Back at the inn, the party continues sometime into the night. At some point, Heather decides she can't keep up and heads off to her own accomodations, dragging a young and fit server with her. For those still enjoying themselves, a crowd has gathered. It doesn't seem to have been common knowledge that so many of the dragons had affiliations on other teams! Not only has Urlryn snuck off the ship to find Jozhur, but there's two pairs of siblings to boot! Tahni, Rill, Brahlin, and Aexana don't seem to have matches, so their own company will have to make do, just like it always has. From time to time, Tahni catches the scent of weapon oils in the area, reminding her of ..well.. him. It was Braughs favorite way to treat his gear, and he always smelled of the stuff. What to make of that LAST encounter? That wasn't Braugh.. but it was so much like him. Maybe not the raging maniac she had to slay.. but the solemn moments together in the stands and when she was alone. How real was that, really?
As Tahni muses, Aexana finds something strange in her pockets. A pair of very small gnome sized baby booties. Strange much? Before she can say much, Jada brings the topic to the Magic tournament. "Anyone wanna spill the beans on their spells for tomorrow? Me and the robo-boys could use the handicap, I'm sure! Tell me Aexana, whats your plan?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday January 12th, 2021 6:40:43 AM
Tahni smiles a little. If anything the past few days have given her hope that her search for Bruagh might be drawing to an end. She has never been this close before.
She can't help but think there is something malevolent involved though. The ghostly vision and that construct? Something is behind all this, coordinating it, and pushing it. She isn't sure exactly what the purpose of it all is, but if it brings Bruagh back to her there will no doubt be a cost. Can any be too high?
There's no way to tell what is coming nor the schedule it is working to. All she can do for now is prepare for tomorrow's bout.
"Anyone know who we drew for our first round?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 7:48:06 AM
Fang just shrugs at Jada's question. "Oh you've seen me fight. With magic it's more of the same just empowered by Alemi."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday January 12th, 2021 10:59:43 AM
Jozur's face lights up at the sight of Urlryn, he forgets about recent events for just a bit. After some time and some drinks he lowers his voice to her, "I'm afraid, err, I know whatever is going on here isn't over. Be on your toes." He takes a few more sips of his ale, "It's a little loud here, don't you think?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 6:18:37 PM
During Aex gets a little distracted with what she suddenly finds in her pocket... now where does this comes from she thinks. It hits her how much she's starting to miss home... her daughter... who knows some grandchildren perhaps... maybe these baby booties are a sign?!
'Huh? What?" Aex blurts out when asked about her spells for tomorrow's magic tournament.
"Depends... I don't recall if flying and shapechanging is allowed during the magic tournament?! Guess an elemental of some kind always comes in handy. Flying most likely and drawing nature's elements for some extra fireworks. "
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday January 12th, 2021 7:03:31 PM
Bralin is well behind on his drinking.
The dwarf does his level best to make amends.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 7:43:18 PM
Rill looks around the room, wonder if Xuffie is here. Not that he cares. Certianly not.
"Spells? Oh, I'll probably have some healing spells and curative magics prepared. The usual stuff."
"Anyone know how all this works? Will we be in more than one battle each day? And what is the scheduling - whom to we compete against first?"
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Tuesday January 12th, 2021 9:57:12 PM
Jada shrugs.
"I know my handler is supposed to fill me in on the details tomorrow. I'm heading off to bed. I'll see you all soon!"
There's currently NO schedule in print, and Heather left some bit ago far too gone to advise anyone. Rill doesn't see Xuffie, but that doesn't mean she's not there. He IS perceptive, but she's very very sneaky, and he knows this.
Urlryn takes a quick look around. "Yea its crowded. Care to head to the beach?" She winks. "Or are you worried about a second undead ambush on the sand?" He isn't sure if shes referring to himself, Mint, or maybe both!
Aexana studies the booties a moment, then places them back in her pocket. When she does, she feels a pair of heavy metal objects that weren't there before. Rings, if she had to guess. Does she take a moment to check them out?
Fang is pretty certain that she's only allowed to physically attack summoned monsters, and can only BE attacked by them. Basically, summons can punch and be punched. Everything else is magical combat.
