DM Carl Monday October 5th, 2020 4:41:57 PM Aexana worries Bezos may be behind that entire ordeal. She knows him better than any of the Dragons, and likely realizes his nonplussed behavior is Bezos being Bezos, but that doesn't mean she's wrong either.
Morning comes. When they exit their magical mansion to their not magical but still very swank tent, Heather is waiting with breakfast. It's the usual over the top spread with everyone's' favorites. Poison detect spells show it safe to eat.
She's carrying a small sack over her shoulder. She walks over to an empty table and carefully places a stack of letters on it. "Fan mail, mostly. Not sure if anything important is in here. Probably not."
There are many letters addressed to all of you, and a few to each of you. They're mostly simple letters detailing your fans' admiration, devotion, and/or attraction to you. Two in particular are eye catching. One is wrapped in gilded ribbons with a wax seal none of you recognize. The other is a plain envelope simply addressed to "Sea Dragons". It is covered with a watermark recognizable as Bezos'.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday October 5th, 2020 6:27:50 PM
Terser admires the stationery for a moment and curbs his desire to open the gold ribbons long enough to ask for someone to see if it's magicked.
Of the envelope from Bezos... Huh - I didn't think Bezos thought well enough of us to send a thank you card. Points to him. Though it could have been fancy like this other one. Seems almost lazy next to it.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Monday October 5th, 2020 6:37:13 PM
Bralin also keeps his hands off of envelopes or packages, waiting for the inevitable detection spells.
"Mayhap the one with the odd waxed seal is from our adversary," he opines.
The dwarf has another helping of biscuits and gravy as he awaits the reveal of its contents.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday October 5th, 2020 6:51:50 PM
Tahni casts the inevitable detection spells - Detect Magic, Detect Poison - on the envelopes. She then tries to identify the seal on the one with the gilded ribbons.
Regardless of the results, she doesn't intend to handle them and warns the others against the same.
With the envelopes on one side of the tent Tahni will cast a spell to open them from a distance (Mage Hand? Unseen Servant?)
---------------------- Knowl checks: 35
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 12:08:08 AM "Thank you Heather. We appreciate your constant provision and advice. What can you tell us about these packages? We are ... understandably cautious at this point."
As Tahni prepares to open the packages Rill steps over beside and behind her. He places his hand on her shoulder, both in support and ready to move the Bloodwitch to safety if needed.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 7:42:35 AM
Receiving fanmail is the last thing Aex expected to happen. Though for her personally it should be minimal since she hasn't participated in the games yet.
More than in the letter with gilded ribbins Aex is intrigued with what Bezos might have to say. She patiently waits for Tahni to open them with magic.
Observing Tahni as she works her magic Aex raises her eyebrows thinking : "So it has come to this... when you begin adventuring you would open a letter without thinking... after all who would be out to harm you. Now that we are Dragons... we open letters from a distance worrying someone might be trying to blow us up... we dare not eat anything without checking if it has been poisoned... we warily speak with others ever questioning if it's a trap... "
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 7:54:53 AM
Fang is surprised and excited by the fan mail. She wrote some to the dragons herself when she was little. She pops one open to look. It's a good thing the others already did their divinations as she clearly wasn't going to wait for such precautions to be taken.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=42 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2020 10:33:18 AM
Jozhur peruses through the envelopes, giving each a careful examination before placing it into a separate stack. He will get a good laugh at Tahni's magic attempting to open letters.
------------------------ Perception: 42 (49 vs traps)
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Tuesday October 6th, 2020 1:23:21 PM
Mitch, you have email sir. :) You may delete this once you've read the email. ::waves at everyone::
DM Ken - Mail Call! Tuesday October 6th, 2020 1:46:28 PM
Doing thorough inspections on mail and letters is easily within a Dragons powers. Nothing detects as magic, nothing detects as poisoned, and nothing seems particularly suspicious. The fan mails are a range of topics. Some encourage our heroes. Some, disparage them for basically bullying everyone else in the tournament. A few appreciate the easy bets, and a couple profess romantic intentions or desires. A few are more memorable than others.
Aexana's letter/b] is from a man who claims to be a secret admirer, except he leaves his name. Not much of a secret? Apparently he finds a gnome of her travels and experience to be very interesting, and he says that she's "as pretty as pecan pie", whatever that means. His name is [b]Maxwell, and he's says he will be leading her cheering section in the Magical matches.
Jozhur is surprised to find his letter is from Urlryn! She tells him they've promised to be let off their boat, and that the monk collapsed as soon as the Dragons were gone. He has no recollection of putting up a barrier, and that her examination of the fellow has her quite sure he's not capable of generating magic that powerful. She then lets Jozhur know some more private thoughts on how much she looks forward to being in his company, and a chance to be alone perhaps. There's more detail, but the Wold is rated G.
Fang finds a letter from a young ratfolk, who has proclaimed Fang to be the hero of all furry people around the world. Her handling of the clearly racist Hin was an inspiration and she hopes to get an autograph. She includes a picture of herself, but its a childs art and wont help Fang much unless this kid has some very weird proportions.
Rill opens a letter that contains a well drawn portrait of Xuffie. She's got one finger on Rills lip, clearly an image practically sketched from yesterdays commotion after the rescue. There's a single line of text.
"Would you like to redeem her?"
The letter is signed by Kittie Herman.
Tahni gets a drawing of a big orc butt, colored green with black curly hair and red pimples. It's signed by Mirri and Kirri.
Bralin and Terser have an invitation to an all dwarves drinking party after the martial tournament. Tahni isn't invited, so its probably all males. Nothing could go wrong, of course.
Then of course, there's the other two letters. Bezos letter is written in a penmanship that is practically perfection. The letter has no personal overtones, and is written like a contract.
"This is a notice of draft approval, penned and authorized by one Sir Jefferey Bezos. As payment for services detailed below, a sum of gold for each Sea Dragon is authorized.
Rescue Services: 25,000 gold pieces. Initiative recognition(acting without contract): 5,000 gold pieces. Minimization of bodily harm to Sir Jeffery Bezos, 15,000 gold pieces. Extra service fee due Dragon Consortium level agency: 50,000 gold pieces. Nondisclosure of rescue: 5,000 gold pieces. ------------------------------------------------------------
Total Sum: 100,000 gold pieces per Sea Dragon.
Signature of all parties will be taken as acceptance of the fees and payments proposed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps even more interesting than 100,000 gold is the final letter, full of frills and ribbons.
”Dragons, I seek you out in this fashion because I have been denied an official audience. As a merchant, I do not have access to The Village where you stay, and thus have been unable to meet you. My stand is being threatened by mongrels and bandits. They have threatened to rob me in broad daylight, on the final day of the martial tournament, as a repayment of some insult I know nothing about. I know it's just money, but everything my family owns is wrapped up into this venture.
I carry some unique wares, and would not be against allowing you to pick among them as your reward. I can only hope that you find this letter, and actually read it, before it's too late. Please find me in the sales grounds when they open, right around the start time of the tournament. I have a big purple tent with golden streamers. I am a heavyset man, with a large belly and purple and gold clothes that match my tent.
Regards,
The Merchant, Paunch.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 3:08:17 PM
Rill will share the letter from Xuffie with his friends. Afterall, they were all there. And Rill really has no choice but to seek someone's redemption. "Hmmm. Redemption for a Shadow Dancer. What do you think Jozhur - is it even possible to redeem a Shadow Dancer?"
As for the contract with Bezos, "What say you? Should we agree to a non-disclosure agreement when we know there are parties that we will need to discuss this with - the Abbot for starters?"
"And this merchant - it would mean we would miss watching Terser and Bralin pummel each other."
DM Ken - Mail Call! Tuesday October 6th, 2020 5:53:20 PM
DM Note: The letter is not FROM Xuffie, its ABOUT Xuffie. It was labeled as coming from a "Kittie Herman"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Tuesday October 6th, 2020 6:26:22 PM
Bralin goes over the letters.
He will attend the drinking party, of course.
As for others -
Xuffie letter: "Who is Kittie Herman?"
Bezos letter: "A hundred thousand not to tell anyone he required rescue? I am willing to accept that."
Rill's comment in regards to Paunch letter. "I would not be offended if you chose to save this merchant instead of watching this contest."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday October 6th, 2020 9:44:29 PM
Tahni actually grins as she sees the letter from Mirri and Kirri. It's not a threat of course, and just a part of the sparring that has been going on between them. She has to respond though. That's all part of the game.
She retrieves a piece of paper from her kit and pens them a response. "Dear Mirri and Kirri. Thankyou so much for the wonderful self-portrait. I can see you tried really hard to color within the lines. Good for you! Tahni Wyrmrider". She'll be sure to give it to Heather when she sees her next.
Tahni looks over the letter Rill received. "I think someone might be taunting you, Rill. Whoever Kittie Herman is, she was watching us carefully yesterday or at the very least watching you"
She has no objection to the non-disclosure contract "If anyone asks we simply say we can't discuss the details due to matters of security"
Tahni's not too offended about not receiving an invite to the dwarf drinks.
As for this merchant problem, provided Terser and Bralin don't mind Tahni is happy to save him.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday October 6th, 2020 9:46:40 PM
Terser certainly can't let Bralin go out drinking alone, though he was expecting to see Jada. Why no women? Maybe he should invite her and Tahni to crash the party.
Maybe for the contract, we could stipulate that no one will be told outside of the Abbott and maybe a few selected people in the course of our investigation. Provided that they are also sworn to secrecy.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday October 7th, 2020 12:00:08 AM
Jozhur isn't completely surprised by the letter from Urlryn, as he meant to see her when there is an opportunity, but he does blush a bit as he reads to the end of the end of the letter. The young man shares the information about the monk, but only after he folds the letter and tucks it into a pocket, "Apparently the monk at the Seven's ship had no recollection of how they were trapped aboard. I guess something was controlling that monk."
He ponders Rill's question a moment, somewhat perplexed. "I suppose that depends on the individual, and what you consider to be 'redeemed'. I don't think one's relation to the shadows has anything to do with it. Do I need to be redeemed? Xuffie could certainly change her ways for the better, but she is obviously resistant to it. She may require a more delicate approach."
He continues staring at the drawing, obviously concerned, "Who would have drawn this? I don't know Xuffie that well, but I doubt she told anyone about that conversation. Crall or Han Valen? Someone scrying on us? Surely one of you would detect that?"
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday October 7th, 2020 1:25:10 AM "There seems to be general agreement to keep silent on the business with Bezos then. And that we will help this merchant Paunch. I wonder if this is what it means now to be a Dragon - answering requests to resolve insults or petty squabbles."
Rill will call up an image of Heather and ask if she can find out who Kittie Herman is.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday October 7th, 2020 8:16:54 AM
Fang absolutely loves the letter. She signs the picture before she realizes there's no way to send it back. As she turns over the letter and envelope looking for a name she half-listens to the other's debate. "A dragon's calling is to help. Whether that's a merchant being attacked by petty bandits or a nation wracked by war, no concern is to big or small." She says distractedly.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday October 7th, 2020 9:43:15 AM
Aex is perplexed after reading the letter from this Maxwell. Aex's husband died long ago and she never since was approached in a romantic way nor did she look for it. On the one hand she feels flattered and is curious to see who this is, on the other she's scared and does not want to know more. Guess she'll know who he is if there's only one cheering for her in the magic games.
"Well at least I'll have one supporter... " Aex says with a smile on her lips.
The mail from Bezos surprised her. Why is he offering that much Gold for keeping something quiet that everyone already knows?!?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday October 8th, 2020 2:15:06 AM "Well, this merchant is probably interesting. It will be entertaining, if nothing else."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday October 8th, 2020 8:19:49 AM Will we have time to go before our matches or will some of us have to stay behind to compete?"
DM Ken - Mail Call! Thursday October 8th, 2020 10:02:31 AM
(Sorry! I forgot I was taking over for Carl this week! Post incoming.)
DM Ken - Mail Call! Thursday October 8th, 2020 10:41:05 AM
The consensus seems to be that they are all on board with the Bezos paytrain. As the last signature is added to the letter, it suddenly radiates a magical aura. The contract vanishes, and is quickly replaced with a large chest. Inside are a number of evenly distributed smaller chests filled with diamonds. They vary in size, from at least 100gp to 10,000gp in value.
------------
The second consensus is that there's no hard feelings if the Dragons protect others rather than spectate a match. While the two dwarves are likely to have a hard fought battle, Fang rightly points out that their job as Dragons is to protect everyone. Including merchants.
The timing is going to be specific. The Bazaar is closed up until the first match begins, and is meant to catch everyone hyped up in the intermission before the second act. A few customers might voluntarily skip round one for shopping, but not many.
-----------
Rill asks Heather about Kittie, but she has no clue. "I can check on it if you'd like? We have records of everyone in attendance for the most part. There's always a few who magically sneak in, but if she registered and paid we have her basic info. It will cost me a favor though, I'm not technically barred from access to those records, but I don't have much reason to need them either."
----------
Jozhur is more concerned with who drew that picture. They had to have seen the moment, to draw it, and he doubts Crall or Valen. He is correct, the Dragons would have felt something tugging on their senses if they were being scryed upon.
---------
Terser and Bralin are thinking of bringing Tahni to crash the party. Who knows what would happen? Surely the female dwarven Dragon is honored and welcome among any dwarfs anywhere?
Soon, breakfast is done and real life Heather appears to round up her troops. She has a schematic in hand of some kind of pyramid.
"Terser. Bralin. You boys ever play king of the mountain before?"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Thursday October 8th, 2020 5:36:41 PM
Bralin scoops up his share of the diamonds, already contemplating upgrades.
Heather spoils his mood, and he moves over to look at the schematic. The dwarf frowns at her words.
If this contest relies on speed, he will be at some disadvantage.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday October 8th, 2020 6:15:03 PM
Jozhur smiles when Heather hints at what the matchup between Terser and Bralin will entail. Too bad he will likely miss it.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday October 8th, 2020 6:56:53 PM
Tahni hands her letter to Heather "Hi Heather. Can you please see that this is delivered to Mirri and Kirri of The Fangs?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday October 8th, 2020 8:49:43 PM King of the Mountain? Like climb on the pile of gold and push off everyone else? Speaking of, do you have the fight schedule for us?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday October 9th, 2020 7:56:08 AM
Fang has, but she's not the one being asked. She wonders what her match will entail.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday October 9th, 2020 12:45:35 PM "Thank you Heather - I would appreciate it if you would find out what you can about Kittie Herman. I recieved a note from this person, so she would expect me to look into this. You said it would cost you a favor. Well, perhaps now I will owe you a favor - a favor from a cleric can be a useful thing."
"Also, I would like to pay Bezos a visit sometime today. Is this something you can arrange? And please, if I am asking too much, feel free to point me in the direction of another that can help with these sorts of errands. We just don't know or trust many here beyond you."
DM Ken - Mail Call! Friday October 9th, 2020 1:57:39 PM
Heather nods and writes down the name. "I'll remember that, Mr. Cleric. Also, you won't need me to meet with Bezos. He's either in his tents or in his viewing booth. Aexana has an open invitation to both. He seems to favor her." Heather looks at the little druid appraisingly, as if trying to figure out what about Aexana is so appealing to Bezos.
She puts the diagram down on a table.
"Kozy will explain it, but the last three matches will have clearly explained arenas. This one is simple. The higher you climb the pyramid, the more physical bonuses and augmentations the arena bestows upon you. That said, each level is harder to access than the one before it, and there's no guarantee your oppnent is going to let you climb up. The physical augmentations though, they'll be significant, and also affect you regardless of your equipment."
She looks at Fang and waves her over.
"You and your sister have a much different match. I've.. never seen this arena before. Your sisters handler said its "appropriate" for your history together, whatever that means." Heather puts down a map that shows a number of statues. "You and your sister will not only be fighting each other, but each will be in charge of a small force of golems. The golems can only hit each other, until there's no golems left. Your going to have to decide whether you want to help your forces, or jump after the enemy captain. Both have their upside."
-------------
She waves her arm dismissively at the mention of a schedule.
"Its going to move quick today for the parties this evening. We leave here for the arena soon. Around the same time, merchants are opened. There's Terser and Bralin, Fang and Claw, and then the finals between the last two happening about an hour later. " She adjusts her clothes, then snags a biscuit.
"Anything else before we get started? Are you guys going to share each others gear again? Might make it awkward."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday October 9th, 2020 9:26:35 PM
Jozhur nods along as Heather explains the arenas. These sound very entertaining. He has nothing to ask of her, but makes sure to thank her before she departs.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday October 10th, 2020 10:27:33 AM
"Terser and I are not sharing gear," Bralin answers.
There is nothing more to say.
The dwarf exchanges a handshake with Terser, and moves to follow Heather to the Arena.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Saturday October 10th, 2020 7:55:18 PM
Terser confirms that he'll only be using his own gear for this fight. Thinking about his strengths, he asks Heather You say we get stronger as we climb - do we also lose that strength if we get knocked off?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday October 11th, 2020 1:19:20 AM
Tahni is actually in two minds about watching the bouts. On the one hand she wants to be supportive of her friends. On the other hand, she isn't keen on seeing them fight each other - even for sport.
"Nothing else from me Heather. Except for that letter. Thanks"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday October 11th, 2020 5:33:31 PM
Aex wishes all contestants a fair and honest battle.
"Stay safe... " she adds whispering. Too much has gone dire here on this island and she'd hate to see any of her friends get in trouble.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday October 12th, 2020 8:21:49 AM
Hrmph. Fang knows what Heather is referring to but it had been decades since Fang had acted as a field commander. Honestly she doubts she was ever really good at it, she was just young and eager while her tribe respected her strength. Perhaps what she's learned since will prove useful, and it's doubtful Claw has any more recent experience. The real question is how anyone learned such things about her. Dredging up something from so long ago is difficult, all witnesses likely long dead on both sides. Someone is still toying with the group that is clear, though this could indicate is a fake as part of the game or that she was guanine and the source of their information.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday October 12th, 2020 11:12:05 AM "Thank you Heather for your help. Bralin, Terser, Fang - good luck. We'll catch up with you when we can. Contact us if anything bad happens."
Rill grabs some food and makes sure he is ready to go.
"Tahni, Aex, Jozhur - how shall we approach this? Watch from a distance, attempt to approach in disguise? Or may be we should just go directly to this person's booth, greet him and find out what's really going on? We can discuss as we head over there."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday October 12th, 2020 3:40:39 PM "I'm guessing the moment we show up anywhere people will get curious to see what is going on... I doubt even disguises would be a good idea... Can't we send someone or something to keep an eye out for us before we make a move?"
Heather scoops up the fanmail for Mirri and Kirri with a smile. Something tells Tahni that Heather very much approves. The rest of the party says their farewells and discusses how best to approach their new mission.
(Let DM know how you want to proceed so I don't railroad anything here!)
------------
Meanwhile, Terser and Bralin agree to use their own gear without borrowing from anyone else. Terser asks a final question about the arena. "Yes." Heather says. The mountain itself is harder to climb and maintain your footing on. But the enchantments are pretty nice. I tested them out myself and felt like a tigress at the top. Staying up there is hard, but its worth it. Extra power. Extra speed. Extra reach. The only trouble is keeping your balance."[/b]
Terser and Bralin are directed to their corners, Terser in red and Bralin in blue. As they take the arena, the stomps and lusty cheers of the fight fans are pure kinetic and accoustic energy, rattling bones and teeth and armor. Some are waving hastily made banners and flags with Tersers likeness, with the words "Rage is Profit" on them, a clever play on Tersers calling as a Rage Prophet. Likewise, others are waving flags of an armored tortoise, with powerful arms and plated in a steel shell.
Kozy explains the arena eloquently, and your DM filters it into game terms.
------------
Arena Rules.
1. Moving into a new color requires a climb check. Each ledge is only 5 ft higher than the previous ledge. The difficulty is in the spikes and rocky parts. If you fail to climb up, the Green and Red tiers deal damage from all the sharp bits. This damage cannot be avoided with Freedom of Movement, but DR applies. You can avoid the climb with an acrobatics check, DC 20. This is a move action. Don't forget to account for modifiers to your acrobatics.
2. The footing is shaky higher up. Taking a full attack action on the Green and Red tiers requires an acrobatics check at the end of the action. Failure means taking the damage listed as failing to climb, you fall down 1 tier, and must pass an acrobatics check DC 10 or fall prone.
Are both contestants ready?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+3=13 ; Monday October 12th, 2020 6:09:12 PM
Terser does a little showboating to pump up his cheering section, acknowledging that he's ready to start.
are we going on initiative as before? 13 if so
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday October 12th, 2020 7:23:31 PM
Tahni bids Bralin and Terser well. She expects it will be a very even match, though is a little curious what the betting odds are like.
"How about we just walk about the sales grounds as if we're shopping? Noone else knows he sent us that letter. When we get to his stall he'll know why we're there."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday October 12th, 2020 7:24:16 PM
Bralin draws his axe, salutes the crowd, and nods.
He is ready.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday October 12th, 2020 9:02:48 PM "That sounds like a good approach Tahni. We'll be a couple dwarves short of a full load, but we should be all right. I hope Fang, Terser and Bralin fare well.
"Perhaps we can look as though we're there to sell some things. I'll at least alter my appearance a bit. Jozhur can blend in or disappear as he sees fit."
Rill will use his Hat of Disguise for perhaps the first time. Since it only masks appearance and not sound, he assumes the form of a common laborer carrying various goods and armor for sale so as to explain the sound of his armor as he walks along with the others. We're a bit conspicuous in general, but perhaps less threatening without anyone in full armor.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday October 12th, 2020 9:25:01 PM "Sounds good, Tahni, though some may wonder why we are missing the martial match. Alternatively, I could scout the situation and fill you all in or have you teleport to me in the shop. He doesn't mention any need for discretion, so all that should hopefully be unnecessary."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday October 13th, 2020 8:29:59 AM
Fang sits back and watches.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20=4 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2020 5:54:46 PM
Arena Rules.
1. Moving into a new color requires a climb check. Each ledge is only 5 ft higher than the previous ledge. The difficulty is in the spikes and rocky parts. If you fail to climb up, the Green and Red tiers deal damage from all the sharp bits. This damage cannot be avoided with Freedom of Movement, but DR applies. You can avoid the climb with an acrobatics check, DC 20. This is a move action. Don't forget to account for modifiers to your acrobatics.
2. The footing is shaky higher up. Taking a full attack action on the Green and Red tiers requires an acrobatics check at the end of the action. Failure means taking the damage listed as failing to climb, you fall down 1 tier, and must pass an acrobatics check DC 10 or fall prone. ------------------------
Kozy's usual crooning intensifies as he gets the crowd whipped into a frenzy. "Ladies and gentleman, the dragons have had their way with most of this field so far, but now its time to see them test their prowess on each other in our patented combat field, THE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!" He frantically switches his pointy finger between Bralin and Terser. "Which dwarf is the dwarfest? Lets find out!" His throaty voice is practically purring. "Blue corner! ARE YOU READY! Red corner? ARE YOU READY!" He waits for nods, then smashes the signal gong. "Let the semi finals begin!"
Terser: Init 13. Bralin: Init 6 (Your DM rolled it to move things along. Sorry the roller hates me!)
(DM Note: To avoid any weird timing of hero point usage, especially reactionary things like raising hit rolls and such, lets just disable them for this match.)
Fang watches. She has time to come with the market group if she wishes. There's an hour to change the fields scheduled between the rounds. If she wants to watch, that's fine too.
-----------------------
Outside of the arena, the rest of the Dragons hear the starting horns and crashing gongs. Their friends are finally in combat. Some plans are tossed around, but this is all your DM knows for certain.
1. Rill is disguised. 2. Tahni and Jozhur like the idea of not making a big deal out of anything. 3. Aexana doesn't mind that plan.
--------------
Right now the bazaar is mostly deserted. Rill fits in just fine, as there's more than one person running equipment to a stall in a hurry. The Sea Dragons can hear the cheers of the crowd and Kozy’s shouting, even from here. The markets are located outside of the arena venue, cleverly placed to snag as many hyped up customers as they can. Who knows how many people watched Fang and Hin, or Terser and Grandpaw, then rushed to buy a weapon, thinking that one day it might be them in front of the crowd?
Akim, or the man who most definitely fits the description, is already haggling with people. His tent seems very popular, and its certainly the most gaudy of them all. He looks up from his customer and his eyes widen at the sight of the Dragons on the scene. He gives them an apologetic glance, then goes back to his haggling. He seems to be trying to politely hurry the man along.
The inside of Akims tent is probably a thiefs happy dream. Jozhur can easily note items of high value up on display or in aisles, protected from theft by way of a thin metal wire holding the fast to their racks. Someone of Terser or Bralins strength could easily just rip them right out.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+11=13 ; d20+11=18 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2020 6:17:56 PM
Terser starts the match charging straight forward, trying to scale as quickly as possible since first to the top often wins. He starts off shaky and barely manages the first step, then rages out to make it up the second. As quick as that, he's up to the bottom of the third tier.
double move, climb at 1/4 speed Climb tier 1, 13 - pass Climb tier 2, 18, react with rage for +3, totals 21 60ft equivalent total move
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 250/260) d20+12=20 ; d20+12=19 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2020 7:18:25 PM
Bralin attempts to follow Terser's lead.
The dwarf climbs to the first tier easily enough. But on his way up the next level, he loses his footing. Bralin tumbles back down to the Orange Level.
-- 1st Climb: 20 2nd Climb: 19 +2 Atk/Dam
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+32=41 ; d20+18=24 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2020 7:42:01 PM
Tahni gives a smile and slight nod to Akim, as she starts walking the inside perimeter of his tent. She looks over the wares while also observing any other customers inside the tent.
