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Incidentally, she had expected to meet a friend for tea at the southernmost end of the Varisian Run, arriving at a teahouse in Anthusis early and having had thought she spotted her, and sitting down next to . It takes her a few moments to realize her mistake. Oh wait, our play date is tomorrow!
"Well. My day just yielded clear skies..." making the better of the moment, and looking around the table at the people she had thought were also waiting for other people - it is a crowded teahouse, after all! - and finally responding to an unspoke question that nobody had yet asked "Yes we have met. It has almost happened yet" she begins sipping her tea - the perfect temperature! - and decides on a whim that wherever the fates carry her this day, that she will go willingly.
"My name is Zòila, and I have time" it is now that the lines in her face become more defining in the poor lighting here, but something about her seems to suggest a youthfulness, a non-physical element, an energy of some kind, and somehow, a firmness yet softness juxtapositioned just so, like she might be equally quick to scold as to praise, her smile a communication of intelligence, wisdom, and... something else!... mischief?...
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The ribbons embroidered with arcane runes wrapped around each hand and forearm and the eldritch tattoos on his face set him apart from the other travelers in the tea house. Otherwise, his clothes and cloak are nondescript. He sets down his cup of tea and looks at the woman inhabited by a youthful spirit. "Greetings, Zòila," he says, "My name is Zisiro. The tea here is good, but I yearn for zafroni chi--tea. I have come to Anthusis to participate in meditative fishing."
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A charcoal pencil rolls across the floor, landing next to the other members of the soon-to-be party.
"Oh, sorry!" a young Garundi woman in a blue dress calls out. "That's mine."
She rushes over to them and bends down to the ground in search of it, weaving in between feet and chair legs and sundry other obstacles.
"Sorry for the intrusion, I'll be out of your hair in just a moment. I'm trying to learn how to draw scenes from life instead of stuffy old portraits, and I thought this would be a good place, but I guess it has its challenges..."
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"A tea house, how quaint. I wonder if they do things properly?" mutters a grey feathered Tengu dressed in leather armour who ducks his head to enter the room. He looks around the crowded room and spying a free seat joins the group.
He bows to those at the table, the practiced move keeping the twin swords at his side still and silent. "I am Vamasu, may I join you? I am ... intrigued as to how you follow the customs of my far away homeland."
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"The joy of traveling is to witness other customs and experience other cultures. Not that I wouldn't mind a good chi from Jalmeray," the tattooed man says with a jovial smile. He bends down and picks up the charcoal pencil. He hands it toward Ekundayo. "There is a diversity in culture gathered in this small space. It is wonderful to see."
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As she searches, Ekundayo can't help but smile at the conversation at hand. Nevertheless, she's still so frazzled that it takes her a moment to process what's happened as Zisiro holds out her pencil.
"Oh! Uh-- Thank you, sir!"
Ekundayo stands back up, but just as she's about to go back to her seat, she hesitates. This group that's formed seems very inviting, and she's compelled by their comraderie. "I guess I can afford to take a break from my work..."
She takes a seat next to them.
"Honestly, this diversity of cultures is one of my favorite things about Anthusis. I grew up in a family of artists, but all they ever taught me growing up was how to draw Chelaxian nobles and aristocrats in a very particular style. But I think there's more than one way to do things, y'know?"
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"Over and over, one can do things, each instance a bit of..." she looks around for a present metaphor, soon arriving to "...paint on a canvas!" spilling her tea on the table on accident from the past-looking-forward vantage point (but not the future-looking-back vantage point! - ((more on that later...))) she seizes the teachable moment, spreading five fingers through the liquid to propagate the spill into multiple directions "The five of us on separate journeys - you see?" and giggles "But we are all part of the same pool - you see?"
The metaphor doesn't make sense, of course, but... there is no "but"!
The adventurers have recently arrived in Anthusis. The Broad Captain Inn is a favorite gathering place for aspiring adventurers, mercenaries, and sailors due to its low prices, decent fare, and a meticulously maintained bulletin board displaying job opportunities and upcoming events. Shortly after their arrival, two people walk up to the board to read a prominently displayed scroll.
A tall Mwangi woman with dark hair and a red headband lets out a booming laugh.
