Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Seeing her companions focus their efforts on the half-orc, Xin wants to join in. If they can get one opponent badly injured before the fight even really starts it'll be a good omen. Unfortunately he's just out of her normal range, leaving her with a difficult decision. Run up and start swinging, which would leave her surrounded by enemies who don't need to move to attack? Or keep her distance for a round?
For once Xin decides discretion is the better part of valour. Swaggering closer, (but not too close), she starts twirling her fan. "I'm not going to waste my time coming to you. Oh no, you're going to have to come to me."
Glancing backwards, she mouths to Stormy. "Be ready for it and get them when they move."
◆ Stride
◆ Dueling Parry (+2 AC)
◆ One For All, Storm Adder:1d20 + 31 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 31 + 4 = 55
Felicitous Riposte Trigger: An opponent within reach critically fails a strike against Xin
↺ Felicitous Riposte:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (12) + 30 = 42Felicitous Riposte:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (7) + 30 = 37 S. Damage:3d4 + 11 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) + 11 = 19 + Fire:1d6 ⇒ 2
Storm Adder: +4 to your next attack roll
Status:
AC 39
F +27 R +32 W +27
HP 232/232
Effects: Inspired Defense +2, Dueling Parry
Conditions: None
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Level 16! +1 class feat, +1 skill feat, and I've retrained Gravity Weapon into Reflexive Riposte. (I'll also need to retrain Far Shot later since I no longer qualify for it.)
Reflexive Riposte: At the start of each of your turns when you regain your actions, you gain an additional reaction that can be used only to perform an Opportune Riposte.
Felicitous Riposte: When you make an Opportune Riposte, roll twice on the attack roll and take the better result.
Nimble Crawl: You can Crawl incredibly swiftly—up to half your Speed, rather than 5 feet. If you’re a master in Acrobatics, you can Crawl at full Speed, and if you’re legendary, you aren’t flat-footed while prone.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin spends most of their week off with her parents. "Hey dad, so you may have noticed I'm not fighting at range too much anymore, and also that that makes me a teensy bit more likely to be attacked, so nooffensebutI'mtrainingwithmomnowloveyoubye!"
When she reappears to talk to her teammates again there's a new spring in her step and she twirls the phoenix fan with even more stylish flair. "Enemies had better hope they don't miss me, because mom taught me this awesome new trick for taking advantage of the situation to attack back! Pretty neat, huh? She says if I get the chance to train with her again she'll help me get better at parrying too."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin huddles with her team for a quick consult. "I think all the potential patrons really like us which should make for an interesting bidding war. Do we want to spend the next few days learning more about the patrons, the other teams, or investigating the weird ankou attack?"
While they're deciding what to do next she heads over to the Speakers to the Winds and introduces herself. "Hello there, I'm Chou Xin. I heard you came all the way from the Magaambya. How was the journey? Or were you able to teleport? I've never had the opportunity to travel that far myself, so I'm very curious about your experience."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Lord Unmar! I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Although I suppose I shouldn't be surprised; I'd imagine the students here are among your best customers. What do you think of the new tower?"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Possible, but still seems weird to me." Xin stretches her shoulders. "Well, whoever they were after they're dead now. Too bad they ruined our opportunity to see the sunrise. I've heard it's really pretty up here."
"We ready to move on to the Five Pillars Academy? I think that's the only place we haven't visited yet."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Do you think Kas Xi Rai would go that far?" Xin considers for a moment. "I suppose it depends on just how much she bet, although I'd bet she didn't actually place any wagers before talking to us. Too risky."
Once Lazarus announces what he remembers about ankou, she's even more skeptical. "Shadowy fey assassins? Even if she had some way of controlling or bargaining with such creatures, it seems like massive overkill." She looks over to General Hida and Lord Unmar. "Could they have been after you? Did either of you do something that might have made a fey lord mad?"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin continues slicing at the original creature's back. "Just a few more hits and it'll go down. You can do it Lazarus!"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Good timing there." Xin would have appreciated another minute or two to let some more injuries heal, but she'll take what she can get. At least three at a time was manageable. She hoped.