------------- Appraise: 24 - looking over the items that are on sale Perception: 41 - checking out the tent and customers
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=41 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2020 9:31:26 PM
Jozhur notes the very expensive wares, lucky for Skin, he doesn't have sticky fingers. He eyes the entrance to the tent as they wait, then it dawns on him that it is a tent, and unwelcome guests bent on destruction could just as easily come through the walls.
Perception: 41
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday October 14th, 2020 9:22:10 AM
Eeeehh the others will be fine. If anything she'd screw up their investigation with her inability to hide and tendency to fly into a frothing rage.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=51 ; Wednesday October 14th, 2020 12:46:13 PM
Rill pauses near Tahni to wipe the sweat from his brow and drink some water from a flask, all the while keeping a sharp eye out. (Perception 51) He activates a Domain Ability to give himself Tremor Sense our to 20' for 19 minutes. He begins watching this merchant, hoping to have a full minute to do so.
He says silently, "I wonder how long it will take for his adversaries to show up?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday October 15th, 2020 8:02:27 AM
Fang wonders who will get first punch in.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=33 ; Thursday October 15th, 2020 12:05:04 PM
Aex is happy to stroll around the market place. She'll search merchant who are selling herbs 'n spices of course. She's no disguised... her purple pink hair and vibrant green robes are hard to hide even on a busy market place.
As she strolls around the market place she'll keep an eye out for anyone who seems to have a particular interest in her doings. (Perception 33)
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Thursday October 15th, 2020 4:33:48 PM
"Aaaand, they're off! Bralin has trouble with the top of the mountain, but Terser seems to have made it up in no time at all! Can the stalwart Bralin overcome this early advantage? Is Terser already about to claim the title of King of the Mountain?!"
Its very clearly not over, but Kozy isn't one to shy away from drama.
--------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, the Dragons have set up their initial perimeter. None of them see much of anything happening. The young man trying to get a deal on the magical dagger is giving Akir quite the sob story, but the merchant seems unwilling to drop his price any considerable amount.
With all the eagle eyes in his tent and on others, Akir can't seem to help but glance nervously from his client to the dragons from time to time. If he's trying to keep a calm composure to not let anyone know you are here, he's doing a bad job of it.
Fang knows nothing matters until the first blow lands.
----Note - Feel free to place yourselves on the map. Akirs tent is the topmost.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+14=33 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=51 ; d20+35=42 ; d10+23=29 ; d10+23=29 ; d10+23=27 ; Thursday October 15th, 2020 5:04:37 PM
Terser presses his early advantage and boosts himself up to the top level with ease! Climb 33 - pass!
He gives a triumphant yell to work up the audience and set himself up with his 20 foot glaive to hinder Bralin's efforts at continuing his climb.
Readied attack if Bralin comes in range - up to 2 AoO when he moves in my range AC 45, 51, 42 29, 29, 27 damage
Rage round 2
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday October 15th, 2020 6:08:27 PM
Rill continues to keep a sharp eye out. He feign's a rest as he waits.
(I added PC pics to the map.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday October 15th, 2020 7:04:54 PM
Tahni smiles to both the merchant and customer. "It's ok. I'm not in a rush. Please, take your time". She tries to overhear what the price different is that the two are haggling about. If it is a small amount (less than 100gp) she's happy to spread a little good-will and pay the difference for the client.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 250/260) d20+12=29 ; d20+27=38 ; d10+18=19 ; d6=4 ; Thursday October 15th, 2020 7:20:26 PM
Bralin eyes Terser's glaive. It is much larger from this angle.
Unwilling to try and close the distance, he tries a different tack.
Bralin successfully climbs up to the next level, but advances no further.
Instead, he begins a deep, bass, monotone hum. Calling upon the power granted by the gods, he flings his waraxe at Terser.
The blade strikes, and then reappears in his outstretched hand.
--- Climb check 29 to ascend to Green Level. Using domain power Hand of the Acolyte (Su) to cause melee weapon to fly from his grasp and strike Terser before instantly returning. Atk hits AC 38 for 23 hp damage (4 cold)
+4Atk/Dam
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+37=38 ; d20+29=37 ; Friday October 16th, 2020 1:03:30 AM
After peering around a moment, Jozhur feels vulnerable inside the tent. He steps outside and looks around for somewhere dark(ish) to conceal himself and watch for trouble. He sends his shadow to wait just underground outside the tent.
Should there be no "dim light" from shadows, he will just walk back into the tent.
Stealth: 38 Perception: 37
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday October 16th, 2020 7:12:37 AM
So Bralin got first strike though Terser probably has the advantage still. Interesting.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=27 ; Friday October 16th, 2020 4:26:11 PM
Aex checks the merchands right on the square. Sideways not to eyeball Akir... but keeping an eye out anyhow. (Perception 27)
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a King, but is he only King for a Day?" Kozy swoops around the arena on his disc, whipping up a riotous cheer from the audience. In the battleground though, its all tactics and counterplay. Terser holds the top, but Bralin has some considerable ranged assets.
-----------------------------------------------
Tahni overhears a reasonable sounding price finally come from the buyer. He had been trying to shave a good ten thousand gold off of a weapon which had a considerable magical aura. Akim smiles, and shakes the mans hand.
Tahni, Perception DC 30. (Wont affect combat, so not posting it in the spoilers.)
Then, chaos breaks loose.
First, there is the sound of loud hissing, almost like sounds of venting steam. Right on its tracks, comes the thickest, most solid fog any of the Dragons have ever seen. It not only blocks vision, but also hampers movement and is too dense to breathe.
Jozhur, Tahni and Aexana: Fortitude Save DC 22. Fail = Fall unconscious with 0 hp. Pass = Staggered for 1 round.
All characters and Leafy, (except the shadow): Creatures move through this fog move at half their normal speed and take a -2 penalty on all melee attack and melee damage rolls. The vapors prevent effective ranged weapon attacks (except for magic rays and the like). A creature cannot take a 5-foot-step while in this fog. The fog blocks line of sight and visually targeting foes.
---------------------------------------------
Tahni feels a light breeze, just over the line of her shoulders and the nape of her neck. The gentle touch also seems to kiss her hair, and then passes.
Perception if conscious: (Seperate from above) DC 56 and 49.
---------------------------------------------
Rill: Suddenly feels a heavy weight impact against the side of his head. Rill takes 34 subdual damage. He hears someone curse aloud. Clearly, they expected this commoner to drop like a sack of bricks.
Perception: 63.
---------------------------------------------
Aexana too, feels a slight breeze around her shoulders, and then a very sudden and very jarring snag at the neck. She quite certain someone, or something, just tried to steal her Hand of Glory!
Perception if conscious: 43,35. ---------------------------------------------
anyone with the skills:
-Know Arcana DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: { The effect is much like solid fog, however the vapors seem to have been quite literally created from the surrounding air. As such, the fog is quite real, and cannot be dispelled.}
-Spellcraft DC 34 Highlight to display spoiler: { Functionally, treat this effect as solid fog with the additional effect that each round within, you must pass a Fortitude save DC 22. If you succeed, you are staggered for 1 round as you choke on the vapor in your lungs. If the target fails, they immediately begin to suffocate. They fall unconscious and are reduced to 0 hit points.
Each round after the first, a target that saved against the initial casting can delay the spells effects from occurring by making a successful Fortitude save vs DC22, but the spell continues for 15 rounds. One cannot die from this spell, and this spell only affects living creatures that must breathe. }
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+22=40 ; d20+32=40 ; d20+32=39 ; d20+25=28 ; Saturday October 17th, 2020 4:47:44 AM
Tahni isn't too happy about being unable to see. Things have happened pretty quickly though. She hopes Akim is ok. Unless he brought them into a trap... Was that why he was nervous?
First things first though. The fog is going to be a pain unless it is removed.
Tahni moves back a step and casts a good number of spells both to help the party, reveal the enemy, and protect herself a little.
"Got a little situation here" she relays to everyone over the rings "but we're dealing with it."
She notes to the others what she knows of the fog "Stay out of the fog! The vapors are could suffocate you"
---------------- Perception check vs DC30: Autopass! Fort Save vs DC22: 40 = Pass! Perception check vs DC56: 40 = Fail Perception check vs DC49: 39 = Fail Knowl Arcana vs DC28: 28 = Pass! Spellcraft vs DC34: Autopass!
Free action: 5ft step back. Tahni has Freedom of Movement from the Tishe's garment Swift action: Cast a quickened Gust of Wind to help disperse the fog. MT Ability - Spell Synthesis - Standard 1: Cast Glitterdust towards the middle of the fog. - Standard 2: Cast Reverse Gravity shaped to cover the fog but exclude Aex and Jozhur Immediate action: Use Contingency spell to cast Resilient Sphere on self
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+35=37 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+15=16 ; d10+27=30 ; d20+35=41 d20+23=30 d20+15=20 Saturday October 17th, 2020 5:10:44 PM
dr4 - 19 total damage. regen 1 rage hp 328/346
Terser rubs the small slash Bralin gave him. Good shot! How long can you keep it up though!
With his extra extra long reach, he just has to step up to get in range. Even with the buffs, Bralin is hard to hit. Much harder than himself. He holds off on power attacking while he gets his bearings.
He manages one hit at least, and it's a good 'un.
full attack 37 - miss. 45 - hit. 29 - miss 30 damage acro 18, 23, 16
A second later, he realizes he has some extra speed in him (guessing that extra attack is like a haste and is full bonus?)
If so, second hit (AC41 for 30 damage) acro 20
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 15d6=40 ; Saturday October 17th, 2020 5:37:28 PM
Rill takes a sharp blow to his head. "OUCH! Jerk! You have made a grave mistake today - perhaps literally. What is your quarrel with this merchant?"
Rill activates his Brahmah's Tattoo to cast Glitterdust on his foe and perhaps others. (Standard action, green circle on the map, DC 21 Will save or be blinded.) Then he will back up 5', and follow that with a Dimensional Hop (move action.) Finally he will use a Quicken Rod to cast Flame Strike on the now glowing figure (swift action, red circle on the map, damage 40, DC 24 Reflex save for half.)
Then Rill takes stock of where his friends are and their condition.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 190/260) d20+29=40 ; d10+28=31 ; d6=4 ; Saturday October 17th, 2020 6:48:12 PM
Bralin does his best to block Terser's attacks, but this giant glaive is nearly unstoppable.
The dwarf frowns as Terser is easily able to maintain his position while attacking. "You are very well balanced," he remarks, sourly.
Bralin moves. Ducking the swinging glaive, he powers along the green tier, and takes a slice at Terser as he goes past. Reaching nearly the far side, he turns and prepares for Terser's next move.
-- Using Spring Attack feat to move without drawing an AoO. Passing north of Terser. Power Atk hits AC 40 for 35 hp damage (4 cold)
+4Atk/Dam
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+21=37 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+6=20 ; Sunday October 18th, 2020 6:01:58 PM
(FORT SAVE 37 - not sure if that was needed as Aex is Immune to poison) ( Know Arcana 28 - pass) (spellcraft 20 - I needed a natural 20 on that one... - FAIL )
Aex tries to look around. She realizes this fog can't be dispelled... but perhaps she can blow the fog away from the people on the market. She immediately casts Control Winds, creating a downdraft of wind centered upon her self. The downdraft expands with eaqual strength from Aex's position. Despite the fact that she's able to create a hurricane shes does no such thing... instead she'll intensify the downdraft's intensity to see how fast she can move the fog.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+17=19 ; d20+29=35 ; d20+37=44 ; Monday October 19th, 2020 1:41:11 AM
Jozhur's world starts to go dim, but he digs deep and catches a second wind. Not sure what is happening, he takes a few steps, draws his swords, and continues hiding.
His shadow emerges from the ground. -------------------------------------------------------- Fort save: 19 (hero point used for +4 to pass) Perception: 35 Stealth: 44
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+17=19 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+22=33 ; Monday October 19th, 2020 7:30:26 PM
Terser and Bralin continue their maneuvering. While Bralin is probably the more stout combatant, right now Tersers balance and acrobatics are giving him an edge.
"Look at that fancy spring attack!", shouts Kozy. There's some "oooh" and "aaah" from the arena, as the two dwarves struggle for supremacy.
Fang is suddenly aware of someone next to her. "Can I sit?, asks Xid. He plops down anyways, his eyes glued to the fight. "Whats the inside scoop? Where's your bet on this one?" --------------------------------------------
Between Tahni and Aexana, the fog is quickly pushes southwards. It leaves the tent grounds, but no attackers are suddenly exposed. At least, not by the removal of the fog.
-Tahni casts glitterdust, and one foe near Aexana is revealed in glitter-bits. "I can't see!", he shouts. As she casts her spell, Tahni is suddenly aware that her mental prowess is considerably less than it should be. Still a genius level mind, she's lacking that otherworldly boost that her headband gave her.
Her reverse gravity spell goes off, and the glitterdusted thief near Aexana yells out again. She notes he wasn't affected by it, but the high level magic seems to have spooked him. "Too much! Too much! Use your boots!" He clicks his heels together, and vanishes.
-At this point Tahni hears the clipping of boots from right next to her, then nothing.
-AND AT THIS POINT, Perception DC 33. Highlight to display spoiler: {There's also a second presence near you, that seems to have retreated in Rill's direction, near Jozhur, avoiding the Glitterbombs.}
-Before everything went crazy, Tahni also noted the merchant had used some sort of consumable magic item at the end of his sale. Its purpose is unknown, but he was clearly trying to hide it. (You beat his opposed sleight of hand.)
-Rill tries a similar tactic. A foe is also outlined, but this one seems to shake off the blinding affect. Rill calls down a flame strike, but the shadowy figure darts in and out of every flaming column. "Hey! This ones no lackey either! One more artifact for the loot pile, gents!"
Rills enemy dips in and grabs at Rills hat of disguise, which must become part of the disguise itself. Combat maneuver vs Rill. Hits CMD 28. Rill suddenly is aware that he looks like himself, and not like a strong back.
Aexana, Perception DC 44.
--Inside the tent, Akim has hit the deck, crawling to the floor behind his sales tables.
Jozur, you are aware of someone near you, but haven't pinpointed their square. You also don't know if they know you are there or not. Your DM has picked a random number between 1 and 8. Either guess it right, or roll a d8 and hope to hit it. To prevent me cheating, its the number of kids I have!
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday October 19th, 2020 8:44:19 PM
Fang shrugs. "I'm not a betting woman. Either could win, it just comes down to who plays it better. This set up seems to give Terser a considerable advantage so I would favor him, though it can always change."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=36 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+14=21 ; d8=4 ; d2=1 ; d6=1 ; Monday October 19th, 2020 10:47:30 PM
Not wanting to swing blindly, Jozhur stays motionless in place, hoping he isn't seen. Instead he has his shadow approach him and reach out blindly.
--------------------------------------- Shadow will move to "4" and attack square "3" Attack roll should have been +18: Attack hits AC25, 1 strength damage
Perception: 36 Stealth: 42
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday October 20th, 2020 1:45:29 AM
Ooc: sorry, didn't notice the post until very late. Will get one up early tomorrow.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+13=33 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 4:19:01 AM
Tahni is not going to have these guys get away. She's pretty sure the guy that she blinded used Boots of Teleportation to escape.
She dismisses the resilient sphere and looks to the merchant "It would be in your best interest not to leave this tent. Believe me". Is that to protect him from the villains or the party?
With the warning delivered she flies out into the open air. From there she spots the guy that Rill glittered. One thing is for sure, these guys weren't going to be getting away. At least not all of them.
-------------- Standard action: Dismiss Resilient Sphere Move action: Fly out of the tent towards the east - staying well clear of the ground - and into the air Hero point action: Use Arcane Bond to cast Dimensional Anchor on the enemy that Rill glittered. Hits TouchAC33 (Nat20!). No Save.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+35=38 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 9:43:23 AM
rage hp 298/346 rage round 4
Terser is determined to be ready the next time Bralin tries a fancy move like that, but for now he can only close the distance and hit once. He whiffs exceptionally, but at least realizes that it's not as unstable up here as he thought before.
misread the acro checks before. nbd.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 190/260) d20+29=49 ; d20+29=48 ; d10+28=35 ; d10+28=31 ; d10+28=30 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 12:10:25 PM
Bralin does it again.
The dwarf scoots forward, ducking under the glaive, and slams his waraxe into Terser, hard. He continues his move to the far end of the green tier, and spins around to face his foe.
-- Using Spring Attack feat to move without drawing an AoO. Passing north of Terser. Power Atk - Crit. Threat hits AC 48 for 97 hp damage (1 cold)
+4Atk/Dam
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d4+1=4 ; d20+38=41 d20+33=48 Tuesday October 20th, 2020 12:23:04 PM
Rill regards his glittered foe, now also glowing green from Tahni's spell. He steps back 5' and casts Miracle/Irresistible Dance on the rogue (Dancing for 4 rounds, DC 28 Will save to reduce this to one round.)
Rill relies on his Tremorsense to alert him to any approaching unseen foes.
Silently he says, "Aex - do you have anyway to immobilize this fellow? Tahni - you must have some sort of trick in your Bloodwitch bag to ensure he cooperates. Perhaps Jozhur's shadow can weaken him enough to keep him here. Let's keep a sharp eye out for whoever cast that fog spell."
(Perception 41, Sense Motive 48)
He rubs the side if his head as he regards the dancing rogue. "You know, that was a pretty good hit. Now would be a good time to surrender. I could have sent you to the elemental plane of fire or worse, but this needn't end in your death if you cooperate. Who are you and why did you attack us?"
-------------------------------- Irresistible Dance - The subject feels an undeniable urge to dance and begins doing so, complete with foot shuffling and tapping. The spell effect makes it impossible for the subject to do anything other than caper and prance in place. The effect imposes a –4 penalty to Armor Class and a –10 penalty on Reflex saves, and it negates any AC bonus granted by a shield the target holds. The dancing subject provokes attacks of opportunity each round on its turn. A successful Will save reduces the duration of this effect to 1 round.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=28 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 1:21:00 PM
(perception 28)
With all the ruckus around the market square and apparently thieves that are at work here, Aex changes shape and transforms into an Air Elemental once again. As she lifts up into the air, she also activates her Ring of Invisibility. Just before changing she urges Leafy to protect the others. Up in the Air Aex feels a bit more secure... after all as she's shapechanged all her gear now blends into the new form and well... let's hope the assailants can fly.
Leafy is miffed with Aex running off... no flying off... and he doesn't like invisible thieves. Not seeing any of them, Leafy wildly swings his branches around hoping to whack any thief that approaches too close to him.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d100=42 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=37 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 4:31:36 PM
Arena Rules.
1. Moving into a new color requires a climb check. Each ledge is only 5 ft higher than the previous ledge. The difficulty is in the spikes and rocky parts. If you fail to climb up, the Green and Red tiers deal damage from all the sharp bits. This damage cannot be avoided with Freedom of Movement, but DR applies. You can avoid the climb with an acrobatics check, DC 20. This is a move action. Don't forget to account for modifiers to your acrobatics.
2. The footing is shaky higher up. Taking a full attack action on the Green and Red tiers requires an acrobatics check at the end of the action. Failure means taking the damage listed as failing to climb, you fall down 1 tier, and must pass an acrobatics check DC 10 or fall prone. ----------------------------------
Bralin has yet to hold the high ground, but he certainly doesn't seem to need it. He and Terser and in a good duel, and everyone is loving it. Xid is wearing a big smile. "I think Bralin is the better warrior. Tersers rage is strong, and it might see him through, but Brailin is strong enough that tricks and passion might not be enough."
He looks at Fang. "Do you think you can best either of them?"
--------------------------------------
In the marketplace, things are winding down as quickly as they wound up.
-Jozhurs shadow is aiming at the right spot, but full concealment gets the rogue out of the mess. "Oh bother!" the rogue exclaims, then he is gone.
-Tahni gives the merchant a clear warning. DONT LEAVE. His answer is a thumbs up while he lays on the floor. She nails a dimensional anchor on her target.
-Rill then targets that SAME person, and sends him into a frenzy of dance moves. Rill doesn't think the spell is going to last long. Rogues have slippery minds.
The rogue looks smug, his glittery features all smile and smirk. "I think not, priest! No one can trap the Masked Lords!" He clicks his boots as part of his dance, waving a rude finger as he does so. When he doesn't go anywhere at all, he looks down at his feet and tries again. "Farewell Dragon! This caper is done, now watch me caper away!" When this fails, he visibly sags a little. "Want this back?", he tries, offering Rill his Hat of Disguise.
Aexana whirlwinds, and she hears a few muffled curses as more bandits are pulled in. "Time to go!, shouts one. "Right behind ya!", calls another.
------------
Combat is basically over. No enemies remain in place to fight, except a single dancing glitter-man, who suddenly looks very crestfallen.
Tahni realizes she is missing her cloak of resistance, and her headband of +6 stats.
Rill is missing his Hat of Disguise, but its being offered back as a peace piece.
Aexana is without her cloak, but her Hand of Glory is still in place.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d100=9 ; d20+35=43 ; d10+27=37 ; d10+35=45 ; d20+35=47 ; d10=2 ; d10+27=32 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 5:07:27 PM
For perhaps the first time, Terser's armor has helped him out, as he avoids the critical blow from Bralin. Light Fortification - 25% to negate a crit. 9 - pass 36 dmg - 4dr +1 regen rage hp 267/346
Not only that, but when he thinks he's springing out of the way, Terser surprises him with an attack out of nowhere! rage power - unexpected strike, 1 per rage get AoO even when normally not provoked hits for 37 damage
(I hope he doesn't know I can only do that once!)
He moves again, and is able to hit this time. But Bralin has the better of this match - he's able to move just enough that Terser can't full attack, which negates his advantage of being able to maintain his balance up here. He'll have to figure out a new tactic, and quick.
Vital Strike - hits for 44
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d6=4 ; d4=4 ; d20+20=39 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2020 7:49:10 PM
With the rogue surrounded, Tahni works with the others to restrain him. "Someone want to go grab the merchant? He was doing something suspicious moments before this all happened"
Then it is the rogues turn. "Apparently these people like to strip others of their items. We should return the favor" She sees that he is removed of everything save for his undergarments.
"Alright then. Now it is time for you to cooperate" Tahni cracks her knuckles and gets down to work.
By the time she is finished he should hopefully be willing to answer some questions, otherwise she's just going to have to keep casting more spells on him.
-------------------- OOC: Cast the following spells on him: - Detect Magic (to see if he has any active spells/effects in place. --- If he does - other than the anchor - then cast Greater Dispel Magic: Dispel check 39 - Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog: -2 to all Saves against Tahni's spells. No Save. - Touch of Idiocy: -4 to Wis. (-2 to Wis Saves). No Save - Enervation: -4 Negative levels (-4 to Saving Throws). No Save - Dominate Person: Will Save DC23 or be under Tahni's control for the next 20 days. Her first order will be to cooperate and answer all questions wholly and truthfully.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday October 20th, 2020 11:17:12 PM What in the Wold was that? Jozhur looks around and sees their enemies appear gone or neutralized, for now. We need to make sure he doesn't run when he stops dancing. We can beat him senseless or tie him up somehow. My shadow can sap his strength a little, but too much will kill him. For now, lets surround him. I've got some rope but we will need to keep an eye on him.
He exchanges his swords for his sap and approaches the dancing man. "Stop that silliness and lay on the ground.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday October 20th, 2020 11:36:05 PM
Rill will snatch his hat out of the man's hand.
"I advise you to follow directions at this point. You have a cranky dwarf, a hungry tornado up there, and shadow here thirsting for your life-force. And don't underestimate my friend Jozhur here - few live to regret such a move.
"Who are the Masked Lords and what is your quarrel with this merchant?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday October 21st, 2020 8:19:05 AM
Fang just shrugs. "Without spells I am less effective, but combat is unpredictable. And judging from this match future ones will have complications that could change things a lot. I'll merely do my best and we'll see what happens. The outcome here holds to stakes for me."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 109/260) d20+29=32 ; d10+28=33 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2020 9:41:31 AM
Bralin growls in frustration as Terser's armor absorbs one of his best blows.
That glaive hits again, and Bralin is in trouble.
The dwarf considers options, finds none, and once more sweeps past Terser, attacking on the move.
-- Using Spring Attack feat to move without drawing an AoO. Passing north of Terser. Power Atk hits AC 32 for 39 hp damage (6 cold)
+4Atk/Dam
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday October 21st, 2020 10:35:25 AM
Aex isn't too happy about the loss of her cape.
"HEY WE WORKED FOR THAT YOU KNOW... GET BACK... " ... bu since all that is coming out in Auran she doubts they understood.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+19=25 ; d20+19=30 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2020 9:25:58 PM
Tersers and Bralin continue their duel. Terser is much easier to hit, but his fortification pays dividends. The fight is reaching a critical stage. Bralin can't let Terser full attack, but he also can't climb the mountain. Is this the advantage that decides this quarterfinal?
-------------------
Down in the merchant grounds, the rogue is all smiles. Well, glittery smiles anyways. "A gentleman thief reveals nothing, not for nothing anways!" He doesn't quite name terms, but its clear that he's waiting for an offer.
Then Tahni does a million torturous things to the man, and Rill threatens him with death. "Gah! Who is the scoundrel here? At least we have a vow against killing! Its only the loot for us!" Tahni's spells other than Dominate Person are all effective. She pretty certain he just managed to resist that one outright.
He fusses a bit more. "Kill me scoundrels! I dare you!"
