DM Carl - Good Morning, Sunshine Tuesday February 11th, 2020 1:30:34 PM Jozhur is nervous? Your DM hasn't seen that happen yet. How novel! Aexana seems ready to go low...and why not? Obviously it seems to be effective. Terser wisely skips his daily morning spell casting. Bralin wonders where breakfast is. Fang speaks on the virtue of taking the high road. After all, they're not here to win, they're here to figure out what's actually going on. She's not wrong about that. Tahni claims rules aren't worth much if they're not enforced. She wonders if that construct monk is still there. From your collective comings and goings, that monk has never left. The other one needs rest and is swapped out, but the construct? It's sat there day and night. Rill confirms this, then uses the device to summon Heather.
As if on queue, she walks in. A check of the time shows she's not late. Perhaps your DM was just stalling for time? We may never know...
She takes a moment to make sure everyone's decent. Astute observers notice she herself walked in before such a check, but that doesn't seem out of character for her. "Good morning, Dragons. Big day today. Hope you're hungry!" Two sets of servants enter, each carrying small tables filled with eggs, sausage, flapjacks, biscuits, ham, preserves, butter, coffee, juice, milk, gravy, honey, creamed spinach, oatmeal, some sort of wrap filled with rice and beans, and absolutely no bacon. It's an odd omission of an iconic breakfast food.
Heather walks to both tables and unfolds the legs, allowing the servants to lower them to the floor. A large basket on one holds plates, bowls, and cutlery. Another holds mugs for drink. "Sorry about the bacon. The Fangs of the Beast went a little crazy last night and ate all of it." She dismisses the servants.
"The parade doesn't start for another hour, so you have time. Any final questions before today's events?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+2=18 ; d20+31=42 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2020 6:11:28 PM
Tahni begins her morning prep prior to breakfast. It's an unusual situation for her. Not having access to her long duration spells will certainly impact her. She can only hope she won't let the team down.
Breakfast looks and smells amazing. But really? No more bacon? There truly is some evil at play here in the tournament. Those Fangs have much to answer for.
"I take it the parade just involves us walking somewhere? No combat, speeches, or anything like that?"
Tahni looks over all of the goods closely to try and understand how they were prepared. Maybe she can work out where she is going wrong in the kitchen?
------------ Perception: 42 Untrained Profession (Cook): 18 - To see if she can identify any cooking tips for her to try next time
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Tuesday February 11th, 2020 6:26:48 PM These wrapped up things seem pretty convenient, Tahni! You could throw the eggs and some bacon and potatoes and stuff in there and take breakfast on the go!
Think you can modify that spell of yours to keep them warm for a long while? It'd be nice to have a few on hand as snacks throughout the day, too!
Terser has little to do for the parade other than get dressed up in his normal gear, so he'll take his time enjoying the food. And noting which jams in particular seem to be best.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+33=51 ; d20+38=58 ; d20+14=29 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2020 6:30:41 PM
Rill greets Heather, asking her if she can outline the days events.
Then he will approach the construct monk. This monk is not hiding the fact that he does not sleep or eat, so it seems reasonable to ask about this.
"Good sir, I am Rillett Savenport - what is your name please? I have noticed that you neither eat nor sleep. My divinations tell me that you are a construct of some sort, and a marvelous one at that, so I am curious. If I may ask, what manner of being are you? Are you an independent creature? The constructs that I have encountered are under the control of another. Is there someone that you answer to in a similar way?
"Please understand that I mean no offense by these questions. All of the monks here have been good an efficient guardians. The fact that you do not need to rest makes you even more effective in your role. I am interested in knowing more about those responsible for our safety."
Rill spends a bit of time talking with these monks and tries to gauge their responses, demeanor and truthfulness.
Sense Motive 51 Perception 58 Diplomacy 29
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 11th, 2020 6:36:56 PM "This breakfast looks like a deathtrap on its own! We'll get fat 'n lazy for today's challenges!! " Aex refrains herself from eating too much but instead goes for slow sugars and good nutritious food. (good thing this is only RP'ing as the person writing this does far from this)
After breakfast Aex uses some prestidigitations to have her robes look ever sparkly greens and again her hair bright purple pink and pointing up...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Tuesday February 11th, 2020 6:59:55 PM
Bralin consumes breakfast as is his wont. Which is to say, quite a bit of it.
In between mouthfuls, he asks Heather. "The rules for spellcasting at the Guantlet. Is flight and planar travel all that is disallowed?"
In reply to the earlier questions around rule breaking, the dwarf adds his two cents. The Chancers seem most concerned with money and reputation. Methinks while they were willing to overlook the attack last night, they will be more firm in the contests where their beloved odds would be impacted.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday February 11th, 2020 7:17:24 PM
Fang eats heartily - best to be well fed before a tough challenge. "Quick rules question. We can't fly or teleport, but what about the Air Walk spell? It isn't true flight, just lets you walk on air. Blocked by wind and other things. Is it legal?"
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday February 11th, 2020 10:56:16 PM
Jozhur frowns and shakes his head when informed of the bacon situation. He'd have to settle for eggs, sausage and a biscuit. Pancakes seem like a bad idea.
Obviously his angelic armor will not work, but he has a rule question for Heather, "We can't cast spells, but some of us can do things that aren't really spells, but may look like one, are those allowable?"
Ooc:. Jozhur is asking about spell like abilities, particularly his shadow jump, conjure shadow, and shadow illusion. Also, I'm in the middle of nowhere for work and service is spotty. I should be able to post, but I apologize if I miss one.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday February 12th, 2020 12:01:02 AM "How long does the gauntlet typically take? How long did it take winners in previous years? Hours? Minutes? Seconds?" Tahni asks, trying to get a feel for the thing.
DM Carl - Good Morning, Sunshine Wednesday February 12th, 2020 12:55:40 PM Tahni, in her quest to be a better cook, possibly saves everyone's life. More on that in a moment... Terser marvels at the novelty of the breakfast wrap. They would be better with eggs and whatnot; perhaps the cooks were trying to fancy up plant-based food options? He also suggests a neat use of Rose's Temperature Control.
Also, the peach jam is far superior to the rest.
Rill asks Heather to detail the day's events.
"Well, first there's the parade. No speeches or anything is expected of any participants. It's just a chance to smile and wave, if that's your thing. A few teams are very secretive, so it gives a chance for the gamblers to size them up before bets are locked in.
"After that, all participants are sequestered away while teams attempt the gauntlet one at a time. Everyone's going to be keeping careful eyes on you since you're fielding two teams, so no funny business with telepathy." She playfully waves a finger at Rill as she says this.
"After all teams have completed their runs, the winners are announced in a small ceremony before the day's events are closed and everyone goes back to their drinking, dancing, or other various debaucheries."
Aexana decides to focus on slow-burning sugars and healthy options, but she may want to rethink that when Tahni makes her discovery (which we're getting to).
Bralin decides to take the opposite approach, deciding to eat a heroic amount. He, along with Fang ask about the specifics of the rules.
Heather reaches into a tiny pocket in her bikini cover and pulls out a leather-bound journal that's way too big to fit in there. She must have an extradimensional space in that cover.
"Here are the official rules related to prohibited spells and whatnots in The Gauntlet. It's expected teams will find ways to skirt them on technicalities, but outright break them and the judges won't hesitate to disqualify you." She clears her throat and reads.
"Contestants are forbidden from bringing active magical items into The Gauntlet. Any such item brought in will have its effects dispelled, rendering it a mundane version of itself. Additionally, all active spells will be dispelled as well, including any permanent enchantments. The Chancers Guild claims no responsibility for costs incurred in obtaining said permanent enchantments.
"Spells or innate magical, extraordinary, or supernatural abilities may be used in The Gauntlet with the following exceptions:
Spells or abilities that allow teleportation, including but not limited to teleport, greater teleport, and dimension door. Spells or abilities that allow flight, levitation, or any other means of ascending and maintaining altitude above solid ground. Spells or abilities that allow travel through the astral, shadow, or ethereal planes. Polymorph spells and abilities are permitted, except into forms that allow any method of movement prohibited."
She puts the book back. "Careful with that last one. It's also not uncommon for the audience to argue that a contestant broke a rule, usually someone they bet against." She shrugs. "The whole technicality thing swings both ways." She readjusts her cover.
Jozhur wonders about abilities of his, but the rules Heather listed mentioned the same rules applied to them as well. The rules did not say he can't use abilities that don't break those specific rules.
Tahni asks about how long The Gauntlet usually takes. "Oh, five to ten minutes usually. There are a lot of teams to get through, so they don't make it too long."
Tahni's listening to the response and closely inspecting the food for ways to improve her own cooking. She's looking through the oatmeal, noting tiny pockets of butter throughout her bowl. The only way that could happen would be to leave the butter solid when mixing it in, and to avoid over mixing. As she inspects a spoonful, a clear, thin liquid pools at the bottom of the spoon and drops into her bowl with a splash.
Oatmeal shouldn't do that. There must be some foreign substance in the food. A quick inspection reveals the same substance in the biscuits and flapjacks. In fact, it's in everything with little bits of butter. There's also a very thin layer of clear liquid on top of the coffee.
Tahni is able to discover this before anyone eats or drinks any of these items.
At some point, Rill decides to talk to the construct. He turns his senses up to 11, and notices the human monk opposite him (whom Rill can confirm is neither construct nor undead), seems uneasy next to the construct monk.
The construct listens with a smile, which turns to confusion. "Construct? I'm not a construct. Of course I eat and sleep. Why just this morning I ate..." His voice trails off as he tries to remember. "I mean, I'm sure I ate breakfast after I woke up. I mean, I went to bed at..." His voice trails off again.
The human monk speaks up. "They're all like that. Watch, in a few seconds he'll forget you even asked him."
Sure enough, a few seconds later the confused look vanishes from the construct's face. "Ah, good morning Master Rill. Good luck to you and yours in The Gauntlet today!"
"See!" exclaims the human. "Darn right creepy if ya ask me." Rill gets no indication that the construct is being deceitful.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:00:08 PM
Assuming Tahni warns everyone Aex leaves the food untouched... well... seems that we'll go into the gauntlet on an empty stomach.
"I'm assuming tree hopping is out of the question as well?! Looks like we are not to go airborne... THAT movement is prohibited. Says nothing about burrowing though... "
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Wednesday February 12th, 2020 7:17:48 PM
Bralin drops his fork at Tahni's declaration, and casts a spell on the table, and shares the results with his comrades.
Detect Poison
Should the food be poisoned, he whirls on Heather. "Explain yourself. Now."
--- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday February 12th, 2020 7:34:27 PM
Fang is never one to let table manners get in the way of hunger and digs in quickly before Tahni has a chance to say anything. After other people start to make a commotion she swallows a large bite and looks over at them curiously.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Wednesday February 12th, 2020 7:39:55 PM
Terser has been busy sampling jams when Tahni gives the warning, and hesitates a minute before chomping on a piece of toast covered in preserves. Mmmmm peaches.
He waits to back up Bralin based on the results of his question.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:53:19 PM
Rill is outside the area of the Mages Private Sanctum that was cast the night before. Assuming someone alerts him to the tainted breakfast dishes, he returns and gets the jist of what's going on.
Like Bralin, Rill will look at Heather expectantly.
"Since this place has sentries and guards in place for our protection, it seems that modest precautions here are the norm. And you are assigned to see to our needs. So how is it that something as simple as tainted food has been delivered by you Heather? If indeed you are the same Heather that was sent to serve us before."
Rill's Sense Motive and Perception are pretty high, and he will look to make sure she is not a construct, outsider, or undead.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+26=33 ; Thursday February 13th, 2020 12:27:52 AM
Jozhur wants a little clarification on the rules, "So magic items will be permanently dispelled?". That will limit his weapon choices a little.
When Thank discovers the oddities in the food, Jozhur puts his fork down and shakes his head at Heather, "Adultered food?! Apparently we can't trust anyone around here. We've never even experience the likes of this in Bonetown." He carefully eyes Heather, expecting some sort of attempt at an explanation.
Perception: 33
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday February 13th, 2020 5:24:50 AM
Tahni stays quiet and let's the others eat, not mentioning what she has noticed about the food
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday February 13th, 2020 5:25:11 AM OOC: As if I would :)
-------------------------
"You see. This is what I was talking about. We're following the rules while others aren't, and they go unpunished." Tahni pushes the bowl away "I'm getting real sick of this."
"I don't know if it is toxic or not, but the food appears tainted in some way. Rill, any chance you have a divination spell or something we could use to identify who did this? "
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday February 13th, 2020 8:05:41 AM
Fang considers, then shrugs and finishes the wrap she'd already half eaten. It's not like Neutralize Poison is a hard spell to prepare, It's doubtful anything is virulent enough to kill them before a priest with the spell can get over here or one of them could swap out their spells for it. Besides, she's already eaten enough to be affected, a little more won't hurt much more.
Actually she thinks of all that a little later, she just really wanted to finish that wrap. It was very good.
DM Carl - Good Morning, Sunshine d20+2=9 ; Thursday February 13th, 2020 1:28:47 PM Aexana makes some astute observations about the rules and decides to go hungry. No need for that, though, because Bralin casts detect poison. The oatmeal, flapjacks, biscuits, coffee, and creamed spinach are all poisoned. He's unsure what kind of poison it is, though (OOC: rolled a WIS check for you per detect poison rules).
Fang quietly digs into her wrap and Terser sits with a biscuit (there's no toast) halfway in his mouth as Bralin whirls on Heather. Bralin is an imposing figure. One could forgive Heather for the look of fear on her face as she reacts. She very quickly gains her composure back and stares daggers back at Bralin.
"Explain myself? I brought you breakfast that other people cooked, other people arranged, and still other people carried. By all means though, start pointing fingers at me."
Rill asks how it's possible that this happened, wondering if this is even the same Heather...and ooooh boy, the look on Heather's face. For the first time since our heroes met her, Heather's bohemian appearances fall.
"This," she starts, stamping her foot, "is not croquet at the royal gardens. It's not high tea, it's not a derby, it's not a pleasant night at the theater. This is the Chancers' Freaking Invitational." She punctuates this by balling her fists then splaying her fingers outwards on either side of her. "Newsflash everyone, some of those teams out there are filled with very nasty people. They cheat, and they'll continue to cheat, and everyone is expected to look out for themselves. How are you still not understanding this? You think those guards are any match for something that can threaten you lot? You think our overworked kitchen staff is capable of foiling a likely very well paid assassin? Do the legendary Sea Dragons need a nanny to follow them around and make sure bullies aren't mean to them?" She mock pouts a bit and blinks her eyes as she finishes her diatribe.
Rill sees no indication that this is a different Heather, or that she's not living. She's angry, and a little disgusted, but there's no indication that she's guilty of taking part in the poisoning.
She calms herself down and fixes her hair a bit. "We host the event. We ask the monks to keep the rabble in line, and we administer the betting pools. We do not protect teams from each other. You're expected to be able to handle yourselves."
Jozhur wonders about the specifics of dispelling magic on items. Just like that, Heather's back to herself. "Oh, it's not permanent. Any magic on equipment you bring will just be suppressed for The Gauntlet. It will be fine afterwards."
Tahni is getting sick of following the rules while others go unpunished for breaking them. "Yes dear," Heather answers with a mischievous smile. "Now you're getting it. I'll be back in an hour to escort you to the parade start. Enjoy your breakfast, heroes!" She turns and leaves the tent. There is still plenty of food and drink that is not poisoned.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday February 13th, 2020 2:59:14 PM ” So basically the chancers are complete incompetents unable to guarantee anyone’s safety. Good to know. Maybe that’s why we were brought here.”
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Thursday February 13th, 2020 7:26:18 PM
At Heather's departure, Bralin casts another spell (Purify Food and Drink) and has a biscuit laden with jelly.
"I believe we have discovered why the Dragon Consortium has declined previous invitations to this prestigious event," he deadpans, reaching for the coffee.
The dwarf plans to save some of the biscuits for the parade. "Mayhap the sight of me eating supposedly poisoned food on the route, will elicit a reaction from the poisoner."
---- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Friday February 14th, 2020 12:42:42 AM
Rill gives himself a moment to calm down before responding to Heather’s rant. And then she leaves. Swell.
”Wow. So she shows up with poisoned food and calls us a bunch of prima donnas when we object. If it were up to me, we would abolish these games and put an end to the Chancers. But we are here for a reason and will see this through.
“Thanks for cleaning up the food Bralin.”
Rill will cast Detect Poison as well just to make sure Bralin’s spell was effective. Then he’ll dig in.
”You know, it’s a shame that those beastie boys and girls took all the bacon. I guess you gotta fight for your right to party around here.”
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday February 14th, 2020 7:20:17 AM "I was of a similar mind, Bralin. If we work out what the substance does, perhaps we can even pretend that it has taken effect?" Tahni decides to watch Fang closely to see if she has any reaction "We could then also keep an eye on the other competitors to see if any of them have also been affected"
"It does seem that technicalities are very important here. We were told that 'any team caught engaging in such activity will have to forfeit one member of their team'. Note that being caught part? If you don't get caught then apparently everyone is fair game."
"As for our reason for being here, well, perhaps the reason is to shut down these tournaments for good? If that was the case we could do so right now" It's perhaps a little optimistic for things to be that simple.
DM Carl - Good Morning, Sunshine d20+9=21 ; Friday February 14th, 2020 2:41:35 PM
(Busy day, so short post. Also don't want to start the parade & main event on the last posting day of the week.)
Rill manages to cast a detect poison spell of his own before it's cleansed by Bralin.
OOC: Rolled a WIS check for you as well & passed - 21
As near as Rill can tell, there are two different poisons. The one in the coffee is some sort of vasodilator mixed with something similar to a phototoxin. It would probably make its victims more susceptible to elemental damage.
The poison mixed in with the butter is a more toxic vasodilator, mixed with an immuno-suppresent. It would make its victims more susceptible to other toxins or disease.
Thanks to Bralin, it's all safe to eat...but no one knows that but our heroes. Anyone spotting our heroes walking around eating the formally tainted food may think they didn't discover the poison.
Either way, breakfast is safe.
***
Heather will show back up Monday to kick off the parade.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday February 14th, 2020 2:49:03 PM You guys think that this gauntlet is enclosed and they use scrying spells or the like to monitor for cheating? Because I could put mind blank on one of you guys, and you could go hog wild with whatever magic you want.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday February 14th, 2020 7:52:27 PM "Nice thought, Terser, but it would be dispelled before we enter"
Tahni regrets not asking Heather for a copy of the rule book. She wants to study that thing and look for loopholes that other teams may be exploiting - or planning to.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+26=45 ; Friday February 14th, 2020 9:30:51 PM
"So cheating is pretty much overlooked unless it is out in the open. We will just have to be on our toes all the time. The denizens of Bonetown are more civil than this lot."
Jozhur finishes his eggs, sausage, and biscuit before stepping outside to enjoy the early morning sun as he sips his coffee. He keeps a casual eye out for curious onlookers. (perception:45)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday February 14th, 2020 10:17:49 PM Doesn't stop me from using it once we get in. It'll give my team that little advantage at least.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday February 15th, 2020 2:31:11 AM "I wonder if any of them have realized nothing prevents the morally questionable types from skipping the contest and extorting money out of them. None of them can defend themselves against the people they've invited so the only thing that stands between them and the contestants is us other contestants."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday February 16th, 2020 9:32:06 AM "They dispel everything that is brought inside? But that does not dispel anything that is cast outside of the zone with an effective result inside? Say a lightning strike?!?
Just another thought... what if 2 of us died because of the poisoned food?!? We're the only ones that know the food is safe now. Provided this poison was actually meant to kill and not just get you on the toilet all day... this could mean that we can have 2 of us elsewhere. Disguised or some other sort of alteration. If the anymagic is cast on each group member seperately they might not dismiss anyone else who is not a part of the group... or who is not recognised as being one of the group.
Also, it would possibly give us a chance to check the other teams...
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d100=30 ; Sunday February 16th, 2020 11:58:59 PM "Winning these little contests would be interesting I suppose, but it's not really why we're here."
Rill will cast a Divination spell, asking "What teams or groups here are part of the larger threat to the Wold?"
30 - success!
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Monday February 17th, 2020 1:07:30 PM
Bralin listens, but has nothing additional to offer.
The dwarf makes sure he has a good supply of the biscuits with him to munch on during the parade.
He will rely on his more perceptive comrades to identify peculiar reactions from anyone.
DM Carl - Good Morning, Sunshine Monday February 17th, 2020 2:12:14 PM Terser wonders if mindblank could cover up any cheating. An interesting thought, but with millions of gold on the line and people coming from far and wide, it's unthinkable that there won't be an audience watching every moment.
Tahni also recalls that it would be dispelled upon entering. She wishes she had a copy of that rulebook.
OOC: Ken and I didn't write an entire rule book. This is actually a good time to bring up something important: I'll be running this module exactly as written and sticking as close to RAW as I'm able. That means if you come up with a novel idea the event's rules don't cover, I'll allow it. Conversely, if something doesn't work, know that I'm not just saying no because I want to.
Jozhur notes they'll need to keep on their toes, and that Bonetown manages to be more civil than this place. All true! He eats, then keeps an eye for curious onlookers. The Sea Dragons are the main event here, so there are a lot of curious onlookers. They keep their distance as required by the monks, but there's a large group of people who cheer when Jozhur peeks outside the tent.
Fang waxes philosophical about the Chancers not being able to defend themselves against the people they invite. She's correct: the Chancers' Invitational is a high-risk event for all involved.
That's kinda their thing though, isn't it?
Aexana wonders about casting spells into The Gauntlet. Contestants in any of the Invitational's events are not allowed to receive any outside assistance, nor is anyone else allowed to help or hinder any other team. Of course, if they don't get caught doing it...
She wonders about pretending to be poisoned to keep up a ruse. Not a bad idea, but Rill already identified the poisons and determined they'd only make one more susceptible to toxins, disease, or environmental damage. In fact, if Tahni hadn't discovered it, our heroes wouldn't even realize they'd been poisoned. As such, pretending to be poisoned would just advertise to the poisoner that they'd been discovered.
Rill mentions that winning these contests is not why they're here. Really? Who said that? He also asks an interesting question, and gets a short, uncryptic answer: The Sea Dragons.
OOC: Yes, I saw that you worded it "teamS or groupS".
Bralin prepares a snack for later.
Heather returns right on time, in high spirits, and with significantly more clothing. She wears a high-waisted pant suit with a flowing cape. The entire getup is made from a tropical floral print fabric in blues and gold. It looks a lot nicer than that sounds. She still wears sandals. Guess you can take the girl off the beach, but not the beach out of the girl.
"Time to get started, Heroes." She opens the tent flaps and quickly ties both ends open, then waits.
***
You've had an hour to get dressed and what not. Please describe how you're presenting yourselves in the parade.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Monday February 17th, 2020 6:21:24 PM
Bralin is done showing off, especially if odds are they'll be attacked again.
The dwarf is fully geared, armed, and armored. Mithril full plate, mithril shield, waraxe. He also has his Warhammer on his hip.
The shield is currently on his back, leaving his hands free to hold a bag of biscuits.
--- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday February 17th, 2020 6:58:20 PM
Aex walks out head held high. Leave at her side. A few prestidigitation spells have tidied her robes making the vibrand greens look very much alive. She would probably blend in nicely in a forest because of her clothes but her hair... is more purple pink than ever.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Monday February 17th, 2020 9:44:53 PM
Terser is presenting his usual self. His beard is oiled and braided and stuck down into the front of his matte adamantine breastplate. His glaive is gripped in one gauntleted hand, and maybe the chains wrapped around the haft with wyvern teeth are a bit shinier than normal. The only thing different is a small wooden toy that looks like a seat with a small propeller on top. Nothing functional, or anywhere near what his sister could make, but he hopes that she takes notice and takes the gesture as intended.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:24:30 AM
Tahni doesn't have her slew of buffs up today. There's really no point if they'll just get dispelled, so it makes more sense to save the spell slots. Walking rather than hovering and flying is tedious.
She still looks quite presentable though. Her clothes are clean and she has her hood down.
The entrance is a little subdued compared to how they arrived yesterday, and she saves her illusion spells.
She'll wave to any who wave to her, though glares at the Fangs if she sees them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday February 18th, 2020 11:48:52 AM
Fang had been planning on playing dress up - still so many fancy clothes from Restlin to try! - but sees some of the others going out in full gear and looking fearsome so instead she goes full barbarian. Her well-worn hides and battle scars are on full display along with the few pieces of bone jewelry left over from her old tribe. Her weapons are openly displayed and she walks with the measured pace of a stalking predator alongside her companions, eyes scanning the crowd in a calm, focused manner.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:57:02 PM
Jozhur has never bothered with fine clothes having always slipped by with his charming personality.. He wears his typical plain baggy gray clothing and his hair is the same chaggy mop as usual.He wears his armor for now, but plans to remove it prior to the contest.
The Parade of Teams
DM Carl Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:53:25 PM
Looks like our heroes are going to parade in full battle mode. Nice. The Chancers' Invitational has decided to try and batter the Sea Dragons about. About time they show some teeth.
Heather guides the party through the throng, which dutifully parts to allow them through. Off in the distance, you can already hear Kozy Tinkwicket doing his thing. "There are several...insignificant teams to go through before the big hitters start their parade. Some are here on a lark, others don't realize how far above their weight class they're punching. There's always a few," she says with a chuckle.
Our heroes are led into a side entrance to the event's colosseum. Care has been taken to keep the competitive teams separate. With all that's been going on, that's not surprising. The space is wholly unremarkable. There are a few wooden benches in the small, stone space. The only other decoration is a huge mirror taking up most of the wall opposite the lone entrance. Anyone with an active detect magic spell going notices the mirror radiates with divination magic. "Teams are supposed to remain separate from each other, buuuuuuttt...I figured you may like to watch the proceedings anyway to size everyone up." She presses a hidden stone button in the wall, and the entire mirror comes to life.
