[IC] Modular Pathfinder

[JBRam2002]

Sigurx's Cave

---

The group held its ground and waited for the others to catch up, as it was obvious that the troll had noticed them. Once Detta caught up, she stopped about 30 feet from the troll, and after using Detect Evil, began to speak diplomatically. "Are you Sigurx? Pardon the sneak, but we were expectin' one a bit more violent. Now, I am against hurting anyone that don't deserve it, but some sod over at Fort Ramsgate wants yer head. Don't suppose you could tell us why?"

"I's a troll. If there ain't no bounty, then people don't know we exist," the troll replied with a shrug. "I's Sigurx, but you probably know that, assumin' ya can read."

Detta chuckled. "Took me a few years, but I got the hang of it." She puts a gauntleted fist on her hip. "Why do you dislike the goblins and not us? The hobgobs, right?"

>Detta rolls Diplomacy. Result: 17

The troll hoisted the giant club on its shoulder and eyed Detta for a moment with the one good eye. "Ya see this burn?" he asked, pointing to the massive scarring on his face. "That's why. Gobs been tormentin' me fer years. They only recently stopped."

A wince. "Years?" Detta said with a frown. "The bastards..."

>Detta rolls Sense Motive. Result: Natural 1. The troll seems incapable of lying. At least, not well. Kyra also rolls Sense Motive with a result of 20. She receives basically the same result - The troll does not seem very good at lying. He has a lot of anger and frustration at the hobgoblins, though, but also, oddly, a lot of fear towards them.

Detta shook her head. "Name's Detta. Turns out my friends and me 'ave a job for driving off some folks that carry the same banner as we jus' found in a hobgoblin cave not far. If you tell us everything you know 'bout them, I promise we'll give the bandy-legged shites what-for."

>Detta rolls Diplomacy. Result 22. Detta's annoyed that the hobgoblins would do this to anything, let alone a troll.

The troll snorted in anger, apparently recalling the abuse he had faced previously. "I've gots some info on them gobs, fer sure. They met up with some human shite. One of them two warring groups that have been playin' footsy over that tower for years. He had some lady with 'im, and she got the gobs to fight fer em. That's why they left, finally leaving poor ol' Sigurx alone. You take em out, and maybe I'll be grateful."

Tapping her chin, Detta hummed in thought. "How many hobgoblins went with the shite and the lady? And, oh, a few'll meet my axe at least, Sigurx. Doubtless."

"Eh... how many... Erm... More 'n you lot, fer sure. Numbers ain't my strong suit." The troll shrugged, almost apologetically. "If you saw that cave of theirs, then you can probably guess as good as I."

At this point, Kyra has left the bushes and stood by the Dwarf, bow still drawn but not taking aim. Valerio decided to make himself more presentable via fixing the tears of his clothes using a Mending spell.

Detta raised her hands. "Right, fair." She eyed the troll's club. And sniffed. "Have you got anymore facts about the humans they met?" Detta asked.

>Diplomacy again. Result: 12.

The troll gave a shrug. "That lady is craftier than she looks. Other 'n that, dunno much about em. Wasn't around long enough to have tea 'n crumpets, if ya know what I mean."

Valerio waltzed towards Detta after his clothes are properly mended, his hands raised as a peaceful gesture.

"Right, right," Detta put one foot forward and raised a finger. "One more question, then we go hunting and leave you alone. You like the taste o' squirrel, Sigurx?"

"Squirrel? Bit crunchy fer my taste. Lots of small bones. Will do in a pinch though. What of it?"

"Well..." Detta produced the squirrel Valerio handed her earlier. The lifeless dented thing dangled by the tail between her thumb and forefinger. "Fancy pants 'ere-" Detta jerked her head in Valerio's direction. "-is adamant that this not go to waste. But, well, we don't so much need it. Waste of food ain't nothing good. You want it?"

>Roll Diplomacy again. Good thing you got ranks in it. Result: 24.

Valerio protested with a timely "... Hey!"

"Quit whining Val, you said to offer it," Detta said.

The troll eyed the squirrel, then the paladin, then the squirrel again. He stepped forward and held his massive hand out to receive it. "Thanks, I guess," he said, still unsure of the gift. "Free food is free food, right?"

"Could have addressed me by my name, you know. My pants aren't that fancy..." Valerio said to Detta.

"They's pretty fancy," the troll muttered.

With that being said, Valerio clears his throat, before giving a big ol' diplomatic smile. "Why, thank you. I'd also like to say that your..." He notices the troll is wearing a stanky ol' loincloth. It's tattered, barely covering anything, and certainly not fancy. "... That loincloth of yours is quite exquisite, as well. Compliments your... sinuous muscles, and your... beautifully green skin! You look of a troll nobody wants to mess with!"

"Sure..." the troll replies hesitantly, looking down at his loincloth then back to Valerio, a somewhat confused expression on his face. "Ceptin maybe them gobs, I suppose."

Stifling a snort, Detta handed over the squirrel and answered the troll. "Call the food appreciation for your time, Sigurx. Now." Detta straightened and smiled. "I won't make you do promises, Sigurx, but if I hear about you causing any more bother for the pink-skins about this place..." She waggled a finger. "I'll be coming back to'ave a stern chat to you, alright? You been nice to us. Keep it that way for the good folks wanderin' the roads, if you please."

"Ah, yes, the hobgoblins. Right and proper shitesniffers, aren't they?" Valerio added.

"I's keeps to me own. Only bother those lookin' fer a fight. Too old ta go beatin' up on people, but that don't stop them from takin' shots." Sigurx sighed and turned back to Valerio. "Look, you been good to me. I ain't lookin' to sniff no one's shite, so what is it you want?"

"Good enough for me, friend." Satisfied, Detta nodded deeply and took a step back to wait.

Valerio, however, continued. "Like my friend Detta said, we're no friends with the hobgoblins. And I'm sure you'd want to get back at them, too, if you got the chance? We can arrange that, if you'd like, as a way to play on both our strengths."

>Roll Diplomacy. Result: 25.

Sigurx snorted, then stopped to think for a moment. "I's listenin..."

"As you can tell, we're small and puny, all the four or five of us. We won't be able to take 'em all on our own in an all-out assault, that's for sure, but we can sneak in and take out the bulk of their ranks, or at least a nice chunk of 'em. Sigurx, on the other hand, is big, and strong. You can smash their faces in like it's nothing! But of course, being big and strong and all also means you're pretty noticable... unless us small and punies can sneak in their fortress and prepare you a nice and proper entrance."

"Right..." The troll seems to be nodding, but is having trouble following the specifics of what Valerio is saying.

Valerio's smile almost faltered. Almost. "So here's what I'm suggesting. We sneak in and cut down their numbers some, perhaps even take out whatever it is that burned you, while you wait a good distance away, far enough so they won't see you, but close enough so that you can come in at any time. And then you just sit tight and wait for our signal. Once we call you in, you'll be in fine shape to come crashing in and smashing some hobgoblin skulls!"

