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The remaining monk armed with a spade shuffles towards Jake and unleashes a flurry of quick attacks with his weapon.
Jeevika: "Aye, th' dragon's a right royal bastard, that one. Seems to have an acid breath o' some sort, judgin' by th' rocks and land around his victims. Not many've seen 'im an' survived."
For reference: Crowd Base DC to Improve Attitude
Jeevika's deluge bursts forth from the mist to knock the monk carrying a spade out cold. His unconscious body hits the arena's base with a sound lightly muffled by the mist. Corlis' attack successfully removes his opponent's footing. The monk wielding the meteor hammer makes a convincing show of masking his pain, but is unable to keep consciousness after receiving Corlis' third and final attack. The sword monk rushes in for an attack against Corlis.
However, Corlis' blade whips out and strikes the legs out from underneat the monk, then flies to neatly remove his sword from his hands. The monk stands up afterwards.
Jake is up!
All three attacks successfully hit Spade 2.
"Begin," intones the Emissary in his crystal voice.
Order: (parenthesis to indicate which is which on roll20)
The monks are intimidated by the giant Corlis' display of might. The meteor hammer monk steps forward and whips forth his weapon, striking at Corlis, attempting to trip him, then attack.
However, neither attack manages to land a blow on Corlis. The male monk armed with the spade charges headfirst into the mist. "For the Enduring Spirit!" he cries as he rushes forth. He makes a full loop through the northern end of the mist, through its center, and finally spies Karlia's double as he loops back around.
Jeevika and Corlis are up!
I just finished working a double shift, and I am wiped. I'm going to delay my post until tomorrow, and then I should once more have a regular posting schedule. Sorry for the delay!
Upon his final words, the crowd erupts into clamorous applause, and the contestants scatter for their respective seats or positions throughout the pavilion. Whether by luck, or by the designs of a man taking advantage of the crowd's hunger to see the team that - according to rumors - sparred with Champion Marthysan, the party of Corlis, Jake, Jeevika, and Karlia are in the first match. The party is escorted by a group of silent usher monks and directed to the center of the fight stage to face their first opponents. Today, the arena is properly set up - the match will take place atop a large wooden platform that is surrounded by an invisible wall of force to prevent stray projectiles and spell effects from hitting the audience. Shu sits in front of one of the walls, and three other similarly-dressed officials sit before the other walls. He waves politely at the party as they step into the arena. Entering on the other side of the arena is a group of four monks: a Tian man and woman wield spades, a dark-skinned Shaonti woman wields a meteor hammer, and a second Tian man carries a seven-branched sword. The Emissary explains that each team will have a minute to make the appropriate battle preparations. The last team standing wins.
You have one minute to buff up. Once everyone has indicated any buffing spells they wish to cast and rolled initiative, we'll fire up the first fight!
Jeevika:
New Harbor is a fairly small village, and as such has but a few shops that sell supplies. While there are blacksmiths that can mend weapons or items damaged in the course of the tournament, and there is a small smattering of shops selling "lesser" items such as anti-toxins, there are no large shops that sell expensive magic items to be used in the tournament. However, there are a multitude of small shops selling souvenirs and other such memorabilia.
A friendly old dwarf who seems eager for a willing ear rambles on about Marthysan and his victory last year. "In th' last Ruby Phoenix Tournament, a sorceress from...Lingshen, I think it was. She was disqualified just prior to the final round for cheatin'. She swore vengeance upon her competitor, the de facto victor Marthysan the Righteous. Half-elf paladin. Nice hair. While some believe that magic spell castin' lady may strike soon, the event happened a decade ago. That's too long for a feud. Like as not, she has forgotten about the whole thing. Or moved on. Last year was a rough one, to be sure. More'n 30 o' the 128 entrants in th' tournament perished in unrelated accidents, or exhibition combats not covered by th' tournament’s strictures on ethics n' whatnot. More'n half of th' deaths were because'a the dragon Huyanwo. His defeat has long been th' ambition o' Ruby Phoenix contestants hoping to make a name for themselves outside th' arena."