Tahni smiles in anticipation of closing in on her goal. Her musings are interrupted however, by a thought that maybe everything here is connected. Its a theory that she would have in common with Fang, and holds some weight. So many interconnected personal stories at play. Who's writing the tale?
-----------
DM Ken: Please adjust your spell lists for the magical tournament, as if it were happening tomorrow on schedule. Thanks!
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday January 12th, 2021 10:36:18 PM
Tahni considers the day to come. Were spells allowed to be prepared in advance? Can they take magical equipment in with them? She can't recall the rules specifically for the magic tournament. With no advice either way she decides it's best to just stick with the spells she already has prepared.
She hopes that if she gets up early enough in the morning that she'll be able to find out more about the rules and also buy a couple of scrolls to take with her - just in case.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday January 13th, 2021 4:16:25 AM
Fang goes to bed. She can decide spells to prep in the morning.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday January 13th, 2021 10:45:20 AM
Bralin helps close the joint, but eventually makes his way to bed.
Since he's not in the next tournament, he prays for his usual set of spells (on PC sheet) in the morning.
The dwarf then emerges from his quarters in anticipation of Heather showing up with breakfast.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday January 13th, 2021 10:52:55 AM
Jozhur laughs a little at Urlryn's response, "As if I'd be afraid of that.". He gets up and leaves, looking back to see that Urlryn is following.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 13th, 2021 2:02:37 PM
Nervous about the magic tournaments Aex will make it an early night. She wants to be well rested... Before she goes to bed, she heals any remaining injuries from going after that thief. Secondly she recharges her staff - who knows when a Treant might come in handy.
When she wakes up the next morning she spends more time than usual as she mediates her spells for the matches to come. Anyone who has studied the Sea Dragons will know more or less what spells the group usually uses. So perhaps she should be thinking a bit more out of the box...
------------------------------------------------ POTION INVENTORY: see char sheet ------------------------------------------------ SPELL LIST ( * = cast / A = AIR domain CL+4 DC+2 / ALL ELSE CL-2 / E = EVOCATION DC+2): ------------------------------------------------ 4 x Lvl 0: Flare (E), Light (E), Detect Magic, Know Direction 6 x Lvl 1: Create Water, Detect animals or plants, Produce Flame (E), Entangle, Faerie Fire (E), Cure Light Wounds + Obscuring Mist 6 x Lvl 2: Soften Earth and Stone, Flaming Sphere (E), Warp Wood, Wood Shape, Gust of Wind (E+A), Animal Trance + Fog Cloud 6 x Lvl 3: Call Lightning (E+A), Water Breathing, Wind Wall (E+A), Daylight (E), Sleet Storm, Quench + Call Lightning (E+A) 6 x Lvl 4: Ball Lightning (E+A), Flame Strike (E), Control Water, Cure Serious Wounds, Ice Storm, Air Walk + Sleet Storm 5 x Lvl 5: Stoneskin, Insect Plague, Wall of Thorns, Call Lightning Storm (E+A), Wall of Fire (E) + Ice Storm (E) 5 x Lvl 6: Wall of Stone, Wall of Stone, Greater Dispel Magic ,Greater Dispel Magic , Antilife Shell, + Control Winds (A) 5 x Lvl 7: Creeping Doom, Sunbeam (E), Heal, True Seeing, Fire Storm + Control Weather 4 x Lvl 8: Reverse Gravity, Sunburst, Finger of Death, Earthquake (E) + Whirlwind (E+A) 3 x Lvl 9: Shambler, Shape Change, Foresight + Storm of Vengeance ------------------------------------------------ 1/day: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak With Animals. 11/day: Storm Burst 1d6+9 1/day: Lightning Lord (19 bolts) 11/rounds: Wooden Fist +8 damage 18/rounds: Bramble Armor 1d6+8 ----------------------------------------------
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 13th, 2021 5:32:52 PM
Terser looks forward to cheering from the stand with the other martial types. He doesn't have much choice in spells for himself, having only a small dabbling of divine energy. It will come in useful for the grand melee though!