Lashing out with her fan, she tries to make the new creature bleed. "Same strategy as before?" She smiles sweetly at the ankou. "In case you're wondering, that strategy was 'group up and hit it till it dies.' As you can see it worked quite well on your friend."
Bon Mot: The ankou takes a –2 status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: The creature gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +4 to your next attack roll
Status:
AC 36
F +24 R +29 W +24
HP 168/218
Effects: Inspired Defense +2
Conditions: Wounded 1
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Thanks Stormy. Really appreciate it." Xin feels some of her injuries starting to heal, which is good because the second (fourth?) creature could be back any second now. The last thing she needs is six of these things ganging up on her.
Hoping to distract it, (and also hoping it speaks Common), she says, "Some big bad creature you are; three of you attacking and you couldn't land a single hit? Pathetic really." She goes for the jugular again, this time with much more success. "Summoned creatures disappear when the summoner dies, right? So Lazarus, you and I taking this one out should solve the other problems too."
Bon Mot: The ankou takes a –3 status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: The creature gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +4 to your next attack roll
Status:
AC 36
F +24 R +29 W +24
HP 153/218
Effects: Inspired Defense +2
Conditions: Wounded 1
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin blinks her eyes open. "Did I hit my head? I'm seeing triple." She groans and staggers to her feet. "Oh I get it. I'm not seeing triple. There are just three of them now. Great."
Fortunately there's an easy way to tell the original; it's the one between her and Lazarus. Ignoring the duplicates for now she goes for the jugular. (Or where the jugular would be on a normal person; she's not sure if this weird alien has one.) "Keep hitting the one that's bleeding and it'll go down eventually. Hopefully."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Reflex:1d20 + 29 ⇒ (16) + 29 = 45
Xin nimbly dodges around the acid being sprayed her way. "That could have been bad. Glad the other one isn't here!" Flipping around the lone remaining creature, she gets into a flank with Lazarus. "Not sure how long that will last though, so let's take this guy down quickly."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"It's unfortunately a bit too expensive to use in every bout, but I'm particularly fond of Malleable Mixture. It's a huge benefit when I know my opponent specializes in grappling. There was one time-" Xin's story is abruptly cut off when the two beings appear. "What the hells are those!?"
Having no idea what the creatures are and even less of an idea about what they might be capable of, for once she decides discretion is the better part of valor. Rather than run up and start attacking, she clutches her fan and sends a gust of wind towards the one behind Unmar. It shimmers and vanishes as the fan's magic sends it to another plane. "Chkirri please tell me you know what these things are and how to kill them."
◆ ◆ ◆ Using the fan to cast Maze, Survival or Perception DC34 to escape
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin steps forward with a friendly smile. "Lord Unmar! It's fortunate that I ran into you today. I noticed you weren't quite as pleased with my tale yesterday as some of the others and had hoped to clear up any misunderstandings. Yunxu's villainy has not at all tainted my opinion on alchemists in general. In fact, I've used several of your concoctions in previous bouts."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Sure, let's check out Shelyn's Comb. I think the General already likes us, but it would be rude to refuse a direct invitation."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Coincidence. Sure. Speaking of coincidences, I literally just got done telling a story about how someone tried to bribe me by offering to throw a match in which I was heavily disfavored. I could have bet on myself and won a fortune plus a championship title. I refused." Xin's friendly smile disappears as she folds her arms and gives Kas Xi Rai a disapproving look. "If you bet that we'd lose the first match, that's your problem. Not ours."
Don't want to speak for the whole group, but Xin has absolutely no interest in striking any kind of deal with this woman. She could be convinced, but it would require everyone else to be in favor plus some really good arguments.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"There are some fierce competitors in the mix, but we've got an amazing team. I have no doubt we'll emerge victorious. It's in our name after all." Xin winks at Kas Xi Rai. "Although I very much doubt you stopped us just to hear us boast about ourselves. Is there something you need?"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Diplomacy:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (16) + 30 = 46
Xin coughs into her hand as Lazarus finishes speaking. It was certainly memorable, but she's not certain calling out the Pathfinders in their own Lodge was the best idea. She quickly takes to the stage in the hopes of smoothing over any ruffled feathers.