Monks escort the party to the fight stage, where they find many other contestants already assembled, each waiting patiently, and watching performer acrobats entertain the growing crowd as the audience files into the grandstands. In the grandstands, a tenuous hush falls upon the immense and eager crowd. Moments later, the curtains part, revealing the Emissary flanked by the oni Kiang Zhen and Marthysan the Righteous. Behind the Emissary, like motionless statues, stand no less than a dozen monks — his disciples and bodyguards. As all watch rapt, the Emissary rises and addresses the crowd.
"There have been a few instances of cheating, although all participants found engaging in such behavior have been expelled from the tournament forever," she replies in a dull monotone. "As for the water fountain...you will find out in the course of the tournament, but this is all the information I can disclose at this juncture." The woman maintains a look of extreme neutrality.
Oop, totally skipped your question, DFang! I think the easiest way would just be that, while dominated, Jake must make that DC 12 Will save every turn vs. the blade's ego. Failure means that Grim is in control. I think there's only one other fight that might feature a domination effect (aside from the possible rematch), so it shouldn't really unbalance anything.
@Jeevika: Correct. Also, if anyone feels that I am, at any given time, moving the game along too quickly or too slowly, feel free to let me know! I'll try to keep whatever pace that will help everyone enjoy themselves most. Nothing can break a player's PbP enjoyment quite like feeling out-of-pace with the post rate.
The Grand Pavilion and surrounding fairgrounds lie deep within the cove, and feature a massive and elaborate combat arena specifically constructed for the tournament. Scores of colorful tents cram the grounds spreading from the wood almost to the water. A line of spectators stretches from the Grand Pavilion, waiting to enter the arena. Contestants are given priority, and red-and orange-clad monks usher the eclectic collection of warriors and battlemages into the arena to stand before the Emissary. One of the monks leads the party to a table, where a young woman with a pair of small spectacles sits with a veritable wall of neatly stacked papers before her. Each stack is weighted down by a stone carved in the shape of a key of Abadar. She watches the party approach with a practiced boredom, and pushes a piece of paper in front of the participants. She wrinkles her nose and sniffs lightly before explaining the contract that lies before the team. "Before you may officially enter the tournament as participants, you must sign this contract, agreeing to each and every one of the tournament's six rules. Should you wish to refuse, you forfeit your right to enter the tournament and will be escorted off the island at our earliest convenience. Should you break any of the rules, you forfeit your right to enter the tournament and will be escorted off the island at our earliest convenience. The six rules are as follows: "Rule One: The commands of the Emissary and his agents are to be obeyed at all times, and the Emissary's word is final. None shall take violent action against the Emissary or his agents. "Rule Two: No contestant may leave Xielan Island until the conclusion of the tournament for any reason. "Rule Three: Once a round has begun, no contestant may receive any aid, be it magical or mundane, from anyone not participating in the round as a contestant. "Rule Four: Should any contestant yield to a foe and forfeit the battle, failure of other contestants to honor that forfeit will result in immediate disqualification. "Rule Five: No contestant shall loot the body of a fallen foe. "Rule Six: All contestants agree that there shall be no ties; only one
"By agreeing to these six rules, your entry to the tournament is complete. To indicate your agreement, each of you is to sign your name next to each of the rules, and list your team name at the top of the paper." Arena Description: The below syncs up with the Roll20 map: B1. Judge’s Box: The judge’s box sits ringside, atop a small ziggurat whose terraces bloom with flowering cherry trees and white lotus flowers. During matches, the Emissary sits in a great wooden throne carved with the faces of 1,000 kami. The throne is sheltered by a bright red canopy from which flow dozens of colorful banners. Flanking the stairs to the raised dais are a pair of menacing foo lion statues, powerful guardian spirits that spring to life to defend the Emissary should he ever be threatened. B2. Emissary’s Respite: Behind the throne is a private area used only by the Emissary and his monks. He can shelter here when he needs privacy or safety. B3. Competitors’ Entrances: Competitors use these passages to enter and depart from the arena. Each has a private alcove where contenders can prepare for their upcoming fights. B4. Common Entrances: Red-lacquered torii gates flank the main entrances into the arena, and are decorated with paper lanterns and prayer chimes. B5. Grandstands: Great earthen tiers support wooden benches that serve as grandstands for the common spectators. The grandstands are hemmed in by blossoming plum trees and artistically placed boulders. B6. Water Pyramid: This 15-foot-tall stone pyramid has stairs at either side of a central channel cut down the face that empties into a deep trough of water. During those competitions requiring hydraulic power, lines of monks haul buckets of water up the stairs and dump them into the channel, creating flowing water. B7. The Fight Stage: The center of the arena serves as the 40-foot-by-80-foot fight stage. Around the fight stage’s perimeter stand six wooden scaffolds used to erect and operate fight stages.
