DM Carl Monday April 5th, 2021 3:32:52 PM Fang has a good, restful night of violent dreams.
Rill thinks to contact the abbot about destroying the clones. It's a good thought, but maybe he remembers the abbot already tried that? The abbot killed dozens before realizing their numbers weren't dwindling. They're replaced almost immediately and perfectly seamlessly. They decided it was a futile effort, especially when Domi instructed them to proceed with the Invitational despite the risk. The abbot has addressed the issue as best he can: monks travel in groups now. They do everything they can to ensure living monks outnumber the constructs. There are a lot of constructs, but the living monks still outnumber them significantly.
Should Rill contact the abbot knowing all that, he finds the old gnome as pleasant and willing to listen as always, but still beholden to Domi's orders.
Aexana meditates. Alone with her thoughts, she closes her eyes and lets her mind explore. The scent of the ocean lingers on the old gnome, but as she clears her mind the scent grows strong. The sound of waves fills her ears and salt water wicks her clothing as she begins gently bobbing up and down. Her eyes open, and she finds herself floating on a tranquil sea under a night sky glowing bright with distant stars. Wardd and Kerracles, the twin moons of the Wold, shine like suns in the sky. The night lights turn the ocean's surface into quicksilver.
The ocean speaks to her. "Be at peace, child. I have carried you too long across myself to let you face this fight without your full arsenal." The light of the stars and moons dims, and Aexana sees below the surface. She floats above a vast kelp forest. Small silver fish dart through the long stalks as they sway with the ocean's constant movement. A clump of the kelp braids itself together and grows until a small pillar of it sticks out from the water. It continues swaying as if it were submerged. Slowly, the braids untie themselves to reveal a staff of fossilized kelp, studded with colorful corals and groups of tiny, razor sharp barnacles. Even out of the water, the tiny creatures draw life from the living staff. It waits for Aexana to claim it, and her journey ends abruptly once she does. She finds herself back in Rill's mansion, though her clothes are still wet with salt water.
*The staff functions like your previous one, but the creature it grows is made of petrified kelp and studded with sharp sea life. It gains DR10/bludgeoning and does an additional 2d8 slashing damage from the corals/barnacles on all attacks. The damage also is applied to anyone striking or grappling the treant. These are in addition to similar abilities and stack. It is otherwise identical.
Tahni prepares her spells*.
*I am fine with you folks changing your spell selection after I announce the rules but before combat starts. Obviously once we're fighting spell selection is final.
Jozhur seeks to spend an evening with Urlryn*.
*I sent you an email, Brock. I'll update this post w/ more after you respond.
***
The last peaceful evening before the final ordeal passes without incident...at least for you folk.
Breakfast the next morning is late. Not terribly so, just a few minutes, but you could have set a clock to Heather's delivery before today. It looks as delicious as always, and searches for poison reveal nothing.
Heather looks rough, like she hasn't slept at all. For the first time since you've met her, she's dressed in comfortable, functional clothing. "Sorry I'm late, Dragons. We've all had a busy night."
Perception DC20, Highlight to display spoiler: {It is very quiet. There's been the constant din of thousands of Invitational attendees since you arrived, even here in the relative seclusion of your tent. You can no longer hear anything coming from outside.}
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Monday April 5th, 2021 5:17:46 PM "Heather, please sit and join us for breakfast. You have been so kind to see to our needs this whole time.
"Yesterday, when you spoke you seemed to speak as one of the Chancers. I was of the impression that you were highly skilled person in thier employ. Are you indeed one of the Chancers? Also, you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Please sit with us for a moment and tell us what's going on. Why is it so quiet? What news is there? Did anything happen during the night?"
Nodding to Heather, Bralin steps outside. He takes a sweeping look around at the landscape, and then returns to the table.
The dwarf mentally reports on anything relevant, while getting in a good meal.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday April 5th, 2021 8:36:37 PM
Fang doesn't even notice the lateness and just ignores the comment to dig in.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday April 6th, 2021 4:23:44 AM
(Wow thanks DM's)
Without making a sound Aex gazes the new Lifewood staff in her hands... the salty water around her feet prove that this dream may have been more than just that.... And on top of all this just being weird, the staff is just gorgeous... and alive...
