GM Will-Save's page

Later, after Jiang Fei arrives back at her apartment where you are waiting, she thanks you for your help and hands over all the loot she managed to pocket. Your success in the teahouse, although a bit sketchy at times, was enough to garner much attention for the Jade Ogre school. She then reveals that the heirloom which depicts the location of the lost palace is her jade comb, which she takes out of her hair. She says you may study the comb, take notes, copy the carving, whatever you may need, short of taking the comb, or even removing it from her apartment as you study it. The comb, after all, is all she has left of what belonged to her family.
This concludes the Teahouse quest. I hope you all enjoyed it. Treble will “see” you all in our final quest. Thanks for playing!

Green watches the slightly bizarre look of a practitioner of the arcane hopping toward him. The distraction, and the previous injuries sustained, are enough to let Elmenar's kick make it through. As the kick connects with the man's solar plexus, a loud audible wheeze escapes his lips. His eyes glaze over, his arms drop to his side, he wobbles in place, refusing to fall down. All goes silent as the crowd collectively holds its breath to see what happens next.
The silence is broken by the slight crunch of light footsteps walking on the debris. Jiang Fei calmly makes her way through the teahouse and stops before the Scorpion School student in green. She looks at him a moment, reaches up and lightly touches the man on the forehead. The waiting crowd explodes in cheers as the defeated student crashes to the floor.
Amidst all the yelling and commotion, Jiang Fei manages to tell you to make your way back to her apartment. She deftly pockets any potions or valuables she finds on the fallen Scorpion students before the crowd can get too close. She then starts selling her school, proclaiming that the defeat of four experienced students was accomplished by a group of mostly arcane users of magic after less than one day of absolute basic training. As you make your way out of the establishment, you are passed by more and more people anxious to see what all of the ruckus is about.

The soreness in Eyden's legs show as he misses yet again.

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar -9 hp
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red unconscious
Eyden
Yellow -12 hp, unconscious
Blue -10 hp, unconscious
Ohm-Eran-10 hp

The mystical elf proves once again that anyone can learn anything. Not only does the powerful blow connect, but there in suddenly a lump of a scorpion lying on the floor directly behind Ohm-Eran.
Zadim takes great advantage of Yellow’s fumble and delivers a similar punch to Elmenar’s, causing the woman to fly back. As her body falls it hits the corner of a nearby table, flinging various eating implements high into the air. One particular bowl of soup lands upside-down on Yellow’s head, draping her in a wet, stringy wig. From the crowd of on-lookers, someone shouts out ”That’s using your noodle!” A wave of laughter follows closely behind. Jiang-Fei looks pleased.
Ohm-Eran continues to flail, trying desperately to connect some part of him to some part of one of the Scorpion School students, but they seem to be falling all around him before he can get part of the action.
Green, bewildered at the sudden turn of events, tries to disengage, but is in no condition for a full retreat. Instead he stumbles away, trying to guard himself the best he can. His labored breathing and wild eyes belie the fact that he is barely standing. He feels that last swing from the skilled man would have taken him down, regardless how hard he was hit.

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar -9 hp
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red unconscious
Eyden
Yellow -12 hp, unconscious
Blue -10 hp, unconscious
Ohm-Eran-10 hp

Hey everyone. Got caught up in meetings all day yesterday, and may be a bit before I can normally post today.

Eyden's attempt to kick Green winds up looking like a shy kid kicking the dirt when a pretty girl looks at him. Yellow, seeing blow after blow connecting with her companions, decides to try a different tactic. Targeting the biggest threat, Zadim, her fist lashes out, seeking the bundle of nerves that will stun him and keep him from following after her. But, Zadim manages to "wax-the-cart" and blocks the punch.

She moves away, trying to get out of the danger zone. Unfortunately, her foot steps on a broken chair leg and she loses her ability safely step away. Difficult terrain, no 5-foot step. Attack of Opportunity from Zadim and Ohm-Eran.
Blue is no longer able to process his failure and also starts moving away. He has just enough sense to try to make for an exit, but fails to realize he's just put himself into a flanked position!

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar -9 hp
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red unconscious
Eyden
Yellow -5 hp
Blue shaken & disabled --1 round, -9 hp
Ohm-Eran-10 hp

Green, still reeling from the first hit, continues trying to get away. He steps away again and starts fumbling in his pouch.
Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar -9 hp
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red unconscious
Eyden
Yellow -5 hp
Blue shaken & disabled --2 rounds, -9 hp
Ohm-Eran-10 hp

Paizo keeps eating my posts!
Elmenar, valiant though he may be, still seems out of his element as his attack once again goes wide as Yellow turns just enough to avoid the attack. However, Zadim proves to be the force to be reckoned with as he delivers yet another powerful hit to Yellow.