Detect Magic reavealed a number of auras: Haste, Mind Blank, Planar Adaptation, Overland Flight, Protection from Good, and Contingency.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+20=34 ; d20+20=35 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2020 10:06:50 PM "Why would we offer you anything? You have already stolen from us" Tahni keeps going with the spells. "I don't plan to kill you. In fact, I don't plan to harm you either, but you will cooperate with us. The only way I can be sure you're being honest with us is via magic"
She lets the others know the spells in place.
"Aex? Do you or Leafy have eyes on the merchant? We need him here too"
"Rill, could you have a Dispel Magic ready in case this guy tries anything?"
-------------- OOC: Tahni cast Gtr Dispel Magic last round. Can we say that one was on the Contingency spell? Also, since she detected the spells in place she wouldn't have proceeded with the Dominate spell until the Contingency, Prot from Good and Mind Blank were all down. - Dispel Magic on the Prot from Good: 34 - Dispel Magic on the Mind Blank: 35 - Dominate Person. Will Save DC23 or be under Tahni's control for the next 20 days. Her first order will be to cooperate and answer all questions wholly and truthfully. She doesn't plan on controlling him for 20 days though
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+35=49 ; d10+27=36 ; d10=6 ; d10=1 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2020 11:05:52 PM
rage hp 233/346
Terser briefly considers using his hammer so he can full attack, but with how hard it is to hit Bralin already, he can't take the chance.
Though it isn't the most exciting fight, he moves and strikes again. Just who will be whittled down first?
vital strike - ac 49 for 43 damage
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday October 22nd, 2020 2:13:31 AM
Jozhur is a little surprised by his friends rough approach at this thief, but he doesn't disagree with it. This is clearly some organized group, not some poor souls trying to scrape by.
"We won't kill you unless you try something stupid, but you are in no position to make demands. You are going to cooperate. Then we will put you UNDER the jail if we feel like. We can make sure you have no chance of escape."
"We can't trust anything he says, not without using magic to verify he is being truthful.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday October 22nd, 2020 8:00:17 AM
Fang is starting to lose interest. The complications are reaching a point as to decide the fight. She would have preferred something more straightforward but she supposes the weird set ups make it more exciting for the rich nobles.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=58 ; d20+33=51 Thursday October 22nd, 2020 11:24:26 AM
Rill to the others, "Let's keep a sharp eye out for a rescue attempt from his friends. I'll ready a Dispel Magic, but he really doesn't seem like a spell caster. Of course that Contingency spell and his begging to be killed give us some idea what his plan is.
We need to separate him from those boots for starters and his other things as well, but I cannot do that and be ready with a spell. Jozhur or perhaps Leafy could remove his magical gear. If he's looking for a deal, perhaps we offer to let him keep some of his things once we have them."
(Perception 58 to notice any enemies approaching or any spell casting. Sense Motive 51 on this guy and anything he tries to bluff us about.)
Rill will ready an action to cast Dispel Magic to interrupt any spell casting that is not our own. Rill has also been observing this fellow, so after a minute of such he plans to use his Probe Psyche ability on the man to find out more about him.
Then Rill smiles at the prone man. "Gentlemen thief. Interesting. We need to get some of our things back, and it seems that you could help us in this. You seek a reward, and seem to have little fear of death. That's good, because you should not fear death, for death is merely a transition and an opportunity for the soul. But imprisonment. Now that's a different matter. I could imprision your soul for an eternity. Or I could simply send you to the Shadow Lands now as a living being.
"So then, what is your life and your soul worth?"
------------------------------------------------------- Probe Psyche - After one minute of observation and/or conversation, a seeker can use this ability to gain insight on the creature. The target may make a Will Save against this ability, at a DC of 25 to resist the effect. If the target passes their save then their alignment is revealed. If the target fails their save the seeker knows their alignment and personality, and gains a +2 Insight bonus to attacks, armor class, and spell DC against the creature. Creatures almost universally view the use of probe psyche as unnerving at best, rude and insulting at worst. NPCs subjected to the power shift their attitude toward the soulseeker by 1d3 steps toward hostile.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday October 23rd, 2020 3:08:52 AM "So. Have any interesting tales of battles long past?" She asks Xid.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday October 23rd, 2020 11:10:52 AM
On second thought, Rill will forego the Probe Psyche thing. Seems a little counterproductive to getting him to comply.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 66/260) d20+29=41 ; d10+28=33 ; d6=1 ; Friday October 23rd, 2020 1:23:47 PM
Like Terser, Bralin has no choice but to continue this tack until the end.
He grunts as the glaive strikes, and again goes for a Spring Attack.
-- Using Spring Attack feat to move without drawing an AoO. Passing north of Terser. Power Atk hits AC 41 for 34 hp damage (1 cold)
+4Atk/Dam
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=44 ; Friday October 23rd, 2020 6:33:02 PM
Jozhur almost has to cover a chuckle as Rill threatens the guy with some pretty deep stuff. He turns.
He gladly strips the man of anything valuable and removes any excess clothing before carefully searching him for any hidden items. He also ties the man up with his silk rope (unless someone has something stronger).
------------------------- Perception: 44 DC to escape from rope is 36
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Friday October 23rd, 2020 10:56:37 PM
It's getting down to the wire in the arena. Both Bralin and Terser are aware, somehow, that almost every is just watching silently in anticipation. Not even Kozy is talking. Fang hears the bars on the seating area creak under Xid's strength as he watches, white knuckled.
--------
In the marketplace, Tahni finds that even with his protections stripped, the thief has still managed to resist her domination spell. He watches with dismay as he is reduced to his loincloth. "I'll have you know, two wrongs don't make a right here. You can't just steal my things you know. In fact, I personally have stolen nothing from you at all!"
He nods his head at Rill. "I accidentally slipped into that fellow, and even offered his cap back!"
Then Rill makes some really scary threats. "Hey now! Eternity in the shadow realm? Aren't you supposed to challenge me to a shadow game first? Steal my blue-eyes white dragon perhaps?" Still, he seems a bit razzled. "You can't do those things! The punishment doesn't fit the crime! Toss me in the jail cell, you despot!" He rolls his eyes. "I'm certain I'll be there for a long time and become very contrite and think long and hard on my crimes."
He looks at Akim, who is now out of the tent. An idea seems to occur to him.
"Or perhaps a deal could be reached, someone could compensate you for your losses, and I could be let go? That would be interesting right? I mean, other than the harmless whomping with the sap, we didn't actually endanger anyone here right? The spells we picked were all non-lethal in every regard. None of you have lost a single pin-prick of blood, right?"
Those sensing motives are pretty certain that there's omitted truths and more to the situation, but he seems to be earnest about being let go and the fact that none of their plans involved unnecessary violence.
"Hey!", Akim yells, suddenly realizing that the thief seems to be trying to walk away scott free. "They ransacked my tent! They took hundreds of thousands of gold worth of gear! You can't let him go!"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Saturday October 24th, 2020 1:10:39 AM "Don't worry. We're not letting him go" Tahni doesn't take her eye off their captive as she speaks to Akim. "Why don't you tell me what that item was that you activated right before this mess started though? I hope you aren't in league with this gentleman. Their timing was rather coincidental, don't you agree?"
Tahni decides now is the time to pull the gloves off. "Compensating us for our losses would certainly be a start, however, what's to stop you and your friends from doing this again to others? The best outcome for you all is to be handed over to the authorities. The only way that is going to happen is if you co-operate with us, and right now, you don't seem to be doing so"
She starts casting a Geas spell.
"The Dimensional Anchor spell will last for quite a while. He won't be teleporting away any time soon. I can understand why he had most of those spells prepared, but why the Planar Adaptation spell? It may have to do with the Contingency spell I suppose"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=29 ; Sunday October 25th, 2020 12:19:32 PM
Aex and Leafy try to keep an eye on things but none the less they are worried more invisible thieves are around... still angered they stole her cape she goes over a list of things she might do to the thief who took it. That is if she can ever catch him. Leafy rustles with his leaves checking his Tears are still in place.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+12=29 ; d20+35=42 ; 3d10+27=52 ; Sunday October 25th, 2020 4:12:03 PM
hp 204/346
Not all battle is glorious and exciting. Terser just happened to make it up top sooner and won't let it go.
vital strike - AC 42 for 52 damage
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday October 26th, 2020 1:33:45 PM
Jozhur shakes his head. "We can't trust you. Everything needs made right before we will consider releasing you. You will need to start talking. Otherwise you will be stuck and we will hunt your cohorts."
Terser and Bralin continue their battle. Fang prefers a bit less pomp and scenario. Xid disagrees. "I suppose my definition of a warrior is more than who can stand up to getting stabbed the longest. Strategy and tactics play a part, somewhere in there. It's possible they've done too much here, but its also for the crowd, as much as it is a test for the fighters." A dour expression clouds his features. "I should have been a bit less cautious. Terser is just swinging for the fences." He nudges Fang. "Have you any thoughts about your semi-final scenario?"
---------------------------
Back in the merchant grounds, Tahni begins casting a gaes spell. The thief appears to be concerned. "Stop threatening to kill or torture me ma'am! You've caught me. So turn me over to authorities already." He starts screaming at this point. "Help! Help! I'm being oppressed! I demand legal authority take custody of my person!" He winks at Jozhur. "This witch is cursing me, an unarmed and restrained man, stripped naked for debase amusement! I demand aid and shelter from this magical torture! Some heroes! The Dragon Consortium should be ashamed at this basic lack of human rights for a captive!" Apparently, this man hasn't heard the story of the dwarves of the Scab, who once cut a mans foot off to prevent escape.
A few other onlookers start poking their heads out of tents. A few folks run off to grab some of the monks stationed at the entrance to the arena. Tahni has no way of knowing whether they will beat her ten minute casting timer or not. "Lock him up and gag that fool!", shouts Akim. He didn't answer Tahni's question, and instead seems pretty preoccupied with seeing the thief tossed in the slam. "I've got to start counting my losses!" he whines. He starts making notes on his display shelves where items are missing.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Monday October 26th, 2020 5:42:37 PM
Bralin feels the glaive again, and gives a groan. He's bleeding a lot, and obviously struggling to remain upright.
He was hoping his armor would ward off a few more blows, and for his own attacks to be more forceful. But, t'was not to be.
The dwarf takes a step back, stows his axe, and raises his open hand.
"I yield," he states, plainly.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday October 26th, 2020 6:03:08 PM
Aex raises an eyebrow as things unfold... right now she doesn't know what to do. Leafy too stands with a stare into oblivion.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday October 26th, 2020 7:29:35 PM
Tahni continues with her spell. The Dragons are dealing with a thief and a threat to the welfare of others. That is enough reason in her mind to warrant his cooperation in apprehending his partners in crime.
Seeing a member of the Dragon Consortium conducting a non-lethal interrogation shouldn't cause too much alarm she believes. The monks were happy to look the other way when undead things were summoned and attacked the party after all.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday October 26th, 2020 9:11:17 PM "What say you Tahni, Aex, Jozhur - do we turn this man over to the authorities? His skills likely put him well beyond the locals to handle and he will likely soon escape. Unless he is able to tell us where our things went, I intend to simply send him to Maab's realm to deal with the dreams and horrors there. It seems a little less harsh than the Shadow Lands, and fitting punishment for one that preys on others. Plus it kinda gives him a fighting chance. Kinda."
Then he turns to the bound man, "Honestly, if you have no useful information for us then we have little use for you. They say there is no honor among thieves. If you think you fear them more than the land of the Fey, so be it."
Rill will wait for Tahni to cast her Geas on the man. If there is a problem, he will not hesitate the send the man to Maab's realm.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday October 26th, 2020 9:34:35 PM "The others he was with all teleported away and he tried to do the same. He will escape any prison he is placed in, hence his eagerness to go to one. They could easily teleport in, grab him, and teleport out. The outcome I am hoping for involves him helping us apprehend his associates and then having them all locked up"
"As for sending him to another plane, well, I did leave his Planar Adaption spell intact"
Tahni then adds over the link "Though he won't be going anywhere until I remove the Dimensional Anchor spell on him."
Sending him to another plane does feel quite harsh considering the crime though. Perhaps it's a bluff?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday October 26th, 2020 11:41:48 PM
Terser immediately drops his rage and jumps down to Bralin's side. He offers his arm to clasp and pat him on the back for a match well fought.
Honestly, if not for the reach and strength from the top tier, I never would have gotten through your armor.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday October 27th, 2020 8:33:31 AM
Fang scowls. "Someone knows way to much with no obvious ways to have learned it. The witnesses to the events they're referencing are all long dead except for me, and Claw if she is the real thing and not some imposter. Whoever it is, they've been toying with all of us since we got here and I don't like it."
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Tuesday October 27th, 2020 7:47:51 PM
The silent crowd is a bit stunned by the sudden and anti-climactic end to battle. "Uh, that's it folks! No knockouts here! Just the respect of one warrior for another! Lets give these dragons a hand!" There's a ton of cheering for both Terser and Bralin, though the oddsmakers seems to have dour faces. This was something of an upset.
Fang is aware of Hanna sitting next to her. "You've got about an hour while they reset the arena. Need anything?
----------------------------------
The interrogators raise a good point. Can he just be rescued? He doesn't seem to be magically inclined, all of his spells were probably the product of magical items or assistance, all of which has been stripped from him at this point.
A few minutes pass in this standstill, of the thief demanding to be turned over to authorities, and the Dragons debating what to do. A pair of monks eventually make themselves known as they move through the crowd. They don't seem to be focused on you yet, and its hard to tell what call they will make. The Dragon Consortium is a respected authority throughout the land, but the rules here have been very hard to pin down. There's also Akim, who has a final tally of 300,000 gold worth of items stolen or missing.
What do you do?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday October 27th, 2020 9:01:42 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at theif's pathetic display. "I have no objections to making you talk. I'm sure these merchants here don't mind either."
"He will escape, or be busted out, unless special precautions are taken. But, as much as it pains me to say this, we should probably hand him over to local authorities. We can help with any investigation, but we have other things to worry about."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday October 27th, 2020 9:09:27 PM "I agree. Once he has helped us he should be handed over to the authorities. Once he has helped us."
Tahni keeps up with her casting. Whatever the rules of the island, the party were attacked. As members of the Dragon Consortium she is confident that they are well within their rights to question their attacker. She also feels that the Abbott would agree with her on this point.
Should any of the monks try and interfere the party can quite honestly tell them that they have been investigating something that the Abbott is aware of and leave it at that. If the monks have any trouble with that they can take it up with the Abbott themselves.
"Someone keep an eye on Akim. He did something right before the fight started. It's possible he led us into this trap"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday October 28th, 2020 6:50:21 AM
Fang shakes her head. I'm ready, lets get this started."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday October 28th, 2020 12:02:09 PM
It seems we are only a few rounds into the 10 minutes it will take Tahni to cast her spell. Rill will warn the monks off with a stern gaze. He will also sense to see if either are constructs or extra-planar being - or anyone else nearby for that matter.
"Very well Tahni, I will hold off sending this man to the Realm of the Fey. For now. You know, another option would be to dispatch the man, and then summon his soul an items of service. You know, infusing his soul into an orphanage, or perhaps a an item used to serve others. That would make him immortal in a way and allow him to understand the benefit of serving others. And yes, I can do that."
He turns his gaze to Akim, "Akim. You asked for out help. Stop what you are doing and come here now.
"Tahni asked what that item was that you activated right before this mess started? Please explain, and I strongly advise you to be truthful and forthright in your answer."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday October 28th, 2020 4:54:08 PM
(sorry folks - struggling again - short posts)
Aex reckons its best not to meddle in these affairs. After all she's never been a good negotiator.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Wednesday October 28th, 2020 5:48:04 PM
Bralin exchanges a hand shake with Terser.
"I would have preferred level ground," he says, agreeing with his comrade's assessment. "Wardd is fickle, it seems".
After getting cleaned up, he makes for the stands to see Fang's match.
A thought occurs. The rest of the Dragons are not yet in the arena. "How goes the merchant guarding?" he inquires.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday October 28th, 2020 7:07:07 PM "Oh, hey Bralin, Terser and Fang. Rill here. Who won?"
"As for the merchant, we showed up and were soon set upon by thieves. There are very powerful individuals as they were able to teleport in, throw a few spells, and then steal a number of our items - some were rather expensive. We caught one thief, but he's not being very helpful yet. We're trying to change his perspective. We may need to chase down his friends to get our things back. We'll keep you posted.
"Also, this merchant seems a little sketchy."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday October 28th, 2020 9:29:12 PM The arena favoured me today. I wonder if Heather has some hints about the setup for Fang.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday October 29th, 2020 8:53:05 PM
Tahni keeps up with her casting, intent on completing the spell.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday October 29th, 2020 11:10:26 PM "That is some mighty fine casting there Tahni. Yessir. Mighty fine."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday October 30th, 2020 1:09:49 AM
Jozhur watches on as Tahni casts her spell, ready to do his best bad cop-bad cop routine.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday October 30th, 2020 1:06:32 PM
Terser begins to wonder what he missed during the fight. He could swear that there's supposed to be a good cop somewhere in that scenario.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday November 1st, 2020 1:33:07 PM
(please forgive my lousy posting in the past few weeks - I'll try to do better)
Aex again was daydreaming while the others were dealing with the merchant. She looks at Leafy hoping he at least has been paying attention... but the shrubbery has goofy eyes starting at nice looking redbud tree instead...
"Sigh... c'mon Leafy... let's get our act together... "
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 1st, 2020 10:53:33 PM
Tahni keeps casting, confident that the man will succumb.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 2nd, 2020 12:46:48 AM
Rill keeps watching Tahni's casting, confident in her confidence.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday November 2nd, 2020 6:18:02 AM
Fang remembers to take off her boots of haste before going in. Activating them would disqualify her and it's so automatic an action she doesn't want to take the risk. She gives them to one of the pair who just finished their match to hold on to.
DM Carl d20+25=29 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 4:04:42 PM
Our heroes seem to have no intention of letting this rogue out of their sight until they have some actionable information. The monks, less detectives and more bouncers for the Invitational, are very content to let them continue. "Your authority is recognized here, Dragons," one states with a slight bow. The monks stay alert, however. As Tahni continues her spell, a few more arrive but remain outside the merchant's tent. Rill's construct sense is not alerted by any of them.
The rogue, realizing his ploy to be killed, as well as his ploy to be arrested have both failed, blanches. That Tahni seems to be casting a very complex spell that he does not recognize also weighs on him. For the moment, he chooses to remain silent, going so far as to avoid eye contact with anyone in the tent. His eyes are active, though. Anyone who watches him seems his mind race for a solution.
At Rill's suggestion, Leafy steps forward to remove the thief's boots. The rogue instinctively struggles for just a moment before realizing the futility. Words spring forth from his lips, only to be swallowed down at the last minute. Keen eyes notice him click his heels fruitlessly a couple more times before they are removed.
Rill hasn't forgotten Akim, and asks his question a little more forcefully. "I'm quite sure I don't know what your friend was talking about, Master Rill." He pauses thoughtfully a moment before patting himself down. He fishes a coin purse from his pants, its cord still tightly knotted to a heroically struggling belt. "I placed this out of their grasp at the first sign something was amiss. Perhaps that's what she saw? It's something I do on instinct after years of life as a merchant. I hardly noticed I'd done it until you mentioned!"
Rill knows two things instantly.
1: This is a lie 2: Akim is a skilled liar. He's potentially a very skilled liar. Were he not a bit shaken, Rill may not have seen through him.
Anyone who can make a DC29 sense motive roll knows the same.
OOC: Your sense motive autopasses a poor bluff roll by Akim.
Akim seems to think the matter settled, and goes back to his inventory.
***
Back at the arena, Bralin and Terser are lead out into a shared infirmary. After their last fights, both were led to separate facilities, but since the two are on the same team that was not considered necessary. A cheery-faced priest of Wardd waits for the two of them, dressed in a smart suit. A silver chain is clipped on his vest and runs into a small pocket. He does not look like a medical professional. "Two Dragons in my own personal corner of the Invitational? What luck!" He puts down a sandwich he was half way through eating and wipes his mouth. "Now then! Would you two like me to heal your wounds? I never cast Wardd's magic on them who don't ask for it. Personal rule of mine that served me well, yes it has. Made adventuring a challenge though! Turns out most monsters and bad guys don't consent to allowing my god's holy fire to smite them." He pulls a small silver holy symbol of Wardd from his vest pocket, then pauses and waits for the two to consent or refuse his healing.
***
Somewhere, Claw gets herself ready to fight. She intends to be the one left standing this time.
***
Fang removes the boots of haste. Their use would have indeed disqualified her. She spends her hour of preparation however she sees fit, but eventually that hour runs out and her match begins. Heather knocks lightly 5 minutes before it's time to head upstairs.
"It's time, Fang," she says. "Odds are pretty even on you two. Both of you typically augment your fighting with magic. No one's quite sure whose martial prowess is stronger without that magic. On top of that, there's the clockwork constructs. They're not ordinary golems, Fang. They're quite powerful." She produces what looks like a thick bracelet from the dimensional pocket she always seems to have. "This armband allows you to control them. I think you'll find you're able to do so without affecting your own fighting. It's very intuitive." She offers it to Fang. "I know for a fact that Claw will be using hers. You're free to forgo this, but I don't see any way for you to win without them if she's coming at you with all of hers."
The armband given or not, Heather walks to the wall by the door. She brings up a small screen like Fang has seen her done before. In it, she sees the arena. It is mostly empty, but five clockwork figures stand motionless on each side. Five of them are golden, the other silver. If Fang is wearing the armband, she instinctively knows the silver are hers. Each wields a wicked looking greatsword. Flames erupt from the lengths of all ten blades. "The fire won't hurt them. That's just for you and Claw. They are only able to attack the constructs on the opposite team until all five are down. After that, you and Claw are free to turn them on each other. You're free to forgo their use and attack Claw directly. You don't have to wait until the constructs are destroyed." Time is almost up. "If you have any questions, it's time to ask. Kozy's about to do his thing."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 2nd, 2020 5:14:59 PM
(We've been here for a bit and will be here until Tahni is done with the 10 minutes it takes to cast her spell. I assume we've been here and observing/conversing with Akim and the others here for more than one minute.)
Rill is sure that the others have the thief subdued, and the cleric now focuses his full attention on Akim. Rill draws himself up to his full height in his white robes as he takes a step toward the fat merchant. "Akim. You ... are lying to us, which I would not advise you do twice. Why are you lying though? What is it you did at the start of all this? What are you hiding?"
Rill's eyes turn completely white as he uses his Probe Psyche ability on the man, attempting to fully understand Akim's personality. Rill knows his action will not be well received, but it's probably about what the man would expect being caught in a lie after asking for our help.
Probe Psyche - After one minute of observation and/or conversation, a seeker can use this ability to gain insight on the creature. The target may make a Will Save against this ability, at a DC of 25 to resist the effect. If the target passes their save then their alignment is revealed. If the target fails their save the seeker knows their alignment and personality, and gains a +2 Insight bonus to attacks, armor class, and spell DC against the creature. Creatures almost universally view the use of probe psyche as unnerving at best, rude and insulting at worst. NPCs subjected to the power shift their attitude toward the soulseeker by 1d3 steps toward hostile.
Aex is unable to discern if lies are told or not. But if she can choose to trust the thief or her friends... well that's not even a choice. While the others do the talking Aex keeps an eye on any other bystanders that may be more or less interested to what transpires. (perception 39)
Leafy holds the boots... luckily they don't smell too much.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Monday November 2nd, 2020 6:33:08 PM
Bralin exchanges a look with Terser.
"Why would your friends be reluctant to accept Wardd's magic?" he inquires.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+12=26 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 6:47:27 PM "Thankyou for your assistance" she says to the guards that have arrived "I assure you that no harm will come to this man by my hand. I only seek his cooperation before he is handed over to you. In the mean time, would you mind keeping onlookers away from this tent?"
Tahni can't tell if Akim is being honest or not, but she's pretty sure she didn't see a coin purse. "He definitely used some sort of magical device. I can't be sure if it was that coin purse or not" She relays to the others.
She then turns her attention back to their captive. "I meant what I said."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 2nd, 2020 10:01:55 PM I would assume some sort of pre-arrangement with your allies to allow for protective and curative magics?
He lets Bralin decide for himself, since Terser's ring is already doing its work on him, slowly but surely. Is this common among Wardd's congregation? You know more than I ever will about that, Bralin. But I'll be fine - save your power for someone who may need it if there's another emergency later today.
Is this the same way healing was handled post fights before?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=29 ; d20+29=40 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 11:22:19 PM
With the thief apparently under control, Jozhur also shifts his attention to Akim. He also picks up his n Akim's lie.
Jozhur starts walking around Akim's tent, searching for a discarded potion vial orany a there clues.
Sense motive: 29 Perception: 40
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+5=17 ; Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:26:38 AM
Fang spends the hour meditating on the situation and all the strange circumstances they've found themselves in. She is as ready for the trial to come against her sister (Initiative 17 - rolling now so if Claw beats me she can go ahead and act next post, if you want)
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+9=18 ; d20+4=10 ; Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 3:24:43 PM
This is a long post. If you're short on time, there's no reason you have to read the bits that don't concern you. I've split them up for you all.
***
Underneath the arena, Terser and Bralin ask an obvious question: why would a cleric's adventuring companions be reluctant for his or her magics? Healing was usually very welcome after a battle. Terser wonders if this is common among Wardd's congregation, and as far as either of them know it is not.
