A Visit to the House of Blood Monday November 3rd, 2014 6:14:07 PM
In the park, Lowell is glad that Zero agrees to join the group, so our membership is set! Zero seems glad too.
Evaris busies himself getting everyone settled in new digs. [OOC: Feel free to dig up whatever info there is and go with it, Kathy! I think I linked to the house plan before? Donna had mocked up a nice walkthrough.]
Yeshua contemplates some shopping.
Zero and Emrys come in from the great outdoors, and a great time is enjoyed by all at the Vanguard headquarters, thanks to Grell's cooking prowess.
The party continues to chat about their pasts and the things they might do in the future. [OOC: Please feel very free to take that great conversation, started by Zero above, to email. In fact, that would be a GREAT thing to compile and place on a wiki page, that we can link to from the game page. Meanwhile, I hope you will not mind you DM moving the game along ...]
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After some much needed R&R, Grell recalls that he wanted to visit the dire tigers at the gladiator school. Everyone comes along.
In the Gold Quarter, just over from the great city arena, are two schools training gladiators. The sport is well loved in the city -- and in contrast to the cruel spectacle of Ancient Rome in the real world, here in the Wold, ready access to healing magic ensures that deaths are extremely rare in the ring, Walking over from the Vanguard's home Nightmare Quarter, The older members of the Vanguard bring the newer ones up to date.
The monstrologer, Draco, had been terrorizing the city by releasing monsters throughout. He sent two intelligent talking dire tigers to "show the humans who is the real king of the city." However, the tigers quickly struck a deal to show off their martial prowess -- without killing anyone. And the Vanguard then got the tigers a place in a gladiator school, since that seems to satisfy their own desires and those of gamblers and sports aficionados who love a good fight. Grell is the official sponsor of the two tigers, and he stands to earn 40% of their purses over the next year. Will he earn back his 1,600 gp investment? We'll see.
The House of Blood gladiator school sits behind a tall wall. However, the gates are wide open when you arrive, and you see the gladiator master -- Quint -- shouting encouragement in the huge yard to a would-be fighter facing off the smaller, female dire tiger, Gavisus. She is careful to only attack with her paws, each of which is magicked to only deliver nonlethal damage. It does not look like much of a challenge for her.
Quint sees you enter and grins widely. He is a huge old scarred man with massive hands. He whistles a halt to the bout -- the human sighs in relief -- and holds out a hand to you -- well, to Grell especially. "Welcome, Vanguarders," he shouts.
Meanwhile, Gavisus dashes off to the back of the yard, where a big shed has been erected. "Felix my mate! Come here! Our sponsor has arrived!" she calls out.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Monday November 3rd, 2014 6:47:40 PM
As Ariach sees Gavisus a big grin appears at Ariachīs face. Seeing at least one of the two tigers let him always think about Grellīs big heart. The brutal seeming warrior Grell has helped out the tigers without hesitation. Thatīs why Ariach knows he or any other Vanguard can count on Grellīs support at any time. And that is the reason why the Vanguardīs will raise to a formidable adventure group.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 Monday November 3rd, 2014 9:43:15 PM
Yeshua and Truman are intrigued to see two of his siblings race there. They both offer a greeting in tiger language and introduce themselves. They feel an affinity to these gladiators and meeting fellow tigers does make getting used to a new environment much easier. They are also curious to learn more about this arrangement with the school.
He also has an empathic link with other tigers and uses it to commo with them...