Ohm-Eran’s focus quickly changes to Blue as he sees Red drop and Elmenar struggling to keep his own. The solid punch connects into the foe’s chest, causing Blue to give an audible ”Umph!” He glares at Ohm-Eran. ”I can’t believe I thought you were my friend!”, he says, and swings at him.

As Elmenar steps away he swings wildly, missing the opponent by a large margin. Nearby, though, Zadim continues to show his expertise in his field as he not only manages to beautifully execute the Jade Ogre maneuver, but his opponent flies into the table behind him and drops to the floor like a heap of dirty laundry. The shoddy table splinters as the body crashes into it.
Ohm-Eran, since red dropped, you may use this roll against another opponent, if you wish.

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar-9 hp
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red unconscious
Eyden
Yellow
Blue shaken -3 rounds
Ohm-Eran

Eyden's nervousness and unfamiliarity with physical combat show. His jabbing kick misses the target. In fact, it is unclear exactly which target he was aiming for.
Yellow decides it's time to turn the tide. She rushes toward Elmenar a tries to drive her knee into Elmenar's chest. Blue follows behind and also attempts to plant his fist in the side of the wizard's head.

Zadim steps forward and pauses at the front of the group. He drops into the stance that Jiang Fei drilled into them, and with a smirk, gestures for the Scorpion students to come.

Move
Ready action - attack the first guy in range.

** spoiler omitted **

Since you already had this action readied, I will use this roll.

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar
Green -9 hp, disabled
Red
Eyden
Yellow
Blue shaken -4 rounds
Ohm-Eran

Your message not only seems to get through to Blue, it seems to resonate to his very core. "But...How...? I thought we were...?", he stammers. You think he may have just peed a little. By this time, most of the patrons and staff have moved out of the way. Several spectators crowd around the windows and block the doorway, straining to watch the impending fight. Jiang Fei stands at the back of the room, waiting for the opportune moment to start proclaiming the praises of her school. Somewhere from the corner of the room, an older man sits, a small smile on his face. He quietly says, "Remember...Paint the Fence."

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar
Green
Red
Eyden
Yellow
Blue shaken-4 rounds
Ohm-Eran

Green and Red eye you warily, not really expecting someone that appears ready to fight back, especially in equal numbers. They both reach into their belt pouches and remove small vials, popping the tops and quickly chugging the contents down. Move to retrieve, standard to drink. When Eyden joins the others in his readied stance, Yellow follows suit and urges the others. "What are you waiting for? Get them, already!" Blue, still under the influence of the spell, looks to Ohm-Eran and says, "Hey, friend. Tell your companions to stand down. I don't want to hurt them, but I will if I must." He likewise pulls a potion and hurriedly drinks it.

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar
Green
Red
Eyden
Yellow
Blue
Ohm-Eran

How do I calculate my to hit modifier?

Of course. Melee attack is BAB+Strength Modifier+Size Bonus(if any). Based on your character, your dice roll would be 1d20 for attack, 1d6-1 for damage. With the Jade Ogre training, you have essentially gained the Improved Unarmed Strike feat.

It just so happens you do not have to wait long. The one “wearing” blue makes his way toward you.

He responds with slightly confused look as he tries to figure out why he cannot remember your name, being such good friends as you are. He completely forgets why he got up in the first place and, smiling at the re-acquaintance with such a good friend, returns to his companions to try to convince them.

While Red slaps Blue for such a stupid statement, Yellow stands up, points at you and shouts,"You fools! Jade Ogre is laughable. You're all as soft as the dumplings it's known for!"

Bold may act:
Zadim
Elmenar
Green
Red
Eyden
Yellow
Blue
Ohm-Eran

Jiang Fei cringes at the off-key song. The reaction from the Scorpion students is less than what was hoped for. Instead of taking insult, the four students regard Eyden with passing interest, perhaps thinking him a patron who just imbibed a little too much. They do seem to be paying a little more attention to you than before, though. Honestly, I’m interested to see Ohm-Eran’s idea.