An enormous crowd has filled the colosseum to capacity. Currently, a team of young, but well-armed women are walking across the field. The crowd doesn't seem particularly impressed with them. All across the audience, people can be seen talking to each other, drinking from simple metal cups, and eating meat served on a stick.
Kozy's voice comes through loud and clear from the mirror. "Jade's Gambit, folks! Let's give them some love. They're gonna need it!" There's a spattering of applause from the crowd, but that's it.
"Ok everyone. Have we seen enough of the B-teams?" Kozy continues. There's a wave of laughter from the crowd. The team introduced as Jade's Gambit gives him a dirty look, but the event's handlers are already escorting them off the field. "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, deviants of all ages..." he pauses, and a hush falls over the crowd.
"Let's get this started, shall we?" The crowd erupts, but Kozy's voice still overpowers the assembled throng. "First up! Here for the first time, but already causing waves. I give you Fangs. Of. The. BEEEASST!" On cue, seven beastfolk enter the colosseum. The team consists of 3 catfolk, all female, a female ratfolk, a male dogfolk, a male birdfolks, and a very old male bearfolk.
Kozy introduces them by name, but Heather has more pertinent info to give.
"That's Mint," she starts when the first female catfolk enters. "Caster. Chief healer, but she packs a punch. That's Miri," indicating another catfolk. "Sneaky type. Watch the shadows when she's around. Last catfolk there is Kirri. She's another caster, but she's way more playful than Mint.
"The ratwoman there is Claw. She's a natural magic type. She's been in a bad mood all week. Dog-boy there is Runt. He's a good shot. Birdman is Sky. Watch out for him; he relies on being ignored until it's too late. That bearfolk there? Goes by Grandpa. Do NOT be fooled by his age, everyone. I know you're all tough, but one-on-one my money would be on him." She shrugs. "Nothing personal."
***
Putting this much info for every team in one post is way too much for one day. Plan is to post detailed info for 2-3 teams per day. Or, you can say you don't care and I can just rush through it w/ little detail. Up to you guys.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday February 18th, 2020 9:20:47 PM
Kirri. Kirri is the one that (fake?)fawned over Tahni. Sky is new. "Interesting. How does someone rely on being ignored? Surely he contributes to the battles somehow."
She pays attention to how they present themselves. Are they dressed for battle like the Dragons, and have armor on and weapons at hand?
"Have they nominated which three will be participating in the gauntlet?"
------------- OOC: 2 to 3 teams per day sounds good
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Wednesday February 19th, 2020 1:16:23 AM
Rill smooths his gleaming white robes and adjusts his breastplate. He takes off his helm and sets his shield down as has a seat to watch the proceedings in the viewing room.
"So Heather, with all these visiting teams and bettors, people come from all over. But are there any aspects this year that seem to be particularly unusual? Like monks that are constructs but are altered so that they themselves ignore evidence they're not human. Anything weirder than weird that stands out this time? Any lords of the nine hells show up to casually place bets?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+11=31 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2020 8:14:49 AM
Fang shrugs. "I've seen the type before, could mean one of several things. Hangs back, looks unimportant, then suddenly takes out key target or casts a spell that totally changes a battle." She looks at Sky and tries to figure out if he looks more caster-y or like an archer or whatever (perception 31)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:54:27 AM At least we know the catgirl likes to summon things already. If we take her out quick, that's a lot less adds to take on for the rest of the melee.
Terser starts thinking about his own tricks and what he's given away to observers already. At least he didn't do much except for slashing and especially quick channeling. He's relying a little bit on the fact that most of the folks with his training don't get out on many adventures.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Wednesday February 19th, 2020 2:03:08 PM
Jozhur is a little put off at the treatment of the lesser teams. They may not have much of a chance, but at least they had the courage to come play.
He listens intently as Heather describes each participant. "Thanks for the info, sorry we were hard on you earlier."
DM Carl Wednesday February 19th, 2020 5:15:24 PM Tahni pays attention to the Fangs' gear. They've shown up with a bare minimum of clothing and no gear. What they do wear is mostly furs and leathers. The effect really plays up their bestial nature. The exception is Grandpa, who wears a set of plate armor made from bone. It's a seriously nice set of armor. Squinting, Tahni can see every single bone in the set is covered with engravings.
Anyone who gets curious about detecting magic through the mirror finds it doesn't work. Only the divination aura from the mirror is detected.
"Yea," answers Heather. "Sky, Miri, and Runt. Sky's going to cause issues. He can't actually fly without magical aid, but those wings of his are still useful. Kind of curious to see if the rules are updated for beastfolk next year."
Rill asks about anything weirder than normal this time around. Heather smiles. "Well yes, as a matter of fact. A member of the Dragon Consortium is here this year. Don't underestimate what your presence here has done for attendance. There may be a Lord of Hell out there, but they're keeping a low profile if they are." She pauses a moment, frowns, then continues. "The monks are being much more permissive than normal. I meant what I said about teams being expected to look out for themselves, but even I'm surprised at how passive they've been."
Fang considers Sky. They don't carry gear, but Heather's able to illuminate the situation a bit more. "He's a caster. Spends some time flying over head, seemingly not even part of combat. Then, he starts picking off targets with his magic."
Terser notes it would be a good idea to take the known summoner out quickly.
Jozhur is put off at the treatment of the minor teams. Even the Sea Dragons were neophytes once upon a time, after all. He thanks Heather, who smiles. "Water under the bridge, but thank you."
Their moment in the sun finished, the Fangs of the Beast exit the arena. Kozy begins the next introductions. "Next up, another group of newcomers that's caught our eyes. Let's hear it for the Talons of Aisildur!" On cue, 7 well armed adventurers enter the arena. If one were to look up "adventurers" in a dictionary, one might see the Talons of Aisildur. They consist of a dwarf, a half-orc, a half-elf, a halfling, and 3 humans. Only two of the humans are female.
Heather steps up again. "Don't be too quick to judge this team just because they're from Aisildur. They're actually really nice. The dwarf there is Gort. He's the leader and a straight martial fighter. Cammie there is a priest of Flower, she keeps everyone else alive. The other woman in the bunch is Seabreeze. She's not originally from Aisildur. Grew up in the Red Hills beating up orcs." Her dress is very tribal. She stands out quite a bit from the rest. "Last human there is Majorie. He's a wizard, and not very nice. I don't think they'd put up with him if Lummox there wasn't his half brother." She indicates the half-orc. He stands with his left arm around Majorie's shoulder. The wizard does not look pleased with the affection. "Gort may be the leader, but Lummox is their heavy hitter. Half-elf there is Tasin. He's a skilled bow hunter. Last one is Whirrfoot, the halfling." Whirrfoot is all smiles. He waves wildly with one hand at the crowd. Gripped in his other hand is a sling-staff. "Whirrfoot's made a lot of friends here. Just a super fun guy. The odds are pretty far on the Talons, but they're definitely one of this year's more potent teams."
The Talons leave the field, and Kozy gets to work introducing the next team, but he is much more subdued. "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Last Whisper." A hush falls over the crowd as the next team enters. Heather blanches a bit. "These guys are real bad news, everyone. They're only here in the parade because they have to be, and no one really knows a lot about them other than their names. That's their leader, Xuffie. Her cohort is Kahloud." Both are humans. Heather points to the last human in the bunch. "Qid. They're not really what draws the eye though, are they?" She's right. The other three members of The Last Whisper are a tiefling, a six-armed snake demon, and an honest to goodness werebear. Heather introduces them as Caisyth, Blue, and Tencent, respectively. All are dressed in simple gray robes, but Tencent is carrying a large wooden sarcophagus on his shoulder. "That's odd," notes Heather. "I'm not sure what that thing's supposed to be, or why they're carrying it. Be careful with them, ok?"
Knowledge, Planes DC17, Highlight to display spoiler: {Blue is a marilith. She wears shackles on all six of her wrists.} Perception DC25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Something's off with Qid. There's an unhealthy pallor about him.}
Bralin eyes the The Last Whisper. "Mayhap the humans are not human either," he notes. "The one called Qid has an unhealthy pallor about him."
The dwarf studies the Whisper some more. He is very sure he does not like them.
The other issue is becoming apparent as well. "Our ploy with the biscuits is unlikely to be successful, as we will be the only ones on the field. We will have no reaction to gauge."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:02:17 AM
Tahni nods in agreement with Bralin "Yes, and if I'm not mistaken Blue is a marilith demon. She could be tough one-on-one"
"Any that associate themselves with demons can't be good" she says, stating the obvious
Tencent catches her eye "What do your reckon? Vampire in the sarcophagus?"
---------------- Knowl Planes vs DC17: Autopass Perception vs DC25: Autopass
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:05:33 AM "Didn't someone say the food was just poisoned to weaken us to elemental damage?" Fang suddenly remembers. "Pretending we're to sick to fight won't work if that's the case."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:06:30 AM Wait a demon? Can't we just banish her to her home plane then?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Thursday February 20th, 2020 10:22:03 AM Aye, banish her and not feel bad about it. I sometimes feel for the poor folks that Rill seems to like to displace from here.
Terser checks out how intense the sun is right now. If they have a 7th that is a bloodsucker in there, it'll be at a real disadvantage unless all the competition is inside. Or it has a magic sunblock spell.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+4=14 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 4:29:28 PM
Knowledge Planes 14 - fail Perception - autopass
Rill will see if his Deathwatch ability works through this screen.
"You know, it's never a good sign when someone brings a sarcophagus to a party. It's just not going to be a very good party."
DM Carl Thursday February 20th, 2020 5:16:06 PM Bralin laments the failure of the biscuit gambit. Tahni identifies the demon as a marilith and ponders the sarcophagus. It certainly could be a vampire, or a Frankenstein(*), or Tencent's lunch for that matter. Probably not the latter, though. Tencent's undoubtedly very strong, but it's obvious carrying that thing is a lot of effort for him. It must be pretty heavy. Fang brings up the possibility of banishing the demon. Terser concurs and admits sometimes he feels for the creatures Rill banishes. The Wold can be pretty nice, but some things shouldn't be shared. Rill checks if his Deathwatch ability works through this mirror. It does not.
An obvious sigh of relief can be felt when The Last Whisper quickly exits the colloseum. Chatter picks back up immediately, as does Kozy. "Let's hope we never meet them in a dark alley, right folks! Moving on to another eccentric contestant, we have a lone entrant! Don't worry though. She brought lots of toys! Welcome I, Construct!"
Jada walks out on the field, followed by the constructs spotted earlier. Most of these you've seen already (**), but Heather provides additional commentary. She demurs from speaking about Terser's sister.
She pulls out her notebook before starting. "These ones have weird names," she says. She has to compare each to a few rough sketches.
Sense motive DC20, Highlight to display spoiler: {It occurs to you that this isn't some Chancers' Invitational program she's referencing. These are hand-written notes, probably obtained by Heather herself for your benefit.}
"Ok, that one with all the weird boilers is Nvidia. I think it spews elemental damage around. These are all guesses, by the way. Jada's secretive, and I'm not an expert on these things. That golden one there with all the extra heavy plating is IN993. Think it's just there to protect the rest. The clockwork one with the drills is Pentium. I spotted some dirt impacted in the drills earlier. Not that odd, but Jada keeps these things very clean typically. That one that almost looks human is AMD711. I swear I heard it speak like a person earlier. The rest of them don't do that. That one with all the holes is HP04. I don't know what it's game is. It looks incomplete."
There is one construct you have not seen before. It looks like someone bolted 6 arms and a set of legs to a furnace. Heather speaks up when she notices our heroes eyeing it. "That must be Wratheon, but it's the first time I've laid eyes on it." She shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine at this point."
IN993 walks forward and lowers it's hand to the ground. Jada sits on it and leans back against IN993's arm as the constructs begin their walk off the field. Her face is a calm mask of self-satisfied indifference to the cheering crowd.
Kozy opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. He looks confused as he tries again to speak, but fails. A confused murmur spreads through the crowd for just a moment before loud, raucous music absolutely erupts from everywhere. Sparks and flames shoot up from the field, and a thick haze settles as the music continues. After a few seconds, a sudden wind whips through the colosseum, blowing away the fog and revealing the next team. Their leader, towering blue half-dragon, holds an ornate rod in his hand as his companions continue playing their instruments. He speaks, and his voice is projected loudly by the device.
"CHANCERS INVITATIONAL. WE. ARE. DRAGON SOUND!" The music swells loudly, more pyrotechnics explode, and an illusionary horde of blue dragons fly high overhead. The crowd goes nuts, except for Kozy. He just looks irritated.
Dragon Sound breaks into song, but Heather turns a small knob and quiets the volume through the mirror. The sound of their bass can still be heard through the stones of the colloseum. They are very loud.
"These guys aren't here to win, but that doesn't mean they're not capable. Leader there was Han Valen(***) on vocals. That minotaur with the drums is Jon von Bovine. The two on guitar are Ace Feely and Cruemotte. That aasimar goes by The Foreigner, and the one with all the makeup is Zaggy Spacedust. They do backup vocals and use magic to amplify and enhance everyone else's playing. Last one there on the glockenspiel is Sir Elton. They're all bards and magic users. Only Jon von Bovine and Ace have any real martial ability.
"If you fight these guys, bring ear plugs."
----
* - Yes, I know it was Frankenstein's monster ** - Refer back to January 16th *** - Hey, DMs need to have fun too...
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:27:23 PM
(hmm missed a few... made DM posts in Tree and forgot my own character... sorry)
Aex has been observing the parade in awe... some interesting creatures have passed the show... Her hands do tingle in anticipation of the action that is yet to come. Leafy keeps an eye on Aex's back for the greenmage isn't paying much attention to her surroundings at the moment.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) d20+6=9 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:54:47 PM
[Sense Motive 9]
Bralin watches I, Construct and Dragon Sound march through.
"Jada is here to win," he notes. "That team will be difficult." He considers. "I would assume a hammer would be more effective than an axe," he posits to Terser.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+23=32 ; Thursday February 20th, 2020 8:46:27 PM
Jozhur realizes Heather has apparently worked hard at scouting the other teams, "Really Heather, you've been a blessing to us. Thank you for everything."
He continues sizing up the other teams. Various adventuring parties, not all that different than themselves. This should be challenging and interesting.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Friday February 21st, 2020 2:17:49 AM
Sense Motive - auto pass
"Thank you for your research on our behalf heather. I think you are right that we should bring earplugs is we go against Dragon Sound. You know, Han Valen is pretty good - good enough to perform by himself. He could do a Han Solo."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+12=31 ; Friday February 21st, 2020 3:27:01 AM "An illusory dragon flying overhead? They're copying my stuff" Tahni smiles and gives a shake of her head.
Then something occurs to her. She doesn't want to say it out loud in front of Heather so speaks telepathically to the rest of the party "You know, someone poisoning us would only slow us down in the gauntlet. We wouldn't be facing them directly so they wouldn't beat us in a fight. This is more to do with stopping us from winning. Handicapping us. There's also the details of those poisons. One for elemental damage and one for poisons. Were they just taking a guess at what we might face in the gauntlet, or do they have inside information?"
She looks to Heather "After the gauntlet event is over for us, are we permitted to watch while other teams participate? I mean, the audience get to see everything that happens so it can't be too secret"
"It would be interesting to see if other teams fare poorly against those things. Perhaps some others were poisoned too"
-------------- Sense Motive vs DC20: 31=Pass
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday February 21st, 2020 1:24:10 PM
Terser has a strange instinct to slap his forward with his palm at Rill's remark, but manages to suppress it. He shows off his gauntlets to Bralin. If a hammer turns out to be appropriate, these will do just as well.
Anyone happen to know where these poisons tend to come from? Maybe we can narrow down the suspects based on geography. They didn't sound super common.
DM Carl Friday February 21st, 2020 8:23:04 PM Aexana starts to get excited for the upcoming events. Leafy watches her six. Bralin identifies I, Construct as a difficult team to beat. Bludgeoning weaponry may well prove superior to slashing weaponry against the metal combatants. Jozhur realizes Heather's contributions. She looks up from her notes and smiles. "Thank you, Jozhur. It's nice to be appreciated." Rill wins the bad pun contest. There is no prize, only shame. Tahni wonders if the poison was chosen with knowledge of The Gauntlet's challenges in mind. Rill identified the poison already, and would know that it would take several days to wear off. That doesn't mean her hunch is wrong, of course. She asks Heather if they can watch once they've competed. "There's no rule against it, but it's not typically done. I think you'd find the audience wouldn't give you much peace. "Besides, your teams are going last. Those of you not competing will be allowed to watch from the beginning." Terser wonders where the poisons come from. That's a tall order for a detect poison spell made with a WIS check. Unless someone has some actual alchemical experience, that's likely not known to our heroes.
Dragon Sound finishes up with a 5 minute drum solo before they finally get off the field. Han Valen looks back at Kozy just before he exits. He gives a wink and a quick point, and Kozy's voice returns. Having been upstaged, Kozy stumbles a moment before he gets his groove back.
"Yes, well, what's a parade without music, right everyone? Moving on, it's my privilege to introduce the Chancer's sponsored team, The 1%!" Six humans and an orc walk onto the field. They are in some seriously choice gear. Were our heroes there in person to observe, the magic auras they could detect would be blinding.
"Ugh, these guys. Jerks, every last one of them, save poor Bokkun there." She indicates the lone orc as she says this. "Hired muscle, very capable, and very abused by the rest of the snobs in that group.
[b]"Let's get this over with. Pretty boy there is Khale. He is absolutely insufferable. I guarantee he'll send barristers after you if you best him in these events. The guy there who looks like he actually knows how to handle his weapons is Vickers. He's not as bad as the rest, but he's a real downer. The lone woman out there is Kate Bitters. She dabbles in magic. She's spent nearly every moment since she arrived rubbing elbows with the powerful. She seems ok, but I wouldn't trust her with my back."
She points to a man wearing a majestic set of full-plate armor with the symbol of Domi emblazoned on it. "Sir Gallant. Yes, that's really what he goes by. He will tell you he is the most brave and pious servant Domi has ever known. That he says he's the 'most pious' without any sense of irony should tell you all you need to know about him. He does wield some divine power, though. The short, bald one there is Bezos. I'm not sure why he's here. He just wanted it, so he bought his way onto the team. He's financing a lot of that gear they're wearing.
"Last one there is Captain Musk. He really is an honorary Knight Captain in the Mailed Fist, but only because he's sponsored so many expeditions with them. Don't underestimate him. He carries an entire arsenal of magic items and knows how to use them.
"None of them are a match for you without their equipment, but that equipment is literally the best money can buy." They start to make their way off the field. Bokkun doesn't notice fast enough, causing Khale to bump into him. The human shoves the orc forward with a look of utter contempt. Bokkun starts to react, but catches Captain Musk's eye and swallows hard. He turns and walks off the field with the rest, fuming a bit.
"Next up!" starts Kozy. "We have this year's Mailed Fist sponsored team, the Sapphire Seven!"
Seven familiar faces walk onto the field, fully decked out for the coming events. "You already know them. At this point, you've spent more time with them than I have. I will say to watch out for the good looking elf. Name's Hin, if you haven't been introduced. He seems crueler than the rest...doesn't quite fit in. The rest of them are very friendly. Well, Urlryn's not too friendly either, but the rest of the team seems protective of her. Not sure why that is."
Marshall, the man with the short black hair, wears a very eye-catching robe. It does look well made, but is incredibly ostentatious. He smooths it constantly, fawning over it. He's obviously very proud of the thing.
"Ok heroes, you're up. Once we exit this room and get out there, things are going to start moving very fast. This may be the last time we really get to talk before The Gauntlet."
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+36=51 ; Saturday February 22nd, 2020 12:45:42 AM
Rill uses Prestidigitation to make sure his clothing and armor pressed and clean.
His robes and pants are plain, but bright white. His armor and helm polished. Gargul symbol sits on his brow, and another hangs from his chest. An azure sea dragon on a black background is emblazoned on his shield. He will proceed with the others.
"Thank you Heather for all your help."
He keeps his eyes sharp. (Perception 51)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday February 22nd, 2020 6:26:14 AM
Fang is getting a little antsy with the waiting. She bounces on her toes a bit before stopping and calming herself down.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Saturday February 22nd, 2020 8:52:38 AM
Bralin listens attentively.
"I wonder what several Dispel Magic spells would do to the Chancer's team", he muses.
At Heather's comment about Urlryn, the dwarf ventures a guess.
"The Seven are a true teams, unlike the One Percent or Dragonsound," he declares. "Tis likely Urlryn has history with her comrades."
With their turn approaching, Bralin decides to stow his hammer back into his haversack. Tis unlikely to prove that much of an advantage, but no point in displaying his secondary weapon. He will enter the arena with axe and shield, exactly as expected.
Thinking back on the parade, he makes another observation to his comrades. We were intended to be susceptible to elemental damage. The construct Pentium's drills show signs of recent activity, and the construct Nvidia discharges elemental damage. My apologies Terser, but tis a great coincidence.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Saturday February 22nd, 2020 12:55:53 PM
Jozhur shrugs, he's not too interested in getting to the bottom of who is undermining them, as it seems to be expected.
They could do their own undermining, but what is the honor in that.
Jozhur nods to Heather to let her know he is ready.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday February 22nd, 2020 7:28:05 PM
Tahni rolls her head about to get those cricks out of her neck. As long as she isn't expected to give any speeches she should do just fine.
"Best of luck to us all"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=28 ; Sunday February 23rd, 2020 12:35:31 PM
As it's almost their turn to join the parade, Aex gets a little nervous. No need to show off so she'll walk in leaning on her staff like 73 year old Gnome would, with Leafy at her side. She takes center position in the group and tries to keep an eye out for trouble (perception 28). But there's a lot of distraction about...
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Sunday February 23rd, 2020 6:29:45 PM
Rill says, "Remember, my commune spell told us that things would get dicey for us but the entire pantheon wants us to see this tournament all the way through. We will face constructs and outsiders in the challenges, but the actual challenges do not pose a significant threat."
"The question is - what will happen outside the challenges that will make things dicey for us?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday February 24th, 2020 8:24:19 AM
Fang furrows her brow at the dicey comment. "Gambling involves dice right? But what does that have to do with threats?"
DM Carl Monday February 24th, 2020 2:33:45 PM Rill cleans up nicely. He thanks Heather for all her help. She smiles and puts her journal back into her dimensional pocket.
Fang is getting antsy.
Bralin wonders about dispel magic vs. the Chancers' team. It would be a risky move. The caster level on that gear is very high, there's a lot of gear, and it would only suppress a single item for 1d4 rounds. Still, his mind's on a potentially fruitful path. He also notes a potential connection between Jada's constructs and the poison they almost had for breakfast.
Heather speaks up when he mentions the 1% and Dragonsound. "Hey now, don't lump Dragonsound in with those jerks. This is their fifth year here with the same members. They're a close-knit bunch. They have big egos, and yell a lot, but they're close."
Jozhur questions the usefulness of discovering the poisoners. This place seems to attract that sort.
Tahni's glad there are no speeches involved. Not at the parade, but what if they win? Will she have to talk in front of all those people if they win? She wishes her friends the best of luck.
Aexana embraces her old gnomish self.
Rill still has his eyes on the big threat here, wondering what's going to make things dicey outside the challenges. Fang wonders what dice have to do with any of this.
Outside, Kozy begins ramping up his final introduction. "All right everyone. Our last team needs no introduction, but they're getting one anyway. After snubbing us for years..." There's some booing, which gets a grin out of Kozy. "Now now, just because the Gold Dragons, AND the Emerald Dragons, AND the Iron Dragons all snubbed us, we're not going to hold that against our new friends, are we?" The crowd cheers and begins chanting.
"SEA DRAGONS SEA DRAGONS SEA DRAGONS!"
Heather reaches into a small urn on the floor and pulls out a sunrod before striking it without warning. In the dark room, the sudden bright light is blinding. "Trust me. You'll thank me in a second." She blinks her own eyes a bit, adjusting to the new light. "This way, heroes..." She motions towards a door. Outside, the crowd is deafaning.
"I think we've made our guests wait long enough! Ladies and Gentlemen, the SEA DRAGONS!"
Heather pulls the door open towards her as light floods the room. She was right about that sunrod. You'd be stumbling out blind if she hadn't used it.
The view from the mirror did not do the crowd justice. 360' degrees around you is an unending throng of cheering, boisterous fans. The air is jubilant as they begin to chant your name again. The other teams may have given you grief, the Chancers may have refused to keep everyone in line, but this crowd? This crowd loves you. The entire audience leaps to their feet as you take the field.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Monday February 24th, 2020 6:48:14 PM
Bralin nods in acceptance of Heather's admonishment about Dragonsound.
The sunrod is startling, but again, he accepts her reasoning with a wordless nod.
The sound upon their entrance into the stadium is unlike anything he's encountered. The dwarf can actually feel the waves, peak and trough, as they flow through him.
It takes a moment to recall himself to the present.
Raising his waraxe high, Bralin salutes the crowd, section by section, as the group processes.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday February 24th, 2020 8:23:05 PM "This is not my cup of tea..." Aex complains as they are giong through the crowd. She tries to smile which is rather unsuccessful...
Leafy though seems to enjoy the moment! He waves his branches wildly at the audience!
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Monday February 24th, 2020 10:06:39 PM
Terser is somewhat familiar with sudden changes in light. Even though he hasn't been in the tunnels for a while, some instincts don't die.