OOC - it is a lost child ability- At 4th level, the Lost Child gains an Empathic Link (see below) with all members of his adopted species within one mile. Moreover, the Lost Child can Speak With Animals, as the spell, at will, but only with creatures of his adopted species. The Lost Child also gains a bonus equal to his Lost Child levels -3 when making any Wisdom and Charisma-based check (such as Wild Empathy, Spot, or Bluff) with his adopted species. The DM may also allow Wild Heart to work with other related species.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, Monday November 3rd, 2014 9:44:19 PM
Lowell comes with the group to see the two great cats, but he's not too happy about it. He's glad that Grell enjoys seeing these cats so much, but Lowell himself has never liked cats too much. Especially kittens.... those things are just so creepy! With their little faces that seem so cute, but then, BAM! They can attack out of no where. And Lowell has had to fight Felix and Gavisus before..... But as long as Grell thinks they are good, Lowell will trust him. Still, Lowell decides to stay at the back of the group when they arrive at the school. "Great," Lowell mutters to himself with as much sarcasm as he can muster, "we're here."
Grell Monday November 3rd, 2014 11:32:06 PM
Grell's grin extends from ear to ear as he heads over to the school to check on Felix and Gavisus. Grell grabs Quint's hand in a crushing grip. "Master Quint! I see that Mistress Gavisus' training is going well! I hope she hasn't clobbered too many of your gladiators!" Grell winks to let the trainer know that he is only joking.
As Gavisus runs off to find Felix, Grell pulls Quint in close and whispers. "So tell me sir, how are they really coming along? I expect good things from them, but tell me truthfully how the training is going."
Grell smiles tenderly as Yeshua and Truman take a shine to the dire tigers. He speaks quietly and gently, not wanting to interrupt the conversation. "Yeshu, this is Felix and Gavisus. Draco cast a spell on them, so they are enhanced. You can speak with in your native tongue if you wish, but they also speak Common." Grell gives Yeshua and Truman as much time as they wish to interact with Felix and Gavisus, knowing that the pair really don't get many changes to interact with other dire tigers.
Noting Lowell's discomfort, Grell laughs at the distance his twin keeps from the tigers. "Hey Lowell..what's the matter..cat got your tongue?! C'mon over and visit." Grell thinks back to when he and Lowell were young and Gunther's black panther tore the head off of Lowell's favorite Teddy Bear. You know, come to think of it, Lowell never really did like the kitties much after that...I wonder...
Emrys ac13, hp24/37 Monday November 3rd, 2014 11:46:49 PM
Emrys is his usual warm and inviting self, however he is more quiet than usual. His mind is becoming more aware of things. Magics and lore once a mystery to him are becoming realized. It would be overwhelming if it weren't for his sabbaticals to the woods. Everything just seems so much clearer there. When joined with the root, the shared consciousness with nature lessens the stress on his own mind and body.
He is happy to see their tiger friends benefitting from the school. 'They are truly a terror,' he thinks to himself as he shares the relief of the young gladiator pitted against the lioness.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday November 3rd, 2014 11:58:34 PM "Hmm..." Sir Royston smiles and rubs his chin at the site of the dire tigers. "I wonder how our erstwhile associates have been doing in the arena."
Jeff L Zero Androsphinx. 44/75, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Tuesday November 4th, 2014 11:52:31 AM
Zero felt a pang of excitement when he arrived at the pits. What would it be like to fight here, he wondered.
Evaris Tuesday November 4th, 2014 1:02:34 PM
"Thank you, Master Quint," Evaris replies. "How fare the tigers?"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Tuesday November 4th, 2014 5:36:40 PM
Ariach goes beside Lowell and watches the scene from a distance. He isn't afraid of the tigers but doesn't want to interrupt the meeting between his friend Grell and his exotic tiger friends.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 4th, 2014 5:43:14 PM
Ariach smiles to see the love Grell has for the great beasts.
And then Yeshua and Truman meet the two dire tigers, and it is like a reunion of long lost friends. Felix and Gavisus but heads -- and they smell like lost siblings to the Lost Child and his Wild Sibling. They end up speaking in a patois of tiger and common, as they make introductions and size each other up. There's a clear connection there.
Lowell, on the other hand, is more reserved. The city-dweller rogue just is not comfortable around these beasts of the wild.
Emrys marvels at the might, the grace, the musculature of the beasts.
