DM Carl d20+25=29 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 4:04:42 PM
Our heroes seem to have no intention of letting this rogue out of their sight until they have some actionable information. The monks, less detectives and more bouncers for the Invitational, are very content to let them continue. "Your authority is recognized here, Dragons," one states with a slight bow. The monks stay alert, however. As Tahni continues her spell, a few more arrive but remain outside the merchant's tent. Rill's construct sense is not alerted by any of them.
The rogue, realizing his ploy to be killed, as well as his ploy to be arrested have both failed, blanches. That Tahni seems to be casting a very complex spell that he does not recognize also weighs on him. For the moment, he chooses to remain silent, going so far as to avoid eye contact with anyone in the tent. His eyes are active, though. Anyone who watches him seems his mind race for a solution.
At Rill's suggestion, Leafy steps forward to remove the thief's boots. The rogue instinctively struggles for just a moment before realizing the futility. Words spring forth from his lips, only to be swallowed down at the last minute. Keen eyes notice him click his heels fruitlessly a couple more times before they are removed.
Rill hasn't forgotten Akim, and asks his question a little more forcefully. "I'm quite sure I don't know what your friend was talking about, Master Rill." He pauses thoughtfully a moment before patting himself down. He fishes a coin purse from his pants, its cord still tightly knotted to a heroically struggling belt. "I placed this out of their grasp at the first sign something was amiss. Perhaps that's what she saw? It's something I do on instinct after years of life as a merchant. I hardly noticed I'd done it until you mentioned!"
Rill knows two things instantly.
1: This is a lie 2: Akim is a skilled liar. He's potentially a very skilled liar. Were he not a bit shaken, Rill may not have seen through him.
Anyone who can make a DC29 sense motive roll knows the same.
OOC: Your sense motive autopasses a poor bluff roll by Akim.
Akim seems to think the matter settled, and goes back to his inventory.
***
Back at the arena, Bralin and Terser are lead out into a shared infirmary. After their last fights, both were led to separate facilities, but since the two are on the same team that was not considered necessary. A cheery-faced priest of Wardd waits for the two of them, dressed in a smart suit. A silver chain is clipped on his vest and runs into a small pocket. He does not look like a medical professional. "Two Dragons in my own personal corner of the Invitational? What luck!" He puts down a sandwich he was half way through eating and wipes his mouth. "Now then! Would you two like me to heal your wounds? I never cast Wardd's magic on them who don't ask for it. Personal rule of mine that served me well, yes it has. Made adventuring a challenge though! Turns out most monsters and bad guys don't consent to allowing my god's holy fire to smite them." He pulls a small silver holy symbol of Wardd from his vest pocket, then pauses and waits for the two to consent or refuse his healing.
***
Somewhere, Claw gets herself ready to fight. She intends to be the one left standing this time.
***
Fang removes the boots of haste. Their use would have indeed disqualified her. She spends her hour of preparation however she sees fit, but eventually that hour runs out and her match begins. Heather knocks lightly 5 minutes before it's time to head upstairs.
"It's time, Fang," she says. "Odds are pretty even on you two. Both of you typically augment your fighting with magic. No one's quite sure whose martial prowess is stronger without that magic. On top of that, there's the clockwork constructs. They're not ordinary golems, Fang. They're quite powerful." She produces what looks like a thick bracelet from the dimensional pocket she always seems to have. "This armband allows you to control them. I think you'll find you're able to do so without affecting your own fighting. It's very intuitive." She offers it to Fang. "I know for a fact that Claw will be using hers. You're free to forgo this, but I don't see any way for you to win without them if she's coming at you with all of hers."
The armband given or not, Heather walks to the wall by the door. She brings up a small screen like Fang has seen her done before. In it, she sees the arena. It is mostly empty, but five clockwork figures stand motionless on each side. Five of them are golden, the other silver. If Fang is wearing the armband, she instinctively knows the silver are hers. Each wields a wicked looking greatsword. Flames erupt from the lengths of all ten blades. "The fire won't hurt them. That's just for you and Claw. They are only able to attack the constructs on the opposite team until all five are down. After that, you and Claw are free to turn them on each other. You're free to forgo their use and attack Claw directly. You don't have to wait until the constructs are destroyed." Time is almost up. "If you have any questions, it's time to ask. Kozy's about to do his thing."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 2nd, 2020 5:14:59 PM
(We've been here for a bit and will be here until Tahni is done with the 10 minutes it takes to cast her spell. I assume we've been here and observing/conversing with Akim and the others here for more than one minute.)