The party is led to a large, well-furnished room at The White Tiger, an inn located next door to Yon Loi's Noodle House. The room itself is almost a small palace, with extravagantly carved stone foo dogs perched at the door. The statues are not actual guardians, but carved to look the part. Having sent word ahead, Marthysan has managed to accrue three extra beds to hold the entire party. The paladin himself books a much less expensive and formal room. Night falls... -------------------- It seems as if all of New Harbor - the small town hosting the tournament - wakes before dawn. Even as the dull orange sun creeps slowly over the eastern horizon, the fishermen have already crowded into their boats. They move swiftly, like blackened silhouettes dancing against dawn's watercolor pallet, eerily silent except for the shuffling of ropes and oars, and the caws of their trained cormorants. A light knocking at the door is accompanied by Marthysan's booming voice, "You'd best begin moving. You oughtn't be late for the opening exhibition."
As an aside, I am considering having a rematch after the tournament if everyone is interested, as this was definitely a fight above everyone's CR. Everyone will have gained a level by the tournament's end, and will have the potential to acquire some fairly powerful loot - both from the exhibition matches and tests, and from the Vault. I suppose we'll see when we get there if you all are interested in said rematch. In the more immediate future, that's it for me tonight (work tomorrow, woo). The tournament proper will begin tomorrow with some minor roleplaying and a full tournament explanation / rules outline by the Emissary. Then the games begin. *DM laugh*
Marthysan waves to the two other combatants as the leave to seek out their teammates. "Well, it seems I have a vacant suite that I have no intention of sleeping in. The accommodations are a bit too extravagant for me. Consider it a payment for a match well-fought." "In any case, I suggest you adjourn for the night," Marthysan says, squinting at the setting sun, "Tomorrow is a rather important day for you, and if you lose in the first round, it's just going to make me look all the worse." Marthysan lets out a sharp bark of laughter at his own joke. "As if you need anyone else to make you look bad," mutters Shu, drawing a grin from Marthysan.
Chung Po returns Jake's handshake with a crushing grip, "May we both last in the tournament for a rematch. I do not believe I caught your name...?" he says, trailing off expectantly. "Well," Marthysan says, clapping his hands together, "I believe I offered my quarters to the winning team, but we seem to have a problem. As I see it, we have a team consisting of six members, since Corlis and Karlia were made honorary members. It would be...unbecoming to split a team, but I believe that I can arrange for-" Chung Po interrupts Marthysan with a hand wave. "I came for a sparring match; a fight against such honorable opponents is reward enough. Thank you all," he says, bowing deeply, "but I believe it is time I re-joined my team." The half-orc similarly bows towards the party, then Marthysan, and points off towards the stands to indicate that she, too, is leaving.
The four fighters bow in turn to the other team. Marthysan steps over to Jake as the fight ends, and utters a short prayer to his goddess before placing one hand on Jake's chest, and one hand on his own wounds. A warm, healing energy washes over the magus and the paladin.