She always dressed in vibrant greens befitting a life in the woods but she has spent most of her adventuring days at sea... With a little prestidigitation she dries her clothes and while at it, she changes its color from vibrant greens to the colorful palette of a grand and majestic coral reef. Resembling a Sea Anemone, her purple pink hair still fits though...
The little growl in her belly reminds her she's hungry now so she goes to her friends to break fast with them.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Tuesday April 6th, 2021 12:47:12 PM Love the new look, Aex. It suits you.
Terser scoots over on the bench so Heather has room and fills her a cup a coffee. It looks like she needs it.
DM Carl Tuesday April 6th, 2021 3:34:08 PM
DM Post addendum *** Urlryn is sitting on the railing of her ship by the time Jozhur arrives at the gangplank. "Captain said she saw you headed this way. Come to check on me?" She waves him up. The rest of the Seven seem glad to see him, except Hin because he's a jerk. Jozhur's offer to stay raises her eyebrow. "That would be highly improper, of course...but who knows what your fan club is going to pull tomorrow. Wait here a moment." She disappears into the ship for about 5 minutes before returning with a small pack. "Needed to grab a quick bite. Lead the way." It's a bad joke, but she pulls it off.
Sense motive DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {She's still worried Jozhur not fully accepting her undeath, especially considering he consorts with one of Gargul's mightiest followers.}
We'll leave the details of the evening to Jozhur. This is a family site, after all.
There is an early morning conversation the following day. "You know we won't be going easy on you today, right? We're contractually bound to fight to the best of our abilities, but more than that we really do want to win." She sits up, holding Jozhur's (hopefully clean) sheets to her chest. "...and if you don't come at all of us today with everything you've got, I'll think less of you." She says it in a deadly serious tone, but softens it by resting her head on Jozhur's shoulder. "So don't."
***
Urlryn's presence at the breakfast table gets a wide-eyed response from Heather, but she recovers quickly. She flashes a smile and wink at Jozhur when Urlryn's attention is elsewhere. Is there some jealousy there?
Sense motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {No, there's not.} Failure by more than 5, Highlight to display spoiler: {Yes. She is very jealous.}
Bralin looks outside. It's nearly a ghost town. The tents, the crowds, the vendors...all gone. There is a small gathering of a few dozen people standing in a line on a far hill. He watches as a group of 5 shirtless dwarves step into a roped off circle, then vanish. Bralin sees Bezos' unmistakable bald head holding a clipboard. He makes 5 quick marks on it, then motions for the next group. There's nothing else save the detritus of hundreds of litterbugs. He reveals this to his friends via their link.
Rill invites Heather to join them. She doesn't even offer a token refusal. She helps herself to at least one of every kind of meat, eggs, and 2 biscuits. It's a big plate. If she eats like this often and still looks like that...well, it's an unfair world sometimes. She eats ravenously, but it's the coffee that really hits the spot. She sighs contentedly and some stress oozes off her. "Cthonia beans. The volcanic ash in the soil makes all the difference." He asks Heather about her standing in the Chancers. "I am 10th generation Chancer," she replies. "That means nothing; Chancers aren't big on birthrights. Still, the lifestyle's in my blood and I'm the closest thing to royalty the Chancers have." Meanwhile, she confirms what Bralin's discovered. "We spent all evening evacuating the attendees to a field on the outskirts of New Elena via teleportation circles. We've got a few illusionists working to set up some remote viewing system. I don't know the specifics of that. There was a lot of push back, but between the Abbot and Bezos' logistical support, we managed." She smiles as Terser fills her cup. "Bezos is finishing up the rest of the evacuations now."
Aexana changes her look to match her new staff, eliciting a low whistle from Heather. "I hope I'm half as cool as you when I grow up, Lady."
She finishes up and looks much better for it. "Thank you. I needed that. It's going to be a long day. Maybe we'll even see the end of it! Anyway, you folks still need the lowdown on the rules. She looks at Urlryn. "Your own folks are probably getting this talk now, so it's a good thing you found your way here to listen. Rules are simple. You must enter the arena without any spells cast on you. Even those permanent ones will be subdued. You'll have 20 seconds to cast any defensive spells. Only spells that affect your teammates specifically can be cast. You'll have no privacy during these seconds, so the other team will be able to see and hear you casting. All magic gear is fine. Anyone who leaves the arena is disqualified, including teleporting to other planes. Shadow plane travel is fine, but if it pops you back out of bounds then you're out. Spells that permanently remove your opponents aren't allowed. The word "permanently" is in there because you CAN cast spells that take them away temporarily, like Maze.