The man in the suit looks confused at the two before understanding lights his eyes. He removes the watch from his vest pocket and places it next to his sandwich. His movements are not slow, but deliberate and open. "I have forgotten myself, Dragons, and I cry your pardon." He removes the vest and places it on the table as well, neatly folded. He turns to reveal a tight fitting and perfectly tailored button shirt and pin-striped pants. Both are tight enough on his frame to show any hidden belongings, of which he has none. "My companions did indeed have an arrangement with me allowing my protections and healing as I saw fit to provide. My personal..." He searches for the right word, hand twirling before continuing, "ethos extends to those we fought against as well, and they were never willing to let me cast my god's more offensive magics on them, though I did ask several times." He shrugs in mock resignation. "Still, I put my trust in Wardd and lept into one adventure after another. They never seemed to run out." The man's eyes sparkle as he recalls this, but just for a moment.
"You and yours have seen an ugly side of this contest, and in my haste to meet you two I've set you on edge. My name is Henry. Henry Tinkwicket. You've met my exuberant younger brother Kozy, I know." Now that he's said it, there is a strong resemblance between this man and Kozy. Their eyes are the same, though his hair is a darker brown and graying at the temples. "He got the lion's share of our love of the theatric, but not all of it. At any rate, I hope I've set you at ease enough to accept my aid. You two did manage to do a number on each other." The man's smile is genuine and seems to radiate warmth. Should either Bralin or Terser decide they like this fellow and wish him well, their hearts immediately lighten as if things are going to be just a bit better with him around. He picks up his watch, obviously his holy symbol. "Now, shall I begin?"
***
Things are remarkably less warm at the market, where Rill's accusation slams into the already tense scene like a thunder crash. The Soulseeker has had plenty of time to probe Akim's psyche. His eyes turn white and burn their way through Akim's defenses, laying bare his soul. Rill sees a man with few scruples, and what little he has are overshadowed by his greed. He is not an evil man; he wouldn't plan on spilling blood in the pursuit of profit, but if some were spilled regardless he likely wouldn't lose sleep. Perhaps if someone died in that pursuit, he would feel some genuine remorse. OOC: Alignment is true neutral.
Akim no doubt feels Rill's invasion and shrinks back. Fear flashes, but only for a moment. Rill can see his facial muscles relax into a practiced look of consternation. "Begging your pardon, Master Rill." This word is said with a bare hint of sarcasm. "But I approached you looking for assistance from the land's greatest protectors. Yet here we are. Not only have all the thieves but one slipped through your grasp with my merchandise, but they've taken some of yours as well by the looks of it." He smoothes his shirt and tucks his purse back inside the wasitband of his pants, eyes on Rill. The meaning is clear enough: looks like my coin isn't as safe as I'd thought with you around. "Topping it all off, I'm called a liar in my own establishment. Your position may grant you some authority, but perhaps this scoundrel has it right." He motions to the restrained thief. "Being a Dragon does not afford you the right to act on baseless allegations without evidence. If you're not going to help, I'd ask you take that thief from my store and leave." He turns to the monk who spoke earlier. "This space is mine, friend Monk, and I reserve the right to refuse service to any I wish. I must ask you to escort the Dragons outside."
The monk looks at the Dragons. He says nothing right away, but his face squinches and he shrugs his shoulder just a bit. The meaning is clear: he's not wrong, and this is his space. He doesn't act immediately, purposely giving the Dragons a few seconds should they need them.
This all seems to embolden the thief Tahni is still holding. "You heard the man. Scat, all of you! You still have to follow the same rules the rest of us do!" Tahni looks at him, simply stating "I meant what I said."
He smiles a stupid, cocky smile. "Which part, sweetcheeks? You said a whole lot. The part where I won't be injured by your hand? Pretty sure whatever fancy spell you're casting over there's gonna end up putting me in a whole world of hurt." His voice gets considerably louder for the people outside. "NOT LIKE YOUR WORD MEANS A LOT, I SUPPOSE. YOU GET TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WHEN YOU'RE A DRAGON." There is a small crowd gathering out there, but the monks have that under control. Most people are at the tournament anyway.
Jozhur and Aexana keep their eyes peeled. Aexana is the first to notice the gathering crowd, but no one strikes her as important. People are going to looky-loo. That's just their nature. The Dragons are crowd favorites here, but the thief's loudness has allowed him to imprint the first impression on those gathering. There are murmurs...
Jozhur keeps his eyes peeled inside the tent. He moves from one table to the next. Each is laden with expensive looking wares and covered with a thick red tablecloth. Jozhur peers under a few, finding just bare floor. He is moving on from one table to the next when his ears, just barely, pick up a slight *ping ping* sound. He knows that sound: the sound of metal hitting individual links of his fancy chainmail. Backing up, he finds where the folds of the tablecloth masked the tip of a blade barely sticking through the tablecloth. The tip is so fine it barely pierced the cloth, not enough to make is visible but enough to chink off Jozhur's armor when the tablecloth was brushed back.
Lifting the cloth reveals a hidden compartment under the table. It's just a couple inches deep, so that it wouldn't be seen simply by looking under the tablecloth, nor noticed if anyone looked up to see if anything was strapped to the table's bottom. Inside he finds a few valuable looking items, including the blade he felt. It is a jet-black blade that seems to soak in the light. He heard Akim admit to the monks earlier that the thieves had stolen something called a Gloom Blade. Jozhur can't imagine that's not exactly what this odd sword is. Akim is intent on staring down Rill and has not noticed you. If anything, he's studiously avoiding looking at this spot.
***
Fang is ready. "Knock her d..." Heather starts, but quickly stops. "Erm, good luck, Fang. I'll be rooting for you." Whether or not that is appreciated is up to Fang. Her and Claw enter the arena at the same time from opposite sides of the arena. Claw catches her eye, but her face reveals nothing. It's just a mask of calm.
Kozy's voice screams to life as the crowd cheers the beginning of the next match. "Laaaadiiies and Gentlemen! What serendipitous fate! What strange circumstance has lead us here? Two rat girl face off in your semi-final. The winner moves on to face the mighty Terser for the prize, but first these two must fight FANG AND CLAW." The audience groans at the pun. "Come on folks, you knew that was coming! Ok contestants, you've been given the rules. You each control your own constructs. They can only attack your opponent once your opponent's constructs are all defeated, but you two are free to attack each other with impunity." He chuckles. "I would not underestimate my creations if I were you, my dear. NOW FIGHT!"
With that, the fight starts. Heather was correct: Fang's armband allows her to control the constructs with barely a thought. It won't hinder her own fighting at all.
***
Fang won initiative. The 5 silver constructs are yours to move and roll for, Mitch. The constructs are all modified Clockwork Angels with the following modifications:
They only have 100 HP They have no DR, but are immune to the fire from their weapons They cannot fly Ignore everything listed under SQ They don't look particularly angelic, in fact they look like featureless humanoids. They are obviously constructs, though.
I left their weapons as flaming and keen for sake of ease. Please track your own constructs' HP on your posts. Map is in the post header.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:03:57 PM
Terser is excited to see Fang's match, and hoping to get some insight into how constructs fight for the upcoming melee. Still, his impressions over the rings are a bit worrisome. you guys need any help over there?]
In the room
Nice to meetcha, Henry. And thanks for the offer, but like I said, my ring will top me right off soon enough. And there have been enough emergencies even in the short time we've been here that someone worse off may need your power more than I.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:13:48 PM
Bralin nods in understanding. "You always ask the recipient of a spell permission to cast it. Interesting."
"Very well. I give you permission to cast healing spells on me."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:32:40 PM
Aex shifts her weight from one foot to the other while she looks at the crowd. She's feeling somewhat uncomfortable with Akim being so noisy and drawing too much unnecessary attention.
"Can't we discuss this somewhere else in private?! We're getting too much attention...", She speaks through the rings.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:13:25 PM "We're not going anywhere until the spell is finished" Tahni replies in response to Akim. "If we must take him somewhere else it will be to a Magnificent Mansion where we will have all the time in the Wold to get answers to our questions. It will be a place free from distraction, scrying and escape"
"This is the scene of an attack on members of the Dragon Consortium. We won't be leaving until we have some answers. He has the right to refuse service to us, but not to compel us to leave the scene of a crime"
"The spell is almost finished, Aex. If it bothers you though we can take him into a Mansion away from the view of others and start again"
---------- OOC: Just checking... how much time has passed now? Looks like over an hour for Fang and it was indicated that it took minutes for the monks to arrive on scene.
*Edit: Highlight to display spoiler: {Can Tahni take 5ft steps while casting? Looks like each round is considered a full-round action, it which case a 5ft might be ok}
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:58:29 PM
Rill will flash a warning look to any that would interrupt Tahni's casting of her Geas spell, including the monks.
He responds to Akim, "Relax there Sparky. You brought us here and we will leave soon enough. But not until my friend is finished with her spell. Be sure to provide us with what you lost and we're return it if we can."
(Not sure if the DM wants to play out the whole 10 minute casting time, or have us move somewhere else to do this. Stopping now will probably lose the spell. We're flexible - just let us know what you want to do. But I'd rather not have to post for the next few weeks to run through the whole casting time.)
:)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 9:27:05 PM
Fang just grins at Heather's misstep, taking no offense. In the field she is tempted to just rush Claw with all of the constructs, but the reminder that the constructs can only attack the leaders if one side overwhelms the other stops that plan immediately. The best tactical option then is to focus down the constructs so that she can secure a number's advantage for the ending.
For now she just moves the constructs into a defensive formation in front of her, ceding initiative in exchange for a better formation.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 4th, 2020 10:17:31 AM
Jozhur relays through the rings exactly what he has found. Some hidden away items, at least one of which Akim has probably said to have been stolen. We will be searching his shop, perhaps a monk should be a part of it.
He steps away from the spot and waits.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map Wednesday November 4th, 2020 3:03:11 PM
OOC: Fang's fight started an hour after yours. You'll be done with Henry in plenty of time to catch the start of her match unless you decide to take him to dinner or something.
Terser's ring has already begun stitching his wounds, and the rest would be completed shortly. Henry seems to watch a moment in silence as a small nick on Terser's face scabs over and closes. The scab falls away, revealing new skin that quickly fades and matches the rest of the dwarf's complexion. "Fair enough. That must have cost you a fair sum, and best to get what you paid for from it." He gives a warm smile before turning to Bralin, who accepts his offer of healing and comments on his ethos.
Henry smiles. "As much as possible, I prefer events happen around me rather than on my initiative. Seeing what comes and working with luck's tides has been my life's work." There's an impression that there's more to it than that, but this is where Henry's explanation ends. While he speaks he opens his watch. A bright green light shines from within, which Henry pulls into his hand with a quick motion. Bralin has had enough Heal spells cast on him to know what they feel like. Most of Bralin's wounds heal, but he has taken a serious beating (ooc: 180 HP healed). Henry's eyes raise. "First time I've seen that spell not fully heal a man, Bralin. Allow me another." He repeats the spell (evidently his ethos allows multiple castings of an approved spell), bringing Bralin to full health. This brings a smile to Henry's face. "May have had to retire if two of those had still left you injured. I would have feared I'd lost my touch." Bralin, as a cleric, knows Henry has not. That was strong, even for a spell as powerful as Heal.
"Anyhow, I'd glad to have met you two. I expect you two have a full plate, but I hope you'll not begrudge me a polite greeting should we meet again." He offers a handshake and accepts Terser and Bralin's farewells before leading them out. The noise of the crowd indicates the exit to the stands is to the right, where they are free to watch their friend in her own contest. As soon as they leave Henry's presence, they can feel it. It's almost as if they feel the need to be a touch more careful than they were a moment ago.
***
OOC: I won't make you roleplay out 10 full minutes, no. I also won't advance the time quickly while everyone is still taking actions moment by moment. It seems like Akim and the thief are fine in letting you continue in silence should you want to skip ahead. Up to you all.
Aexana is getting nervous, wondering if they can do this elsewhere. Her friends seem to be set and staying right here, though.
Tahni claims authoritatively that they are not going anywhere until her spell is finished. Since they're a sanctioned Dragon Consortium group who was attacked, she claims to have the right to remain at the scene during the investigation. That seems to satisfy the monk who turns back to Akim. "You heard the Dragon, Akim. Now kindly keep clear while they do their work."
Akim was already starting to scowl when Rill calls him Sparky. It does not improve his mood at first, but he again composes himself. "Very well Master Rill. I'll provide a list of what I've confirmed is missing. Of course, a full inventory will take some time. I hope you'll allow me to append the list if I find anything else missing." Akim's list is as follows:
1 Gloom Blade 1 Ring of Protection +3 1 Ring of Sustenance 4 assorted ioun stones
...and something called a "vorpal blade," but who knows what that is.
Jozhur relays his findings, thinking a monk should be part of any search. Now that Jozhur has found Akim's hiding place (or places, perhaps), searching at least those hidey holes won't take long. Does he intend to use any subterfuge, or has the time for such things past?
***
Fang begins by moving her constructs into a defensive front. Claw holds a moment, watching Fang. When she sees her opponent move her constructs rather than move to attack herself, an eyebrow raises on her face. It lingers just a moment before Claw gets her game face on and moves her pieces on the board as well.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Wednesday November 4th, 2020 5:33:52 PM
Bralin nods his thanks to Henry, and takes the offered hand.
"You do your patron proud, I am sure," he compliments the man.
Heading out, the dwarf turns right in order to get to the stands and cheer on Fang.
He does watch his step a bit more than usual.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 4th, 2020 6:09:56 PM
Aex nods at Tahni. It makes sense to finish casting of spells. None the less she'll be happy to get away from here as soon as they are done.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 4th, 2020 8:13:26 PM
Terser bids Henry a polite farewell. I'd be happy to treat you to a drink or two if we see you out around the festival.
He feels the change in the atmosphere and is glad he didn't have that luck drop before his fight. He'll make sure to avoid Henry just before the final as well, just in case.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 4th, 2020 10:49:08 PM
Jozhur has seen enough to warrant checking the entire shop. He catches a monk's attention, preferably the one Akim spoke to about his "missing" items. I'm starting the think Akim and these thieves are working together."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 5th, 2020 1:38:28 AM "Might be wise not to touch anything known as the 'gloom blade' until it has been checked over" Tahni relays over the link "Want to bet Akim added extra things to that list? Might be best not to accuse him of anything right away though. He seems to be calming down"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+30=39 ; d20+30=34 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=39 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=14 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6=2 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 6:14:38 AM
Now properly in formation Fang sends her constructs charging the enemy, smashing into her sister's lines. She follows along behind, ready to exploit any openings her constructs cause (there's a construct half in 2 squares and maybe a 5 foot hole in Claw's line, is that intentional or a mistake?)
C1 hits C1 for 18 damage C2 hits C1 for 16 damage C3 hits C1 for 14 damage (total C1 damage is 48) C4 hits C4 for 20 damage C5 crits C4 for 34 damage (54 total damage to C4)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 5th, 2020 11:26:55 AM I certainly don't trust this Akim, and I halfway wonder if the items lost were stolen items to begin with.
While he waits for the Bloodwitch to cast her spell he takes Akim's list, takes out paper, quill and ink, and makes two copies of this list. Rill also adds the times that our party lost. He gives one copy to one of the monks. "We will do what we can to seek out these thieves to bring them to justice. Please pass this information along to your monks, and perhaps your Abbot as well. Ask them to let us or Heather know if they hear of such items. Even if someone is missing such an item that may be of interest, because who know how these thieves plan to seek a buyer?"
Rill has no other significant actions while Tahni finishes her spell on the thief.
He will periodically keep track of Fang, Bralin and Terser with the Status effect of the rings, noting where they are and injuries or conditions affecting them.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+25=35 ; d20+25=35 ; d3=3 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=13 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=15 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 3:23:52 PM Terser and Bralin say their farewells and leave for the stands. It should be noted neither feels particularly unlucky now that they've left, they just no longer feel the small boost from Henry's presence. All eyes are on the match about to begin, but several onlookers notice the two Dragons enter the stands. Both get plenty of waves, smiles, thumbs up, etc. The mood in the arena is excited, and the two Dragons receive a solid share of cheers and well wishes. The Sea Dragons' popularity was high to begin with, and has only seem to improve with most.
There's a question of where to watch. Bezos has made it known the private box he rented is open to all Dragons for the remainder of the Invitational. They'd be welcome anywhere in the stands, of course. Perhaps they have other ideas?
***
Aexana continues her vigil outside. Something interesting happens when Tahni's insistence that they're staying right here is overheard. As soon as news that the Dragons were attacked reaches the small gathering, the mood changes. Where once there were whispers of the Dragons maybe overstepping their authority or overreacting to a thief, there are now contented grunts and nodding heads. "What kind of dummy tries to steal from the Dragon Consortium? Serves'em right if ya ask me," one onlooker comments. Chuckles and smiles ripple outwards.
Tahni works on her magic, warning that touching a gloom blade may not be a good idea.
Rill makes a list and passes it on to a monk. The monk looks at it, then back up at Rill. "Ok," he answers, and gives no further response.
Jozhur calls over another monk. Speaking in a low voice (I assume), he fills the monk in on his hunch. The monk's face belies no surprise. "Yea," he whispers back. "I wouldn't put it past him." One assumes Jozhur would fill the monk in on the stash he discovered instead of making the poor guy tear the whole tent apart (and possibly miss the hiding place anyway).
The monk, evidently possessing some amount of subterfuge himself, walks away from Jozhur and waits a bit before poking around. "Well, I'm tired of standing around," he comments, then starts looking around. He picks things up, looks under them, that kind of thing. He looks under a tablecloth, sees nothing then puts it down. He stops, a confused look on his face, then throws the tablecloth back to reveal another hidden shelf. This one hides a plain iron ring that is far too ugly to be ornamental. The party has enough spellcraft to know it is a ring of sustenance. The monk walks down a row of tables, throwing tablecloths back. Not all the tables have hiding places, but those that do all have at least one item hidden there.
Akim does not respond well to this. "Sir monk! I must insist..." his voice trails off when his eyes spot two ioun stones. "I...I am sure I did not place these here." He goes to the rest of the tables and looks. "It's all here! How splendid!" He shakes the monk's hand between both of his. "Thank you, friend! My margins are not enough to absorb the cost of such a loss. You have saved me!"
Sense motive DC35, Highlight to display spoiler: {More lies. He likely knew these items were there the entire time.}
***
OOC: I moved the piece I neglected to get all the way inside the lines. If you made your action assuming it was in the lower square, let me know.
Fang's initative gave her the first attack, and each of her constructs strikes one or another. Two are beat halfway to destroyed. Claw sets hers to counterattack, bringing up her C4 and concentrating as much as she's able on Fang's C3. Without having to move to attack, Claw's constructs unleash several rapid attacks on Fang's.
Claw's C5 and C4 do a combined 94 points of damage to Fang's C3, then with a single strike her C1 slices through what serves as the thing's spine and it collapses. Claw's C1 rotates past Fang's C2 and lands two more blows on Fang's C1 for 37 damage. Claw's C2 lands its own 3 hits for another 37 damage, then her C3 chops the thing's head clean off in a spectacular blow (crit for a total of 51).
Claw herself moves to loop around her own line, but when Fang's C1 falls, she decides to fight more defensively. She remains behind her line in total defense.
Aex genuinely believes Akim speaks the truth. She picks up the comments from the crowd and wonders how many others have had things stolen here...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=30 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 5:08:46 PM
Bralin nods/waves/etc to the various well wishers.
He is not at all inclined to spend the match with Bezos and whoever else may be in the private box.
The dwarf finds a spot in the arena proper, but does keep an eye on those nearest him, just in case. [Perception 30]
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 6th, 2020 2:06:56 AM
Tahni leaves Akim to the others. She keeps her concentration on their captive.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+29=46 ; d10=3 ; d20+24=41 ; d10=2 ; d20+19=38 ; d10=4 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=38 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=15 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=28 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 6:41:14 AM
Fang isn't that surprised. She had hoped her alpha strike would take out some of the constructs to limit the response but no such luck. It's time for her to get her own hands dirty though. She stays out of rage for now to keep her head clear to direct the fight.
Fang 5 foot step full attack attack 1 46 to hit, 17 damage attack 2 41 to hit, 16 damage attack 3 38 to hit, 18 damage (51 total, kills C4)
C2 full attacks C1 Attack 1 33 to hit, 15 damage attack 2 30 to hit, 16 damage attack 3 38 to hit, 38 to confirm crit, 34 damage (65 total, dead) attack 4 missed and was unneeded.
C4 full attacks C5 and takes a 5 foot step Attack 1 34 to hit, 22 damage Attack 2 43 to hit, 34 to confirm, 37 damage (59 total) Attack 3 25 miss attack 4 21 miss
C5 takes a 5 foot step and full attacks C5 Attack 1, 29 miss Attack 2 31, 22 damage (81 total) attack 3 27 miss attack 4 28 miss
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=26 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 10:08:30 AM
Jozhur nods at Akim, an entirely plausible explanation. "Why did the thieves steal your stuff and hide it in your shop?"
Sense motive: 26
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 6th, 2020 5:59:46 PM
(Sense Motive 51 - Not sure what happened though, I rolled and it was there and then disappeared as did only part of the post I typed. The DM can roll again if he wants - Rill is +33)
Rill is concerned that his friends believe so implausible a lie! He is so concerned in fact that he will cast Circle of Protection From Evil to include Jozhur and perhaps the investigating monk. Aex is probably too high up to be in it. Jozhur, Aex - Akim is lying to us again. He seems to have known these items were there all along."
Rill gives Akim a smile, and speaks clearly so at least the nearby onlookers here can hear him. "Akim. We are men of action. Lies do not become us. You are a shrewd merchant, not some fool that forgets where he placed his most expensive things. And do not take us for fools that would believe accomplished thieves to would somehow hide your most expensive things and then steal from us. The real questions here remains why you drew us here in the first place? I plan to contact Gargul later to seek answers to this and other questions, so we may be back for a visit."
To the investigating monk he asks, "What is the local penalty for fraud? I'm not sure if you represent local law enforcement here or if it is the Chancers. But since the Chancers run a pretty tight ship when it comes to their gambling operation, they may have some pretty severe penalties for fraud. What are your names good monks in case we need witnesses to this?"
Other that calling out Akim for his lies Rill is content to wait for Tahni to finish her spell.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday November 6th, 2020 7:15:08 PM
This match certainly has a lot more action than his and Bralin's. That'll happen with 12 combatants on the field. It should be a good little preview of the grand melee. Maybe that was the intention.
Terser cheers for Fang as she takes down one of the enemy constructs.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map Friday November 6th, 2020 8:36:02 PM
OOC: We had a covid case confirmed at my work today and it threw my entire day into a tailspin. Ken's still recovering from the ice storm and isn't available to step in. Accordingly, this last post of the week will be very brief. Mitch, I apologize but do not have time to handle combat today. Please go ahead and post a short RP post if you would, and we'll pick up on Monday.
**
Bralin and Terser find a spot to watch. The folks the two sit around are excited to be sitting so close to one of the finalists, but respect the Dragons' time.
***
Akim's eyes narrow. "If you're so quick to throw accusations, it may be in my best interests to seek council before I speak again." It's the last thing he says before he turns to leave. The monks are perfectly willing to give their names.
Unless our heroes decide to take further actions, Tahni is able to complete her spell. What exactly are your instructions for this thief's geas?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 8th, 2020 1:47:11 AM
Satisfied with the casting, Tahni delivers a carefully worded Geas: "You will fully cooperate with us - including answering our questions honestly, volunteering relevant information and making no attempt to escape our custody - in our investigation and apprehension of those involved in the crimes perpetrated against us today until such time as all guilty parties are in our custody"
She then unleashes a barrage of questions.
"Now then... tell us what you know. Did someone hire you to rob us and if so, who? What are the names of your associates involved in the attack on us and the theft of our property? Do you or they have allegiances to any factions or any teams competing in the tournament? Where are your associates currently hiding? Why did you have a Planar Adaptation spell in effect? What was the intent of the Contingency spell?"
Tahni gestures to the others to invite them to ask questions of their own.
-------------- OOC: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry to hear about the case, Carl. Hope you and your family are safe}
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday November 9th, 2020 7:14:03 AM
Fang eyes the fight calculatingly, trying to determine the best course of action.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday November 9th, 2020 2:12:48 PM Are we keen on just letting Akim leave? If he was lying about knowing the items were still in his shop, he probably had something to do with the attack on us.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=44 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=19 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=23 ; 2d6+11=21 ; d20+23=31 ; d4+9=10 ; 2d6=7 ; Monday November 9th, 2020 4:56:20 PM Jozhur wonders if the Dragons are ok with Akim just walking away. Your DM imagines they wouldn't be, but no one has mentioned trying to stop him since the last DM post. Regardless, only a few seconds pass from his last words until he suddenly vanishes from sight. He gave no indication he was casting a spell and his boots didn't have a magic aura suggesting they could also be boots of teleportation. How he escaped or where he has gone is not immediately apparent.
Tahni finishes her spell. The thief's eyes widen in terror when Tahni begins detailing her instructions. He squirms and tries one last time to get away, but he's got 3 of the land's greatest heroes restraining him, plus one more outside. It's just not in the cards. Tahni starts giving commands, starting with "tell us what you know." The thief grins big and immediately starts running his mouth.
"Sure, love! I know that two and two make four. I know that a sandwich that ain't got a slice of bread on top is called open faced. I know horses have four legs. I know dogs have four legs, as do cats..."
Tahni's questions continue, asking if someone hired him and instructing him to name the person(s) if so. His smile never drops as he keeps on rattling off what he knows, thinking he's found a way around. Then, when Tahni finishes her question, he blurts out, "Akim the Paunch hired us to rob you, agreeing we'd split the proceeds." He slams his hands over his mouth, shocked at what just came out of it.
