DM Ken: the Gauntlet, Room 1. Monday March 2nd, 2020 5:48:53 PM
With their gear successfully disenchanted, many of the participants take a moment to adjust themselves. Armor feels heavier and less maneuverable. Weapons too, have more weight and seem less potent. Even spellcasters notice the difference, suddenly stripped of their mental and spiritual accompaniments that they have learned to rely on in addition to their own natural skills.
A small cart supporting a clear glass bowlis wheeled into the room, accompanied by a blindfolded monk and a young child with a shaven head. The monk speaks loudly. "The first group to enter..." .. he trails off, as he pulled a marked rock from inside the bowl. The rock is taken from him, and read aloud by the girl child in his care.
"The Talons of Aisildur.", she says in a firm voice.
From there multiple rocks are pulled, until the final order is realized. Talons of Aisildur, Last Whisper, Dragon Consortium: Team A (Rill, Bralin and Terser), Dragon Sound, Sapphire Seven, Dragon Consortium: Team B (Jozhur, Tahni, and Fang), and Fangs of the Beast.
-----------
With a smile, Whirrfoot bounces up and down, and gives Fang a mock salute.
"Well! Wish me luck! We are heading out to win this thing!"
Seabreeze and Majorie just smile and round up their wayward halfling. They are led from the staging room and out briefly into the area, where the roar of the crowd creeps into your small room with glee and gusto. Soon after, the doors shut, and you are once again in silence.
-----------------------------
Outside of the cramped staging room, Aexana sits awkwardly next to Sir Gallant. He had taken her smile as an invitation to sit, and so he sat. "Paladin? My word no, mi'lady! An esteemed cleric of Domi perhaps, and certainly his most pious, but no Paladins here. I like my fun too much!" His eyes are crystal blue, and his laugh seems genuine. At mention of his armor, he responds, amused. "It is rather light actually. I suppose it could have something to do with my conditioning, or maybe that I spent more on this than most small cities collect in taxes. Either way, it looks nice and it protects well, so it's a win both ways!"
He winks. "Though I don't know about swimming in it. Swimmings best done in the buff or not at all, I say." He thinks on this for a surprisingly long time before smacking a gauntleted fist into his palm.
"Would you care to join us upstairs? There's a number of us watching, so there's both a great view and refreshments, and only the most esteemed company. I'll tell you all you wish to know about our merry band, dear Dragon!"
He stands and arranged his cloak with a flourish, then offers a hand to Aexana.
"Besides, beautiful creatures were meant to congregate together! Don't force me to beg dear champion!"
As Aexana is offered the company of The 1%, the crowd jeers and cheers. Not long after, the Talons are led back through the competitors suite, guided by their version of Hanna.
"You did fine!", he guffaws, clapping Majorie on the back so hard she stumbles. "I don't know if its a winning time, but it might be enough to place. Besides, Sebreeze killed literally every foe in the gauntlet. The crowd lapped it up!"
The barbarian womans cheeks redden a bit. "Perhaps I spent to much time fighting and not enough time searching for the exits...". ... Their conversation fades down the hallway, and soon the Last Whisper is called.
"The rest of you might as well call it an early night and hit the feasts!", taunts Xuffie. Tencent and the Marilith follow her towards the doors, and out into the crowds. You can barely hear the announcer over the din of the rabble.
"And now, it's LAST WHISPER! He says the name with some measure of scandal in his voice. The current time to beat is three minutes and ..." the final words are cut off as doors close, and once more, you are left to wait.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+8=22 ; Monday March 2nd, 2020 6:02:36 PM
Aex manages not to retch at Sir Gallant's overstating his own very self... but hey all she can do it suck up to him and see what she'll learn from it.
"You give credit to your name Sir... "
Aex gets on her feet and takes Sir Gallant's hand as he offers his hand. As they go upstarts Aex tries to sense if he's for real of just trying to fool her (sense motive 22)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Monday March 2nd, 2020 8:13:22 PM
Bralin waits. He is completely still, his features impassive.