"Some fierce blows there. I don't think I've ever been forced to fight against such a unique weapon before. I think I'll survive, though," Marthysan says, bowing to Corlis. "Still, I think I am fortunate that I participated last year. I don't know how long I would last in the arena against the lot of you." Shu answers Jeevika's questions after dismissing his aura. The air around him ceases to ripple. "All spells are legal for the most part. Things such as spells that animate corpses or create simulacra have no place in the tournament, but most else is fair game. Spells that enhance abilities or provide a lasting effect, such as mage armor, can indeed be cast before matches. In fact, most matches will offer the opportunity - about a minute, say - to cast such spells before the fight officially begins. I believe more information should be provided tomorrow during the opening ceremony."
The half-orc points her sword at Corlis, then Karlia in turn, and turns her head towards Marthysan. The paladin shakes his head, and nods over towards Shu. "Our team, those two." Shu explains. "One in the fog, though, straight in the center." The half-orc nods and wordlessly plunges into the mist. She makes her way towards Jeevika, and lashes out with her bastard sword, coming up short as the elf yields.
Welp, that'll save an action this turn, I suppose.
Jeevika is able to notice that Risha has joined the crowd, and is watching the fight with great interest. High above, a golden-skinned creature with gleaming black fangs and dressed in fine silk robes watches from the judge's box. Jeevika is able to recognize the figure as Kiang Zhen, a female kuwa oni bound to the tournament Emissary's service - and by extension the Church of Abadar's service - for one hundred years. She too watches with more interest than might be normal. Shu's Turn:
The black tentacles reach out with greater force and tenacity than before. Shu's face registers a hint of worry as Jeevika calls in a sight-obscuring cloud of mist, although he quickly regains his composure. He flees away from Jeevika, and out of the fog. Shu casts a spell, directed at Corlis. "You've been recruited!" calls the short man. "Care to fight beside the champ?" Corlis' mind is very receptive to Shu's mental commands to change teams.
Move: 20 feet diagonal
Chung Po's Turn:
Chung Po attempts to pin Jake, further hampering the magus' mobility. Pinned. Chung Po's grapple is so fierce that it threatens to stun Jake (Stunning Fist attempt) x2 = 30 nonlethal Move: Maintain/pin
"I am afraid you will not be moving any time soon," Chung Po says.
Marthysan's Turn: Marthysan stands up, and shakes off the sand. He quickly heals himself, and mutters a short prayer to Iomedae. "Welcome to the team," Marthysan says to Corlis and Karlia hoarsely as he steps out of the mist. Move: Stand up
22 lethal, 0 nl (22)
31 does not overcome Chung Po's grapple CMB+11. 2nd round begins, everyone can make a perception check (no action) once it is their turn.
You would indeed be able to draw your weapon, although I was actually assuming that the combat began with all characters having weapons drawn. EDIT: Also, I just set it up so that everyone can control their own character's movement, but only their own. I believe that everyone's character is assigned to the correct player, but, as always, let me know if this is incorrect.
Every one of Corlis' blows seems to land on the paladin. Although the hits have clearly taken a lot out of him, he is still attempting to struggle to his feet. The half-orc surges forward, attempting to leap through the area protected by Corlis' whirling blade. She hefts a bastard sword with a blue glow in one hand, and a small, hooked club on a cord in the other. She lowers her sword to flicker out towards Corlis as she approaches.
"To be fair," Marthysan replies, standing up slowly in his heavy armor, "My championship match was against a rather vile contender. I tend to do better against them."
Shu's Turn:
The air around Shu begins to shimmer slightly as an aura ripples out from his body. His allies seem to be instilled with a heightened awareness. Shu's small fingers flit through the air as he casts a spell, and a roiling mass of blackened tentacles burst forth from the ground. The eunuch moves closer to his allies. Shu abstains from making any form of appeal to the crowds.
Chung Po's turn:
Chung Po rushes forward, charging directly at Jake. The monk aims at a vital spot in the hopes of stunning his foe.
Chung Po attempts to make a show of his attack, but the audience is unimpressed. Marthysan's turn:
Marthysan moves towards Corlis, raising his training falchion to attempt to deal a fierce strike.
The crowd starts indifferent towards the party, as they do not possess a former champion on their team.