Obviously he has overestimated his own cleverness. The questions continue as a crestfallen look falls over him. He sighs. "I dunno anyone's name, honest." He shrugs. "We don't care who wins the Invitational. We don't even want to stop you from winning. As for where they are, no idea. We aren't daft, you know. We knew there was a real chance at least one of us would get captured. Do you think we wouldn't plan for that?" His smile returns. "Even if we were all supposed to meet in one place, the fact that I've been here the whole time would mean they were already in the wind." He can't lie, but what he's telling you is pretty plausible.
"Planar Adaptation was just in case we had to flee to the shadow plane to escape you lot." He sighs a bit more. "Contingency already would have teleported me away if you hadn't made that impossible."
***
Terser and Bralin are in the stands watching their friend fight. Fang got the first attack in, but Claw hit back harder. Fang has since evened the score. These constructs they've given the two to fight with are glass cannons, it would seem. They can't take much damage from each other. Maybe that's for the best, it could be a long drawn out fight otherwise.
It's assumed the two aren't sitting shoulder to shoulder on the benches in the stands. It's crowded, but there's plenty of room for everyone to have personal space. It leaves enough room for a scrawny dogfolk beastman to hop between the two and sit, squeezing just a bit. The dwarves recognize him as Runt immediately, the one Fang defeated when Mint forced a forfeit. He doesn't look happy and can't meet either of their eyes. "I know I got beat," he starts without waiting for an acknowledgement. "Still wasn't right'a Mint to do that." The fur means no one can see him blush, but his body language screams shame pretty loudly. "She could have at least let me lose with some dignity."
One wonders why he's decided to unburden himself on these two, but he doesn't look very happy.
***
Fang's attacks leave each combatant with three constructs left, and one of those is looking very rough. Claw growls a bit.
C3 takes a 5' step and attacks Fang's C2 for a total of 53 damage. C2 takes a 5' step and attacks Fang's C2 as well for a total of 54 damage, finishing it off. Claw's heavily damaged C5's first attack misses comically bad, ending up with the construct spinning around 360 degrees. The momentum carries through, however, and the blow hacks off C4's arm. Luckily it's not the one holding the sword. Total damage to Fang's C4 is 63
Fang decides it's time to get her hands dirty and leaps through a gap in her constructs. She places two hands against the construct's torso, clamps her teeth down on a shaft rotating inside it, then yanks it out for an additional 17 damage (80 total to Fang's C4).
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 9th, 2020 5:00:50 PM
I'm sure we have attracted some attention at this point.
Rill raises his voice as he says to the crowd there, "Akim was a clever man. He was dishonest and deceived us, which tells me he likely deceives others. The Dragons will not protect or defend him going forward. It's a shame he let his stall here unattended."
With that, Rill turns his attention to Tahni and the captive thief to see what we can learn.
"Tahni - let's take this guy to our pavilion. It's a bit more private."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 9th, 2020 5:26:40 PM
Aex feels bad for not keeping up her watch on Akim. She's clueless where he went and she didn't catch Rill's remark Akim was lying. She definitely needs to concentrate better...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday November 9th, 2020 5:59:42 PM
Bralin doesn't move, nor does he take his eyes off the fight.
But, he does reply to Runt.
"I have found it is a rare wizard that comprehends the desire to fight despite the odds. Take heart that you finished in the top eight of a mighty competition, and your leader's intention, albeit misplaced, was to spare you more pain."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 9th, 2020 6:33:27 PM You fought well, but not every fight will go your way. On a level field, Bralin would have beat me right out, what with his mobility.
The important thing is, did you tell Mint how you feel? It's a different kind of fight, standing up for your feelings, but it's important that your teammates know your feelings.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 10th, 2020 2:57:12 AM "Sounds like a good idea, Rill" Tahni nods "Though I do have a question before we go. It may be too late otherwise."
She looks back to their captive. "You may not know where they are now, but you must have agreed on a place to meet with Akim to sell him the items. Some place to finalise the deal. Where and when is that to occur?"
Tahni suspects that someone as greedy as Akim is in a hurry to get to the meetup place and collect whatever goods he can before it's too late. After that he'll be in the wind.
If they have time she will head to the pavilion with the group. If they are short on time though they may need to go straight to the hand-off.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d10+14=19 ; d10+29=33 ; d10+28=29 ; d10+28=32 ; d10+23=29 ; d10+23=24 ; d10+18=21 ; d10+18=25 ; d10+13=19 ; d10+13=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 5:40:22 AM
Fang steps forward and finishes C5 with a single blow (33 to hit, 19 damage just enough). That lets her constructs advance on and focus down C2. Something seems to go wrong with their programming though because they just stab empty air, only landing one glancing blow.
C4 (20 hp left) attacking C2 Attack 1 - 29, nat 1 miss attack 2 - 29, miss Attack 3 - 21, miss Attack 4 - 19, miss
C5 attacking C2 Attack 1 - 32, hit, 21 damage Attack 2 - 24, miss attack 3 - 25, miss attack 4, 20, miss
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=37 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+13=30 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=14 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=17 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 6:36:43 PM Rill makes a proclamation to the crowd. Is...is Rill suggesting his stall is free to loot? It sure seems that way, but a hard stare from the monks to the crowd let the assembled people know that two wrongs won't be making any rights today.
Still, he did leave his stall unattended. A quick look around by anyone with any knowledge of such things reveals that most of these items are genuine, and that there is a small fortune on display here. Regardless, Rill wants to take the man back to their pavilion.
Aexana wishes she had been able to stop Akim, but she shouldn't be too hard on herself. Her job was to be lookout and she performed it well.
Tahni agrees with Rill, but has another question first. She asks where their agreed upon meeting place would be to handle the hand off to Akim.
All he can do is shrug. "Plan was to scatter, then wait for Akim to contact us with a location. I know to you people he may be dishonest, but in my circles his word is gold. He'll probably still contact the rest of them and proceed as planned."
***
Bralin and Terser offer words of advice and encouragement. Bralin's observation about wizards sends him into some thought. "Mint's pretty quick to get us out of trouble when things go bad, I guess." He ponders a bit more, and after a few seconds looks a little better. His ears perk up and his tongue sticks out the side of his mouth just a touch.
"Does your friend really not believe that Claw's her sister?" His tone is more hushed, not wanting to loudly announce the relation. It's not remotely secret at this point, but that doesn't mean everyone knows it. "I heard she got really angry before the Gauntlet."
***
Fang herself finishes off another construct, then sends her two remaining ones in. In a shocking turn of events, only a single hit is scored against Claw's remaining constructs.
Claw frowns. "That hardly seems fair to you, sis." She points and orders her remaining constructs to push the attack. She looks hard for a moment, like she's about to say something. A look of guilt swims across her face and swallows the words before they come out.
Claw's C2 finishes off Fang's damaged construct in two hits, then switches targets to the last. It only manages 13 damage against Fang's C5.
Claw takes a step back and drops into a defensive stance.
Claw's C3 steps up and unleashes an series of enormous blows, striking 4 times for a total of 93 damage. Claw silently sighs as Fang's last construct comes so close to being destroyed, but keeps standing. Claw seems about ready to attack after all, but chooses prudence and stays behind her constructs.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+28=37 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=26 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=23 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=22 ; d10+16=23 ; d10+16=21 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:50:43 PM
Fang lowers her axe watches as the constructs fight. Her last construct gamely strikes out at the enemy, hitting thrice, looking ready to fall apart. It doesn't really matter though; this fight was always going to be about the two sisters. She addresses the other ratfolk. "Fair? The world is rarely fair. A fair world wouldn't have put a young girl in a position of authority where her every action decided the fate of everyone she knew. I saw my sister die that day, stared at her mangled corpse. I watched my village burn and everyone I had ever known die. I spent years wandering the waste in madness and grief, searching for any survivors that might lesson the guilt of my mistake. It was only after I was on the brink of madness and death that an act of random kindness pulled me back, that I found someone able to help me accept that they were dead and forgive myself.
Now you tell me that despite what I saw, despite my years of searching, despite my years of madness and grief, that you somehow survived? That by some insane miracle you alone were saved of those I once knew? Perhaps so, or perhaps a cruel trick by some unknown foe. To many know what they should not here, know of histories long dead and buried for me to trust you so easily.
Raising her axe again Fang flies into a rage before stepping forward to obliterate one of the remaining constructs. "SO COME THEN SISTER! PROVE YOUR IDENTITY! SHOW ME THE RAGE OF OUR YOUTHS!
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:57:01 PM
Jozhur shuts at Rill's hint. "Akim is responsible for the theft of some of our items. Seems only fair to take items of equal value to compensate us, as restitution. He also promised payment for coming to help him, said we could pick an item from his shop. We did as he asked, we could hold him to his offer."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 12:48:13 AM You heard it right there in her speech. Fang spent so much of her life being defined by the loss of her clan. To think that her sister survived is such a total shift in her world view that it takes a long time to come around to it.
It was near the same for me. I spent most of my life thinking that my entire family had abandoned me. Then to find out that my sister thought I had abandoned her instead, and had a similar falling out with our father....It just makes me think of all the time wasted. If it's hard for me, it's much worse for Fang, because at least I knew my family was still there.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 11th, 2020 2:34:49 AM "We could also take everything and hold it all hostage until we get our belongings back. I wonder how much of his inventory was stolen to begin with."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday November 11th, 2020 2:45:52 AM
Tahni considers the predicament. Akim is responsible for the thefts after all. It does seem fair to cover their losses with what is here, or as Jozhur said, hold onto until our goods are returned.
"Perhaps it would be best to leave everything under the watch of the monks?" she offers "If we don't get hold of Akim then he forfeits whatever goods are left here to meet the value of what was stolen."
She looks to their 'helper' "What's your name, anyway?" she asks "and how was Akim to contact you? What can you tell me that would help us catch Akim or recover our goods?". She's ready to head back to the pavilion unless someone has an idea on how to catch up to Akim.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 10:07:53 AM
Bralin nods with Terser.
"Altering one's view of reality takes time."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 12:10:17 PM "Jozhur and Tahni - you both make good points. Let's do both."
Rill will work with Jozhur and the others to Detect Magic and scoop up any magic items in this stall.
He turns to the monks. "Good monks, his man owes us a debt, and there is much to figure out yet. Please hold these items for us. We can determine later what is appropriate, but that thief Akim will surely take them and flee justice if we leave them here."
"Right. Let's get back to our pavilion."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 1:04:32 PM
Aex nods at Rill's dealings with the monks. Despite the loss of her cape she would feel bad claiming stuff that she didn't earn.
Happy to go back to their pavilion Aex leaves with the others. But this time she is wary of some invisible no good thug sneaking up on her again... instinctively she puts a hand of her own on her hand of glory...
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=28 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+25=37 ; d3=3 ; d6=5 ; d4=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20+28=32 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+13=14 ; 2d6+11=21 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2020 8:51:38 PM
The heroes at the marketplace ponder what to do with Akim's goods. Akim did make them a deal, or at least offered one. Perhaps they would like to pick out something shiny while they work to replace their stolen goods? They do agree on one point: that it would be best if the monks watch the store while our heroes continue their interrogation.
Rill means to scoop up any magic items in this stall, but just about everything Akim sells is magic. Scooping them up and handing them to anyone is easier said than done. "If you're wanting this stuff confascated, we can take care of that easily enough. We have a small vault we can put this stuff in."
Tahni asks the thief his name, then presses his knowledge on Akim and how to catch him.
"Patrick Chatterton," he answers. He fights each syllable as he does so, but Tahni's magic prys it out of him anyway. "He gets in touch with us with sending spells." His brain gets to work trying to answer Tahni's final question. He points at Rill. "Isn't he a diviner or something? Akim's got protections against that kind of magic, but maybe there's a spell that will work anyway? I don't know much about divination." He looks around. "Also, there's no way he just abandons all this stuff. He's not wealthy enough to just eat this loss."
When it's time to go, Aexana more carefully guards her stuff.
***
Terser and Bralin discuss their friend's reaction to her sister returning. "How did she not realize she was still alive?" It's a decent questions. Fang's seemed pretty insistant that her sister was very much dead, going so far as to say she was a "mangled corpse." Mangled corpses don't usually get better.
***
Fang sees a look of confusion on Claw's face. "Mangled corpse? That's going a bit far, Fang. I was hurt real bad, but I wasn't mangled." Her face hardens. "I'm real glad you were able to forgive yourself sister, BUT DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD ASK FOR MINE TOO?"
Claw takes a step to close the gap with her sister and attacks. Fang is able to avoid the initial attack, but she feels four claws rake her chest before her opponent's teeth find purchase on her shoulder.
Claw 1: Nat 1 Claw 2: Hit AC 30 for 17 Bite: Hit AC 37 for 17
The ratgirl opposite Fang fights and moves like she remembers, but there's a calmness where rage once lived. If this is Claw, her technique has greatly improved from childhood.
Claw's last remaining construct finishes off Fang's with a final swing that breaks it in half. The remaining attacks are aimed at Fang, but the ratgirl is evidently a harder target to hit.
Hit AC 29 - Miss Hit AC 37 for 21 damage Hit AC 21 - nat 1
"Your rage is what almost got me killed, Fang. I've learned to fight without it."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday November 12th, 2020 1:27:44 AM I hope she learns that her rage can be harnessed to improve her fighting. It's only bad if you let it control you.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:32:22 AM "What do you think, Rill? Any spells come to mind for finding Akim? Once we get him we use him to cast some Sending spells to call the others"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 181/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=44 ; d20+26=29 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=19 ; d10+16=25 ; d10+16=24 ; d10+16=18 ; d10+16=17 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 7:19:37 AM
Fang tears into the last construct before turning back to her sister. "Mangled! Beyond any hope of survival! I saw it with my own eyes yet now you stand here claiming to be her! What, did some random priest come along and resurrect you alone of the many dead?!"
Attack 1 44 to hit 25 damage Attack 2 29 to hit (matches AC, which I think is a hit) 24 damage Attack 3 41 to hit (not confirmed) 18 damage (67 total) Attack 4 25 to hit
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday November 12th, 2020 11:51:25 AM
Jozhur nods at the monk, "I think locking it all away will do, as long as you can keep it secure. These aren't your average thieves. Take it all, or as much as you can, to keep Akim from disappearing. We can sort out what he owes us later."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:14:58 PM
"She is extraordinarily stubborn," Bralin admits.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=38 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=15 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=18 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+25=34 ; d3+11=14 ; d6=1 ; d3+11=13 ; d6=3 ; d4+11=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 9:01:04 PM Jozhur agrees that locking the goods away with the monks would suffice, provided it can be secured. The monk looks a little sheepish about that. "Well, I don't know if I'd say it was going to hold against a group of thieves that can go up against you lot and mostly escape with some treasure." He looks at the captured thief.
Tahni looks to Rill for his opinion on divinations.
***
Terser comments on the benefits of rage, but Runt's not on the same page. "Maybe if yer swinging something sharp around, but I get shaky when I'm too angry. Throws my aim off."
Bralin admits Fang can be stubborn.
"Room for another?" asks a voice from behind the two. It belongs to a white-haired bearfolk they recognize as Grandpa. The spectators on the stands around them make room for the old bear. "Claw can be stubborn to a fault as well. I offered to withdraw our team from the Invitational when we heard you would be competing, but she wouldn't have it." He settles on the bench. His presence is considerable. He is undoubtedly old, but his eyes are as sharp as his claws. "My apologies for eavesdropping. It was not my intention."
"She's doing pretty well, Grandpa." Runt is obviously excited for his friend, but he's trying very hard to avoid gloating.
Grandpa frowns a bit. "The fight was lost as soon as Claw's machines were able to concentrate their attacks first, but someone had to make the first move. Fang very well may be the better fighter of the two."
***
Fang insists Claw was very much dead. She all out attacks the last construct as she does so, beating it half to destruction.
OOC Fang only, Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm not trying to re-write your history and argue that Fang was wrong about her being mangled.}
Claw answers in what borders, but does not cross into, rage. "NO. I woke up alone and dying, surrounded by the bodies of everyone I love except for you!"
Fang finds herself on the receiving end of an all-out assault from Claw and the last construct. She is cut and burned three times by the construct's flaming sword.
Hit AC 38 for 15 damage + 1 fire Hit AC 38 for 18 damage + 5 fire Hit AC 31 for 18 damage + 5 fire (total 57 damage)
Claw herself is a blur, obviously very skilled with her natural attacks.
Hit AC 38 for 15 damage Hit AC 35 for 16 damage Hit AC 34 for 20 damage (total 51 damage)
C5: 67 damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 73/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=43 ; d20+31=51 ; d20+31=35 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=24 ; d10+16=25 ; d10+16=20 ; d10+16=23 ; d10+16=18 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 11:07:21 PM
(Note: Rather then add and then have to remember the bonus rage HP I just put the bonus rage HP as "+36 hp" so she isn't actually down until my tracker hits -37)
"Perhaps." Fang says with surprising calm considering the rage boiling below the surface. "Perhaps my nightmares twisted my memory over two decades. All I know too many know what they should not here. The pasts no one should know about are coming back, all at once. You. Terser's sister. This fight. All who we knew while young are dead. Even the orc tribe that destroyed us is long gone. What are the odds all of this comes up at once? The odds the relatives of a quarter of my team just happen to be here, that someone somehow just happens to know our history in such detail to create this? Real or fake, you're being manipulated by something. We all are, in some sick game. Until I know who has done this and why I cannot embrace you as sister lest I play into the hands of whatever arranged this farce. To much is at stake."
Fang then finishes the last construct (hero point for extra action to attack once) and turns to Claw to strike a serious blow!
Attack vs construct, 43 to hit, 25 damage, finishing it.
Attack 1 - 51 to hit, 35 to confirm crit, 43 damage Attack 2 - 39 to hit, 23 damage Attack 3 - 24 to hit, 18 damage (Fang doesn't get 4 attacks, I got used to rolling 4 for constructs and have been rolling extra for her sorry)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 111/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d10+15=19 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 6:52:15 AM
Axes do 3x damage on crit, add another 19 damage.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday November 13th, 2020 6:58:33 AM
Back at the games Aex anxiously watches the final phase of Fang's battle... she sure bites her way through...
"We'll need to patch her up after this... " Aex mutters, "hang in there dear Fang..."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 13th, 2020 6:22:49 PM
Tahni helps escort Mr Chatterton back to the party pavilion where she keeps up the questions...
"Are you able to cast spells? How did you get that contingency spell in place?" "How did you make that fog? What was it?" "How many times have you pulled that sort of robbery?" "Where do you live? Do you have any stolen items there?" "What is the most serious offence you have ever committed?" "What would likely be your fate if you were imprisoned? Would someone come to help you escape?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday November 13th, 2020 7:22:22 PM "Lock everything away if you don't mind. Just do your best to keep an eye on it. My friends may want to hold a couple items personally to cover what was taken from them."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday November 13th, 2020 7:27:21 PM
Bralin accepts Grandpa's presence without acrimony, nodding a greeting to the old bear.
Unwilling to either contradict or agree with Grandpa's assessment, the dwarf merely nods again, and watches.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 13th, 2020 9:49:53 PM
Once we retire to our pavilion, Rill will suggest that we use Discern Location on Akim and then teleport to him.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=32 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+25=32 ; d3+11=14 ; d3+11=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d4+11=13 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 10:38:19 PM Jozhur agrees to let the monks lock Akim's goods away.
Tahni has a million questions as they escort the thief back to their pavilion.
"Are you able to cast spells? How did you get that contingency spell in place?"
"Nope. We paid a wizard to take over our bodies one by one a few days ago. She cast it on us. Ever have your soul crammed into a gem? Scary stuff."
"How did you make that fog? What was it?"
"I didn't."
"How many times have you pulled that sort of robbery?"
"How many times have we tried to rob a Dragon Consortium group in broad daylight? You'd a heard about it if we had."
"Where do you live? Do you have any stolen items there?"
"I don't keep permanent residence anywhere."
"What is the most serious offence you have ever committed?"
"Most serious offence? I got caught by a bunch'a Dragons. This will seriously hurt my reputation."
"What would likely be your fate if you were imprisoned? Would someone come to help you escape?"
"Help? No, I've been burned at this point. I like to think I'd escape, but I guess we'll see, won't we?"
Rill has plans to cast Discern Location when they're back at their pavilion. Let's hope it's that simple!
***
Bralin has nothing to add to the conversation. Next to him, Runt almost whimpers a bit when Fang's axe strikes true. "She can handle it, Runt," is Grandpa's only reply. Somehow, he manages to call the dogfolk "Runt" without it sounding like an insult. Aexana winces at Fang's injuries. She can take some solace in the fact that about an hour ago Bralin and Terser were both much bloodier.
***
OOC: 25 damage was not enough to finish off the construct. It had 100HP total and had 67 damage going into this round. I let you keep the crit against Claw, but used the other attack that connected to knock out the construct.
Fang finishes off the last construct on the field. She's hurt, but she's also pretty sure she can out-damage Claw.
Then, she addresses the elephant in the Invitational as she turns to face her true opponent. "YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT?" Claw screams past gritted teeth, her anger getting away from her at last. "We were so excited to be invited to the Invitational when AAAAARRGGGHHH!" She can't help but let out a scream as Fang's axe buries itself in her thigh. She pulls her leg back, hobbling just a bit. She breathes in harshly, pushing past the pain until she's able to continue. "But no, turns out I'm just a foil for you and your friends." Fang's last attack fails to connect. Claw has a solid lead in damage still, but obviously she needs to end things fast.
"That's why I need to win this, sister. I am not just some famous Dragon's backstory." She launches into her own attacks, each finding its way past Fang's defenses.
Hit AC 32 for 20 Hit AC 32 for 14 Hit AC 32 (she's very consistent, it seems) for 19
Claw: AC 34, 62 damage
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday November 13th, 2020 11:25:27 PM She must be tough if she runs with you, Grandpa. Do you think she would have won if it had come down to you and her instead of one of our crew?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 15th, 2020 6:36:07 PM "You're being evasive, Chatterton. Let's try this again...
"What are the coordinates of where you slept last night? What is the general location you set up camp for the night? Do you have any stolen items there?" "How many people have you robbed? How many people have you robbed over the course of the last month?" "How many times has Akim hired you to rob someone?" "Have you ever been hired to commit a crime other than robbery? What were those crimes?" "Have you ever committed a murder?"
Tahni is trying to determine what sort of criminal they are dealing with. A common thief, or a thug who is willing to do anything if the gold is right?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 67/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=39 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+21=39 ; d10+16=21 ; d10+16=22 ; d10+16=22 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 7:39:23 AM
Fang has said her piece for now. Maybe one day she can embrace this stranger as her sister, but not today. Imposter or not, she has a duty to try her best in this fight so she fights on.
Attack 1 39 to hit, 21 damage attack 2 35 to hit, 22 damage attack 3 39 to hit, 22 damage
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 16th, 2020 1:49:21 PM
Aex would love to hear more on the interrogation but she's enthralled by Fang's deadly dance.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=31 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+25=32 ; d3+9=12 ; d6=4 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=11 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d4+9=12 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 4:11:30 PM Tahni accuses her thief of being evasive. He puts on a mock wounded look. "After you put a geas on me instructing me not to? Impossible. It's not my fault you're asking me the wrong questions. Not much in the way of right questions though, if we're being honest."
"What are the coordinates of where you slept last night? What is the general location you set up camp for the night? Do you have any stolen items there?"
"The...coordinates? How should I know? What kind of question is that?" He chuckles a bit. "I slept at The Dire Promise here at the Invitational." Many, many impromptu inns and tavern houses are set up for the Invitational. They're mostly tents, but as your own pavilion shows, tents can be pretty nice. "And no, no stolen items." A pause, then he adds, "wait, that's not true! I went into my room with a cloth napkin still tucked into my shirt last night! Wasn't going to keep it, honest!"
"How many people have you robbed? How many people have you robbed over the course of the last month?"
"I don't know. How many people have you saved?" He pauses to see if there's an answer, as if he's wondering whether Tahni's the kind of person who keeps count. "Let's say more than 3 dozen, less than 5." You don't get the sense he's lying.
"How many times has Akim hired you to rob someone?"
"Once"
"Have you ever been hired to commit a crime other than robbery? What were those crimes?"
"Nope"
"Have you ever committed a murder?"
"Please. Professionals have standards, lady." Tahni's probably getting the sense that she's dealing with a talented thief, but not a thug.
***
Terser wonders aloud if Claw could have taken on Grandpa in the contest. At the question, Runt literally howls with laughter. "Beat Grandpa?" the dogman asks. "None of us could take him one on one, at least in a physical contest like this."
Grandpa simply nods. "I've had years of experience Claw lacks. Someday, I have no doubt she'll be my better. Her drive will see to that."
***
Fang keeps up the fight, done with words. Her axe finds purchase in Claw with every swing, and it becomes obvious very quick that in a straight fight she probably would have beat Claw handedly. Still, Fang currently looks worse than Claw does, and Claw intends to keep it that way. She lashes out and bites at Fang.
Hit AC 31 for 16 Hit AC 46 (crit confirm 32) for 31 Hit AC 32 for 17
Claw: AC 34, 150 dmg
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday November 16th, 2020 5:26:29 PM
"Hrm", is all Bralin can manage, as he watches this fight reaching its close.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday November 16th, 2020 5:36:32 PM "Very well" Had the man been guilty of other crimes his punishment may have been more severe. A thief doesn't really concern her too much - although since he robbed the party she's making an exception. Once their goods are recovered she's comfortable in handing him over to the authorities.