"There's no official time limit, but the judges reserve the right to disqualify anyone they feel is just stalling. The fights are supposed to be exciting. You're considered out after being rendered unconscious or 'slain', but that death field is still in effect." She drains her coffee. "Questions?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday April 6th, 2021 6:05:33 PM "So just to be clear... is it strictly defensive spells only or just no directly offensive spells?! Say an evocation or conjuring spell.
And... how does the arena look like? What marks the edges of the arena? Is it a wall or more like an imaginary line? "
Through the rings Aex continues... "Would it be enough just to blow the other teams out of the arena? I'm sure a nice tornado will certainly blow some right out... no?"
"May we cast defensive spells affecting only ourselves in those 20 seconds? Shield of Faith, for example"
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp d20+30=39 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=43 ; Tuesday April 6th, 2021 7:44:21 PM
It takes Jozhur a second to catch Urlryn's "joke", "Hurr hurr, good one."
He grimaces when Urlryn brings up facing off against each other. "I wouldn't expect you to go easy on anyone, and I don't have plans to go easy on you. But, stabbing you would still be difficult. Hurting anyone I really care about would be hard. The possibility of the magic preventing death being removed or failing has been in the back of my mind these whole games. If any of us were killed, we could surely petition Gargul. But I don't think the "big guy" would be too fond of us asking for you back. I'm not even sure how that would work." He pauses just a moment pondering how a vampire could be brought back to "life". He quickly snaps out of it and gives Urlryn his best lighthearted smile, "Don't go easy on me. Feel free to bite me even, just don't eat my heart out."
Jozhur is in a good mood for breakfast, rather looking forward to the competition. He returns Heather's wink, and reserves judgement when she pigs out on breakfast. When Heather mentions all spells will be removed, he looks at Urlryn with some concern.
He stifles a laugh at the image of Aex blowing everyone out of the arena with a tornado.
------------------------- Jozhur passes the perception and sense motive checks easily.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday April 6th, 2021 8:19:49 PM "Permanently remove? So what about something like Disintegrate? Can we reduce someone to ashes, or will the magic of the arena save them?" Tahni wants to put up a good fight but doesn't feel entirely comfortable killing someone for sport. She's pretty sure the death field will save them, but doesn't hurt to clarify things. "As for leaving the arena and being disqualified, does that mean we could find ways to teleport our opponents outside the arena and have them disqualified?"
She's quite happy that the permanent spells will simply be subdued this time rather than dispelled outright. That will save her some gold.
What spells to cast in that 20 seconds of preparation though? Hmm.. that's a headscratcher.
"How many bouts will we be fighting? Will it all be wrapped up today, or will each bout be held on it's own day?"
"Also, do you happen to know who we've drawn for the first round?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+11=13 ; Wednesday April 7th, 2021 8:10:14 AM
At the start of the festival Fang had dressed to impress once or twice but no longer. It's all worn leather and practical gear now. She envies pure casters their ability to dress nice and still be effective sometime. "I'm pretty sure they mean spells that teleport or banish people from the arena. It wouldn't be very sporting to just port an enemy team out of the arena."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday April 7th, 2021 12:28:20 PM
Only really having one spell to cast himself, Terser isn't worried about any of that. He empathizes with Jozhur though, and wonders what would happen should he come face to face with Jada.
There should be plenty of targets besides her though, so he won't have to worry about it at first. Hopefully. And he doesn't envy the repairs she'll have to do to her team after, since they likely won't be benefiting from a spell against death. He even contemplates asking Rill to prepare some make whole spells, but doesn't think he would cast them on a construct.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday April 7th, 2021 1:01:32 PM
Aex looks at Tahni and asks : "Are you sure we're going up against one team at once only? I was expecting this grand battle would be all teams against each other in one large arena... would be an interesting event... will teams work together to decimate another? Will all concentrate on the Dragon team or will they avoid us??"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday April 7th, 2021 7:51:29 PM
Tahni looks to Aex. "Hmmm. I guess I was just assuming it would be bouts like earlier. I wasn't expecting one grand melee."
She turns to Heather, curious now to hear the answer.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Wednesday April 7th, 2021 8:01:56 PM "Chancer royalty, eh?