Zero looks around at the school's training yard, and is impressed. Well, just wait until he gets a look at the actual arena! That's ten times as marvelous!
With the dire tigers distracted meeting Yeshua and Truman, Grell grabs the chance for a private word with Master Quint. He is extremely enthusiastic about the tiger's likely encounters in the ring. He expects huge crowds and great fights.
"They've got some idea now about the procedures and traditions of the Arena, and they're ready for their first bouts. But before that happens, they need a debut. That's a private showing of their capabilities. We'll invite a select crowd of the top Chancers and Connosiers, the nobles who have big purses, and the biggest Arena book-makers. We'll put them through their paces. The only reason I have not done that yet is YOU have to be there, as their sponsor. Can you come buy later this afternoon or tomorrow?"
Royston and Evaris stroll up to Grell and Quint and catch the last bit of their conversation. Quint's gret enthusiasm is obvious.
"So how about it?" asks Quint, barely able to suppress his grin. "Can you come by this afternoon? I'm sure I can get a sweet crowd of high rollers, even on short notice."
He whispers, then, "I may have given some pals of mine some hints of what we've got here, and it looks like we're bound to make a mint!"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 Tuesday November 4th, 2014 6:36:13 PM
Yeshua and Truman continue chatting with their new found friends and share stories, ask questions about the gladiator arena and events, etc.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, Tuesday November 4th, 2014 8:11:30 PM
Lowell glares at his brother. "No, a cat does not have my tongue, and I intend to keep it that way." He sighs at the remembrance of his poor fallen teddy bear. The way it's head was ripped off like that all those years ago... 'Poor Mr. Teddy... I'll never forget you!'
Watching his brother talk to Quint, Lowell decides to go over to stand by his brother. He wasn't able to catch what they said, but he wants to hear what his brother is getting himself into, and if there is any way he can join in on all the fun. Not that he wants any money, thought. Lowell is content with just being around to keep Grell out of any trouble. He keeps a watchful eye to look out for the tigers though, not wanting to greet them.
Emrys ac13, hp24/37 Tuesday November 4th, 2014 11:18:49 PM
Most intrigued, Emrys strolls over to Master Quint and says, "That sounds like an excellent idea, wouldn't you agree Grell?" He thinks to himself, 'this must be a most honorable moment for the big galoot. Look at him, he's beaming!'
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday November 4th, 2014 11:19:50 PM
(ooc: Correcting the header)
Evaris Wednesday November 5th, 2014 12:55:59 PM
Looking around at the gladiator training, and thinking about the Arena, Evaris realizes he's out of his element here. Certainly fighting is sometimes necessary; Pantheon's justice demands that people be held accountable, even those who would prefer to continue their wicked ways.
But this! To fight for fun, or bet on fights for sport....no, Evaris doesn't understand it at all. He stands politely to one side, waiting for Grell to finish his business.
Grell Wednesday November 5th, 2014 6:14:11 PM
Grell grins at Quint. "We would LOVE to come back this afternoon, right bro?" Grell playfully nudges Lowell. Literally bouncing with excitement, Grell allows Yeshua and Truman all the time they need to finish their conversation. If he has a chance to speak with Felix and Gavisus, Grell bows low to the giant tigers and then congratulates them on their hard work. Giving them a pat on the shoulder, Grell leans in close. "Great Felix and Gavisus...rest well in the next few hours, because this afternoon people are coming to watch you. If you do well this evening, soon we should be able to have enough funds to make a suitable home for you. Good luck...I'll definitely be here to cheer you on!"
On the way back to the Townhouse, Grell pulls Emrys to the side. "Hey Emrys, remember how you told me one time you could take me to a tailor? Well, I need to look good tonight. Think you can still hook me up?"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Wednesday November 5th, 2014 6:18:06 PM
For Ariach fighting is a necessity to protect the ideals of Domi. He never has felt any pleasure fighting an enemy. He never has felt the excitement of watching a good fight. But he accepts that gladiator fights are legal and well esteemed. So he has no problems to come with his friends to watch the tigers fighting.