>Roll Diplomacy. Result: 26.

Sigurx scratched his head, trying to wrap his brain about the whole proposal. "So... you's sayin' you want me to follow ya, then wait fer you to tell me to bash some squishies? Dunno how I's gonna hear your signal and not be seen, though. That tower sees a long ways."

"We'll make a smoke signal. Do you think you'll be able to see that by the treeline?"

Sigurx shrugged in response. "Might be. Somethin' loud might be better. Tower's usually burnin' somethin to stay warm or ta eat."

"I might have a spell to call you in... if not, then we'll make sure that the smoke will be distinct. In a pattern, if you will."

"Hrm... And how do I let ya know they's spotted me? Cause small and puny can be strong in many numbers. I ain't lookin' to be burned again."

"We may have a spell for that." Valerio mentioned, and started thinking to himself for a second. He looked back at his allies while he did so. "We'll most likely be on a rooftop or a balcony when we send the signal, so we will be able to see you from the treeline. If you don't think it is a right time to go in, then you can stay in the trees if you'd like. Otherwise, roar your loudest if you're planning on going in after we call."

"If you's plannin' to sneak in, you probably wants to do it at night. Gobs don't see so good at night, so you's be sneakin' easier. But if they see me, I's chargin' in the front door. Might give you lot a distraction at the least." Sigurx sighed and shook his head. "Guess it'll be one last glory run for ol' Sigurx. Give me a bit to grab my things, and we can go."

The brow furrowed an arched quizzically atop Kyra's face. She seemed genuinely impressed that these two had managed to convince the trog to potentially give its life to their mercenary's quest.

>The group has successfully recruited Sigurx. The party gains 1600 EXP.

[Zverda]

While Hanani had remained silent during the entire exchange, mostly because he knew he would more than likely say something that would diminish Detta's attempt at befriending the creature, the fact that the assistance of a Troll would be great did not allude him. "I could Vanish you to give you a larger element of surprise," he offered to Sigurx, "It will last until you attack something, so it could allow you to get into the middle of them before exacting your own brand of revenge for what they have done to you."

While he waited for the Troll to answer him, he was met with a minor annoyed sound in his mind from Mercy who is simply not for helping the creature. However, he simply ignored her words of protest and brushed off her attempt to push her will against his, the attempt puny at most. "As much as I may not care, how do the rest of you feel about this idea? It will make his distraction far more effective," he told them, turning to his group of comrades. If they liked the idea it would only solidify his resolve to do as such, the Troll agreed to help them so he would at least give the Troll the best chance to act as a distraction to allow the group to get where they needed to go. While he simply viewed the creature as a tool, he knew the importance of ensuring the Tool was used to the fullest extent that it could be, this was the only spell that he could think of that would be useful to Sigurx.

[JBRam2002]

Fangwood Keep

---

Once Sigurx collected his gear, the group continued their trek towards Fangwood Keep, spending an uneventful night worriedly keeping watch over a snoring troll. As the sun began to set, the forest thinned out ahead, revealing a wide river valley cleared of trees. The path descended for a quarter mile to a single stone bridge that spanned the river, then continued up a small hill. Atop this barren hill sat a small, two-story fort surrounded by a thick, partially collapsed outer wall. The area all around the keep within a quarter mile had been cleared of stones, trees, and any other sort of cover. Until nightfall, it would be relatively impossible to pass unseen. The bridge over the Marideth seems to be the only place to easily cross the swiftly-flowing river, though it is also obviously well within sight of anyone stationed on one of the keep's ramparts.

>The group may make a Perception check if they wish.

[Muttonhawk]

"Eh, I'll say what I think when we get there," Detta answered Hanani before they got going. "Makin' our new friend invisible for a bit don't sound like a bad idea at all, but I won't assume our circumstances too quick, yeah?"

---

The final leg to the fort was thankfully less concerning than Detta expected. Any thoughts of Sigurx turning on them during the night was comforted by how loudly the troll snored.

Detta slowed to a stop when they crested the last rise before the cleared river valley. "Ah, look at that," She said. "I thought we weren't makin' any sort a' good time for a while there." She turned her head and nodded to the side. "Lets get to a spot where we can take a closer look."

>Perception: 20
>Knowledge (Engineering): 12

The group found themselves a place to look from a distance by the tree line. Detta shaded her eyes from the setting sun to squint at the fort and its occupants. She winced. "Look at state o' the thing. A wonder its still standing. A sorry mess that everyone man's had a turn in." She couldn't help but huff a laugh. "Not that kind, mind you."

The words drew her thoughts to the shapes walking in the valley. "They're treatin' her like a princess, though. Not a thing's gettin' cross that river without those folks up top seein'. Not before dark, at any rate. Our best bet's lookin' for a pattern of circles carved into one of the rocks like Gavirk said. Should be one of them over there." Detta waved a hand across to the larger stones on the north side of the keep facing them.

[JBRam2002]

Fangwood Keep

---

Kyra and Claudia ventured forward, hoping to stay under the cover of twilight as the scoped the area out. Remaining behind, the others began to determine the size and rotations of the enemy army, hoping to locate a particular weak point. However, less than five minutes into their studies, the sound of a horn could be clearly heard from the keep. Movement could be seen on the ramparts, and it looked like positions were being reinforced. Worse, a group of about a half-dozen soldiers were marching forward from the breach in the wall, heading straight towards Claudia and Kyra. It looked like the alarm was raised.... This definitely did not get any easier.

>The Keep is on high alert!

Patrol Map!

[Ermine]

Rusalka saw the patrol approaching, but remained by the trees and remained as quiet as possible as her companion drew attention back to the group...and to the bridge. But she knew the dog would still be an issue. She'd had to escape dogs before, but that was in the city. Still, dogs can't xlimb trees, and do get misled by shiny things just like people do. It would have to work. She was alone after all. She quickly levitated into the tree, finding a nice, strong branch and cast dancing lights, leading toward the bridge. She prepared herself to darken the area around the bridge, but wanted to wait until they got closer.

>Claudia uses one use each of her levitate and dancing lights SLAs.

[JBRam2002]

Kit returned to party on his own, looking to be in a bout of distress. Shortly after, Kyra sprinted out of the trees and into the little clearing they had made into a campsite. Hair matted to her face as beads of sweat poured out of her blushing skin, and she huffed heavily in recovery from the frantic run. "Hey," she blurted out before continuing to force herself to catch her breath. In a moment she seemed partially recovered, then able to stand without resorting to supporting her upper body on her knees. "It's the strangest thing, you know, we sort of got spotted and now we have half a dozen armed guards chasing us."