He tries to suppress the thought of his sister being behind the poison, and thinks that it could be just as likely that someone would be trying to frame her. Either way, they avoided that trap, and avoiding all the ones sure to come will take even more care.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday February 25th, 2020 1:53:15 AM
Jozhur enters the arena and is overwhelmed by the crowd at first. He quickly gathers himself and begins waving to the crowd. After feeding off the energy from the onlookers, Jozhur bursts into a series of handsprings as they cross the middle of the arena.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+31=37 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 3:34:23 AM
Tahni waves back to the audience. She claps and points back to them, acknowledging them for being there and for their support.
For a bit of show, she casts a Dancing Lights cantrip and has the four glowing balls circle and whip around the party for effect, before sending them sky ward to wink out of existence.
Tahni would feel a lot more comfortable with all her spell buffs up. As it is she's feeling exposed. Vulnerable. It's a feeling she's going to have to get used to if she's going to see these challenges out.
------------------ Perception: 37
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:55:08 AM
Fang is startled by the sunrod, but figures out why shortly after. She too is familiar with sudden light changes and how it can cause problems. For the parade she would have loved to be all dressed out in her finest and impressed everyone with her regalness but for this crowd and with these enemies she prefers to look dangerous rather than pretty. She stalks through the streets with the practiced gate of an experienced warrior and eyes the area with the alert eyes of a predator.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+38=57 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 11:45:29 AM
Rill heads out with the others. "Well, here we go. You know, based on my limited interaction with the Iron Dragons, I'm a bit surprised they never competed in these games. Bosk seemed to really like impressing people, and the Chancers seem like Restlin's people. I wonder if Restlin himself is here betting on these games.
"In any event, we represent the Dragon Consortium. So let's use this opportunity to remind folks that the Dragon Consortium is a force for good in the Wold, and a force to be reckoned with."
He will go out with the others and wave warmly to the crowd, keeping a sharp eye out has we go.
(Perception 57)
Then he remembers he was told that the rings allow us to speak to any DC member in the Wold, so he silently tries to contact Restlin. "Hey Restlin - we're here at the DC games. Are you here? This seems like the kind of place for someone that likes playing the odds."
Disenchantment
DM Carl Tuesday February 25th, 2020 3:34:34 PM Bralin forces himself back to reality. He salutes the crowd, and thousands of fans salute him back. Aexana is uncomfortable, but Leafy seems to be enjoying himself. Good that one of them is. Terser doesn't dwell on the poison. The Jada he knew is not the sort to employ such tactics. She will likely fight the Sea Dragons with everything she has should they face each other at the Invitational, but poisoning her opponents and brother? That seems very out of character for her. Jozhur shows off. His athletic abilities will likely serve him well in the very near future. Tahni is not used to being out without a number of spells enhancing her senses and defenses. She feel vulnerable. That's certainly understandable. She puts on a little light show to take her mind off it. Fang wishes she could have dressed up for the occasion, but knows it's important to give a show of force. Being so slight, it's easy to mistake her for an easy target. Rill reminds everyone they represent the strongest force for good in the Wold. He also wonders why the Iron Dragons never showed up. He has this ring, so why not use it?
"I wish!" comes the immediate response. "Sesha and I are watching, but whatever's going on there is too big to risk having multiple DC groups caught up in it. You guys look great, by the way.
"Oh, and that robe the Sapphire Seven guy was wearing? Mine. I traded it to some witches in a swamp. It never gets dirty. Don't let that guy know, ok? When this is all over, I intend to get it back."
He keeps an eye out. His construct detection ability radiates out 740'. That's plenty long enough to cover the entire colloseum. He notes that every construct monk in the place is staring at the Sea Dragons. They all have the same slight smile, same raised eyebrow...in fact, they all have the same facial expression. They're not clones of each other, so the effect is kind of unnerving. Rill's sense motive will autopass, so we'll skip the spoiler tags: they're looking at the party with a mix of fascination and amusement.
From across the field, a door opens and Heather waves you to enter. How she got across the colluseum that fast is a mystery, but there she is. The cheers follow the Sea Dragons as they exit the field and Heather closes the door behind them. "Whew, that crowd sure is happy you're here." She keeps talking, but starts walking...fast.
"Ok, we've got two teams for you guys signed up. Looks like team 1 is Jozhur, Fang, and Tahni. Team 2 is Bralin, Terser, and Rill. The Gauntlet is run one team at a time, and all other teams are sequestered together in a very divination-proof room." She turns the corner into a long hallway. At the end are the other teams, or at least the members of the other teams that are competing. No sound comes from the room, even though it's obvious they're speaking. "Aexana, that stairwell will take you up to the viewing area. You are required to stay in view of the crowd, barring mother nature calling of course. It's to make sure you're not trying to help your friends cheat. You'll also want to keep a close eye on the other teams to make sure they're not doing the same. Say goodbye now, because we have to get in that room."
Heather continues on once Aexana has taken her leave. "Be alert in here, everyone. All magical effects will be dispelled very soon after you get in. Remember some of those people aren't nice." Heather stops before she enters the last room. "This is where I leave you. I'll go keep Aexana company. I'm rooting for you guys!" She smiles and spirits herself away as both teams enter the holding room.
Members of all teams except I, Construct are present. Dispelling the magic on Jada's constructs would basically make them inert, so she is not participating in this event. In addition to the contestants, three wizards in matching suits are present, as well as a dark-elf woman in black robes. She speaks. "Great, last team's here. Ooookay! I need everyone to join into three groups, with one member of each team going into one group."
Whirrfoot from the Talons of Aisildur grabs Fang's hand. "Oh! Come over here with me. Isn't this exciting?" The little halfling positively vibrates with excitement. "I'm Whirrfoot. You're Fang, right? It's really great that a Consortium group is here!" Whirrfoot's teammates smile and sort themselves into two other groups, as do the rest of the teams. Claw from Fangs of the Beast also finds herself in a group with Fang. She does not seem at all pleased with this and keeps her distance, refusing to make eye contact. Once everyone's in their group, the dark-elf speaks again. She is the picture of boredom as she speaks in complete monotone (with just a hint of disdain).
"Riiiight, we will now dispel any magic on your persons and equipment. This will persist for the next three hours, upon which your equipment will regain its magical properties."
The three wizards begin casting their spell.
Spellcraft DC40, Highlight to display spoiler: {The spell being cast on the group containing Jozhur and Terser is just a little different from the spell the other two are casting.}
Upstairs, Heather finds Aexana. "Hello dear. Hello Leafy. Would you two like some company to watch the event?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+15=35 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:51:35 PM
Rill is very interested in the info about the construct monks, and will send that info to his friends before the disenchantment spell is cast.
"OK, that's creepy. Every construct monk in this place is staring at our group. They all have the same slight smile, same raised eyebrow - they all seem to have the same facial expression. They don't appear to be clones of each other, so this uniform look is pretty unnerving. And it seems to be that they're looking at us with a mix of fascination and amusement.
"Aex - keep an eye on them when you're up in the stands."
Once the spells are cast, Rill will test the DC ring. Can he still communicate? Does he get any Status effect from it? (I'll have to adjust my charters somewhat.)
He addresses the disaffected drow, "Three hours. That is indeed a powerful effect. What sort of spell was that?" (Spellcraft 35 - fail)
Once again, he reaches out 1,080 feet to see if he can locate any constructs or outsiders - especially in the are of the challenges.
-------------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+33=43 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:04:39 PM "Exactly how soon will we be running the Gauntlet? I don't want to have my items disenchanted until the moment before I enter, especially if it might mean a 2 hour wait until that happens. There have been too many surprises and mishaps lately that I don't entirely trust the processes here. I'm happy to remain in this room until just before we need to enter though"
She looks about and notices the spell being cast on Jozhur and Terser "That's what I'm talking about. Why is the spell being cast on them different to everyone else?"
Tahni isn't consenting just yet to having her items dispelled until she has a little more information.
------------------------ Spellcraft check vs DC40: 43=Pass
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+19=31 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:12:16 PM
Just in case they don't pause to listen to her, Tahni prepares a counterspell
Ready action: IF Tahni is targeted by those casters, cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell. Dispel check: 31
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:31:24 PM
Bralin is rather disinterested in the proceedings, right up until Tahni declares two of his comrades have been targeted with different spells.
The dwarf rather obviously loosens the strap on his axe, and stares intently at the offending wizard.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 8:28:29 PM
Aex wishes all her friends the best for the gauntlet. Then she goes to check the area Heather has pointed out for her to wait. When Heather joins of course Aexana is happy to see her. Before the gauntlet start Aex takes plenty of time to check her surroundings... how to get in... how to get out... and then she checks who else is there waiting with her. Oh if only she detect if any other spectator here is but an image of its true self.
"Tell me about the gauntlet Heather... what will happen? Isn't there anything I could do to help? What would you do if you could help?!"
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday February 25th, 2020 8:43:27 PM
Jozhur waits for an answer, appear very disappointed. "Three times now, that we know of. It's not surprising, a fellow could make a lot of coin betting on an upset. Who is in charge here?"
Without much pause for an answer, Jozhur tries to leave the room looking for someone in the hallway.
OoC quick:. Is Jozhur's Celestial Armor still light armor when dispelled or does it become normal medium weight chain? If it is no longer light, he will doff it quickly and stash it in his bag of holding before entering the room.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) d20+24=34 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:56:59 AM
Terser doesn't know much about magic, but when Tahni points out that one of the wizards is different, he points at him with a spiky fist gauntlet. My friend says you're not casting the right spell. Tell us what you're doing, if you know what's good for you.
Intimidate 34
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+33=42 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 11:35:28 AM
Given Tahni's revelation and Bralin's and Terser's response, Rill will again address the depressed drow,
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. Don't mess with us. We have dwarves."
Sense Motive 42
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday February 26th, 2020 12:48:18 PM "Yes, I am Fang. I'm glad your excited." She says calmly as she watches to see what's going on with the others.
DM Carl Wednesday February 26th, 2020 3:48:18 PM Rill asks Aexana to keep an eye on the creepy constructs. That will be difficult without his ability to sense them. Whatever look they had is gone after a few moments. He asks about the nature of the spell that will be cast on them.
"It's a proprietary ritual researched by The Chancer's at substantial expense. It's similar to Mage's Disjunction, but requires permanent enchantments be put in place where it will be used...also at substantial expense. Any additional information is proprietary."
He finds his senses do not function beyond the walls of the room they're in.
Tahni is not comfortable with this, and would prefer to be dispelled at the last moment. "No," is the dark-elf's answer, given without additional comment. She notes the spell being cast on two of her teammates is different and calls it out. Bralin and Terser immediately assume threatening positions as all heck breaks out.
The room erupts into people screaming and throwing accusations. Ace Feeley points the finger at Xuffie from The Last Whisper. Xuffie's having none of it. "I was also in that group, fool. Why would I subject myself to that?"
Meanwhile, the wizard who was casting the spell keeps making eyes at the exit. Not fast enough, though. The dark-elf grabs his wrist unceremoniously and grabs an iron rod used as a focus. Several runes are carved into the rod, previously hidden by his hand. "I can," is all he gets out before he's hit by her quickend baleful polymorph and gets turned into a rat. The rat-wizard is quickly scooped up before the marilith Blue has a chance to get her hand on it. "Do not worry," starts the dark-elf. "He'll pay publicly for this." This seems to calm the room down a bit, but everyone's still on edge.
Outside, Aexana asks what she can do to help. Heather looks very serious for a moment before whispering, "Nothing! Seriously, don't. I know I said teams are expected to look out for themselves, but actually cheating in an event is another matter entirely!"
***
I'm crazy busy today, so I'm cutting today's post shorter than I'd planned.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 26th, 2020 7:25:18 PM
Looks like Aex won't do much other than observe and bite her nails off.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:11:54 PM
Fang watches the whole scene with interest. She's glad the mage in question was captured alive instead of killed - violence was necessary to cleanse evil, but it shouldn't be a first result and it's always good to understand why someone did a criminal act, the better to cure the social disease instead of just treating it's symptoms.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:13:39 PM
Tahni looks to Ace and Xuffie and attempts to calm things a little "The spell he was about to cast could have either helped that team or hurt them. No point accusing anyone just yet"
She then turns to the Dark Elf "Do you know what spell he was casting? Is there any way we can find out if that guy, er, rat, placed any bets and on which team?"
It looks like there will be no other option but to go through with this ritual "How long will it take to cast that spell, anyway? What's to stop people from casting spells on themselves as soon as the ritual finishes?"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Wednesday February 26th, 2020 9:17:36 PM
Bralin relaxes with the others as the offending wizard is summarily dealt with.
The dwarf waits with interest to the answers to Tahni's other questions, and idly wonders if the head mage has had to deal with someone with her knowledge before.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+23=30 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 10:51:06 PM
Jozhur stops at the door and casually watches everything unfold. He probably doesn't help settle things with his comment, "And how do we know this response isn't a ruse? Whatever he did needs undone."
He studies the remaining officials closely (sense motive: 30)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) d20+17=32 ; Thursday February 27th, 2020 8:54:56 AM was the trap spell successful then? If not, he briefs Aexana quickly about the details down here and asks if she can keep an eye on the rat mage.
With one member of each team in this group, then whoever instigated the changed spell is getting hit too, unless they have something keyed to resist it. He focuses on the team members around him to see if anyone looks especially disappointed or pleased.
perception 32
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Thursday February 27th, 2020 10:38:39 AM
Rill can see that Tahni has things well in hand.
He looks at the dark-elf. "What is your name? Are you a member of the Chancers or are you in their employ?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday February 28th, 2020 11:45:32 AM
Terser also addresses the dark elf. I wish you would have let him alone a minute longer. I bet I could have wrung some information out of him. We keep fighting the symptom and not the disease.
DM Carl Friday February 28th, 2020 2:08:48 PM Aexana finds herself without much to do.
OOC: Don't worry. There will be stuff going on around you throughout The Gauntlet. I wouldn't just let you sit there and post "Aexana keeps watching" everyday. :D
Fang is glad they didn't outright kill that wizard, though she may not realize how close he can. Blue was ready to splatter that rat.
Tahni attempts to cool the room off, but the room has a lot of ego in it. Things are going to be tense until this is resolved. Ace and Xuffie have stopped yelling at each other for the moment, though. She asks the dark elf what spell he was casting.
The dark elf picks up the iron rod that dropped when her spell was cast and shows it to Tahni. "The duration of the spell can be set when it is cast. The version he was casting would have lasted three days." When asked how long it will take, and what's to prevent others from casting spells again once it's complete, she answers "Not long. It takes a few seconds to fully cast it, but it's not a full ritual.
OOC: Full round action
"The room is being watched, plus I imagine you lot will keep eyes on each other, yes?"
Jozhur wonders aloud if this is all just a ruse, and states whatever the wizard did needs to be undone. This elicits a long stare and a sigh by the dark elf. "Your friends already interrupted his spell. There's nothing to undo." This is correct. No spells have been cast yet. A cursory inspection of any magical items you hold shows this to be true. She continues, "and I have no intention of sitting here trying to prove a negative."
Rill has some questions on who this person is. "Licnana. I am in the employ of, but not a member of, The Chancers." A very "just the facts" answer, to be sure.
Terser comments they're fighting the disease instead of the symptoms. This gets a few chuckles from many of your opponents.
"Welcome to the Invitational," quips Han Valen.
"First timers are the best, aren't they?" asks Xuffie, nudging Ace. At least they're not fighting anymore.
Terser, and anyone else making a DC15 sense motive, Highlight to display spoiler: {Tora, Hin, and Marshall from the Sapphire Seven don't seem to find any of this as amusing.}
Two monks walk in, along with a human female wizard wearing a suit matching the other two. Wordlessly, Licnana hands the rat to the monks. The rat squirms, trying to escape, but the monk's grip is too strong.
"I trust the three of you have learned from Heath's error in judgement, and will perform your duties properly?" The wizards nod their understanding, but none of them seem particularly worried. "Right, we've wasted enough time. Please continue."
Without waiting for input from the teams, the three wizards begin casting their spells. Licnana keeps a sharp eye on all three.
Spellcraft DC40, Highlight to display spoiler: {All three are casting the same spell this time.}
***
Upstairs, a shadow falls over Aexana. Looking up, she can see Sir Gallant of the 1%. "Mi'lady, might I join you? I thought a person of your esteem would appreciate the camaraderie of the like-minded." Jeez...this guy...
***
Gauntlet starts early next week. I'm awarding 75,000 XP for roleplay, as well as a hero point to Tahni for saving the team from poison AND preventing the dispelling the magic on her teammates' equipment for most of the Invitational. As always, I'm open to HP nominations as well in case I forgot something cool.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday February 28th, 2020 6:43:53 PM
As she was staring at her friends Aex didn't notice Sir Gallant at first... She wants to say something and opens her mouth... closes it again... open... close... there's something about this dude that makes Aex do a fine impersonation of a fish...
"By all means Sir Gallant. I take it you chose not to participate either? Please come sit here and tell me something about your team mates... "
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday February 28th, 2020 7:45:20 PM
With the new wizards now present it looks like the ritual is going to go ahead properly now. Tahni takes off all her magic items and places them in her haversack. Once the magic gets switched off there would be no way she could wear them all and still move. She's happy for anyone else to put their things in whatever space she has left in it.
It also means she can't decipher the spells that are being cast now, so just has to take them on good faith as being cast properly.
When ready she stands in her group to receive the ritual.
------------------ OOC: Header updated with no-magic-items Tahni
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+28=33 ; Friday February 28th, 2020 8:07:14 PM
Jozhur pulls one of his swords just a few inches out in it's sheath and sees it is still it's icy self. He nods in approval, "Very well. Excellent work, Tahni." Satisfied for now, Jozhur leans back, watching and waiting.
Perception: 33
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) d20+6=13 ; Saturday February 29th, 2020 9:24:28 AM
Prior to the spell, Bralin pulls his warhammer out of his haversack, and affixes it to his waist.
Oblivious to the other contestants [Sense Motive 13], the dwarf waits.
-- Header adjusted.
--- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday February 29th, 2020 9:35:37 AM
Fang sits back and lets the ritual commence. She trusts the others to catch any further chicanery.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday March 1st, 2020 7:31:49 PM
Aexana stares with awe at Sir Gallant's full-plate armor. That thing must weigh a ton.
"You must be bravest Paladin of Domi? I bet nothing can pierce than armor... but I would not dare wearing it when I go swimming..."
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Sunday March 1st, 2020 11:58:20 PM
Rill nods to Licuna.
He's ready to go. Or at least he hopes he is.
The Gauntlet Begins
DM Ken: the Gauntlet, Room 1. Monday March 2nd, 2020 5:48:53 PM
With their gear successfully disenchanted, many of the participants take a moment to adjust themselves. Armor feels heavier and less maneuverable. Weapons too, have more weight and seem less potent. Even spellcasters notice the difference, suddenly stripped of their mental and spiritual accompaniments that they have learned to rely on in addition to their own natural skills.
A small cart supporting a clear glass bowlis wheeled into the room, accompanied by a blindfolded monk and a young child with a shaven head. The monk speaks loudly. "The first group to enter..." .. he trails off, as he pulled a marked rock from inside the bowl. The rock is taken from him, and read aloud by the girl child in his care.
"The Talons of Aisildur.", she says in a firm voice.
From there multiple rocks are pulled, until the final order is realized. Talons of Aisildur, Last Whisper, Dragon Consortium: Team A (Rill, Bralin and Terser), Dragon Sound, Sapphire Seven, Dragon Consortium: Team B (Jozhur, Tahni, and Fang), and Fangs of the Beast.
-----------
With a smile, Whirrfoot bounces up and down, and gives Fang a mock salute.
"Well! Wish me luck! We are heading out to win this thing!"
Seabreeze and Majorie just smile and round up their wayward halfling. They are led from the staging room and out briefly into the area, where the roar of the crowd creeps into your small room with glee and gusto. Soon after, the doors shut, and you are once again in silence.
-----------------------------
Outside of the cramped staging room, Aexana sits awkwardly next to Sir Gallant. He had taken her smile as an invitation to sit, and so he sat. "Paladin? My word no, mi'lady! An esteemed cleric of Domi perhaps, and certainly his most pious, but no Paladins here. I like my fun too much!" His eyes are crystal blue, and his laugh seems genuine. At mention of his armor, he responds, amused. "It is rather light actually. I suppose it could have something to do with my conditioning, or maybe that I spent more on this than most small cities collect in taxes. Either way, it looks nice and it protects well, so it's a win both ways!"
He winks. "Though I don't know about swimming in it. Swimmings best done in the buff or not at all, I say." He thinks on this for a surprisingly long time before smacking a gauntleted fist into his palm.
"Would you care to join us upstairs? There's a number of us watching, so there's both a great view and refreshments, and only the most esteemed company. I'll tell you all you wish to know about our merry band, dear Dragon!"
He stands and arranged his cloak with a flourish, then offers a hand to Aexana.
"Besides, beautiful creatures were meant to congregate together! Don't force me to beg dear champion!"
As Aexana is offered the company of The 1%, the crowd jeers and cheers. Not long after, the Talons are led back through the competitors suite, guided by their version of Hanna.
"You did fine!", he guffaws, clapping Majorie on the back so hard she stumbles. "I don't know if its a winning time, but it might be enough to place. Besides, Sebreeze killed literally every foe in the gauntlet. The crowd lapped it up!"
The barbarian womans cheeks redden a bit. "Perhaps I spent to much time fighting and not enough time searching for the exits...". ... Their conversation fades down the hallway, and soon the Last Whisper is called.
"The rest of you might as well call it an early night and hit the feasts!", taunts Xuffie. Tencent and the Marilith follow her towards the doors, and out into the crowds. You can barely hear the announcer over the din of the rabble.
"And now, it's LAST WHISPER! He says the name with some measure of scandal in his voice. The current time to beat is three minutes and ..." the final words are cut off as doors close, and once more, you are left to wait.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+8=22 ; Monday March 2nd, 2020 6:02:36 PM
Aex manages not to retch at Sir Gallant's overstating his own very self... but hey all she can do it suck up to him and see what she'll learn from it.
"You give credit to your name Sir... "
Aex gets on her feet and takes Sir Gallant's hand as he offers his hand. As they go upstarts Aex tries to sense if he's for real of just trying to fool her (sense motive 22)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Monday March 2nd, 2020 8:13:22 PM
Bralin waits. He is completely still, his features impassive.
------------- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 12:01:43 AM
Terser tries to prepare himself. It seems like there will be hidden doors to contend with, and he's no ancient elf to just notice these things.
It's a bit strange to be cut off from the constant background murmur of the spirits that haunt the pouch around his neck. In fact, it's a little too quiet. He's ready for some action.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:20:42 AM
Tahni tries to get in close with the other members of the party, whispering so the other teams can't hear. Things were so much easier with the telepathic rings.
"It seems teams come back to this room after their run. We should pay attention to what they say. It does also make me wonder how much Team A could share with Team B"[
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 7:12:38 AM "Good luck!" she calls after the halfling. Nice fellow. She considers Tahni's point - she would have thought they'd have a separate waiting room for just that reason, or send them out to spectate the rest. Since they got grouped together and Claw has presumably not run away yet Fang tries to engage her in conversation. "So, Claw right? I had a sister named that once, long ago. You remind me of her."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 2:26:15 PM
It's hard not to eavesdrop. Terser starts speculating about the names of the rest of Fang's family. Talon. Beak. Pincer. Incisor?
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 3:28:16 PM
Rill double checks his equipment to make sure he remembers where everything is now, since he usually has most of his things in extradimentional spaces.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:55:33 PM
Going up the stairs Aex wonders who else will be there...
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 7:30:55 PM
Jozhur nods at Tahni. He thought the same, as surely everyone in the room is. Three minutes... he thinks to himself. That would seem like a long time in there.
Jozhur draws and handles each of his weapons for a moment. Swords, mace, and dagger. All could he equally useful with the magic of the swords gone.
DM Carl Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:53:51 PM
The room is much, much more pleasant without The Last Whisper in it. There is a shared sigh of relief when they're gone. "There, always one group of miscreants every year," says Marshall. He glances at The 1%. "Two some years..." The slight goes unnoticed, or at least it's not acted upon.
Bralin is the picture of stoicness. Must be a dwarf thing. Whirrfoot takes notice and starts waving his hand in front of Bralin's face. "Hey, how do you know you've got a dwarf in your pantry?" He waits a moment, looking for a response. "Only the lowest shelves are empty!" It's a horrible joke, but Whirrfoot finds it hilarious. He doubles over laughing.
Terser is getting tenser as the time passes.
Tahni notices that the teams return to the waiting room, despite what she was told earlier.
***The module didn't specify this, so there's a bit of continuity to deal with after Ken's post (not a dig, love the guy, these things happen). Technically yes, Team A will be in the same room as Team B for a while when they return. Technically it may be possible to communicate with them. The plan was to put one of your teams in a tapestry room and run them simultaneously. I still think that's the best option since it won't take twice as long, but if you folks want to one-at-a-time it and risk cheating, we can do it. I will note that you're not really aware of how or if you're being monitored in here, and that if you're caught cheating you'll be disqualified from the entire event and booted from the island.***
Jozhur and Rill check their equipment. It's still fine equipment, masterworked even!
Then, Fang drops a bomb and comments she has a sister named Claw. She stares at her, vibrates a bit, then pounces on her. Claw is a whirl of...well, claws...as she lunges at Fang. She's caught and pulled back by Miri and Sky, but keeps up the attack.
She shreaks as she swings at the air, "YOU COWARD! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! We had to find out you were alive when the Dragons accepted you! YOU DIDN'T EVEN CHECK ON ME!"
The rest of the room is in shocked silence at the scene. "Dear, you know we really can't be fighting in here," comments Miri in her best soothing voice. Her eyes don't leave Fang, though, and there's a lot of animosity in there. The Fangs probably know this story.
