fists of the ruby phoenix players guide
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix Players Guide: An Overview
This guide prepares players for the Pathfinder 2nd Edition adventure, detailing Tian Xia’s tournament and offering crucial insights for a thrilling gaming experience․
Welcome to Fists of the Ruby Phoenix, an epic Adventure Path for Pathfinder Second Edition! This campaign plunges players into the vibrant and culturally rich land of Tian Xia, a setting inspired by classical East Asia․ Prepare for a journey centered around a prestigious martial arts tournament organized by the powerful sorcerer, Hao Jin․
The adventure path is designed for characters seeking glory, honor, and mastery of combat․ Players will navigate a complex web of rivalries, political intrigue, and challenging encounters as they compete to become the ultimate champion․ Expect a blend of intense arena battles, compelling social interactions, and exploration of fascinating locales within Tian Xia․ This path promises a unique and immersive experience for both players and Game Masters alike․
What is Fists of the Ruby Phoenix?
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix is a thrilling Adventure Path for Pathfinder 2nd Edition, revolving around a grand martial arts tournament in Tian Xia․ Players embody combatants striving for victory and recognition under the watchful eye of Hao Jin, a formidable sorcerer and the tournament’s grand judge․

The adventure isn’t solely about combat; it’s a deep dive into Tian Xia’s culture, politics, and traditions․ Expect intricate social encounters, challenging skill checks, and opportunities to forge alliances or rivalries․ The tournament serves as a backdrop for a larger narrative, unveiling secrets and conspiracies that will test the players’ skills and resolve․ It’s a campaign focused on personal growth and achieving legendary status․
Pathfinder 2nd Edition Compatibility
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix is specifically designed for the Pathfinder 2nd Edition ruleset, leveraging its robust character customization and dynamic combat system․ The adventure path fully utilizes the three-action economy, proficiency ranks, and ancestry/heritage options available in the 2nd Edition․
Game Masters can expect a campaign that seamlessly integrates with existing Pathfinder 2nd Edition resources․ While familiarity with the core rulebook is essential, the adventure provides detailed guidance for running the tournament, balancing encounters, and adapting the story for different player groups; It’s a fully realized campaign built from the ground up for this edition․

Character Creation & Considerations
Players should craft characters suited for martial prowess and social interaction, as the Ruby Phoenix Tournament demands both combat skill and diplomatic finesse․
Recommended Character Classes
For aspiring champions in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, several Pathfinder 2nd Edition classes shine․ Monks, with their focus on martial arts and ki, are naturally well-suited for arena combat․ Fighters excel in direct confrontation, benefiting from diverse weapon and armor proficiencies․ Rogues can utilize cunning and skill to overcome opponents, while Bards offer valuable support through inspiration and social manipulation․
Additionally, Champions demonstrate resilience and divine power, making them formidable contenders․ Consider classes that emphasize agility, strength, and charisma, as these attributes are highly valuable within the tournament’s multifaceted challenges․ Remember that character customization and creative builds are encouraged, allowing players to tailor their heroes to their preferred playstyle․
Ancestry Choices & Synergies
When selecting an ancestry for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, consider those with inherent physical prowess or cultural ties to Tian Xia․ Humans offer versatility and adaptability, while Catfolk’s agility and reflexes are advantageous in combat․ Kitsune, with their inherent magical abilities and social skills, can excel in both arena battles and social encounters․
Furthermore, Shoanti ancestries, deeply rooted in Tian Xia’s traditions, provide unique benefits and roleplaying opportunities․ Dhampir’s enhanced strength and resilience can prove valuable, and Leshy’s connection to nature offers unconventional strategies․ Synergies arise when ancestry traits complement chosen classes, creating a well-rounded and effective character․
Backgrounds that Fit the Setting
For characters entering the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, backgrounds reflecting martial training or cultural immersion in Tian Xia are ideal․ The Athlete background provides a natural foundation for combat prowess, while the Charlatan can navigate the tournament’s social complexities․ A Hermit’s secluded training might yield unique fighting styles, and the Laborer’s resilience suits the grueling competition․
Additionally, backgrounds like the Noble or Diplomat offer advantages in interacting with the tournament’s organizers and influential figures․ The Criminal background could represent a fighter seeking redemption or notoriety․ Consider how a character’s past experiences shape their motivations and approach to the tournament’s challenges․