"I am Chou Xin, daughter of Chou Wen and Phan Tai, both previous competitors in the Ruby Phoenix tournament. Ever since I was a child I knew that one day I would win in their name." She smiles winningly. "While the exploits of Victorious Secret on Bonmu are no doubt worthy of your chronicles, I would like to share with you a lesser-known story from my early days as a competitor. This is how I became the champion of the Cataclysm Coliseum, and solved a years-old mystery in the process."
Extremely Long Story:
"For those of you who have never visited the Coliseum, they have an unusual approach to their bouts. There are thirty-two competitors, each of which is assigned a partner at random. This is meant to test flexibility and adaptability in one's tactics. Once only one team remains however, the pair fight each other individually for the grand prize. It introduces an interesting aspect of strategy to the competition that I have never seen before or since. Do you show all of your techniques in the early matches, possibly putting yourself at a disadvantage in the final bout? Or do you hold some things back, hoping to get to the final round anyway and then surprise your former partner?"
"As fortune would have it, my partner was an experienced gladiator named Vachek. A crowd favorite, he was as good a friend outside the ring as he was a fierce opponent in battle. I knew that having him by my side would all but guarantee our ascension to the final round. But what then? Could I, young and inexperienced as I was at the time, truly defeat such a powerful fighter?" She pauses dramatically for effect before moving on with the story.
"I sought to learn all about him that I could. As many friends as he had made, it wasn't hard to find out about of his habits. There was one tale told over and over again as evidence of his gregarious nature: after many of his fiercest fights he would take his defeated opponents out for drinks. The Cataclysm Coliseum was no exception. After the last match before the final, (a bout which deserves its own story on another day), he asked the opposing team if they would join him. Yet there was one oddity. Despite having been his teammate for the match, and destined to be his opponent the following day, he did not invite me along. Why? Curious, I secretly followed him to the meeting place."
"At first all seemed normal. The trio drank and laughed with abandon. Vachek was quite charming after all. But our prior opponents seemed to be growing drunker than they should. Barely an hour into the evening Vachek offered to escort them back to their quarters. However, when I followed them, they headed away from the gladiatorial arena, towards a seamy district in Oldtown. The shack they slipped into did not look like anyone's home. Now, as many of you know, I can sometimes be impulsive. Even when it is extremely unwise to be so." Xin laughs at her own self-deprecating joke. "Instead of finding a guard and asking them to investigate, I walked into the shack and demanded answers."
"What I found was an alchemist, two unconscious competitors, and a very startled Vachek. The alchemist, a vile man named Yunxu, insisted they had to kill me. Vachek protested. 'No one is supposed to die,' he said, 'You promised me that. Surely we can convince her to say nothing.' Very irritated at being ignored, I once again demanded answers, and Vachek gave them."
"He had been been working with Yunxu for nearly his entire gladiatorial career. In fact, they had come up with the scheme together. Yunxu had an idea for a potion that could vastly increase one's fighting prowess, but it required an illegal ingredient." Another dramatic pause. "Life force. Yunxu had to drain his victim's life force and distill it in order to create his potion."
"'It's relatively harmless,' Vachek pleaded. 'They wake up in the morning, feeling a little weak yes, but we only drain people who have already lost their battles. They simply think they're tired from a tough bout and perhaps a little hungover. They recover within a few days. No one really gets hurt. Don't tell anyone, and I'll throw the match tomorrow. You'll become a champion, and all the better known for defeating someone so favored by the odds. In fact, you could make a fortune by betting on yourself! Please, I don't want to have to hurt you.' Yunxu said nothing, but I saw him grasp an alchemical bomb. A clear threat."
"What to do? I could pretend to agree and then inform the guard, but I would have no proof. Unwise I might sometimes be, but not stupid. Yunxu would take his equipment elsewhere, and by the time I returned the shack would just be a shack. I would look like I was lying in an attempt to discredit an opponent I did not think I could defeat."
"I could actually agree. Wealth and fame were mine for the taking. The odds were indeed stacked against me, and a few coins could turn into a small fortune. But at what cost?" Xin shakes her head slowly. "No. I would win on my own merits or not win at all. And so I refused Vachek's offer."