Rill is sure that the others have the thief subdued, and the cleric now focuses his full attention on Akim. Rill draws himself up to his full height in his white robes as he takes a step toward the fat merchant. "Akim. You ... are lying to us, which I would not advise you do twice. Why are you lying though? What is it you did at the start of all this? What are you hiding?"
Rill's eyes turn completely white as he uses his Probe Psyche ability on the man, attempting to fully understand Akim's personality. Rill knows his action will not be well received, but it's probably about what the man would expect being caught in a lie after asking for our help.
Probe Psyche - After one minute of observation and/or conversation, a seeker can use this ability to gain insight on the creature. The target may make a Will Save against this ability, at a DC of 25 to resist the effect. If the target passes their save then their alignment is revealed. If the target fails their save the seeker knows their alignment and personality, and gains a +2 Insight bonus to attacks, armor class, and spell DC against the creature. Creatures almost universally view the use of probe psyche as unnerving at best, rude and insulting at worst. NPCs subjected to the power shift their attitude toward the soulseeker by 1d3 steps toward hostile.
Aex is unable to discern if lies are told or not. But if she can choose to trust the thief or her friends... well that's not even a choice. While the others do the talking Aex keeps an eye on any other bystanders that may be more or less interested to what transpires. (perception 39)
Leafy holds the boots... luckily they don't smell too much.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Monday November 2nd, 2020 6:33:08 PM
Bralin exchanges a look with Terser.
"Why would your friends be reluctant to accept Wardd's magic?" he inquires.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+12=26 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 6:47:27 PM "Thankyou for your assistance" she says to the guards that have arrived "I assure you that no harm will come to this man by my hand. I only seek his cooperation before he is handed over to you. In the mean time, would you mind keeping onlookers away from this tent?"
Tahni can't tell if Akim is being honest or not, but she's pretty sure she didn't see a coin purse. "He definitely used some sort of magical device. I can't be sure if it was that coin purse or not" She relays to the others.
She then turns her attention back to their captive. "I meant what I said."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 2nd, 2020 10:01:55 PM I would assume some sort of pre-arrangement with your allies to allow for protective and curative magics?
He lets Bralin decide for himself, since Terser's ring is already doing its work on him, slowly but surely. Is this common among Wardd's congregation? You know more than I ever will about that, Bralin. But I'll be fine - save your power for someone who may need it if there's another emergency later today.
Is this the same way healing was handled post fights before?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=29 ; d20+29=40 ; Monday November 2nd, 2020 11:22:19 PM
With the thief apparently under control, Jozhur also shifts his attention to Akim. He also picks up his n Akim's lie.
Jozhur starts walking around Akim's tent, searching for a discarded potion vial orany a there clues.
Sense motive: 29 Perception: 40
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+5=17 ; Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:26:38 AM
Fang spends the hour meditating on the situation and all the strange circumstances they've found themselves in. She is as ready for the trial to come against her sister (Initiative 17 - rolling now so if Claw beats me she can go ahead and act next post, if you want)
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+9=18 ; d20+4=10 ; Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 3:24:43 PM
This is a long post. If you're short on time, there's no reason you have to read the bits that don't concern you. I've split them up for you all.
***
Underneath the arena, Terser and Bralin ask an obvious question: why would a cleric's adventuring companions be reluctant for his or her magics? Healing was usually very welcome after a battle. Terser wonders if this is common among Wardd's congregation, and as far as either of them know it is not.
The man in the suit looks confused at the two before understanding lights his eyes. He removes the watch from his vest pocket and places it next to his sandwich. His movements are not slow, but deliberate and open. "I have forgotten myself, Dragons, and I cry your pardon." He removes the vest and places it on the table as well, neatly folded. He turns to reveal a tight fitting and perfectly tailored button shirt and pin-striped pants. Both are tight enough on his frame to show any hidden belongings, of which he has none. "My companions did indeed have an arrangement with me allowing my protections and healing as I saw fit to provide. My personal..." He searches for the right word, hand twirling before continuing, "ethos extends to those we fought against as well, and they were never willing to let me cast my god's more offensive magics on them, though I did ask several times." He shrugs in mock resignation. "Still, I put my trust in Wardd and lept into one adventure after another. They never seemed to run out." The man's eyes sparkle as he recalls this, but just for a moment.