The Setting: Tian Xia & the Competition
Tian Xia, a land of rich culture, hosts the prestigious Ruby Phoenix Tournament, a martial competition judged by the powerful sorcerer Hao Jin․
Overview of Tian Xia
Tian Xia is a vast and ancient land, inspired by East Asian cultures, brimming with diverse nations, spiritual traditions, and formidable martial artists․ It’s a realm where honor, discipline, and inner strength are highly valued, and where the echoes of powerful spirits and ancient empires resonate throughout the landscape․ The continent is characterized by stunning natural beauty, ranging from towering mountain ranges and lush bamboo forests to sprawling rice paddies and bustling port cities․
Political intrigue is rife, with numerous kingdoms and factions vying for power and influence․ Magic is deeply interwoven into the fabric of Tian Xia, manifesting in various forms, from elemental manipulation to potent spiritual practices․ Players will encounter a rich tapestry of beliefs, customs, and societal structures as they navigate this captivating setting, making it a truly immersive and unforgettable adventure․
The Ruby Phoenix Tournament – Rules & Lore
Hao Jin’s legendary tournament, the Ruby Phoenix, isn’t merely a contest of martial prowess; it’s a spiritual trial designed to test participants’ character and inner strength․ The rules are strict, emphasizing honor, respect, and skillful combat․ Fighters compete in a series of increasingly challenging matches, showcasing their unique abilities and techniques․
Lore dictates the tournament was established centuries ago to identify worthy champions and maintain balance within Tian Xia․ Winning isn’t solely about defeating opponents; it’s about demonstrating mastery of self and adherence to the principles of Bushido․ The Grand Judge, Hao Jin, observes each bout, evaluating not just fighting skill, but also integrity and sportsmanship․
Key Locations within the Tournament
The Ruby Phoenix tournament unfolds across several iconic locations within Tian Xia․ The Jade Pillars Arena, the central fighting ground, is a massive, open-air structure capable of holding thousands of spectators․ Surrounding it are training grounds, offering combatants space to hone their skills and strategize․
The Pavilion of Whispers serves as a hub for intrigue and negotiation, where rivals and potential allies exchange information․ Hao Jin’s private chambers, the Celestial Spire, remain shrouded in mystery, accessible only by invitation․ Finally, the bustling market district provides essential supplies and opportunities for players to interact with local vendors and gather rumors․

Gameplay Mechanics & Rules Focus
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix emphasizes tactical combat, social maneuvering, and skill challenges, demanding players utilize Pathfinder 2e’s robust ruleset effectively․
Understanding the Tournament Structure
The Ruby Phoenix Tournament is a multi-stage competition, beginning with qualifying rounds where combatants demonstrate skill and earn ranking․ Success advances players through increasingly challenging brackets, facing diverse opponents with unique abilities․
Each stage introduces new rules or stipulations, testing adaptability and strategic thinking․ Beyond pure combat, the tournament incorporates social challenges and tests of character, influencing a fighter’s reputation and potential alliances․
Winning isn’t solely about defeating foes; it’s about navigating the complex social landscape and earning the favor of judges like Hao Jin․ The structure rewards not just strength, but also cunning, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of Tian Xia’s cultural nuances․
Skill Challenges & Social Encounters
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix isn’t purely about arena combat; skill challenges and social encounters are integral․ Players will navigate intricate political landscapes, negotiate with influential figures, and unravel conspiracies surrounding the tournament․ Diplomacy, Deception, and Intimidation become vital tools alongside martial prowess․
Skill challenges might involve deciphering ancient riddles, navigating treacherous social gatherings, or uncovering hidden agendas․ Success hinges on collaborative problem-solving and leveraging character skills effectively․
These encounters shape a character’s reputation, opening doors to alliances or creating powerful enemies․ Mastering social interactions is as crucial as mastering combat techniques for achieving victory․
Combat Considerations in the Arena
Arena combat in Fists of the Ruby Phoenix demands tactical thinking beyond simple damage output․ The tournament rules and the audience’s expectations heavily influence encounters․ Showmanship and strategic maneuvers are often rewarded as much as brute force․
Players must consider the arena’s unique features – traps, environmental hazards, and shifting terrain – to gain an advantage․ Utilizing diverse tactics, exploiting weaknesses, and adapting to opponents’ styles are key to survival․
Furthermore, maintaining a positive reputation with the crowd can sway judges and unlock special opportunities․ Clever combatants will blend skill with spectacle, captivating the audience and securing victory․