Jeff L Zero Androsphinx. 44/75, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Wednesday November 5th, 2014 7:53:57 PM
Zero didn't understand this world, but he was intrigued by the prospect of combat. Battle was a powerful drug for Zero, even in this impure form.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 6th, 2014 3:11:19 PM
OOC: Sorry for the missed day, friends! Wold was down!
Yeshua learns that the big cats are eager for a chance to be in a real bout. Impatient even. THey fill him in on what they know of it, considering they have never been there.
Lowell stands quietly next to Grell, keeping alert for danger.
Emrys is supportive of Quint's plan to show off the dire tigers before their first bout. Evaris and Ariach have reservations about "the brutal sport," but they keep still, maybe not wanting to rain on Grell's parade.
Zero is intrigued by the notion of fighting for sport. Maybe he wonders how he would himself perform in the arena?
Grell is enthusiastic, almost matching Quint's excitement.
Quint is encouraged, and offers Grell more advice.
"We'll meet up in the sponsor's gallery," he says, pointing up at a third floor balcony. We'll have one tiger here and the other down here in the yard. The sponsors and bookmakers can contemplate one close up in person, and then see the other fight below."
"Grell, you're the sponsor, so you have to be there. Get better dressed up in your best clothes. Maybe better go out and buy new ones. Get someone with taste to go with you. And use some perfume and take a bath. Not in that order."
"The two arena scheduling masters will be there, and you GOTTA make nice to them. They can make or break a newbie."
"It does not matter what your friends wear, since they'll be down in the yard here. Just try not to scare anybody."
"Okay, be back here by 3 pm." Really, look good and be impressive. Polish up your gear. Tie your hair back. Money is on the line!"
Evaris Thursday November 6th, 2014 4:44:40 PM
Evaris smiles a little as he returns to the townhouse. Dressing up and looking pretty are things he can do pretty well. Unless, of course, he's standing next to Emrys and suffering by comparison.
His elven chain armor is already pretty shiny, being made of Mithral. He gives it a polish anyway. Over the armor, he wears a clean tabard emblazoned with Pantheon's symbol. His hair is short and needs little care; he runs a comb through it and settles down to polish his boots.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Thursday November 6th, 2014 7:00:28 PM
Ariach sees no need in changing anything. His clothes are clean so is his equipment.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) EXTRA Thursday November 6th, 2014 7:20:32 PM
As the group leaves, Quint takes a few of you who seem a littel more style savvy aside for a private word ...
"Please," he says, "help your pal out. He needs a LOT of help! At least get him a bath! And some clothes that could pass as actual clothes maybe, compared with whatever it is he's wearing there."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 Thursday November 6th, 2014 9:14:26 PM
Yeshua and truman are excited about seeing the upcoming bouts and how their new friends will do. Truman of course is interested in this idea of fighting for sport but knows that he's more likely to eat his opponents than merely defeat them. He's content to watch for now...
The two check out the new residence where their friends live and they prefer the roof because of its openness...
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, Thursday November 6th, 2014 9:20:36 PM
Lowell, after the group leaves, pulls his brother aside. "Okay, you're going to take a bath, right?! Seriously, this is important! I think that this is a great chance for you, but you can't stink when you meet those people! Just promise me that you will look nice, okay? Here, I'll even get into some nicer close as well, just so that you aren't alone." That is, if I can find anything nice. Aren't my normal clothes good enough? But, I could always take a quick bath..... maybe. But I just need to make sure that Grell doesn't miss this chance! Lowell thinks to himself.