***
Upstairs, Aexana joins the 1% in their private box. She finds Khale, Bezos, and Captain Musk in the box as well, along with two attentive human servants (both male). There is an impressive spread of food and drink, partially eaten (so it's probably not poisoned). Captain Musk smiles as Aexana enters. "Ah, the Dragon. Two teams this year, eh? That's a bold choice. Well, come in and be welcome."
Khale looks at the older gnome with barely disguised contempt. "Yes well, seems they'll give a title to anyone these days." Bezos stands starring at the glass, watching the competition proceed below him.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:12:52 PM "Well this is just turning into one big family reunion" Tahni takes a step back to give the Fang-family some space to rough-house this out.
There is no way she is going to intervene without Fang calling for it. She is a proud warrior and jumping in now might make her lose face.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:14:26 PM
The chancers must like a good show, as they've set this up for as much drama as possible. That two of the members of the Dragons have lost lost kin here cannot be coincidence.
He trusts that Fang can handle herself, but stands ready to back her up should it be needed.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:48:25 PM
Jozhur lays a hand on Fangs shoulder and quietly reminds her to keep cool, lest they all be disqualified.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:49:26 PM
Fang is confused by the sudden attack, but as an experienced warrior she is ready to defend herself in moments. By then Claw has been pulled back. "Who thought I was dead?" she asks aloud in confusion. She thinks back on her many adventures. Sure a few times she had been separated from her companions and maybe once or twice taken a bad hit and been thought dead, but she'd always managed to reunite with them later and say 'Hey, I'm not dead.'
"Do I know you? Are you sure you haven't confused me with someone else?' Fang and Claw are both pretty common names among beastfolk in general, barbarians as well, so this was likely a mistaken identity problem. There were probably dozens if not hundreds of Ratfolk Barbarians named Fang or Claw, and white fur wasn't that uncommon. She looks again at the other ratfolk. She's pretty certain she would remember meeting someone with the same fur color and name as her dead sister before now.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Wednesday March 4th, 2020 9:30:44 PM
Bralin's face reveals his confusion at Whirrfoot's joke. Mostly the problem is Bralin is taller than the halfling. Thus, to ridicule his height makes no sense.
"How very odd," is all he can manage in reply.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday March 5th, 2020 4:53:15 AM
Aex enters the 1%'s private box... While Sir Gallant has been acting mostly polite it seems Aex is not so welcome. As Captain Musk addresses her she replies : "Well Captain we felt that since the Dragon Consortium has not taken part of this event we were obligated to send at least two teams."
But then Khale thinks insults will do good... Not impressed by the pretty boy Aex replies calmly :"Well received Sir... know that there are certain things that can not be bought and yet I'm with the Sea Dragons and you... have a lot of Gold I suppose... don't worry I'm indeed but an old Tree hugger... "
Then Aex walks over to Sir Bezos. Heather told that he bought his way into the 1% team... "So how's it down there?!"
As she stands close to Bezos she wonders why he's here.. Buying his way into the team Aex would think he has a hidden agenda... Is he particularly observing one or the other team or persons?
DM Carl Thursday March 5th, 2020 4:49:42 PM Bralin gives a look of confusion. Being there in person, Bralin would probably have gotten the gist that Whirrfoot wasn't actually trying to ridicule the dwarf. Whirrfoot coughs a few times. "Oh, sorry mister. Thought you were like them guards that aren't allowed to react to people." He opens his jacket and pulls a waxed paper envelope from an interior pocket. He takes a piece of jerky from it and bites into it. Mouth still full, he presents the envelope to Bralin. "Jerky? It's venison. Real good stuff."
Tahni isn't going to get involved unless Fang asks her to. Terser feels the same way, and cannot believe it's coincidence two of his group have lost siblings here. Perhaps he's right.
Jozhur lays a hand on Fang's shoulder, letting her know he's in her corner.
Fang isn't sure what this woman is about. Thought she was dead? Fang and Claw were really common names, aren't they? (OOC: Says who?) She asks Claw if she knows her. At this, Claw stops fighting and just stares at Fang, her face a mixture of hurt and confusion. She starts talking four times, each stopping before a single word gets out. She finally shakes her head and says, "just forget it." She turns her back on Fang and crosses her arms.
The Last Whisper soon returns. It feels like they came back quicker, but not by much. Licnana looks at the assembled Sea Dragons. "OK Team A, you're up. You three," she points to Rill, Bralin, and Terser before continuing. "Through that door. Best of luck." She says it in a way that doesn't feel like she's actually wishing any luck on you at all.
***
In the 1%ers box, Aexana mingles. "Right, this is the first time the Consortium's been here. Why is that? What made you lot decide to come play?" Captain Musk looks on with an inquisitive look.
She has choice words masked in pleasantry for Khale. For an old tree hugger, she knows how to play this game. His face flushes red for a moment, but he very quickly gets his composure back. She heads over to Bezos before Khale has a chance to respond.
"The Last Whisper is finishing up," he states coolly. It's the first time Aexana has heard him speak. His voice is distant. Not condescending, or ugly, just distant. If Rill didn't have a chance to check him out earlier, Aexana would wonder if the man was a construct. He is very closely watching The Last Whisper go through the gauntlet. If she keeps observing, she'll notice the same behavior for every team. He will not move during the entire length of the event.
"I believe your friends are up next," says Sir Gallant, walking up from behind to join the two at the window.
"Yes, let's see what sort the Dragon Consortium lets in these days," says Khale before putting a glass of sangria to his lips.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday March 5th, 2020 5:15:53 PM
Fang Gets a stubborn expression on her face. ”No I won’t forget it. This is obviously something important to you and we should figure out what in the wold is going on.”
Over the rings she asks, Does anyone have any idea who Claw thinks I am?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Thursday March 5th, 2020 6:57:44 PM
Bralin gives the halfling a nod, and helps himself to some jerky. "My thanks," he tells Whirrfoot.
Whatever is transpiring, or is not transpiring, between Fang and Claw will have to wait. His name has been called.
Stilll chewing on the jerky, the dwarf heads through the door.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Thursday March 5th, 2020 11:49:20 PM "Aw right. Here we go."
Rill will test his DC ring - just to see. Maybe it's some sort of artifact that's immune to the magic supression.
"Hey, can you guys hear me?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday March 6th, 2020 6:15:09 AM "Good luck guys" Tahni gives Terser a pat on the back "Stay safe out there"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=42 ; Friday March 6th, 2020 7:31:30 AM "Why participate now?! Sir Captain is't that obvious?! Look at the assembled power - look at you lot!! The Consortium monitors who will take part yet if there's no challenge, there's no point of sending a Dragon group. Since we were asked to join they must see great potential in some!! I just hope we'll be able to live up to their expectations. "
As Bezos points out that her friends are up next Aex stands on her toes hoping to catch o good glimpse of how they are doing. All the time she tries to keep an eye on her back...
Perhaps also from this vantage she hopes to spot any who don't take rules very strict.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Friday March 6th, 2020 11:42:43 AM
As Rill heads through the door, he says to Fang, "You know my ferocious, furry friend, there have been many times the members of the Black Lions barely escaped death before you joined us. It may be that Claw somehow escaped the death you thought she suffered. When I get back, if she is willing, I can look into her and your souls and confirm that she is who she said she is."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday March 6th, 2020 12:35:39 PM
While Rill doesn’t say the word sister his comment does finally penetrate Fangs thick skull and let her put the pieces together. ” What, my sister? Impossible! I saw her corpse mutilated by orcish axes!. She had noticed the resemblance, but had dismissed it as coincidence. Now that she’s sure who this lady is claiming to be she eyes them suspecting magical nonsense. ” What, did a group of priests come by five minutes later, defeat the orcs, and raise the dead? If you’re my sister how am I only hearing about this 20 years later?!?.
DM Carl Friday March 6th, 2020 3:33:01 PM Bralin accepts the jerky. Whirrfoot was right: it is really good jerky. The halfling smiles warmly. "Good luck out there, buddy!" He offers zero advice, of course.
Rill is up, but offers to use an esoteric soulseeker ability to determine whether Claw is who Rill thinks she might be. A novel use of an odd ability. He tries communicating over his ring, but it fails. Their magic has been dispelled temporarily.
Tahni wishes her friends luck.
Fang decides this needs to be addressed, but Claw shakes her head. "Then I'll visit tonight. This isn't the time or place." She's not wrong. Fang's about to be very occupied. Then the word sister gets dropped and Fang puts the pieces together, though she doesn't immediately believe it can be true since her sister was cut down by orcs.
Claw breathes in. "We don't have time for that story now, sister. Go, and I will find you this evening." She retires to a corner of the room.
OOC: We're not done with this, but I do actually need to get this ball rolling. We'll circle back soon.
Rill, Bralin, and Terser exit the room into a tunnel that slopes upwards into artificial light. It opens into a small room with a bored looking imp sitting on a perch near the only other exit: a solid steel door.
"Ok..." he looks down and checks a clipboard. "Sea Dragon Team A. Time starts when you say go, then I push this here button, and that door falls away. If you do not say go within the next 60 seconds, you will be disqualified. If you attempt to cast any spells during that 60 seconds, you will be disqualified. The 60 seconds starts now."
In a few minutes, Team B finds themselves in the same room, with the same speech.
***
Aexana tells Captain Musk that they're participating due to the strength of this year's challengers. It's a lie, and Captain Musk is no fool. Aexana will need to make a bluff check.
Kozy begins his announcement as Team A prepares to begin. "Ok Invitational! Making their first appearance, the team we've all been waiting for, The Sea Dragons!"
*Aexana, also make a perception check to keep an eye out, please.
***
Team B, starting Monday you'll be posting in the Black Tapestry page. I'll ask both teams to not peek at each other's board. Steven, feel free to pop over there as well to cheer them on/watch since you can see them make their attempt as well, but you're under no obligation to do so.
I'll let the sheriff know that you lot will be over there starting next week.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday March 6th, 2020 4:31:22 PM
*ooc - sorry about yesterday, was traveling all day and didn't have a chance to get online
It seems that the Chancers don't wait on reunions. They have a schedule to keep after all. He steels himself and lets the rest of Team A know that he's ready to go with a hand placed out for a "Go Team!" moment.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday March 6th, 2020 5:33:26 PM
Tahni approaches Fang and place a hand on her shoulder "Steel yourself, friend. We will get to the bottom of this one way or another. I'll help you in any way you ask. For now though, you need to put it aside. We have a gauntlet to get through and by all accounts it is dangerous"
So Fang's sister is with Fang's of the Beast - the group that were happy to summon undead and attack the party. That will no doubt make for an interesting discussion later.
----------------- Moving to the Black Tap now
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Friday March 6th, 2020 6:06:40 PM
Jozhur remebers how bright it was last time they entered the arena. Too bad they don't have a way to light the room up. Oh well, he waits empty handed, not sure if he will need to fight or do other things first.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday March 6th, 2020 6:55:42 PM
Fang is looking stubborn again but eventually nods. "Fine. Later.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+3=23 ; d20+23=42 ; Saturday March 7th, 2020 12:35:15 PM
Aex bluff roll : 23 - NATURAL 20 !!! WHAHAHA Aex Perception roll : 42
The little gnome falls silent as the first Sea Dragon team is ready to begin...
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Saturday March 7th, 2020 12:56:51 PM
(OOC - I'm very confused. What does Team A do?)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Saturday March 7th, 2020 4:57:26 PM
Bralin pulls his shield from his back. He leaves his other hand free for the moment, aside from placing it upon Terser's for their "go team" moment.
After that, he gives Rill the nod.
He's ready.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 21/13/319 Sunday March 8th, 2020 11:50:48 PM
Rill adds his hand to Terser's and Bralin's. Then he turns to the imp and says, "Let's see what's behind door number one. Go."
The Wall
DM Carl d20+12=17 ; Monday March 9th, 2020 11:44:03 AM "Go."
And with that, we're off. The imp presses a button and the door falls down into the floor fast with a loud thunk. Beyond is an internal space lit by numerous globes of magical light (normal light). The walls are perfectly smooth, perfectly opaque white glass. It is very quiet.
The room is dominated by a 100' tall stone wall. Handholds are plentiful near the ground, but significantly less so the higher up one looks. The top of the wall is pretty smooth and has a large outcropping that sticks out the side. There are narrow ledges every 25'.
At the top is a pedestal with a large red button. The clock's ticking.
Ken has graciously made maps for these events. Here is yours.
***
Aexana is not a very good liar, and Captain Musk is very clever, but sometimes things just work regardless of the odds. The Captain seems convinced with her answer.
Below her, the crowd cheers as her friends take the field.
***
Contestants are allowed to cast spells again, providing they don't break the aforementioned rules about no flying. These events were not built to require outside-the-box thinking, but they absolutely will reward it. If you're climbing, only a single successful roll is required to move to the next ledge on the wall.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 Monday March 9th, 2020 2:07:31 PM
Rill steps in, and moves to the base of the wall. (I assume the wall is a barrier. The map makes it look like it might be a freestanding thing we can walk around.) Then he casts a Quickened Shield of Faith on himself.
Then he gets out some rope and using his sailor's skill he ties it around himself. It's concerning that the wall is 100' high and his rope is only 50' long. Ugh.
He looks up at the wall as he says, "Well, it is disappointing that I did not really anticipate climbing. Which should have occurred to me since I cannot climb well. I have this 50 feet of rope. I also have a grappling hook and 5 iron spikes. It seems likely that you two may have to haul me up or down at some point. We should all rope up to make sure we catch anyone that falls. Like me.
"Hmm. Maybe I can make this simpler though. I can cast one Wall of Stone spell. I've never used this spell in this way, but I think I can provide an easily climbable surface, at least most of the way up. We may need a grappling hook to ascend the last 10 feet."
(OK, this is out-of-the-box for this spell, but within the rules as written I think. Rill can create a 5' by 90' stone wall. It must merge into existing stone. He can shape it to add "crenelations, battlements, and so forth" by halving the area. So he should be able to essentially create what is effectively a stone ladder (small adjoined crenelations) protruding from the surface that is 90' high, 2.5 feet wide, and 4" thick. Maybe we can even start it 10 off the ground so it reaches to the top!)
If we're going round-by-round, he'll cast it next turn. Otherwise, he'll cast it now.
----------------------------------------- Wall of Stone This spell creates a wall of rock that merges into adjoining rock surfaces. A wall of stone is 1 inch thick per four caster levels and composed of up to one 5-foot square per level. You can double the wall’s area by halving its thickness. The wall cannot be conjured so that it occupies the same space as a creature or another object.
Unlike a wall of iron, you can create a wall of stone in almost any shape you desire. The wall created need not be vertical, nor rest upon any firm foundation; however, it must merge with and be solidly supported by existing stone. It can be used to bridge a chasm, for instance, or as a ramp. For this use, if the span is more than 20 feet, the wall must be arched and buttressed. This requirement reduces the spell’s area by half. The wall can be crudely shaped to allow crenelations, battlements, and so forth by likewise reducing the area.
Like any other stone wall, this one can be destroyed by a disintegrate spell or by normal means such as breaking and chipping. Each 5-foot square of the wall has hardness 8 and 15 hit points per inch of thickness. A section of wall whose hit points drop to 0 is breached. If a creature tries to break through the wall with a single attack, the DC for the Strength check is 20 + 2 per inch of thickness.
It is possible, but difficult, to trap mobile opponents within or under a wall of stone, provided the wall is shaped so it can hold the creatures. Creatures can avoid entrapment with successful Reflex saves.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Monday March 9th, 2020 5:31:48 PM I'm pretty good at climbing, even without magic. If you give me that rope and go slow behind me, I can haul you up the rest of the way. If you can give me some haste magic, that would be even better.
I'm betting this won't be too straightforward either. Something is gong to try to trip us up.
Assuming he's just going to start hoofing it up as fast as he can, he ties the rope around his waist and casts a Mind Blank on himself. He'll start climbing next round.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday March 9th, 2020 7:21:02 PM
Aex now no longer cares for the 1%. Her eyes are fixed on her friends...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Monday March 9th, 2020 7:37:45 PM
"Need we all ascend?" Bralin wonders aloud.
"Pressing the button tis likely to open a door in one of these walls. We would all need to climb down again. Mayhap Terser can climb, press the button, leaving we two free to engage the next task as he descends."
The dwarf also casts a spell on himself.
-- Move to base of wall. Cast Bulls Strength on self [duration 13 minutes]
------------- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
DM Carl - 1 round Tuesday March 10th, 2020 5:03:11 PM
Team A takes a moment to brainstorm before taking action. So long as someone presses the button, the room is complete. You can't see much up there except the button, though. The door out might be up there hidden from view.
A wall of stone is a pretty great idea your DM hadn't thought of, and Terser would be able to pull any non-climbers up behind him. Bralin ups his strength.
***
Up in the box, Bezos nods. "Your friends take time to make a plan. Smart. The Talon's haste cost them far too many seconds. Those count here." He doesn't take his eyes off Team A as he speaks.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:00:09 PM
Like Bezos, Aex too is fixed on how her friends are doing. Bezos's comments do make her feel proud for them.
"Hmmm... " she replies, "Cool idea... good... good... "
She's almost completely forgotten about the other 1% guys. Bezos she likes... not much talking...
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:09:20 PM
In Round 2 of the challenge, Rill will cast his Wall of Stone in a manner that essentially creates a stone ladder made of small adjoined crenelations protruding from the surface that is 90' high, 2.5 feet wide, and 4" thick (see last post for more details.) Assuming this is even safer than a knotted rope with a wall to brace against, it may not even required a climb check. Nonetheless, roping will help a poor climber like Rill feel better. He hands the end of the rope to Terser and starts climbing.
"Terser - you should climb up while Bralin and I follow. You can proceed at a better pace. Press that button and if that opens a door on our side, we can simply climb back down. If it's on the other side, well, you can haul one or both of us up. I cannot create a ladder on the other side, so climbing back down may be an issue, but at least you can lower us if need be."
(Rill will follow as fast as he can. Not sure if there's a climb DC, or what it is. Rill's Climb is -2.)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) d20+8=13 ; d20+8=25 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:11:01 PM
Terser starts hoofing it up the rock ladder as soon as Rill gets it in place, attempting to go as quick as he can. ie increase dc to go half, rather than 1/4 speed Full round would make it 35ft
(sorry for the double click) - it seems like he's starting to slip at first, but he angrily tries to retain his grip. Throw rage on for a 16 climb this round
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) d20+10=25 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2020 7:25:37 PM
Bralin replies to Rill. "I also have rope. Once Terser reaches the top, I can assist pulling you up if needs be."
The dwarf starts his climb. [Climb 25]
-- IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
DM Carl - 2 rounds Wednesday March 11th, 2020 11:32:18 AM Rill casts a narrow stone wall that almost reaches the top of the obstacle. The spell is precise enough to allow crenelations, forming a stone ladder of sorts.
OOC: Rill gets a hero point for this novel idea. I'm ruling that climb is still necessary, but the DC is 0. Only Rill will have to roll to account for his heavy armor. Terser and Bralin autopass, unless they try to climb quickly which will up the DC as normal.
Also, since the spell requires it to have an anchor of stone, it's anchored to the outcropping near the top of the wall. The map reflects the distance away from the actual wall Rill's spell is.
Bralin and Terser spend the round climbing as fast as they're able. They pass the first ledge and hear a loud WOOSH. They can see what looks to be a gust of wind spell blowing down the wall's face. Were they not on this ladder, they'd have to fight against it. From their position, it does not affect them.
Up in the box, Captain Musk lets loose a long whistle. "Clever move."
"Yes," says Khale with a snear. "But it hardly keeps to the spirit of the obstacle."
"The Gauntlet challenges a team's ability to overcome obstacles," answers Bezos, still not looking away. "You think we're here to see how well the Sea Dragons can climb a wall?"
Down in the crowd, Aexana sees a range of emotions. Most people cheer, but several come to the realization that betting against the Sea Dragons was probably not a wise idea.
There's a knock on the door. Khale immediately glares at the servants present. "Well?" he asks before they have even a second to respond. "On your feet!" The two servants share an exasperated look before they move to answer the knock.
Sense motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {They don't seem too worried about Khale's opinion of their performance. They likely aren't in the 1%ers direct employ.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) d20+11=30 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 1:51:31 PM
Not waiting for any other surprises, Terser keeps going at the wall at top speed. He seems to have gotten used to the wall, and it proves no more difficult that scrambling around the rigging of the Lionfish
Climb 35 feet (double speed) - 30
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 d20-2=14 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2020 4:23:45 PM
Rill makes sure Bralin has the end of his rope as he climbs. Terser is likely to reach the top and press the button before Rill and Bralin can get there, and Rill wouldn't want to slow things up.
"You know, when you don't have Air Walk on, this is a lot more ... real. As undignified as it may be, go ahead and haul me up once you get to the top."
The dwarf continues climbing, though he does not try to speed up.
He also tries to keep an eye out for any additional surprises. [Perception 28 / 30 for unusual stonework]
---
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
DM Carl - 3 rounds d20+7=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=14 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 1:22:20 PM Terser climbs full speed ahead. Bralin and Rill show more caution. Rill indicates he may need help getting pulled up, but truth is he's going a little faster than Bralin's short legs can manage. Bralin keeps an eye out, but doesn't notice anything noteworthy about the wall.
The gust of wind spell stops as soon as Terser passes the 50' mark. At the same time, three dire bats appear and move to grapple our heroes. Terser finds himself the target of two bats grasping at him from above and below.
Up in the private booth, the servants answer the door. Three human men and one half-elven woman enter. All three men are well dressed, wearing pins that show they're members of the Chancers. The woman is also very well dressed, but keeps her eyes focused on the ground.
"Razma," says Khale without a hint of enthusiasm. "How delightful. Here to lose more gold?"
"It's a lucky thing you're capable, Khale. You'd probably starve if you had to rely on your charm," is the man's reply. He's a slight fellow with strawberry blonde hair and a high-pitched voice. Despite that, he carries himself well and exudes confidence.
The four newcomers join the others at the window to watch (it's a big window). Aexana catches the man's eye. "A dragon? You should keep better company, dear. I am Razma. My companions here are Lew and Octavius."
Lew is the tallest of the three with gangly arms that appear too long for the rest of him. He has dark hair and reeks of tobacco smoke. Octavius is also tall, but carries half his weight in his gut. He walks with a cane and a limp, wearing comfortable slippers instead of shoes. The woman, who Aexana probably notices wasn't introduced, stays close to him. Both regard Aexana coolly.
"I see they met the bats," quips Lew. "What do we think? Will they fight? Push past?"
"Thousand gold says that squat fellow up top kills them both in ten seconds," is Razma's reply.
"I'll take that bet!" answers Captain Musk quickly, though he keeps an eye on Aexana, trying to judge her thoughts.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) d20+11=14 ; d20+11=16 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 2:15:06 PM
Terser knows he can fight these things better from the top where he can get his feet under him. Considering the haven't gotten their claws in yet, he races for the button. He seems to be losing his grip, but puts forth an extra surge of energy to reach the top.
Strength Surge rage power - once per rage add level to strength based roll. please disregard the double click Total climb - 32
He tries to pull himself over the edge and leap at the button, grabbing the glaive off his back as he does so to ward off the bats.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Thursday March 12th, 2020 6:34:42 PM
(updated header, noticed a typo in CMD that got transferred to black tapestry.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday March 12th, 2020 7:10:33 PM
Aexana has been focussed on her friends as they move up the wall. She greats Razma and his colleagues as they enter the room. She also nods at Lew, Octavius and the unintroduced woman. Her eyes rest on the woman. "Hi, I'm Aexana... miss...
She also notices the servants aren't too keen on the 1% folk. When the bet is on Aex says: "[/b]They will most certainly wait up the ledge till they are together... and if I were up there I would voice to go push past... but... there are 2 hotheads up there... "
Aex wants to go grab a drink but she does not want to leave the window...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 197/197) d20+22=40 ; Thursday March 12th, 2020 7:25:50 PM
Feeling the bat's claws under his arms, Bralin pauses long enough to hunch his shoulders and flex out his back. [CMB roll 40]
Having dislodged the creature, he continues to climb.
------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 Friday March 13th, 2020 11:32:19 AM
Rill continues to climb, hoping his warrior friends can handle these foes.
"I didn't bring much in the way of direct damage, thinking this was more skills and problem solving. And while I would rather not disqualify us, if anyone is seriously at risk I will not hesitate to use a prohibited action."
DM Carl - 4 rounds d20-2=13 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 1:06:14 PM Terser climbs ahead with a burst of energy. He may note that the bats did not outright attack him, even though they had opportunity to do so. They seem to be intent on grappling him. Once he's at the top, he pulls his weapon and prepares to fight. The big red button the team is required to press for this obstacle is just behind him (pressing it is a swift action).
Unfortunately, when he passes the 75' mark, two huge air elementals are summoned into the room. They move towards Terser and enter their whirlwind form. They'll be on him next round.
Bralin flexes his considerable muscle and escapes the bat's grasp. He continues his climb. Since he made a climb check, I'm assuming he's rushing.
Rill also continues the climb. The wall is only 2.5' wide, so he's unable to climb past Bralin unless he makes a concentrated effort. He's prepared to defy the rules to save his friends, but surely Terser can handle a few dire bats and air elementals, right?
The bats continue their efforts to grapple the dwarves, but to no avail. Another in long list of enemies to underestimate the Sea Dragons' dwarven members.
Up in the box, Captain Musk stares at his watch. "Four seconds left to kill both Razma."
Razma smiles, obviously pleased with himself. "I didn't say he'd kill them in the next ten seconds, Captain, just that he'd kill both in ten seconds. Clock starts when he kills the first." The Captain opens his mouth to protest, then sighs and closes his watch. Khale chuckles a bit.
Aexana comments on the likelihood of her friends to attack. She turns out to be right about them climbing up first. Bezos seems to notice as well. "How long have you been with the Dragons, Aexana? Your familiarity with your team grants you an advantage we lack."
