EbonFist's page

When you announce your intention to face Huyanwo, there is some cheering from the crowd but they largely begin to talk and whisper in surprise, expectation and speculation.

Some even follow you out to the ridge of graves, though they all stop far enough away to keep from becoming collateral damage.

The wind whips wildly across the face of the cliff and the tide pounds mercilessly against the rocks in the dizzying drop below, but you do not have long to enjoy the view before the great brine dragon appears.

"Greetings, worms," his voice booms like the waves smashing against the rocks. "Have you come to pledge your allegiance and fealty to the mighty Huyanwo or to claim your own place on the Ridge of Graves?"

You can see an image of Huyanwo on slide 10.

I could go through the farce of making Diazepane roll a knowledge (arcana) check, but I suspect he would pass it with flying colors so, when he gets a chance, he knows and reveals the following:
Although not inherently evil, brine dragons have little patience for kindness and philanthropy. As they age, they grow more and more opinionated and obsessed with power—by adult age, a brine dragon counts itself a failure if it doesn't rule over a collection of “lesser beings” such as humans, merfolk, locathah, or even sahuagin.

Far from being offended at being questioned, the Emissary seems pleased and begins telling the tale of Huyanwo with the relish of someone speaking of a local legend and polish of long practice.

"Huyanwo is a primal brine dragon who made his home on Xielan Island some 175 years ago. Finding the village now called Old Harbor undefended, he had grand ambitions of ruling the fisherfolk in the town from a nearby grotto. When the peasants refused to submit to the dragon’s demands of tribute, he became enraged and laid waste to the village, furthering superstitions that the island was haunted and uninhabitable. Now, without a sizeable human population left for him to rule, Huyanwo has set his sights on colonies of sahuagin and locathahs in the deeper waters of Xu Hong Bay, far from Xielan Island.

"During the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, however, he always stays close to his lair in order to protect it from ambitious competitors—and perhaps in the hope of gaining human allies he can coerce into helping him establish
true dominion over the island.

"Any competitors would certainly demonstrate their bravery and power if they vanquished this scourge upon our island."

As Svetlana and Daedin launch their attacks, it becomes evident that Hok Fong has borrowed a page from Ganyavesha's playbook as he seems to Blink in and out of existence.

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 16

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 77

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 56

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 51

Svetlana's mighty swipe goes right through where he is and is not, but Daedin's timing is impeccable and his final arrow is critical.

Their opponent falls before he can even act, eliciting a cry of stunned approval from the crowd.

The Emissary's men move quickly to remove Hok Fong from the arena before any of the swarms of leeches that have been seeded in the mud can get to him.

Kiang Zhen is there to hand over their prize, a periapt of wound closure.

Gomwai's team eliminate their opponents in the muddy pit almost as quickly as the Pathfinders did Hok Fong.

As monks take away the trappings of the previous round and spellcasters get to work setting the fight stage for the next match, the Emissary rises and speaks loudly to the crowd.

"Our next Challenge is extended to all remaining contestants. It is perhaps the most dangerous task and battle any will face during this contest. Slaying of the brine dragon Huyanwo, who has ravaged the region of the island known as the Ridge of Graves for generations!"

A gasp goes up from the crowd and several of the remaining contestants look at one another to see if anyone else is taking the Emissary up on his challenge, but none react visibly in favor or against such a decision.

The Emissary looks expectantly at the gathered contestants.

Overnight, Abadaran clerics and wizards in the Emissary’s service employed spells such as stone shape, transmute rock to mud, and create water to fill the fight stage with a pool of watery mud, effectively transforming the ring into a giant swamp. Several islands of dark stone rise 6 inches out of the 4-foot-deep morass. The mud acts as a deep bog for purposes of movement and concealment.

Your foe in this quarterfinal round is the eunuch witch Hok Fong, a corpulent Tian-Shu man.

Round 1, the BOLD may act.
We're back to slide 3, the Grand Pavillion for this one. Please start on the gray island on the right side of the map.
Diazepane
Svetlana
Rassmussen
Daedin
Hok Fong
Kal'Ryon

Here's the Deep Bog rules for Reference:
A square that is part of a deep bog has roughly 4 feet of standing water. It costs Medium or larger creatures 4 squares of movement to move into a square with a deep bog, or characters can swim if they wish. Small or smaller creatures must swim to move through a deep bog. Tumbling is impossible in a deep bog.
The water in a deep bog provides cover for Medium or larger creatures. Smaller creatures gain improved cover (+8 bonus to AC, +4 bonus on Reflex saves). Medium or larger creatures can crouch as a move action to gain this improved cover. Creatures with this improved cover take a –10 penalty on attacks against creatures that aren’t underwater.