“Think you can do better this time, Demed?”
“Better than you and your crew? Certainly!” retorts a slender Mwangi man, who pulls out a notebook as he walks to his seat.
The woman snorts derisively before joining him at a table. “If you can avoid falling into the water, that would already be an improvement.”
“I think you forget that my crew is the only one that managed two victories in a row, sis,” the man boasts. “This year we’ll do even better, and you’ll eat your words before the day is over.”
The siblings smile widely at each other, a fierce love for competition burning brightly in their eyes.
The Silverscales Tournament seeks the brave and the daring! Join us at the Lower Harbor to pit your skill, wit, and magic against other participants in an exciting competition to catch silver trout and win incredible prizes! But victory doesn’t simply go to the angler who reels in the most or the biggest fish! Our judges award prizes to crews who embody the Vidric values that brought our liberation: bravery, dedication, cunning, and solidarity. Due to immense popularity, spots for teams are limited! Each crew is required to secure their own fishing spot for the tournament, so come early!
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As he finishes the tea, Vamasu will say to Zisiro "That is indeed a pleasure of travelling. The tea here has been lovely, although less formal than such a gathering would be in my homeland. My thanks for your company everyone."
Then overhearing the booming voices from outside he will say "Ah, and speaking of experiencing other customs - it sounds like there might be a challenge on offer over at the inn across the road. Anyone interested?" and he will fix Masuuk in his gaze for a second before standing and walking across to the inn and its bulletin board.
After reading the notice, Vamasu will turn to the siblings and bow "Greetings, I am called Vamasu. I couldn't help but to overhear your discussion" and he glances at the tea house over the road."Is this fishing contest open to outsiders?"
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"Oh! Um-- you don't really need to worry about this particular challenge-- I mean-- It's a challenged for artists, not a challenge for warriors."
"I see no distinction, For which of the various arts can produce finer artists than the Art of War?" Masuuk declares.
When the others head to the inn, the orc follows, mug still in hand.
“I think you forget that my crew is the only one that managed two victories in a row, sis,” the man boasts. “This year we’ll do even better, and you’ll eat your words before the day is over.”
Masuuk approaches the two siblings. He finishes the contents of his mug, then hands it to Vamasu before addressing the pair. "You are both fools. For if there is victory to be had this day, it shall belong to Masuuk the Gorumite."
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Zisiro sets down his cup. He he slowly and gracefully rises from his seat and turns with precise intention before walking toward the bulletin board. "Fishing is fishing," Zisiro comments to nobody in particular as he approaches and begins to read the announcement.
"And this competition could teach some valuable virtues." He then adds with a bit of regret in his voice, "However, if teams are limited, I may be too late to join the competition."
After reading the notice, Vamasu will turn to the siblings and bow "Greetings, I am called Vamasu. I couldn't help but to overhear your discussion" and he glances at the tea house over the road."Is this fishing contest open to outsiders?"
The man and woman both turn to Vamasu, fixing him with poker-faced stares that soon break into grins.
"Yes, that's correct. Outsiders are welcome to join," Deka replies.
Masuuk approaches the two siblings. He finishes the contents of his mug, then hands it to Vamasu before addressing the pair. "You are both fools. For if there is victory to be had this day, it shall belong to Masuuk the Gorumite."
The twins are caught off-guard by Masuuk's bold declaration. Deka begins to reply, but Demed cuts in first. "We'll see about that if you join. I hope you know how to catch silver trout!" Both twins burst into hearty laughter.
"We've participated in the last four tournaments and are currently tied with two victories each. In our last tournament, I took an early lead with one of my elaborate contraptions, but it malfunctioned."
"Haha! I remember that!" Deka laughs. "That contraption sent your entire crew flying into the sea!" she says to Demed, as if they are the only ones present.
"The weather is fine today for the competition, but I am thirsty. Why don't we rehydrate ourselves before it starts? I saw a vendor selling buko juice outside," Deka says to Demed, glancing meaningfully at Masuuk and Vamasu, clearly hinting that one of them could perhaps buy the drinks for them.
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"Oh! Um-- you don't really need to worry about this particular challenge-- I mean-- It's a challenged for artists, not a challenge for warriors.""I see no distinction, For which of the various arts can produce finer artists than the Art of War?" Masuuk declares.