"So what's the plan for finding Akim?" she asks the group.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 16th, 2020 8:19:06 PM
Rill casts Discern Location to find Akim. It has a 10 minute casting time.
-------------------------
Discern Location - A discern location spell is among the most powerful means of locating creatures or objects. Nothing short of a mind blank spell or the direct intervention of a deity keeps you from learning the exact location of a single individual or object. Discern location circumvents normal means of protection from scrying or location. The spell reveals the name of the creature or object’s location (place, name, business name, building name, or the like), community, county (or similar political division), country, continent, and the plane of existence where the target lies.
To find a creature with the spell, you must have seen the creature or have some item that once belonged to it. To find an object, you must have touched it at least once.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 17th, 2020 1:50:15 AM
Terser is pleased to see Fang rally, and remember how to shrug off those tough wounds. She's not out of the woods yet, but mayhaps she's found a map?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 9/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=33 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+21=39 ; d10+16=20 ; d10+16=18 ; d10+16=20 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:02:19 AM
Fang growls and continues the assault.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:08:32 PM
(@DM : please be aware Mitch wrote down the wrong Attack result for his second blow. Fang hits with 34 instead of 24)
"NO... ooh... aargh... ", Aex exhales as she sees Fang takes several blows... with her small hands clinched together she swings an imaginary Greataxe with every hit Fang makes. How much more can Claw take?!?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:26:03 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at the thief. All we need is Akim and our belongings back.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+25=27 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+23=39 ; d3=1 ; d6=3 ; d4=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 10:13:50 PM
The fight in the arena continues, with the two sisters ripping and slashing. There's a surreal moment here, where suddenly the onlookers begin to feel a little queasy. Its a bloody match, and without the golems around, there's nothing to distract from the violence in entirety. Perhaps thats another reason why the Chancers go to such great lengths here... to make people see it as games and entertainment as opposed to just bloody combat where no one dies but the pain is very real.
Claw pushes back the pain and lashes out, claws and teeth a flurry. Both claws rend flesh, and her bite clamps down hard, augmented by her magical equipiment. She's bleeding and wounded, but far from her last breaths. Its fairly obvious that she is a sturdy and able to take as good or better than she gives.
Miss, AC 27 Hit, AC 44 for 13 (pre DR) Hit, AC 39 for 21 (Pre DR)
Claw: AC 34, 188 dmg
-------------
Meanwhile, Rill, Tahni, Shaggy, Scooby and the Gang are closing in on the end of the Mystery of the Mal-Intented Merchant. Rills spell suddenly finishes, and the results are satisfying.
"Dragon Isles, True North, Second in the Archipelago, Cavern, Underground, Above Sea Level."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -19/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=38 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+21=31 ; d10+16=22 ; d10+16=23 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:47:43 AM
Fang grimaces. Only her rage is keeping her standing now. Still she keeps going to the last.
atttack 1 38 to hit 22 damage attack 2 43 to hit 23 damage (45 total) attack 3 31 miss.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:04:20 PM
in awe Aex continues watching... if only she could throw him one of her potions...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:20:18 PM
Bralin also continues watching, somewhat in shock at the unfettered rage emanating from the arena floor.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday November 18th, 2020 7:05:27 PM
Rill scratches his head.
"Huh. Dragon Isles, True North, Second in the Archipelago, Cavern, Underground, Above Sea Level - that's where Akim is right now. But I really have no idea where that is.
"I think were on one of the Dragon Isles. Are we on the second one? Anybody know where this would be? Tahni, maybe you can ask your new best friend there."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:06:24 PM "Do you have any teleport spells left, Rill? Should we go seek out Akim now or wait for later?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:30:35 PM
Jozhur smiles and does his best pirate impression, "Well, time for a treasure hunt, me hearties!"
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+25=43 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+23=37 ; d3=1 ; d3=2 ; d4=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 11:27:52 PM
Fangs rage sustains her despite grievous wounds, and Claw seems to be nothing more than steely determination and diehard fortitude. Fangs experienced battle mind tells her that all things considered, Claw is basically a dead-rat walking. "YOU WANT MY TRUTH SISTER? I LIVE!" Her muzzle snaps out, even as she coughs up blood from the wounds all over her body. When her mouth connects, Fang feels her sisters weight lean heavily upon her, like a boxer grabbing for a brief respite. Claw in on her last legs, and fading fast.
Bite, Vital Strike, Hit AC 37 for 22. (Pre DR)
Claw: AC 34, 241 hp. (Claw may only make one attack this round, but your DM realized that very late in his dice rolls sequence. So everything other than the 2d4's, and the 4th thru 6th D6 can be thrown out.))
-------------
Meanwhile, the other Dragons have a choice to make. Do they move on Akim now? Or wait and hope he stays put?
The Dragons are aware that they are on the first island of the archipelago, and the largest. By boat, or by overland flight, they can be there within the hour. (Lets say 30 minutes for those with buffs on timer.)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d12=12 ; d20+36=54 ; d10+16=26 ; d10=2 ; d10=10 ; Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:50:59 AM
Claw's attack reduces Fang to a very similar state (she gets 2 hp per level from rage, she's 19 now so gets 38 temp hp... and is exactly at 0). She makes a final, staggering attack (54 to hit, vital strike, 38 damage). Directly afterwards her rage ends and she succumbs to her own wounds and collapses, taking her clinging sister with her (even if she is still not dead she'd fall if she's using Fang for support)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday November 19th, 2020 10:55:23 AM Well fought!
It looks as if the sisters may have begun to work something out. But how will the match be called? Is it a draw? That'll wreak havoc with the wagers made!
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:13:34 PM
Rill responds to Tahni and Jozhur. "Well, there's no time like the present."
Rill will ask the ever present monks to come watch their tied up captive. "Please make sure this miscreant stays put. Summon help if you need to. We should be back soon."
Mentally to everyone - including Fang, Terser and Bralin - "The rogues that took our things seem to be on the second of the Dragon Isles, we are on the first, in an underground cavern above sea level. We intend to teleport there now. Fang, Terser and Bralin - if you're done you can come with us. Shall we come to you before we go?"
(The thought here is that we can go, quickly heal Fang up, and then teleport all 7 (sorry Leafy) to this place. If the DM determines Fang, Terser and Bralin are busy, then the four of us can to and bring Leafy. Either way, Rill has a Greater Teleport to get us there and a means to return.)
The dwarf takes a moment to recover, and his thoughts take the same turn as Terser's.
"Mayhap you'll have to fight them both," he muses, with a slight twinkle in his eye.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:29:45 PM
Tahni gives instructions to her 'helper' "Please go with these monks and provide them a full written account of how you were approached, and then the full details of the planning and execution of your attack on us and the theft of our goods. When we return I will have further questions for you. I'm sure I will have your full cooperation until we return with the assailants"
She then looks to Rill. "I'm ready to go when you are"
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Thursday November 19th, 2020 8:36:15 PM
In the arena, all is quiet and still. Fang and Claw both slump to the ground, one laying atop the other. Those in the audience, especially Runt and Grandpa, begin to shuffle nervously as the death field does not immediately bring both fighters to their feet.
Kozy speaks nervously into the microphone. "WHAT A FINISH! A DOUBLE KO! I'M NOT SURE HOW TO SCORE THIS ONE PEOPLE I... HEY.. Hey wait? Why aren't they getting up?" He zips upwards to the arena referees to confer with someone.
People begin to murmur and shout. "Hey! Fang! Get up! Claw, come on! Stand! Stand!"
----------------------
Fang Only:(well, anyone can read it. only fang can act on it) Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear a voice, far away but in your head all the same. You think maybe its familiar, it sounds insistent, and curious. "Do you wish to win? Is it your wish? Your desire? What would you do if you won?" The questions stop, but then begin again, insistently. "What would you do if you LOST? This is your chapter, you know. I wrote it. You and your sister. This IS your sister. What do you want? What do you desire? Tell me quickly, do you wish victory? Or will it go to Claw? I'll allow you to choose." The voice begins to murmur among itself, finally it regains focus. "Tell me a name. Just one word. Say one name."}
Rill finds Fang to be unresponsive, though those watching the bout could easily respond for her. At least, right this second. A one minute delay will be more than enough time to resolve her current situation. The monks are agreed to guard Akims loot, as well as your prisoner. Anyone but Fang is clear to leave right now. Terser too, is clear to leave, but must be back in about an hour.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20=10 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 8:05:59 AM
In the hazy dreaminess of wherever she is Fang listens to the insistent questions. She wonders who is talking. One of the other dragons? Then the tone and insistence of the questions makes something click. The one who set this all up, who's toying with the group.
As such her first word is not a response but profanity aimed in their general direction. Presuming whoever it is is still listening she continues, "We aren't some toys to be played with to sate your curiosity and I don't care about your stupid games. Flip a coin, roll some dice, or heck ask Claw. If she isn't some construct you made or shapeshifter hired to play pretend her opinion is every bit as valid as mine."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday November 20th, 2020 4:23:06 PM
Bralin is moving before Kozy finishes "Why aren't they getting up?".
Activating his flying boots, the dwarf hurtles toward Fang and Claw.
"Rill - Fang is down. What is her Status?"
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d100=64 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 7:59:26 PM
Rill checks the Status effect through the rings (which we are all able to do by the way.) What is Fang's condition? Is she dead, dying, dying but stabilized? Rill carries both a Heal and Breath of Life for just such an emergency. Should he spend a hero point to both get to her and cast the spell in the same round?
Bralin seems alarmed. Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Rill will immediately Teleport to Fang and will bring along Tahni, Jozhur, Aex and Leafy. Teleport roll is 64.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 20th, 2020 8:30:01 PM
Tahni is momentarily conflicted. Teleporting in now may disqualify Fang, but on the other hand, things have been against the party since they got on the island. People have been trying to kill them, there are constructs everywhere, and she isn't ready to rule out some sort of 'thing' is working against them. If Fang is down it's possible the rules might change and someone moves in for a kill-shot.
Rill is right. Best not to leave anything to chance.
"What's Claw doing? Is she lining up for a kill shot?"
Tahni readies to cast Suffocation on Claw if she looks to attack Fang.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 20th, 2020 9:00:20 PM
Amended approach.
The result of the Status will determine if we teleport directly to Fang and perhaps breaking a rule or teleporting to the stands insead and simply be ready if things go south.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d100=79 ; Saturday November 21st, 2020 12:37:21 PM
Fangs opposition is initially met with silence. The disapproval is an obvious, heavy feeling, like a child trying to come up with a convincing argument on why someone should give them their way. "Because THAT one is merely a set piece for you! Because THAT one has never interfered with my curiosity. Because THAT one is insignificant!" The voice seethes. "You are definitely the most difficult."
Despite the protest however, Fang hears what is something like the sound of hundreds of rolling dice. Then she's aware, quite suddenly, of her allies around her, the crowd in an uproar, and Claw already standing, though wobbling unsteadily. Despite a hand in the air, raised in victory, her worried glance is on Fang.
------------------------
For those not in the arena, it was a much less poignant encounter. There were the two sisters collapsing together, a few moments of silence and confusion, and then suddenly Fang drew breath and Claw shakily fought her way to her feet. The Status spell was able to convince Rill that his teleport could be saved, and Tahni had no reason to attack Fangs sister.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday November 22nd, 2020 12:18:05 AM
ooc: So we're not in the arena?
---------------------------- Jozhur considers their options. "We could just go to Akim, wherever he is, and haul him in. We have enough to prove his involvement. I think we can convince him to help us get our things back."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Sunday November 22nd, 2020 12:54:39 PM
Bralin pulls up to a hover, reassures himself Claw and Fang are indeed healing, and then returns to his seat.
He reports to the other Dragons. The situation appears resolved. Fang and Claw had fought to an apparent draw, with both collapsing after delivering final blows. Neither was recovering, hence my message. Now they are.
I am available to accompany you to the other island.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 22nd, 2020 9:36:39 PM "Things seem to be under control in the arena. Yes, let's go find Akim and have a chat with him"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:08:02 AM
It takes Fang several seconds to re-align with the real world. She blearily gets up and looks about. Has a winner be declared yet? It doesn't look like it. She needs to talk to the others.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 23rd, 2020 12:16:38 PM
Aex blinked her eyes when both Fang and Claw went down. Holding her breath to see who gets up and who will be declared the winner... She'll prep whatever is needed to patch her up.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 23rd, 2020 3:16:09 PM
Terser had been ready to vault into the arena to get some healing to the sisters, but since they're standing up now, it seems he doesn't have to breach any protocols.
He hopes there's not a huge showdown with Akim, since he'd like to keep what's left of his battle abilities for the next battle. But he won't hold back if it's needed.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 23rd, 2020 5:12:37 PM "We are ready to go. Let's wait for Fang to wrap up her bout and then pay our friend Akim a visit."
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Monday November 23rd, 2020 6:32:50 PM
As Fang gets her bearings, the rest of the arena finds their voices again. There's cheering, applause, and some demands for a winner to be crowned. Eventually, Kozy returns, looking relieved.
"Alright folks! We have a ruling. Since the knockout was simultaneous, its been decided that the first fighter to their feet is the winner! We have our first defeated Dragon! Everyone, lets hear it for Claw!"
Claw looks around, taking the moment in. She shivers, her entire body a bundle of nerves. She looks back at Fang confused, and mouths a question. "What did you do?" Fang hears the voice in her head one final time. "You requested that I ask Claw. I did. Then you demanded an equal, random chance. So one was taken. You chose this path, and it amuses me. Fang, you did not disappoint."
---------------------------
Fang has ample time to broadcast to the others now that she is more or less okay. She is offered to be lead off for healing, a proposition that Claw accepts. And perhaps, she might share her experiences with her friends and allies?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday November 23rd, 2020 10:27:24 PM "Sounds good, let's make it quick." Jozhur uses the time to check his things, making sure everything is firmly secure in it's place, just in case they run into more sticky fingers.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 24th, 2020 4:37:30 AM
Tahni is relieved to hear that Fang is alright.The way things have been going on this island though you could never be sure.
She's as ready as ever to go find Akim and have a polite (or possibly impolite) word with him.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 8:51:54 AM
Fang waits to be in private before talking to Claw. To the others over the rings she says "Our puppet master has shown himself. He spoke to me while I was down, demanded I choose who won. I told him off, said I didn't care and he should ask Claw or roll dice for it. It seems he did both from his last words to me."
Once alone she explains pretty much the same thing to Claw, adding "He said you were really my sister, and I want to believe him, but it's also pretty clear he just views this as a game that he set up somehow."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday November 24th, 2020 11:42:17 AM
Bralin listens to Fang's report with concern.
An entity that manipulates the Arena's magics, speaks telepathically, and apparently can pause time? This is no mere tinker.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 12:25:51 PM
Aex compliments both Fang and Claw for a hard fought battle. She'll help with whatever potions they may need to get back on their feet. Next she joins the others again to see where to go next.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 24th, 2020 5:13:57 PM I'm sure the bookies will prefer this outcome. And there should be no crying foul since there aren't two Dragons in the final.
But I agree, Fang. Someone is toying with us, physically, emotionally, morally. I just wish we knew their end game.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 5:28:25 PM "Glad Fang is well. Once they patch her up I'll get us to where Akim is and perhaps we can retrieve our things."
"Here's the tricky part. I can teleport us all there and back, but that's the most people I can take. If we all go Terser may miss his match and we cannot teleport back adding Akim. However, I have the means for some or all to sail back. I could perhaps get Terser back in time, but some of you would need to wait there or sail back. And if Tahni can cast a Teleport then our problems are solved. Shall we go?"
(OOC: The DM could run Terser's combat while the rest deal with Akim.)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:28:26 AM "I'm not sure they have an endgame beyond seeing what we do. When I told them to ask Claw he wined that I was the one who interested him. He just seemed to want to know what I would do."
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Wednesday November 25th, 2020 11:25:56 AM
(So I just completely forgot the Wold existed at all yesterday. New puppy drama. Sorry!)
Claw, alone with Fang, seems to be able to restrain herself now. There's no more intense pressure coming from her as she considers Fang. Whatever was in her mind now, seems to have been resolved.
"I know you Dragons are secretive, but do you need help? My team is considerable and Mint is the strongest spellcaster I have met." After a bit, she finally circles around to the arena results. "I still don't know if I should have advanced. I did hear a voice ask if I wanted to win, and if I was more than a page in your story. It taunted me the whole match. I.. I think without the elaborate setup, which I had no paw in, you would have humbled me. Are you stronger than Terser? Do I even have a chance there?"
She looks outside to the hallway, towards the arena, sounding troubled. "Sister, listen. I thought maybe the voice was Mint, helping somehow. Or perhaps it was some arena trick. What do I do if I hear it again? I don't much appreciate the idea of my games being tinkered with."
Fang is aware of her friends statuses through the ring. Idle thoughts and chatter seem to indicate they are all ready to embark on something big related to a theft of their gear. ----------------------------
The others have received word that it is safe to visit Fang, and the final arena is scheduled. Terser finds an anxious Heather looking for him. She seems to have news on the final arena map.
-------------
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 2:12:44 PM
Curious to hear what Terser will be up against in the next arena, Aex hurries to listen what Heather has to say.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 25th, 2020 4:42:03 PM Let me know if you need me, guys. Sounds like Claw can ask Mint to get me over there if necessary?
He strides up to Heather, ready to roll with whatever she swings his way. What's the good word, Heater?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 25th, 2020 6:46:32 PM
Bralin waits patiently for Rill to pick him up.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:02:53 PM
Jozhur waits for their next adventure, hoping they can resolve this in short order.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 10:24:39 PM
Fang shakes her head as she answers the later inquiry first. "I seriously doubt that was anyone either of us have met. I think that was our puppet master, whomever set this all up. He demanded I choose a victor and I refused, told him to either pick randomly or ask you. He threw a hissy fit about it - from what he said he finds my group interesting and wants to watch how we react to things."
She then gets back around the initial questions. "The next fight? I dunno, I've never fought Terser. I wouldn't worry about it to much, there's always someone better out there. I bet there's some farmer who's never left his hometown that could whip us both with just a staff somewhere. Doesn't matter what you do, there's someone out there who can match or exceed you. Especially with something as chaotic as a fight.
Just take that guy... Xid. He was the best warrior of his time or something but got his but kicked earlier. Possibly he was just out matched, or perhaps if that same fight happened again tomorrow things might totally reverse just by chance. Possibly in a one on one fight I would have humbled you, or possibly you would have gotten a lucky opening and ended it quickly. Or maybe this last match I was the one who got lucky and scraped out a draw. Who knows? Just do your best and let the chips fall were they may. It's not like anyone's lives hang in the balance, just pride and rich idiot's money. Nothing really important."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 26th, 2020 2:02:07 AM "I can teleport us back, no problem. It's just I can't teleport to a place I haven't seen before" If Rill can get them there, Tahni can get them back.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 26th, 2020 2:22:41 PM
Rill will go with the othes to the arena.
Once we are all together he says, "Well, we have some thieves to catch and Terser has a match. Terser, if there is a problem let us know and we'll be at your side in an instant."
To the rest he says, "Let's be off then."
Rill will cast Greater Teleport to include all that are coming to go to where he found Akim.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Friday November 27th, 2020 12:50:53 AM
Terser discovers that his match is going to be far more simple than anything else he has faced so far. Heather elaborates.
"It's one is going to be pretty simple folks. The arena is going to be a straight-up fight, no gimmicks only a raised platform which does present the possibility of throwing your opponent off of it. If knocked off, you are teleported back to the top but Falling will still hurt just like it always does."
She gives the dwarf a reassuring pat on the back.
"You folks are the toughest Fighters here. I've not seen anyone come to these tournaments with this level of skill and to be quite honest I don't think that the chancers guild is going to want to have such an easy sweep by a team ever again. I'm still really confused on why they invited you guys in the first place, considering every year that it's been brought up that we you should be invited, there was always opposition about the playing field being uneven."
She gives Terser a curious glance. Are you about ready?
-----------
Rill's teleport goes off without a hitch. Upon arriving everybody finds themselves in a dark place with a strong stone underfoot. It doesn't take long to realize that you are underground in a cave. The air smells damp but there is no water that you can pinpoint. Nor is there the heavy pressure that accompanied your deep exploration Underground and your previous battle.
The area that you have arrived in is something like a large chamber. There is a number of scattered chests as well as an entrance North and an entrance to the South.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=27 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+8=9 ; Friday November 27th, 2020 2:52:07 AM
Aex look around the dark cave. Probably her low light vision will provide enough details about the place.
Is this a natural cave? Stone worked floor or plain natural stong ground? (perception 27 / know nature 33) Leafy too sniffs the air. His scent might alert them about certain presence... (perception 9 / scent + blindsense 30ft)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday November 27th, 2020 9:26:27 AM
Fang sticks with her sister for now. Mostly because she's been so distracted she completely missed what was going on with the rest of the group and hadn't thought to ask.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 27th, 2020 8:28:37 PM
Tahni may not have her arcane sight any more, but she's still a dwarf with darkvision. That will do for now.
She stands still and simply looks about the chamber, waiting for someone to indicate the best way to go.
"Let's find Akim before thoroughly checking these chests. It wouldn't surprise me if he has trapped them all"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=37 ; d20+10=19 ; Saturday November 28th, 2020 2:20:58 AM
Jozhur peers through the darkness (60' dark vision) and listens intently at both exits from the room. Then he examines what he can see of the cavern. We should be wary of traps. Any guidance on which way?
When they move, Jozhur will volunteer to lead the way and move a little slower to watch for traps.
--------------------------------------- Perception: 37 (43 vs traps) Knowledge dungeoneering: 19
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+7=13 ; Saturday November 28th, 2020 10:13:21 AM
Bralin looks about the cavern, trying (and failing) to ascertain their depth underground. [Knowledge Dungeoneering 13]
With a snort at his own failure, the stone warden decides to try his hand at finding any dwarves instead. He pauses a moment, concentrating, and if he locates something, lets his comrades know. [Dwarven Blood - 760 ft]
Dwarven Blood: As a move action, the Stone Warden can sense the direction and distance to any Dwarf within long range (400 ft plus 40 ft per Stone Warden level).This ability also locates Dwarf Kin and those wearing Belts of Dwarvenkind.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 29th, 2020 7:30:33 PM
Tahni looks about to her colleagues. She can see they're checking the place out as best they can. Without her magical headband though, she is far less able to contribute to the search.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 30th, 2020 1:34:58 AM
Rill will pull out a light source and look around. Then he will see if he senses outsiders or constructs within about 1,000 feet. Noticing the chests, Rill will also cast Detect Magic.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 30th, 2020 11:58:34 AM I guess they didn't want to waste any more good ideas on me, considering how exciting my last match was. Well, let's get to it!
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 30th, 2020 7:07:52 PM
Aex's a bit miffed that thief stole her cloak... she had that cloak since she first started out adventuring and it has kept her safe on numerous occasions. Without it she feels strangely naked.
Leafy continues sniffing around. If something is close he should catch the scent easily.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20=7 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; Monday November 30th, 2020 7:35:17 PM
Those in the damp chamber look around and get their bearings. With the light sources up, it seems fairly obvious the room is a treasure stash of some sort. Boxes of mundane and faintly magical equipment are among the chests, which are closed and hiding their contents.
There's nothing nearby, though Leafy seems to catch a whiff of something either around or behind the boxes of gear. A quick glance to the north tells you its an exit above ground. The southern route is mostly unknown.
Jozhur does detect a symbol glowing on the wall near the chests, to the east, out in plain sight. It currently seems inert. Furthermore, he finds a few pressure plates on the ground nearby, clearly traps.
If he wishes, he might try to disable them.
The room is large, 30x30 in size, with the exits squarely in the middle. (I'll put a map up tomorrow.)
Terser is led down to the red starting area. Claw is led to the blue. Fang, in the stands, has no shortage of fans and competitors packed in tight around her. Kozy hovers over the center of the arena.
"My dear fans, our dear spectators, and most importantly, our dear gamblers! Are you ready for the martial tournament finals? Are you ready to see Terser, King of the Mountain, try his hand against the wild and feral Claw, who tamed the rage of her twin sister, a dragon no less? Ladies and gentlemen, are - you - ready - to - ruuuuummmmmmmbleeee!"
-------------------
Terser: Initiative Roll and perception check please.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+6=21 ; Monday November 30th, 2020 8:43:59 PM
Assuming Jozhur alerts everyone of the traps, pressure plates and the symbol on the wall, Rill is very careful where he steps. He checks the magic of the symbol on the wall (Knowledge Arcana 21).
"Whew - I'm glad for your sharp eye there Jozhur. He Tahni - what do you think that symbol will do?
Rill casts Protection from Evil and Guidance (+1 on a skill check) on Jozhur. "Maybe we all better stand on the other side of the room while Jozhur disables these traps.
(I assume he did not sense outsiders or constructs within 1,160 feet?)
-------------------------------------- DM Edit: Sorry, you did not. --------------------------------------
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:44:46 AM Maybe should just tread carefully around these traps. Would hate to get caught with my pants down. Or set one off by accident.