Rill will smile as he bows to Heather.
"In that case, we are honored to be served by Princess Heather. Queen Heather? Perhaps Dame Heather or Lady Heather is in order - a bit more fitting?"
"As for the competition, you mention that travel through the Shadow Plane is allowed. What about the etherial? It touches the Prime Material plane at all points in the same way. Is etherial travel allowed?"
Silently through the rings, Rill will say, "Spell to cast. Holy Aura would be good, as would Holy Word. Maybe an Insect Plague? What about Greater Dispel Magic?"
DM Carl Wednesday April 7th, 2021 9:02:12 PM
There are some questions about what permanently removing someone from the arena means, but Fang has the right of it. "Yes, what she said," Heather answers. "Disintegration breaks targets down to their smallest pieces, but those pieces aren't tossed into the Lands of Rest. Conversely, teleporting your opponents outside the arena is specifically prohibited. Your opponents must be disabled to be defeated."
Tink has further questions about the number of matches today. "All the matches happen today. Wounds are healed between matches. Sometimes odd numbers mean a team that's fought more matches than their opponents is lower on resources. Judges sometimes allow teams some time in our temporal suites to recover spells or abilities. If both teams have fought the same number of fights, they're considered even. Once, about three years ago, judges allowed a trip to the Catacombs to recharge a wand, but it was a big scandal. I doubt it would be allowed again, but maybe they could be talked into it? They would absolutely NOT allow purchasing new equipment during the tournament, though. Hopefully you've all done your shopping."
Fang laments her inability to dress as fancy and functional as casters. Your DM has it on good authority that Restlin the Amateur Fashion Designer could have found the right people to put together an outfit both beautiful and functional for Fang, but it's probably too late for that now...unless it's not? The fellow Dragon is just a ring call away and is probably paying close attention anyway.
Jozhur gives Urlryn a worried look when Heather mentions removing existing spells. The vampire catches the look, then smiles and caresses a fine chain around her neck. Whatever's on the end of it is hidden under her dress, but maaaybe Jozhur saw the large uncut ruby with the deep engravings on it last night. Maybe. We'll never know...
Aexana has questions about the arena. "You'll have to wait and see, just like the Gauntlet. Historically there aren't hazards like the martial competition, but it's not just an open field either. There's usually some sort of symmetrical cover." She wonders if blowing the other teams out of the arena would be considered against the rules. It doesn't seem like it violates those rules, but maybe? She could ask Heather, or keep it under her hat and spring it, or just disregard it entirely. Either way, best not to let Urlryn in on the discussion.
Bralin, Aexana, and Tahni wonder about the buffing period before the action. "I may have over explained it," answers Heather. "You'll be in a cube of force. You're not allowed to leave and not allowed to finish casting spells that have any effect outside the cube."
Sense motive DC30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Heather lightly taps the table twice on the word "finish". Urlryn doesn't seem to notice it.}
"You can cast spells on yourselves or each other. You can cast beneficial spells that have an area of effect, like Bless. You can cast summoning spells, just make sure that whatever you summon is summoned inside the cube."
There are questions about whether there are individual matches between teams or one grand melee, which comes as a surprise to your DM. One huge combat with seven level 20 characters and twenty-eight level 17-20 NPCs? I thought we were friends...
Rill lightly chides Heather about being "royalty". She scoffs in return. "Your Highness will suffice." She offers her hand to Rill and looks away dramatically. He wonders about traveling to the ethereal plane. Technically, the Wold doesn't have an ethereal plane. It's just The Living Wold, The Realms of Shadow, and the Lands of Rest. I guess it's assumed spells like ethereal jaunt reach into the shadow plane. Practically speaking, the spells are allowed.
Heather reaches into the pocket of the pants she wears and pulls out a glass thermos. Even her work clothes have dimensional spaces, it seems. One has to admire the practicality in a world where women's fashion commonly omits pockets. She opens the thermos and fills it with some of the remaining coffee. She seems to have brought a lot of coffee with your breakfast this morning. "This will help. I need to go make sure the evacuation is complete and that we're on schedule. I'll be back here in an hour to escort you to the tournament grounds."
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Thursday April 8th, 2021 1:02:26 AM
Jozhur nods at Urlryn, he was wondering about that necklace.
"You should probably get back to your team, I'm sure they're getting prepared. And we need to prepare as well.I'm sure I'll be seeing you again later. I promise I won't hold back."