------------- 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) }
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) Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 12:01:43 AM
Terser tries to prepare himself. It seems like there will be hidden doors to contend with, and he's no ancient elf to just notice these things.
It's a bit strange to be cut off from the constant background murmur of the spirits that haunt the pouch around his neck. In fact, it's a little too quiet. He's ready for some action.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:20:42 AM
Tahni tries to get in close with the other members of the party, whispering so the other teams can't hear. Things were so much easier with the telepathic rings.
"It seems teams come back to this room after their run. We should pay attention to what they say. It does also make me wonder how much Team A could share with Team B"[
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 7:12:38 AM "Good luck!" she calls after the halfling. Nice fellow. She considers Tahni's point - she would have thought they'd have a separate waiting room for just that reason, or send them out to spectate the rest. Since they got grouped together and Claw has presumably not run away yet Fang tries to engage her in conversation. "So, Claw right? I had a sister named that once, long ago. You remind me of her."
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) Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 2:26:15 PM
It's hard not to eavesdrop. Terser starts speculating about the names of the rest of Fang's family. Talon. Beak. Pincer. Incisor?
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 3:28:16 PM
Rill double checks his equipment to make sure he remembers where everything is now, since he usually has most of his things in extradimentional spaces.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:55:33 PM
Going up the stairs Aex wonders who else will be there...
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 7:30:55 PM
Jozhur nods at Tahni. He thought the same, as surely everyone in the room is. Three minutes... he thinks to himself. That would seem like a long time in there.
Jozhur draws and handles each of his weapons for a moment. Swords, mace, and dagger. All could he equally useful with the magic of the swords gone.
DM Carl Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:53:51 PM
The room is much, much more pleasant without The Last Whisper in it. There is a shared sigh of relief when they're gone. "There, always one group of miscreants every year," says Marshall. He glances at The 1%. "Two some years..." The slight goes unnoticed, or at least it's not acted upon.
Bralin is the picture of stoicness. Must be a dwarf thing. Whirrfoot takes notice and starts waving his hand in front of Bralin's face. "Hey, how do you know you've got a dwarf in your pantry?" He waits a moment, looking for a response. "Only the lowest shelves are empty!" It's a horrible joke, but Whirrfoot finds it hilarious. He doubles over laughing.
Terser is getting tenser as the time passes.
Tahni notices that the teams return to the waiting room, despite what she was told earlier.
***The module didn't specify this, so there's a bit of continuity to deal with after Ken's post (not a dig, love the guy, these things happen). Technically yes, Team A will be in the same room as Team B for a while when they return. Technically it may be possible to communicate with them. The plan was to put one of your teams in a tapestry room and run them simultaneously. I still think that's the best option since it won't take twice as long, but if you folks want to one-at-a-time it and risk cheating, we can do it. I will note that you're not really aware of how or if you're being monitored in here, and that if you're caught cheating you'll be disqualified from the entire event and booted from the island.***
Jozhur and Rill check their equipment. It's still fine equipment, masterworked even!
Then, Fang drops a bomb and comments she has a sister named Claw. She stares at her, vibrates a bit, then pounces on her. Claw is a whirl of...well, claws...as she lunges at Fang. She's caught and pulled back by Miri and Sky, but keeps up the attack.
She shreaks as she swings at the air, "YOU COWARD! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! We had to find out you were alive when the Dragons accepted you! YOU DIDN'T EVEN CHECK ON ME!"
The rest of the room is in shocked silence at the scene. "Dear, you know we really can't be fighting in here," comments Miri in her best soothing voice. Her eyes don't leave Fang, though, and there's a lot of animosity in there. The Fangs probably know this story.
***
Upstairs, Aexana joins the 1% in their private box. She finds Khale, Bezos, and Captain Musk in the box as well, along with two attentive human servants (both male). There is an impressive spread of food and drink, partially eaten (so it's probably not poisoned). Captain Musk smiles as Aexana enters. "Ah, the Dragon. Two teams this year, eh? That's a bold choice. Well, come in and be welcome."