@Jeevika: I believe that you must hit one of the conditions for performance combat in order to make a performance check. You can make a swift action check after:
You can make a check as a free action after:
If this would change your choice of action on your turn, feel free to do so.
"Of course magic is allowed" Marthysan says amiably. "If it wasn't, Shu would be absolutely useless. Well...more usel-" Shu cuts the half-elf off mid-sentence. "If you finish that thought, my first spell is aimed at the back of your head." Initiative rolls!:
"Dunno. How're we playing this one, Champ?" Chung Po asks Marthysan. "Why, to the death of course," replies Marthysan seriously, before letting out a short bark of laughter. "No, I imagine a combat of performance will do."
"It would be terribly boring without a wager, I think," Marthysan muses after his explanation. "How about...whoever wins, either my team or yours, will be allowed the use of my suite at the Golden Lion? The rooms reserved for me as the last year's champion are...overly generous. I have no need for so much room. Marthysan runs ahead before anyone can answer, and halts before a familiar short man some thirty feet away. The two talk in hushed voices. Perception DC 20:
"Are you mad? This has to be against some rule!" Shu whispers harshly. "Iomedae hasn't struck my powers off me for a sparring match yet," Marthysan whispers back blithely. "It's just a friendly match. I'm not using the Sword of Gathering on them." "Tch!" Shu tchs, "Fine, I'll go, but only to make sure nothing bad happens. Someone needs to watch your reckless back." "Much appreciated."
Marthysan returns to the group with Shu in tow. "Well, it seems we've all our members." Marthysan leads the two groups to the Grand Pavilion arena. Within the walls, towering bamboo scaffolds display great banners and flags of bright red and gold silk. Several members of the tournament are still setting up and bar entry to the arena, but a few words from Marthysan and Shu gain the fighters entry. The two teams enter the arena; the arena's sandy flooring has been freshly swept. A large crowd has gathered out of curiosity, although they scarcely fill the large stadium's seats. Marthysan wields a wooden training sword, although the half-orc holds a sword which is used for true combat. Chung Po, unarmed, adopts a Snapping Turtle crouch, a common fighting style of grapplers. Shu stands in the back sighing.
Roll20.net link is now up. I'm still learning how to use it to some degree, but I believe it should be operable. Please let me know if you can't move your characters or if there are any other problems; I may need to edit a few things yet.
I'm hoping to have the combat map up by Monday at the latest (likely Sunday evening); I will be using roll20 for that purpose. This sparring match will serve as in introduction to performance combat, and shouldn't last terribly long. While most of the later matches will involve some sort of variable terrain, this first match will be fairly straight-forward.
Marthysan lets out a sharp bark of laughter. "There's a blade like that in there, all right. I tried to pick it up out of curiosity and it zapped me almost immediately. I believe it said it refused to be wielded by a 'stuffed shirt paladin.' It called me several other names as I recall, though I suppose I ought not repeat them in so public a place." The half-elf stands up from the table and stretches. "Well, no time like the present, yeah?" Marthysan frowns slightly. "Although, this year the tournament is a team tournament. One-on-one combat seems a bit-" A man with a long braid and swirling tattoos running down his arms calls over from an adjacent table, "If you need another body, I'd be honored to fight with you, Marthysan!" The man walks over to the party's table and bows deeply. "Name's Chung Po. As it happens, I was about to suggest a friendly match to get into the spirit of competition, but this idea trumps that one easily." Several others in the noodle house perk up at the idea of fighting alongside the past year's victor, and also offer to take part in the sparring. Marthysan selects a green-skinned half-orc who wears a suit of studded leather with each stud seeming to shine like a star in the sky. She wears a small symbol of Desna as a clasp for her deep purple cloak. "I think I know where I can find a fourth," Marthysan says mysteriously. "Is everyone finished with their meals?"