The xun does not seem intimidated by Svetlana but does not struggle as he and his unconscious comrades are taken away.

In the aftermath of the attack, the noodle house closes, both to clean up the mess and to prevent any further attacks on its patrons.

These precautions seem somewhat unnecessary as an uneventful night follows.

Fortunately for Rassmussen, at least one of the assassins isn't quite dead yet, so a little extra healing brings him back to the realm of consciousness.

He glares defiantly at all those collected, spitting dismissively onto the floor.

Svetlana finds that they are dressed in slightly finer than common Tian Xia clothing, though their garments are designed for functionality rather than looks. They are each armed with a sansetsukon (3-part-staff) and darts.

They are also covered in tattoos, which Diazepane is able to discern mean they are "Xun" -loyal soldiers- of the Golden League.

Admittedly, I have played on Discord only once, but I didn't find the pace noticeably faster and had a little more difficulty following the adventure.

I do like to be able to really write and dig into characters, which I think you can do more on the forums, but I suspect it is all a matter of preference and I could see playing in both for different experiences.

Much like how I like playing in person every now and then.

Attrition may be inevitable with a system no longer having things created for it but taking opportunities to make sure people know it exists is the best way to pull new players in as existing players depart.

We can rage against people going elsewhere (but shouldn't, people should have fun their own way) or we can continue to partner with people who run on and prefer Discord to cross pollinate. Who knows, maybe someone will really want to play a scenario but not be able to get into a Discord version and come here for it and find they love the format.

It takes Svetlana's blade, Kal'Ryon's teeth and claws, Daedin's arrows and one of Diazepane's bombs but the remaining two assassins are eliminated before they can do any further damage.

"Hey, hey, hey, pals! No need for so much violence. Let's all be friends," the drunkard says, staggering over to Kal'Ryon and throwing an arm around his shoulder before patting him on the chest with the other hand.

"Now...about those noodles...?"

Marthysan comes in a few minutes later. "My apologies, the boat that I planned to take from the Grand Pavilion back to New Harbor left without me and I had to travel back on foot..."

He looks around. "Oh my. What happened?"

I'm sure it's not official, but keep in mind that, just because PF2 came out didn't mean PF1 went away.

I suspect the same will be true with Starfinder.

Obviously, it won't be as robust but there's probably years of SF1 playing ahead of us.

Blue goes down in a hail of arrows, which all find their homes in his flesh.

Red moves in to attack Kal'Ryon.

mwk sansetsukon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
blunt: 1d10 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (4, 2, 3) = 19

His three part staff goes sailing by without connecting.

His counterpart in green charges the Ganzi.

mwk sansetsukon, Flank, Charge: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 27
blunt: 1d10 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (3, 3, 6) = 23

And connects with a brutal blow that leaves Kal'Ryon a bit dizzy.

Round 1/2 the BOLD may act
Daedin
Assassins - Red down
Svetlana
Rassmussen
Kal'Ryon -23HP sickened for 3 rounds.
Diazepane

Svetlana doesn't have far to look to find evil.

Three tattooed thugs jump you while you wait for Marthysan to arrive, one from within the restaurant where he sat hunched over a bowl of soup, and two rappelling from the ceiling on long silken sashes that had, up until earlier in the evening, served simply as decoration.

Apparently, they thought the drunk local was Marthysan and have sprung their trap too early, though they don't seem too disappointed with the chance of taking you out.

As fast as they are, Daedin is faster.

Round 1 the BOLD may act
Daedin
Assassins
Svetlana
Rassmussen
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

As night falls, the Pathfinders make their various ways to the noodle house.

Yon Loi’s becomes less festive with each passing night, perhaps because each day sees more contestants eliminated from the contest, or because of the uncharacteristically dismal weather. In any case, you find the noodle house largely vacant when you arrive to meet Marthysan. When 9 p.m. rolls around, the paladin is nowhere to be found, and the door opens to a false alarm as a stumbling-drunk local wanders in for a late meal.

Please place yourselves in the noodle house on slide 6.

Daedin and Kal'Ryon find a drinking establishment with a decent view of the noodle house and begin day drinking. There are not a lot of rumors going around except for guesses about who the winner is going to be. To that end, they get a couple free rounds of beer from fans. But also hear about how Gomwai is going to dominate them and that they're not even going to get to the final round.

Rasmussen ends up not far away as he finds 2 buskers made up to look like pandas. Their chubby physiques and black and white clothes only enhance the illusion. They sing about the Rise of the Phoenix, play a Tribute, and ode to being raised by a Sasquatch and a fight song - Hit Me One More Time.

Svetlana and Diazepane begin to tour the island, following the path around the crescent shaped land mass. They pass the Shadewood, having only recently explored it and head up Yun Chumo.