The next morning, Jiang Fei offers you a hearty breakfast of dumplings, then leads you to the teahouse. You have a short time to prepare yourselves before you arrive. As you walk to the teahouse, she reminds you of the goal to fully demonstrate the Jade Ogre style. ”Using manufactured weapons is greatly frowned upon, as is lethal force. We are here to promote my school, not bring it dishonor.”

The Wang Li Fa Teahouse is well lit and nicely decorated, with elaborate murals painted on the walls displaying the feats of local heroes. The furniture and serving dishes of the place are somewhat at odds with the decor though, and seem to be of cheap, rough make. The numerous patrons of the teahouse don’t seem to mind, and the place bustles with servers moving around and patrons chatting. She leads you to an unoccupied table near the front wall of the teahouse. She points out the Scorpion School students in the far corner of the teahouse.
”There are the students. Now it just remains to somehow get them to fight. I ask you do not just go up and threaten them, though. I do not want the Jade Ogre school to gain the same reputation they already have. They are very easy to offend. Any ideas?”

”Very well, then. Let us begin the training.” She leads you to a park located just behind her apartment. There, several makeshift mannequins have been set up. This is obviously where she practices and plans to train her students. She starts by having you all kneel on mats lined up in the middle of the park.
”Since we only have today to train, I will only show you the basics. Jade Ogre primarily focuses on disabling the foes ability…” she starts. Insert favorite training montage here.
After several hours, you all are able to properly execute the four basic moves of Jade Ogre style. It is after dark before Jiang Fei stops, realizing there is nothing more she can teach you in the remaining time while still allowing you to rest up. For the rest of the scenario, you all can use the Jade Ogre style, referenced here: PFSPrep: Jade Ogre Style. There is also a link next to the Maps link above my avatar.

Welcome back, everyone. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Let’s get back to it, shall we?

Jing Fei shakes her head. ”There is no tournament, and no schools that take challenges…exactly. There is another school, the Scorpion School, that trains its pupils to be braggarts and bullies. They frequent a local establishment, the Wang Li Fa Teahouse. It is well known that fights frequently break out there. I wish for you to go to this teahouse and goad them into a fight, then best them using only the four basic moves of the Jade Ogre style.” She looks at the two spellcasters. ”Yes, Jade Ogre is effective. Even magic users are able to use this style. This would garner much positive attention for my school. After, I will share the information with you which Mai Chun requires.”
”I can teach you the basics of Jade Ogre in one day. There is a small festival tomorrow which will attract extra customers to the teahouse. This will be the perfect time to demonstrate my technique. Do we have an agreement?”

With the (American) holiday this weekend, I will continue to try to post daily, but may be unable to depending on travel. If anyone will not be able to post in the next few days, please let the group know. Everyone have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! We'll get back into the full flow on Monday, for sure.

Jiang Fei does not seem offended at all by the comment. ”Honorable words, indeed,” she says. ”I assure you, this is no front for illegal activities. Rather, ever since Lung Wa fell and the Summer Palace was abandoned, my family has had poor luck. No matter how we tried, we could never seem to avoid financial misfortune. While my dumpling shop does stay in business, it does little more than that. That is where the School of the Jade Ogre comes in. I have developed a style of martial art I call the Jade Ogre style. I have only had a couple of people show interest, and it is very difficult for a new martial art school to gain ground, especially if it is not well financed.”
She looks at each of you in turn. ”I would ask of you four to learn the basics of Jade Ogre style, then use your training to… promote the school by demonstrating its’ effectiveness.”

”Indeed. I had hoped you were the group Mai Chun was sending. And, yes. There is a favor I would ask of you before providing the information Mai Chun seeks. And it does involve the School of the Jade Ogre.” She pauses a moment before continuing. ”I think it best to speak with you privately. If you will excuse me for a moment?” Without waiting for an answer, she rises and proceeds to speak to the few customers still sitting. Without any word of protest, the customers hurriedly finish up and leave, as if this were an everyday occurrence. After the last one leaves, Jiang Fei closes shop and invites you into her home. Humble furnishings occupy the cramped apartment, indications of a person just managing to scrape by.

After bringing in some chairs from her shop, Jiang Fei kneels on a mat. ”Let us get straight into it, then. Mai Chun is seeking information on the location of the Summer Palace. My family once served there, and I have a family heirloom that depicts the palace, along with nearby landmarks. I will allow you to copy the depiction…if you help me promote the Jade Ogre School.” She looks at you, waiting to answer any questions that arise.