A relatively young-looking man pulls a chair up beside the table, and takes a seat. Atop his forehead, a headband bearing the insignia of the Sword of Iomedae sits below a shock of brown hair. The light point of his ears hints at an elven heritage, although he is clearly not full-blooded. His features are Avistani. Around his neck drapes a medallion with bearing the Ruby Phoenix symbol. He wears a loose, light-blue tunic that covers a powerful, muscled torso. "Hoy there," he says casually. "How was the trip over?"
As the ferry pulls in to dock, a cheer erupts from the throng of waiting people. The crowd is largely dressed in traditional Gokan garb, although several wear bright ruby-colored clothes, armor, or regalia. The townsfolk shower the new arrivals with cherry blossoms and hand out ceramic cups filled with warm, pungent liquor. The crowd forms a reception that leads to the center of town, where a crowded noodle house with a small wooden sign that simply reads Yon Loi's serves a number of arrivals. The noodle house is a large, open-air structure centered around a courtyard filled with long, shaded tables. Smaller round tables fill a roofed balcony surrounding the courtyard, from which wealthier patrons and the tournament elite look over the establishment. The kitchen sits on the ground floor, behind a short partition. Townsfolk busily rush from table to kitchen and back, taking orders and bringing plates of food and bowls of noodles to hungry patrons. The party is lead to a table, and each receives a complimentary bowl of salty noodle soup containing fish and vegetables, along with a plate of fried rice mixed with a variety of local vegetables.
GM Stuff:
Risha listens attentively, but her face is unreadable. After everyone has said their piece, Risha shrugs, and responds to Jake's question. "Supposedly there will be some sort of dinner provided for participants. That is about all I have heard. Perhaps we..." Risha's voice trails off as she begins patting her pockets anxiously. "Ah!" she exclaims, "I seem to have misplaced my map of the tournament grounds! Apologies, but I must be going." Without saying another word, Risha shoulders her way through the crowd of people aboard the ship, and disappears into it. In the distance, a large mass of land grows ever larger as the ferry draws near. The island itself has an odd shape; it is akin to a crab's claw, reaching out to grasp the ferry. The ship passes through into the "claw," entering a strait that spans a thousand feet on either side. Large cliffs obscure the view further inland, although as the ship continues on its course, a settlement becomes apparent off the bow of the ship. About half a mile ahead lies a large dock. As the ship approaches, the dock reveals a mass of people who appear to be awaiting the ship's arrival.
"So..." Risha turns towards the rest of the group. "What can we expect to see in the tournament?"
"The ride should last under an hour. Now go, or you'll need wait for the next one!" Shu chides. The ship departs shortly after the team boards. Despite its homely appearance, the ship sails the water with ease, and the usual up-and-down motion that accompanies boat travel is minimal. The other passengers largely keep to themselves. Not long after the ship has departed, a young woman wearing the sky-blue garb of a Gokan fisherwoman and carrying a large pack approaches Corlis. "Corlis Tern? she exclaims, her voice a mixture of shock and admiration. "Here for the tournament?" The woman tips back her conical hat, revealing a lightly scarred face bearing the typical angular features of the Chelish. Without waiting for an answer, she thrusts out her hand in greeting. "Risha. That's my name, I mean. Is this your team? Have you fought together before? How do you all fight? Are you, I dunno, all trained in some super secret ancient fighting style that's going to blow away the spectators like BOOM with some kind of magic or earthbreakers or crazy grappling style handed down by your master or uncle or something?" Risha's eyes flit excitedly over the party, as if assessing them, as the words continue to babble out of her in a stream of consciousness.
"The team is assembled!" cheers Shu. "Well, then, onward and upward! Or onward, at least. Technically the temple is elevated above sea level, so we'll be going downward." Shu leads the team outside the temple. The view outside is picturesque; the city itself is a mass of bright reds, blues, and yellows. Several large pagodas can be seen towering above lesser constructions. Shu points out several small landmarks as he walks down to the dock, where the indistinguishable tang of the ocean fills the nostrils. The dull roar of small waves assaulting the shore creates a tranquil ambiance to clash with the busy clamor of the city. "And here we are," Shu announces, pointing to a ship. The "ferry" indicated is nothing more than a fishing ship, although one of reasonable size. Shu runs ahead of the party to speak with a member of the crew before waving them over. "What luck! The ferry is about to depart." The ship itself has a small crowd of people already on board, in addition to the crew. Several of them look toward the new arrivals with mixes of amusement, indifference, and impatience.