Important NPCs & Factions
Fists of the Ruby Phoenix features key figures like Hao Jin and the Jade Pillars, alongside rival combatants, shaping the tournament’s dynamic and player interactions․
Hao Jin, the Grand Judge
Hao Jin is a central, powerful figure in Fists of the Ruby Phoenix, returning to the Material Plane to oversee the renowned fighting competition․ She isn’t merely a judge; she’s a formidable sorcerer with a rich history and significant influence within Tian Xia․ Players will encounter her frequently throughout the tournament, observing her impartial yet discerning eye․
Understanding Hao Jin’s motivations and background is crucial, as her decisions directly impact the tournament’s progression and the fates of the participants․ She embodies both tradition and power, representing the highest ideals of martial prowess and magical ability․ Her presence adds a layer of mystique and authority to the entire adventure, making her a compelling NPC for players to observe and potentially interact with․
The Jade Pillars – Tournament Organizers
The Jade Pillars are the dedicated organization responsible for the logistical and administrative aspects of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament․ They ensure the smooth running of the competition, handling everything from scheduling matches to maintaining the arena and managing participant accommodations․ While not as magically powerful as Hao Jin, their influence is vital to the tournament’s success․
Players will likely interact with various members of the Jade Pillars, seeking information, resolving disputes, or navigating the tournament’s complex rules․ Understanding their hierarchy and individual personalities can provide valuable advantages․ They represent the bureaucratic heart of the competition, offering opportunities for both cooperation and conflict․

Rival Combatants & Potential Allies
The Ruby Phoenix Tournament attracts a diverse array of skilled martial artists, each with their own motivations and fighting styles․ Players will inevitably encounter rivals – competitors vying for the same victories and recognition․ These encounters can range from heated verbal exchanges to intense arena battles, shaping the narrative and providing compelling challenges․
However, not everyone is an enemy․ Opportunities exist to forge alliances with other combatants, sharing information, training together, or even coordinating strategies against common foes․ Building these relationships can be crucial for navigating the tournament’s political landscape and achieving ultimate success․

Adventure Breakdown & Key Story Arcs
The campaign unfolds across three books, charting the players’ journey through the tournament – from initial trials to fierce competition and a climactic showdown․
Book 1: The Tournament Begins
The initial volume introduces players to the vibrant world of Tian Xia and the prestigious Ruby Phoenix Tournament․ Characters arrive, establishing themselves amongst a diverse field of competitors, each with unique skills and motivations․ Early challenges focus on qualifying rounds, testing the players’ abilities in both combat and social encounters․
This book emphasizes establishing connections with key NPCs, navigating the tournament’s complex social landscape, and uncovering initial clues about potential rivals or hidden agendas․ Players will face introductory skill challenges, learning the nuances of the competition’s rules and the expectations of the Grand Judge, Hao Jin․ Success hinges on strategic preparation and shrewd observation․
Book 2: Rising Through the Ranks
As the tournament progresses, Book 2 presents increasingly difficult challenges, demanding greater tactical prowess and character development․ Players navigate bracketed matches, facing opponents with specialized fighting styles and uncovering deeper layers of the tournament’s lore․ Alliances may form and fracture as competitors vie for advancement․
This volume introduces more complex skill challenges, requiring players to leverage their backgrounds and skills to overcome obstacles both inside and outside the arena․ Intrigue intensifies, with hints of a conspiracy potentially influencing the tournament’s outcome․ Players must balance combat preparation with investigation, uncovering secrets that could shift the power dynamic․
Book 3: The Final Confrontation
The culmination of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament arrives in Book 3, presenting the most formidable opponents and highest stakes yet․ Players, having risen through the ranks, now face elite combatants and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy threatening the competition’s integrity․ Expect intense battles demanding strategic mastery and skillful execution․
This final volume features a climactic showdown with the mastermind behind the tournament’s manipulations, potentially Hao Jin herself or a powerful rival․ Choices made throughout the adventure path converge, determining the fate of Tian Xia and the legacy of the Ruby Phoenix․ Prepare for a thrilling conclusion filled with action, intrigue, and lasting consequences․