She wishes she had a drink, and as if on cue the servants arrive carrying trays of fruit, cheese, wine, and champagne for the new arrivals. The watchers help themselves, though only Razma thanks the servant. Razma slips him a small green chit as he takes a glass of wine, earning a smile and slight bow. The chit bears the Chancers' logo. Aexana is free to help herself.
She turns to the woman, who up to this point has been silent. "Hi, I'm Aexana...miss..."
"Gwendolyn," is the response, but it comes from Octavius, not her. He takes a bite of cheese but continues speaking. "She was complaining too much earlier, so I told her to keep quiet for a while." Her face remains impassive; she won't even meet Aexana's eyes.
Sense motive DC15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Razma's mood darkens slightly when he hears this. He doesn't seem to approve. The rest of the men in the room don't respond, including Sir Gallant.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Friday March 13th, 2020 1:32:38 PM If I could have pressed it last round as a swift action, that would have taken precedence over drawing my weapon. If not, I'll press it now!
Terser waits to see what effect the button has. If a door opens somewhere, he'll point it out and move in that direction. If it warrants a response up on top of the wall, he'll grab the rope and start hauling Rill up.
DM Carl - 4 rounds Friday March 13th, 2020 1:39:46 PM Terser presses the button. A loud horn sounds and the door to the east opens. The obstacle is officially bested, but the exit is still at the top of the wall, and these monsters don't seem to care. They press their attacks.
*Feel free to post the rest of your actions.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Friday March 13th, 2020 2:00:44 PM Hold on Rill!
Scooting a bit to the side so he won't bump Bralin, Terser hauls up on the rope to bring Rill up quickly to the top.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 Friday March 13th, 2020 7:09:48 PM
(I'm a little unsure of the timing on this, and the location of the exit at the top of the wall. Assuming a strong person could pull something up at about the same rate they can move, Rill should be at the top?)
"Thanks Terser - nice work."
Once at the top, Rill will move to this exit and ready a standard action to cast Plane Shift on any elemental that forms a whirlwind within reach of Rill. If for some reason he is not at the top, he will still ready a standard action to cast Plane Shift on any thing that attacks him.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+8=18 ; d20+12=25 ; Friday March 13th, 2020 7:26:36 PM
Sense motive 18)
When Bezos asks how long she's been with the crew she says : "I've been around on and off for quite some time (ooc first appearance back in 2014). At some point I needed to part from them but once able again I rejoined. When I first met the crew of the Lionfish... which is how we were known in the beginning... I only wanted to visit the Taur Islands. I have a little herbal shop back in Plateau City that my daughter Aexiri runs now. As said, I wanted to visit the taur Islands to study the Tauric races and to understand if they were to be considered human or animal... back then, the crew had two taurs in it!! That's how I got to join them... but ever since the group has changed. Only Jozhur was with the crew before I joined."
Glad to see the new refreshments being brought out Aex hops away from the window. Thankful for the servant to bring the plates a bit lower to the ground so she can actually see what lays on top, the greenmage takes a few tasty looking bites.
"Thank you very much..." Aex says with a warm smile at the servant, "What's your name?"
But when Gwendolyn gets introduced by Octavius she starts fuming : "She was complaining... you told her to be quite... Sir in all fairness I don't know from what barbaric country you come from but where we come from woman are treated with respect. I know I am but a guest here but frankly I can feel a lot of testosterone and ego in this room... the way you treat the servants... the way you treat Gwendolyn... Sir Gallant... it does not sound like you to accept such behaviour?!? Sir Razma... you of all must disagree with this as well?!? Sir bezos?? A man of your stature can't approve with this?!"
Aex is not bluffing... but the sight must be quite hilarious... there's this small purple pink haired Gnome standing in front of a bunch of macho's...
Spellcraft arcana 25 to see if there are any spells in effect on Gwendolyn.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 197/197) d20+10=25 ; Saturday March 14th, 2020 9:40:51 AM
Feeling the need for speed, Bralin ups his pace climbing the wall.
He ignores the bat.
[Climb Check 25]
DM Carl - 5 rounds d20=16 ; d20=2 ; d20=2 ; d20+5=24 ; 2d6+6=15 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 12:49:52 PM Terser grabs the rope and begins pulling up Rill, who in turn is able to kick off the wall to get above Bralin. Between Terser pulling and Rill climbing, he would be able to get to the top of the wall in a full round. However, Rill was clear that he was readying a standard action to cast plane shift. That leaves him a few feet short of the top.
Bralin climbs well, but his stature continues to impede his progress.
The bats continue to try and grapple the dwarves, but remain unable to get a foothold. It must be pretty tough to find a narrow enough place to grab them, stocky as they are. All three fail.
The elementals swoop down on Rill and Terser. A2 comes after Rill, who boops it away to some other plane. Maybe he was nice and sent it to the elemental plane of air. Maybe he wasn't and it's stuck in the plane of earth. Guess only Rill knows.
A1 slams right into Terser, doing 15 slam damage. Terser must make two DC20 reflex saves. The first one halves the slam damage. The second one is to avoid being picked up in the whirlwind.
If the second reflex save fails, the whirlwind moves back away from the ledge and drops him. Bralin can reach out and grab him should that happen. Rules that detail that are here.
Upstairs, Aexana goes off. Reactions vary pretty much like one would expect. Bezos and Captain Musk ignore the situation and keep an eye on the event. Lew also doens't seem interested in discussing it. Naturally the servants do not join in. Khale gives an eyeroll and makes a little "eeh" sound. Aexana has pulled everyone else into the conversation.
Razma is the first to speak up. "Distasteful, perhaps, but Octavius has the law on his side here."
"Yes, I do," responds a dispassionate Octavius. "I paid her father good coin to marry her, I don't force myself on her, and I've given her a life of luxury. Plus, she's free to leave at any time." Octavius eats more cheese. "I'd sue her father for breach of contract, emotional distress, and lack of companionship, but she's free to go." He turns to look Gwendolyn in the eye. "Do you wish to leave, dear?" Sense motive DC25, Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a touch, just barely, of kindness in his voice. It's mixed in with a hint of genuine curiosity at her answer.}
Gwendolyn shakes her head no.
"There, matter settled." Octavius says this with an air of finality. He does indeed consider the matter settled.
Sir Gallant chimes in. "Octavius is a man of great means who has raised this lovely girl above her station. I certainly don't see the harm."
"Yeeessss," answers Khale with a smile. "And she has given him the gift of a woman who knows her place." He looks Aexana up and down. "Those seem to be getting rarer by the day."
Aexana would need an active detect magic spell to use her spellcraft skill. Should she have one, she would fail to see any magical auras on Gwendolyn.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 197/197) d20+20=39 ; d20+10=29 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 6:56:49 PM
-- Should Terser fall --
Bralin reaches out, nimbly catches his fellow dwarf by the back of his collar, and guides him back onto the wall.
[Touch attack hits ac39. Climb check 29]
-Otherwise
Bralin keeps climbing.
------------ IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday March 16th, 2020 7:55:50 PM
Aex eyeballs Khale and Octavius in contempt... she takes a drink and some pastry and then returns to the window to see how her friends have been doing. Stupid for wasting time on such lot...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 39/43, channel 7/7) d20+8=14 ; d20+8=10 ; Monday March 16th, 2020 11:00:47 PM
Terser isn't too dextrous without some extra magic to speed his reflexes. He does still have access to the power of the gods though, and just decides not to get caught up in the whirlwind.
liberation used 1/10 (free action)
Thanks for the hand there, Bralin!
current hp 257/273
Terser helps Rill up the last couple of feet, then turns on his freedom's call aura. Wouldn't do for anyone else to get stuck in a whirlwind either, and he's not sure how good his glaive will be against these air creatures without magic.
He hopes he's not disappointing anyone by not killing things right now.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 26/18/24 Tuesday March 17th, 2020 1:44:35 AM
"Whew. Thanks Terser. Let's get through the door and perhaps end all this."
Rill casts Greater Magic Weapon on Terser's Glaive. The cleric intends to stay within Terser's 30' aura, and it looks like the doorway is close enough for that. Rill will move into the doorway and brace himself to avoid being caught up in a whirlwind, though Terser's aura should take care of that anyway.
(Greater Magic Weapon will turn the glaive into a +4 weapon for hours.)
DM Carl - 6 rounds d20=19 ; d20=4 ; d20=10 ; 2d6+6=11 ; 2d6+6=8 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=7 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 12:41:56 PM Terser can't avoid the whirlwind, but his beliefs make him hard to pin down. He stays on the platform and pulls Rill up the last bit. Rill has a full round of actions to use still.
Bralin climbs. It takes the entire rest of the round, but he makes it to the top.
Rill casts greater magic weapon on Terser's glaive, then braces himself in the doorway. Looking through, he sees the floor falls about ten feet in, and there are a few pillars, but that's it. He'll have to go through to get a better view. The doorway itself is large enough to let the bats and elementals follow, albeit in single file.
The bats continue to fail grappling our heroes, though the one on Terser gets real close! Then the elementals advance. They can't occupy the same space without giving your DM a headache, so they advance in a line.
Terser takes 11 slam damage and must make two reflex saves again at DC21. First for half damage, second to avoid being picked up. Rill and Bralin take 8 slam damage and must make the same two reflex saves at DC21. Rill gets a +5 bonus for being able to brace himself in the doorway.
The bats are not immune to the elementals. They all are hit in the attack and end up swooshed into the whirlwinds. The area is clear enough that the whirlwinds do not create a cloud of debris.
Up in the box, Aexana isn't happy. Everyone else seems to have moved on, though.
"That's right, you two. Let the elementals take care of the bats," says Captain Musk with barely contained enthusiasm.
"The creepy Gargul cleric just enhanced that one's weapon," responds Razma. "He's about to take them both out." He smiles, but it falls a bit when the bats get swooped up into the whirlwind. That puts a dent in things, to be sure.
Octavius keeps an eye on Aexana, who is not hiding her feelings on this matter. He sighs. "Gwendolyn dear, I apologize for ordering your silence. You may of course speak your mind."
Gwendolyn looks around with a cocked eyebrow. "Don't have much to say, dear," she starts. Her voice is lovely, but it's obvious she has never had any elocution lessons. "Everyone seems to be doin' a great job of speaking for me." Lew winces as she speaks; it is a bit hard on the ears. She steps away to help herself to the refreshments.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+8=11 ; d20+12=20 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 4:56:14 PM
Terser keeps his aura going, waving briefly at the bats as they get sucked up and away. freedom's call used: 2/10
He takes the hit and calmly (but ragely too) and quickly ushers everyone through the door.
current hp 250/273
He tries to take in the new area quickly, scanning for the exit. Perception 20
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 26/18/24 d20+18=25 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+12=27 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 5:14:08 PM
(I think there is only one Air Elemental, the first having been mercifully returned to the Elemental Plane of Air by Rill. Rill makes his first save, but not his second and uses a hero point to not be swept away.)
As he feel his feet being lifted up off the ground he calls on his heroic reserves to resist being carried away. He says in Auran, "Elemental, we have no quarrel with you. I respectfully ask, o great one, that you focus your attacks on these bats and let us part in peace." (Diplomacy 27.)
Rill casts Foresight on himself as he moves into the doorway/hallway, still bracing if the wind reaches in here. He looks into the room with the pillars.
"Let's move in - it will at least force the creatures to engage us single file, and the elemental likely cannot enter in its whirlwind form."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Tuesday March 17th, 2020 6:20:53 PM ooc both Rill and Bralin should be included in the freedom aura
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) d20+7=12 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2020 6:59:57 PM
Bralin cannot avoid the blow of the elemental. [Relex 12]
Fortunately Terser's Freedom's Call allows the dwarf to avoid getting caught up in the whirlwind.
The dwarf moves into the next room.
He will stand with Terser to block the elemental from entering. Mayhap the door will close behind them.
--------------- IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 26/18/24 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 12:24:01 AM
Oh. Guess Rill didn't need to spend a hero point.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 4:40:11 AM
Aex's pretty must focused on her friends now and she does feel a bit proud hearing the comments of Razma and cpt Musk. But when Gwendolyn speaks up she spins her head fast... she opens her mouth but nothing comes out... narrowing her eyes she keeps an eye on Gwendolyn and Octavius. But she wonders why Lew reacts so strangely...
The Descent
DM Carl - 7 rounds Wednesday March 18th, 2020 9:28:18 AM
Doh, I forgot to take that 2nd air elemental off the map. I'll fix this...
The elemental feels the tug of Rill's spell, but fights, eager to stay in this plane. Then, the nice young man speaks kindly to him in his own language. He decides maybe, just maybe, he shouldn't knock him off this wall. So, he grabs his companion air elemental and allows himself to be booped off the material plane. The bats stuck in them both are taken along with them.
Just like that, our heroes are alone and able to head onto the next obstacle.
OOC: Not changing the past, but re-awarding any hero points spent as a result of my error. Any abilities used are still considered used.
Room 2 - The Descent
Our three heroes take stock of their next obstacle. They are 100' above the ground. On the other side of the room, roughly 100' away and much closer to the ground, is a big yellow button. Between that is a pit filled with shallow spikes (about 1" tall). Tall pillars are the only surfaces between the party and the exit.
Leaping from one pillar to another requires a DC 25 acrobatics check if the pillar is in the row closest to you. The DC is 40 to skip a row and jump two at once. Failure results in falling to the ground below.
It is an unfortunate turn of events that the most nimble Sea Dragons all went in the other party, but perhaps they can come up with an outside the box solution to this.
NOTE: Walking from the previous room to the next doesn't take a full round. For this post, make two standard and one move action.
***
Upstairs, Aexana enjoys watching these newcomers react to her friends. As the elementals whisk the bats away, Captain Musk simply holds his palm out. Razma smiles and produces a small metal container from his jacket pocket. It's similar in shape to this, but without the branding. From the way he holds it, it obviously has some heft. It opens, revealing a velvet lined interior that holds dozens of the small chits he tipped the servant. They're separated by color: white, green, blue, purple, yellow, and a few orange as well. He pulls a purple chit and places it in Captain Musk's palm before closing the wallet and returning it to his jacket pocket.
"Well played, Captain," he says with a smile. If he's sour about losing the bet, he hides it perfectly. The captain pulls out a similar wallet and places the purple chit inside.
"Your friends do not seem well suited to this event, Aexana," comments Bezos. "How do you believe they will proceed?" As always, his eyes remain glued to her companions navigating the obstacles.
OOC: I wasn't very clear last post. Gwendolyn's speech is unrefined. It may not be something Aexana notices, but Lew does. Think My Fair Lady.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 26/18/24 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 6:52:08 PM
Rill looks at the pillars, at the spikes and thinks for a moment.
"Yeah, jumping is not really my thing. And I'm guessing it's not generally a thing for dwarves either. Add in those spikes, and I think a stone walkway is better. I generally don't like asking my God for a miracle, but maybe this is a good time for it.
"I still have this rope tied to me. We should all hang on to it in case we get gusts of wind or such like in the last room."
Rill will cast Miracle to create a 5' wide stone walkway across(Wall of Stone). Ordinarily bridging a large chasm like this would halve the wall's area, but since the designers of this place were kind enough to place bridge supports about 10' apart, halving the area to create arches and buttressing does not seem necessary. If the DM disagrees, Rill can make the wall 2.5' wide instead of 5'.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 8:22:41 PM
Looking at the next obstacle Aex smiles a bit... and in response to Bezos she says : [b]"They won't go throwing around dwarves that's for sure... If not for the rules they would simply fly over it. Here, they will try to pull out some magic to bridge the jumps. "
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+14=17 Wednesday March 18th, 2020 9:54:29 PM
Not wasting time on a miracle, Terser starts booking it across the stone bridge. Each time he comes to a pillar, he pauses a moment to assess any new threats. If something magic-y happens, he takes an action to cast dispel magic at it. If not, he keeps moving to the next column, trying to time it so he doesn't get stuck in between two of them.
17 acrobatics, In case he needs to balance
DM Carl - 8 rounds Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:22:41 AM Rill pulls out his wall of stone trick again, this time using a miracle spell with the existing pillars to make a bridge. He chooses the bottom row of pillars.
Terser wastes no time and steps onto the bridge (no acrobatics needed to walk down a 5' wide bridge). As he puts weight on it, the third pillar immediately collapses and falls in, but the rest hold strong. It's likely some of the pillars are trapped, and Rill chose the best row to build on. Good job, Rill!
All three of the contestants can move over the bridge.
Aexana correctly guesses her companions' course of action again. Bezos merely nods his head appreciatively. Khale sneers. "Handy how they knew the best row to build on, isn't it?"
Sir Gallant speaks up. "Your accusation is entirely unwarranted, I'm sure. The Dragons and I share a code; such actions are below us." Khale looks unconvinced.
"Well," interjects Razma, "there is entirely too little gambling going on up here. Let's make this interesting. I have 50,000 gold that says the Sea Dragon's second team will beat this one's time." This raises some eyebrows around the room.
"That's preposterous," replies Lew. "This team is already well ahead of the teams that went before." His eyes narrow as he continues. "You know something we don't, Raz?"
"A: Don't call me Raz," he replies. "B: No, but I wouldn't tell you if I did." He gives a small wink to Aexana, then spreads his arms wide. "Any takers?"
Octavious speaks up with a mouthful of cracker. "Aye, I'll take that bet. Gwendolyn, fetch my chit purse from my satchel." He motions to a leather satchel he left by the door.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) Thursday March 19th, 2020 11:33:36 AM
Bralin nods appreciatively.
"I have a Stone Shape spell, should we encounter similar issues ahead," he informs his comrades. "But I can only cover half this distance with it."
The dwarf trots after Terser to the other side.
--------------- IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Thursday March 19th, 2020 12:41:25 PM
With the bridge looking like it's holding steady, Terser sprints across the rest of the way. 35 speed and run feat should let me make the button this turn if nothing else gets in the way
He prepares himself to make a leap in the middle of his run if anything starts to crumble away. He's especially wary over columns 2 and 4, as the column 3 trap is already sprung.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 26/18/24 Friday March 20th, 2020 3:21:51 AM "Trapped pillars? Jumping wasn't enough for them? These guys are sadistic jerks that just like to watch people get hurt. This event really needs to be permanently shut down. I wonder how our more nimble group will handle this room?"
Since the wall seems to be working, Rill makes his way across. A glance down at the spikes make him nervous. He hands the other end of the rope tied to him to Bralin. Just in case.
DM Carl - 8 rounds Friday March 20th, 2020 8:51:11 PM
The bridge holds strong. Our heroes just need to finish walking across it.
*Please use the map to indicate your position. A full round move action at double speed should put you across in two rounds.
Upstairs, Gwendolyn picks up the satchel and starts delivering it to Octavius.
*Shortening this because I want Aexana to be active in what's about to happen.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Saturday March 21st, 2020 12:07:02 AM No running allowed? I'll just move normally for now.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) Sunday March 22nd, 2020 9:30:14 AM
Bralin moves out along the stone bridge.
-------- IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday March 22nd, 2020 12:14:34 PM
(sorry folks, this corona mess has got my attention elsewhere. I may be forced to keep my employees at home on economic unemployment. We're fighting hard to keep the business going but when our customers around us are closing down we are running short of engineering work. Time to clear my head with a little DnD... good thing we still have this)
Upstaits Aex is amused with the discussions.
In response to Khale complaining how they knew what row to pick and Sir Gallant talking about a 'code' she says : "Ah you don't become a dragon by only being rich... by only being the strongest warrior nor by throwing around the mightiest spells... at some point there's one thing everyone needs on his own time... LUCK... and I'm sure we've had our share... "
When the bet comes up Aex too raises an eyebrow.
"They are two entirely different groups and I bet their approach will be completely different. One will be more prudent than the other. Hard to say who will finish first... But Fang, Tahni and Jozhur make a crazy team that's for sure... Fang can be a loose projectile... perhaps that's what it takes to finish this gauntlet first... My bet's on the second team... 25k on the second team. "
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 26/18/24 Sunday March 22nd, 2020 6:59:17 PM
Rill runs along the stone span to reach the other side. Since this is in a straight line, Rill is able to reach the base of the stairs on the other side.
He stays sharp, expecting some sort of attack.
DM Carl - 9 rounds d20+22=35 ; Monday March 23rd, 2020 10:22:10 AM Bralin and Rill bolt across the bridge. Terser lags behind a bit.
Rill's expectations come true. The moment the party steps foot on the platform, two false walls drop away. An angry triceratops comes charging out of both. They run down the stairs and straight at the two of them. T2 bull rushes the two of them (improved bull rush, no AoO). Both are pushed back 5'. The dinosaur turns to run instead of pressing the attack. T1 is rushing full speed towards Rill and Bralin.
***
Back up stairs, Aexana joins the gambling pool with 25,000 gold riding on team 2. "Yes yes, I'll take that bet too," answers Octavius. Looks like he's all in on Team 1. Gwendolyn arrives with his satchel, which he takes without thanking her. He pulls out a wallet similar to the one Razma had and opens it up. Inside are far fewer chits than Razma had. He frowns. "Can't cover both." He looks around, trying to come up with a solution. Then, the idea hits him. "Tell you what, Aexana. Team 1 wins, you owe me 25,000 gold. Team 2 wins, you get Gwendolyn here. Will that be sufficient?"
This stops all conversation in the room. Gwendolyn's face is hard to read, but her anxiety just shot way up.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+27=31 ; Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:56:20 PM "Well, I'm seeing a pattern here. We should likely expect some sort of summoned monster or such in each room. But right now, we have a couple of problems to address."
Rill will then move, provoking an AOO from Triceratops (T2).
(I'm not sure about the stairs. It looks like the "steps up" were only 5 feet horizontally, so the rise is probably 3'-4' up. Even if it were 5' up Rill should be able to put his hands up there and get up easily.)
If Rill can get on top of the far platform in one move, he will. If not, he will stop just below it, so I placed him twice on the map. Wherever he is, he will defensively cast Calm Emotions (DC 18 Will Save) on the far Triceratops (T1) that looks ready to charge/gore Terser.
"Terser, Bralin - if you attack this one in front of me it will likely draw his attention enough that it ignores me so I can hold the other one at bay."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:56:36 PM
Aex's jaw drops at the baffling proposal Octavius makes... is this guy serious?!? Aex's face flashes with anger but she tries to remain calm... kinda...
"Bah! You disgust me... but I'll take you up on that... HOWEVER... should I win, Lady Gwendolyn is free to make her own choices. If she desires to stay with you she may on her own will and you will treat her right... trust me I'll find you if you don't... if she wants to go with me she's welcome to join me and my friends as a free woman... if she wants to go free I will give her a warm hug before she leaves with gold in her purse to get a fresh start... away from you"
With red cheeks and her small hands clenched into a fist she waits Octavius's answer. Right now she cares not about the others present. She does hope to get face to face with Octavius in this charade at some point.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+25=41 ; d4+1=3 ; Monday March 23rd, 2020 2:29:16 PM I thought I had moved all the way across - I may have been moving the wrong picture on the map. I switched them if that's the case, but I should be across after double moving 70 feet last round
It's a good thing Rill and Bralin are used to him, because if not, they may be running too. As it is, they can't help a brief quiver in the knees at the howl that comes from Terser's throat.
T2 probably decides that it doesn't want to face an angry barbarian and turns tail. With it out of the way, Terser (relatively) calmly hustles up towards the button. Intimidate Roll - 41
Terrifying Howl - Intimidate vs DC 10+target HD+target Wis Mod Target is panicked for 3 rounds +1 per 5 I beat the DC Target must flee/cower, -2 to most rolls
Bralin charges across the remainder of the bridge, pulling out his waraxe as he moves.
Arriving at T2, he helps move the creature on its way
-------- Charge and attack T2 w/ Improved Vital Strike feat. hit ac 35 for 24 hp damage -----------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
The Power Room
DM Carl - 10 rounds d20+5=13 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2020 12:29:26 PM Rill cools T1's jets. The triceratops blinks a few times, then lies down to watch what his friend is doing.
Terser lets T2 know he doesn't have time for it's nonsense. T2 turns tail and flees in terror.
Bralin moves to attack, but T2's already running away. T1 calmly looks at T2 panicking, then lowers its head and starts to nap.
With the way clear, everyone's able to make it to the button. When pressed, a loud horn goes off indicating the obstacle has been beaten. A door opens behind the button and our heroes are able to move through. It closes behind them.
The room them find themselves in is initially dark, but five lights quickly come on one at a time, illuminating 5 statues. Each statue holds a stone orb. They are as follows:
1: A slumbering dwarven monk. It holds an orb with a snowflake symbol. 2: A tall and powerful looking human covered in furs. It holds an orb with a group of evergreen trees. 3: A regal woman with fey wings. It holds an orb with a set of balanced scales. 4: A large mountain. It holds an orb with a tower. 5: A large tree. It holds an orb with a dragon.
I need everyone to give me 5 perception checks. They won't be used immediately, but I want them in advance.
***
Meanwhile, up in the tower, Aexana remains disgusted with Octavius. She accepts his bet, red faced and clenched hands staring down the much larger Octavius without fear.
Octavius shrugs. "Free her, adopt her, whatever. She'll be yours to do with as you like."
"Really, Octavius," starts Razma. "Try to show a little decency for once, will you?"
Gwendolyn's face is hard to read in all this. It's obvious she feels very out of place in a room full of very rich and very powerful people who can so easily decide her fate. Deep down, there's probably some anger there, but it's tempered with fear. Right now, it seems her fate is tied to which Sea Dragon team out performs the other. Let's hope this doesn't end in a tie; that could complicate things!