Khale looks at the older gnome with barely disguised contempt. "Yes well, seems they'll give a title to anyone these days." Bezos stands starring at the glass, watching the competition proceed below him.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:12:52 PM "Well this is just turning into one big family reunion" Tahni takes a step back to give the Fang-family some space to rough-house this out.
There is no way she is going to intervene without Fang calling for it. She is a proud warrior and jumping in now might make her lose face.
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) Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:14:26 PM
The chancers must like a good show, as they've set this up for as much drama as possible. That two of the members of the Dragons have lost lost kin here cannot be coincidence.
He trusts that Fang can handle herself, but stands ready to back her up should it be needed.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:48:25 PM
Jozhur lays a hand on Fangs shoulder and quietly reminds her to keep cool, lest they all be disqualified.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:49:26 PM
Fang is confused by the sudden attack, but as an experienced warrior she is ready to defend herself in moments. By then Claw has been pulled back. "Who thought I was dead?" she asks aloud in confusion. She thinks back on her many adventures. Sure a few times she had been separated from her companions and maybe once or twice taken a bad hit and been thought dead, but she'd always managed to reunite with them later and say 'Hey, I'm not dead.'
"Do I know you? Are you sure you haven't confused me with someone else?' Fang and Claw are both pretty common names among beastfolk in general, barbarians as well, so this was likely a mistaken identity problem. There were probably dozens if not hundreds of Ratfolk Barbarians named Fang or Claw, and white fur wasn't that uncommon. She looks again at the other ratfolk. She's pretty certain she would remember meeting someone with the same fur color and name as her dead sister before now.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Wednesday March 4th, 2020 9:30:44 PM
Bralin's face reveals his confusion at Whirrfoot's joke. Mostly the problem is Bralin is taller than the halfling. Thus, to ridicule his height makes no sense.
"How very odd," is all he can manage in reply.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday March 5th, 2020 4:53:15 AM
Aex enters the 1%'s private box... While Sir Gallant has been acting mostly polite it seems Aex is not so welcome. As Captain Musk addresses her she replies : "Well Captain we felt that since the Dragon Consortium has not taken part of this event we were obligated to send at least two teams."
But then Khale thinks insults will do good... Not impressed by the pretty boy Aex replies calmly :"Well received Sir... know that there are certain things that can not be bought and yet I'm with the Sea Dragons and you... have a lot of Gold I suppose... don't worry I'm indeed but an old Tree hugger... "
Then Aex walks over to Sir Bezos. Heather told that he bought his way into the 1% team... "So how's it down there?!"
As she stands close to Bezos she wonders why he's here.. Buying his way into the team Aex would think he has a hidden agenda... Is he particularly observing one or the other team or persons?
DM Carl Thursday March 5th, 2020 4:49:42 PM Bralin gives a look of confusion. Being there in person, Bralin would probably have gotten the gist that Whirrfoot wasn't actually trying to ridicule the dwarf. Whirrfoot coughs a few times. "Oh, sorry mister. Thought you were like them guards that aren't allowed to react to people." He opens his jacket and pulls a waxed paper envelope from an interior pocket. He takes a piece of jerky from it and bites into it. Mouth still full, he presents the envelope to Bralin. "Jerky? It's venison. Real good stuff."
Tahni isn't going to get involved unless Fang asks her to. Terser feels the same way, and cannot believe it's coincidence two of his group have lost siblings here. Perhaps he's right.
Jozhur lays a hand on Fang's shoulder, letting her know he's in her corner.
Fang isn't sure what this woman is about. Thought she was dead? Fang and Claw were really common names, aren't they? (OOC: Says who?) She asks Claw if she knows her. At this, Claw stops fighting and just stares at Fang, her face a mixture of hurt and confusion. She starts talking four times, each stopping before a single word gets out. She finally shakes her head and says, "just forget it." She turns her back on Fang and crosses her arms.