"He hung his head low. 'I didn't want to do this,' he whispered. 'You were a good fighter, Chou Xin, and I am sorry. But I've come too far to lose it all now.' And with that, he attacked."
"I immediately dodged around him and slashed at his back. Yunxu threw his bomb, but I whirled to the side and used Vachek himself as a shield from the blast. While Vachek was dazed, I focused my attention on Yunxu. A genius alchemist yes, but he was no fighter. A couple swift blows and he collapsed to his knees, unable to bear the pain. That left just me versus the reigning champion."
"We were in a small shack, and he was far bigger and stronger than I. With nowhere to run I would be easy prey...or so he thought." A slow grin spreads across Xin's face. "I mentioned earlier one of the peculiarities of the Cataclysm Coliseum. The strategy involved in deciding whether or not to show your partner all of your tricks. I had chosen to fight entirely from range in our bouts, throwing my starknife at a distance and running away from any opponents who got too close. But that did not mean that was the only way I could fight. I had been studying him since the tournament began. I knew all of his tricks. His mistake was thinking he knew all of mine."
"He charged me, hoping to end the fight quickly. Had he been able to grab me and wrestle me to the ground, it would have been near impossible to escape him. I did not flinch. Did not run away. I stood my ground until he neared me, then lunged forward and used his shoulders to flip myself over his back. His own momentum worked against him as he stumbled and fell. But he did not give up so easily. He lashed out with his leg, hoping to trip me, but I dodged it and used the opportunity to slice at his back. As he stood he took me off guard with a quick punch to the ribs which fractured several of them." Xin clutches her torso in remembered agony. "The battle was long and hard fought. By the end we both knew we could take no more. The next strike would determine the victor."
"We stood there, facing each other. Vachek was bleeding from a hundred cuts. When I looked down at my left arm I could see bone poking through the skin. Looking back up again I saw him smile. 'It was a good match, Chou Xin. But now it ends.' He charged me once more, knowing that with my injuries I would not be able to repeat my earlier tactic. There was nowhere to dodge. And so I didn't. I waited until he was almost on me and then dropped to the ground. He trampled me as he ran...but I was able to slash at his leg in return. He stopped, staring down as the blood began to run thick and fast. I had hit an artery. 'Oh,' was all he said, and then he collapsed to the ground."
"I slowly got to my feet, clutching my shattered ribs. Staggering over to Vachek, I clumsily bandaged his wound in an attempt to stem the bleeding. I had never killed an opponent before, and I did not want him to be the first. Then I left the shack and finally went looking for the guard to help."
"The aftermath was chaotic, to say the least. An investigation found Yunxu had also been responsible for the deaths of many poor people around Oldtown. To this day Vachek claims he knew nothing of Yunxu's other experiments, and I personally believe him. 'No one is supposed to die,' he said, at a time when he had no reason to lie."
"The booking houses were in an uproar of course. A well-known champion, taking an illegal potion to improve his performance? No one could decide if the bets should be paid out or not. Ultimately the entire Cataclysm Coliseum tournament was determined to be invalid. 'But wait," you might be thinking. 'Didn't you say at the start that this was the story of how you became the champion?'"
Xin bows to the crowd. "'Champion' has many meanings my friends. I championed the other fighters, unfairly defeated by a cheat. I championed Yunxu's unfortunate victims, whose families now have closure. And yes, I championed the honor of the Cataclysm Coliseum, when I refused an easy victory won through dishonest means."
"There is my story for your chronicles. I hope you found it a worthy one."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin just talked to General Hida and doesn't want to overstay her welcome, particularly with both Storm Adder and Lazarus already talking to him. Instead she wanders over to Malaika Tao. Lady Xhai may have appreciated her quietness, but it occurs to her that Malaika may have found it rude. "Hello again! Chou Xin, as you may remember." She offers a quick bow. "I apologize for not speaking much during our lunch. I find the Neverending Market hard on the ears."