"I've never thought of war as an artform before... Though I guess with all the stories that have been written about it... And they do kind of invoke the same sorts of emotions in people, huh?"
She turns towards the conversation forming by the bulletin board.
"I don't know a lot about fishing or sea life yet, but I do have a little bit of control over the element of water. Maybe I could help out?"
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"You two"
Grandmother Time approaches the twins "Agitated together. Let's see" she examines each one - pinches their cheeks - inspects their posture - and decides "Yes. One of you will break the tie today. You can already guess who!"
She smiles at Demed, as if she thinks he is the one who will win...
Demed and Deka are somewhat shocked by the eccentricity of the halfling who just approached them. Perhaps pinching cheeks is something cultural, like a gesture of good luck. Hearing her statement, the twins respond in unison, "Well, that is obvious because my team's gonna win!" They then look at each other and burst into laughter.
"No, I am gonna win," Deka insists.
"I'm sure I will again this time," Demed counters.
"Well, I hope you join the tournament and beat us. Let's see what you've got!" Deka invites Zoila.
Vamasu buys refreshments for the twins, costing him 4 cp in total.
The twins happily accept the drinks. "Now that's refreshing!" Deka exclaims. "Thank you, bird person Vamasu. But if you are joining the tournament, I'm still not gonna let you win! Haha!" Demed interjects.
After a short while, Deka and Demed move to join a crowd of people heading toward the Lower Harbor for the tournament. They wave for them to follow. The journey from the inn to the Lower Harbor takes two hours due to the crowds converging along the rocky cliffside path leading down to the harbor.
The docks creak under the weight of the crowd. Mwangi and Chelaxian citizens stand shoulder to shoulder in the midday sun, waiting for the excitement to begin.
The contestants stand in line with their teammates, waiting for the signal to claim their fishing spots. Some aspiring anglers seem to have already chosen their spot, while others are carefully scanning the waters for a glimpse of the glimmering scales that give the tournament its name. Tall and imposing, Deka stands out from the crowd as she inspects her reinforced grappling hook. To her right, Demed hurriedly jots down notes before telling his crew to be ready to cast.
A silver-haired Zenj woman wearing a judge’s colorful sash raises her hands to silence the crowd. With a warm smile, she utters a single sentence that unleashes a flurry of activity.
“Find your station!”
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"You're welcome Deka." Vamasu will reply and then to Demed he will respond "Of course not, when we win it will because of the skill of my companions! Here's to a great contest!"
Vamasu will then follow the twins down to the Lower Harbor, and line up with the group.
When the start is called, Vamasu will start weaving and dodging through the crowd trying to make it through to the shore line, but listening out for any instructions from the group on which spot to grab. He makes slow progress though, often struggling to keep balance in the crush
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Ekundayo was born and raised in Anthusis, and she has many fond memories of her grandmother taking her to this exact harbor for rowboat excursions. She remembers hearing the fishers discuss which spots were particularly good or particularly bad for their craft, and is quick to point out the best locations to her teammates.
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Not being particularly physical, Zoila asks the twins "If you would be so kind as to point me to a decent spot, I will try this activity you call fishing!"
The then Bends Time to arrive at her spot - walking backwards in slow motion at the speed of light to casually arrive!
Vamasu struggles to get through the crowded area. It is too congested to navigate easily. Alleron is looking in the wrong spot, where the water is shallow and there are no fish. Ekundayo's familiarity with the area helps her find a spot teeming with fish. Zoila quickly joins them after learning the same from one of the twins she befriended. Zisiro almost slips on the stones he is crossing on his way to the spot, while Masuuk confirms that the location they found is ideal for catching many fish for the competition.
Once all the contestant groups are settled, the announcer explains the rules of the competition.
"There are four rounds in the competition! You can use any method you know to catch your fish! The more you catch, the more points you earn. Of course, the crowd doesn't want a boring competition—bring the Vidrian spirit into your game! We have judges over there who will be watching your performances. Don't forget: dedication, bravery, ingenuity, and collaboration."
"Round 1 of the Silverscales Tournament begins!" the announcer exclaims.
