DM Carl Tuesday February 25th, 2020 3:34:34 PM Bralin forces himself back to reality. He salutes the crowd, and thousands of fans salute him back. Aexana is uncomfortable, but Leafy seems to be enjoying himself. Good that one of them is. Terser doesn't dwell on the poison. The Jada he knew is not the sort to employ such tactics. She will likely fight the Sea Dragons with everything she has should they face each other at the Invitational, but poisoning her opponents and brother? That seems very out of character for her. Jozhur shows off. His athletic abilities will likely serve him well in the very near future. Tahni is not used to being out without a number of spells enhancing her senses and defenses. She feel vulnerable. That's certainly understandable. She puts on a little light show to take her mind off it. Fang wishes she could have dressed up for the occasion, but knows it's important to give a show of force. Being so slight, it's easy to mistake her for an easy target. Rill reminds everyone they represent the strongest force for good in the Wold. He also wonders why the Iron Dragons never showed up. He has this ring, so why not use it?
"I wish!" comes the immediate response. "Sesha and I are watching, but whatever's going on there is too big to risk having multiple DC groups caught up in it. You guys look great, by the way.
"Oh, and that robe the Sapphire Seven guy was wearing? Mine. I traded it to some witches in a swamp. It never gets dirty. Don't let that guy know, ok? When this is all over, I intend to get it back."
He keeps an eye out. His construct detection ability radiates out 740'. That's plenty long enough to cover the entire colloseum. He notes that every construct monk in the place is staring at the Sea Dragons. They all have the same slight smile, same raised eyebrow...in fact, they all have the same facial expression. They're not clones of each other, so the effect is kind of unnerving. Rill's sense motive will autopass, so we'll skip the spoiler tags: they're looking at the party with a mix of fascination and amusement.
From across the field, a door opens and Heather waves you to enter. How she got across the colluseum that fast is a mystery, but there she is. The cheers follow the Sea Dragons as they exit the field and Heather closes the door behind them. "Whew, that crowd sure is happy you're here." She keeps talking, but starts walking...fast.
"Ok, we've got two teams for you guys signed up. Looks like team 1 is Jozhur, Fang, and Tahni. Team 2 is Bralin, Terser, and Rill. The Gauntlet is run one team at a time, and all other teams are sequestered together in a very divination-proof room." She turns the corner into a long hallway. At the end are the other teams, or at least the members of the other teams that are competing. No sound comes from the room, even though it's obvious they're speaking. "Aexana, that stairwell will take you up to the viewing area. You are required to stay in view of the crowd, barring mother nature calling of course. It's to make sure you're not trying to help your friends cheat. You'll also want to keep a close eye on the other teams to make sure they're not doing the same. Say goodbye now, because we have to get in that room."
Heather continues on once Aexana has taken her leave. "Be alert in here, everyone. All magical effects will be dispelled very soon after you get in. Remember some of those people aren't nice." Heather stops before she enters the last room. "This is where I leave you. I'll go keep Aexana company. I'm rooting for you guys!" She smiles and spirits herself away as both teams enter the holding room.
Members of all teams except I, Construct are present. Dispelling the magic on Jada's constructs would basically make them inert, so she is not participating in this event. In addition to the contestants, three wizards in matching suits are present, as well as a dark-elf woman in black robes. She speaks. "Great, last team's here. Ooookay! I need everyone to join into three groups, with one member of each team going into one group."
Whirrfoot from the Talons of Aisildur grabs Fang's hand. "Oh! Come over here with me. Isn't this exciting?" The little halfling positively vibrates with excitement. "I'm Whirrfoot. You're Fang, right? It's really great that a Consortium group is here!" Whirrfoot's teammates smile and sort themselves into two other groups, as do the rest of the teams. Claw from Fangs of the Beast also finds herself in a group with Fang. She does not seem at all pleased with this and keeps her distance, refusing to make eye contact. Once everyone's in their group, the dark-elf speaks again. She is the picture of boredom as she speaks in complete monotone (with just a hint of disdain).
"Riiiight, we will now dispel any magic on your persons and equipment. This will persist for the next three hours, upon which your equipment will regain its magical properties."
The three wizards begin casting their spell.