"The descriptions of these relics are so fascinating. It's hard to believe we'll be able to choose one!" Her tone is completely confident, as if it hasn't even occurred to her that Victorious Secret might lose the competition. "As someone with no magical talent I'm particularly fascinated by the 'spell engine.' Do you think a non-mage could use it?"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin looks around to see the patrons' reactions to her performance. Seeing the General smile, she discreetly offers the rest of the team high fives. "Oooh, he liked that. Awesome. Definitely think we're in the running to be his favorite team. Wouldn't it be awesome if we were everyone's favorite team? Imagine the bidding wars!"
Noticing how everyone else seems to be leaving, she gives Chkirri a sympathetic look. "Sorry that we couldn't see the whole rehearsal. Maybe we can come back tomorrow? Or get tickets to the actual show? For tonight though I'd still like to go to the Lantern Lodge if there's time. I want to see the exhibitions and get some more info about the tournament ten years ago. I watched it of course, but there are some things that the audience never gets to know about."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Fortitude:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29
Xin braces herself against another blast to the side, which doesn't help when suddenly the winds shove her to the ground. "Oof. That wasn't pleasant." Pushing herself to her feet, she attacks the rift again. Twice. Which is extremely unusual for her, and likely represents her annoyance at not having any discernable anatomy to focus on. "I think you hit it where it hurts Stormy, do that again!"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Fort:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39
Startled, Xin instinctively crosses her arms in front of her face to block the worst of the wind. When she tentatively lowers her arms she's just in time to see Lazarus fly past and get smashed into a particularly sharp-looking chair. "Oooh, that's gotta sting. Uh, Stormy, I don't think Lazarus is getting back up here anytime soon. Care to lend me a hand?"
With a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure the General is watching, she uses the edge of the stage to launch herself into a somersault over the top of the rift. Once again she uses the unique gravity to stand on the wall while she attacks. (For no particular reason other than she hopes it looks cool.)
Exemplary Finisher: The Rift gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn...not that I think it matters.
Storm Adder: +4 to your next attack roll
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin stares in disbelief as Razu runs away from a portal appearing in midair. "I take it that's not part of the performance?" She watches as the Rift starts throwing shrapnel around. "Definitely not part of the performance, unless Razu likes dead customers."
"Regardless of what this is, it doesn't seem to be friendly." She grins. "Hey General Hida! You said you wanted to watch us in combat. Well watch this!"
She takes off running towards the stage. At the last second she jumps up and uses the unique gravity of the rift to pull her towards a wall. Now running on the walls, (which are the floor as far as she's concerned), she does a final flip through the rift itself and slashes at it with her fan. "Hah! It may not be an enemy, but it's still taking damage, I can feel it! Lazarus, get over here and show this rift who's boss!"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin can appreciate a good performance, but opera is not something she has much experience with and she's never heard of Razu. She continues to leave influencing Lady Xhai to those better suited to it and wanders over to the snack bar.
"Ah, General Hida! We meet again." She studies the wide variety of teas available. "Do you have a particular blend you recommend? I'm partial to jasmine, but would like to try out some new flavors while I have the chance."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Once the patrons have left and the tour is concluded, Xin looks up at the sky to note the position of the sun. "What time does the opera start? I think visiting the Lantern Lodge Gallery could be fun, but don't want to make you miss out on the previews by getting there too late."
AKA voting for either the Lantern Lodge Gallery or the Empress Yin Opera House to be our next stop.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin looks back and forth between the newly arrived patrons and the drakes. "Ah, I see." She bows again to the drakes and, (in Draconic), says, "You were very convincing. It was a wonderful demonstration."
With the drakes mollified and Chkirri entertaining Lady Qui, she once again attempts to impress General Hida. "It seems you had a friendly bet going on. I do hope our decision to resort to diplomacy didn't cost you too much gold." She smiles. "I personally take to heart the old proverb; 'The best sword remains in its sheath.'"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin immediately offers a low bow before responding in the same language. "My sincerest apologies on behalf of these humans. They are foreigners and no doubt have never seen beings of such majesty before. I beg of you to please excuse their ignorance; we will make certain they do not trouble you further."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin participates in the water aerobics class, then polishes off a nice meal cooked by someone else.