Legend speaks of the origin of Yun Chumo—the lone mountain in the center of Xielan Island—as a violent volcano that was tamed by angels to make Goka’s harbor safe from spewing ash and lava. In truth, the rock formation contains little to no igneous rock and lacks the caldera of a true volcano, but at the mountain’s apex is a small shrine that gives some credence to the old tales. In the stone structure rests a large fountain from which flows a seemingly endless supply of holy water. The source of the sacred spring has long eluded scholars and clerics, but few can deny that it is among the holiest locations on Xielan Island, and pilgrims often venture up Yun Chumo to drink from its blessed waters. This pilgrimage is not without danger, however, as some who venture up the mountain never return.

You guys definitely have time to do some exploring. The interesting sites are listed out on the map on page 2. The whole island is only about a mile and half across (which I think is 27 kilometers for our international friends, but I may be wrong because I don't know the metric system) so you can get anywhere in only a few minutes.

Just checking if nobody is trained in life science. I will wait for EbonFist's character. Remember that his character is trained in computers and engineering.

I was using a different character in the last one.

903 doesn't have any of the pertinent skills.

Rassmussen's Spiritual Sword actually strikes home, this time, though not deeply.

Daedin's first two shots find something vital in his target. His second flies wide but his third also hits.

Diazepane's first bomb misses, though his second and third strike home.

The combined volley of projectiles is enough to make the nagaji go slack and she slowly drifts to the ground.

It is easy enough to remove the bracelet from her limp (but living) wrist.

"Congratulations on another successful challenge," the Emissary says when you present the bracelet to him.

"Your puissance becomes ever more evident with each obstacle you overcome."

Let me know what you want to do next. You have no more official business for the day, though you have an appointment to meet Marthysan at 9PM at Yon Loi's noodle house.

The nagaji flies through the foliage of the canopy, bypassing Svetlana. She gets closer to Daedin then casts a spell upon him.

Round 1/2 the BOLD may act
We're on slide 4. Please start in the Red box. Tsavati is up in the canopy so she has cover and concealment vs. anyone on the ground. It is thick enough that, if you can get up to it you can move through it as though it were undergrowth. It requires a DC15 Climb check to get up there (it's 40' up.) Assume any of the green is canopy and any of the lighter green obvious plants on the map are thick areas of bamboo shoots that are solid enough that you can't pass or shoot through.
Daedin
Svetlana
Diazepane
Rassmussen
Tsavati
Kal'Ryon

What Redelia said! Good to see you back.

Diazepane gets closer and harder to hit.

Rassmussen performs surprisingly aggressively...for Rassmussen.

But as the sword misses her twice, it becomes evident why he does not perform aggressively, usually.

Round 1 the BOLD may act
We're on slide 4. Please start in the Red box. Tsavati is up in the canopy so she has cover and concealment vs. anyone on the ground. It is thick enough that, if you can get up to it you can move through it as though it were undergrowth. It requires a DC15 Climb check to get up there (it's 40' up.) Assume any of the green is canopy and any of the lighter green obvious plants on the map are thick areas of bamboo shoots that are solid enough that you can't pass or shoot through.
Daedin
Svetlana
Diazepane
Rassmussen
Tsavati
Kal'Ryon

I am ready, just need links to the games

What he said.

So many questions!

Tsavati is a Nagaji.
You are allowed to use whatever methods you like to procure the bracelet.
You cannot see the ground from the canopy.
The forest in question is marked as the Shadewood on the map on slide 2. Looks like the scale didn't get copied over, but it looks like it's about a quarter mile across and high.
And yes, you need to track her first.

Daedin sets to work and finds their target's trail soon enough after setting up a spiral search pattern.

Tsavati's pale green scales help her blend into the canopy but the ridges of metallic bronze scales on her bald hair clearly mark her out.

Round 1 the BOLD may act
We're on slide 4. Please start in the Red box. Tsavati is up in the canopy so she has cover and concealment vs. anyone on the ground. It is thick enough that, if you can get up to it you can move through it as though it were undergrowth. It requires a DC15 Climb check to get up there (it's 40' up.) Assume any of the green is canopy and any of the lighter green obvious plants on the map are thick areas of bamboo shoots that are solid enough that you can't pass or shoot through.
Daedin
Svetlana
Diazepane
Rassmussen
Tsavati
Kal'Ryon

Greetings assorted people.

I'm taking tomorrow off and heading to visit my Mom. Her internet is spotty at best so I likely won't post until Monday.

Please bot me if necessary. Yargnod will blast away with Justifier.

Man...either we don't use this discussion much or I go on vacation too often since the last message is also me going on vacation.

Greetings assorted people.

I'm taking tomorrow off and heading to visit my Mom. Her internet is spotty at best so I likely won't post until Monday.