---------------------------------------------------------- Jozhur's disable device skill is 33. DM Ken can roll the checks if the decision is made to disarm them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday December 1st, 2020 3:27:34 AM
Fang leans back to watch with curiosity, wondering if Claw will indeed prove outclassed or if her fellow dragon is in for a surprise.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=37 ; d20+8=9 ; Tuesday December 1st, 2020 1:06:56 PM
Not sure what it is Leafy caught scent of both he and Aex turn their attention to that general direction. Something's there? (Aex perception 37 - Leafy perception 9 natural 1)
Neither Aex nor Leafy move after the warning about the pressure plates. Aex can fly over them if she wanted but the one that put the traps here probably anticipated on that simple solution also.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday December 1st, 2020 4:15:44 PM
Bralin stays where he is, waiting for Jozhur to disable any traps.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+22=30 ; Tuesday December 1st, 2020 5:06:33 PM "Could be a magic symbol of some kind. Symbol of Sleep or some such. It would make sense he wanted to make sure his loot was protected in some way" If Rill has no luck deciphering the symbol Tahni will give it a shot
--------------- Knowl Arcana: 30
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+3=13 ; d20+17=31 ; Tuesday December 1st, 2020 5:51:59 PM
Initiative = 13 Perception = 31
Terser rolls his neck and loosens his shoulders a bit, looking for whatever surprises this arena may hold in store. Heather said it was to be straightforward, but he wouldn't put it past the organizers to conceal something from her.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:46:36 PM
[Placeholder.]
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+33=34 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20=10 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 4:32:11 AM
(Oof. DM Ken rolled a one.)
Jozhurs quick sweep and clear of the first trap is catastrophic. The mishandling of one seems to set them all off at the same time. The room quickly and suddenly fills with a thin wispy fog. (All characters and pets, Will Save DC 23 or suffer -10 to will saves and wisdom checks until further notice.This is a mind affecting compulsion effect)
Around the same time, Rills examination of the inert symbol goes very badly, and it suddenly blazes to life with a orange glow. (All characters and pets, will save DC 25 or become insane, permanently, as per the spell. This is a mind affecting compulsion effect)
Be sure to make your save vs. Mind Fog before saving against the Insanity Symbol. Aexana and Leafy are still aware of a strange scent from the direction of the boxes and chests.
Back in the arena, Terser is aware that Claw has the jump on him. He's seen enough of her by now to know that, : She is AC 34, She uses the Die Hard feat, She has rending claws, her CMD is 27. She move sup and adopts a defensive pose. "Come Dragon! May the best warrior win!"
Claw, AC 39 (full defense) , CDM 31
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 7:27:09 AM
For some strange reason Fang is suddenly glad she's watching the fight instead of doing... whatever it was the others were doing.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+31=38 ; d10+15=21 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:07:18 PM
The stage is set and there's no need for caution now. Terser sets his glaive and charges straight at Claw, hoping she doesn't have any tricks to upset his attack.
For a moment it seems that her defensive stance will be enough, but Terser pulls it out at the last minute to connect. hero point - hit AC40, 21 damage
rage/charge ac - 18
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+25=33 ; d20+25=26 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:33:50 PM
Will Saves - 33 and 26
Bralin tenses as Jozhur and Rill both set off traps.
It takes a moment to determine the effect of both fog and light, but as they affect his mind, the Stone Warden steels himself.
He glances around to see if his comrades have fared as well as he.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+16=19 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=27 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:54:30 PM
Jozhur curses like the sailor he is as he fumbles the trap. He curses even more when the traps release noxious gas, rathan than something he can dodge.
He feels his mind start to go numb, but he manages to shrug off the fumes. ------------------- Will saves: 19 (fail, hero point reroll: 27), 27
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+19=28 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=16 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 6:24:11 PM
Just before the Mind Fog reaches Aex a thought flashes through her mind... "Well isn't this ironic... it's like loosing your cloak of resistance just before going insane..."
Aex Will save vs Mind Fog : 28 (or 32 if this is Fey Magic) Aex Will save vs Insanity : 20 - hero point reroll : 22 (26 if this is Fey Magic else... failure) Leafy Will save vs Mind Fog : 25 since this is an enchantment spell - succes Leafy Will save vs Insanity : 20 (vs enchantment) - failure
Well this sure is ironic...
Both Aex and Leafy gaze at eachother and begin to laugh and babble incoherently to eachother... Aex crumbles to her knees babbling while she begins to draw miniature dragons in the dirt... Leafy appears to be seeing all sorts of birds flying around his head.
Oh and what's the use of perfectly brewed Greenmage Heal potions tucked away in your Pants when you are in a state you are unable to even take the potions...
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+28=39 ; d20+28=45 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 8:41:02 PM
(Rill makes his saves - 39 and 45.)
Rill sees the Greenmage and Leafy behaving strangely. He can sense Aex is being affected by insanity through the rings, and will cast a Heal on her. (Symbol of Insanity is a spell Rill can cast, so I assume he knows the symbol remains active but can be covered. I'm going to assume Mind Fog is like going to a Grateful Dead concert.)
"Well, that didn't go well. Aex, stay focused on me - don't look at that wall where the symbol is. Anyone have something that will cover that symbol up? Boy, I wish I'd memorized Wall of Stone today."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+23=43 ; d20+23=25 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 8:42:45 PM
Symbol Spell. Being right is of no comfort to Tahni as multiple spells trigger. She shrugs off the effects easily enough, but seeing Sex giggling away is a pretty clear sign that she has succumbed.
"Come on, Aex. Let's get you back to normal"
Tahni casts a heal spell on Aex to break the spell.
------------------- Will Save vs DC23: 43=Pass! Will Save vs DC25: 25=Pass!
Standard: Cast Heal on Aex
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 8:44:07 PM OOC Update: Looks like Rill beat me to posting by a minute. With Aex healed Tahni will instead cast her spell on Leafy
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday December 3rd, 2020 9:33:38 AM
Well Terser got good start, but as shown by Fang's bout that doesn't mean everything.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20+25=31 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+24=25 ; d2+9=11 ; d2+9=11 ; d4+9=12 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; Thursday December 3rd, 2020 9:55:47 AM
Rill is quite right. The symbol can be covered easily enough. The mind fog doesn't take hold of anyone, and the few who are affected by the Symbol are quickly put the rights. The silvery mist hangs in the air, but once you've staved it off, or been affected, it becomes harmless.
There's still a symbol on the wall, slightly behind the pile of boxes and chests, and somewhere in that area Leafy picked up an unknown scent.
There's no movement at either the north or the south.
----------------------
In the arena, Claw willingly accepts her knocks. She pounces back, a frenzies ball of fur and claws.
(Hit AC 31,38,25 for 13, 14, 5 rend, and 18. )
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday December 3rd, 2020 4:45:45 PM
(there a nat 1 in the arena rolls - last damage does not apply I think)
Just a quickly as she was off this Wold she returns to it... The little Greenmage wonders why she's sitting on the ground making childish scribbles in the dirt. But she quickly regains her wits and gets back on her feet...
"Thank you... Whatever it is there in that corner is still there... I've gone mad ones I don't like to get there again."
Leafy too shrugs of the spell. Instinctively he backs up a little. He dreamed about being turned into matchsticks.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+29=31 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+25=43 ; d10+15=19 ; Thursday December 3rd, 2020 5:17:22 PM
After DR and Regen - HP 316/346
Terser is ready to get into it, and decides to try out the whole falling mechanism. He whiffs once before striking hard once, then delivers a mighty shove to try to knock Claw off the edge.
1st - miss 2nd - AC 38 for 19 damage 3rd - bullrush vs CMD 43 - no AOO, 9 damage, should push her back 20 feet based on CMD 27
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday December 3rd, 2020 5:25:00 PM
"One trap remains," Bralin points out, indicating the half hidden symbol.
The dwarf makes no move to go near it, or anywhere else for that matter.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday December 4th, 2020 7:34:39 AM
Deja vu. Looks like this will turn into just the two of them standing there and wailing on each other like the last one.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday December 4th, 2020 6:29:00 PM
With the symbol already triggered, Tahni decides that ruining the wall it is inscribed upon might be the best option. It means she keeps some of her other spells at her disposal.
Tahni casts acid splash over the wall where the symbol is to try and ruin the surface of it.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+19=30 ; Friday December 4th, 2020 7:50:51 PM
(I'm a little confused. I think there are two symbols? Not sure how large this room is, but I won't worry about spell range.)
Rill will ask Jozhur to point out where the traps in the floor are so we can avoid them as we move to the other side of the room from the partially covered symbol. Once we are safely away from the symbols, boxes, traps and others stuff in the room, Rill will cast Greater Dispel Magic, hoping to catch both symbols and anything else.
(Dispel roll is 30 against each effect - the DC is 11+the spell's caster level, so up to =CL19.)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+37=47 ; d20+33=38 ; Saturday December 5th, 2020 12:09:07 AM "So sorry about that guys, very clumsy of me. I'm not sure those will reset and be able to go off again."
He holds up a hand as Tahni starts casting a spell, "May want to be a bit more gentle with it. Mind if I try again?"
Jozhur points to all of the traps and has a close look at them before melding into the shadows as he slowly makes his way ahead of everyone else to investigate the scent near the chests.
If the symbol is still active and Jozhur can figure out a way to deal with it, he will try to disarm it when he reaches it.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Saturday December 5th, 2020 1:09:12 AM
Tahni gives a nod to Jozhur and holds back on casting a spell. The rogue knows traps better than anyone and she's more than happy to heed his advice.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20=3 ; d20=11 ; 10d6=28 ; d20+25=41 ; d4+9=11 ; d4=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; Saturday December 5th, 2020 1:20:08 PM
Claw goes flying over the side of the platform, and Terser watches her go. Instead of impacting the ground, she simply falls right through it, and appears again in the air above the platform. With a heavy thump, she lands on her feet.
(10d6 fall damage.)
Even she looks surprised that she's on her toes. She looks at Terser and shrugs, then jumps back into the melee. (Vital strike, bite hits for 23 total)
Claw: 47 damage.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Saturday December 5th, 2020 1:22:54 PM
Meanwhile, those in the dungeon have managed to convince themselves there are no more active traps in the room. The Mind Fog persists until dispelled by Rill, but again, once you've interacted with it, it cannot affect you again. His spell also shuts down the magical symbol as well.
There's still a pile of chests, and a pair of exits from this room.
At this point there's a few options. Do the dragons search for Akim? Do they search for their gear? Maybe they scout for enemies, or simply leave and return later?
-------------------------
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=35 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+15=21 ; d10+30=38 ; Saturday December 5th, 2020 7:07:47 PM
After DR and Regen - HP 298/346
Hey, that looked fun. Bet someone could make some money if they found a way to soften the landing!
He's not quite in position to do it again, but he does get one solid hit in as he repositions a bit.
Power attack, 1x extra damage 42 damage
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+8=21 ; Sunday December 6th, 2020 5:06:34 PM
Aex again points to the location here Leafy caught the strange scent.
"Go see what that is Leafy...", Aex asks her companion. Leafy, not to keen at first, moves over to the area trying to discern what's there. (Leafy Perception 21)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday December 6th, 2020 8:02:03 PM
Fang claps at Terer's move.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday December 7th, 2020 5:29:51 PM
Assuming Jozhur has cleared or at least identified the traps in the area, Rill will work with the others to check the boxes here to see if they contain the stolen things.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=23 ; Monday December 7th, 2020 5:34:26 PM
Not willing to throw open chests, Bralin decides to accompany Leafy, and see what's going on in this corner.
Perception 23
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday December 7th, 2020 5:43:35 PM
Tahni casts a Detect Magic spell and looks about the room. She's particularly interested in seeing whether any of the chests show any sign of magical auras.
Again, Tersers chop is accurate and powerful. Claw doesn't seem to have many options, and the fight is so far one sided. There's a few boos as Claw tries to catch Terser up to her current state of wounds, but Terser just doesn't show nearly the same signs of damage..
Pre DR: 17, 27 (crit), 1 Rend, 15.
Claw 92 Damage.
-------------------------
In the storage room, Aexana sends Leafy to investigate the scent. She follows it to one of the chests on the wall, which promptly grows a pseudopod and tries to stick itself to her trunk. A second creature suddenly spouts powerful legs, and charges into Aexana.
Epic Mimic 1: Adhesive Touch 1, 16 vs touch AC 11. Miss, Nat 1. (I noticed that Leafys touch AC is off. He doesnt get the aoo bonus or the natural armor bonus)
Epic Mimic 1: Adhesive Touch 2, 22 vs Touch AC 11. 5 damage. Leafy is grappled and can either attempt to break the grapple vs CMD 25, or can use a natural attack.
Epic Mimic 1: Bite, Crits vs AC 35, Crit confirmed with nat 20 for 21 damage and 2 acid damage.
---------------------------
Epic Mimic 2: Charges Aexana. Adhesive Touch 1 hits touch AC 22 for 6 damage. Aexana is grappled, and Epic Mimic gets a free bite chance.
Bite misses vs AC 20.
----------------
Epic Mimic: AC 24, (not lowered by grappling), 101 Hp. Large Size.CMD 25, cannot be tripped.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Monday December 7th, 2020 5:44:31 PM
(Sorry all, I was posting as you guys posted. The Mimics probably should have keyed on Rill or Jozhur instead of Aex, but I'll keep it for now.)
Jozhur draws his swords and stabs at the chests attacking Aex.
------------------------------- Attack hits (natural 20, AC 47), 33 to confirm crit: 13 damage, plus 14 if critical, 7 cold damage, 26 sneak damage (if applicable)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d100=58 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+25=27 ; d10+26=32 ; d10+25=29 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 12:07:57 AM
After DR and Regen - HP 252/346
Despite the crowd, Terser is having fun. He decides to send Claw on another ride off the edge after hitting her clean.
attack 1 - hit for 32 attack 2 - miss attack 3 - 8 damage, strength surge to add level to CMB for 46 total (should knock back 25 feet)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 10d6=32 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 12:46:06 AM "Ugh. Mimics."
Rill will cast Destruction on the one attacking Leafy. He can do this from a distance, as he does not want to provoke an attack that would disrupt his spell. The creature takes 190 points of damage. If it succeeds on a DC 26 Fort save, it instead takes 32 points of damage.
Rill says to the creatures, "You creatures! Cease this attack now and leave us alone or face certain and swift destruction. Choose wisely!"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+25=30 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=16 ; 4d6=12 ; 4d6=13 ; 4d6=16 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 4:07:14 AM
Tahni agrees with Jozhur's assessment. Really didn't see these coming!
She tries to determine any possible strengths and weaknesses these things might have. They look like chests so perhaps they're vulnerable to fire.
Tahni tests that theory with a scorching ray spell
----------------- Knowl Dungeoneering: 30 - To determine the mimics strengths and weaknesses Cast Scorching Ray. Target the one Rill hit with Destruction. If that was killed off, target the one Jozhur attacked. 3 Rays. Hit Touch AC32 for 12pts Hit Touch AC21 for 13pts Hit Touch AC16 for 16pts
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday December 8th, 2020 7:55:51 AM
Well it looks pretty one sided for now, but things could always turn around. Maybe. When all of your more flexible options are magic it's hard to do advanced maneuvers in a purely martial tournament.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday December 8th, 2020 5:43:20 PM
Bralin draws his axe, but holds off attacking, just in case the chests listen to Rill.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20+12=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 6:43:03 PM
Jozhur's attacks land, and they seem to penetrate well. However, his weapons are suddenly stuck against a thick oozy slime on the creatures hide. Jozhur can either release his weapon (Free action) or use a move action to break it free, using a strength check DC 20.
Rill attempts to engage in Stick and Carrot diplomacy, but the mimic isn't around to hear it. His spell detonates it, splattering viscous goo everywhere. (Leafy, Aexana, reflex DC 20 or take 17 acid damage).
Only one of Tahni's rays miss, and only because she doesn't have point blank shot to negate the penalties for firing into melee. The mimic seems affected by the damage, without any resistances. She considers the creature.
-It's an aberration, for sure. -It's larger and more powerful than a standard mimic. (Has modified attack values.) -It's immune to acid, and its maw produces acid damage. (2d6 on bites) -It's stealth is superb. (Cannot be detected by perception checks. Can be detected by spells that detect life forces) -It seems to be able to attack with its body in multiple angles, but is limited to 3 pseudopods per turn.
It's also dead. Leafy, free of his own nasty monster, bashes the one on his friend and keeper until it stops moving.
(DM Post edit. Cross posted with Steven)
The room is quiet.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; 3d6+10=19 ; 3d6+10=23 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 6:46:24 PM "Oh yuk...", Aex growls when the Mimic latches on to her. She had ill prepared for this... she can't just wriggle free from the Mimic's goo... glue... whatever...
No weapon in hand... no spells without somatic components... Aex is at mercy of her friends to get out of here it seems. Great day... first you do nuts and then this.
Leafy though isn't too happy about the Mimic's either. Not waiting passively he makes a full attack on the creatures latching on to him or the ones closest.He slams twice but refrains from biting at the mimics.
Slam hits AC22 - dagame 19 + 6 Slam hits AC37 - damage 23 + 8
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20=7 ; d20=9 ; 6d6=23 ; d20+25=41 ; 2d4+9=11 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2020 6:47:23 PM
Claw goes flying off the edge again, then reappears in a fall. She lands hard, but again doesn't fall prone. It's safe to say that's an enchantment of this particular board. Terser sees her shake her head, and look about her warily, as if trying to see someone that isn't there.
"No. I can do it myself.", she mutters sourly. She closes the gap again, and chomps down on Tersers arm. 19 damage before DR.
Claw: 129 damage.
----
Fang finds herself pondering the odds of her sister turning things around. They seem low. Right when things seem to be wrapping up for Terser, she feels a chill in the air.
"It's interesting. It's so interesting! Thank you Fang, thank you! I've been so curious, I needed to know so bad, it burns.. it hurts but you all keep answering the questions. You all keep providing an end to the tireless and meaningless nothing that is part of being eternal. Why did you all stop me before? HOW did you? What are you capable of? I have to know. I will know. Each of you will be challenged, there's something for everyone. It's the least I could do for bringing you all here for me like this. It's a debt pre-payed."
The voice fades, briefly, then comes back again just as strong. "Tell me though, I've been thinking about Claw. Is she good, and a hero like you? Or would she maybe succumb to temptation? You weren't exactly willing to trade everything in for a tournament win. But Claw? What about her? What would she do if tempted with incredible, unreal power?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=37 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=32 ; d10+26=30 ; d10+26=33 ; d10+26=34 ; d10+26=32 ; Wednesday December 9th, 2020 1:06:28 AM
After DR and Regen - HP 238/346
Terser's head cocks a little bit when she mutters. Maybe she's having to resist calling on magics like he is. And was that a chill in the air? No, he must have imagined it.
This time he's able to surprise her once before she chomps him (unexpected strike power, 1x per rage), which lines him up for a powered up second blow. He follows with another shove, setting himself up to receive her charge.
AoO - 30 damage 1st attack - crit confirmed for 99 damage 2nd attack - miss 3rd attack - 8 damage and 15 foot knockback
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday December 9th, 2020 7:21:09 AM
Fang shakes her head. She keeps her thoughts internal, like she's using the dragon rings, though she doesn't actually use the dragon ring. "You know we'd be able to answer your questions more effectively if you told us who you were. I've stopped so many things in my life questions like how and why I stopped you before is too vague to answer.
As for Claw surrendering to temptation, no idea. I've only met her again a few days ago and we've been apart 20 years. I'd like to think of her as a hero but who knows. Even great heroes have fallen to temptation under the right circumstances."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday December 9th, 2020 5:33:32 PM
Aex tries to clean up her robes from the Mimic's embrace... Leafy too looks at the goo sticking between his leaves.
"Don't know about you lot but I'm not taking any step deeper into this cave... not without someone taking point..." she adds smiling
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday December 9th, 2020 6:09:06 PM
Bralin puts away his axe, and figures it is safe to open the rest of the chests.
The dwarf starts opening and inventorying.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+33=49 ; Wednesday December 9th, 2020 6:36:26 PM "I can take point, we've seen how that has worked out so far. Which way?" Jozhur has to stiffle a chuckle. If there is anything left to examine on the room (remaining chests?) Jozhur will take a closer look.
-------------------- Perception: 35 (42 vs traps) Disable device (if needed for traps or to open chests): 49
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Wednesday December 9th, 2020 9:11:12 PM
In the arena, Tersers blow is a final one. Claw hits the group with a thump, and twitches. There's a flash and a glow, and the arena begins leveling itself out and falling back to ground level. As it does, Tersers rage fades, and the sounds of a cheering audience are loud enough to break through his focus.
"... a one sided match if there ever was one! Ladies and gentlemen, we have our Martial Tournament champion! Terser, of the Dragon Consortium!"
---
Fang hears the voice retreat, giving her a final farewell. "I Tinker, Fang. It's my nature. I do not do this any more maliciously than you breathe air. It seems you may be right. She resisted an offer of power overwhelming. She's more like you than I suspected."
----------------------------------------
With Jozhur as the designated pointman, Bralin starts opening chests. Most contain mundane items and goods, worth little more than a few hundred gold each. One contains a trio of magical daggers, however, and another contains a set of matching yet opposite breastplates, etched with designs that seem to draw forth feelings of heat and cold, and conjure images of the sun and the moon.
Which direction is Jozhur wanting to begin? North, or south?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday December 9th, 2020 10:08:17 PM "If noone has a better idea, then perhaps whichever way is the direction of the market, we go the other way. Akim will be wanting to get as far from the market as possible I imagine. If the market is to the south, then perhaps we should go north"
Tahni is disappointed that her gear isn't in this room.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday December 9th, 2020 10:37:03 PM
Terser is somewhat surprised at the suddenness of it all. Though well he knows that an unlucky strike can take down even the mightiest warriors, himself included.
He reaches down a hand to help her up. Well fought, I would welcome you at my side on any battlefield.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday December 10th, 2020 8:25:32 AM
Fang feels like she should know who that is but it takes her a minute to make the connection. "The guy who made those things we found and disabled? Well I guess organizing a non-lethal tournament to explore people's past trauma and personalities is less bad then trying to destroy all of reality."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday December 10th, 2020 11:14:38 AM
Rill figures one way is as good as another at this point, at least until we find our things. Rill will follow along to the north.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday December 10th, 2020 6:08:46 PM
Bralin leaves the chests open, and moves off through the north tunnel with the rest of his comrades.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=29 ; d20+8=21 ; Thursday December 10th, 2020 7:48:16 PM
Aex shares Tahni's feeling about not finding their gear back yet and joins her friends as they move down the Northern tunnel. This time she holds her Staff and Leafy too is on guard.
(Aex perception 29 / Leafy perception 21 + scent)
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Thursday December 10th, 2020 10:55:27 PM
In the arena, flowers and coins shower the ground around Terser. Claw rises to her feet steadily, and when a hand is offered, she takes it. In one motion she pulls Terser close, very close. "There's something here, and it wanted me to accept its strength so I could best you. I refused." She smiles, and briefly raises Tersers fist in victory, before meeting her handler and limping off the field.
Heather appears from the side stage exit as well, holding a dozen roses and a small blue chunk of stone.
"Well fought! I knew one of mine would be the champion! I'd have liked to watch you and Fang, but combat can be tricky and these scenarios were pretty cockamany. It took more than just fighting ability, but also mental dexterity to make it here. You've earned this." Terser is handed the small stone, which is bursting with energy. It has a dwarven rune, which reads "The Strength of a Champion."
Terser can affix this runes enchantment to any of his weapons. This rune gives him access to the feat, "Awesome Blow", even if he does not its prerequisites. He can change the rune from one weapon to another with one hour of concentration and work.
Heading north, the dungeon party finds themselves outside. It seems this is the entrance to this hidey hole. There's a easy enough trail that leads down the island a small ways. Tracks in the mud clearly seen are heading inside of the cave. None lead out.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Friday December 11th, 2020 10:58:19 AM You are honorable indeed to resist that temptation. I think Fang said she heard something similar, too? This is worrisome.
Terser watches as the rune is drawn almost magnetically to his weapon, affixing itself with a low hum, like it's getting used to its new home. He can feel the potential, but has to think a minute to see how he can apply it. Hmmn - this can be useful when I enlarge myself, can't it?[b]
He belatedly turns his thoughts to his dungeon delving allies as he goes to meet Fang in the stands. He relays what her sister said about the voice, and checks in through the rings. [b]How are things going? Do you need assistance?.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday December 11th, 2020 4:02:32 PM We have activated all the traps already. Therefore, there is little for you to do. Bralin replies to Terser lightly.
The dwarf regards his comrades, turns, and heads back into the cave. "The south tunnel, then."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; Friday December 11th, 2020 5:48:37 PM "Seems the only logical choice is to try the other way."
Jozhur starts back into the cave.
Perception: 35 (42 vs traps)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday December 11th, 2020 7:36:00 PM
Tahni considers casting a Wall spell of some kind to seal the entrance in case Akim slips past them. Without her headband, however, the number of spells she has at her disposal is reduced. She decides to hold on to them for now and follows behind Jozhur.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday December 11th, 2020 8:01:02 PM
Fang nods. "I too was contacted by the voice." she tells all she heard.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Sunday December 13th, 2020 3:37:27 PM "Well, let's go see our friend Akim."
Rill will use Greater Insight to give himself 120' of Darkvision or 19 minutes.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday December 13th, 2020 6:54:49 PM "Maybe we ought to keep Akim from sneaking out behind us... "
She plants her staff into the ground and her Staff Treant appears. "Guard the entrance well my friend. Let no one is... and most certainly no one out. "
"I can close the tunnel if you like? " she adds to her friends. If wanted she'll cast stone wall on the entrance with the Staff Treant guarding outside. That way, whoever wants to sneak out won't know the Treant's there.
Then she beckons leafy and follows the others back into the cave.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday December 13th, 2020 9:13:06 PM
Fang does a mental check in with the other group to see how they're doing via rings
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Monday December 14th, 2020 7:09:17 PM
With the martial tournament wrapped up, Terser and Fang suddenly have very little to do. Those in the tunnel on the northen island head back in, set up a guard, and push through the next door.