Bezos ignores all of this. "This obstacle is more suited to this group," he says, nodding. He continues staring intently.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+12=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=31 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:34:44 PM Perception x5 18 (or 20 if for stonework) 28 (or 30 if for stonework) 26 (or 28 if for stonework) 18 (or 20 if for stonework) 31 (or 33 if for stonework)
Terser looks around for anything resembling a button. Should nothing be obvious, he will approach the mountain statue to investigate it more closely.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+29=45 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+29=45 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:44:40 PM
Perception Checks: 45, 42, 36, 32, 45
As the door closes, Rill stops concentrating on the Calm Emotions spell. He looks carefully around the room for anything beyond the obvious.
"This is interesting. I wonder if some of these orbs may be misplaced. I'd normally think the scales go with the monk, and perhaps the snowflake is for the guy dressed in furs. Hmmm. Let's see if anything here is a construct or an outsider."
Rill will extend his senses, using his Sense Construct and Sense Outsider abilities. He will share what he learns. ----------------------------
Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) d20+14=19 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=32 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2020 8:29:05 PM Perception x5 19 (or 21 if for stonework) 18 (or 20 if for stonework) 29 (or 31 if for stonework) 26 (or 28 if for stonework) 32 (or 34 if for stonework)
-----------
"Aye," Bralin answers Rill. "This challenge is a puzzle."
The dwarf moves over to the statue of the woman, but doesn't touch anything pending Rill's findings.
-----------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 25th, 2020 3:53:39 AM
It's obvious and very understandable that Gwendoly isn't happy with the current situation. Aex doesn't know what to do best but none the less she's pleased that at least one of the 1% is also appalled by Octavius's behavior.
The little greenmage is more concerned for Gwendolyn's sake rather than about her gold when Bezos claims the next room is more suited for the first group. She needs to turn her attention again to the game itself. She nods at Gwendolyn saying "Please apologize me M'lady"? Next she eyeballs Octavius... no nodding... no words... after a few seconds she just turns around and finds her place again next to Sir Bezos.
"What did I miss?"
DM Carl - 11 rounds Wednesday March 25th, 2020 12:29:17 PM Terser looks for a button. There is none. He approaches the mountain and investigates. The orb it holds is not part of the statue. It can be removed. A knowledge check may be helpful in figuring out what this statue is supposed to be (religion or history).
Rill lets the calm emotions spell drop. The door is closed, so he can no longer hear the triceratops. Maybe it stayed asleep? His senses probe for outsiders or constructs. There are none he can sense.
Bralin observes the statue of the woman with fey wings, coming to the same conclusion Terser did. The orbs can be moved.
*Rill, don't forget the 5 perception checks I asked for, please.
Aexana asks what she missed. "Your teammates have finished the more physical challenges and moved on to the puzzles. Your dwarven friends' natural stonework expertise may come in handy."
The whole room is on edge. Notwithstanding the wager of a human being, there's also tens of thousands of gold on the line. Sir Gallant is the exception; the man is completely at ease and snacks as he watches the events.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) d20+4=11 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+10=23 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2020 12:47:22 PM
Bralin reaches up and takes the orb with a set of balanced scales from the statue of the regal woman with fey wings. The dwarf moves toward the center of the room while contemplating where to go.
-- [Knowledge History 11] [Knowledge Religion 19] [Knowledge Engineering 23] [i]Maybe the stones aren't identical in size/shape, indicating which set of hands they fit into best?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+8=12 ; d20+8=28 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2020 12:59:40 PM
Terser can't quite think up anything at first, but then has a sudden brainstorm. Hero point re-roll: Religion 28 (nat 20)
If his intuition doesn't tell him any different, he picks up the towers stone from the mountain statue.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+4=6 ; d20+9=29 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2020 3:29:23 PM
(From the previous post, Perception Checks were: 45, 42, 36, 32, 45)
"Well, as near as I can tell, there are no constructs or outsiders here. The question is what to do with these orbs? It certainly seems like some sort of matching puzzle - could it be as simple as shifting each orb one statue clockwise? A tree could be a tower, but a dragon is not really a fey. Unless it's a faerie dragon."
[Knowledge History 6] [Knowledge Religion 29 (nat 20)]
Rill will look at all the statues, and then move to the tree and look at the dragon in the orb. It is a faerie dragon? Is there more here that makes sense to him? He will remove the dragon orb. However, he has the spell Foresight running, and if this spell tells warns him of impending danger or tells him what actions he might take to best protect himself he will take that action and shout a warning the others.
--------------------------------------------------------- Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday March 26th, 2020 4:21:47 AM
Aex wishes she could reach out to her friends through their rings but she dares not. What if they get disqualified for use of magic from outside... if she could she would ask them to go a bit slower... after all they are already well ahead of the previous teams and she wants the second team to win.
DM Carl - 12 rounds d6=6 ; Thursday March 26th, 2020 10:43:13 AM Bralin draws from his knowledge of history and religion, but can't connect the dots. He sees the orbs are all identical in size and shape, though.
He lifts the LAW orb from the statue of the woman, which triggers a hidden button the orb was holding down. A fine dart shoots from the statue's wrist.
Bralin must make a DC 26 reflex save to avoid the dart. If he fails, he is poisoned. A DC 26 fort save must be made or he takes 6 STR damage.
Terser can't makes heads or tails of this, until he suddenly can! He realizes all these statues represent minor Powers of the Wold.
The sleeping dwarf represents Boydoes, the sleeping demigod (Know DC 20). The human covered in furs represents Celsiun, the power of the Ice Vein (Know DC 24). The woman with fey wings represents Maab, the queen of the fey (Know DC 25). The mountain represents Burfell, a gigantic, sentient mountain (Know DC 26). The tree represents The Culverwood, the power behind a sentient forest (Know DC 22).
You know all the information on the Woldipedia pages for these entities
Terser goes to take the TOWER orb from Burfell's statue, but notices there's a tiny stone lever being held down by the orb. Removing it will trigger something.
OOC: You have the option of ignoring that and picking it up anyway, starting your next post with the orb in your posession.
Rill comes to the same conclusion regarding the identity of these statues. He goes to remove the DRAGON orb from the Culverwood statue, but his foresight spell dings. Removing the orb will result in danger. He looks, and notes the branch the orb rests on is on a cleverly disguised hinge. Removing the orb will trigger something.
OOC: Like Terser, you can ignore that and pick it up anyway, starting your next post with the orb in your posession.
Aexana wishes she could tell her friends to slow down. That's not possible at the moment, at least not through the rings since their magic is subdued.
OOC: Reminder that Aexana will be able to watch the 2nd team perform, and is welcome to peek in on The Black Tap room if she'd like.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Thursday March 26th, 2020 1:44:12 PM Bralin! Bring that Law Orb over here! This is Burfell, the lawful mountain.
I'll bring the Tower to the sleeping dwarf, Boydoes.
Rill - take the Dragon to Maab, but watch out for the dart!
After that, we just need to take Ice to Celsiun and the forest to the Culverwood tree. Any objections?
It seems like they'll have to trigger the traps regardless, so they'll just have to be careful. Trying to see how the dart came out at Bralin, Terser will try to tap the orb out of place with his glaive to drop into his hand while avoiding the trajectory of the trap. If the trap is the same, that is.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+15=32 ; Thursday March 26th, 2020 5:04:46 PM "Good job Terser! Are you and Bralin able to cast Slow Posion on yourselves? If not, I have another I can cast today."
Rill will cast Slow Poison on himself, and he'll then grab the Dragon Orb (like drawing a weapon as you move) as he moves to the Maab statue.
[Dex Save 32]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Thursday March 26th, 2020 5:12:34 PM I've just got one spell to deal with poison, no way to prevent it.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) d20+7=23 ; d20+16=28 ; Thursday March 26th, 2020 5:18:22 PM
Bralin looks down in annoyance, as the dart strikes him in the hand. Casually, he flicks the offending missile away.
"I do not have Slow Poison," he answers Rill.
Following Terser's instructions, he runs over to the statue of the mountain.
----------- [Reflex 23 - fail Fort 28 - success]
Run to Mountain statue.
--------------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday March 27th, 2020 5:25:44 AM
(OOC : I know Aex can have a look at the black tap, but that I cannot RP here at the moment as that's all happening in the future :-) - kudos dear DM's on how you are handling this madness.)
Given the bets that are on Aex hopes this first team slows down a little. She realizes in this challenge it will come down to wisdom and wits rather than muscle... she has the impression this challenge is better suited for this group... On the other hand the odds are pretty high that a loose cannon such as Fang will probably barge through this arena grabbing the orbs without thinking... who knows...
DM Carl - 13 rounds Friday March 27th, 2020 4:20:16 PM Terser calls out instructions and runs his own TOWER orb to Boydos. He attempts to push the orb out of place from a distance with his glaive. It works, but this one's not trapped with a dart. A burst of energy rushes out of the statue, threatening to scramble everyone's brain.
Everyone must make a DC25 Will save or be confused for two rounds. Roll your own D100 if you fail:
01-25 Acts normally 26-50 Does nothing but babble incoherently 51-75 Deals 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand 76-100 Attacks nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self)
He's able to place the TOWER orb as a free action. The orb's runes glow a light blue.
Rill offers slow poison should anyone need it and books it to the Maab statue. The trap mechanisms are setup to go off when an orb is removed. Placing them is a free action that doesn't risk a trap. The orb's runes glow a light blue as it's placed.
Bralin casually tosses the dart that strikes him. He fights off the poison, but still feels it coursing through him. He'll need another DC26 fort save to officially be done with it. He runs to the mountain statue and is able to place the LAW orb. The orb's runes glow a light blue as it's placed.
Three orbs are placed, one is on the ground. Here's the map.
***
Aexana wonders if Fang's reckless disregard will trump this group's wisdom. "They acknowledge they lack the skill to disarm the traps, so they waste no time getting around them," observes Bezos. Then Terser moves the orb with his glaive. "Well, that hardly wasted any time."
"I wonder what would have happened if the orb shattered," wonders Captain Musk. "Probably end up giving them the max time for this event, all but guaranteeing a place on the bottom. That would be something after such a strong start!"
Lew speaks up. "Can you imagine? All those people who thought to bet against them, suddenly vindicated. You could probably watch the crowd's energy shift from here."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+14=22 ; d20+14=26 ; Friday March 27th, 2020 5:01:11 PM
Once Terser remembers that his rage and his mind blank give him extra protection against mind affecting spells, he easily shrugs off the confusion. double click - first one should be +8 and +3 for 33 total
He hustles the ice orb over to the Celsiun Statue, then quietly thinks better of hucking the last orb at Rill to speed up the transfer.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Friday March 27th, 2020 5:21:12 PM
He does then get the idea to roll it out towards Bralin at the mountain statue. Perhaps it'll get close enough that he can run it home.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+19=24 ; Saturday March 28th, 2020 12:58:53 AM
(Will save 24. Use retroactive hero point to make the save.)
Rill calls on his heroic reserves to resist the confusion.
Then he will cast another Slow Poison and hold the spell. "Bralin, if you can go by me with that last orb Terser rolled to you, give me a high five on the way so I can hit you with this slow poison spell."
If Bralin runs past, Rill will touch him as he does to impart the spell he has cast.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 186/197) d20+18=35 ; d20+18=38 ; Saturday March 28th, 2020 9:52:38 AM [Will Save 35 Fort Save vs Poison 38]
The Stone Warden steels himself against confusion and poison, and endures both with equal success.
"I am uninjured," he tells Rill.
Nevertheless, as he passes his comrade, he slaps the man's hand.
--- Move to Tree Statue. If Terser rolled it to him, places Orb. If not, moves there anyway.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday March 30th, 2020 7:04:21 AM "Now wouldn't that be something should this group come in last place! " Aex says in reply to Cpt. Musk and Lew's comments. But as she says it, she does not turn her eyes away from her friends. Casually she grabs a small pastry from her plate and brings it to her mouth... not taking her eyes of the game she holds the pastry there her mouth half open...
DM Carl - 14 rounds Monday March 30th, 2020 10:07:50 AM Terser has a mind not easily influenced. He places the ice orb on the Celsium statue. The orb's runes glow a light blue. He places a foot on top of the TREE orb and rolls it towards the Culverwood statue.
Rill offers to slow the poison Bralin was exposed to, but the dwarf's immune system has fought it all off.
Bralin high-fives his friend regardless on his way to the Culverwood statue. He arrives as the TREE orb is rolled over and is able to put it in place with a loud *CLICK* sound. The rune on the orb glows a light blue.
As the final orb is placed, three things happen quickly:
1. A loud horn sounds 2. A hidden door opens to the east. 3. A very angry treant is summoned right behind Bralin.
The treant roars...I think. Do treants roar? This one does, it turns out. Anyway, it roars and charges south, trampling Rill and Bralin for 23 bludgeoning damage. Both have a choice to either make an AoO at -4 to hit, or make a DC 25 reflex save for half damage.
The treant is stopped suddenly when it runs into the southern wall. It turns and gets ready to charge again.
Aexana wouldn't want her friends to lose, but it would certainly help her own wager!
Bezos nods in approval as the door opens. "Indeed, solid performance. The Last Whisper spent entirely too much time bickering until Xuffie pulled rank. Caisyth will get an earful later."
Aexana perception DC 27, Highlight to display spoiler: {Looking out, Aexana can see Caisyth, the tiefling member of The Last Whisper, sitting in the crowd.}
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+13=30 ; d20+13=17 ; Monday March 30th, 2020 4:27:41 PM
(Reflex save made for half damage.)
Rill says, "Run for the door!" Which he then does. (We seem to have lost the grid here, so I moved as far as I think I can get in this round.)
As he goes, Rill will say in the Treant language, "We have no quarrel with you, O mighty guardian of the forests. We have not summoned you here nor set you to this task. We do not come to destroy, and we respect the power of the Culverwood. Let us leave in peace." (Diplomacy 17.)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 163/197) d20+7=10 ; Monday March 30th, 2020 5:24:25 PM
[Reflex 10] Bralin barely has time to move before he's trampled on by the treant.
The dwarf instinctively turns to take on the creature, but Rill's words pierce his brain. "Aye!" he shouts/growls back.
Turning, he runs for the door.
-------------- Run. With Fleet Feat and Mithril armor 25' x 4 = 100' covered. Which I believe puts him through the door.
AC vs any AoO is 24
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+22=24 ; Monday March 30th, 2020 6:17:58 PM
Terser moves up to Rill and tries to rush him through the door. Something must hold him back from being able to bull rush a friend though, since he has a hard go of it.
bull rush vs cmd 24
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 Monday March 30th, 2020 8:47:14 PM
And if we can actually use the full-round run action, Rill makes it through the door easily.
The Tunnel
DM Carl - 15 rounds Tuesday March 31st, 2020 12:33:07 PM Everyone runs. With a full round of just running, everyone should be able to make it through that door.
The door closes behind the party and plunges them into darkness. Our dwarves find their darkvision doesn't work, but they don't have long to ponder this. In the darkness, the floor moves violently beneath the party. Our heroes are tossed around without any real sense of where they're moving to. About 30 seconds later, it abruptly ends.
Two bright lights shine at either end of a long tunnel. It's about 500' wide. One light is immediately behind them, the other at the far end. The magical darkness effect has ended. The areas closest to the lights have normal light. 60' away from the lights, it's dim light.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:20:29 PM I don't trust this. Should we cross all together? Or stagger ourselves?
Terser is slightly faser than the others, so he'll move just enough to keep only a few feet ahead of the others. That is, unless a button makes itself apparent, in which case he'll sprint to it.
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:35:36 PM "Ugh. Glad to be done with that that stupid tree. I wonder where we are now? Do your dwarven senses tell you anything about depth or direction? Is this normal stone around us?
"Looks like it gets dark ahead. I don't want to slow us down because I can't see."
Rill will smear some salve on his eyes as he casts True Seeing on himself. Then he will move ahead 30', sensing for constructs and outsiders as he goes, relying on Foresight to alert him to dangers. He'll start running next round.
----------------------------------------------- True Seeing - The subject sees through normal and magical darkness, notices secret doors hidden by magic, sees the exact locations of creatures or objects under blur or displacement effects, sees invisible creatures or objects normally, sees through illusions, and sees the true form of polymorphed, changed, or transmuted things. Further, the subject can focus its vision to see into the Ethereal Plane (but not into extra-dimensional spaces). The range of true seeing conferred is 120 feet.
Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 31st, 2020 2:38:17 PM
Aex nervously watches how her friends make it into the tunnel. She figures it's worse to just standing here being unable to do anything than being down there...
[Knowledge Dungeoneering 16] [Perception 17, 19 for unusual stonework]
Getting to his feet, Bralin nods at Rill's suggestion, and tries to figure out if they are actually underground, as well as trying to spot any hazards.
He moves after Terser, but not nearly as quickly.
---- Double move. 50'
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
DM Carl - 16 rounds Wednesday April 1st, 2020 9:24:26 AM Terser don't trust this. He decides to take off ahead of the rest of the group.
Rill has several magical accompaniments that are really going to come in handy. His true seeing spell helps him see through the glare of the light to notice what it actually is: a window. There's also a small hidden handle beneath it.
As soon as he starts to move down the tunnel, his foresight spell warns him it's not a good idea.
Bralin's knowledge falls short here, unfortunately. The pressure here indicates they haven't descended any, but that's about it. The stonework doesn't appear to be noteworthy. It's just a nondescript tunnel.
***
Aexana watches nervously as her friends complete the statue obstacle. She's watched other teams navigate this tunnel, so she knows what to expect. So does Bezos, though he remains impassive. Eyebrows furrow as Terser and the rest start to move, but one rises when he sees Rill respond to something.
"Come on, dummies!" says Octavius. "Figure it out already! I got a lot riding on all of you!" It's the most animated he's been since he got here. He's even stopped eating. Gambling seems to bring out the worst in him, which is saying something.
"Pull yourself together, friend." It's Lew speaking this time. "You can lose this wager 1000 times and still be one of the wealthiest here."
"Not the point though, is it?" is the response from Razma. The man has not regained his sense of humor...
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 Wednesday April 1st, 2020 11:56:41 AM
Rill shouts a warning to Terser, "Terser, come back. I think that tunnel ahead is a ruse, and I have a bad feeling about it. The light here by us is actually shining through a window, and there's a hidden handle here just below the window. See. It's right here."
Rill will reach down to turn the handle once Terser is back, relying on his Foresight to warn him if this is a terrible move.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Wednesday April 1st, 2020 4:25:34 PM
Terser hustles back, bracing himself for whatever happens when Rill pulls on the window handle.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 163/197) Wednesday April 1st, 2020 4:59:49 PM
Bralin stops at Rill's words, and also returns to their starting point.
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 Wednesday April 1st, 2020 7:36:02 PM
(Also, since turning this handle is a move action (like opening a door or moving an object), Rill will also take a standard action to cast a spell.)
Rill first casts Moment of Prescience on himself.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday April 2nd, 2020 6:14:13 AM
The longer the gauntlet takes the more anxious Aex gets. She also senses Octavius is getting agitated too... she's never been the greatest diplomat but with everything that is being said it seems there's a lot going on beneath her radar...
"Go slow friends... I need you to come in second... sorry" the little Greenmage thinks... who knows her thoughts carry through the magic blockade...
The Horn
DM Carl - 17 rounds Thursday April 2nd, 2020 9:13:55 AM The dwarves double back at Rill's word.
Rill gets good vibes from the handle, so he opens it. Bright sunlight and a cacophony of sound invade the tunnel. It takes a moment to put everything together.
The scene beyond the door Rill opened is the Colosseum! The crowd erupts as our heroes stumble into the light.
"DRAGONS! DRAGONS! DRAGONS!"
Kozy's voice rises above the rest. "They made it this far, everyone, but they're not done yet!"
The crowd responds in chant. "Blow the horn! Blow the horn!"
In this last open air arena are three tables with one item on each: a cloak, a glove, and a crown. There's also an intimidating chest and an empty pedestal.
The crowd continues chanting. "Blow the horn! Blow the horn!" No one sees any horns.
Aexana hopes team 2 performs better. Maybe not by a lot, but a little.
Khale flips out when Rill makes a b-line right for the door handle. "Foul! How did he know that was there so easily? Why did he stop?" He wheels around and points a finger at Aexana. "You! Those Dragon Rings of yours still work, don't they! Admit it, you're helping them!" There's some murmur in the room, and everyone seems to be waiting for a reply and at least considering the possibility.
Everyone except Bezos. He keeps his eyes forward. "You have all forgotten to know your opponents. Do better."
***
Almost there, everyone. Keep it up.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+17=34 ; Thursday April 2nd, 2020 10:28:25 AM
In the absence of any apparent horns, Terser can only blow their own.
He runs up to the crown and climbs atop its table. He lifts the crown into the air and proclaims. "We're the best! The best around! Nothing's gonna ever keep us down!"
He winks at the crowd, as if to say how's that for blowing your horn?
But still, he looks over the crown in his hands to see if there's anything like a mouthpiece to blow into. perception 34
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday April 2nd, 2020 11:01:38 AM
When Khale explodes at Aexana she speaks softly without even taking her eyes of the arena where her friends are trying to find the horns...
"Honey I've seldom seen a more keen spell-weaver than Rillet Savenport. Even if our rings would still work through the magic blockade, he wouldn't need my help to outclass most of us including myself. Besides... it would ruin my chance to give Lady Gwendolyn the life she chooses for herself..."
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+29=47 ; Thursday April 2nd, 2020 3:56:12 PM
Rill moves up and looks carefully at the three items - even the one on Terser's head. He looks at the chest, table and pedestal. Are there any identifying marks or symbols? Is there an obvious lock on the chest? Does his True seeing reveal anything? (Perception 47)
"Perhaps one person needs to wear all three items and then open the chest. Of maybe we each need to wear one item. Maybe there's a clue in the chest."
As an added measure, once Bralin is up with us Rill will cast Holy Aura affecting all three of us. So now we're each surrounded by a "brilliant divine radiance."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 163/197) d20+14=26 Thursday April 2nd, 2020 5:27:06 PM
Bralin moves up, and accepts Rill's spell as he eyes the objects. [Perception 26]
"I will put on the gloves, while you put the cloak on me, and Terser crowns me," he offers. "Then, I will attempt to open the chest."
-------------------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength, Slow Poison, Holy Aura
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
DM Carl - 18 rounds Friday April 3rd, 2020 12:33:12 PM Terser shows off for the crowd. There's no mouthpiece on the crown, but there is an engraving of a cloak.
Rill hypotheses that one needs to wear all three before opening the chest. He casts a holy aura on him and his companions.
Bralin comes up with a quick plan to wear all three, then open the chest. That can be accomplished in one round with everyone working together.
Aexana coolly dismisses Khale, and the room lets it go. Bezos nods with a slight "mmm-hmm" and continues watching. The room, and most of the crowd, shield their eyes when Rill casts his holy aura spell.
"They're nearly done," observes Captain Musk. "Unless they drop the ball now, they'll be in first."
Khale replies "Yes, well Vickers, Kate, and the help haven't gone yet. If that orc doesn't orc it up in there, I'm sure we'll come out on top in the end."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Friday April 3rd, 2020 1:12:44 PM
Since it apparently wasn't a metaphorical horn blowing they wanted, Terser will hop down and crown Bralin. There is a cloak engraving on here - they probably should all be connected.
He looks over the gloves as well while Bralin is putting them on.
Rill (MarkB) HP 136/152 - AC 28/20/26 d20+29=39 ; Friday April 3rd, 2020 2:26:49 PM
Rill moves up to put the cloak on Bralin. As he does so, he looks carefully at the crown, cloak and gloves. He looks at the chest, table and pedestal. Are there any identifying marks or symbols? Is there an obvious lock on the chest? Does his True Seeing reveal anything? (Perception 39)
"Pedestal. Hmmm. I wonder if the chest needs to be there for it to be opened, or if the hornblower needs to be on the pedestal when they blow the horn? I guess we'll know soon enough."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, CMD 37 HP 163/197) Saturday April 4th, 2020 9:18:43 AM
Bralin puts on the gloves while his comrades adorn him with cloak and crown.
Without any hesitation, the dwarf steps over and tries to open the chest.
-------------------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength, Slow Poison, Holy Aura
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday April 6th, 2020 3:47:05 AM
As the group is getting near the end Aex is on edge. How long have they been at it and... will the second Dragon group be faster. They did pretty good... can the others do even better?!?
DM Carl - 19 rounds Monday April 6th, 2020 10:21:47 AM Bralin puts on the gloves and is immediately hit with a wave of pain that shoots through his hand. He takes 20 HP of damage from negative energy. Additionally, a non-descript construct is summoned into the arena as soon as the gloves are on. It makes a bee-line for Bralin.
Rill puts the cloak on Bralin as he looks about with his all-seeing eyes. On the table is a shimmering outline of a small key.
OOC: Reminder to put active spell effects in a header or footer of your posts. Rill would have seen the key immediately if I had remembered he had true seeing in effect.
As the cloak settles, the pain in his hand subsides. It is replaced with a wracking pain in his shoulders, but that too vanishes when Terser puts the crown on Bralin's head.
Unfortunately, the crown also sends waves of agony through Bralin's brain, doing an additional 20 HP of damage from negative energy. Bralin immediately goes to open the chest, but finds it very locked still. Looking around, he sees the same key on the pedestal that Rill does.
Two additional constructs appear as the crown and cloak are worn, also moving to intercept Bralin.
Aexana is on the edge of her seat. She's seen enough teams go through the Gauntlet to know that Bralin's in a lot of pain right now. That can't be easy.
"Almost finished," notes Bezos. Razma frowns. This teams has put a solid performance in; they'll be tough to beat.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC30 T20 F25, CMD 37 HP 123/197) Monday April 6th, 2020 5:11:56 PM
Bralin hisses in pain as the objects are placed on him, and eyes the oncoming constructs, but he does not stop.