Diazepane tosses two bombs and preps the third but checks his throw in the middle as the Blue one goes down but the Yellow one is a bit too far to confidently pick off.

Daedin's volley of arrows, especially the third are particularly effective and put down the last chanter.

The crowd roars in approval (though there is a certain part of the arena where it is completely silent.

The Pathfinders have now officially won over half of their tournament battles, but there is little time to rest or celebrate.

Shortly after the Battle of the Embers, the Emissary tasks you with your third test of the competition. He describes to them a scintillating ruby bracelet made of 99 tiny gems, braided together with golden filaments.
This bracelet, he explains, is currently in the possession of a guardian named Tsavati in the bamboo forest north of Yun Chumo. He gives you until sundown to locate the bracelet and retrieve it from the guardian, who has been instructed to defend it with deadly force.

The bamboo forest is dense with tall, thin bamboo stalks standing an average of 50 feet from the forest floor. The 8-inch-diameter shoots are bare of any foliage from the ground to a height of approximately 40 feet, where masses of thick leaves create a translucent canopy. Other than the bamboo itself, no other undergrowth exists in the forest. Any creature in the canopy gains cover against creatures on the ground, as well as concealment as though it were in light undergrowth. All normal penalties on movement and on Acrobatics and Stealth checks apply within the canopy, as though it were ground-borne undergrowth. You can scale a bamboo shoot with a DC 15 Climb check, and each plant has AC 4, hardness 5, and 20 hit points.

Let me know how you want to track Tsavati down.

Svetlana counters sound with sword and leaves her target shaking with fear.

Refl: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Rass supports his companions by suffering for them then performs the ultimate counter to these opponent's tactics.

Round 1/2. The BOLD may act.
Everyone please place your tokens in the blue box on the left.
Unless you have taken some sort of precautions, you take 1d6 fire damage every round from walking on the hot coals. A DC 15 Refl save halves it and you get a +2 if you move at least 15' in a round.
Daedin
Diazepane
Chanters Red and Black down, Blue -46 (Shaken)
Kal'Ryon
Svetlana -23HP
Rassmussen -8HP

Rassmussen puts up some protections on himself.

Svetlana checks for bad traits in her opponents and finds that they are chaotic but not evil before protecting herself.

Diazepane takes several precautions before tossing bombs as soon as the signal to "go" is given.

Some of the coals sizzle, spark, crack and explode, sending tiny sparks and steam flying as Diazepane's bombs abruptly lower the temperature where they hit.

All three bombs hit their targets.

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

And all three, despite the heat begin shivering from the effect.

Daedin's first three arrows put the red clad one out of their misery, though.

And his last hits something vital and puts down black.

Yellow casts a spell and both the remaining Chanters begin to move faster.

Blue moves forward and moves her mouth to send out sharp (literally) words at Svetlana.

Word Strike vs. Touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Sonic: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 6, 6, 3, 1, 3) = 26

Round 1. The BOLD may act.
Everyone please place your tokens in the blue box on the left.
Unless you have taken some sort of precautions, you take 1d6 fire damage every round from walking on the hot coals. A DC 15 Refl save halves it and you get a +2 if you move at least 15' in a round.
Daedin -1hp
Diazepane -3hp
Chanters Red and Black down
Kal'Ryon
Svetlana -26HP
Rassmussen

"No, I fear that, after the last tournament, things have changed. I had hoped that the actions of the Wu sisters were an anomaly but I fear that they may have tainted the sanctity of the tournament going forward," Marthysan says.

He opens his mouth to speak again, but he turns his head as he hears his name called in the distance.

He sighs and rubs his forehead before giving you an apologetic smile. "The burdens of being champion. But, if all goes well, you'll learn yourselves in 10 years," he says.

"I doubt if I will have any additional free time for the rest of the day, but please, meet me at Yon Loi's at 9 tonight so that we can further discuss the situation," he continues, even as he departs.

You don't have much time to contemplate what he's said or make plans when your names are called.

During your brief conversation with Marthysan, Ruby Phoenix monks carry hundreds of buckets of red-hot coals into the arena and spread them across the floor of the fight stage, noticeably raising the Grand Pavilion’s ambient temperature and filling the air with thin gouts of steam as stray raindrops hit the burning ground and vaporize.

You are instructed to remove any footwear and stand ready to fight atop the smoldering coals. You have the opportunity as you wait to cast spells to preclude fire damage (such as energy resistance or protection from energy), but the tournament officials warn them that the crowd disapproves of such actions, seeing it as taking the easy way out.