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”The principle is elementary” nested well, our temporal hero assembles a couple of spears from sharpened sticks and nets from torn fabrics and passes them out to her new friends ”If you can imagine where they might swim before they do…” she points to an eddy ”Or if they lodge themselves between streams…” what a wonderful analogy to anchor certain things which she has seen!
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Ekundayo looks at the nets and spears that Zòila is passing out.
"Ooo, thanks!"
She readily accepts them. Net in had, she hopes that she can remember some useful tips about fishing from her grandmother or one of the other colorful characters she's met at the docks.
It takes some work, but Ekundayo manages to get some fish in her net.
"Huzzah!"
Vamasu tests his stealth by trying to catch a fish with his hand but falls into the water and fails. Zoila teaches her friends to predict fish movements using an eddy as an example and it works! Masuuk has this motto to know your enemy, but he does not know much about the fish he is trying to catch. Zisiro wades slowly into the water, crouches with an outstretched hand, and patiently strikes when a fish swims into its shadow. Ekundayo eagerly accepts the nets and spears from Zòila, hoping to recall fishing tips from her grandmother or other dock characters.
With her exceptional angling skills and her cooperative teammates as well, Deka's team earns 3 Tournamen Points! Meanwhile, Demed's magic bait is very effective, earning his team 4 Tournament Points for the round!
“Deka, your lines!” shouts Demed.
Four lines snap in quick succession, causing those nearby to yell in surprise and frustration. While the crew hurries to pull the remaining line, Deka points at a dark shadow in the water.
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When Ekundayo points out the shart, Zisiro says to himself, apparently, "We should help." He throws off his cloak and dives into the water. Swimming toward the shark, he arrives after the noisy, splashing Massuk. The tattooed Vudrani wipes the water off of his bald head as he rises.
"Good effort!" he consoles the orc.
Alleron makes their group tied with Demed's.
"Looks like this group is as competitive as Demed's! Will they be able to keep the momentum? I hope Deka isn't taking this competition lightly," the announcer comments.
Masuuk seems to have lost Gorum's favor at this moment. Zisiro attempts to follow and catch Linesnapper, but it has already escaped.
"Let's see what can they bring for Round 2!"
Deka curses her luck, inspecting the damage. “Almost all of our lines snapped, and we’re out of spares,” she growls. With an angry sigh, she grabs her grappling hook and nods to the robust Chelaxian man holding the team’s only remaining line.
“Never give up, right?” asks the man with a grin.
“Never give up,” agrees Deka, hoisting her grappling hook.
You can:
> distract other competitors with a Deception check
> impress the judges with a Performance check
> can grab fish without disturbing the waters with a Stealth check
> can use improvised traps or baits with Crafting, Fishing Lore, or Survival
> use other appropriate skills justified by your roleplay, be creative!
If you attempt the same skill check you attempted in the previous round, you receive a –2 circumstance penalty to the check. You also take a –2 circumstance penalty to melee slashing or bludgeoning attacks that pass through water. Ranged attacks that deal bludgeoning or slashing damage automatically miss underwater targets, so you can’t use these attacks to catch fish. Also, creatures underwater gain resistance
5 to acid and fire.
Round 2
Zisiro - Stealth, ???
Vamazu - Deka and Demed are both Friendly, Stealth, ???
Ekundayo - Nature, ???
Masuuk - Nature, ???
Alleron - Survival, ???
Zoila - Deka and Demed are both Friendly, Crafting, ???
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"Let us help," Zisiro says, again apparently to himself. He heads over to Deka's site and offers to help repair the lines. "It us not a competition without competitors."
He makes his way back to his fishing spot and slowly wades into the water. "Now, you try to catch the fish." Crouching in the water, his tattoos seem to grow darker. Then, instead of his previous patient waiting, he raises a hand and swipes it through the water in a loud and messy splash.
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"Demed, would your team have a spare line for your sister? Linesnapper has done her a grave disservice and I am sure you want an honourable competition"
Then having gained some help for Deka, Vamasu will return to the problem of fishing... Having failed the way of stealth he centres himself for a second and then carefully surveys for the right place to drop a baited hook
but apparently the fish are still steering well clear of the tengu.