"So what's the plan for tomorrow? I'd like to go see the Icefang Aerie if people are up for it. I've watched a few races but never been inside."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Nice. Really nice." Xin is extremely impressed with their new residence. "Mom would kill to have a pool like this. The public baths are all well and good, but nothing beats a nice soak without leaving the comfort of your own home. And attendants to cook for you! Please do me a favor and don't tell her. She'd stab me for my spot."
Then she sees Lady Qiu and Lady Xhai off in the distance. "Showtime again. So, I think Lady Xhai liked it at lunch when I didn't talk much. Probably needs some peace and quiet after the chaos of the theatre. You guys do whatever you want, but I'm going to stick to the same strategy now."
Sure enough, as they tour the two lady's accommodations Xin remains unusually quiet and demure. Occasionally she gives Lady Xhai a sidelong look to see how the other woman is reacting to the attitude. Most of her attention however is focused on Lady Qiu, who she knows almost nothing about.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin is surprisingly quiet during the lunch, most likely because she never takes out her earplugs. Chkirri and Storm Adder are doing enough work to impress Lady Xhai anyway. When she sees Lazarus and Malaika Tao start shouting at each other, she nods in self satisfaction. Clearly she made the right choice.
Out of sheer curiosity she does study Lady Xhai's hand motions, trying to decipher what the conversation is about.
Discover Lady Xhai:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (1) + 25 = 26
She was looking for personal biases. Let the false information flow!
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"The Neverending Market's definitely something everyone should experience at least once. Only once in my opinion, unless you take precautions. Personally I invested in some good quality earplugs and sign language lessons."
Given that she pulls out a set of earplugs before they enter the market, it seems she wasn't joking. "Nudge me if you need to get my attention." With that she puts them in and enjoys walking around the market in blissful silence.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Home sweet home!" Xin takes in a deep breath of the Gokan air as they land. "I'll have to take you to my parent's place if we have time. They'd be very happy to meet all of you." She grins, lowering her voice conspiratorially as she nudges Chkirri in the side. "Dad only gambles occasionally, but mom's a real tile-shark. She's always up for a game or three of Mahjong."
Despite her general familiarity with the city she's never been inside the Grand Bank of Abadar before, and is therefore as impressed as any tourist by the lavish decorations. (Although she tries not to show it.) Once the meet-and-greet officially starts, she heads straight for the only person there she recognizes.
"General Hida! Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Chou Xin, daughter of Chou Wen and Phan Tai." She offers a short but formal bow. "My parents run the Rising Sun dojo in Oldtown. Perhaps you've heard of it? I believe some of your guards have trained there."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Yes, thank you." Xin bows to Ingdani before they leave. "Your expertise has been very helpful."
She also joins Lazarus as he revisits the Temple of Irori, not to meditate, but to say goodbye to Ahmitar. Who I totally didn't forget existed until just now."I'm glad we were able to clean out the temple for you. Best of luck in restoring it; I'm sure it will be lovely."
Once on the boat, she spends her time chatting with the other teams, (except the Lightkeepers, whom she avoids as much as possible).
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Main benefit of this level is boosting Diplomacy to Legendary. One For All now grants a +4 bonus to attack rolls on anything other than a nat 1 and gives her panache on a 10. She also took the skill feat Legendary Negotiation, which allows her to politely ask people to please stop attacking us :P
Shopping depends on how much cash we have, but Xin doesn't really need anything.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin moves to shake Ran-To's hand, only to be rebuffed as he immediately slinks away. "Huh. Sore losers I guess." She grins. "Great fight though. Definitely our closest match so far, so we'll have to keep an eye on them during the real tournament."
Lacing her fingers behind her head, she strikes a casual (and very practiced) pose. "Who's up for a victory party? They've got to have some good booze stashed away here. I bet Tino's Toughest would join us. Maybe the Steps of the Sun too; they seem cool."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Thanks Stormy!" Xin also dashes away from Lazarus, dropping the fighting fan for now as she draws her starknife in preparation for a little ranged combat. "The ninja will come back soon, so be ready."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
How quickly the tides had turned. One moment Xin was sure they were going to lose their first fight since arriving on Bonmu. Then suddenly the ninja was gone, the witch was down, and only the poisonous Viper remained. Things were looking up.