For this round, your foes are a chorus of Minatan chanters who have dedicated their lives to studying and protecting the secrets of the so-called sacred song. Using a strange form of throat singing, the chanters have honed the sound to such a degree that they can use it as a weapon. The tall, dark-skinned bards wear facial tattoos and have brightly colored emblems and runes emblazoned on their armor and shields.

The Pathfinders are given about a minute to prepare before the signal is given to begin the fight. In that time, a deep, ominous sound begins in the throats of your opponents, growing in volume but not pitch.

Round 1. The BOLD may act.
Everyone please place your tokens in the blue box on the left.
Unless you have taken some sort of precautions, you take 1d6 fire damage every round from walking on the hot coals. A DC 15 Refl save halves it and you get a +2 if you move at least 15' in a round.
Daedin
Diazepane
Chanters
Kal'Ryon
Svetlana
Rassmussen

There is an audible gasp from the crowd as the Boar and Tiger fight proves to be literally one sided with only the Tiger side making any attacks (though not focused.)

Daedin's arrows sink into pig flesh, picking out vital organs with exceptional ease. For a moment, the stubborn beast remains on its feet. Then, it falls over, crashing heavily on its side with all four legs stiff.

Nearidei looks at her fallen beast aghast. After a moment she stomps her foot and says something impolite in Tien before waiting for the shackle to be removed.

The tiger pauses in mid leap toward Daedin as it is subjected to another Hold Animal spell.

It takes only a minute or so for the monks to come unshackle both contestants.

As Daedin exits the pavilion Kiang Zhen is waiting. "You could at least pretend like these are challenges," she says, handing him a ring that has a tiger and boars head engraved on it. It is a Ring of Animal Friendship.

Immediately after Daedin completes the boar and tiger fight, Marthysan approaches the group.

The paladin seems concerned. "Have you encountered anything strange lately or heard any rumors that may not have reached my ears while I have been focused on the tournament and other official business?"

The tiger and boar are taken into the fighting ring (which is not the main stadium but looks very much like the main stadium) and released from their cages about 50' apart. Before they can do anything, they are hit with hold animal spells to keep them in place while their partners are prepared.

Daedin is not given time to take the invisibility extract before being shackled to the tiger by a 15' iron chain, even as Nearidei is bound to the boar in the same way.

It is possible that the spell caster holding the tiger jumps the gun. Or maybe it just has the reaction speed of a jungle cat. In any case, when the signal to begin goes off, it is the first creature to react and it goes after the nearest thing...which is Daedin.

Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Slashing: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

But his paw comes nowhere near damaging the archer.

Round 1 Daedin may act
Tiger
Daedin
Nearidei
Boar

"It is simple enough," Kiang Zhen says with the forced patience of an immortal entity bound to the foolishness of mortals.

"Each champion is bound to their animal and is responsible for keeping it from harm. You are not allowed to become unfettered from your beast. We do nothing to enact controls for the beast for the contestants. The winner is whoever's animal is still standing at the end."

TL:DR - don't let your animal get killed. The animals attack the closest creatures they can get to, whether that's the other animal, the other contestant or their own handler.

She let's one of you flip a coin.

Coin Flip: 1d2 ⇒ 2

"Hopefully that is not an omen for you," she says as the result comes up against them.

She goes and speaks to your opponent, Nearidei, a slender Tian-Dtang woman with chin-length black hair and chestnut eyes.

"It seems that Nearidei has chosen the boar, so whichever one of you will be participating will take the tiger."

The morning of the third day of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament is dismal and rainy. A steady drizzle lasts well into the afternoon, when the rain lets off, though thick, gray cloud cover remains.

During the first match of day three a terrible accident occurs, and all three towers, the very ones you fought on the day before topple on a contestant, killing the unlucky competitor and bringing the day’s contests to a sudden halt as the Emissary and his agents investigate the death and clear the ruined towers from the fight stage.

While the clean up is going on you are selected for an additional exhibition match because of you increasingly impressive performances thus far in the competition. Kiang Zhen approaches the party and asks you to select one representative to take part in the traditional “boar and tiger” fight, in which two contestants are tethered to wild animals and pitted against one another with the goal of keeping their respective beasts alive.

"Please, choose one of your number to participate and which beast you prefer," she says.

The group takes the time to explore their surroundings, starting with the town.

The only current settlement on Xielan Island, New Harbor is inhabited almost exclusively by hardworking fisherfolk and their families. A council of five elders governs the village, but in day-to-day affairs, residents follow the will of the loose union of those who work the sea to protect the town’s interests. Businesses are scarce here, as in general the residents find it easier to take the hour-long boat ride to mainland Goka for most of their commercial needs. Yon Loi’s noodle shop serves as a much frequented restaurant and general gathering place, though residents often set up makeshift inns, taverns, and shops in their homes or on their boats
every 10 years to serve the crowds attracted by the Ruby Phoenix Tournament.