"Ah," Detta flatly responded. The alarm from the cat's sudden appearance had not worn off; Detta was standing braced, wide-eyed, and holding her axe out at the ready. "Well, get ready to fight. Not much to room to bluff with Sigurx here tagging along." She gave the troll a sideways look. "No 'fense, friend."

Sigurx looked down at the dwarf and chuckled menacingly. "No 'fenses taken, mate. Them gobs are gonna be squished so hard!" he chortled, readying himself for a fight.

"I have offered to hide him," Hanani pointed out, much to Mercy's dismay, "He would not be difficult to vanish and if they have not acted like they know he is here then we can still catch them by surprise when a Troll seems to suddenly appear behind them... or in front of them."

Kyra shook her head and kept breathing, as words still illuded her. "Nope," she huffed, "They saw us, so you can go -- go right ahead."

Hanani nodded his head and looked over at the rather large addition to their group. "Alright then... Sigurx, seems like you get to go invisible for a bit so you can go ahead and scare those pesty little Gobs you hate so much," he said, his voice cold, "The spell will wear off in about 24 seconds or the moment you hit one of them, so try to reach them as quickly as you can."

Kyra slapped her hands together four times in a loud, exaggerated fashion. "It's about that many smashes if you're not so good at numbers, troll friend."

The troll nodded eagerly. "Smashing from the shadows is fun. You lot be ready to run in, kay?" He didn't sound too trusting of his new allies, but it was hard to argue against gob-smashing.

Hanani nodded his head before making quick work of the spell he had offered the Troll. One moment he was there, the next he disappeared before their very eyes, it was time to get the party started and this would hopefully start with a bang.

As the patrol approached, Claudia could easily tell these were hobgoblins bearing the same symbol she had seen in the goblin cave earlier. They approached swiftly, but as they got close to the bridge, their pace slowed as they looked around for enemies. Claudia's dancing lights distracted most of the group, but one archer pointed up to the trees where the vigilante had tried to hide, then called something out in goblin. An arrow shot out, embedding itself into a branch just in front of Claudia. [Attack roll: 16 vs Flat-footed AC + 4 for cover]

The group could see the goblins approaching the bridge, and although they didn't know exactly where Claudia was until the arrow was shot, they knew she wasn't with them.

Combat

Initiative!

21 - @Ms Ravenwinter - Kyra - Zen Archer Monk 2 / Druid 2
20 - @Ms Ravenwinter - Kit (Companion)
20 - Hobgoblin Sergeant
20 - Hobgoblin Archer 1
16 - @Zverda - Hanani - Bladebound Magus 4
16 - Unmounted Horses
14 - Hobgoblin Archer 2 - Dead
14 - Goblin Dog - KO'd
13 - Hobgoblin Brawler 1 - Dead
13 - @Muttonhawk - Detta - Holy Tactician Paladin 4
12 - @Ermine - Claudia - Vigilante 4
12 - Sigurx
10 - Hobgoblin Brawler 2 - Dead
7 - @Cu Chulainn - Valerio - Cartomancer Witch 4

Current Battle Map!

Running in

@Ms Ravenwinter - Kyra runs 120 ft and Kit runs 150 ft.

The sergeant moves off to the west and fires a crossbow bolt into the trees, but he missed horribly. It seemed that crossbows weren't his preferred weapon. This was followed by the archer that had spotted her moving forward to pinch her off from support. He then fired an arrow up into the tree, again missing horribly.

@Zverda - Hanani, with Mercy drawn, follows close behind Kyra and Kit, moving 120 ft.

That other archer moved forward and leveled its bow at Claudia, hitting for 7 damage. The Goblin Dog and the Brawler move forward to inspect the lights, as they are unable to attack at a range.

@Muttonhawk - Detta breaks into a sprint! <Full round action to clankclankclank 80 ft.> "Valerio!? Got a way to move faster? Rusalka's still out there!"

@Ermine - Rusalka casts Deeper Darkness on the tree in front of her and moves toward the bridge in as straight a line she can.

Sigurx runs forward 120 ft, lumbering along loudly but invisibly behind the group.

No one can see what the hobgoblins are doing inside the Deeper Darkness area, but Rusalka hears a thud and what sounds like cursing in the goblins' language.

@Cu Chulainn - Valerio uses a full-round action to cast Communal Mount, which will complete in the beginning of his next turn. He is summoning three mounts: two 35 ft away from him, and one adjacent. Hanani and Detta will have to turn around to mount their horses.

@Ms Ravenwinter - Both Kit and Kyra run 120 ft ahead. Kit is now about 230 ft from the bridge. Kyra is about 260 ft from bridge.

The Sergeant and Archer take their turns, but it's hard to tell what's going on under the Darkness. An arrow sounds like it embeds into the tree where Rusalka just left.

@Zverda - Knowing the sooner he got to the creatures before them, Hanani continued to run, Mercy humming with the want to feel the give of flesh beneath her blackened metal. [Hanani has moved 240 ft now.]

The sound of movement could be heard from the darkness.

@Muttonhawk - Detta keeps on sprinting! <Full round action to clankclankclank 80 ft. She's now covered 160 ft. of distance.>

@Ermine - Rusalka continues to float, moving into a position to look like she was swimming, even though no one could see her yet.

@JBRam2002 - Sigurx keeps charging forward, now 240 ft from the start. The Brawler is still in the darkness area.

@Cu Chulainn - Three Light Horses appear. Valerio commands said horses to Run up to Detta and Hanani. Valerio jumps on his horse and also commands it to run to the bridge, getting 250 ft forward.

@Ms Ravenwinter - Both Kit and Kyra run 120 ft ahead. Kit is now about 110 ft from the bridge. Kyra is about 140 ft from bridge.

There is more movement in the darkness. One of the horses runs up to Zverda, while the other catches up to Detta.

@Zverda - Hanani waits for the horse to catch up and hops up as a free action. Still 260 ft away from bridge.

An archer steps out from the darkness, and fires an arrow towards the nearest enemy it can see (Kit), hitting for 7 damage. The goblin dog charges forward and hits for 8 damage. Kit must make a Fortitude Save, and passes with a 19 for no effect. The Brawler double moves forward, looking ready for a fight.

@Muttonhawk - Detta mounts up on the interplanar horse as a move action. She donates her standard action to charity. She is still 340 ft from the action.

@Ermine - Rusalka continues floating, now 60 ft from the tree she had pushed off from and just on the edge of the darkness.

@JBRam2002 - Sigurx continues his run, now 140 ft from the bridge and right on Kyra's tail. Invisibly. The other Brawler appears from the darkness.

@Cu Chulainn - Valerio has his horse run up to where the action is, stopping near a couple of trees and rolling off his horse. "Slam yourself into that brute when you have the chance!” Valerio exclaims, nodding his head to the Brawler as he begins to cast Hold Person on the Archer. Archer 2 is paralyzed!