Grell's request almost makes Emrys want to dance. "Oh Grell! I won't do you wrong. I know several great tailors. Hmmm, which one ... ahh, I know, we can go see Maccaroni, he loves a challenge. Though he simply goes by 'Mac' nowadays. While we're at it, I have a few ideas about your hair. I quick trim, styled with a #3 brush, nothing too fancy. However we can get a bit more volume and luster if you allow me to apply a tonic of my own recipe. Just a smidgen elm bark, root of vervain, pulverized holly seeds, linseed oil and honey. Oh, this is so exciting!"
Grell Friday November 7th, 2014 2:58:52 PM
Grell looks over at Emrys with a doomed expression. Perfume?! Maybe being a *silent* sponsor is the way to go!! He sighs a deeps sigh, not unlike one who has been sentenced to life in the stockades. "Okay...we'll try this your and Lowell's way, but I get *some* say. I think I have a tunic in my closet that doesn't have too much blood on it. I'll go get it. I'll even take..." Grell shudders unconsciously "a bath. But NO PERFUME!!! If the tribe EVER found out that I got all froo frooed up, they'd kick me out. A orc's got to keep some measure of dignity!!"
OOC: Just a quick post to keep the dialog going. I'm going to try and post again this evening.
Jeff L Zero Androsphinx. 44/75, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Friday November 7th, 2014 4:54:27 PM
Zero smelt bad, but he had no intention of bathing or changing. He wasn't opposed to the idea. He just thought the whole procedure pointless. Did the animals of the forest take baths? Did they change clothes?
When Mother Wold wanted you washed, she made storm clouds. That was the way of the world.
Evaris Friday November 7th, 2014 7:52:31 PM
[OOC: Zero could always turn into a cat and wash himself. :) ]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Friday November 7th, 2014 10:53:18 PM
"Grell, no! I didn't say perfume... I was talking about a tonic for your hair! You know ... gunk to make hair big and shiny ... like a sharp metal sword!"
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Saturday November 8th, 2014 8:15:33 AM
Well, Zero, Ariach, and Yeshua are already totally spiffy ... so far as they can tell!
Evaris puts some extra effort into his appearance, and it shows nicely!
Lowell and Emrys tackle the big job of getting Grell up to snuff. Grell goes along in fairly good spirits.
And Grell ends up looking pretty darn good! Sure, he still clearly an adventurer, but at least there won't be any sneering or snubbing. Well, LESS sneering and snubbing!
At the appointed hour, the party arrives back at the House of Blood ... which is now notably neater and cleaner. Quint, dressed in a brand-new version of his gladiator garb, welcomes you all at the gate.
"Grell, excellent, you shine up real nice. Come on with me and I'll take you to the viewing gallery. The rest of you honorable Vanguardians, I have benches set up for you here in the courtyard."
Grell, do you agree to split off from the party?
Does anyone have any objection? Or maybe advice for Grell as he enters his greatest danger ever ... a lair full of aristocrats and high-stakes gamblers?
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 Saturday November 8th, 2014 8:25:24 AM
Yeshua and Truman are very uncomfortable around the mobs of people... He asks, "May we go down to the animal pens, as we have much in common with them. Being around all these people is unnerving..."
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, Saturday November 8th, 2014 9:49:56 AM
"Wait, you want Grell to go alone?! Er.... Can I come with him? I promise I wont say or do anything! I just.... feel more comfortable if my brother didn't have to be alone up there." Lowell says, feeling rather nervous at the prospect of Grell being left all alone...
Evaris Saturday November 8th, 2014 10:19:02 AM
Evaris willingly goes to the assigned bench, but keeps an eye on Grell.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Saturday November 8th, 2014 10:21:17 AM
OOC for clarity: Note that you are at the House of Blood gladiator school, not the arena. There may be animal pens at the arena, but not here. However, there is a new sturdy shelter at one end of the courtyard that has been built to house the dire tigers. In fact, your benches are not far from that.
Anyone want a map?