There, in a room with about 10 bunks, is Akim. He's sleeping soundly, with Aexana's cloak of resistance wrapped around him like a blanket. He clutches the corner of it in his fat fingers, and seems to have been suckling at the corner.
Also in the room are small piles of gear, you gear, with notes by them.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday December 14th, 2020 7:25:42 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at the sleeping Akim. He retrieves his sap and swings it's weight in his hand. Shall I beat some sense into him?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Monday December 14th, 2020 8:57:39 PM
Terser follows the mental picture of the action in the cave. Oof, Aex. I hope you have some good laundry soap.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday December 15th, 2020 1:00:43 AM
Tahni eyes her stolen goods, but resists the urge to simply dive at them.
"Are the other bunks empty? Is it worth putting a Dimensional Anchor spell on Akim before he wakes up?"
She's still alert for where the other thieves might be. If the goods are here then chances are they have been paid for their share already and have left. The group may have to apprehend them another day.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday December 15th, 2020 5:15:47 AM
Seeing Akim suckling at her cape makes Aex slightly furious... that cape has kept her safe on numerous encounters and this low life now... argh...
"Wait... I don't buy this... we've just activated all his other traps... and you believe he's soundly sleeping?! This smells just like another trap... "
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday December 15th, 2020 8:05:43 AM
Fang takes the chance to talk to her sister about her life. Signs are pointing away from the worst possibilities so she opens up a bit and tries to satisfy her curiosity.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday December 15th, 2020 10:55:17 AM "Dimensional Anchor is a good idea Tahni. Once you cast that, let's wake up Jerkface McSleepyhead here. Of course, we'll need to remove that spell to teleport back with him."
"Hey Jozhur - are those piles of our stuff trapped? I'll see if the notes are magical and then let's see what they say."
Rill casts Detect Magic, specifically looking to see if the notes are magic. He'll also look for magical auras in general, worried about magical traps on Akim, the bunks, or the piles of our gear.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday December 15th, 2020 5:08:06 PM
Bralin walks over to the sleeping person.
Once his comrades cast their spells, he will grab the fellow by the back of his shirt and yank him from the bed.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=30 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2020 8:19:47 PM
Jozhur nods, it does seem a bit too easy. But, Akim was dumb enough to steal from them. He systematically checks the room for traps.
----------------- Perception: 30 (37 vs traps)
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Tuesday December 15th, 2020 9:33:57 PM
Jozhur finds the room contains no traps. The notes seem to have the names of people on them, and sums of gold listed far, far higher than what this gear would typically go for.
Akim is grabbed, quite easily. His eyes pop open, and he starts to complain before suddenly stiffening up, alert to the danger.
"Um. Hello dear dragons! Welcome to my humble... cave. Would you care for a tour? I have a wonderful selection of private stock just in, at a once in a lifetime 100% off. Are you interested?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+8=21 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2020 2:11:34 AM
Assuming no traps and no malicious magical auras are detected by Rill, Tahni will retrieve her headband and give it a good look over. Seeing how Akim has treated Aex's cloak she intends to give it a thorough clean before putting it back on.
"Once in a lifetime you say? Seems like the second time today to me. All of the goods in your tent were marked as 100% off just before we came here" She looks over the goods and then back to Akim. She watches him closely for a moment and then turns to the others
"I think I might Geas him as well. Find out what he really knows before having him confess to his crimes."
"Dont worry. I won't." she relays over the rings "He hasn't physically attacked us, we seem to have our goods back, and we have him in our custody. That may be enough to loosen his tongue. Casting such a spell on him now wouldn't seem the 'good' thing to do"
------------------- Bluff: 21, though seeing Tahni do this not long ago to the other thief might be considered convincing proof?
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday December 16th, 2020 7:52:19 AM
Much chit chat occurs between sisters. It's incredibly fascinating, to bad no one else is around to pay attention to it.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday December 16th, 2020 5:12:41 PM
Bralin wordlessly stands beside the seated Akim, waiting.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday December 16th, 2020 7:58:18 PM
Aex is quite perplexed that now Akim is captured without further mishap...
"You're gonna pay for the dry cleaner... " she mutters as she looks at her cloak.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday December 16th, 2020 8:25:53 PM "Good morning Akim. You're in a lot of trouble. Tell me, what are the names and amounts on this list? The amounts listed seem to be rather high.
"As for this place, is there more to it? Where are your friends?"
Rill turns to Tahni. "I think a Geas is indeed in order. One prohibiting him from engaging in any illegal or fraudulent activity again. Ever."
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20=6 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2020 11:52:53 PM
(Sorry Mitch, you deserve better.)
Fang finds the conversation to be less fascinating, and more enlightening. Claw was revived by Mint and her crew, solely because of her outstanding and remarkable fur colorations. Mint had wanted to know about the battlefield she had stumbled across, and Claw was chosen as the one to be revived.
Over time, she fell in regularly with Mint, Mirri, and Kirri. Sometime later, Grandpa and the others came on board. Claw is pretty sure that Runt has a thing for her, but she has her sights set on Grandpa. The old warriors ways leave her breathless, and he's everything she looks for in a male.
From time to time, Claw politely finds her way back to the same questions. Who is the voice she's been hearing? How does Fang know it? It seemed, familiar with her sister, and so she wants to know more. In time, the talks take them towards the small gardens near the village where the teams reside.
"So.", she says rather abruptly. "I don't expect holiday dinners and regular meetings in the ghost, but is there a chance we can try to stay in touch here? I'll put the clamp down on Mirri and Kirris tricks. Speaking of which, let Tahni know that those letters got them really hot. She's as good a prankster as they are."
Terser is left alone with just Heather. She's polite and tries to keep him good company, but even for an outgoing dwarf, dwarves can be hard for humans to understand. "So whats the dig, Terser? Why are you all here? Rill tries to stay mysterious and he's obviously looking for allies. What sort of thing would you all need help with?"
-------------------------------------
Akims head turns this way and that, his expression ugly. He seems to hate being caught so helplessly. "I mean.. why so expensive? Really? He snorts. "Dragons owned this stuff. Own this stuff, I guess. That makes it well, much more than it is. A magic sword is a magic sword. But a magic sword that a Dragon group used to win a tournament on the Dragon isles? That's a piece of gear with a once in a lifetime story. That's value. That's history. Three times the price is a cheap fence, to be honest."
He's careful with his words, but he seems to be in the mood to divulge. It appears Tahni's bluff held true. "Look, I don't like having my mind messed with. That sort of thing is unpleasant. I pay good money for wards against it, but I watched you strip them from that knave in the market, and I know you'll do the same to me. Just... let me go. I'll give you back your stuff, clearly, and disarm the super secret magical traps all around us. In return, I leave here and never come back again. I think that's fair?
He laughs when Rill mentions friends.
"They were hirelings, Master Rill. Thieves without equal, I'm told. And to be fair, they did nick just about everything they wanted. If only the loudmouth hadn't have been caught, we might have pulled off the greatest heist ever. With one of their own caught, they probably decided to cut bait and leave. They were supposed to be back in the morning, when their boots of teleportation where all ready to go again. something tells me they know they've lost."
As for Aexana's request for dry cleaning, he grins sheepishly. "Sorry about that, I sleep like a kid I'm told. Let me keep this one? A personal keepsake and favor, a reminder to never tussle with the Consortium again. I'll give you a brand new one." ---------------
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=32 ; Thursday December 17th, 2020 1:17:11 AM
Jozhur weighs Akim's words, particularly his vow to leave. His gut tells him Akim's explanation of the theft is reasonable.
"Well, good try Akim."
---------------------- Sense motive: 32
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday December 17th, 2020 7:37:27 AM
Fang nods a long and feels somewhat vindicated at the clarification on how she survived. Or died and was rezed perhaps. She explains that she isn't entirely sure who the voice is other then an old foe she who's plans she messed up but never met in person.
She's perfectly willing to keep in touch and comments that's what magic is for. She reviews spells she can use to contact people at a distance and presumably Claw can do the same. She already keeps in touch with several friends scattered across the world with things like Sending
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday December 17th, 2020 4:55:38 PM "The value of my cloak goes far beyond the actual... one may call it emotional value... a thing a thief such as yourself knows nothing about. Hand it to me... now..."
Not in the mood to give in to Akim, Aex will reclaim her cloak and cast some prestidigitation on it to remove any stains, stench and whatever else.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday December 17th, 2020 5:59:12 PM "Not exactly fair I'm afraid Akim. You committed a crime against us today in conspiring to have us attacked and robbed and then trying to profit from the sale of stolen goods. There's no telling how many others suffered the same. You will be coming with us and will be handed over to the authorities. I'm sure they will treat you fairly under whatever legal system they operate here"
Tahni doesn't believe that anyone here would let Akim freely walk away from all this.
"Is he serious about there being additional traps here, or is he just trying to bluff his way out?"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday December 17th, 2020 6:53:17 PM "Surely we would have set them off by now.
At Tahni's words, Bralin clamps down on Akim's wrist. The dwarf will drag him out with the Dragons, if needs be.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Thursday December 17th, 2020 7:08:05 PM
Terser is used to leaving the talking to others, which makes it somewhat easy to remain mysterious. He's not sure how much he can tell Heather, but she seems to be on the up and up. He tries to chat in a friendly manner, while still being somewhat circumspect.
Well, someone wanted us here, and seemed to be willing to both pay for the privilege and coerce us if that wasn't enough. There is still some power at work that hasn't made its intentions clear. And those constructs all over are still a bit concerning. If they serve this mysterious power, then they could cause all sorts of havoc in a very small amount of time.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday December 17th, 2020 11:00:00 PM "Heh. Sounds like we could just wait here and pick up some more magic items. We could even tell them Akim told us about this - it may prevent them from working with him going forward."
He regards the merchant.
"Look my tubby trader, we're going to collect the things here and then we're going to leave here. With you. You get to decide if you're conscious or not on the trip back. Bralin - let's haul this miserable miscreant around with us as we search the place so he has an incentive to point out the traps that would kill him."
We'll check the area with Akim in tow. Do we find anything else aside from our things and what we collected in the previous room?
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Friday December 18th, 2020 4:11:18 AM
Akim realizes he is beat, and doesn't bother resisting Bralin in the least. He ruffles a little at Rill's barb. "Sure thing, you priestly punk. And besides, there are no more traps. But there is another offer. There's always another offer." He smiles. "Let me go. I don't want to deal with jail time. In exchange, I'll give you guys the totality of whats in my tent. There's a good 400,000 gp worth of gear and stuff there. Otherwise my boy and wife will come claim it all and you won't get a hot copper other than what's already yours." He tries to wiggle his eyebrows, but is horrible at it. It just looks like his nose itches.
--------------------------
Heather nods and looks at Terser, a little lost and clueless. "That all sounds like a fine reason for you to be here. I'll sniff around quietly and see what I can find, but I'm afraid that's all rather out of my league. "
Claw's a druid, it turns out, much like Fang. The only difference is Claw followed a rangers path for her martial discipline, as opposed to that of the wild fighter. If Fang can cast it, so can claw. Several of the Fangs start to meander about, clearly waiting for their last fighter. It seems the reunion is at an end for now. Claw reaches into a pouch and retrieves an item. "I know you prefer your axe, but this is a gift. I had it made when I learned you would be here." The item appears to be an Ebyrons tear, but its enchantment is unique. Whenever Fang slays an opponent, she may regain a use of a rage power or druidic domain ability that she has already expended that day.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday December 18th, 2020 7:24:05 AM
Fang is not a druid but a priest of Alemi, thus the checking on what spells they have in common or can be used to communicate. Fang takes the gift gratefully and tells her that they can talk more some other time.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday December 20th, 2020 5:51:45 PM "What's in... Sorry. What WAS in your tent is currently in the possession of the authorities until it can be determined who the rightful owners are. Multiple divinations will be cast to determine who owns what"
"Your wife and boy are welcome to come and claim what is truly theirs though"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday December 20th, 2020 6:18:58 PM
Aex hangs her cloak around her shoulders again and immediately feels the strong magic it holds. She snorts at the guy and is well ready to get out of here.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday December 24th, 2020 2:05:41 PM "We could do a lot of good with that amount of coin. I would be willing to let what you did to us go, especially with a little compensation. But Tahni is right, how much of that stuff is even yours to give us."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday January 4th, 2021 3:16:46 PM
(ooc - checking in - all the best for 2021 friends)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday January 4th, 2021 7:01:36 PM "I agree that we could do much good with that money. But what message do we send as Dragons if we can be bought off by a well connected and powerful thief? And if we did accept the good in his tent, are we not just accepting goods stolen from other victims to look the other way?
"Perhaps Tahni should instead geas the man to payback all his victims."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday January 5th, 2021 8:13:23 AM
Fang exists. Which is an impressive feat considering how many times monsters have tried to kill her.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena d20+25=37 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2021 4:09:55 PM
Akim seems a bit indignant. "I saw a chance to grab a once in a lifetime supply of artifacts. [b]Dragon Consortium artifacts. It was a calculated risk that cost me a lot. I don't sell stolen goods otherwise. Have I maybe been an aggressive business partner in the past? Sure. Have I taken advantage? You bet."[/b]
He snorts. "But every bit of my inventory is my own. If it makes you feel better, force me to make a donation of 5,000 gold to the temple of Wardd to help the starving businessmen who I've left in my wake. Take the deal, Dragons. Sell my inventory, liquidate it through the other vendors easily, and either keep it for yourselves or the consortium. I don't care which, I just want out of the frying pan and to avoid the jailtime. I'll pack up my personal items and leave immediately. What say you?"
Sense Motive: 37 Highlight to display spoiler: { Akim is probably too careful to actually sell stolen goods himself on most occasions. He's also telling the truth, you assume, about not breaking the law in his dealings. He seems too careful to expose himself to reparations. However, the slight tug of a smile hints that 5,000 doesn't even begin to cover his lopsided deals. Still, forcing him to offset business deals legally made is murky waters. And there's nothing actually preventing him from returning to the island once he leaves, other than his word, short of some sort of magical compulsions.}
Fang and those not with Akim are enjoying the post championship celebrations. Heather pokes her pair of gruff adventurers. "Why don't you two go relax somewhere? The Village is always lively after an event. I'll find out what I can about your issue, and I'll see what I can pry regarding the magic tournament."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday January 5th, 2021 5:36:16 PM
Terser finally has a moment of relief with the pressure of the tournament off. He's sure that the others will make the right decision regarding Akim, so he invites Fang to join him for a drink in the village. They can see if their sisters want to join them.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+34=52 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2021 1:20:42 AM
(Sense Motive 52) Rill shares what he knows.
"Friends, I sense that Akim is probably too careful to actually sell stolen goods himself on most occasions. I think he's may be telling the truth, about not breaking the law in his dealings. He seems too careful to expose himself to reparations. However, I sense that 5,000 doesn't even begin to cover his lopsided deals. There's nothing actually preventing him from returning to the island once he leaves, other than his word, short of some sort of magical compulsions. And he's certainly not a man of his word - this we know.
"Facing the legal consequences of his action and a Geas to pay back all his victims seems to be in order. The Geas may be a bit heavy handed, but I think he's earned it.
"Dealing with him justly is the right thing to do, and it sends a consistent message to others. After all, there are many that know that we were attacked by thieves. It would be good to show others how we deal with such matters."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday January 6th, 2021 5:26:40 AM
Tahni places her headband back on her head.
"Yeah, 5 grand seems a really low donation to someone who has 400k worth of goods back in his tent. He'd recoup that very quickly."
"I don't like the idea of geas'ing everyone we come across though. You're right. It does feel heavy handed."
"If that's the approach we take, then rather than forcing his to pay back all of his victims it might be more appropriate to use it to question him. We gain all the information we can and we provide it to the authorities. They can best determine the next steps. They may have him make amends or they may lock him up. Whatever the laws of this place dictate for his crimes"
She looks to Akim and then asks with genuine concern. "Are your wife and son aware of your business practises?"
Tahni explains her question to the others telepathically. "I've no intention of telling his son of these crimes if he isn't already aware. It's not for us to ruin their relationship, no matter what we might think of Akim."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday January 6th, 2021 7:05:08 AM
Fang goes drinking.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday January 6th, 2021 10:36:27 AM
Bralin stands wordlessly next to Akim.
I would favor taking back what is ours, and turning both Akim and the rest of the goods over to the good monk.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 6th, 2021 11:14:40 AM
Aex nods in agreement with Bralin. She's eager to end this matter and get back to the rest.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Wednesday January 6th, 2021 6:42:08 PM
Akim loses a bit of his vigorous confidence. "No. That I'll have to explain to them myself I suppose. I'll probably try to lie my way through that one, I think. Sometimes it's easier than the truth. Might as well prepare to hear rumblings of a merchant accusing the Consortium of setting him up so they could steal his wares." He states this plainly. It's not a challenge or a threat, just an admission of dishonest intent from a man who is probably dishonest in most things. "I don't think I could bear the boy thinking ill. Sorry if a lone swordsman shows up in a decade."
It seems like there's a consensus. Whenever the away team is ready, they can teleport back and turn the merchant over. --------------------------------
Back in the village, its a weird table for sure. Terser, Fang, Claw, and Jada are all gathered around at a table. Jada seems to be absolutely bursting with pride. She's already ordered everything on the menu, ten rounds of beer, sharp chasers, and is telling everyone within earshot about her brothers success.
Claw is more reserved. From time to time, an ear flicks itself in discomfort. She locks eyes on Fang. "So. You're a priest. I'm a druid. You're a raging madwoman in a fight. I've learned from the beast rangers in the Atlas plains. I guess twins are similar even after time apart." Small talk is a struggle.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20=17 ; d20+15=19 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2021 9:38:02 PM
Rill rubs his eyes with one hand as he listens to Akim's. He prays to Gargul as he chooses his words carefully. (Diplomacy 19 - anyone else is welcome to provide an assist for on his Diplomacy check.)
"Akim - If you intend to raise a son that would grow up to oppose a group like the Dragon Consortium, you're kind of setting him up for failure, don't you think? Let me suggest for you another path that benefits both you and your son. The truth.
"Tell your wife and your son that you've been a shrewd merchant, and that you have profited well from this. Tell them that in your pursuit of profits that you made a terrible mistake, that you decided to steal from someone and you used your considerable skills and abilities to engineer this theft. You got caught and that it's critically important that your son understand that being a clever merchant is good, but that stealing is bad, and that you will need to pay a price for this. And tell your son that you want him to grow up smart and strong and to learn from your mistakes. Tell him that this is now a chance for you to choose a different path, both for you and for your son.
"Do this, and I will speak well on our behalf to the authorities we turn you over to. And if you want, I will stand by you as you explain this to your son. Who knows, maybe instead of being opposed to the Dragons Consortium, your son may one day grow up to be a member of the Dragons Consortium himself. Would that not make you proud to see your son grow up a hero, admired in the Wold?
"This sucks right now for you Akim, but you alone have the power to turn this around, both for yourself and for your family. For it is written, 'None of us are beyond redemption, but woe betide the man that leads another astray.' What say you Akim?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday January 6th, 2021 11:24:35 PM Good thing I don't have to fight for a few days with all this weighing me down!
Terser does what he can with social lubricant and tales of Fang's exploits to try getting the sisters out of their shells a bit. He supposes it was easier for him, since he wasn't as close to Jada when they were younger, and there's seems to be plenty of time to make up for it now.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday January 7th, 2021 6:05:59 AM
If Akim is repentant and wants to atone for his crimes, Tahni will agree to cast an Atonement spell upon him. She doubts that will be the case though.
With nothing more to add she is ready to teleport the group - and captive - back to the pavilion.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday January 7th, 2021 6:07:25 AM
Aex is happy to leave when all is settled. She has her cloak back and to her that was what mattered most. She cares little for Akim´s future but does feel for his wife and kid....
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d6=6 ; Thursday January 7th, 2021 6:39:47 AM
Fang disagrees. "What, just because we both mix martial skill with magic? It's like saying a wizard and a sorcerer are the same. Sure there are similarities but also big differences. You can find both in most things if you look for them, but we're both our own people with our own experiences. Like you just said you're not a raging madwoman anymore whereas I've stuck with it for decades despite becoming a priest of Alemi. See, wild difference between us right there."
Fang clearly has no problems with small talk and since she got the basic explanation of Claw's survival she shares her own tale of her early days surviving the wilderness by the skin of her teeth before being rescued from madness and death by her mentor which eventually lead to her current path.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday January 7th, 2021 12:37:46 PM
Bralin nods at Rill's words.
"Turn this page now, and write you and your son a new chapter," he offers.
[Aid Another for Rill's check - autosuccess - +2 to Rill]
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=32 ; Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:11:27 PM
Jozhur nods in agreement with Healing and Rill.
"Rill is a wise man, Akim. His advise is sound, and the best thing for you and your family. I've stolen before, plenty of times. But that was a different life of sorts, and I don't hide it from anyone."
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:12:00 PM
Akim seems torn. "I know you are wise, dragons. I see the merit in your words. I'll consider them." Then Jozhurs own admission seems to finally push him over whatever barriers he had remaining. (Moved from unfriendly, to indifferent). "He.. is a smart boy. I'd rather him learn not to reach for too much, than have him discover his father was slandering the heroes of the consortium because he did not want to face truth."
Akim slaps his own cheeks a couple of times. "Lets go Dragons. There's more luxury in prison than this cave. I'm ready to leave."
------------------------------------------
As the food and drinks keep coming, Fang finds that Claw seems to be coming around to her way of thinking. The other woman gasps a few times, not realizing quite how hard Fangs trials had been. "I think there's a good chance you were harder on yourself than I could have ever been on you." After awhile, she shifts uncomfortable, and draws in both Terser and Jada. "Fang has shared with me her insights on the voice I've heard. At least some of them, on this.. Meddler? What can you tell me, Terser? I feel like I'm still missing something."
Jada looks confused. "What is she talking about, Terser?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Friday January 8th, 2021 12:31:28 AM I'm sure you've noticed some fishy things going on around here. Though maybe not, since neither you nor one of your boys was captured. There was the rescue operation, the construct monks, and some voice has been tempting fighters with power to overcome their opponents. So far as we can tell, everyone has resisted thus far.
Have you noticed anything similar?
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday January 8th, 2021 12:33:18 AM
Fang let's Terser answer his sister. She sees no reason to keep quiet about it but she did ask Terser not Fang. She tries to remember if she told the others via rings of what happened and her deductions and if she hadn't she does so now (think I did, not sure)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday January 8th, 2021 2:45:56 AM
Tahni gives a nod to Akim and then to the others. "Was there anything in those chests back there?" She wants to make sure they grab every piece of equipment before teleporting away.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d100=55 ; Friday January 8th, 2021 3:56:14 PM
Once everyone is ready an we are assured that we have gathered all the thing here, Rill will gathr everyone together and cast [i]Teleport[/] (55 - success!) We will arrive at our pavilion as the place there that Rill is most familiar with.
He will use the rod to summon Heather, and once she arrives he will ask her, "Heather, we have found one of those involved in the theft of our goods. To whom should we turn him over for justice? And we would like to speak to this person in the process."
He turns to Akim. "Now, before we go, would you like to speak with your family and would you like any of us there? As I said, I am happy to help explain things to your son. I don't imagine your time in jail will be for too long. Afterall, it's not like you killed someone."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday January 8th, 2021 6:20:46 PM
Once back Aex is eager to find the others and learn how they did in the final rounds.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Friday January 8th, 2021 10:14:30 PM
It doesn't take long before Heather has Akim rounded up with a a pair of monks ready to take him into custody. Both a construct and a human, neither seems to think Akim deserves much sympathy. He politely refuses the offers to speak to his family on his behalf. There's some thing people should handle themselves. One of the monks hangs back, and his partner waits. "You had a requestm, Dragon?" He looks curiously at Tahni.
Meanwhile, Jada seems oblivious. "Nothing like that, but my team is mostly just metal and magic." Fang is correct, she did inform the others she had suspicions they were dealing with a foe from their past, known as the Trickster. *(Or maybe Tinker? I've seen references to both)
Once Akim is carted away, Heather will lead the away team to those drinking and eating in the Village.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday January 8th, 2021 10:48:15 PM "Best luck, Akim. Hope you get things straightened out."
Jozhur will happily follow Heather to the drinking and eating.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday January 9th, 2021 7:42:04 AM "As far as I can tell it's some bored immortal who's scheme we stopped at some point so now he's screwing with us just to see how we react." Fang clarifies.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday January 9th, 2021 11:06:43 AM
Bralin is relieved to divest himself of Akim, and happily heads off with Heather to celebrate Terser's victory.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday January 10th, 2021 12:47:49 AM "I did?" Tahni looks curiously back at the monk. She's not quite sure what it may have been, but it has been a long and confusing day. "Has that Chatterton fellow answered all of your questions? If so I'll release him from the geas and leave him in your care"
She too is keen to join the others in celebrating the success of all competitors in the martial tournament.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d10=1 ; Monday January 11th, 2021 1:41:31 AM "As you wish Akim."
"My good monks, please inform the Abbot that this Akim fellow did surrender to us once we found him. He confessed his crimes and has restored to us what was stolen."
Rill is looking forward to some rest with his friends.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday January 11th, 2021 6:06:48 PM
Aex follows Heather to her friends.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Monday January 11th, 2021 7:11:17 PM
Terser welcomes everyone else to the table when they get to the food plaza. Join us! There's plenty to go around!
He shows them the rune that he was presented for winning the tourney. Ever seen the like of this before?
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