"You and yours have seen an ugly side of this contest, and in my haste to meet you two I've set you on edge. My name is Henry. Henry Tinkwicket. You've met my exuberant younger brother Kozy, I know." Now that he's said it, there is a strong resemblance between this man and Kozy. Their eyes are the same, though his hair is a darker brown and graying at the temples. "He got the lion's share of our love of the theatric, but not all of it. At any rate, I hope I've set you at ease enough to accept my aid. You two did manage to do a number on each other." The man's smile is genuine and seems to radiate warmth. Should either Bralin or Terser decide they like this fellow and wish him well, their hearts immediately lighten as if things are going to be just a bit better with him around. He picks up his watch, obviously his holy symbol. "Now, shall I begin?"
***
Things are remarkably less warm at the market, where Rill's accusation slams into the already tense scene like a thunder crash. The Soulseeker has had plenty of time to probe Akim's psyche. His eyes turn white and burn their way through Akim's defenses, laying bare his soul. Rill sees a man with few scruples, and what little he has are overshadowed by his greed. He is not an evil man; he wouldn't plan on spilling blood in the pursuit of profit, but if some were spilled regardless he likely wouldn't lose sleep. Perhaps if someone died in that pursuit, he would feel some genuine remorse. OOC: Alignment is true neutral.
Akim no doubt feels Rill's invasion and shrinks back. Fear flashes, but only for a moment. Rill can see his facial muscles relax into a practiced look of consternation. "Begging your pardon, Master Rill." This word is said with a bare hint of sarcasm. "But I approached you looking for assistance from the land's greatest protectors. Yet here we are. Not only have all the thieves but one slipped through your grasp with my merchandise, but they've taken some of yours as well by the looks of it." He smoothes his shirt and tucks his purse back inside the wasitband of his pants, eyes on Rill. The meaning is clear enough: looks like my coin isn't as safe as I'd thought with you around. "Topping it all off, I'm called a liar in my own establishment. Your position may grant you some authority, but perhaps this scoundrel has it right." He motions to the restrained thief. "Being a Dragon does not afford you the right to act on baseless allegations without evidence. If you're not going to help, I'd ask you take that thief from my store and leave." He turns to the monk who spoke earlier. "This space is mine, friend Monk, and I reserve the right to refuse service to any I wish. I must ask you to escort the Dragons outside."
The monk looks at the Dragons. He says nothing right away, but his face squinches and he shrugs his shoulder just a bit. The meaning is clear: he's not wrong, and this is his space. He doesn't act immediately, purposely giving the Dragons a few seconds should they need them.
This all seems to embolden the thief Tahni is still holding. "You heard the man. Scat, all of you! You still have to follow the same rules the rest of us do!" Tahni looks at him, simply stating "I meant what I said."
He smiles a stupid, cocky smile. "Which part, sweetcheeks? You said a whole lot. The part where I won't be injured by your hand? Pretty sure whatever fancy spell you're casting over there's gonna end up putting me in a whole world of hurt." His voice gets considerably louder for the people outside. "NOT LIKE YOUR WORD MEANS A LOT, I SUPPOSE. YOU GET TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WHEN YOU'RE A DRAGON." There is a small crowd gathering out there, but the monks have that under control. Most people are at the tournament anyway.
Jozhur and Aexana keep their eyes peeled. Aexana is the first to notice the gathering crowd, but no one strikes her as important. People are going to looky-loo. That's just their nature. The Dragons are crowd favorites here, but the thief's loudness has allowed him to imprint the first impression on those gathering. There are murmurs...
Jozhur keeps his eyes peeled inside the tent. He moves from one table to the next. Each is laden with expensive looking wares and covered with a thick red tablecloth. Jozhur peers under a few, finding just bare floor. He is moving on from one table to the next when his ears, just barely, pick up a slight *ping ping* sound. He knows that sound: the sound of metal hitting individual links of his fancy chainmail. Backing up, he finds where the folds of the tablecloth masked the tip of a blade barely sticking through the tablecloth. The tip is so fine it barely pierced the cloth, not enough to make is visible but enough to chink off Jozhur's armor when the tablecloth was brushed back.