Spellcraft DC40, Highlight to display spoiler: {The spell being cast on the group containing Jozhur and Terser is just a little different from the spell the other two are casting.}
Upstairs, Heather finds Aexana. "Hello dear. Hello Leafy. Would you two like some company to watch the event?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+15=35 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:51:35 PM
Rill is very interested in the info about the construct monks, and will send that info to his friends before the disenchantment spell is cast.
"OK, that's creepy. Every construct monk in this place is staring at our group. They all have the same slight smile, same raised eyebrow - they all seem to have the same facial expression. They don't appear to be clones of each other, so this uniform look is pretty unnerving. And it seems to be that they're looking at us with a mix of fascination and amusement.
"Aex - keep an eye on them when you're up in the stands."
Once the spells are cast, Rill will test the DC ring. Can he still communicate? Does he get any Status effect from it? (I'll have to adjust my charters somewhat.)
He addresses the disaffected drow, "Three hours. That is indeed a powerful effect. What sort of spell was that?" (Spellcraft 35 - fail)
Once again, he reaches out 1,080 feet to see if he can locate any constructs or outsiders - especially in the are of the challenges.
-------------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+33=43 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:04:39 PM "Exactly how soon will we be running the Gauntlet? I don't want to have my items disenchanted until the moment before I enter, especially if it might mean a 2 hour wait until that happens. There have been too many surprises and mishaps lately that I don't entirely trust the processes here. I'm happy to remain in this room until just before we need to enter though"
She looks about and notices the spell being cast on Jozhur and Terser "That's what I'm talking about. Why is the spell being cast on them different to everyone else?"
Tahni isn't consenting just yet to having her items dispelled until she has a little more information.
------------------------ Spellcraft check vs DC40: 43=Pass
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+19=31 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:12:16 PM
Just in case they don't pause to listen to her, Tahni prepares a counterspell
Ready action: IF Tahni is targeted by those casters, cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell. Dispel check: 31
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Tuesday February 25th, 2020 6:31:24 PM
Bralin is rather disinterested in the proceedings, right up until Tahni declares two of his comrades have been targeted with different spells.
The dwarf rather obviously loosens the strap on his axe, and stares intently at the offending wizard.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 25th, 2020 8:28:29 PM
Aex wishes all her friends the best for the gauntlet. Then she goes to check the area Heather has pointed out for her to wait. When Heather joins of course Aexana is happy to see her. Before the gauntlet start Aex takes plenty of time to check her surroundings... how to get in... how to get out... and then she checks who else is there waiting with her. Oh if only she detect if any other spectator here is but an image of its true self.
"Tell me about the gauntlet Heather... what will happen? Isn't there anything I could do to help? What would you do if you could help?!"
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday February 25th, 2020 8:43:27 PM
Jozhur waits for an answer, appear very disappointed. "Three times now, that we know of. It's not surprising, a fellow could make a lot of coin betting on an upset. Who is in charge here?"
Without much pause for an answer, Jozhur tries to leave the room looking for someone in the hallway.
OoC quick:. Is Jozhur's Celestial Armor still light armor when dispelled or does it become normal medium weight chain? If it is no longer light, he will doff it quickly and stash it in his bag of holding before entering the room.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) d20+24=34 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:56:59 AM
Terser doesn't know much about magic, but when Tahni points out that one of the wizards is different, he points at him with a spiky fist gauntlet. My friend says you're not casting the right spell. Tell us what you're doing, if you know what's good for you.
Intimidate 34
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 d20+33=42 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 11:35:28 AM
Given Tahni's revelation and Bralin's and Terser's response, Rill will again address the depressed drow,
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. Don't mess with us. We have dwarves."
Sense Motive 42
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday February 26th, 2020 12:48:18 PM "Yes, I am Fang. I'm glad your excited." She says calmly as she watches to see what's going on with the others.
DM Carl Wednesday February 26th, 2020 3:48:18 PM Rill asks Aexana to keep an eye on the creepy constructs. That will be difficult without his ability to sense them. Whatever look they had is gone after a few moments. He asks about the nature of the spell that will be cast on them.
"It's a proprietary ritual researched by The Chancer's at substantial expense. It's similar to Mage's Disjunction, but requires permanent enchantments be put in place where it will be used...also at substantial expense. Any additional information is proprietary."
He finds his senses do not function beyond the walls of the room they're in.