The school is surrounded by a high wall. Inside the wall is a large courtyard used for fighting practice. There is also a school building. There is a lift to a third floor meeting room which has a balcony looking ver the courtyard. Grell and the honored guests will be inside the third floor room and can watch the demonstrations from the balcony.
The rest of the party will be on benches in the courtyard. If Grell is inside the meeting room, you cannot watch him. If he is on the balcony, you can see him.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Saturday November 8th, 2014 6:04:29 PM
"Oh my, you shine as well, Mr. Quint! We can not thank you enough for including us in such special event. Before you go up, Grell may I have a word with you."
Emrys gracefully pulls Grell aside and speaks in a low voice. "I must say I am quite impressed with your appearance tonight. You didn't fight me so much this time, and for that I thank you. This is exactly why I push to polish your rough edges. You are a warrior, yes, but you need to see this as a different kind of battle. Cleanliness, nice clothes, etiquette are the weapons and armor you need to win. It's no different than facing off with a monster with sword and shield. Just be confident and maintain powerful presence and posture but remain kind and inviting. Losing ones temper and composure is a sign of weakness in this kind of war. Do you wish for me to join you on the third floor? I'm sure Quint would allow you to bring a guest if you request."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Sunday November 9th, 2014 6:16:42 PM
Ariach really hopes Grell will do fine. He wishes his friend the best to get in the spent money.
Grell Sunday November 9th, 2014 6:24:55 PM
Grell looks over at Quint as he tugs at his collar. Actually, I must insist that my brother Lowell accompany me. You see, we are twins, and if we are seperated for too long, my poor little brother becomes ill.
Grell listens carefully to Emrys, a thin layer of sweat already forming on his forehead. "Yeah...so yeah...confident but kind...yeah." Grell looks relieved at Emry's offer to stay with him, but he's a little worried that he won't be allowed to have more than one person with him. "Uhm...if you can stay with Lowell and I, that would be awesome..." Grell pulls Emry's in close. "but if you can't can you at least cast a message spell on the two of us so I can get your advice?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Sunday November 9th, 2014 11:25:22 PM
Sir Royston takes his place on the bench, reclining against the backrest and opening a small bag of honeyed dates he picked up on the way to the training facility. "I hope this proves as interesting as gladiatorial dire tigers sounds. I wonder what 'putting them through their paces' means here. Combat to first-blood with practice weapons?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=52 ; Monday November 10th, 2014 1:34:47 PM
"Certainly Grell, I'll cast a Message spell upon you. You'll need to point at me to whisper a message ... so be on the balcony for the best chance. Others could possibly overhear our whispers, so the only deterrent for that is to speak a language not known by most." Emrys then casts a second spell on Grell and says, in the Celestial language, "I gave gifted you with the ability to speak, understand and read Celestial for the next 24 hours! Lets hope there aren't any angels or gifted linguists in the crowd."
(Leyline: 52. Casting Message and Share Language (Celestial) on Grell.)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 68/68, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Monday November 10th, 2014 3:57:29 PM
Zero looked more out of place than usual. So much in fact that he even seemed to notice.
"Next time I'm comin in animal form" he said. "Cat, dog, whatever. I guess they let animals in, yes? Wizard familiars, animal companions and such. If it's good for them, it'll be good for Zero McHero, eh."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Monday November 10th, 2014 5:30:49 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday November 10th, 2014 9:31:33 PM
check
Evaris Monday November 10th, 2014 10:27:11 PM
Monday post.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Monday November 10th, 2014 11:38:01 PM
Grell asks for permission for his brother to attend. Quint agrees to this but not to Emrys too.
Emrys casts message on Grell and Lowell before they go, instead.
Ariach wishes his friends good luck.
Yeshua sees that the tiger house is clean and offers easy access. There are no locks or bars.
Royston asks Quint for details, but the man is too busy. He sends for his sarjeant to stay with you and answer questions.
Zero feels uncomfortable.