Sounds like we will want to save spells for the tough matches if possible. B
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday April 8th, 2021 8:29:12 AM
Fang seems unconcerned. "Simple enough. Cast buffs, kick but."
As soon as Urlryn is no longer with them Aex will turn to Heather and ask if a said Tornado that blows opponents out of the arena would be allowed or not. Since you are out of match as soon as you 'leave' the arena that would sounds like a pretty simple way to ditch some opponents right... or perhaps even an elemental vortex could do that trick...
"Flying and burrowing is allowed I trust - as long as you stay within the boundaries of the arena right?
Oh and I sure can send some insects at them...
Are there any particular spells we have that can be especially damaging to one or the other team? "
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday April 8th, 2021 6:55:46 PM
Bralin has no further questions, and is unable to answer Aex's.
He plans his low level spells, and waits.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday April 8th, 2021 8:06:33 PM "Assuming we win each round then by my reckoning we'd be fighting 3 times. I suppose we should plan our resources accordingly."
Tahni then sets to thinking of particular spells that would be useful
"Animated Disjunction would be particularly potent against iConstruct. Most of the team could be wiped out in one go. I imagine Silence spells would be very effective against Dragonsound. They also lack any real martial abilities, so getting in close and just hacking away might be a good tactic."
DM Carl Thursday April 8th, 2021 11:07:17 PM Jozhur says farewell to Urlryn, correct that they both have to get ready. They embrace and Urlryn sees herself out.
Fang succinctly summarizes the afternoon's activities.
Aexana asks about forcing opponents out of the arena the old fashioned way. Heather smiles. "Oh yes. Throwing an opponent out of the arena is within the rules." Cool. Can they fly or burrow? "Of course. There's no rule about how high up you can fly, either. Remember this: if there's no rule against it, it's allowed. Remember what I said about stalling, though. Don't just go up there and fly around for thirty minutes."
Bralin finishes his spell selection.
Tahni discusses the importance of diversification.
Thirty minutes go by as the party finalizes their tactics and spell selections. One of the monks pokes her head in. "Excuse me, sirs. There's a Mr. Be..."
"Just Bezos, please."
"Right. There's a Bez..."
"I am not a Bezos. Just Bezos, please."
"..."
"Bezos is here. Is it ok to let him pass?" Rill's construct and outsider sense are both quiet.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Thursday April 8th, 2021 11:39:09 PM
Jozhur perks up at the odd bit of conversation. He slowly gets up from his chair, waiting to see what is coming.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Friday April 9th, 2021 2:02:17 AM
Rill replies to the monk, "Most assuredly Bezos is to be allowed in."
Once Bezos enters, Rill will address the man.
"Bezos, before you begin, I owe you an apology. In retrospect it was kind of a cheap shot for me to publicly chide your team for leaving. I apologize for insulting you. While I will admit to some satisfaction in getting under Kale's pompous skin I was reminded by my better angel..." Rill looks sidelong at Tahni, "...that we really should be setting a better example. So I am sorry.
"But that's probably not why you came. How can we help you?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Friday April 9th, 2021 1:44:18 PM
Terser offers Heather a tot from his mini keg to add to her coffee. This may be better than coffee, and certainly will improve the taste.functionally a lesser restoration
He doesn't have any personal beef with Bezos, so he acts as with any other guest, offering a chair and some coffee.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday April 9th, 2021 4:48:36 PM
Aex frowns when Bezos arrives. She had expected more from him and his team.
"Sir Bezos... how good to see you. " If there´s any sarcasm in her words its not intentional but she has a hard way concealing she´s unimpressed by the 1% exit.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday April 9th, 2021 6:01:44 PM
Tahni's remark evokes a question from Bralin. "All the rounds will be on the same day?"
Bezos then enters, and Bralin waits, curious as to why he has come.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday April 9th, 2021 6:04:44 PM
Fang gives a lazy wave to Bezos as he enters.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday April 9th, 2021 7:12:10 PM "Better angel? Hmm... I like that" Tahni smiles back to Rill and then looks to Bezos, curious what has brought him here.
DM Carl Saturday April 10th, 2021 12:01:39 PM Jozhur prepares himself for Bezos, and the thin bald-headed man enters without any sort of fuss. He's dressed in comfortable work clothes that somehow still look like they cost more than most families see in a year.