Tahni is not comfortable with this, and would prefer to be dispelled at the last moment. "No," is the dark-elf's answer, given without additional comment. She notes the spell being cast on two of her teammates is different and calls it out. Bralin and Terser immediately assume threatening positions as all heck breaks out.
The room erupts into people screaming and throwing accusations. Ace Feeley points the finger at Xuffie from The Last Whisper. Xuffie's having none of it. "I was also in that group, fool. Why would I subject myself to that?"
Meanwhile, the wizard who was casting the spell keeps making eyes at the exit. Not fast enough, though. The dark-elf grabs his wrist unceremoniously and grabs an iron rod used as a focus. Several runes are carved into the rod, previously hidden by his hand. "I can," is all he gets out before he's hit by her quickend baleful polymorph and gets turned into a rat. The rat-wizard is quickly scooped up before the marilith Blue has a chance to get her hand on it. "Do not worry," starts the dark-elf. "He'll pay publicly for this." This seems to calm the room down a bit, but everyone's still on edge.
Outside, Aexana asks what she can do to help. Heather looks very serious for a moment before whispering, "Nothing! Seriously, don't. I know I said teams are expected to look out for themselves, but actually cheating in an event is another matter entirely!"
***
I'm crazy busy today, so I'm cutting today's post shorter than I'd planned.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 26th, 2020 7:25:18 PM
Looks like Aex won't do much other than observe and bite her nails off.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:11:54 PM
Fang watches the whole scene with interest. She's glad the mage in question was captured alive instead of killed - violence was necessary to cleanse evil, but it shouldn't be a first result and it's always good to understand why someone did a criminal act, the better to cure the social disease instead of just treating it's symptoms.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:13:39 PM
Tahni looks to Ace and Xuffie and attempts to calm things a little "The spell he was about to cast could have either helped that team or hurt them. No point accusing anyone just yet"
She then turns to the Dark Elf "Do you know what spell he was casting? Is there any way we can find out if that guy, er, rat, placed any bets and on which team?"
It looks like there will be no other option but to go through with this ritual "How long will it take to cast that spell, anyway? What's to stop people from casting spells on themselves as soon as the ritual finishes?"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Wednesday February 26th, 2020 9:17:36 PM
Bralin relaxes with the others as the offending wizard is summarily dealt with.
The dwarf waits with interest to the answers to Tahni's other questions, and idly wonders if the head mage has had to deal with someone with her knowledge before.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+23=30 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2020 10:51:06 PM
Jozhur stops at the door and casually watches everything unfold. He probably doesn't help settle things with his comment, "And how do we know this response isn't a ruse? Whatever he did needs undone."
He studies the remaining officials closely (sense motive: 30)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) d20+17=32 ; Thursday February 27th, 2020 8:54:56 AM was the trap spell successful then? If not, he briefs Aexana quickly about the details down here and asks if she can keep an eye on the rat mage.
With one member of each team in this group, then whoever instigated the changed spell is getting hit too, unless they have something keyed to resist it. He focuses on the team members around him to see if anyone looks especially disappointed or pleased.
perception 32
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Thursday February 27th, 2020 10:38:39 AM
Rill can see that Tahni has things well in hand.
He looks at the dark-elf. "What is your name? Are you a member of the Chancers or are you in their employ?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 36/43, channel 5/7) Friday February 28th, 2020 11:45:32 AM
Terser also addresses the dark elf. I wish you would have let him alone a minute longer. I bet I could have wrung some information out of him. We keep fighting the symptom and not the disease.
DM Carl Friday February 28th, 2020 2:08:48 PM Aexana finds herself without much to do.
OOC: Don't worry. There will be stuff going on around you throughout The Gauntlet. I wouldn't just let you sit there and post "Aexana keeps watching" everyday. :D
Fang is glad they didn't outright kill that wizard, though she may not realize how close he can. Blue was ready to splatter that rat.
Tahni attempts to cool the room off, but the room has a lot of ego in it. Things are going to be tense until this is resolved. Ace and Xuffie have stopped yelling at each other for the moment, though. She asks the dark elf what spell he was casting.
The dark elf picks up the iron rod that dropped when her spell was cast and shows it to Tahni. "The duration of the spell can be set when it is cast. The version he was casting would have lasted three days." When asked how long it will take, and what's to prevent others from casting spells again once it's complete, she answers "Not long. It takes a few seconds to fully cast it, but it's not a full ritual.