The town, and Yon Loi's are quiet compared to the previous two nights as there are neither official ceremonies hosted by the Ruby Phoenix Tournament nor unofficial celebrations conducted by the civilians or competitors on the island. Everyone is exhausted from 2 days of competing, and is taking a much needed break.

As they explore, they come across a bloodied and bruised Tian-La man huddled on the side of the path he shies away from you, muttering something about not knowing what he was getting into. You calm him with a simple assurance that you mean him no harm, at which point he introduces himself as Donguma. He gladly shares his woes, detailing his recent run-in with a gang of Golden League enforcers who came to collect a debt from yesterday’s round of competition. When he explained to the thugs that he would have their money once tomorrow’s round was over, they told him he wouldn’t be able to place any more bets and would need to pay them back in blood. After beating him, they took the few pieces of silver he had on him and left him lying in the street. Donguma warns
you not to get involved in betting on the tournament this year, because he and some of his friends think some of the matches have been rigged, and he notes that he is evidence of what a mess a person can get into backing the wrong contestant.

You also can learn more with a Gather information (Diplomacy or Knowledge Local) Check.

One thing I've found that is important is getting to a point where the players have a decision to make. Often adventures are written with multiple sections that are just descriptions or story but don't require player interaction. Grouping them all together and then presenting the players with the choice(s) that come up from them helps keep things moving.

Oh! If no one else wants it, I'll take Share the Wealth.

I want Glorymane on my Cavalier but he had leveled out by the time I had a chance to play that scenario.

I'll give everyone until Monday to decide what they do overnight and also, let me know if you're going to go watch the matches in the morning or if you're just going to show up for yours (yours is not the first.)

Hello Folks of All Sorts.

It's your friendly neighborhood VA, here.

I just wanted to remind everyone to log their games in the Data Tracking Form.

This helps us keep track of things and let the powers that be know that we're still around and there's still interest in this Lodge.

It also keeps me from having to try to do it by hand.

The link is at the top of the page. It takes less than a minute (probably less than half a minute.)

Rassmussen must practice some timing to get to the woman when she's fully on his plane but manages to keep her from dying.

As you depart the arena to the roar of the crowd, Kiang Zhen is waiting with a wooden crate.

"You lot have been running from match to test to exhibition so quickly you haven't received all your prizes. Here is what you missed."

She holds up a plain gray rock. "Do not let appearances deceive you. This is a luckstone that has been glamored to be non-descript. It is your prize for winning your first match against the monks."

She then holds up a vial full of equally gray liquid. "A potion of Stoneskin CL15 for your exemplary performance in the breaking trial.

"You received your arrows for your success in the archery test, but here is your prize for the Spider Fight," she holds up a ring shaped like a pair of feathery wings.

"And finally, your prize for this fight," she says, holding up a kusarigama. It's a +2 version.

"Please, enjoy your evening. We will see you here again in the morning."

Let me know what you guys want to do with your night. Head to Yon Loi's Noodle House. Explore the island. Barricade yourselves in your rooms...

That's correct. I didn't roll for Mirror Image last turn.

Mirror Images: 1d5 ⇒ 4

Turns out, the only damage Kal'Ryon takes is to one of his images.

And apparently, I missed something last turn because a 21 does not hit.

Svetlana and Rassmussen act tactically.

Daedin's first two arrows hit, and this time easily puncture his target's skin. His next slides through her without doing any damage as though she were not there and his last comes within an inch of puncturing something vital.

Diazepane's first bomb misses...for a couple reasons but he finds that his other bombs find their target and have full effect.

And Kal'Ryon's two attacks both hit and finish their opponent off, demonstrating to the cheering crowd once again, just how dominant the Pathfinder team is.

Hello fellows,

I'll be going on vacation today. I'm heading to Austin so I probably will have internet connectivity but probably won't be able to post.

All of Daedin's arrows hit, but it is clear that her flesh is somehow resistant to the damage done.

Kal'Ryon rushes the woman, but his swing goes right through her. She is there as the blade is coming down but disappears as it goes through her and then reappears as it gets past her feet.

Diazepane's bomb hits but it's clear that it does not fully affect her as she seems to fade out of existence even as the crystals of frost are forming around her.

Once he knows that she's Blinking, he realizes that Force will fully affect her since she's Blinking between the Material and Ethereal planes.

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

He gets her good enough to slow her down, though.

She lashes out with her Kukri at Kal'Ryon.

kukri of life stealing: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33
Slashing: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 31

She manages to score a hit, but it is hardly enough for Kal'Ryon to notice.