@Ms Ravenwinter - After tooth and claw shred into the cheetah's assailant, an arrow whizzes past and dives directly into the barely conscious hound's flesh. "Kit! Get the hell out of there!" The Goblin Dog takes 16 damage and is currently dying.

The sergeant flanks around a tree to attack Valerio with his whip, rolling a 24 vs CMD to trip. Valerio is knocked prone! Another archer steps out of the darkness and fires two shots at Valerio's mount, hitting for 9 damage!

@Zverda - Rushing forward on the horse provided with him, Hanani managed to get into close enough range to attack after a dismount, an act that seemed to fail spectacurlaly as his foot ended up stuck in the stirrup for some time. A few curses slip past the Elf's lips as he manages to disconnect himself from the saddle before casting Frostbite just out of range of the Archer he now faces. Lunging forward, he swipes at the Paralized creature, Mercy biting into it's flesh for 6 damage while the spell causes another 6 damage to be inflicted while causing the Creature to become Fatigued. [Total Damage: 12. 3 rounds left to Frostbite]

The mounts have either already acted this round, or are being ridden. Archer 2 is currently paralyzed and unable to act, and fails another Will Save to through off Hold Person. The Goblin Dog stabilizes, but is looking very rough. Brawler 1, seeing that Valerio is knocked prone and his horse is tired from running, braves the hooves of the steed and avoids getting hit. He strikes at Valerio, dealing 6 slashing damage.

@Muttonhawk - "Onward, Albert! Git me o'er there!" Detta spurs the summoned mount to a gallop. She thunders into view with her axe held out in one hand. She seems to be hiding her difficulty in keeping her balance. <Full round action to run up to the south of brawler 1>

In an attempt to do some damage on the way in, Detta pulls a gleaming metal ring from her belt and throws it spinning towards brawler 1. <Move action to draw weapon, Standard action attack: Attack roll 16 hits! 8 damage>

@Ermine - Rusalka lowers herself, continuing her slow drift, but moving back to a vertical position to look like she's walking down stairs in a ladylike fashion.

@JBRam2002 - Sigurx lumbers forward, double moving to get close but unable to make an attack. The Vanish spell wears off, and the hobgoblins look up at him in surprise, thinking that the sound was just another horse or fighter. "I'm coming for you!" he called out, slamming his greatclub against the ground as he stomped forward. [Sadly, no action economy left for Demoralize, or I totally would have used it here.]

The Brawler rushes forward to attack Sigurx, provoking an Attack of Opportunity, although the greatclub missed terribly. The brawler's attack his for 4 slashing damage, but Sigurx looks almost no worse for the wear.

@Cu Chulainn - Mentally freaking out at how easily he was cornered, Valerio took a few deep breaths, glad that he learned a few breathing exercises from Kyra. “Horse, rearrange this brute’s innards with your hooves! I’ll use my Wand of Blink behind the one with the whip!” Valerio shouted, before whipping out his Wand of Vanish and tapping himself with it, disappearing in plain sight, exclaiming POOF right before. [Bluff roll: 30].

@Ms Ravenwinter - In the same instant that Valerio POOFed away, he'd watch as the vicious maw of Kit sunk into the hobgoblin before him. A terrible shriek came from the foul thing as bones crunched underneath the cat's jaw. These cries were silenced immediately as an arrow tore into the thing's throat, leaving it to fall to the ground with a gurgle of blood. [Total of 22 damage dealt to Brawler 1].

The Sergeant flicks his whip towards Hanani's legs, trying to trip him up, but misses. Archer 1 fires two arrows towards Claudia. The first misses wildly, but the second barely hits for 8 damage. The Archer then steps back into the shadows of Deeper Darkness, out of sight.

@Zverda - Hanani moved away from the immobilized archer and went for the Sergeant, Mercy humming with hunger in his hand as he took a swipe. Much to both his and his swords dismay however, it seemed the Gob was a bit smarter than he would have given it credit for as it dodged the blade. The air by its head where the sword had sliced through the air was cold for a moment before the normal temperature seemed to return. [Frostbite: 2 rounds left].

Valerio's horse stomped down on the Brawler, smashing its skull in and definitely killing it. It then stepped to the side after the nearest enemy. Hanani's horse tried attacking the Sergeant, but was unable to land a hit. The paralyzed archer is unable to shake off the paralysis, and the other enemies who would normally act now lie bleeding on the ground.

@Muttonhawk - After seeing her chakram nick the yonder hobgoblin, Detta wheeled about to a stop and slid off to engage the nearer one (move action dismount and 5FS into a flanking position with Sigurx). With a few practiced steps splitting the goblin's attention, Detta found her opening and swung her axe in an overhead spin into the goblin's arm! (Atk: 23, Dmg: 14)

@Ermine - Claudia uses a full-round action to perform a Coup de Grace on the nearby Archer, dealing 10 damage. The Archer fails its Fort save and dies.

Sigurx gnashes its teeth down on the Brawler, and with the distraction provided by Detta, grabs the hobgoblin with both claws, rending the Brawler in two and dealing a total of 23 damage.

@Cu Chulainn - Valerio, surprised that the hobgoblins fell for his clever ploy, stands up and moves away as fast as he is able to. “Jump on the one with the whip!” He exclaims to his horse, before using his wand to allow him to vanish once again.

@Ms Ravenwinter - : Kyra focused in for another shot, but the hobgoblins started to fall one after another. Trees guarded the final enemy, and they would soon turn on the creature. She ran forward, ducking under a branch, until she had clear sight. She spoke the ritual as she moved and directed her gestures aside from the hobgoblin. "Capture it!" she called out as the grass below and branches above grasped for their target, springing up in groves behind it. Kit dove out through the newly flourishing bramble and found himself caught within.

With a surge of strength, the Sergeant bursts the vines that entangled him and attempts to run. He doesn't get far before Kit bites at his boot, tripping him up and dealing 3 damage. Hanani's horse could not find purchase, but Hanani also got a chance to attack. Feet could be heard moving through the darkness, but no one can see in.

@Zverda - "I will do my best!" he called back to his comrade. Despite these words, Hanani was rather vexed with the Sergeant having been able to avoid his first attack, so he took the chance to attack the creature when he tried to retreat from him and Kyra. Lashing out, Mercy bit into the creature's flesh, no once... but twice as he followed up with a rather violent attack. Mercy, clearly pleased with the chance to harm a creature it deemed as insufferable and hated the existance of. She did not want the creature captured, no, she wanted it dead. [Lethal dmg: 18, Non-lethal: 16. Frostbite: No longer in effect]

The horses, spurred on by Valerio's command, rush forward to attack the Sergeant. Unfortunately, only one can actually reach him, but both hooves crash down, sending the Sergeant into unconsciousness.