Lifting the cloth reveals a hidden compartment under the table. It's just a couple inches deep, so that it wouldn't be seen simply by looking under the tablecloth, nor noticed if anyone looked up to see if anything was strapped to the table's bottom. Inside he finds a few valuable looking items, including the blade he felt. It is a jet-black blade that seems to soak in the light. He heard Akim admit to the monks earlier that the thieves had stolen something called a Gloom Blade. Jozhur can't imagine that's not exactly what this odd sword is. Akim is intent on staring down Rill and has not noticed you. If anything, he's studiously avoiding looking at this spot.
***
Fang is ready. "Knock her d..." Heather starts, but quickly stops. "Erm, good luck, Fang. I'll be rooting for you." Whether or not that is appreciated is up to Fang. Her and Claw enter the arena at the same time from opposite sides of the arena. Claw catches her eye, but her face reveals nothing. It's just a mask of calm.
Kozy's voice screams to life as the crowd cheers the beginning of the next match. "Laaaadiiies and Gentlemen! What serendipitous fate! What strange circumstance has lead us here? Two rat girl face off in your semi-final. The winner moves on to face the mighty Terser for the prize, but first these two must fight FANG AND CLAW." The audience groans at the pun. "Come on folks, you knew that was coming! Ok contestants, you've been given the rules. You each control your own constructs. They can only attack your opponent once your opponent's constructs are all defeated, but you two are free to attack each other with impunity." He chuckles. "I would not underestimate my creations if I were you, my dear. NOW FIGHT!"
With that, the fight starts. Heather was correct: Fang's armband allows her to control the constructs with barely a thought. It won't hinder her own fighting at all.
***
Fang won initiative. The 5 silver constructs are yours to move and roll for, Mitch. The constructs are all modified Clockwork Angels with the following modifications:
They only have 100 HP They have no DR, but are immune to the fire from their weapons They cannot fly Ignore everything listed under SQ They don't look particularly angelic, in fact they look like featureless humanoids. They are obviously constructs, though.
I left their weapons as flaming and keen for sake of ease. Please track your own constructs' HP on your posts. Map is in the post header.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:03:57 PM
Terser is excited to see Fang's match, and hoping to get some insight into how constructs fight for the upcoming melee. Still, his impressions over the rings are a bit worrisome. you guys need any help over there?]
In the room
Nice to meetcha, Henry. And thanks for the offer, but like I said, my ring will top me right off soon enough. And there have been enough emergencies even in the short time we've been here that someone worse off may need your power more than I.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:13:48 PM
Bralin nods in understanding. "You always ask the recipient of a spell permission to cast it. Interesting."
"Very well. I give you permission to cast healing spells on me."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:32:40 PM
Aex shifts her weight from one foot to the other while she looks at the crowd. She's feeling somewhat uncomfortable with Akim being so noisy and drawing too much unnecessary attention.
"Can't we discuss this somewhere else in private?! We're getting too much attention...", She speaks through the rings.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:13:25 PM "We're not going anywhere until the spell is finished" Tahni replies in response to Akim. "If we must take him somewhere else it will be to a Magnificent Mansion where we will have all the time in the Wold to get answers to our questions. It will be a place free from distraction, scrying and escape"
"This is the scene of an attack on members of the Dragon Consortium. We won't be leaving until we have some answers. He has the right to refuse service to us, but not to compel us to leave the scene of a crime"
"The spell is almost finished, Aex. If it bothers you though we can take him into a Mansion away from the view of others and start again"
---------- OOC: Just checking... how much time has passed now? Looks like over an hour for Fang and it was indicated that it took minutes for the monks to arrive on scene.
*Edit: Highlight to display spoiler: {Can Tahni take 5ft steps while casting? Looks like each round is considered a full-round action, it which case a 5ft might be ok}
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 6:58:29 PM
Rill will flash a warning look to any that would interrupt Tahni's casting of her Geas spell, including the monks.