The team settles on the benches as the sarjeant appears. "Hello, I'm Stent, Quint's cousin," she says. She has the build of a fighter, and the scars to match. "What were you asking?"
Grell and Lowell enter the lift -- with Quint of course, and with Gravisus! Quint reminds the tiger to be on her best behaviour among the guests, and allow them to touch her and talk with them.
The lift gets to the third floor, and a crowd of people in fancy dress fill the room.
Evaris Tuesday November 11th, 2014 4:27:16 PM
Evaris gives Stent a polite "Good Afternoon," but he doesn't have any questions for her. He straightens his holy symbol, brushes an imaginary speck of dust off his vestments, and looks around the courtyard.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 d20+20=24 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 6:47:08 PM
Yeshua and Truman continue milling around, ready for the matches to begin. They watch the people coming and going, looking to see if any suspicious people present themselves...
Perc = 24 (Y), 21 (T)
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, d20+13=28 ; d4=2 ; d20+10=13 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 7:32:52 PM
Lowell looks around at the crowd, then puts on a huge grin. Finally, something he's good at! Lowell was always good at talking calmly and politely, and now he got a chance to show off! If anyone decides to talk to him, Lowell keeps his grin on his face and talks as politely as possible. (Diplomacy Check: 28). However, as he stays by Grell's side, Lowell keeps a eye out for troublesome people (Perception: 13). ((OOC Ignore d4=2))
Jeff L Zero McHero. 68/68, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 d20+13=32 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 8:44:21 PM
Zero watches his surroundings carefully. He didn't trust this world.
Actions: Perception 32
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 d20+11=15 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 11:44:22 PM
Royston cranes his neck to see what he can see among the assembled crowd.
Perception 15
Grell Wednesday November 12th, 2014 1:17:16 PM
*GULP*
Never, ever in the face of battle has Grell every had the impulse to cut and run. Oh, it's not that he hasn't ever been frightened, it's just that cowardice was never an option. It's like the orc chieftain used to say "Better to die a hero than have your carcass drug through the streets as a coward!"
And yet, oddly enough, at the sight of the room full of hoity toities, Grell is move than tempted to bolt back through the lift and run all the way back to the Townhouse. More than a little uncomfortable with the high rolling crowd, Grell side steps as he attempts to back out of the room and bumps into Lowell. Just the presence of his outgoing twin brings Grell's anxiety level down a few notches.
Okay...okay...it's like Emry's says...this isn't that much different than combat. Step 1...breathe. It's hard to wage a battle when you're flopping around the floor 'cause you passed out like a pansy. Alright. Good...now smile.
Grell forces himself further into the room with a look that is much more like a grimace than an actual smile,
Alright now, if somebody comes and talks to you, just pretend they're Mom and just nod your head a lot and say "Really?", or "Mmmmhmmm". Leave the actual conversation to somebody who knows what he's doing...Lowell. Dodge and weave and you just might get out of this thing alive, Grell!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Wednesday November 12th, 2014 8:06:14 PM
Ariach watches Grell.
Evaris Wednesday November 12th, 2014 8:08:46 PM
Wednesday post.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:07:15 PM
Emrys considers viewing the proceedings remotely from his bench, however that would be an invasion of privacy for no real good reason. Grell and his brother are perfectly safe. To give in to temptation, to satisfy ones own curiosity, just for curiosity's sake, is the first step down a dark path for any diviner. He then smiles slyly with another thought... 'well then, I need to come up with a good reason."
Jeff L Zero McHero. 68/68, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:45:01 PM
Checking in.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:54:51 PM
In the courtyard, Stent answers Royston's questions. "In this exhibition, the gladiators are free to use deadly force against the tiger, but the tiger will use only nonlethal paw attacks. The idea is to demonstrate the beast's self-control and ability to act in a civilized fashion. You see, the Arena masters are afraid that the tiger will go mad, leap into the stands, and wreak havoc. They want to see that even under extreme provocation, the tiger will not be a hazard to innocents."