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 13th, 2021 5:38:37 PM
Additional post - forgot to integrate the rings Aex found - this post comes before the previous one
Sitting at the dinner table still pondering over the baby booties Aex now suddenly finds a pair of rings in her pockets... someone's clearly messing with her head... how did these rings end up in her pocket now!? Not someone invisible again is it! Not this time.
Aex casts True seeing hoping to find out if someone or something is trying to mess with her mind.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday January 13th, 2021 8:56:39 PM
Rill is ready for some rest. As others return to the Pavillion, he will as well.
He informs the Sea Dragons, "I will create another Magnificent Mansion. I figure we're the only ones that need access. Please let me know if any of you are bringing guests so I can allow them entry as well."
Once he hears back from others, he will cast Magnificent Mansion, making sure there are plenty of private rooms. Once inside, he will have a bath drawn and his clothes and things laundered and spiffed up.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Wednesday January 13th, 2021 11:19:54 PM
The Sea Dragons begin their process of bedding down for the night. At their level of conflict, even this involves some reality altering spells to get them safe and sound to wait for morning. Most of the dragons stick with their original run of spells. Only Aexana seems to shift things up.
When she notices the rings, she casts true seeing, but finds nothing out of the ordinary. A pair of wedding rings and baby booties? What signifance could that have for the gnome?
Jozhur finds Urlryn pliant to all of his needs. His needs for companionship and someone to listen, and of course, for time alone if he so chooses. Rill has made it known she's welcome in the Mansion (assuming is what you meant by guests), and she makes it known that Jozhur is welcome to her cabin on the ship.
-----------------
The next morning, as the Dragons exit from their slumber, they find an anxious Heather pacing and waiting. A half eaten sweet roll going flying out of her hands the minute the door to the mansion is opened, pegging Rill square in the chest. "Things are happening. Big things. The tournaments.. I think.. I think the tournaments are all going to be canceled!"
As she gestures wildly, Rill is aware of a handful of team captains. Yuffie, Jada, Han Valen, Mint, and Khale are all present. Only Gort is missing.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday January 14th, 2021 7:58:33 AM "Oh." Fang thinks a moment. They only came because they if they didn't attend something horrible would happen. Now that it's canceled... "So are we done now? She asks the others over the rings. "That was anticlimactic."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:21:36 PM
After her meditation Aex goes down for some breakfast only to find Heather making quite some noise.
"Oh no... just not before breakfast ... let me at least have some tea...", Aex thinks to herself.
Still a little sleepy she checks what's on the menu.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+32=44 ; Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:35:58 PM
Mint present in the Dragon's pavilion? Tahni quickly scans the room to see if the catgirl has stolen anything yet.
"What sort of 'big things'?"
After the event with the kidnappings, Tahni is kind of expecting for the dragons to be blamed for whatever is going on now too.
Perception: 44
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:57:17 PM They would not contemplate cancelling a tournament unless an extreme problem is at hand Bralin answers Fang.
Heather has his undivided attention as he awaits her answer to Tahni's question.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday January 14th, 2021 8:49:12 PM
Jozhur invites Urlryn to the mansion for tonight so she will be safe. He makes it clear whatever is going on clearly isn't over after the day and he would prefer she is safe.
Should she declined, he makes it clear he intends to meet with her again before they both depart the games.
In the morning, Jozhur isn't too shocked by Heather's announcement. He looks from Heather to the assembled team captains, "Well, what is it?"
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday January 14th, 2021 8:56:12 PM "Heather, relax. Can you tell us what's going on without throwing food? What could possibly be so bad that the Game Masters of Triskelion would cancel their big money making events?"
He notices the other team captains. "Oh, hey guys. Where's Gort? Is his whole team gone? More kidnappings?"
Rill casts Detect Poison before he picks up a nice, crusty pastry and starts eating.
He gestures to the food and with a full mouth says, "Oh, and the foods fine."
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Thursday January 14th, 2021 10:51:45 PM
Heather shakes her head.
"Kidnappings? I wish. Gort's dead. They're all dead. Some of the Chancers think we need to cancel or else the other teams might also--" Kale roughly shoves Heather aside, worry in his eyes. "Might also be killed! This isn't worth a million gold! This isn't worth the fame. This isn't worth promotions in the organization!"