He responds to Akim, "Relax there Sparky. You brought us here and we will leave soon enough. But not until my friend is finished with her spell. Be sure to provide us with what you lost and we're return it if we can."
(Not sure if the DM wants to play out the whole 10 minute casting time, or have us move somewhere else to do this. Stopping now will probably lose the spell. We're flexible - just let us know what you want to do. But I'd rather not have to post for the next few weeks to run through the whole casting time.)
:)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 9:27:05 PM
Fang just grins at Heather's misstep, taking no offense. In the field she is tempted to just rush Claw with all of the constructs, but the reminder that the constructs can only attack the leaders if one side overwhelms the other stops that plan immediately. The best tactical option then is to focus down the constructs so that she can secure a number's advantage for the ending.
For now she just moves the constructs into a defensive formation in front of her, ceding initiative in exchange for a better formation.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 4th, 2020 10:17:31 AM
Jozhur relays through the rings exactly what he has found. Some hidden away items, at least one of which Akim has probably said to have been stolen. We will be searching his shop, perhaps a monk should be a part of it.
He steps away from the spot and waits.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map Wednesday November 4th, 2020 3:03:11 PM
OOC: Fang's fight started an hour after yours. You'll be done with Henry in plenty of time to catch the start of her match unless you decide to take him to dinner or something.
Terser's ring has already begun stitching his wounds, and the rest would be completed shortly. Henry seems to watch a moment in silence as a small nick on Terser's face scabs over and closes. The scab falls away, revealing new skin that quickly fades and matches the rest of the dwarf's complexion. "Fair enough. That must have cost you a fair sum, and best to get what you paid for from it." He gives a warm smile before turning to Bralin, who accepts his offer of healing and comments on his ethos.
Henry smiles. "As much as possible, I prefer events happen around me rather than on my initiative. Seeing what comes and working with luck's tides has been my life's work." There's an impression that there's more to it than that, but this is where Henry's explanation ends. While he speaks he opens his watch. A bright green light shines from within, which Henry pulls into his hand with a quick motion. Bralin has had enough Heal spells cast on him to know what they feel like. Most of Bralin's wounds heal, but he has taken a serious beating (ooc: 180 HP healed). Henry's eyes raise. "First time I've seen that spell not fully heal a man, Bralin. Allow me another." He repeats the spell (evidently his ethos allows multiple castings of an approved spell), bringing Bralin to full health. This brings a smile to Henry's face. "May have had to retire if two of those had still left you injured. I would have feared I'd lost my touch." Bralin, as a cleric, knows Henry has not. That was strong, even for a spell as powerful as Heal.
"Anyhow, I'd glad to have met you two. I expect you two have a full plate, but I hope you'll not begrudge me a polite greeting should we meet again." He offers a handshake and accepts Terser and Bralin's farewells before leading them out. The noise of the crowd indicates the exit to the stands is to the right, where they are free to watch their friend in her own contest. As soon as they leave Henry's presence, they can feel it. It's almost as if they feel the need to be a touch more careful than they were a moment ago.
***
OOC: I won't make you roleplay out 10 full minutes, no. I also won't advance the time quickly while everyone is still taking actions moment by moment. It seems like Akim and the thief are fine in letting you continue in silence should you want to skip ahead. Up to you all.
Aexana is getting nervous, wondering if they can do this elsewhere. Her friends seem to be set and staying right here, though.
Tahni claims authoritatively that they are not going anywhere until her spell is finished. Since they're a sanctioned Dragon Consortium group who was attacked, she claims to have the right to remain at the scene during the investigation. That seems to satisfy the monk who turns back to Akim. "You heard the Dragon, Akim. Now kindly keep clear while they do their work."
Akim was already starting to scowl when Rill calls him Sparky. It does not improve his mood at first, but he again composes himself. "Very well Master Rill. I'll provide a list of what I've confirmed is missing. Of course, a full inventory will take some time. I hope you'll allow me to append the list if I find anything else missing." Akim's list is as follows:
1 Gloom Blade 1 Ring of Protection +3 1 Ring of Sustenance 4 assorted ioun stones
...and something called a "vorpal blade," but who knows what that is.
Jozhur relays his findings, thinking a monk should be part of any search. Now that Jozhur has found Akim's hiding place (or places, perhaps), searching at least those hidey holes won't take long. Does he intend to use any subterfuge, or has the time for such things past?