"Looks like you're the only one left to dance with." She smirks as she feels her fighting fan bite deep into Blue Viper's side. "Unlucky for you. Hey Chkirri? I think there's room in his torso for a couple more arrows."
Bon Mot: Blue Viper is distracted and takes a –2 (-3 on a critical success) status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: Blue Viper gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Chkirri: +3 to your next attack roll
Status:
AC 34
F +23 R +29 W +23
HP 64/190
Physical Resistance 3
Effects: Inspired +1 (Defense)
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Fortitude, ID:1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 22 + 2 = 42
The goblin is finally down, but the remaining combatants are doing their best to take Xin out. Even with Stormy's healing, she can't keep this up much longer.
She looks at the fighting fan, remembering a particular trick she'd been told about. She hadn't wanted to use it, but she wants to lose even less.
Looking up again, she glares at the assassin. "You are really annoying me right now. Go. Away."
◆ ◆ ◆ Using the fighting fan to cast maze on Shino Hakusa. The fan automatically Sustains the Spell as long as you Strike a creature with it each round. The Survival or Perception DC to escape the demiplane is 34. The spell ends once the creature escapes, you fail to Strike a creature with the fan during a round, or after 1 minute, whichever comes first.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin staggers as the cascade of punches rains down. If this were a regular tournament she'd be tapping out right now. But this isn't a regular tournament. It's an exhibition match in front of Hao Jin, and she's not yet willing to take a dive.
Noticing the bleeding slow, she aims again for Ran-To's arteries. "Lazarus. That slowing punch thing. Do it again." She gasps for air between words. "He's got...to be close."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Ouch!" Xin glares over her shoulder at the ninja. "You know what, as tempted as I am to return the favor, I think I'm going to stick to my original partner. It'd be rude to not finish the dance, right?"
She eyes Ran-To for a second, deciding the best place to strike, then slashes at one of the already-bleeding wounds. She feels the fan connect in a blow at least as painful as the one she just received and a smirk returns to her face. "Hey Lazarus! He's gotta be on his last legs, so come over here and take them out from under him!"
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
It's not difficult to throw Xin to the ground, considering her size. It is difficult to keep her there. "Nice." She leaps back to her feet with a flourish. "Not that it's going to stop me from attacking your friend..." Across the way she hears Storm Adder mention a ward of protective magic. "...Although that might. Guess you and I will just have to keep dancing!" She winks at him. "I'm guessing you weren't invited to many dances, but I can always lead."
"Hey Lazarus! Do you need any help over there or are you good?"
Bon Mot: Ran-To is distracted and takes a –2 (-3 on a critical success) status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: Ran-To gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Lazarus: +3 to your next attack roll
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Not me!" Xin is up and running as soon as Hao Jin calls 'Fight'. Ignoring the goblin directly across from her, she heads straight for the witch. "Nice hair. Should have spent less time maintaining it and more time actually preparing for the tournament." She brandishes her new fighting fan with a smirk of her own. "Maybe I can trim it for you? Help get it out of your way."
◆ Stride
◆ Bon Mot:1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41
◆ Phoenix Fighting Fan:1d20 + 28 ⇒ (1) + 28 = 29 Using a Hero Point because that would be too embarrassing
Phoenix Fighting Fan:1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45 Much better
S. Damage:3d4 + 3 + 5d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2) + 3 + (2, 3, 2, 4, 4) = 24 + Fire:1d6 ⇒ 1 + Persistent Bleed:5d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 3, 4) = 23 Crit Damage, Persistent Fire?:1d10 ⇒ 4 + Deadly:2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
↺ Opportune Riposte: If a foe within your reach critically fails a Strike against you, either make a melee Strike against the triggering foe or attempt to Disarm it of the weapon it used for the Strike.
Bon Mot: Syu Tak-nwa is distracted and takes a –2 (-3 on a critical success) status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute
Exemplary Finisher: Syu Tak-nwa gets a -2 penalty to attacks against Xin until her next turn.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin shakes Ranya's hand as soon as the competition is finished, mood significantly improved by their victory. Though there is one thing still bothering her. "I'm going to head back to the suites for a quick bath, if you'd like to join me. That sand got everywhere."