Heather picks herself up and glares. "There's going to be a meeting of the teams later, and a vote. Right now, most everyone is leaning towards cancelling the tournament and going home. I think that I don't know what I think." From behind her comes a crisp, cutting laugh. "Not all the captains, Heather. We are getting paid to win this, and we will." Xuffie helps dust Heather off and shoulders past Kale to Rill. "What about the Dragons? Scared? I wouldn't mind too much if you all forfeited you know, it would make things much easier on poor little old me, Rill." She leans in pinches a bit of pastry flake off his lips. "Enjoying breakfast?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:10:10 PM "The safety of others comes first. The tournament comes a distant second" Tahni responds as she crosses her arms. She then looks to Heather.
"What do you mean all dead? All the Talons or more than just them? Since you said dead and not missing, I'm guessing that means this time you've found some bodies."
She isn't surprised that Kale is the one that's is a panic. The One Percent aren't real fighters, and she's pretty sure all of their fights were rigged in one way or another. That's not the point to focus on now though.
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 15th, 2021 10:40:11 AM I can see how the tournament isn't the top priority right now. Tahni is right, between us, I know we can figure out what happened to the Talons. And probably bring them back pretty quick, too.
What happened to their monk security?
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday January 15th, 2021 10:55:45 AM
Fang is surprised at the news. This doesn’t seem like the kind of thing the immortal trickster would do. Then again what does she know. She tries thinking angry thoughts about him since he seemed willing to talk to her. Maybe he’ll reply
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday January 15th, 2021 5:28:56 PM
An extreme problem, indeed.
Bralin glances with annoyance at Xuffie's outburst, but focuses on the task at hand.
"We should investigate the demise of the Talons," he declares. "To kill the entire team demonstrates considerable power. To do so without anyone else noticing, even more."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday January 15th, 2021 6:25:13 PM
Aex is baffled when she hears the news. This isn't what she was expecting... Clueless about what to say next she just holds her tongue and listens to the others.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday January 15th, 2021 11:17:49 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at the news and adds his two cents. "We need to solve this. If we all just pack up and leave not knowing who is responsible, and why, who is to say it won't continue?"
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Saturday January 16th, 2021 8:30:47 PM
Rill pulls back from Xuffie as she reaches toward his mouth. He may be intrigued by her, but her gesture is a bit too familiar just yet - particularly with such a serious matter at hand.
"The Last Whisper my not care for anyone but themselves, but right now that attitude will not make you any friends. And you may need some friends ere this is over."
He turns to the larger group. "Terser and Tahni are right. The tournament is irrelevant at this point, and I have little interest in the Chancer's perspective unless it is focused on the safety of the people the Chancer's have drawn here. As far as I am concerned they are responsible for what happens here.
"Heather, where is that head monk? Last time some team captains went missing he tasked us with resolving it. Which we did. I'm concerned he's not here now.
"Since you say the Talons are all dead and not simply missing, I presume you found their bodies. Assuming Gargul is willing, we may be able to bring them back. Can you take us to them?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday January 17th, 2021 4:37:44 PM
Fang continues to think very hard in the general direction of the mysterious voice.
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Monday January 18th, 2021 6:31:45 PM
Tahni asks a wonderful question. She gets the worst possible answer. "Yes, we have bodies. Some are even fully intact. Others are in a bad place. A few are missing, but given the state of their bunkhouse... Heather lets the thought trail. Mint picks it up. "Given the state of their bunkhouse, its likely that even if someone survived, they are probably wishing they didn't."
Terser asks another good question. "Dead.", is the reply. Kale waves their lives away dismissively. "Ones a battered lump of meat. The other was turned into a puddle of water. Thus ends the tragic lives of those who failed in their duty to protect their charges. Can we leave already?"
Fang thinks angry, bitter thoughts into the ether. She swears that somewhere, she hears laughter in response.
Bralin thinks investigation is the right path forward. He's also thinking about power scales, and is correct in his thoughts. It would take a group in the upper echelon of power, Wold Wide, to snuff out any of these competing units. Heather smiles grimly. "I .. well.. the Chancers as a whole, were hoping you would say that. We can show you to the bodies."