Game Master Resources & Tips
GMs will find tools for running dynamic tournament scenes, balancing encounters, and adapting the story, ensuring a captivating Fists of the Ruby Phoenix campaign․
Running the Tournament Scenes
To effectively run the tournament, emphasize the spectacle and grandeur of Tian Xia’s fighting competition․ Utilize vivid descriptions of the arena, the roaring crowds, and the diverse combatants․ Focus on creating a sense of escalating tension as players advance through each round․
Incorporate dramatic pauses before key moments, allowing players to soak in the atmosphere․ Don’t be afraid to lean into the theatrical aspects – this is a performance as much as a contest! Remember Hao Jin’s presence as the Grand Judge; her observations and pronouncements should carry weight․
Consider using props or visual aids to represent the arena and the various stages of the tournament․ Music can also greatly enhance the immersive experience․ Finally, be prepared to improvise and adapt to player choices, as their actions will inevitably shape the unfolding narrative․
Balancing Encounters for Player Levels
The Fists of the Ruby Phoenix adventure path features a progressive tournament structure, demanding careful encounter balancing․ Early rounds should present manageable challenges, focusing on skill demonstration rather than overwhelming difficulty․ As players advance, gradually increase the complexity and power of opponents․
Utilize the Pathfinder 2e encounter building guidelines, adjusting creature levels and numbers to match the party’s capabilities․ Don’t solely rely on raw combat power; incorporate environmental hazards, unique abilities, and tactical objectives to create engaging fights․
Remember that the tournament isn’t just about winning; it’s about showcasing skill and earning renown․ Consider allowing players to strategically choose opponents or negotiate favorable conditions, adding a layer of roleplaying to the encounters․
Adapting the Story for Your Group
The Fists of the Ruby Phoenix provides a robust framework, but tailoring it to your players’ preferences is key․ Emphasize character-driven narratives by weaving personal goals and backstories into the tournament arc․ Explore the motivations of rival combatants, turning them into compelling allies or formidable foes․
Consider expanding upon the Tian Xia setting, introducing local customs, political intrigue, and unique challenges․ If your group enjoys social interaction, amplify the roleplaying opportunities within the tournament’s social events and negotiations․
Don’t hesitate to modify encounters or introduce new storylines to suit your group’s playstyle․ The core themes of honor, ambition, and self-discovery remain central, regardless of the specific adaptations you implement․

Resources & Further Reading
Explore official Pathfinder 2nd Edition materials and community guides for enhanced gameplay․ Online tools aid in campaign management and enrich the Fists of the Ruby Phoenix experience․
Official Pathfinder 2nd Edition Resources
For a comprehensive understanding of the game system underpinning Fists of the Ruby Phoenix, the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Core Rulebook is essential․ This foundational text details character creation, combat, and spellcasting rules․ Supplement this with the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Gamemastery Guide, offering invaluable advice for Game Masters on worldbuilding, encounter design, and running a compelling campaign․
Further official resources include the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Bestiary series, providing a wealth of monsters and NPCs that might appear within Tian Xia or even challenge players in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament itself․ Paizo’s website (paizo․com) is a treasure trove of downloadable content, including character sheets, rules clarifications, and adventure previews․ Don’t overlook the Pathfinder Lost Omens series for deeper dives into the setting’s lore․
Community Created Content & Guides
Beyond official Paizo materials, a vibrant community has sprung up around Fists of the Ruby Phoenix, offering a wealth of player-created resources․ Websites like Reddit’s r/Pathfinder2e and dedicated Pathfinder forums host discussions, character build ideas, and house rules tailored to the adventure path․ Many GMs share their experiences, encounter modifications, and unique interpretations of the Tian Xia setting․
Look for battle map creations, pre-generated character options, and even fan-written side quests designed to enhance the campaign․ Online tools like Foundry VTT often feature community-made modules specifically for Fists of the Ruby Phoenix, streamlining gameplay․ Remember to critically evaluate any non-official content before incorporating it into your game․
Online Tools for Game Management
Successfully running Fists of the Ruby Phoenix benefits greatly from utilizing digital tools․ Platforms like Foundry VTT and Roll20 offer virtual tabletops with features for character sheets, dice rolling, and map management, streamlining the tournament experience․ Beyond VTTs, dedicated Pathfinder 2e tools such as Archives of Nethys provide quick access to rules and creature statistics․
Consider using campaign management software like World Anvil to organize notes on NPCs, locations within Tian Xia, and the intricate details of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament․ Digital tools can also assist with tracking character progress, managing initiative during arena combats, and simplifying complex skill challenges․
















































