Rill immediately gives an apology. Bezos nods along. "Accepted. You're not alone in your disdain for my former team mate. I also am disappointed in him. His inclusion was part of a larger deal that's proved profitable enough to offset his presence.
"The worst part is that he's genuinely quite capable. If he had climbed The Gauntlet instead of insisting the orc Bokkun carry him, we might have placed. It is a sad situation." He doesn't mention the rest of his team, but they don't seem like the types to help others evacuate.
Heather considers the drink from Terser before she goes. Her face betrays her surprise when she suddenly doesn't feel so fatigued anymore. She gives Terser a hug. "That's going to help a lot, dude. Thank you."
Aexana is disappointed in Bezos and his team, but should she be? Let's see what he has to say. The rest of our heroes listen to why Bezos has come.
"Nothing of any real import other than wishing you my best. I am disappointed that we will not be facing each other in the Tournament after all that's come to pass this year. I very much would have liked to test myself against all our competitors, especially yourselves.
"Once I'd decided to spearhead the evacuation, I knew I couldn't do both. Multitasking is a myth, a trap I don't allow myself to fall into. On the chance that this is the last time we're able to speak before this is all over, I want you all to know it was an honor competing with you. Witnessing your camaraderie has given me much insight into how to recruit next year's team." He does not dally once his message has been delivered, other than to respond to anything else our heroes have to say.
Heather returns right on time to collect you, once again dressed in her bikini top/long skirt combo. She looks much better than she did an hour ago, but she's a bit unnerved. "So weird doing this without any crowd. Show must go on though, right?"
If everyone's ready, it's time to follow her to the arena.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20=12 ; Sunday April 11th, 2021 2:37:08 PM
Aex moves from one foot to the other. Ok taken... Sir Bezos's words make sense but still she wonders if there's a hidden agenda in his speech somewhere. Nah... let's not get too paranoid shall we?!
"It's been an honor to meet you Sir Bezos... perhaps next time we'll come a cheer for you and your team then."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Sunday April 11th, 2021 7:51:15 PM
It couldn't have been easy for Bezos to come visit the party like this. "Thankyou Bezos. Hopefully next year the tournament will have fewer outside distractions, so to speak"
Tahni's as ready as she will ever be for this bout of the tournament.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday April 11th, 2021 10:22:01 PM
Fang is always more then willing to spare. "There's always after the tournament. Sure we won't have fancy magic making it safe but we can still test each other with some sparing." she offers.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Sunday April 11th, 2021 11:51:00 PM "Thank you for your work helping with the evacuation Bezos.
"As you consider your next investment, let me suggest that there is more than profit and loss, winning and losing. There is an intrinsic and somewhat esoteric value in that comradery you mentioned. Building supportive relationships and 'doing the right thing' takes time and often involves short term loss. The payoff is often difficult to measure, and may not really result in a profit. But I offer our success as evidence that it is still worth it in the long-run.
"I wish you well in all your future endeavors."
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Monday April 12th, 2021 11:30:38 AM "To go through the trouble of bringing a team here and not competing? Are the evacuations not complete? I guess that's rather honorable of you Bezos."
Jozhur is ready.
DM Carl Monday April 12th, 2021 4:08:28 PM Aexana changes her mind, which is good. Fang offers to spar with Bezos anytime. "A kind offer, but my manner of fighting does not lend itself to traditional training methods." He doesn't seem interested in elaborating. Tahni and Jozhur both wish Bezos well. He seems genuinely pleased to receive the compliments, but just a tiny bit shows. Rill offers some advice. "You are not wrong, but I've found achieving my more esoteric goals is easier with the proper application of finance."
***
...and with that, the party is lead towards the arena. The evacuation seems to be complete. The only other persons our heroes spy as they walk are monks. Should any of the party look behind them, they'll spy the Sapphire Seven trailing behind them about 5 minutes. The monks are very busy cleaning up refuse and disassembling tents, stands, and other temporary buildings. Rill spies the usual amount of construct monks mixed in there. He spots one having a friendly conversation with a real half-elven monk as they walk the grounds picking up trash. The half-elven carries a sharp metal stick to puncture soft trash. The construct carries some sort of mechanical claw on a stick to pick up larger items. A basket for the waste is strung between them. The walk is uneventful otherwise. At least the weather is nice. A clear blue sky with patches of wispy clouds. The breeze from the ocean meets the hot sun in a happy medium.