@Muttonhawk - Sigurx's final blow against the hobgoblin didn't distract Detta for long. She peered around to see the rest of the action. She shouts. "Let's go 'fore they send more! Quickly!" With a hop, skip, and a jump, she pulls herself up onto the horse nearest to the north-west.

As no more enemies are within range, the battle is complete! Everyone gains 2200 XP.

[JBRam2002]

Through group consensus, we have decided to preemptively end the Fangwood Keep module. Instead, we shall begin a new module with brand new characters:

---

The Ruby Phoenix Tournament

---

The sorceress Hao Jin left an indelible mark upon the land of Tian Xia. Throughout her centuries-long life, Hao Jin—a devout follower of Abadar, god of contracts, wealth, and order—set out to amass her own First Vault, a collection of those items she deemed most perfect or wondrous in all the world.

Among the many Abadaran pacts and contracts that dictated Hao Jin’s life was her carefully contracted agreement with the temple of Abadar in Goka regarding the fate of her collection in the event of her eventual death. Fearful that her treasures would fall into the wrong hands or simply be lost to history, Hao Jin left strict instructions that were she not to set foot within the temple for 10 years and a day, on the 10 year anniversary of that occasion, an epic competition of martial arts was to be held, overseen by the city’s Abadaran clergy; the winning team would be allowed to choose a single item as a prize for their victory. Not only would this prevent the collection from immediately being broken up, but it also ensured her life’s work would attain its own legendary immortality through the prestige the contest would bring.

During her lifetime, many who knew of her will attempted to end her life prematurely, and many succeeded. But Hao Jin had contingencies in place to such a degree that even her most cunning and careful would-be assassins underestimated her ability to return from the dead. Each time an enemy killed her, she miraculously emerged unscathed days later, her red hair a shade more vibrant than before her death. Her ability to overcome death and the resemblance her hair soon had to an animated, flickering flame earned Hao Jin the nickname Ruby Phoenix, and over the centuries of her life, many believed her to be truly immortal.

Yet in 6891 IC (Imperial Calendar; 4391 AR - the current year is 4711 AR), a recordkeeper at Goka’s Grand Bank of Abadar informed the archbanker that a decade and a day had passed since the Ruby Phoenix last visited the temple. The conditions of her will had been met. As no one had seen nor heard from the sorceress for several years, she was assumed to have finally met her end, and the preparations were made to conduct the first Ruby Phoenix Tournament 10 years later. That tournament also established the office of the Emissary, an Abadaran official appointed for life to run the proceedings.

Each decennial since, the greatest champions from across Golarion have vied for the victors’ spot, and most contestants have competed honorably and passionately. Each group of contestants must prove themselves worthy of the Tournament, either through a qualifying competitors or by performing an act of great renown. When our group defeated a terrifying oni who had held a small town captive and freed their slaves, their names were entered into the competition and a formal invitation was extended.

Thus, the group found themselves on a transport boat between the Tian Xia mainland and the small island of Xielan, the home of the decennial tournament. As they stood on the deck of the ship, a blonde woman dressed as a fisherman approached. "Hey there! The name's Risha. You all look like you're heading out to the Tournament too!" She carried a large pack on her back as if she were ready for an extended stay on the island. "I bet you're all fighting there, huh? Mind introducing yourselves? I love meeting all the contestants!"

[Ermine]

"You mean you don't recognize us?" Kyoumi's bright, happy eyes showed her playful side, as did the wagging of her many draconic tails, very much unlike the deliberately incredulous tone of her voice. "We're only the biggest group of cute cuddlers ever! I mean, look at this adorable face!" She ran up to Hanani and gently pinched his cheeks, briefly wiggling them around. "And by that I mean, umm, we're...terrifying?" She looked at her party's eyes and her tails stopped their repetitive swaying. "And...we're, uh, prepared for mortal combat? Where we, umm, fight to win the tournament?"

>mentioned @Zverda

[Muttonhawk]

Emerging from an open hatch in the deck, Ming precariously held a large basket in both hands. The basket's contents were wrapped in white cloth. She took her steps carefully, staring down to make sure nothing fell out.

"Hm?" Ming spun her head around to the others. Her face lit up, showing off her wide red eyes and sharp-fanged grin. "Company!"

Ming rushed over as if the weight of the basket was nothing. She slid to a stop beside Risha. "My name's Ming, and we're the Tail Chasers!--" She skipped no beats with the team name that not all the party had agreed to. "--Kyoumi's right, we're here to win!" Ming resisted the urge to pump her fist. "Nice to meet you. I thought this boat ride was going to be boring all the way through. I was running out of songs to sing. Do you like singing? Are you here to compete as well?"

A realisation caught Ming short of five more questions. "Oh! Also, I found lunch~!" She pinched a gauntleted hand on the cloth and unveiled a steaming clutch of delicious smelling pork buns. "Dig in, everyone!"

[JBRam2002]

Maiko | Monk of Perfection

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The monk of the group stood hanging over the railing and feeling the sea breeze on her face. Maiko had rarely been on an open boat traveling at this speed before; most seafaring vessels she had ridden were dingies or slow schooners. A huge smile spread across her face as they approached Xielan Island, no cares evident in her expression.

The appearance of the fisherwoman turned her attention, and she stepped away from the railing to greet her. "My name's Maiko," she replied. "I'm a student of the Dragon Style of fighting unarmed, and this is my first real tournament, although I've fought one-on-one many times before."

Risha nodded happily in response to the information and questions. "Singing isn't my strong suit," she replied with a chuckle. "It seems the Tail Chasers have a lot of draconic energy on your side, and kitsune if I'm not mistaken," she added, glancing at Kyoumi. "And what about the rest of you?"

[Ms Ravenwinter]

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Back eased to the railing, legs crossed, sat Natsumi atop a barrel. He had been making small talk with Maiko while busying himself with a conjured bauble floating inches from his fingertips. The wait of travel was always such a bore, but the liveliness and energy of the group, especially from the other Kistune on board, was certainly entertaining. Though, it certainly doesn't beat sharing a carriage for two with a daimyo's strapping heir.

As the monk's gaze turned to the fisher, so did Natsumi's. He was almost surprised to have been conflated with their group, dressed as he was. Clothing of white silk adorned with stiff, decorated paper fins like a geisha's fan draping down like skirts over each shoulder and his feminine hips. Something more akin to an artist on the border between avant garde and madness than a typical tournament brawler.

Natsumi offered a simple greeting gesture along with the others, in case he did still need to confirm that he was amongst them and not just another friendly traveler. And, with the same motion, he waved off the other Kitsune for their practically sugar-spiked energy. "Give them a match and they might set the ship on fire to see if it burns like candy," he spoke in jest, his voice in a typically charming and androgynous tone despite the sarcasm, "I'm Natsumi, the pretty one."