The Last Whisper soon returns. It feels like they came back quicker, but not by much. Licnana looks at the assembled Sea Dragons. "OK Team A, you're up. You three," she points to Rill, Bralin, and Terser before continuing. "Through that door. Best of luck." She says it in a way that doesn't feel like she's actually wishing any luck on you at all.
***
In the 1%ers box, Aexana mingles. "Right, this is the first time the Consortium's been here. Why is that? What made you lot decide to come play?" Captain Musk looks on with an inquisitive look.
She has choice words masked in pleasantry for Khale. For an old tree hugger, she knows how to play this game. His face flushes red for a moment, but he very quickly gets his composure back. She heads over to Bezos before Khale has a chance to respond.
"The Last Whisper is finishing up," he states coolly. It's the first time Aexana has heard him speak. His voice is distant. Not condescending, or ugly, just distant. If Rill didn't have a chance to check him out earlier, Aexana would wonder if the man was a construct. He is very closely watching The Last Whisper go through the gauntlet. If she keeps observing, she'll notice the same behavior for every team. He will not move during the entire length of the event.
"I believe your friends are up next," says Sir Gallant, walking up from behind to join the two at the window.
"Yes, let's see what sort the Dragon Consortium lets in these days," says Khale before putting a glass of sangria to his lips.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday March 5th, 2020 5:15:53 PM
Fang Gets a stubborn expression on her face. ”No I won’t forget it. This is obviously something important to you and we should figure out what in the wold is going on.”
Over the rings she asks, Does anyone have any idea who Claw thinks I am?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Thursday March 5th, 2020 6:57:44 PM
Bralin gives the halfling a nod, and helps himself to some jerky. "My thanks," he tells Whirrfoot.
Whatever is transpiring, or is not transpiring, between Fang and Claw will have to wait. His name has been called.
Stilll chewing on the jerky, the dwarf heads through the door.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Thursday March 5th, 2020 11:49:20 PM "Aw right. Here we go."
Rill will test his DC ring - just to see. Maybe it's some sort of artifact that's immune to the magic supression.
"Hey, can you guys hear me?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday March 6th, 2020 6:15:09 AM "Good luck guys" Tahni gives Terser a pat on the back "Stay safe out there"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+23=42 ; Friday March 6th, 2020 7:31:30 AM "Why participate now?! Sir Captain is't that obvious?! Look at the assembled power - look at you lot!! The Consortium monitors who will take part yet if there's no challenge, there's no point of sending a Dragon group. Since we were asked to join they must see great potential in some!! I just hope we'll be able to live up to their expectations. "
As Bezos points out that her friends are up next Aex stands on her toes hoping to catch o good glimpse of how they are doing. All the time she tries to keep an eye on her back...
Perhaps also from this vantage she hopes to spot any who don't take rules very strict.
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Friday March 6th, 2020 11:42:43 AM
As Rill heads through the door, he says to Fang, "You know my ferocious, furry friend, there have been many times the members of the Black Lions barely escaped death before you joined us. It may be that Claw somehow escaped the death you thought she suffered. When I get back, if she is willing, I can look into her and your souls and confirm that she is who she said she is."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday March 6th, 2020 12:35:39 PM
While Rill doesn’t say the word sister his comment does finally penetrate Fangs thick skull and let her put the pieces together. ” What, my sister? Impossible! I saw her corpse mutilated by orcish axes!. She had noticed the resemblance, but had dismissed it as coincidence. Now that she’s sure who this lady is claiming to be she eyes them suspecting magical nonsense. ” What, did a group of priests come by five minutes later, defeat the orcs, and raise the dead? If you’re my sister how am I only hearing about this 20 years later?!?.
DM Carl Friday March 6th, 2020 3:33:01 PM Bralin accepts the jerky. Whirrfoot was right: it is really good jerky. The halfling smiles warmly. "Good luck out there, buddy!" He offers zero advice, of course.
Rill is up, but offers to use an esoteric soulseeker ability to determine whether Claw is who Rill thinks she might be. A novel use of an odd ability. He tries communicating over his ring, but it fails. Their magic has been dispelled temporarily.