When they arrive at the arena, the party is lead directly onto the field. True to Heather's words, it's mostly open with a few large iron pylons arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. Careful observation of the pylons show they're all surrounded by iron plates. It looks like they may be able to lower them into the ground. There are similar plates scattered across the arena with no pylons, likely just ones that aren't raised.
The Sapphire Seven are the last to arrive. Along with the Sea Dragons, the other teams are spread out on the field: The Talons of Aisildur; The Last Whisper; Dragonsound; I, Construct; and Fangs of the Beast. Kozy arrives without fanfare, just where he was yesterday evening.
"Contestants," he begins, "this has been a challenging year for the Invitational. We've all had to make sacrifices to be here. Some more than others. However...I cannot stomach making you sacrifice an audience." He turns to a dark elf next to him some of you recognize as Licnana. She was in charge of administering the ritual which suppressed your magic prior to The Gauntlet. "Licnana, if you'd be so kind." The dark elf casts a spell that's not immediately recognizable, but which bears some resemblance to scry. It takes a full minute to cast, obviously taking a lot out of her. Eventually, the din of a crowd becomes audible right before an enormous purple line runs around the circumference of the stands until it rotates back around to itself. The line splits in to and separates, opening an enormous window showing a cheering crowd sitting in an open field. Far in the background in the eastern section of the stands, Plateau City can be seen in the far distance. The crowd must be in the plains south of New Elena.
"HELLO INVITATIONAL!" shouts Kozy, and the crowd goes crazy. "CAN EVERYONE SEE OK? REMEMBER, TALL PEOPLE IN THE BACK! YOU DON'T WANT TO BLOCK A DWARF'S VIEW WHEN HE'S GOT GOLD ON THE LINE!" He's right. There aren't stands like here in the arena, just an open field. The audience has segregated itself by height with gnomes, halflings, and dwarves all sitting in the front of the rows and the taller races behind.
There is a collective sigh of relief from your fellow contestants, and perhaps you as well, as the crowd makes the entire affair much less ominous.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday April 12th, 2021 6:58:18 PM
Bralin nods in approval, for what good a tournament without an audience?
He turns to salute each of the four sides of the stands, and then brings his attention back to Kozy.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Tuesday April 13th, 2021 12:13:27 AM
Well, not the same, but better than no crowd. Jozhur turns as he waves to all the spectators.
He's glad to see the arena looks fairly straight forward.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday April 13th, 2021 3:10:22 AM
Tahni gives a nod of acknowledgment to each of the other teams, and a reserved chin jut to the Fangs.
She's still very interested to learn what the first round bouts will be.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday April 13th, 2021 7:18:17 AM
Fang is indifferent to the audience, focused entirely on her own mental preparations for the coming combat.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Tuesday April 13th, 2021 11:31:41 AM
Some quick maths tells Terser that there won't be more than 3 matches for any one team, if the Chancer's are using standard brackets. How best to husband his resources then? It will have to be a last minute decision based on which team they're facing to figure out which spells to use and which to save.
He waves to the crowd with the others, especially the fellow shorties in the first two rows, and looks around to see if the matches happen to be posted on a convenient, overlarge sign anywhere.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Tuesday April 13th, 2021 1:20:19 PM
Rill adjusts his enameled breastplate and shield. Then he absently smooths his white robes and pants as he waits, magically restoring them to a clean and pressed condition, he manages to catch Xuffie's eye and nods.
Silently he says, "So, we'll have three rounds to cast preparatory spells. It depends on our first adversary, but once we attack a quick teleport into their midst with our fighters might be a good tactic, eh? But if we have to face three combats today, that will not be possible for me each time."
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 d20+38=43 d20+33=38 Tuesday April 13th, 2021 1:35:38 PM
Rill asks Heather, "Will we be evenly started? That is, if we are entering our third combat whilst the other team has only faced one, we will be at a distinct disadvantage regarding our spells and such. Perhaps they'll use that little time-thingy you mentioned.
"Also, what do you know about that time room. Control of time is one thing the Tinker was able to do. Is there any chance the Tinker has infiltrated the Chancers?"
Rill scans those present for anything out of the ordinary, or some that seems a bit overconfident or a little too smug and happy.
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