime!

Despite being clad in an exquisite silk kimono, Ai Lua cares little for fine clothes. That being said, she DOES care a lot about the spectacle the perfect wrapping causes. with a bright smile, she accepts with a "I would be delighted to rummage through your closets, Lady Zhia. For both silk And explosives."

Is Lady Zhia also generously sponsoring the fireworks?

"Before we get too carried away, we should try to coordinate our schedules first." Jonovan says, as he comes to the slow dawning realization that a simple boat ride to a nearby island was quickly becoming Ai Lua's Exorbitant Explosive Aerial Exhibit. "Does anyone have anything else they want to do in Goka?"

"Or does anyone have anything they want to do on Xielan?"

"For me, I shall pop by Ylistael's shop to see our cards. You may accompany me as you wish. Alternatively, I can help purchase cards on your behalf. Let me know which cards you want, and your price limit. By which I mean, if your desired cards exceed that price, I shall not buy them."

How far is the shop?

"And since we're not beholden to anyone else's timing, you are each welcome to visit my costume wardrobe if you wish to clothe yourself in any fineries or have outfit changes prepared. The wardrobe is rather extensive."

Jonovan looks down on his functional but plain Shozoku. He considered himself a down-to-earth practical man. Fancy theaters, fine costumes, fireworks displays - all those things seemed worlds away when you were struggling for survival out in the field, fighting for your life against monsters, and fleeing from Boogeyman hunters. In fact, he had neglected to dress up for the meeting with the Sponsor.

He didn't feel a compelling need to dress up for their entrance to the island... But for some strange reason, he had a feeling that Ai Lua was going to suggest they coordinate team outfits. (OOC: hint, hint.)

Noro cringes a bit at the thought of "colorfying" her ship.

"Fireworks are fine, but ya best consider the rest of the crew when it comes to changing much of my ship. I didn't become captain cause I'm the most fearsome or diplomatic, I am captain cause I take care of the crew. And they take care of me."

She escorts the gang to her ship, "now when he get on board, don't pissoff lumpy, he can be a bit sensitive, and does quite do well with criticizing, and he ain't too bright, so friendly banter might be taken the wrong way. I don't need to be fixing holes my ship, again"

lumpy is a large sea troll with a gold nose ring. He has a special room in the hold. He smells a little

The Malevolent Grace is a two masted Brig And has a total crew of 20.

"Take the crew into account for all changes and do not banter with Lumpy." Lua repeats the orders from their captain to commit them to member. She does look over at the pirate for a moment, wondering why she has never leaned into the fearsome aspect of her size and overall intimidating appearance. Of course, this thought is from the most petite of the team who has been specializing these last few years in making opponents wet themselves in sheer terror.

"I shall be gathering my gear, purchasing just in case we are forced to camp supplies, and then raiding our employer's mentionables." her silver eyes look over her companions, tapping her chin in thought "A unifying color would not be unheard of for the presentation of our quartet. Hmmm... black I think." the woman says in her black kimono. "It is a simple base color which will allow a variety of accent colors, scarlet for me, iron gray for our maiden, heavenly gold for our angel, and maybe... pale brown for our clay-mage?"

bluff: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35