"So expect blood. Your clerics are allowed to channel freely and cast cures between bouts. The bouts will be to unconsciousness."
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Felix himself emerges from his den and pads over to you. He greets Yeshua and Truman with pleasure. Felix sees Yeshua eying the humanoid gladiator students on the other side of the courtyard. "Fear not, my friend. They will offer me no trouble. Look! They are afraid of me!" Felix chuckles.
Zero notices an old lady and two battle-hardened veterans at the balcony. Their clothes show wealth, all three, but the veterans -- a make dwarf and a female half-elf -- have a look, and scars, to show that they have seen battle, for sure.
Emrys longs to be upstairs too.
Ariach also looks up at the balcony, but does not see Grell yet.
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Upstairs, two older men approach, and Lowell greats them with fair words, introducing himself and his brother. Quint smiles and introduces the two men: Arena Master Samels and Arena Master Jonas. Quint explains that both must agree before the dire tigers are allowed to compete in the Arena.
"Look at those lines," says Samels, admiring Gavisus over there. "This will draw new fans to the games!"
Jonas is less sunny. "I still remain to be convinced. Beast shows? What's next, circuses and naval battles? It compormises the integrity of the games," he says. "And what if those beasts attack the crowd? I need further convincing."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:58:46 PM
Sir Royston pops a honeyed date into his mouth and chews contentedly. "This should be interesting, then. Let us see if the great cats can keep their composure."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 57/89 Thursday November 13th, 2014 8:02:50 AM
Hearing the troublemaker Jonas talking about the tigers in such a condescending, Ariach has great doubts that at the end of the day everything will be alright.
Jeff L Zero McHero. 68/68, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 Thursday November 13th, 2014 10:48:06 AM
"Psss... Look at the three up there" Zero whispered as he motioned towards the old lady and the two warriors. They've seen battle, eh. Think they've done some time in the arena?"
Then more loudly- "Aye, we allowed to buff these tigers up with some magic before their fight? Or is that against the rules?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 Thursday November 13th, 2014 1:21:20 PM
Yeshua and Truman encourage their new friend and wish him luck in his bout. He's not a fan of the Tiger being limited to non lethal attacks when the others are not. However , he's content to watch how the event plays out.
Evaris Thursday November 13th, 2014 1:50:54 PM
Evaris is concerned on hearing the rules of the contest. "Do you not have healers here?" he asks. "I tell you frankly that healing these tigers back to full health even once took all my available resources. I don't think I can do it multiple times, even with help."
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, d20+13=32 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 10:20:28 PM
Lowell smiles at Arena Master Jonas. "Do not fear, grand and mighty Arena Master! These grand cats are required to use non-leathal attacks. They are perfectly harmless!" Swallowing up his fear of cats, Lowell walks over to stand next to Gavisus. "I completly trust these Tigers. They are creatures worthy of our trust, and I do not think that they would ever hurt an innocent being without being provoked. As long as we respect them, they will respect us. Besides," Lowell smiles. "I have fought these two before. They are both very skilled fighters, and I am certain that they will bring good business to the House Of Blood." (Diplomacy: 32)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday November 13th, 2014 11:38:10 PM
ooc: check
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Thursday November 13th, 2014 11:53:20 PM
"Evaris, Im sure there are plenty of healers at the games. Death in the arena is not very common, in fact it's quite rare. Gladiators are expensive commodities and as you can see with the crowd above, a substantially lucrative investment."
Grell is more than a little concerned about the conditions of the fight which seems deliberately unfair to the tigers. Then again, it took eight Vangaurds to put them down! Grell reluctantly agrees to the terms of the match, but insists on one condition. That the spell Deathwatch be cast upon Felix and that the fight be immediately terminated if Felix reaches unconsciousness. He also insists that if under any unforeseen circumstances, Felix should be killed during the match that the arena will split the cost to raise the tiger back to life.
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