[corneredbliss]

---

The sea breeze was easy and refreshing as it toyed with the ends of Elora Wim's hair, making the strands dance as light hazel eyes watched the waters rush past at the railings of the ship. She stood near Maiko and Natsumi, not very involved in their conversation so much as she was nodding idly at random intervals to seem participatory. Her mind was elsewhere and nowhere in particular, partially distracted by attempting to discern the exact rhythm of their bumping on the ocean.

With her bow and belongings secured on her back, she stood comfortably against a post in her forrest green garb, lithe fingers tapping on the wood at seemingly random moments to coincide with the rising and falling of the ship. On to a new adventure they went; she and this motley crew that she's grown to care for, off to fight alongside each other again. Though this time, it seemed they were off to to fight a different kind of enemy.

One such enemy approached, and were it not for her announcement of her involvement with the tournament, the elf would have thought her just another hand on the vessel. She could already hear the more excited two of their group chattering away, unable to help the little roll of her eyes at their apparently new title. Though, she bore a little smile as she straightened from her place at the edge of the boat and followed the others around the stranger, having grown used to their strange personalities. Before speaking, she moved toward Ming and her lunch basket, slipping a hand inside and wrapping her fingers around one of the plump buns. Nodding her head to the girl in thanks, she raised it slightly into the air in greeting toward Risha and finally spoke, her alto voice breathy but definite. "Name's Elora. Pleasure," was all she had before she took a bite from the bun, sure that someone else would jump in and entertain the conversation further.

[Zverda]

---

---

Hanani had been sitting off on the opposite side of the Deck from Maiko and Natsumi, seemingly muttering to himself as he looked over the black sword within his grasp, long silver hair currently tied back to avoid it being in his face. At the moment, he seemed content, more-or-less, to be by himself and apparently muttering in a language not many people were able to understand, a dog-sized Siamese curled up at his feet. However, this peace was rather rudely interrupted by a small and rather hyperactive Dragon-Kitsune who seemed to think it the ideal moment to pinch his cheek while she quip excitedly about something he didn't quiet catch thanks to the overly loud voice that seemed to be arguing with him inside of his head over the Monk he had ended up with as some sort of loyal follower of a sorts. The argument was more or less Mercy trying to get him to kill her, the sword seemed to have an issue with anyone who leaned more towards the lawful side, it didn't matter if they were evil or not. "الجواب هو ودائما سيكون ... لا. الآن إسقاط لك قطعة دموية من المعدن." he grumbled as he threw a sharp glare at Kyoumi for grabbing onto his cheek the way she did, "You know I hate to be touched."

With that said, he sheathed the sword and looked over at the young woman who had come over to them, her rather large bag catching his eye for a moment before he looked at the food Ming had brought out. He did not mind pork buns, but he couldn't help but wonder if she had pilfered the kitchen of the ship or had found a way to make them herself. Walking over to the offered food, he grabbed too and stepped back, the robes around his legs making small snapping sounds on occasion thanks to the wind that rushed past them. Thankfully, it was the only loose part of his clothing as the Mithral chain shirt he wore weighed everything else down, though he had a tendency of wearing things that were tight against his upper body to begin with. "Hanani," he said shortly to Risha, "And Tail Chasers hasn't exactly been agreed upon just yet. I don't chase tails." He glanced at Maiko, though he was clearly not upset with her persistence of the name, he wasn't exactly sure she understood the double meaning behind such words. Rather than say anything else on the matter however, he entertained himself with heating one of the two pork buns he had taken.

As always, the Magus had no interest in conversation with people he did not know, or trust, and Risha fell under both of those. 'If the other's had stuck around instead of splitting off they would have made it here, but of course, they have probably been eaten by a troll or something,' he thought to himself as he looked around at the rather heavily Dragon-type populated group he had found himself a part of. They were each far different compared to his old group, but he did like them quite a bit more, even if some of them were a little too hyperactive for his taste. That and he did get his own sort of eye candy out of it, something he hadn't exactly had with the former troupe he had accompanied before they all went their separate ways. "Thanks Ming," he muttered to the woman who had supplied the food, ice blue eyes kind towards her but distrusting when they focused back on the Fish woman.

[JBRam2002]

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Xielan Island Ferry

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Risha and Ming chatted amicably for a while as the ferry slowly made its way from the city of Goka to Xielan Island's New Harbor. She seemed keenly interested in the various exploits of the group, happy to find some competitors who were willing to talk, as well as to share in the delicious pork buns. "Don't fill up on these too quickly," she suggested, "or else you'll be too full to sample Yon Loi's famous noodles!"

As they approached the island, Risha excused herself, thanking Ming for the chat before heading astern. The group watched the harbor approach, and dozens of townsfolk stood by the docks waiting for their arrival. As contestants disembark, townsfolk shower them 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, Yon Loi’s, serves as the hub of all activity in New Harbor. The noodle house is a large, open-air structure centered around a courtyard filled with long, shaded tables for commoners. Smaller round tables fill a roofed balcony surrounding the courtyard, from which wealthier patrons and the tournament elite may look over the establishment. The kitchen sits on the ground floor, behind a short partition.

The townsfolk help in seating and serving the newly arriving contestants. Each receives a complimentary bowl of salty noodle soup containing fish and vegetables (beyond this first bowl, each additional serving costs 5 sp). There are dozens of patrons crowded into the courtyard, many of whom must be contestants in the tournament. Risha can be seen flitting among the various contestants, chatting with them about their stories. The atmosphere is one of amiable competitiveness, and several of the combatants can be seen challenging each other to arm-wrestling competitions or various displays of flexibility or stamina.

DM Note: Feel free to interact with a few people if you wish. Perhaps you can learn more about your competition! Here is a map of Yon Loi's Noodle House with more info.

[Ermine]

The ryugitsune received a great deal of attention as she walked off the boat (where she'd spent the rest of the trip dancing and chasing her tails out of boredom, a task which would have been more difficult if they weren't so long), though she was happy it wasn't too much more than anyone else, since they'd all been showered with the affection of the people of the island. She did wonder, of course, if any of them were just there because it was tradition and were only acting happy. She'd seen a lot of that back at home. She was sure some of them must have hated these competitions.

But it stopped mattering once she got her soup, which she downed ravenously, followed by two more (all of which she made slightly sweeter with her magic). She was interested in those around her, but she was content just listening to them talk, occasionally caressing someone who happened to be nearby with one of her tails to see how they reacted. It was always fun to catch people off guard when there was a chance they'd show some of their talents off, or show their real emotions.

[Muttonhawk]

"See you later!" Ming reached a hand up to wave to Risha. Their conversation had been rather one-sided; Ming had managed to eat her pork bun so fast that talking between mouthfuls was barely a challenge. Just as well she had to speak, for the thought of fresh noodles piqued Ming's anticipation. Being full from focussing on meat buns would be disappointing.