Round 2 the BOLD may act.
There is only a 20% chance of failing if you can see the invisible (which everyone except Rassmussen can, now. Same with spells.
Bless is active so you all get a +1 to hit and saves vs. Fear
Ganyavesha -48HP (7Cold next turn)
Daedin
Diazepane
Rasmussen
Svetlana
Kal'Ryon -12

Can we start anywhere on the ground? And are the platforms connected? I assume the whiter bits are ladders up? How high is the one she is on?

You can start anywhere on the ground no further left than the leftmost edge of the rightmost tower. There are three towers and each has two platforms, one at 20' and one at 40'. Ganyavesha is on the 20' high platform on the leftmost tower. There are a number of rope ladders between the three towers and you can assume that you can cross from one to another and from level to another from the close points to each other on each with a climb check at DC5. The whiter bits are, indeed, ladders up and down within the platforms.

Round 1 the BOLD may act.
There is only a 20% chance of failing if you can see the invisible (which everyone except Rassmussen can, now. Same with spells.
Bless is active so you all get a +1 to hit and saves vs. Fear
You have 1 minute to prepare beforehand.
Ganyavesha
Daedin
Diazepane[/b]
Rasmussen
Svetlana
Kal'Ryon

Svetlana's offer falls on deaf ears...deaf, falling ears as her first blow fells the last warrior and causes Orometsue to fall.

Cheers come from both above and below as the team once again proves dominant over their opponents. The people in the boats below cheer loudly and, as you turn to go back to the top of the cliff, you see people leaning over to watch and even some laying on the ground with their heads over the edge to watch what is happening.

Marthysan is there to collect his slippers back.

Kiang Zhen is there as well and her fiendish face is made even more wicked by the smirk she wears on her face.

"What are you doing standing around here?" she asks. "Your match at the grand pavilion is starting any minute. You better get back over there if you don't want to forfeit."

The roar of the crowd in the Grand Pavilion is deafening, even compared to the tumult yesterday. Where previously the fight stage was bare, it now sports three pillars of wood and iron, each supporting two wooden platforms connected by rope ladders.

In the center of the arena stand three towershaped scaffolds constructed of wood and metal. Tangles of rope ladders connect two fighting platforms, one 20 feet above the ground and the other 40 feet above it. Both levels of the towers are identical.

Once you get to the grand pavillion you are given one minute to prepare.

When the minute is up, your opponent emerges, an 11' tall woman who clambers up to the first tier of the largest tower, awaiting you. Image on slide 7.

She raises her hand to her mouth and whispers something to her ring and suddenly disappears only to reappear a moment later. Only to disappear again. And reappear.

Round 1 the BOLD may act.
Start on the right most scaffold, please.
Attacks against her have a 50% chance of failing which is not mitigated by Blind Fighting. There is only a 20% chance of failing if you can see the invisible. Same with spells.
You have 1 minute to prepare beforehand.
Ganyavesha
Daedin
Diazepane
Rasmussen
Svetlana
Kal'Ryon

My initiative block is failing me. How did I forget Diazepane's turn?

Diazepane's first bomb is enough to completely down the most injured monk and she tumbles a couple dozen feet before abruptly slowing and then drifting down to a waiting boat.

His 2nd and 3rd bombs do the trick for the last monk, giving him a trip on the express elevator down, as well.

That lets Daedin focus all his fire on Orometsue.

The first two arrows that he launches together find their mark, as does his last shot, though the one in between streaks past her to thunk into the gunwale of a boat below. The people crewing it rapidly row away from their distinctly too close vantage point.

The warrior is not felled, but finds herself without any allies.

That does not seem to deter, however.

Round 2, the BOLD may act.
Things work as normal but if you fall, you FAAALL.
Daedin
Svetlana -5HP
Orometsue -76HP (Shaken, Ill Omen)
Rassmussen -9HP
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

Although neither blow is enough to finish off her opponent, Svetlana's attacks are enough to demoralize them both.

Kal'Ryon comes close to tripping one of the monks and sending him tumbling down the cliff, but his focused training in the tactic allows him to narrowly avoid the maneuver.

Rassmussen gives Orometsue a little (a lot) of bad luck.

Round 2, the BOLD may act.
Things work as normal but if you fall, you FAAALL.
Daedin
Monks Orange-21HP, Yellow -67HP (Shaken)
Svetlana -5HP
Orometsue -35HP (Shaken, Ill Omen)
Rassmussen -9HP
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

Much to everyone's surprise, except maybe the monk, Svetlana's only attack that connects is the first one that very much connects and he is left standing.

In retribution Orometsue charges Svetlana.