Gritting his teeth, and ignoring the constructs, he scoops the key off the table, slips it into the lock, turns it, and (hopefully) throws open the chest lid.
"There had best be a horn in here," he growls.
-------------------
IN EFFECT: Bulls Strength, Slow Poison, Holy Aura
Warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures.
Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength*, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) d20+22=36 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Monday April 6th, 2020 5:39:03 PM
Terser quickly lets out a burst of healing to patch up Bralin. 2 rounds of rage to do as a move action 20 heals to all
Then he tackles the closest construct to keep it from interrupting Bralin should the horn be in the chest.
Grapple vs CMD 36 on C2
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Monday April 6th, 2020 6:33:52 PM
Rill smiles at Bralin's quick work with the key, and Terser's quick healing spell and grapple.
But what he's happiest about it the thought of using a spell he's never been able to use before! Rill takes a 5' step back from the nearest construct and casts, Animated Disjunction. (DC 25 Will save for a construct or it is deactivated for 18 minutes. The spell originates near Bralin and will affect constructs within 30' of him.)
"With any luck, that will end these constructs."
____________________________ Spells in effect on Rill: True Seeing, Slow Poison, Shield of Faith, Moment of Prescience, Foresight.
Animated Disjunction - This spell is exactly like Mage's Disjunction, except that it affects only animated objects and constructs within the 30-ft-radius burst. Moreover, any will saves made against the Animated Disjunction are at a -2 penalty (included above.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday April 7th, 2020 8:09:31 AM "Hang in there Bralin! Almost!!" Aex shouts no longer worried she's not alone.
"Wow what a performance... they will be hard to beat... but still I have my hopes the second dragon team will go for the win. We'll see..."
DM Carl - Complete - 20 rounds d20=14 ; d20=11 ; d20=11 ; Tuesday April 7th, 2020 5:54:04 PM Bralin grits his teeth through the pain, grabbing the key and opening the chest. There is, in fact, a horn inside.
Terser heals up Bralin's wounds, but the intense pain continues. He tackles the nearest construct, but Rill puts them all down.
The constructs move with a series of steel cables around pulleys. When deactivated, they all collapse in a pile of limbs. They barely look humanoid.
With the horn found, Bralin's able to grab and blow it to end The Gauntlet. Bralin can put some force behind to blow, but the sound that comes out is still much louder than it should be. The crowd leaps to their feet as the Sea Dragon's first team takes the lead and the pain of the artifacts fade. The illusion of a large board appears overhead, displaying the scores of all the teams so far:
Talons of Aisildur: 210 seconds The Last Whisper: 168 seconds Sea Dragons Team A: 120 seconds Dragon Sound: TBD The Sapphire Seven: TBD Sea Dragons Team B: TBD The 1%: TBD Fangs of the Beast: TBD
Kozy's voice rises over the cheer of the crowd. "The Sea Dragons have taken the lead after an amazing performance! Let's hear it for them!" The crowd begins a chant.
"DRAGONS! DRAGONS! DRAGONS!"
Kozy continues. "Great job, Dragons! Please leave the artifacts behind and exit the arena." Heather pops out of a nearby tunnel and waves the team in before closing a door behind them.
"Guys, that was incredible! I don't see how anyone's gonna beat that. Come on, we've got to get you back so Dragon Sound can go on."
Dragon Sound comes and goes, as does the Sapphire Seven. The Seven come back pretty quickly; too quickly to tell who's still in the lead, but the looks on their faces say it all. Marshall gives your team a smile and nod when he catches your eyes.
The Sea Dragon's B team comes back in record time, though, finishing just 6 seconds quicker than Team A. Miri makes an off-handed remark to Tahni and Jozhur admits (falsely) that they were disqualified for using teleportation magic. The 1% team is lead outside as our heroes are reunited.
***
Aexana watches Team A finish in first place. Octavius seems pleased with the turn of events and catches Razma's eye. "Now now," chides Razma. "You should know better than to gloat already. We'll see what happens..."
She watches as Dragon Sound and The Sapphire Seven run through. The Seven come within 12 seconds of Team A, but second place is second place. Still, Razma seems a little disappointed.
Then the Sea Dragon's B Team goes through and just barely squeaks under Team A's score. The room is dead silent as Tahni blows the horn to end the event and their time is displayed.
Gwendolyn, for the first time since Aexana met her, relaxes a bit.
Not acknowledging the drama about to unfold, Bezos nods appreciatively. "So close, yet with completely different strategies. Team B had a skill advantage over Team A, but Team A proved capable and resilient despite their disadvantages. This afternoon has been...enlightening." He turns to Aexana for the first time with an actual smile. It's a completely unnatural smile, worn by someone not accustomed to smiling. "Thank you for spending the afternoon with us, Aexana. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to make myself scarce before you and my companions deal with your wager."
He leaves, and all eyes turn to Aexana. The first move, it appears, is hers to make.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Tuesday April 7th, 2020 6:18:52 PM Nice job! I was wondering how you would have gotten through Room 2 without teleporting. *wink*
If we'd known how fast you lot would be, we could have taken some time to beat up some stuff.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC30 T20 F25, CMD 37 HP 123/197) Tuesday April 7th, 2020 6:37:12 PM
Bralin is still in some discomfort as he walks to the waiting area. But, he's not about to cast any healing spells until he's clear of opposing team members or onlookers. The dwarf simply waits.
When Team B returns, Bralin clasps Tahni's hand, and nods to Fang and Jozhur.
"Well done. I suspected you would be faster."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday April 7th, 2020 8:25:55 PM
Tahni smiles and waits until no other teams are in ear shot before responding to Terser "Well.... technically there was some teleporting"
She explains how she threw Fang and Jozhur down a 90ft drop and into a wall. How they were immediately attacked by some triceratops, before being pushed down into the spikes, and teleported back to the beginning all in the space of a few seconds.
She looks about the room "Are we allowed to view the other teams now that we're done? I'd like to see how the Fang's go. See what tricks they have up their sleeves"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Tuesday April 7th, 2020 8:46:18 PM
Fang returns Bralin's nod. "Only seconds apart, not really much of a difference. Come, let us find Aexanna and watch the others. Unless there's some rule keeping us here I seen no point in hanging around further." She instinctively tries to talk through the rings but oh yeah no magic items for the rest of the day. She frowns. They'd better be careful, they're very vulnerable right now, especially since the other teams only sent 3 in.
He too is ready to rejoin Aex, he asks one of the officials if they can leave for the spectator area.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday April 8th, 2020 6:05:10 AM
Aex answers Bezos as he leaves the room : "The honor has been all mine Sir Bezos. If we are to face each other later in these games, it will be with my deepest respect. Take care Sir."
Next she turns around to face the rest of the room... suddenly she feels very alone and for a moment she wonders if... no not if... when all this is going to backfire on her. Gwendolyn's reaction to the outcome though encourages her to see this through till the end... None the less she wants to make this as short as possible.
"Well now... seems you are on the short end of this wager..." she says to Octavius with a cold voice, "I trust, in the sight of your companions, that, no matter how disgusting your wager was, you will have the decency to live up to the consequences... you no longer hold any claim over Lady Gwendolyn. "
She does not want to debate any longer with Octavius so she turns to face the other members of the 1% - deliberately turning her back on Octavius to underline her contempt for this man. Right now she wishes Leafy was here to guard her... but she doesn't know where that shrubbery went to earlier. "I'd like to thank you all for inviting me this afternoon. It has been... intriguing. I'm looking forward for the rest of the games. "
She turns to Gwendolyn last and smiles warmly. "Lady Gwendolyn, may I invite you to come with me to share drinks with the Sea Dragons in celebration of their victory. They will be eager to meet you. Afterwards I would like to listen your story... what happens then will be entirely up to you my dear. ", Aex walks to the door and waits for Gwendolyn... hoping she will join her.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Wednesday April 8th, 2020 1:29:23 PM
Rill smiles at Team B's victory. "Well done! I would say that both our teams preformed admirably, but I'm glad to see Jozhur, Fang and Tahni prevail in a skills challenge. As for my team, I'd certainly be confident taking on any challenge with Terser and Bralin by my side."
Rill remains anxious for the power to return to his items. He turns to Heather, "Heather, do you recall how long they said our magic items would be inoperative?"
DM Carl - Complete - 20 rounds Wednesday April 8th, 2020 5:23:57 PM Terser plays along. Bralin is hurt but refuses to show weakness...or maybe he just doesn't want to signal he's vulnerable? He congratulates his friends. Tahni gives her friends the lowdown once they have a bit of privacy, detailing a more auspicious moment in the contest. Her, Jozhur and Fang wonder if they can go find Aexana and head out. "Sorry, leaving isn't allowed unless there's an emergency. We used to allow it, but there were complaints that teams who went earlier got to size up the later teams. Enough people made a stink that it was decided everyone should just stay put. Besides, two more runs should only take about 10 minutes. By the time you made it up there, found some place to watch, and fought off the fans who would mob you, there wouldn't be much left to see."
Rill wonders how long until the magic dampening wears off. "It wears off naturally after a few hours, but in the past they've dispelled it when all the teams were finished. Considering how rowdy some of these teams have been getting this year, I'd be surprised if they didn't do it this year."
***
Aexana bids Bezos farewell and spares some choice words for Octavius. He grunts. "You already won, lady. It's bad form to gloat."
"Come off it, Octavius," answers Razma. "She's got you dead to right here. We allow a lot at these events, but that shouldn't include trading people." He turns to Aexana. "If you're sitting out any other events, come find me. You're good company." He smiles and takes his leave as well, with Lew right behind him.
Gwendolyn pauses, puts on a thinking face, then nods when she reaches a decision. She turns to Octavius.
"Octo, I'm going to make you this offer one time. Treat me as your equal, a parter in your affairs. Continue offering me the lifestyle to which you yourself are accustomed. Acknowledge that you hold no claim over me, and that should I so desire one day I am free to leave.
"Agree to these terms, and I will remain your wife. Either way, you will leave my father alone." She puts on a serious face and looks to Aexana. "Surely there will be repercussions should you do so."
Khale looks like he swallowed a bug. So much for a woman who knows her place. "Octavius, surely you won't...debase yourself to these demands from a commoner?" he asks.
Octavius ignores him. "I accept, on the condition you never call me Octo again." His eyes seem happy for the first time since Aexana first met him.
"Fair enough." She walks over and takes the cheese plate from him, placing it on a nearby table. "You should start taking better care of yourself." She turns to Aexana with a smile. "I'd be happy to join you tonight. I'll make my way to your tent in a few hours. My husband and I have much to discuss." She offers him her arm, then leads him out.
Captain Musk stares blank faced, open mouthed as the two exit. He slowly movies his head to Aexana. "Never thought I'd see the day. You're welcome to stay and watch the rest of the events with us, but I think you'll find Khale bad company." Khale only scoffs in response.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Wednesday April 8th, 2020 6:43:13 PM
Terser spends several minutes coming down from the rage effects. If the trial had gone on much longer, he may have completely exhausted himself! It's been a long time since he's had to manage it for that long. It may not seem like it, but 2 minutes is a long time to go full bore like that.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Wednesday April 8th, 2020 6:49:48 PM
(Spelling aside, it come as no surprise that nobody like Kale.)
Rill will relax a bit and wait patiently with the others. If we can, Rill will pay special attention to how the other teams do, and watch and listen for information about tactics and abilities.
Rill is quite sure that much of today, and the rest of the tournament, will be used by some watching to ferret out the Sea Dragons' strengths and weaknesses.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC30 T20 F25, CMD 37 HP 179/197) d8=1 ; d100=14 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2020 7:10:53 PM
Once the group is alone, Bralin casts a couple CSW wounds spells on himself.
[Total healed = 56 hp]
Feeling better, he patiently awaits the outcome of the last two teams.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday April 8th, 2020 9:31:17 PM "Interesting. So with teams like the Fangs, where only a few were competing, were the others allowed to watch from the stands and check out the other teams? Surely the crowds will be talking afterwards about what they saw so I can't imagine things would stay private very long"
Tahni wonders what Aex may have observed of the earlier teams.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday April 9th, 2020 8:30:49 AM "Good for you dear!", Aex says smiling, "this is perhaps the best result of this afternoon's gauntlet. I'm happy for the both of you! By all means feel free to drop by anytime. For now, I will leave you two lovebirds... "
Aex steps through the door... she stops... snickers a little and then from around the door, she only tucks her head back into the room... with a broad smile on her face she says...
"Cheerio Octo... "
Laughing she hurries down the house to go find Leafy and the others. Seeing her laughing you wouldn't say she's 72...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Thursday April 9th, 2020 8:50:57 AM
Fang shrugs. She finds it a little silly but whatever. She sits down and meditates for the few minutes they have to wait.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday April 9th, 2020 4:15:08 PM
Jozhur waits patiently for the other teams to finish. After the trouncing the two teams put on everyone else, he's anxious to watch the next contest and more than ready for the final bout.
Ken E: Final Results Thursday April 9th, 2020 6:01:57 PM
Terser, exhausted, finally starts remembering who he is. Being all up in a rage life that is hard on the body, and he's lucky his held out as long as it did. If it didn't though, he probably wouldn't be a Dragon. Rill and Fang consider watching the others, but they are stuck waiting. It isn't that they aren't allowed to watch for no reason, its that there's the possibility of collusion, somehow.
If they really are curious, Heather could offer her only slightly less than expert opinions. Aexana can share what she's seen too. (Aexana: Perception check per team, please. Variable result.) If not here, with all these other adventurers here, some enterprising folks would be willing to share information on the others teams runs. In such a gambling heavy environment, there's probably people who can be found whose sole passion at the event is selling information. (Know local, DC variable. Higher the check, the better the info, and the higher the cost. Or you can just trust Aexanas info.)
Tahni of course, clever as always, comes to both of these same realizations herself. With a final taunt to Otta, Aexana checks out from the booth, 25,000 gold richer and happy with her good deed. Jozhur doesn't have to wait very long for the final results. After a bit, the final team to return is The 1%, who are arguing among themselves about whose fault it was they couldn't manage to clear the wall.
The giant scoreboard flashes again, to the sound of booming explosions and raucous applause. Kozy screams into the arena, his voice amplified by magical accoustics!
"Aaaand that's it folks! Wasn't that amazing? Here's the final order!"
Sea Dragons Team 2: 120 seconds Sea Dragons Team 1: 126 seconds The Sapphire Seven: 132 seconds Dragonsound: 162 seconds The Last Whisper: 168 seconds Fangs of the Beast: 192 seconds Talons of Aisildur: 210 seconds The 1%: Quit / Disqualified.
Kozy floats his way down to the arena floor, with three medals in hand, gesturing wildly off of what appears to be an invisible floating disc.
"Dragon Teams! Sapphire Seven participants! Please make your way down to the arena floor! Time for priiiiizes!"
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Thursday April 9th, 2020 7:29:06 PM
Rill will politely ask - whomever seems to be in charge there - that their magic items be restored before we go forward for these prizes. Heather has alluded this might happen.
If they will not do this, he will still go out with the others to the arena floor with the others.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday April 9th, 2020 9:03:06 PM
It's going to be hard to be gracious when next they see Miri. Tahni honestly thought the Fang's would have made Top 4. Interesting. Perhaps she'd overestimated them?
She looks on as Kozy floats past. It sure will be good when the party can cast their own flying spells. Hmmm ... they could probably cast spells now if they wanted. Perhaps Tahni could cast a flying spell? No. Best not try and get too smart until this is well and truly officially over. Last thing she wants to do is blow this in the final leg.
She'll slowly walk down towards the arena floor, giving a few small waves as she does so.
"Please don't let there be speeches. Please don't let there be speeches...."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Friday April 10th, 2020 2:56:36 AM
Terser didn't even realize there were prizes. Makes sense. He wonders about the runner up prize.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Friday April 10th, 2020 9:58:49 AM
Fang gets up from her meditative position and goes along with whatever she's told to do. She's a little distracted, though she'll focus again when/if it looks like they're going in front of the crowds.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=26 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=24 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=25 ; Friday April 10th, 2020 2:37:24 PM
Perception check per team: The Sapphire Seven: 26 Dragonsound: 40 The Last Whisper: 24 Fangs of the Beast: 40 Talons of Aisildur: 37 The 1%: 25
As soon as her friends are back Aex runs out to hug them warmly. "I'm so proud of you all!! Well done... crazy moves at times but soo well done."
Aex of course tells all she has seen during her time with the 1%.
(@ DM : Aex left the wager without any gold. Octavius had insufficiant gold and added Gwendolyn in the deal. Aex offered Gwendolyn the choice to stay with octo or go with Aex. She chose Octo so Aex left the bet empty handed but very happy.)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday April 10th, 2020 6:03:27 PM
Ooh, goodies! Jozhur happily makes his way with the others to collect their prize. He waves to the crowd, taking this all in.
Ken E: Final Results Friday April 10th, 2020 7:16:46 PM
Wold ate post.
Making it again.
Ken E: Final Results Friday April 10th, 2020 8:07:13 PM
Rill is told that the spell was set to last around an hour. He figures there's maybe another thirty minutes or so left on its timer. If Tahni hadn't detected the foul play, it would be measured in days, rather than minutes. Tahni just wants her flying license back. She's allowed to cast whatever spells she wants now that the event has concluded.
Jozhur, Fang, and Terser muster in the arena with varying levels of enthusiasm. The idea of goodies seems to have perked Jozhur up a bit.
-------------
Aexana makes some very good observations. Now isn't the time to discuss them maybe, but through the event she observed the following.
DM Note: Might want to add some of this stuff to your module journal. I used the following scale. 1-25, basic information learned. 26-39, detailed information learned. 40+ extremely useful information learned.
The Sapphire Seven, 26: They were a well coordinated unit. Only a momentary lapse of judgement in the endless room delayed them long enough for the Dragons to separate their scores. Tora, Hin, and Marshal participated.
Details learned: Hins movements and reflexes indicate at least 15 levels of monk, as well as other martial trainings that appear more military in nature. Tora seems to be completely dependent on his natural weapons in combat, but used them to high efficiency. Marshall isn't just a wizard. He was just as comfortable in melee combat as he was using his spells.
Dragonsound, 40: Dragonsound was surprisingly adept. All of their team seemed to have the skills and spread of abilities needed to make a good, clean run through the event. The spent more time than needed showboating for the audience, and might have been able to turn in an even better score if they had taken in seriously. Han Valen, Ace Feeley, and The Foreigner participated.
Details learned: All 3 of the participants were bards, as detailed by their songs used throughout the event. However, they each had areas of extreme focus. Han Valen clearly is at the top of his game. (Bard 20), and used an array of combat maneuvers, to include Dazzling Display. Ace Feeley is focused on ranged combat. His abilities indicate 10 levels of Arcane Archer. The Foreigner is harder to pin down, but while he never excelled, he was always capable support. (Bard 17)
The Last Whisper: This team didn't seem well suited to the challenged presented. Then again, they didn't seem to be trying hard either. Tencent, Blue 31, and Xhuffie participated.
Details learned:: Xhuffie quite clearly is calling the shots here, and she knew her way around the traps presented to her. Tencent seemed to rely much more on his natural abilities, and never left his hybrid werebear form. Blue 31 oozes danger. She was casting spells using Woldsblood, something quite unexpected.
Fangs of the Beast, 40: The Fangs of the Beast did poorly, often due to Mirri pausing to tease sky with her endless flirting. Of note, Mirri often looked bored. Only when Claw pulled her aside and ordered her to get serious did things pick up. They cleared all three of the last challenges at maximum speed, but it wasn't enough to overcome their slow start. Mirri, Claw, and Sky participated.
Details learned: Claw is more like her twin than she is different. She showed both martial capability and magical talents, although both seemed to come from a different path than Fang chose. (Ranger 9, Druid 9). Sky is a talented sorcerer, clearly capable of casting the strongest spells. There's air elemental blood in him, for sure. (Air Sorcerer 19). Mirri never seemed to take anything serious, and was far more concerned with just having fun. If not for her, its likely the Fangs could have done much better. Still, she was observed using the ability to move between shadows, and like Jozhur, could summon a shadow. (Rogue 8 / Shadowdancer 8)
Talons of Aisildur, 37 The Talons were straightforward, and not too creative. They took the time to destroy each monster, one at a time, and then advanced forward from there. Marjorie, Whirfoot, and Seabreeze participated.
Details learned: Seabreeze used rage powers that indicate at least 15 levels in barbarian. Whirfoot often positioned for backstabs, or spent time disabling traps. Marjorie seemed to use her magical talents purely for the thrill of explosions, and is clearly an evoker.
The 1%, 25: The 1% put in a miserable showing, and were unable to even clear the wall. Without their magic items, its hard to gauge how powerful they might be. This event was anathema to them. Kate Bitters, Vickers Greyson, and Bokkun participated.
Details observed: Bokkun is clearly expected to carry this team. In this event, literally. The only reason he failed was because Kate and Vickers started fighting each other on his back. Eventually, Kate got fed up and stormed off the stage. Kate has some magical talent, but never offloaded a powerful spell. Vickers carried his weapons with poise. Bokkun is clearly a powerful mercenary. He is a wolf among Chihuahuas.
As all the teams arrange themselves for prizes, Kozy takes laps around the arena, pumping up the screaming fans. Cheers for the dragons, roses, and the occasional undergarment are tossed into the floor of the stage grounds.
Three medals are presented to the top teams, each glowing with magical power.
"These are your winners of the Gauntlet people! Sea Dragons, More Sea Dragons, and the Sapphire Seven!", he snaps his fingers, and the medals glow even brighter as they are infused with some sort of magic.
"Thanks to the extreme generosity of the Chancers Club, we have the following prize pool!." He pauses momentarily, then points at Jozhur. "For our winning team, three wishes!" He whirls on Bralin. "For our runner ups, two wishes!" Finally, he snaps and points at Hin. "And for our final placers, any one wish!"
The crowd cheers as he also hands out small, token sized medals as keepsakes in the colors of gold, silver, and bronze to all participants.
"These aint no limited wishes folks! Think long and hard, cuz you gotta use em by the time you leave this island! Now, I've had all the excitement I can take until tonights parties, so I'll see you folks again when the sun goes down!"
With that, he zooms away on his disc, and a few guards point towards a general exit from the arena floor.
--------------------
END OF MODULE 2, The Gauntlet.
XP for completing the module: 100k per player. Bonus Xp for a Dragon team taking top spot: 50k per player. Bonus Xp for Roleplay: 25k per player.
Total Xp: 175,000 per player.
Party Loot Gained: 5 wishes. (However you all split them is fine with me.) Bonus Loot: Aexana, 25,000 gold in a packet from Bezos, who admired your moxy upstairs. The note says, "Thought I'd offer you some pocket money to enjoy, Miss Aexana. I learned much from you, this is only fair." Hero Points: 1 per player. Bonus Hero Points: Aexana, 1 for risking big to help the NPC in the booth.
DM Note: These wishes are special. You can use them in their normal way, you can also use them to wish for a custom magic item, using the BRB rules. This is special, because typically the Wold disallows custom magic items. Subject to DM approval, and a promised very fast check of math and otherwise automatic approval from Cayzle. 25,000 gp limit on the items per wish.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Friday April 10th, 2020 9:04:18 PM
Fang is very thoughtful at the offer of a wish. She's also starting to question if putting in two teams was fair, as they took 5 of the 6 offered wishes which seems cruel to the other competitors. She doesn't make a fuss though, she just does her best to look dignified and intimidating for the crowd until the ceremony is over with.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Saturday April 11th, 2020 5:09:11 PM Wow, quite the prize. Jozhur starts considering all the ways the party can use five wishes which are so powerful. They would have to put their heads together on this one.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Saturday April 11th, 2020 5:37:48 PM
Terser boggles a bit and has no idea what to begin to wish for. Maybe his sister will have an idea. If she can make a flying ship, maybe he could wish for a floating shield to follow him around.
What thoughts do you guys have for wishes?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC30 T20 F25, CMD 37 HP 179/197) Sunday April 12th, 2020 5:57:53 PM
Bralin nods his thanks to Kozy in appreciation for the prizes, and pulls his battleaxe and salutes the four sides of the arena.
He also offers a hand to each of the Seven.
BGC Coordinator Cayzle OOC Sunday April 12th, 2020 8:23:06 PM
Just reach out to me (as Rob already has, lol), for questions on items created by wishes. For example, want a (slotless) earring that gives a +10 competence bonus on Diplomacy? Bracers of Wonder (+3 insight bonus to AC)? Or a Joy Buzzer, a ring that delivers a CL5 Shocking Grasp with every unarmed or natural attack from that claw / paw / hand? Your imagination is the limit -- just no breaking the game!
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday April 12th, 2020 11:07:09 PM
Um. Wow. Tahni knew these Chancer's had money. She was thinking there'd be some big pot of gold as a prize, but wishes? Wow. Now THAT is a prize.
First things first though. She follows behind Bralin to congratulate the 7 on their performance. "Perhaps we can share an ale later to swap stories?"
Once the group has a little more privacy she settles into thinking about the wishes. "We should find a way to share them" Tahni responds to Terser "We all worked together to get here and should all share in the spoils."
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Monday April 13th, 2020 12:51:37 AM "I suggest that one wish be used to make the Lionfish into a self-propelled flying ship. I know our new Dragon Fortress will have a teleportation circle in it allowing us to go places, but a flying ship is something that would benefit us all. And it'd also be a gift to our ship's crew that have been with us all along.
And, think of it - A FLYING SHIP! People would ask us, hey where'd you get a flying ship, and we'd tell them it was from winning the Chancer's challenge. So it'd be a trophy too."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday April 13th, 2020 8:27:22 AM
Aex stands perplex as she sees the prizes the Dragon teams got. She's immediately with Rill and his suggestion of having a flying ship. Now THAT would be something and most fitting for the Sea Dragons.