Their landing was magical. Ming's eyes dilated. Not since they were congratulated for defeating their recent nemisis oni did Ming feel so appreciated, even amongst the multitude of other contestants. A few cherry petals brushed her cheek. She dimly smiled and placed her hand where the petals touched her face.

"Excuse me, my friends," Ming said in an oddly stilted murmur. "I gotta...introduce myself."

In a moment easily missed my the party, Ming disappeared into the crowd.

>Diplomacy to gather information on the tournament history and workings: 21

Just when her absence was noted, one hour later, Ming seemingly appeared out of nowhere behind Kyoumi's seat in the noodle restaurant with her arms in the air and her eyes scrunched shut. "This is going to be so much FUUUUN!" She exclaimed. Her cheeks were flushed and her breath smelled of the liquor they were gifted at the harbour.

Ming threw her head back and cackled her way to a seat. "So, I spoke to this guy heating the soju that said there are all these fun games we'll be playing in the tournament for extra prizes but there's still bouts with other teams for knockouts so we should try not to lose them but we shouldn't cheat because there was this one sorceress from Lingshen who did and she's really annoyed now. Anyway, this other woman cooking red beans told me the sorceress might come back because the guy who won by default when she was kicked out still hasn't had come-uppance or something but that probably won't affect us because the events been going on for over three hundred years now and they have pretty good security and she hasn't appeared since last time. I also saw this half-tiefling-half-orc lady with a nice robe and..."

A bowl of noodles slid in front of Ming, making her gasp and, more importantly, stop to breathe before she turned blue. "Thank you so much!" she said to the villager serving her the complementary meal. Blessed wordlessness followed, along with ravenous munching as Ming devoured noodles like a beast.

[Ms Ravenwinter]

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As the ship slowed into the dock, the anticipation of the welcoming crowd became more readily apparent. The feeling of excitement washed over the travelers at the chorus of adulation. Natsumi waved to the townsfolk as he stepped onto the landing. Blossom petals brushed gently against his face and nestled themselves in his luxurious silver hair. His eyes seemed to brighten at the praise as he put on a tried and true smile.

"You do love the attention, don't you, dear?" The words slithered into his mind in a husky whisper.

"Why I'm just putting up a friendly face for the team is all," he retorted internally, his tone mimicking that of a child feigning innocence while wrist-deep in the cookie jar. His gleaming expression didn't flinch at the private exchange. Wading through the crowd, the party was led into the ever-so-recently mentioned noodle house. While he didn't find himself as famished as the young dragonkin, a free meal would certainly be well appreciated after their time at travel.

As the noodles were served to him within the establishment, a point of his finger caused an invisible force to scoop the bowl and lift it to him. He bowed graciously as he took the chopsticks by hand from his server and soon set off. He spotted a woman of interesting tone of skin, nearly that of scarlet, leaning over the balcony above and made an approach. With sauntering steps, bowl hovering beside him, he made his way to the horned woman above. "I didn't know we'd such attractive competition," he said as he leaned his side to the railing beside her. He took in a long column of noodles in the silence between words.

[Zverda]

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---

Hanani broke away from the group with his bowl of soup in hand, zeroing in on a female across the way that seemed interesting enough, and she was by herself so it meant he would not have to deal with a lot of people, which was nice. Setting his bowl down, he looked over at her and nodded his head in 'hello'. "So what did you do to manage to get accepted into this tournament?" he questioned, resting one of his elbows on the table while he looked at her. Chances were she wouldn't be very forthcoming with answers, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

The woman in question was clothed all in white and held herself with ain air of nobility as she gracefully guided the noodles from the bowl to her lips. As Hanani sat across from her, she raised an eyebrow at his question. "You must not be from around here," she replied, "or else that is the sorriest excuse for a pick-up line I have heard in some time. I am the White Warrior, Orometsu Yasi. I am the defender of a hundred villages in the western reaches of the Minkai Empire. I represent the Jade Regent himself in this tournament." She looked over the man before her, studying his build for a moment. "Certainly you do not fight by yourself, correct?" she asked.

Hanani simply looked at the woman for a moment, barely able to contain his want to grimance when she had mentioned what he said possibly being a pick up line. "I have no interest in women like that," he stated simply, "I was simply curious to know what other's have done to get an invitation to this tournament, which more than likely answers your question. No, that was not a pick-up line and yes, I am not from around here." A delicate brow was raised as he waited for her response to those words, he had no idea what the Jade Regent was, or what the White warrior was... did not much matter, he had more interest in her weapon than her words. After a moment, he set Mercy on the table and looked pointedly at Orometsu's weapon. "I'll show you mine if you show me your's."

"Oh. My apologies." Orometsu's response to Hanani seemed sincere, albeit stoic as she watched the blade. Her interest seemed to pique at the weapon as she studied it. "A sentient blade, I see. Quite the treasure. I sugfest being careful who you show that to lest someone remove it from you."

She then reached behind her and unsnapped the shoulder harness that held her blade in place, then lay it on the table. The blade itself was several feet long, and the handle another two feet, and frost formed on the table below it. Despite the length of the blade, Orometsu handled it expertly, presenting it towards Hanani. "A weapon of my people: a nodachi. Extremely powerful, capable of slicing through any foe. I hope we meet in combat so I may show you outside this crowded noodle shop."

Hanani was quick to study it, finding it rather interesting and, of course, cold to the touch. If the frost on the table hadn't been a tell-tale sign as to the enchanment on the blade, touching it certainly did and he found that he wanted to see exactly what it was capable of. "I think I am inclined to agree with you on that," he told her as he carefully handed the weapon back to her. It would be deadly to deal with, no doubt, but it would be a fun challenge, and he loved exactly that, "As far as not showing Mercy to anyone, I don't think anyone here would have much luck utilizing her, she's got a bite all her own, and she is far more intelligent than most would assume from such a blade." Once his Black Blade was secured back at his waist, he settled in to enjoy the noodles he was given.

Arcana roll: 15 - No new information other than what can be seen

"There are all kinds here," Orometsu replied simply. "Thank you for showing me your blade. Now if you don't mind, I would like to finish my meal in peace." She deftly returned the nodachi to its place, no motions wasted in her movements.

Seeing the exchange nearish-by, Kyoumi got even more excited than she was by her third bowl of soup. She downed what was left in her excitement, choked a little as some broth went down the wrong pipe, and ran over to the table, her tails flicking behind her like a drunken octopus. "It's time to show weapons? Those are really pretty and all, but did you make them? I mean, I know you didn't," she makes no gesture to indicate which person she's talking to, as she honestly doesn't care, and sets the massive folding glass weapon on the table before picking it up and fiving it a flick to extend it to its full glowing length. "I made this with my father's help. Xiao Tianxing. He made it turn into energy, but I made it from this...crystal stuff I found. I spent a looooong time on it. Way longer than I needed to. He got so impatient." Kyoumi looks down and pretends to act bashful about this, but there's only so bashful one can look having even not dried their face after guzzling soup before they stormed over and drew a weapon to talk to strangers. Well, a stranger and a smooshy-cheeked friend.