+1 frost nodachi: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 2 = 32
Slashing: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Round 1, the BOLD may act.
Please start on the edge marked "TOP" on slide 4. You are standing horizontally. Things work as normal but if you fall, you FAAALL.
Daedin -4HP
Monks Orange-21HP, Yellow -67HP
Svetlana -14HP
Orometsue
Rassmussen
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

Daedin's first three arrows strike true and downs his target and the monk falls and faaaalls.

But one of the spectators on the boat reacts quickly, casting a spell and the limp body abruptly slows and one of the boats at the bottom of the cliff moves to catch him.

Meanwhile, Daedin's fourth shot hits one of the other monks.

With amazing speed and in a way that boggles the mind given the fact that they're literally running up the sheer face of a cliff.

One slashes at Kal'Ryon and the other at Daedin with their shang gous.

+1 shang gou: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23
Slashing: 1d4 ⇒ 1

+1 shang gou: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29
Slashing: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The first has his blow deflected by the barrier surrounding Kal'Ryon while the second lands a hit on Daedin.

Round 1, the BOLD may act.
Please start on the edge marked "TOP" on slide 4. You are standing horizontally. Things work as normal but if you fall, you FAAALL.
Daedin -4HP
Monks Orange-21HP
Svetlana
Orometsue
Rassmussen
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

"Please return the slippers to me when you are done," Marthysan says.

"Your opponent is Orometsu, the White Warrior," he says, gesturing over to a stoic Tian-Min woman dressed entirely in white, with polished ivory-toned armor and a helm interwoven with the intricate braids of black hair upon her head; she bows nobly at you before walking over the edge of the cliff, climbing down the wall to a height of 60 feet, and stopping to wait for you to engage her. The three monks with her join her.

You notice that all four of them are wearing slippers similar to the ones Marthysan has offered you.

Round 1, the BOLD may act.
Please start on the edge marked "TOP" on slide 4. You are standing horizontally. Things work as normal but if you fall, you FAAALL.
Daedin
Monks
Svetlana
Orometsue
Rassmussen
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane

Sorry guys, I should have said you only have 10 arrows total for the whole team. I'm going to count Daedin's shots (and save Diazepane some embarrassment.)

Daedin lands so many shots in the center that about half way through he has a hard time finding space for more and one goes astray. The remainder strike home, giving him an almost perfect score.

The crowd is easily as impressed as Svetlana and again, there is an audible groan of sympathetic disappointment at the one miss before a roar of approval as the rest prove on target.

The monks managing the display show their usual lack of emotion as they hand him his prizes, a slaying arrow for each 10 points he scores. They are drawn from a barrel full at random, and it's a little disturbing just how much death is gathered in that barrel.

He ends up with two arrows of dragon slaying, one of fey slaying, one of magical beast slaying and one of lawful outsider slaying.

In the early afternoon, you are instructed to go to the bluff known as the Wall of Seven Winds, a 120-foot vertical cliff between New Harbor and the Grand Pavilion where the winds are known to always be particularly strong for the next exhibition.

The wind whips across the curved, sheer cliff that surrounds the cove, roiling the deep water below into a white-capped froth. Several dozen boats bob on the rough water, their decks crowded with eager spectators focused on the cliff top.

You find Marthysan the Righteous standing before a small crowd atop the bluff. Several dozen boats are anchored in the cove at the base of the cliff, from which a larger gathering of onlookers eagerly watches the top of the wall.

"This is called the Spider Fight. You'll be fighting there," he says, leaning over to point to the face of the cliff. He gives each of you a pair of silk slippers. "Which is why you need these."

He points to the boats which hold onlookers below. "Don't worry. There are a couple of sorcerers down there who will cast feather fall on you, if you fall. [b]"Though, if you hit the water, you'll be eliminated."

I ran out of time today so, I'll post the beginning of the match tomorrow.

Dawn comes, and the Emissary’s monks walk from tent to tent with hot tea and bowls of rice porridge sweetened with sticks of sugarcane. New flags fly above the pavilion and the arena is set for the next event. The number of remaining contestants is half the number who began yesterday, but many of those who were eliminated now fill the grandstands, making the crowd seem even more overwhelming.

You are not scheduled to fight until late morning today, and you can
spend the morning watching other contestants compete. Between bouts, you may participate in another contest of skill—archery this time—or explore the island.

I don't know of anyone in THIS group would want to participate in an archery contest but should anyone want to, I've posted the chart with the AC's on slide 3. The targets are traditional bullseye targes with concentric rings. You have 10 shots and must declare what you are shooting at (which target, and which ring) with each shot. Targets 2 and 3 are enchanted. 2 has a blur spell cast on it, causing a 20% miss chance. 3 has displacement cast on it, causing a 50% miss chance. You may not dispel those effects but you may cast spells on your archer that counteract them in other ways.

Hey guys. Let me know if you're going to participate in the feast or just get some rest or wander around the island.