Rill too, wants to see the bodies. He even considers resurrections, assuming Gargul okays their deaths. Not everyone gets the fast track back to the mortal coil. When he calls the tournament irrelevant, he hears one new voice call out to him.
"Its not at all irrelevant, good Dragon. I've told you, Domi wishes it to proceed." Slipping off his foot pads, Master makes his way into the room with Knight Captain Elhonna in tow.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday January 19th, 2021 12:38:10 AM
Jozhur rubs his chin, pondering their next move, "Yes, I think we will need to investigate the bunkhouse." Then his mind snaps to Urlryn and he looks to Elhonna, "Is, umm, everyone else okay?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday January 19th, 2021 7:51:13 AM
Fang keeps quiet and lets the smart people figure out the way to proceed.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday January 19th, 2021 10:13:50 AM
More revelations ahead.
Bralin waits.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday January 19th, 2021 1:21:10 PM
Aex nervously shift from one foot to the other as more information comes in. This is all most disturbing that's what it is... Knowing they'll probably be asked to investigate this matter sends shivers down the littl's Gnome's spine.
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 19th, 2021 3:28:55 PM
Terser wonders through the rings what magic could turn a monk to water. Is it likely that it was a construct monk who is now melted? Can we even be sure that it was the monk, and not that it walked off into the ocean like the other did?
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday January 19th, 2021 5:16:11 PM
(I assume that will the Soulseeker's direct opposition to constructs, that Rill is aware of the basics associated with a Simulacrum being constructed from snow or ice and their fate when they are destroyed.)
Rill has had about enough of mysteries within mysteries. It's making him pretty cranky. He Regards the Master Abbot.
"Greetings Master Abbot. So you have said, that Domi wishes the games to proceed. Domi sends construct monks for security when there is no security. Constructs answer to a magical master, and Domi will not reveal whom that is. Which concerns me greatly."
"I mean no disrespect to you, good Master, but you seem to have a direct line to Domi. Please be so kind as to convey to the Lord of Courage when next you speak with him that Rillett Savenport would consider it a great kindness if he could share what he does know before we courageously again try to save an event we care nothing about from a foe we know nothing about for reasons only the Gods seem to know. I will also seek guidance from Gargul - who has likewise been silent on this matter - on his views of raising those that died here."
He turns to Heather. "Heather, please convey to the Chancers that we will need them to provide some rather large diamonds if we are allowed to raise this team."
With that, we will go to where these bodies are and where this crime happened to learn what we can learn.
He says to the others, "As a cleric I'm used to doing a God's bidding without knowing all the answers, but they seem to know more than they're letting on and I'm hitting my limit of being kept in the dark. I'll try not to implicate the rest of you if I overstep my ecclesiastical bounds in this."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday January 19th, 2021 6:42:58 PM "I think there are some divination spells we could cast to determine whether Domi really does want the tournament to proceed. At the moment we are taking it on faith. The more information we gather ourselves, rather than relying on others, the better"
"Does anyone have a speak with dead spell prepared by any chance?"
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Tuesday January 19th, 2021 10:09:37 PM
Jozhurs question isn't ignored by Elhonna. Neither is the fact Urlryn is here, and not on the ship. "Well, we didn't know the answer to that question until just now, Jozhur. You see, when we heard what happened, and also realized one of our own was missing all night, we were in a bit of a panic. That's left me in a bit of a mood." Urlryn regards Elhonna cooly, but says nothing. The Master smiles broadly at Jozhur. "That's what I was hoping you would do."
Brailin and Fang wait for more details. Aexana realizes that its likely they've gotten themselves invited to a murder scene. Terser ponders the chance the monk was even killed and turned into water, or if its perhaps a misdirection. Rill has an answer. Simulacrums.
"Rill.", starts Master. "Your questions are fair. I think you should find answers in Gargul, because I've told you what I can have learned from Domi and Alemi. They want the tournament to continue, but they haven't told me why. I don't question the will of Domi too much. If he says to jump, I'll jump where I think is best. Sometimes its right, sometimes its not, but I never ask him to explain why he needs me to jump. I just.. do."