Orometsu glanced over at the newcomer and sighed quietly. "Well, Miss Tianxing, I congratulate you on your construction. This weapon was made by the finest smiths in Minkai and enchanted by the Jade Regent's own mages. Now, if you please..." Orometsu returned to her soup, hoping that her point was made without being too brusque.

Kyoumi's smile grew somehow larger. "So you can't make your own weapons. The finest smiths can't make something ideal for you without you being one of those finest smiths. And I somehow doubt the Jade Regent's own mages could do any better than any other mages. If anything, I suspect they'd be quite complacent with limited opportunities to practice their craft. So what you're saying is you're using a weapon made by someone else for a generic fighter, enchnted by the lazy, because you represent the Jade Regent? I would think a representative of such high esteem would be...more impressive. I don't know, maybe your skills make up for it. I hope so. I don't like when any of my competition is out in the first round." She closes her blade and sheathes it, deliberately overstaying her welcome for way too long.

"I hope you make it past the first round. I doubt you'll make it as far as us unless they take out my friend over there's spellcasting abilities..." She motions to Maiko. "She's really very impressive. As are that one- where did he go? Oh, up there. He is the most skilled samurai I've ever seen."

Orometsu simply sipped from her soup. "I find it more reliable to let my fighting do the talking," she said softly after a long pause. "Perhaps we shall meet up. Or perhaps you will stumble over your own pride. Only time will tell." With that said, she stood gracefully from the table, taking her bowl of soup with her. "I think I shall retire to a more quiet location," she announced.

Hanani let out a sigh and rubbed his face before tossing Kyoumi a mild glare. "That was rude and destroyed any chance of gathering information that I may have had. Reign in your need to brag about useless stuff for the next time you see me talking to someone." he snapped before getting up from the table, leaving his empty bowl behind, and going off to search for Natsumi. There were times when he wanted to thump the small creature on the head for feeling the need to brag so much about something many people just did not care about, and even if they did, most people were quickly turned off by such antics.

[Ms Ravenwinter]

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_{...and JBRam2002}
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The woman turned towards Natsumi and narrowed her eyes. "I would hardly call you my competition," she replied. "I am Kiang Zhen, and I have been bound to serve the Ruby Phoenix Tournament’s Emissary and the church of Abadar. I will not be fighting." Kiang glanced down at the compatriots Natsumi had entered with and shook her head. "I heard how you were allowed into this tournament. Killed an oni, didn't you? Never stopped to ask it why it was there, or tried to find some other solution. No, Oni-Slayer, there was no reason to. Be it known that you will have to do much more than that to garner my favor."

Natsumi's face straightened somewhat by the woman's words, eyes dimming with clear remorse. After depositing his utensils to the bowl before him, he set his meal aside to rest upon the railing to show his respect for her offense. "I appologize that my reputation precedes me, Ms Zhen," he said with a more somber, yet no less cordial, tone, "But I must confess that I had nothing to do with any Oni's death. I tried speaking with her, to gain some sort of accord with her, but..." he trailed off, looking past the woman he spoke to as if to break himself from choking up, "She was in such pain, such anger... The team saw her and deemed her a threat, and there was nothing I could do." He looked back to Kiang, seeming to hold back tears at the memory. "She was so powerful, yet so misunderstood."

Kiang studied the man's face for a moment, but her thoughts were veiled for the moment. Finally, she shook her head and turned away. "You mean to tell me that you are declaring that you were not part of the achievement that granted you passage to the Tournament? As an agent of the Emissary, I am bound to tell him of such incongruities." She leaned in closer to Natsumi and smiled, her black teeth glistening. "Falsified entry? Should be enough to ensure you and your group never participate in this or any other Ruby Phoenix Tournament. Or you can admit that you helped slay the Oni, that you watched in glee as the blood bubbled from her throat, and prove yourself a murderer, coward, and liar."

Natsumi cocked a brow at the scarlet woman. Not only was that quite the leap, but she seemed quite happy to extort him and his allies. It almost seemed like an invitation, really. A passport to a cruel yet tantalizing game of chance and social maneuvering. And for his first move, he took a risk. "But why would you do that to a friend, Kiang?" he said with honey dripping from his words, bowing over as a subtle flourish of his hand organized arcana into a form of Domination. But to no effect. He hesitated a moment, eyes glancing over to the uniformed men below who began to mobilize in their direction. And then he remembered. "Oh, fuck..."

He stood straight with a spring in his step, retrieving his bowl with a wave of his hand as he circled the ubralmouthed woman. "Especially when you have such an opportunity on your hands!" he beamed with an almost supernatural confidence and bravado, "Why, you might just have Tian Xia's most luxurious enchanter at your beck and call. Someone able to talk their way into any social gathering and ensorcell even the most shrewd people of power. Just think of how much even five days of this service could offer you."

Kiang Zhen crossed her arms and watched as a half dozen monks began to approach. the stairs. "Such an opportunity," she replied with no small amount of sarcasm. "I have no need of your services, nor any desire to interact with you beyond what I must. I am a Kuwa Oni, bound to serve the Emissary. If I were not so bound, I would have killed you already." The monks approached with concern, but Kiang raised her hand to stop them. "This fine gentleman was just leaving," she replied, holding his gaze steady with her own. Please ensure that you do not disturb me again, great Oni-Slayer."

Well, that exchange was regrettable. The first new person he met since visiting the island and she was this hostile to him? Sure, he was here because he killed one of her kind, but it could've been his fault. What did he say that was so wrong? And during this spiral of insecurity, he noticed the discerning look in her eye, as if she were staring directly into his mind. And there was a subtle glint of arcana, barely noticeable, behind those fiery red eyes. He smirked a little, having seemingly figured her out, and consciously flooded his mind with overtly confident thoughts.

With bowl in hand, he hopped gracefully onto the railing, feet pivoting to a well-balanced position. Turning toward Kiang, he bowed toward her, leg stretching backward to maintain his position, and bowl slowly drifting out of his grip to float beside him. "It was certainly a pleasure, Ms. Zhen." After a farewell flourish of his wrist, he spun upon his toes and started a prance around the shop upon the railing. This until he came upon a familiar face, and dismounted beside the young Risha, twirling in the air before he found gentle footing on the floor beside her. His bowl fell upon his open hand as he leaned back against the railing as if his acrobatics were truly of no effort. "How goes it, Risha? Come across any interesting tales so far?" In his silence that followed, he one again drew in some of his noodles with a slurp loud enough to show his appreciation for the meal.