OOC: Full round action
"The room is being watched, plus I imagine you lot will keep eyes on each other, yes?"
Jozhur wonders aloud if this is all just a ruse, and states whatever the wizard did needs to be undone. This elicits a long stare and a sigh by the dark elf. "Your friends already interrupted his spell. There's nothing to undo." This is correct. No spells have been cast yet. A cursory inspection of any magical items you hold shows this to be true. She continues, "and I have no intention of sitting here trying to prove a negative."
Rill has some questions on who this person is. "Licnana. I am in the employ of, but not a member of, The Chancers." A very "just the facts" answer, to be sure.
Terser comments they're fighting the disease instead of the symptoms. This gets a few chuckles from many of your opponents.
"Welcome to the Invitational," quips Han Valen.
"First timers are the best, aren't they?" asks Xuffie, nudging Ace. At least they're not fighting anymore.
Terser, and anyone else making a DC15 sense motive, Highlight to display spoiler: {Tora, Hin, and Marshall from the Sapphire Seven don't seem to find any of this as amusing.}
Two monks walk in, along with a human female wizard wearing a suit matching the other two. Wordlessly, Licnana hands the rat to the monks. The rat squirms, trying to escape, but the monk's grip is too strong.
"I trust the three of you have learned from Heath's error in judgement, and will perform your duties properly?" The wizards nod their understanding, but none of them seem particularly worried. "Right, we've wasted enough time. Please continue."
Without waiting for input from the teams, the three wizards begin casting their spells. Licnana keeps a sharp eye on all three.
Spellcraft DC40, Highlight to display spoiler: {All three are casting the same spell this time.}
***
Upstairs, a shadow falls over Aexana. Looking up, she can see Sir Gallant of the 1%. "Mi'lady, might I join you? I thought a person of your esteem would appreciate the camaraderie of the like-minded." Jeez...this guy...
***
Gauntlet starts early next week. I'm awarding 75,000 XP for roleplay, as well as a hero point to Tahni for saving the team from poison AND preventing the dispelling the magic on her teammates' equipment for most of the Invitational. As always, I'm open to HP nominations as well in case I forgot something cool.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday February 28th, 2020 6:43:53 PM
As she was staring at her friends Aex didn't notice Sir Gallant at first... She wants to say something and opens her mouth... closes it again... open... close... there's something about this dude that makes Aex do a fine impersonation of a fish...
"By all means Sir Gallant. I take it you chose not to participate either? Please come sit here and tell me something about your team mates... "
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday February 28th, 2020 7:45:20 PM
With the new wizards now present it looks like the ritual is going to go ahead properly now. Tahni takes off all her magic items and places them in her haversack. Once the magic gets switched off there would be no way she could wear them all and still move. She's happy for anyone else to put their things in whatever space she has left in it.
It also means she can't decipher the spells that are being cast now, so just has to take them on good faith as being cast properly.
When ready she stands in her group to receive the ritual.
------------------ OOC: Header updated with no-magic-items Tahni
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage d20+28=33 ; Friday February 28th, 2020 8:07:14 PM
Jozhur pulls one of his swords just a few inches out in it's sheath and sees it is still it's icy self. He nods in approval, "Very well. Excellent work, Tahni." Satisfied for now, Jozhur leans back, watching and waiting.
Perception: 33
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) d20+6=13 ; Saturday February 29th, 2020 9:24:28 AM
Prior to the spell, Bralin pulls his warhammer out of his haversack, and affixes it to his waist.
Oblivious to the other contestants [Sense Motive 13], the dwarf waits.
-- Header adjusted.
--- Spell List Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 – Detect Magic, Detect Poison*, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink* 1 – Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Identify (d) 2 – Align Weapon, Bears Endurance, Bulls Strength, Find Traps, Soften Earth and Stone (d) 3- Dispel Magic, Prayer, Stone Shape (d) }
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday February 29th, 2020 9:35:37 AM
Fang sits back and lets the ritual commence. She trusts the others to catch any further chicanery.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday March 1st, 2020 7:31:49 PM
Aexana stares with awe at Sir Gallant's full-plate armor. That thing must weigh a ton.
"You must be bravest Paladin of Domi? I bet nothing can pierce than armor... but I would not dare wearing it when I go swimming..."
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Sunday March 1st, 2020 11:58:20 PM
Rill nods to Licuna.
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