He shifts uncomfortable at the mention of the monks. "Sometimes though, I jump in a pile of droppings, its true. I still don't know what order these monks came from, only that they arrived after Domi told me more bodies were coming. I didn't know if he wanted me to have these constructs for a purpose yet unrevealed. Instead, it seems safe to say I may have been wrong. If these constructs are responsible for the death of one of my order, it's on my brow, Master Rill. I'll defer to your judgement on what to do with the rest of them, if that is your finding."
Heather nods. "I'll carry the request, but can't promise an answer of yes or no."
Tahni is also ready to do her own factfinding.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=24 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2021 11:19:47 PM
Jozhur ignores Elhonna for now, but raises an eyebrow at the Master's comment, "And why is that? How did you even..."
He cuts himself off, realizing the Abbot has been keeping a pretty close eye on the Dragons, or at least himself.
I get the feeling we're being left a little in the dark as well. The Abbot seems to be watching us closely.
Sense motive: 24
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday January 20th, 2021 2:04:19 AM "Have the public been made aware of these events, or has it been contained just to the competitors?" Tahni wonders how much containment is in effect.
"I'm not sure of the answers we will get from these people, but even then I'm not sure I would believe them entirely. Someone here may have an ulterior motive. Well, to be honest, they probably ALL do."
It occurs to Tahni that although all these people have come to the pavillion, they haven't exactly ask the dragons to do anything. Do they want us to investigate the murders? Want our opinion of whether the tournament is to proceed? She assumes it's to investigate the murder, but nothing has been put to them.
"What is the ask of us?" she asks directly. "How can we help?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 6:51:06 AM
Fang, always is woman of action, is ready to rush out of the tent to go look at the bodies. She waits impatiently for the others to ask their questions.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday January 20th, 2021 9:49:50 AM
Bralin strolls out of the tent.
At the entrance, he raises an arm toward the Talon's quarters.
"The bodies. This way?" he asks.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 12:40:46 PM
Somehow the prospect of going on this hunt, for whoever is responsible for this murder, has Aex on edge. She woke up this morning assuming she would make her stint in the arena soon but now it seems they are after something far greater and more sinister.
With a bit more vigor than usual she hops after the rest to go investigate the bodies. Leafy trots along.
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 20th, 2021 3:17:31 PM
Terser is ready to find the puppetmaster behind the senseless killing. The tournament fighting is good exercise, but not really a true test with all its rules and requirements. Whoever orchestrated these crimes will find he is a much different opponent when unfettered. The perpetrator will be brought to justice.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+33=45 d10=6 d20+38=53 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 8:21:11 PM
Rill tries to see if he sense anything odd with the good Master here. Sense Motive 45.
Then Rill goes with the others to where these people were killed to see what he can see. Perception 53
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Thursday January 21st, 2021 12:05:41 AM
Those trying to get a bead on Master aren't quite sure WHAT to think. He either is incredibly deceptive, or he wears his heart on his sleeve at all times, with no guile in him at all. No one gets the sense he is obfuscating anything, what he says he doesn't know, he probably doesn't know.
There's a strong, clear consensus. Lets find the bodies. Tahni is correct, they've not been asked to do anything. They are competitors here, not saviors, and if any of these groups are inferior, its not by a large scale of ability.
Master answers a few questions. "Well, we informed you, the same as all the other teams. If you want to look, I'll be happy for the help. The chancers are going to have a meeting of all the teams this evening. They'll take votes and decide what to do then, it would be a good idea to know what you want, as a group, to happen."
-------------
The dragons seem ready to leave, so he starts showing them the way. It isn't far. A few looky loos point and cheer as the team walks on. The harbor that was so full of boats seems to have a fair bit more room. "Its fairly common knowledge that a team was killed. A few people have left, others are even more excited for the spectacle. Many people are accusing Xuffie and her team of trying to play foul."
He points to a roped off and heavily guarded bunkhouse a few hundred feet in front of them. Its a common design, with two identical halves separated by a small hallway and presumably a couple of doors, generally intended for group lodgings of male and female companies.