***
Fang begins by moving her constructs into a defensive front. Claw holds a moment, watching Fang. When she sees her opponent move her constructs rather than move to attack herself, an eyebrow raises on her face. It lingers just a moment before Claw gets her game face on and moves her pieces on the board as well.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 14/260) Wednesday November 4th, 2020 5:33:52 PM
Bralin nods his thanks to Henry, and takes the offered hand.
"You do your patron proud, I am sure," he compliments the man.
Heading out, the dwarf turns right in order to get to the stands and cheer on Fang.
He does watch his step a bit more than usual.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 4th, 2020 6:09:56 PM
Aex nods at Tahni. It makes sense to finish casting of spells. None the less she'll be happy to get away from here as soon as they are done.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 4th, 2020 8:13:26 PM
Terser bids Henry a polite farewell. I'd be happy to treat you to a drink or two if we see you out around the festival.
He feels the change in the atmosphere and is glad he didn't have that luck drop before his fight. He'll make sure to avoid Henry just before the final as well, just in case.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 4th, 2020 10:49:08 PM
Jozhur has seen enough to warrant checking the entire shop. He catches a monk's attention, preferably the one Akim spoke to about his "missing" items. I'm starting the think Akim and these thieves are working together."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 5th, 2020 1:38:28 AM "Might be wise not to touch anything known as the 'gloom blade' until it has been checked over" Tahni relays over the link "Want to bet Akim added extra things to that list? Might be best not to accuse him of anything right away though. He seems to be calming down"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+30=39 ; d20+30=34 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=39 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=14 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6=2 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 6:14:38 AM
Now properly in formation Fang sends her constructs charging the enemy, smashing into her sister's lines. She follows along behind, ready to exploit any openings her constructs cause (there's a construct half in 2 squares and maybe a 5 foot hole in Claw's line, is that intentional or a mistake?)
C1 hits C1 for 18 damage C2 hits C1 for 16 damage C3 hits C1 for 14 damage (total C1 damage is 48) C4 hits C4 for 20 damage C5 crits C4 for 34 damage (54 total damage to C4)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 5th, 2020 11:26:55 AM I certainly don't trust this Akim, and I halfway wonder if the items lost were stolen items to begin with.
While he waits for the Bloodwitch to cast her spell he takes Akim's list, takes out paper, quill and ink, and makes two copies of this list. Rill also adds the times that our party lost. He gives one copy to one of the monks. "We will do what we can to seek out these thieves to bring them to justice. Please pass this information along to your monks, and perhaps your Abbot as well. Ask them to let us or Heather know if they hear of such items. Even if someone is missing such an item that may be of interest, because who know how these thieves plan to seek a buyer?"
Rill has no other significant actions while Tahni finishes her spell on the thief.
He will periodically keep track of Fang, Bralin and Terser with the Status effect of the rings, noting where they are and injuries or conditions affecting them.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+25=35 ; d20+25=35 ; d3=3 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=13 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=15 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 3:23:52 PM Terser and Bralin say their farewells and leave for the stands. It should be noted neither feels particularly unlucky now that they've left, they just no longer feel the small boost from Henry's presence. All eyes are on the match about to begin, but several onlookers notice the two Dragons enter the stands. Both get plenty of waves, smiles, thumbs up, etc. The mood in the arena is excited, and the two Dragons receive a solid share of cheers and well wishes. The Sea Dragons' popularity was high to begin with, and has only seem to improve with most.
There's a question of where to watch. Bezos has made it known the private box he rented is open to all Dragons for the remainder of the Invitational. They'd be welcome anywhere in the stands, of course. Perhaps they have other ideas?
***
Aexana continues her vigil outside. Something interesting happens when Tahni's insistence that they're staying right here is overheard. As soon as news that the Dragons were attacked reaches the small gathering, the mood changes. Where once there were whispers of the Dragons maybe overstepping their authority or overreacting to a thief, there are now contented grunts and nodding heads. "What kind of dummy tries to steal from the Dragon Consortium? Serves'em right if ya ask me," one onlooker comments. Chuckles and smiles ripple outwards.
Tahni works on her magic, warning that touching a gloom blade may not be a good idea.