Thanks for letting us know. I hope everyone is well in your area!
Shu has largely remained quiet since Jeevika's mention of Treerazer, and has been stroking his long black beard in deep thought. Abruptly, he speaks, "Hao Jin did battle a number of oni in her time. I suppose it would not be unlikely for her to have possessed several objects that assisted in fighting or banishing outsiders. Evil outsiders in particular." Turning to Karlia, he answers a question she asked a few minutes ago, prior to an interruption from the sudden appearance of a white-haired elf. "I will be taking a separate ferry over later this evening. The ferry that you shall be boarding is reserved for participants and spectators lucky enough to secure a ticket for the tournament. I will, however, accompany you to the dock." Shu looks around the room, as if suddenly aware that there is something missing. "Hm. We appear a bit short-handed," he says, closing his eyes and placing two fingers on his forehead. "Ah, simulacra number three is still trying to figure out the scroll. For a copy of me, he's exceptionally simple-minded. No fear, though, I am certain your fourth team member will arrive in one piece." "Probably, anyway," Shu says with a concerned look. "Take a piece of advice from me: Never skimp on material components, especially when crafting intelligence.
Shu grasps Corlis' outstretched hand and pumps it up and down vigorously. As he releases his hand from Corlis' powerful grip, he inclines his head towards Karlia, indicating that he has indeed heard her question. "Glad to hear it!" he says, and leans forward conspiratorially. "And the audience will be eager to see it. Unfortunately, the tournament doesn't begin until tomorrow. Today, you will simply be taking a ferry ride to the island, and have some time to get settled. Meals will be provided on the island for all participants, and you should arrive in time for dinner. A fried rice dish of some sort, I believe," Shu adds, eyes darting upwards as if checking a mental menu. "If all of your team is prepared, we can depart for the ferry immediately."
Having arrived at the temple at the designated time - or earlier - the small man greets the qualifiers. He fishes in the sleeve of his robe and produces a scroll with several magic runes etched upon its surface. The eunuch extends his hand towards each qualifier, palm up. "We are going to teleport to the target location, now," he sighs. "You may experience some slight traveling sickness. I was once told to think of my favorite food to counteract it, but that advice is exceedingly terrible. I couldn't eat candies for a week; I associated them with the teleportation. Think of a food you hate. Worst thing that'll happen is you hate it more." As he makes contact with the prospective tournament goer, he utters a command, and the world vanishes. When it reappears, all four of the victors of the qualifying tournament stand in a room almost identical to the one in which they previously were standing, complete with a man identical to the wizards that teleported them to this location. "Welcome!" chirps the robed man merrily. "I am Shu Huang Zhe, one of the tournament officials and your personal escort to the ferry that will take you to Xielan Island. I trust my simulacra explained everything and prepared you suitably for the journey?"
I have no problem with elementals being able to use somatic components, verbal components, and Eschew Materials will cover the material components. Either way, it's not going to break the game.
Jake:
The eunuch eyes your blade, and nods in understanding. "I personally have never been inside the vault. That is restricted only to the Emissary and tournament victors," The man furrows his brow in deep thought for a moment before answering. "That said, Hao Jin accepted many challenges over the years, and often set wagers as a requirement for prospective challengers. To thin the number of challengers, see. The most common wager were weapons; the loser would forfeit his or her weapon to the winner." Pausing for only a moment, the ruby-robed man abruptly sings a segment from the middle of a popular song, The Ruby Phoenix Reborn:
With no preamble, the eunuch switches instantly back to speaking rather than singing. "Jiang Kun, the legendary bandit, of course. Said to have once robbed a caravan transporting a blade of great power, and to have claimed it for himself." The man offers Jake a small shrug. "Then again, legends start with stories, which stem from rumors. There may be a kernel of truth in the song, but," he pauses for emphasis, "there may not be."