I'd say heal up. Seems like the challenges are deliberately spaced far enough apart for us to do so.
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin eyes the quicksand with a look of concentration. "Okay, just run over the surface. Easy. I can do that." She confidently steps out onto the surface...and immediately sinks. Spluttering, she flounders about in the thick sand. "Maybe not so easy."
It takes her a few false starts, but eventually she manages to find her swimming stride and make it across the pool. Once she finally climbs out at the other end, she's covered in sand and has a murderous look on her face. "Not. One. Word."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"Huh. Looks like Chkirri landed the next killing blow. Did not bet on that." Luckily neither had anyone else, so she's not out any money.
More importantly, they'd won. In front of Hao Jin, the empress, and every other qualifying team, they'd faced off against the empress's elite bodyguards and won. Handily, at that. Xin bounces on her toes with excitement.
I can't wait to tell Mom and Dad about this.
When the next challenge is presented she eyes the other teams to see if someone else looks eager to volunteer. "It seems a bit rude to not give other teams their chance to show off, but it would be even more rude to not give the empress a good show. So if looks like the Arms of Balance are going unchallenged then I'm in."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"I'm feeling a little insulted here." Despite what had been one of her best acrobatic moves to date, the butterfly blades were completely ignoring her. Frustrated, she eyes her opponent's back carefully before aiming at the exact same spot she'd hit before. "You really should have turned around you know. It's bad form to leave your back open."
Just in case he takes her advice, she subtly changes stances into a more defensive position. "How you doing over there Lazarus? Pretty sure this one's on his last legs, so you can focus all of your attention on the other guy."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Well this was no good. They were fighting in front of the empress and Hao Jin herself, and Xin wasn't taking full advantage of the situation. Time to get creative.
She times her leap perfectly. Landing on top of one of the butterfly blades, (just in time to knock it slightly out of the way), she uses it to spring herself into a somersault over the enemy's head. Could she have simply walked a few steps to the left? Yes. Would it have looked anywhere near as cool? No.
Feeling much more confident after that acrobatic maneuver, she uses her momentum to help land a truly devastating strike to her opponent's back. (For some strange reason he seems distracted. Having a small woman flip over your head tends to do that to people.) "Hey Lazarus! Care to bet on who gets the next finishing blow! I'm wagering on myself, of course, no matter how hard you punch."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Startled by how quickly the butterfly blades move, it takes Xin a second to react. "Not bad! Not bad at all. But now it's our turn." With a grin she flips behind the opponent that Lazarus is quite effectively pummeling. "Need a distraction? I'm happy to provide."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
Xin stands up immediately to join the others in bowing to the empress. "Greetings, your Imperial Majesty. To answer your question on how we met...a series of many coincidences. Storm Adder and myself are both gladiators by trade, and we participated in many of the same tournaments. Chkirri was one of our announcers. When we discovered we all had ambitions to enter the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, we decided to do so together. As for Lazarus, he originally fought with a different team that met with misfortune. Meanwhile one of our members, a sorceress named Maito Matsu, took ill after the first day and could no longer continue. The enforcers decided allowing Lazarus to join Victorious Secret would be the simplest and best solution to both our problems." She grins as she slaps Lazarus on the back. "He may have been an extremely recent addition to the team, but his skills are proving invaluable."
Human Swashbuckler 16 | HP 232/232 | AC 35 | F +25 R +30 W +25 | Perc +26 (+2 Initiative)| Speed 40 ft (65ft w/panache) | Hero Points 4 | Active Conditions: None
"I have to admire going above and beyond for an assignment." Xin looks decidedly impressed. "You joined this tournament in an attempt to graduate? Your school must have very powerful teachers. And students."
As they talk about mastering different elements, she cocks her head to the side. "Did you have the chance to face the Ahmoza Twins? I don't think they qualified unfortunately, but they had a similar theme going on. They studied separately at the Monastery of Unblinking Flame and the Monastery of Unbreaking Waves." She rubs her arm, remembering the feeling of flames washing over it. "Good fighters, especially considering there were only two of them. Definitely a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating the power of the elements."