Rill makes a list and passes it on to a monk. The monk looks at it, then back up at Rill. "Ok," he answers, and gives no further response.
Jozhur calls over another monk. Speaking in a low voice (I assume), he fills the monk in on his hunch. The monk's face belies no surprise. "Yea," he whispers back. "I wouldn't put it past him." One assumes Jozhur would fill the monk in on the stash he discovered instead of making the poor guy tear the whole tent apart (and possibly miss the hiding place anyway).
The monk, evidently possessing some amount of subterfuge himself, walks away from Jozhur and waits a bit before poking around. "Well, I'm tired of standing around," he comments, then starts looking around. He picks things up, looks under them, that kind of thing. He looks under a tablecloth, sees nothing then puts it down. He stops, a confused look on his face, then throws the tablecloth back to reveal another hidden shelf. This one hides a plain iron ring that is far too ugly to be ornamental. The party has enough spellcraft to know it is a ring of sustenance. The monk walks down a row of tables, throwing tablecloths back. Not all the tables have hiding places, but those that do all have at least one item hidden there.
Akim does not respond well to this. "Sir monk! I must insist..." his voice trails off when his eyes spot two ioun stones. "I...I am sure I did not place these here." He goes to the rest of the tables and looks. "It's all here! How splendid!" He shakes the monk's hand between both of his. "Thank you, friend! My margins are not enough to absorb the cost of such a loss. You have saved me!"
Sense motive DC35, Highlight to display spoiler: {More lies. He likely knew these items were there the entire time.}
***
OOC: I moved the piece I neglected to get all the way inside the lines. If you made your action assuming it was in the lower square, let me know.
Fang's initative gave her the first attack, and each of her constructs strikes one or another. Two are beat halfway to destroyed. Claw sets hers to counterattack, bringing up her C4 and concentrating as much as she's able on Fang's C3. Without having to move to attack, Claw's constructs unleash several rapid attacks on Fang's.
Claw's C5 and C4 do a combined 94 points of damage to Fang's C3, then with a single strike her C1 slices through what serves as the thing's spine and it collapses. Claw's C1 rotates past Fang's C2 and lands two more blows on Fang's C1 for 37 damage. Claw's C2 lands its own 3 hits for another 37 damage, then her C3 chops the thing's head clean off in a spectacular blow (crit for a total of 51).
Claw herself moves to loop around her own line, but when Fang's C1 falls, she decides to fight more defensively. She remains behind her line in total defense.
Aex genuinely believes Akim speaks the truth. She picks up the comments from the crowd and wonders how many others have had things stolen here...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=30 ; Thursday November 5th, 2020 5:08:46 PM
Bralin nods/waves/etc to the various well wishers.
He is not at all inclined to spend the match with Bezos and whoever else may be in the private box.
The dwarf finds a spot in the arena proper, but does keep an eye on those nearest him, just in case. [Perception 30]
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 6th, 2020 2:06:56 AM
Tahni leaves Akim to the others. She keeps her concentration on their captive.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+29=46 ; d10=3 ; d20+24=41 ; d10=2 ; d20+19=38 ; d10=4 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=38 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=15 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=28 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 6:41:14 AM
Fang isn't that surprised. She had hoped her alpha strike would take out some of the constructs to limit the response but no such luck. It's time for her to get her own hands dirty though. She stays out of rage for now to keep her head clear to direct the fight.
Fang 5 foot step full attack attack 1 46 to hit, 17 damage attack 2 41 to hit, 16 damage attack 3 38 to hit, 18 damage (51 total, kills C4)
C2 full attacks C1 Attack 1 33 to hit, 15 damage attack 2 30 to hit, 16 damage attack 3 38 to hit, 38 to confirm crit, 34 damage (65 total, dead) attack 4 missed and was unneeded.
C4 full attacks C5 and takes a 5 foot step Attack 1 34 to hit, 22 damage Attack 2 43 to hit, 34 to confirm, 37 damage (59 total) Attack 3 25 miss attack 4 21 miss
C5 takes a 5 foot step and full attacks C5 Attack 1, 29 miss Attack 2 31, 22 damage (81 total) attack 3 27 miss attack 4 28 miss
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=26 ; Friday November 6th, 2020 10:08:30 AM
Jozhur nods at Akim, an entirely plausible explanation. "Why did the thieves steal your stuff and hide it in your shop?"