"Its.. not pretty in there. Are you sure your ready?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday January 21st, 2021 7:25:42 AM
Fang goes right in. "I'm both a warrior and a healer. I'm sure I've seen worse."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=28 ; d20+9=23 ; Thursday January 21st, 2021 9:28:23 AM
Bralin catches Terser's eye, shakes his head slowly and sighs once in response to Fang's youthful bravado, and then also enters
[Perception 28] [Heal check (to get a sense of what killed them) 23]
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday January 21st, 2021 11:40:34 AM
Rill responds to the accusation against Xuffie and The Last Whisper. "I seem to recall that some thought we were involved in the disappearance of the team captains.
Rill steels himself for carnage as he follows Fang and Bralin in. (Perception 53 once we're in the 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) Thursday January 21st, 2021 4:32:14 PM
Terser nods back at Bralin. It seems warrior turned healer is a common theme for their merry band. But every scene of slaughter is different, and a battlefield is quite different to a murder scene. Even should they succeed in bringing back the victims, they may be somewhat scarred by the experience they endured. Terser wonders if there are any counseling services available for dealing with post resurrection trauma.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday January 21st, 2021 6:00:32 PM
Not too keen of investigating these bodies from up close and personal. Instead she is on the look-out for some animals that may have see something. And if the animals are not answering there are perhaps some small trees or other greens.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=33 ; Thursday January 21st, 2021 7:12:23 PM
Jozhur takes a deep breath and steps inside.
Perception: 33
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday January 21st, 2021 8:54:02 PM
Tahni stays outside the building for now. "i'm just going to keep an eye on things out here for a moment. I'll join shortly"
She keeps her eyes on what is going on with the crowd, the monks, and the other team members nearby.
"Do you know when the Talons were last seen? Were they having any drinks after the bouts?" Tahni addresses the Master, as she tries to piece together a timeline "And when was this scene they discovered?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+32=48 ; Thursday January 21st, 2021 8:54:33 PM OOC: Perception: 48
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday January 22nd, 2021 6:22:21 AM
Fang waits impatiently.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+17=23 ; Friday January 22nd, 2021 5:45:04 PM
Rill will use his healing skill as well to discern what may have happened to the bodies. Weapons, claws, magical damage? All of the above. Also, he's looking to see if the dead have evidence of damaging something on their weapons or claws. Are there any bodies here not from the Talons or the monks?
Heal check = 23 Previous Perception check = 53
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Friday January 22nd, 2021 6:16:36 PM
A pair of guards shakily swallow their doubts and challenge the Dragons. "Who.. who goes there!", one young monk asks. He's pretty sure he knows exactly who is here, but orders are orders. Besides, he's a follower of Domi. He sorta HAS to be brave.
Rather than just dismiss the young man as he tries to stop Fang and the others, the Master watches the interaction intently. He absent mindedly answers Tahni. "No one saw them after the libations and partying. That would have been around four, considering Gorts fortitude and taste for beverage. It's nine now, so a two hour window is about right, considering what time the menials start their labor. No one heard any cry of alarm when Gort returned to the house, so its a fair assumption that everyone was alive and well when he got in."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday January 22nd, 2021 8:17:31 PM
Well at least the guards are trying to do their job. "Fang of the Sea Dragons. At ease, no one's going to force their way in. We're here by request to investigate."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+24=28 ; d20+27=29 ; Saturday January 23rd, 2021 6:38:29 AM
Aex too walks up to the guards : "Aexana, greenmage of the Sea Dragons. Thank you for granting us access to the crime scene."
Just before entering Aex hands a 'Stone Tell' potion to her friends : "Here... try this... perhaps the walls do have eyes and ears..."
As soon as they enter the scene Aex changes into a small dog and starts sniffing the crime scene (scent) She'll try to discern the different scents she catches. It hasn't been too long so perhaps she can catch some lingering tracks of those responsible for all this.
(perception 28 / Survival tracking scents : 29)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday January 23rd, 2021 11:20:11 AM
"Bralin Stoneminder," replies the dwarf, plainly.