Opening the gift from Bezos she whistles between her teeth... "Looks like drinks are on me tonight... and the rest we'll split later." she adds the 25K in the party treasure.
Ken E: Minor teams and preliminaries. Monday April 13th, 2020 11:47:15 AM
The next two days, minor teams are scheduled to hold preliminary rounds to determine who will slip in against the competitors from the seeded teams. None of them are really expected to be significant competition, but at least they are trying their best.
This puts the Sea Dragons in a good place. They can either prepare for the next event, the Martial Challenge, or they can spend time figuring out their wishes and their needs, surveying the island, watching matches, or finding any other number of ways to entertain themselves.
(We can stretch out this period as short or long as the team would like, we have approval for the next module already. I'm just trying to make sure you guys have time to breathe between events.)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Monday April 13th, 2020 12:58:36 PM That's a good idea, Rill. I also had a thought about sprucing up the brothers' digs in Bonetown, or a wish to help out the freedmen we set up on Comeri.
After thinking about those wishes to help everyone, he starts thinking about his pet elephant and muses about how much of an upgrade a wish could give him.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Monday April 13th, 2020 1:25:12 PM
Fang has her own opinions on the reward. "Material things should not take precedence over our mission. The Dragon Consortium could only learn that if we did not attend then the Wold would be under great threat. If these wishes can truly do what they claim it may be able to shed light on the threat and allow us to defeat it."
For herself Fang spends the time waiting. The woman who claimed to be her dead sister said she would come this evening after the event. Fang spends a lot of time considering how best to approach her and to figure out what is going on.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, CMD 42 HP 251/251) Monday April 13th, 2020 4:57:21 PM
Bralin agrees with both Fang and Rill.
"Tis an opportunity to discover if there is more to this competition than meets the eye," he notes, before continuing, "and a flying vessel. That would be marvelous indeed."
The dwarf will spend a good deal of time at the preliminary rounds, both to see if any of the lower seeded teams are interesting, and to see who of higher seeded teams might be about.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday April 13th, 2020 7:31:06 PM "Hmmm. Could we trust any answers we received from a wish? The Chancer's would be casting the spell, and for all we know, they are the ones behind all this. Let's not forget that someone has tried to poison us and the dodgy disjunction spell" Tahni will update Aexana on the events that occurred in the waiting room. "If the Dragon Consortium and their divinations and wishes didn't reveal anything, then I am reluctant to trust the Chancers in the matter"
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Tuesday April 14th, 2020 2:13:15 AM "As for items that could be wished for, I believe I have what I need for now. And I know that each of us uses what we have at our disposal to help our team succeed, so if you have some ideas for a unique or interesting item I say we get you what you need. It can only benefit us in the long run."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday April 14th, 2020 8:24:02 AM
Apart from the wishes Aex wonders what the Martial challenge will hold...
"Remind me... who signed up for the Martial challenges?"
Ken E: Minor teams and preliminaries. Tuesday April 14th, 2020 12:43:43 PM
The team discusses the ideas and merits of a flying ship, helping their allies and longtime friends, and whether or not its wise to use the wishes to try and discover more information about the goings on behind the event.
On one hand, its true that this is a chance for them to ask a question or two related to the event. On the other, that means that whomever the wish making intermediary is will also learn of why the Dragons are there. IF the Chancers are involved, its a fair bet they will become aware of the Dragons intentions.
-----------------------
So far, a flying ship seems to be the most desired item, as suggested by Rill. The team isn't sure how many wishes that would take to pull off, but its certainly doable, per the reckoning of the teams many magic users.
Terser, considering what would probably be the only wish of its kind in the entire Wold, ponders how his pet elephant could benefit from his sudden windfall.
-----------------------
Tahni finds time to congratulate the Seven. Crall waves at her and thanks her for her esteem.
"It could have been, Dragon. I'll never rest easy knowing we were so close to getting one over on the Wolds finest. How the devil did you lot get out of that long black hallway so fast? We didn't realize we had been tricked until we made it to the other end and saw battle debris laying about."
-----------------------
Aexana recalls that Fang, Bralin, and Terser have all entered the martial tournament.
-----------------------
Bralin watches some of the preliminary rounds. Mostly, its what would be expected. A lot of chaff paid a lot of entry fee money to have a chance to win 1,000,000 gold pieces from the Chancers. While his team was invited, these scattered no-counts weren't so lucky.
He isn't the only one of the invitational team-members in attendance.
Peering down into the arena is Xid, one of Last Whisper. He seems absorbed in thought, as if the fights happening in front of him are the only thing in the world.
-----------------------
Fang waits for the one claiming to be her dead sister, Claw. She waits, then waits some more. She hears footsteps approaching timidly from behind, and hears the somewhat timid voice of a young man, not even having left behind the high notes of boyhood.
"H-Hello? Are you Fang of the Sea Dragons?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+26=30 ; Tuesday April 14th, 2020 1:20:19 PM
Not sure how to occupy himself, Jozhur quietly watches many of the opening fights while sipping some ale.
He isn't interested in making any careful observations about the teams he sees, unless one really stands out. Jozhur does do some people watching of other onlookers for anything out of place. (perception 30)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, CMD 42 HP 251/251) d20+14=17 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=24 ; Tuesday April 14th, 2020 5:27:39 PM
Watching the fights, Bralin gives Jozhur a heads up over their rings. Xid, of One Percent, and gives the man's location.
The dwarf studies the man, mostly trying to figure out if he's actually human. [Perception 17 Knowledge Planes 9 Knowledge Religion 24]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Tuesday April 14th, 2020 6:17:38 PM
Terser takes a little time to relax and chat with his sis about the folks doing the prelim rounds. Any of your boys going into the martial tourny?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Tuesday April 14th, 2020 7:44:51 PM
Fang gets up from where she was sitting cross-legged. She's found meditating really helps her clear her mind and focus on planning things and she really needs all the help she can get when it comes to planning. "Yes I am. Do you have a message for me?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday April 15th, 2020 7:36:18 AM "Yeah the tunnel was an interesting one. Fang took a small hit in the arena. When Jozhur looked back through the window he saw no signs of conflict. Not even blood on the ground. That was enough to make us suspicious"
"How did you lot go with the room with the pillars? Did anyone get pushed off the ledge?"
Tahni will make sure that the drinks remain full. She doesn't intend to probe the Seven for information. She just wants to get to know them and size them up. Could they be potential allies in the future?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=32 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2020 11:21:42 AM
Aex wonders where Leafy went... she goes about and soon finds him standing in the middle of nice little garden filled with wild flowers... his roots tucked deep into the rich soil and a goofy smile on his face it appears he's having the time of his life. The little greenmage doubts he'll be happy if she disturbs him so she just leaves him. He'll know where to find the Sea Dragons.
Walking around she does keep an eye out for other teams (perception 32)
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Wednesday April 15th, 2020 8:27:59 PM
Rill turns to Heather if she's there, and presses her button if she's not.
"Well, the next challenge is the Martial Challenge. Bralin, Terser and Fang are participants in this one, and as I recall no wands, scrolls, staffs, potions, or spells are allowed. Just tactical martial combat in various combat settings. Magical weapons, armor, and wondrous items that do not cast spells are allowed. Will these be fighting summoned adversaries like last time, or will this be combat against other participants?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Wednesday April 15th, 2020 8:38:28 PM So perhaps even we could use our wishes to gain things to help in the martial challenge, and in doing so win more wishes!
Ken E: Minor teams and preliminaries. Wednesday April 15th, 2020 9:50:25 PM
Jozhur , alerted by Bralin, is aware of Xid. He sees the dusky skinned man turn and look directly at Bralin, then push off of the railing and start making his way to the dwarf. He says something into his jacket as he approaches. ---------------------------------------------
Bralin suddenly finds himself being approached. As far as he can tell, Xid is a well built, muscular genuine human. His frame is lean, no fat, and he walks like a warrior straight from a storybook. He seems every bit the focused fighter Heather made him out to be.
----------------------------------------
Terser finds his sister. They relax a bit, and this meeting is much less melodramatic than those of their past. She takes a pull of her flask, then laughs with a snort. "Heavens no. I had to pull in a few favors just to be allowed to compete. It was only the draw of my golems against you dragons that convinced the Chancers to let my team stand at all." She wrinkles her nose. "There was more than one protest, brother." She hefts her own weapon, a stout and thick pickaxe. "Me an' Ffloy's favored here are entering the martial tournament. I had to send a representative to each event other than the Gauntlet, so you'll be seein' lots of me. What about you? Any chance I get to smash yer' noggin with ol' trusty?"
--------------------------
Fang turns to find herself face to face with yet another beast-folk. This time, his canid features give him away as Runt, one of the Fangs of the Beast, and an archer per Heathers rundown of their team. He's armed, but unarmored. His face is also a very deep shade of blush.
"I.. I .. wow, you are just as pretty as your sister."
He stops for a moment, then gathers his composure.
"I told Claw that I saw you by the food booths. She will find you eventually, but I didn't want it to be until after the martial tournament. I didn't want you two to fight while angry. Sisters shouldn't be like that. I have four of them, so I know.. kinda.."
He stares for a second, just more than a little embarrased. Finally, he closes his eyes and speaks in a rush.
"Look, please stop pretending like you don't know Claw! It's really upsetting her! Mirri and Kirri found her a long time ago, after a fight that they were hired to help in. She might as well have been dead, but they decided to save her because they felt like they joined the wrong side!" He sucks in air, then goes on. "Claws always acted like she's mad at you. She blames you a lot for the orcs winning, but I think she wants to forgive you! I promise! If you two are anything alike though, you know she needs to speak through her actions and connect with her warrior spirit, not with her words. They.. aren't really her strong point, ya know?"
He shuffles nervously.
"I am afraid that if you don't acknowledge her, then you guys might really be enemies tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. She might think you .." .. his voice gets low and he half whispers, his canine voice hitting a high whine.."..are pretending like its not her so you don't have to confront a painful memory..."
He stands there, not quite sure if he's gone too far.
-----------------------------------------------
Aexana finds herself, and leafy, in a garden.
There as well, she finds Claw, studying her companion, a confused look on her face. Aexana had seen Claw from afar, and realized how similar she was to Fang. Now, seeing her up close, she spots a few small differences in demeanor.
For one, with the way Claw seems to study leafy, its clear she understands something of nature and its wonder. She's also carrying two sticks of meat, and seems to have found Leafy by accident.
"Is this one your friend? He's cocky. He told me his druid was twice the druid I'd ever be. What do you say to that, Sea Dragon?" Her eyes flicker from Leafy to Aexana only for a moment, then back to Leafy they go.
------------------------------------------
Tahni is getting along well with Crall. He's an orc, but jovial. He seems to have cast off any apprehension of his heritage, if any ever existed. "We did fine there. Hin is part jumping howler monkey I think. Despite any of his bad points, he's quite the tumbler. We fought off the bats from the first room while Hin made the jumps and squeaked under the dinosaurs. Once he hit the button, we made a leap of faith.
Crall is quiet for a second, then asks.
"Rillet told us you guys were looking for some trouble. What kind is it?", he asks bluntly.
--------------------------------------------
Rill questions Heather, who is there in the flesh. "The martial tournament is a series of one verse one matches. The Chancers are going to add a twist to each round. I expect the rounds to be short and brutal. Keep in mind, no one can die in this arena." She stares at Rill for a moment, as if this is something he should remember.
"That said, a swords a sword and getting stabbed in the gut hurts. There's sixteen entrants, so it should only take a couple of days to complete the entire bracket. Got any insider tips if any of your Dragons come head to head?" She smiles, as if its a joke, but then again, she IS a Chancer. Money is their thing.
She turns to Terser, and laughs at his excitement over the wishes."No wishes this time friend, the prize is going to be a special one of a kind enchantment on the weapon of the winner. I don't know what it is, but its supposed to be pretty great stuff from another realm altogether."
-------------------------------------------
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- DarkVision d20+31=40 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2020 11:20:03 PM
Tahni looks about to see if they are being watched. She moves in closer to Crall and starts speaking with him while keeping an eye out for anyone paying them undue attention "Hard to say really. Something here is a little 'off'. That's the best as I can explain it. Half of the guards here being constructs is weird. It seems the other half don't even know it. The construct ones seem intelligent, however have limited memories. I'm not sure they even know they are constructs"
Tahni pauses as something suddenly occurs to her. Do the construct guards look similar to each other? Could they all be clones or simulacrums of the same person? That might explain the memory issues. They only have memories from the time they were created. Then again, perhaps the real guards are slowly being replaced with construct ones? She uses her ring to quickly reach out to Rill"Hey Rill. Quick one for you: the number of constructs you're detecting around here. Is it growing or staying the same?"
She focuses back on Crall. "It's hard to tell what is going on. Perhaps it's just people being motivated by money? That mage trying to suppress all our items for days instead of hours? I'm hoping that was just about betting." She looks for a reaction. She saved one of the Seven from it too after all.
"Anyway, with your expertise I'm sure your gut is telling you something is going on here. Sooner or later these things tend to come to a head. We - " she says nodding to Crall "- will need to be ready for it"
She sits back a bit and asks quietly "What have you noticed going on?"
Perception: 40
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Thursday April 16th, 2020 1:11:45 AM
Fang eyes the boy calmly as he speaks. She is blunt and to the point with her response. "My sister is dead. I saw her die, saw her body broken on the battlefield, and saw my home burn with everyone I knew in it. For a long time a part of me refused to accept it and I searched for survivors until the day I had to either let go or go mad.
Now, 20 years later, a woman who claims to be my sister appears shortly after I become a dragon and my name is sung in taverns across the land. She is of complete certainty of my identity, that we are related and it is not mere coincidence, There is some resemblance, but that proves nothing. It is possible that she is merely wrong and I am not the same Fang she thinks I am. It is possible that she is a charlatan, seeking to take advantage of her coincidental resemblance to get close to me now I am a famous dragon.
She lets her voice soften. "Or it is possible that I am wrong. That my sister did survive despite what I remember and the evidence to the contrary. That we lived our lives apart, not knowing of the other's survival until now. If that proves to be the case then I will embrace her with joy. I have no anger or malice towards Claw, nor am I trying to hurt her by pretending not to know her, but I will not simply accept in a single, short conversation that everything I know and remember about that day is wrong.
I know not what is the truth, but I will find it. When you see Claw tell her that I will be waiting to listen whenever she is ready to talk. She merely has to come or ask me to meet with her."
She resumes her seated position, an unspoken dismissal as she has said all that she had to say on the matter to anyone but Claw herself.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+36=50 ; d20+28=36 ; Thursday April 16th, 2020 10:56:36 AM
Jozhur finds Xid's behavior more than a bit odd. He replies to Terser "I've got your back. He might be talking to others too."
He does his best to be unseen as he rushes toward Xid, glancing around for others approaching.
------------------- Magic items are back right? Stealth: 50. Hide in plain sight here? Perception: 36
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday April 16th, 2020 1:12:30 PM
Aex frowns when she hears how Leafy addressed Claw. "Did he say that? Well never mind him dear."
The little greenmage sits down on the grass and extends a hand to Claw inviting her to join Aex on the fresh grass. "With proper tutoring and studying you can become a far greater druid than I will ever be, if you're not already... ! It's all about being determined to reach your goals. Shoot for the stars but be ready to get there in little steps at a time and never forget where you came from. I'm a little old lass from Plateau City... years of practice made me experience the wonders of nature and I have been patient to learn upon understanding. Care for your friends. Like I said before... I would never have become a dragon without any of my friends.
Now about you... have you meditated nature to find yourself a companion yet? Have you specialized in certain mysteries of nature?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Thursday April 16th, 2020 2:31:22 PM
Terser watches his sister handle that pick like she knows how to use it. He idly plays with the wyvern fangs that adorn his glaive. I'll be there in the final round. Just make sure you make it there too. And no holding back! My skull may be even thicker than you remember.
He also intercepts the message between Bralin and Jozhur and takes a peek around to make sure they don't need help.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, CMD 42 HP 251/251) Thursday April 16th, 2020 5:12:41 PM
Bralin stands there, and calmly watches Xin approach.
The Last Whisper appear to have communication devices, he relay to the other Dragons. Xin is speaking into his collar as he approaches me.
When the man arrives, the dwarf offers his hand. "Well met. I am Bralin Stoneminder."
Ken E: Minor teams and preliminaries. Thursday April 16th, 2020 10:45:03 PM
Tahni's question gets a simple answer. When Crall speaks, its pretty matter of fact. "We've noticed that Dragons seem nervous. That's enough to put a merc on edge." He's quiet for a moment more, then takes a small chit from his pouch and hands it to Tahni.
That's good for one freebie from ol' Crall. I can't promise my whole team, but you seem to be good company. I'll help you if you need me, just ask."
Fang is left alone. Perhaps Runt had more to say, but a small whine escaped the dog-folk, but that was all Fang heard. A quick peek reveals he's left, and she never heard him go.
Jozhur slips himself into hiding, becoming incredibly difficult to find. If anyone notices him, it doesn't seem like it.
Bralin watches Xid approach. He doesn't seem to be frightened of the human, nor does Xid seem to feel any tension here at all. He takes Bralins hand with a smile and a laugh. "Well met indeed! You're the first person here not to excuse himself when I came to say hello!" Xid keeps smiling, then turns his attention to the prelims, leaning on a rail near Bralin.
The man, quite literally, has a spear stored on him anywhere one will hang. Two shortspears on his back, a quiver of javelins at his hip, and a Longspear sits in his hands. "I've not seen anyone worth remembering out there today. I'd say the men in the stands are far more interesting.."
Xid slides a glance at Bralin, and the dwarf is certain the man is sizing him up with a very experienced eye. He seems to be considering posture, armor, weapons, all of it.
Does Bralin want to try and conceal or hide anything from the man? If so, give the ol' DM a bluff check. ---------------------------------------------------------
Tersers sister chuckles.
"I talk a better fight than I give among lions like these. I'll take my chances with any ol' fight, but there's people here that have as much passion for swords as I've got for my golems. If I meet you, I'll fight you, but odds of me bestin' the likes of some of these folks are pretty low.
Her honesty and lack of bravado is refreshing as the beer from her tankards.
I know what I'm about brother. The martial tournament might prove to be just a motion for me, but I'll be a contender in the magic tournament, and consider myself the favorite in the grand melee. So if I dissapoint ya in the swordfight, just hang on, I'll make it to ya sooner or later."
--------------------------------------------
Aexana sits Claw, and the ratfolk doesn't mind taking a seat. When Aexana is done, Claw speaks.
"I think the tree is right. I'm near the end of my path I think. I do have the skills of a journeyman druid, but not much more than that. I've spent too much time embracing the other half of me, my warlike half. I couldn't commit to just one path."
She's quiet for a moment, then adds.
"I'm a Druid of the Pack. I have no companion like yours, but I have unlocked a bit of my own nature through study. The way of the beast is what I found, when I opened my heart to nature." Aexana is pretty certain through conversation here, that Claw has access to the Fur Domain.
Claw sits a moment more, then pops up to her feet. "Meditation isn't really my thing. Thanks for the chat, and best of luck Dragon."
-----------------------------------------
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Friday April 17th, 2020 12:54:36 AM
Rill takes in all that's going on with his friends.
He extends his senses, searching out constructs and outsiders at some distance. Nearer by, he looks to see if there are any undead - especially that Xid guy that Bralin's talking to. He will silently share what he leans with his friends.
He adds, Tahni, see if you can arrange a meeting of the Dragons and the Sapphire Seven. Bralin, as distasteful as their undead connections may be, do you think it might help us to have a similar meeting with The Last Whisper? Terser has an in with his sister. Fang seems to have a connection to the Fangs of the Beast. Who else?
These are all disparate groups, all here for glory and wealth. But were were explicitly sent here for a reason. Maybe that reason is that no one group can stand against what may be coming, but that we are the one group here that can pull these others together.
Once Fang's canine admirer leaves Rill will say to her, "Fang, I don't mean to intrude, but I can offer some help if you wish. I can peer into both your and Claw's souls if you're both willing and confirm for both of you if she is who she says she is. I can also use meditation to help you fully remember the day she died - perhaps that will recall some detail or other that you may have missed." _____________________________
Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death.
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- DarkVision Friday April 17th, 2020 7:55:53 AM "I believe the Seven are on our side should we need them." Tahni responds over the rings "It's the other groups we'll need to suss out. Should one of them be the threat it might be best not to reveal who we are aligned with. For now at least."
"Thankyou Crall. I appreciate it" Tahni slides the chit into her belt pouch "Likewise should there be something you need help with you may call on me. Within reason of course" She raises her mug and 'cheers' it against his.
"Now then. Best we get some rest. The martial tournament will be up soon. Barring some incredible misfortune I expect you will make it to finals. I may even need to place a bet or two on the Seven."
Tahni will politely excuse herself and make her way back to the tent.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Friday April 17th, 2020 9:26:01 AM
Fang reflects that she was maybe a little too harsh with her words, but she feels her position is a sensible one and there's no point in sugar coating things for the kid. She belatedly realizes that his first statement indicated Claw was coming this evening but the kid misdirected her to stall things for later. Over the rings she asks, "Has anyone seen Claw? Apparently she's looking for me but someone sent her off in the wrong direction."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Friday April 17th, 2020 9:30:53 AM
To Rill she replies, "It would be good to confirm things with magic, but I want to hear her story first. Once I know the full story I can use magic to confirm it. Would your soul gaze confirm our relation? It is possible she's being completely honest, but has mistaken me for another Fang."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Friday April 17th, 2020 2:32:53 PM
Terser asks if Jada is concerned for her team at all. They say that we can't die in the arena, but that probably doesn't help your clockwork pals. Won't that be an expensive fix afterwards? He throws her a wink and is clearly doing some good natured teasing. Though once the Dragons win the grand melee, I should be able to loan you a couple of gold pieces to cover the repairs.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+28=35 ; Friday April 17th, 2020 5:04:14 PM
Jozhur remains hidden for now, watching and listening to Xid carefully. Watching for anyone else approaching. The guy apparently likes his pointy weapons. He's ready to insert himself if needed, but a fellow warrior is probably better talking to this guy.
He responds to Rill through the rings, "I'm not sure about The Last Whisper. They could be part of the problem, if one arises. We will see what Xid wants."
Ken E: Minor teams and preliminaries. d20+36=45 ; Saturday April 18th, 2020 12:07:50 AM
Tahni seems ready to retire, and there's plenty more excitement to come. She bids Crall farewell, and he waves her goodnight before heading back to find himself a place among his friends.
Fang and Rill discuss the possibility of him truthseeking within Claws soul. Its an amazingly accurate way to determine the truth behind the other beastfolks claims. Fang though, wants to hear it from the rodents mouth, before going any further.
Fang will probably find out from Aexana that she's seen Claw most recently, but by the time everyone communicates, Claw has made her way off into a crowd once more.
Rill considers their whole purpose of being here. Its occurs to him it might be their job to rally several powerful, but otherwise unaffiliated groups to the defense of the Wold against a foe yet to be discovered or named. Jozhur has doubts though, about the intentions of Last Whisper.
Terser and his sister share a few more moments and friendly jabs, before she finally calls it a night and promises to cheer him on until they meet.
Xid, who does not ping on any of Rills detection spells, continues his sizing up of Bralin, before turning back to the arena. He takes a look back towards Jozhur, his eyes scanning where the elusive scout was last seen. With a shrug, he looks back to the arena.
"I thought for sure there was another one of you here somewhere." With a sigh, he pushes off of the arena walls and stretches. "Anyways, I've got some warm ups to go take care of. I should probably get some rest, but well, I know for a fact you can sleep when your dead. I don't know how much time I've got left, but there's no point spending it here watching these guys."
He turns and heads towards the arena exit, waving goodbye with his longspear.
"See you around, dwarf. Thanks for acting nice. These last whisper guys don't many many friends. It's almost as lonely as being dead."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday April 19th, 2020 10:29:00 AM
As soon as Claw leaves Aex looks up from her place on the grass.
"You need to work a bit on your manners Leafy... Miss Claw has different strengths that we have... she's more adepts to her wild nature. You should not underestimate her I think. Come... let's go find the others..."
Aex gets up and waits for Leafy to join her. It probably won't take long for her to find her friends.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, CMD 42 HP 251/251) Sunday April 19th, 2020 6:58:03 PM
Bralin has been lost in thought, but looks up as Xid turns to leave.
"You are welcome. I would like to meet again after this competition, if you are agreeable. Mayhap a tavern next time?"
With that, the dwarf determines to also return to his quarters and prepare himself.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- DarkVision Sunday April 19th, 2020 7:04:55 PM
Back at the tent Tahni looks about to make sure nothing has been disturbed.
With the recent events she suggests the party keep their standard watches, despite the guards posted outside the tent.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 28/20/26 Sunday April 19th, 2020 7:06:51 PM
(I'm a little confused about where we all are relative to everything else here. I kinda thought we were all together.)
Rill was not solely focused on Xid. Does he get a sense of constructs and outsiders around him? More specifically, can he tell if the number of constructs are increasing and are more and more monks being "replaced" by constructs, or does he not really notice much change in that.
He will return to the tent with the others.
"Heather, have you made provision for dinner, or should we seek that out ourselves?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday April 20th, 2020 10:03:44 AM
Jozhur heads back to the tent. He agrees with Tahni on keeping watch.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 25Spell List Monday April 20th, 2020 12:05:40 PM
Fang decides that it's unlikely Claw is going to show up so late and starts doing her usual evening routine. Time enough to pursue things tomorrow.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 38/43, channel 7/7) Monday April 20th, 2020 3:21:20 PM
Terser shares one last toast with Jada before heading back to the tent to call it a night. He watches Fang for a bit, then does his "routine", which is mostly just cleansing the alcohol from his system with a quick spell and falling into a deep sleep.
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