She brightens at the query. ”Yes, indeed. Please, let me get you some tea. I will tell you about the Jade Ogre Style shortly. Let me take care of my other customers and I will return.” Jiang Fei hurriedly brings hot tea to your table and goes about making sure the other patrons are taken care of. She then returns and sits at your table.
”What exactly would you care to know?”

The woman serving the customers approaches. Wearing the simple garb of a martial artist, the only real color visible in her attire is a beautiful jade comb she uses to keep her long black hair up. She smiles demurely and bows slightly.”Welcome to Jiang Fei’s Dumpling House and School of the Jade Ogre Style. I am Jiang Fei. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” She gestures to one of the empty tables. ”Have you come for food, friendship or…” she eyes your weapons warily, ”…fighting?”

In case it was missed in the Discussion tab, here's the link for part 4. HoHW: Teahouse

I actually meant to put this here, not in the discussion tab twice.

You arrive in Lanming without incident. Lanming seems a fairly typical town one can expect to find on the continent of Tian Xia, although one thing does stand out: there seem to be an extraordinarily high number of martial art schools. The bustling activity provides several opportunities to inquire about the School of the Jade Ogre. After several confused looks from several when asked about the school. You happen upon one individual who replies, ”Oh! You mean the Dumpling House!”
His directions lead you to a poorer section of Lanming. The shouts of merchants hawking wares and students practicing their forms are quieter in this part of the city, but the streets still bustle with activity. Rows of old and run-down dwellings line the streets. One small apartment has been converted into a food stall, where a handsome woman with dark hair chats with a few customers. The sign above the shop reads “Jiang Fei’s Dumpling House and School of the Jade Ogre Style.”

We can get going once Elemenar joins us.

In case it was missed in the Discussion tab, here's the link for part 4. HoHW: Teahouse

It's our fourth quest, isn't it?

It is our fourth. I miscounted which one was mine and didn't catch the mistake in time to edit the post.

You make your way back to the house of Mai Chun. She unfortunately is not home, but has left you a message concerning your next task. Handout

Treble Tan, after completing three of the tasks put before the group, feels it necessary to take three days to meditate on recent events. He takes his leave, promising to return before long.

I haven't been in four years. I went the three years before that, which was also before I started playing PFS, or any TTRPG's. And although I will not be going to Gencon, I will be on vacation August 11-13, but since that's mostly the weekend, it shouldn't affect much.

So, I think I have this set up correctly. Let's see....
HoHW: "Teahouse"

Welcome all! Please post here to connect this thread to your characters. I think that's how this works...

Mighty Lung Wa once controlled much of Tian Xia, but the empire crumbled a century ago. Three Successor States have squabbled for dominance ever since, each insisting that it alone is the rightful inheritor of Lung Wa's glory. In the shadow of these mighty nations, the humble land of Shokuro has sought the means to discourage its neighbors' territorial ambitions and earn their respect. When a retired hero learns of a lost, legendary palace that might protect relics of the old empire, she calls on the Pathfinder Society for assistance finding the fabled site. The PCs must travel to each of the Successor States in search of clues to uncover the palace and the treasures within.

Quain is a nation of heroes and the home of hundreds of martial arts masters. Some of these masters are highly respected and lead renowned schools, while others struggle to perfect and promote their style. Jiang Fei is the latter sort of master, having developed her own fighting style that hasn’t yet caught on. Jiang Fei might have been destined for mediocrity and obscurity, but she happens to be the custodian of an item of great interest to Mai Chun.

This is the third quest in the series of five. I look forward to being your host through this adventure. And this will also be my first time GMing a PbP!

For the scenarios we’re playing, should we use one of our own characters or do you prefer we run pregens?

That was actually going to be my next question.

I do not have the adventure, although having played it twice I would like to request the teahouse quest.

Greetings and salutations kind, newly-met friends! Here be I, GM Will-save Get it? Cuz my name is Will. Get it? purveyor of all things something...something...

How's that for a start?

One way I like to think of the GM is the heart of the story, while the players are the blood. The blood is the most important part: without blood there is no life. But the blood will stagnate and die if the heart doesn't keep pumping, moving that blood forward. Not the strongest metaphor, but both are essential for the life of the story. My friend and I like to say something when we GM: "If the players have fun, we have fun." The GM is there to help the players believe they are in the story.

Hey there, everyone. My name is Will, and I set up this alias in anticipation of this. Right now I'm on my phone, and just wanted to post so it will show up in my campaigns. Where have I heard that before? Looking forward to adventuring/GMing with you.