Tahni wishes her friends luck.
Fang decides this needs to be addressed, but Claw shakes her head. "Then I'll visit tonight. This isn't the time or place." She's not wrong. Fang's about to be very occupied. Then the word sister gets dropped and Fang puts the pieces together, though she doesn't immediately believe it can be true since her sister was cut down by orcs.
Claw breathes in. "We don't have time for that story now, sister. Go, and I will find you this evening." She retires to a corner of the room.
OOC: We're not done with this, but I do actually need to get this ball rolling. We'll circle back soon.
Rill, Bralin, and Terser exit the room into a tunnel that slopes upwards into artificial light. It opens into a small room with a bored looking imp sitting on a perch near the only other exit: a solid steel door.
"Ok..." he looks down and checks a clipboard. "Sea Dragon Team A. Time starts when you say go, then I push this here button, and that door falls away. If you do not say go within the next 60 seconds, you will be disqualified. If you attempt to cast any spells during that 60 seconds, you will be disqualified. The 60 seconds starts now."
In a few minutes, Team B finds themselves in the same room, with the same speech.
***
Aexana tells Captain Musk that they're participating due to the strength of this year's challengers. It's a lie, and Captain Musk is no fool. Aexana will need to make a bluff check.
Kozy begins his announcement as Team A prepares to begin. "Ok Invitational! Making their first appearance, the team we've all been waiting for, The Sea Dragons!"
*Aexana, also make a perception check to keep an eye out, please.
***
Team B, starting Monday you'll be posting in the Black Tapestry page. I'll ask both teams to not peek at each other's board. Steven, feel free to pop over there as well to cheer them on/watch since you can see them make their attempt as well, but you're under no obligation to do so.
I'll let the sheriff know that you lot will be over there starting next week.
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 March 6th, 2020 4:31:22 PM
*ooc - sorry about yesterday, was traveling all day and didn't have a chance to get online
It seems that the Chancers don't wait on reunions. They have a schedule to keep after all. He steels himself and lets the rest of Team A know that he's ready to go with a hand placed out for a "Go Team!" moment.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 21 -- HP 154/154 -- DarkVision Friday March 6th, 2020 5:33:26 PM
Tahni approaches Fang and place a hand on her shoulder "Steel yourself, friend. We will get to the bottom of this one way or another. I'll help you in any way you ask. For now though, you need to put it aside. We have a gauntlet to get through and by all accounts it is dangerous"
So Fang's sister is with Fang's of the Beast - the group that were happy to summon undead and attack the party. That will no doubt make for an interesting discussion later.
----------------- Moving to the Black Tap now
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp 3 STR damage Friday March 6th, 2020 6:06:40 PM
Jozhur remebers how bright it was last time they entered the arena. Too bad they don't have a way to light the room up. Oh well, he waits empty handed, not sure if he will need to fight or do other things first.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday March 6th, 2020 6:55:42 PM
Fang is looking stubborn again but eventually nods. "Fine. Later.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+3=23 ; d20+23=42 ; Saturday March 7th, 2020 12:35:15 PM
Aex bluff roll : 23 - NATURAL 20 !!! WHAHAHA Aex Perception roll : 42
The little gnome falls silent as the first Sea Dragon team is ready to begin...
Rill (MarkB) HP 156/169 - AC 33/20/30 - SR 20 - CMD 27 Saturday March 7th, 2020 12:56:51 PM
(OOC - I'm very confused. What does Team A do?)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC26 T16 F21, HP 197/197) Saturday March 7th, 2020 4:57:26 PM
Bralin pulls his shield from his back. He leaves his other hand free for the moment, aside from placing it upon Terser's for their "go team" moment.
After that, he gives Rill the nod.
He's ready.
Rill (MarkB) HP 152/152 - AC 21/13/319 Sunday March 8th, 2020 11:50:48 PM
Rill adds his hand to Terser's and Bralin's. Then he turns to the imp and says, "Let's see what's behind door number one. Go."
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