He waits patiently for the guards to move aside.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Saturday January 23rd, 2021 7:17:56 PM "What time did you say the voting was to start? We'll be sure to be there to participate"
Tahni doesn't know how long it will take to investigate this matter.
When she has his response she will give him a nod and then turn to rejoin the rest of the party.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday January 25th, 2021 2:15:40 AM
Jozhur waits for the young monk to step aside.
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+19=26 ; Monday January 25th, 2021 5:19:33 PM
Terser is used to having to examine stones to get their story. It will be a bit surreal to have them actually speak. He'll still search the stones to get some perspective on the events that took place first. I wonder what you ask a rock?
26perception on stonework
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday January 25th, 2021 5:28:58 PM
Aex smiles as Terser gives the Stonetell potion a try... she's also curious what he'll learn. But right now, Aex is ready to sniff her way through the crime scene. (rolls previous post)
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Monday January 25th, 2021 11:43:30 PM
The guards look nervously to the Master, who nods approvingly. He seems pleased by the fact the Dragons didn't just muscle through.
Aexana gives Terser a potion of Stone Tell. Presumably, they are starting outside.
Per the spell.
"You gain the ability to speak with stones, which relate to you who or what has touched them as well as revealing what is covered or concealed behind or under them. The stones relate complete descriptions if asked. A stone’s perspective, perception, and knowledge may prevent the stone from providing the details you are looking for. You can speak with natural or worked stone."
Aexana turns into a dog and begins sniffing out scents. There's so many! Good smells, bad smells. They assault her nose until she settles deeper into her form. A few things do stand out to her.
1. The smells of outside are all fairly normal here. There's nothing that makes her think that anything out of place happened outside of the compound.
2. Apparently the man selling Dragon Bites on a Stick a little ways down the street is using old lamb. Seriously, THAT's his secret?
-------
Tahni's question is also answered. Master smiles, though its a bit grim. "Everyone's equals here in the tournament, but its sort of unspoken that your group are equals with a capital E. We won't start that until your done here and gleaned whatever it is there is to be found."
The guard shuffles nervously. He hasn't quite been given explicit permission to move out of the way and let progress commence. "Um.. we've finished interviewing the people are the bunkhouse, Dragons. I can fill you in.. if.. if.. if you'd like."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=55 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2021 1:37:18 AM "Good Master Abbot. We Sea Dragons are aware that our reputation precedes us somewhat. While we may be more powerful than some here, we do not hold ourselves above any. For it is written, 'all stand equal before the Lord of Life and Death.' We only seek to serve and to do what is right, and sometimes even we need help figuring out what that is."
Rill absently smoothes his white robes as he regards the nervous guard. "Be at ease my good man. Please, tell us what you know. What have you found out about what occurred here? What have those you've interviewed told you?"
(Sense Motive = 55.)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday January 26th, 2021 7:01:27 AM
Fang waits.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday January 26th, 2021 8:12:06 AM
(Thought we were already inside)
Aexdog casually curls around the abbot´s legs. She needs to so she can discern smells she doesn´t know. In any case she´ll need to have a word with the guy selling Dragon Bites when all this is over...
As soon as they are allowed inside Aexdog hurries in before to many others can spread their scent...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday January 26th, 2021 11:26:11 AM
Bralin waits.
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 26th, 2021 3:12:39 PM
Terser waits for the preliminary answers from the guard while he compiles questions for the stones.
1) How long ago did the killing happen? This can also be phrased as how long ago the guards stopped standing, when one turned into water, etc 2) Describe anyone who entered/appeared at that time, other than the normal residents and the guards 3) Did the victims fight? Or were they killed too quickly to respond? 4) Methods of death? Normal weapons vs energy vs other stuff?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=43 ; Tuesday January 26th, 2021 3:54:33 PM
With the talking fully handled, Jozhur carefully looks around where they are for any clues.
Perception: 43
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday January 26th, 2021 6:06:10 PM
Tahni smiles to the guard. "It's ok friend. What's your name?" She wants to make the man relax a little. "Good to meet you. I'm Tahni. Now then, at your own pace, why don't you tell us what you think happened here?"
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