Karlia Riftsbane:
Karlia's search reveals several relics that might be found in the vault: -Balanced Scales: a pair of scales that perpetually hang in balance no matter how much weight is placed on either side. It is said that channeling energy into the scales allows the wielder to direct a burst of negative energy towards a single target with great force, while simultaneously healing the wielder. -Crown of the Simurgh: a minor artifact that was granted to Hao Jin by a simurgh; although normally the crown only functions for a single creature for whom it was crafted, the simurgh that created this crown is said to have been bound by Hao Jin to serve whoever could win the crown from her, or from her tournament after death. The crown itself offers protection from evil, and the ability to receive advice (in in times of dire need, protection) from the simurgh. -Cloak of Wind and Waves: a cloak holy to the god Gozreh. The cloak is said to grant its wearer the ability to traverse on air and through water with the ease that most terrestrial creatures walk on earth. Unfortunately, its innate raw magics tend to cause weather mishaps of varying degrees of import wherever the wearer travels while wearing the cloak. Jeevika: The eunuch nods gravely to Jeevika. "Ah, Wu Dizhen, the earth sorceress. She brought shame to the tournament entire. She, and her sister." The human's eyes darken at the mention of Wu's name, and his hands ball into small fists as he continues, "Wu Dizhen's numerous infractions were only discovered after the fact, save one: she and her sister, Wu Jufeng, were trading places. Often mid-battle. When one sister was injured, she would simply obscure the arena in mist, cast a spell of invisibility, or one of many such tricks to hide herself. Then, the other sister would switch places with her. The new sister, of course, would be fully invigorated, while the opponent still suffered wounds from the previous sister. We suspected something was amiss, but were unable to prove it until the final match of the tournament." The eunuch's scowl slowly melts into a bright grin, as his eyes focus back to Jeevika. "She was disqualified and forever banned from the tournament, of course. And to answer your first question, dancing is certainly promoted, especially those who weave it into their fighting styles. The tournament is an audience affair as well as a continuation of the legacy of Hao Jin and dedication to Abadar. The flashier the fight, the better!"
"The victor accepts!" calls the man in a loud voice. He turns towards the winner of the final match, and speaks at a much quieter volume. "Well, time to say goodbye to the crowd. Follow me, please." The man departs the arena with you in tow and the two of you - along with the bodyguards - arrive at a local temple of Abadar. He leads you to a small circular room, and turns to face you. "Congratulations! Your fighting prowess has been-" he cuts himself off and frowns. "No, wait, that was on the Emissary's message. Er, well." The man's brow furrows in thought. "Well, we'll cut the pomp then, shall we? You have won the qualifying tournament, which would mean that you have, well, qualified. Now, normally the tournament doesn't hold qualifiers, and simply hand picks the best and most renowned combatants from around the world to participate. "But," the small man proclaims, thrusting one finger upwards as he speaks, "This year, that is not the case. The reasons for this are twofold," the man holds up a single finger. "One! To spread knowledge of the tournament. After all, if the qualifiers are held the world over, more people are certain to draw interest, and all the better for Abadar and the legacy of Hao Jin." The man ticks up a second finger. "Two! The tournament will have a slightly different structure this year, as you may have heard. "The previous tournament had a complication," the eunuch practically spits out the last word. "One of the combatants was found to be cheating. The Emissary believes that the new structure will reduce, and hopefully eliminate, the potential for such behavior. In short, the tournament will be held in teams of four. While those who are hand-picked will be able to choose their teams, I'm afraid the qualifier victors will not have that luxury, I'm afraid. You will be forced to participate with the other victors. It will be interesting, I think, to see how well complete strangers can work as a team." "You are to meet me back here in precisely one week's time, when the sun is at its peak. You will then be transported to meet the other members of your team." The official gives a curt bow. "Any questions?"
I hadn't planned on doing PFS chronicle sheets, but mostly only because I've never filled one out before. I can certainly fill them out and send them; I've got a scanner, so it should be easy enough.
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