Sense motive: 26
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 6th, 2020 5:59:46 PM
(Sense Motive 51 - Not sure what happened though, I rolled and it was there and then disappeared as did only part of the post I typed. The DM can roll again if he wants - Rill is +33)
Rill is concerned that his friends believe so implausible a lie! He is so concerned in fact that he will cast Circle of Protection From Evil to include Jozhur and perhaps the investigating monk. Aex is probably too high up to be in it. Jozhur, Aex - Akim is lying to us again. He seems to have known these items were there all along."
Rill gives Akim a smile, and speaks clearly so at least the nearby onlookers here can hear him. "Akim. We are men of action. Lies do not become us. You are a shrewd merchant, not some fool that forgets where he placed his most expensive things. And do not take us for fools that would believe accomplished thieves to would somehow hide your most expensive things and then steal from us. The real questions here remains why you drew us here in the first place? I plan to contact Gargul later to seek answers to this and other questions, so we may be back for a visit."
To the investigating monk he asks, "What is the local penalty for fraud? I'm not sure if you represent local law enforcement here or if it is the Chancers. But since the Chancers run a pretty tight ship when it comes to their gambling operation, they may have some pretty severe penalties for fraud. What are your names good monks in case we need witnesses to this?"
Other that calling out Akim for his lies Rill is content to wait for Tahni to finish her spell.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday November 6th, 2020 7:15:08 PM
This match certainly has a lot more action than his and Bralin's. That'll happen with 12 combatants on the field. It should be a good little preview of the grand melee. Maybe that was the intention.
Terser cheers for Fang as she takes down one of the enemy constructs.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map Friday November 6th, 2020 8:36:02 PM
OOC: We had a covid case confirmed at my work today and it threw my entire day into a tailspin. Ken's still recovering from the ice storm and isn't available to step in. Accordingly, this last post of the week will be very brief. Mitch, I apologize but do not have time to handle combat today. Please go ahead and post a short RP post if you would, and we'll pick up on Monday.
**
Bralin and Terser find a spot to watch. The folks the two sit around are excited to be sitting so close to one of the finalists, but respect the Dragons' time.
***
Akim's eyes narrow. "If you're so quick to throw accusations, it may be in my best interests to seek council before I speak again." It's the last thing he says before he turns to leave. The monks are perfectly willing to give their names.
Unless our heroes decide to take further actions, Tahni is able to complete her spell. What exactly are your instructions for this thief's geas?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 8th, 2020 1:47:11 AM
Satisfied with the casting, Tahni delivers a carefully worded Geas: "You will fully cooperate with us - including answering our questions honestly, volunteering relevant information and making no attempt to escape our custody - in our investigation and apprehension of those involved in the crimes perpetrated against us today until such time as all guilty parties are in our custody"
She then unleashes a barrage of questions.
"Now then... tell us what you know. Did someone hire you to rob us and if so, who? What are the names of your associates involved in the attack on us and the theft of our property? Do you or they have allegiances to any factions or any teams competing in the tournament? Where are your associates currently hiding? Why did you have a Planar Adaptation spell in effect? What was the intent of the Contingency spell?"
Tahni gestures to the others to invite them to ask questions of their own.
-------------- OOC: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry to hear about the case, Carl. Hope you and your family are safe}
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday November 9th, 2020 7:14:03 AM
Fang eyes the fight calculatingly, trying to determine the best course of action.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday November 9th, 2020 2:12:48 PM Are we keen on just letting Akim leave? If he was lying about knowing the items were still in his shop, he probably had something to do with the attack on us.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=44 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=19 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=23 ; 2d6+11=21 ; d20+23=31 ; d4+9=10 ; 2d6=7 ; Monday November 9th, 2020 4:56:20 PM Jozhur wonders if the Dragons are ok with Akim just walking away. Your DM imagines they wouldn't be, but no one has mentioned trying to stop him since the last DM post. Regardless, only a few seconds pass from his last words until he suddenly vanishes from sight. He gave no indication he was casting a spell and his boots didn't have a magic aura suggesting they could also be boots of teleportation. How he escaped or where he has gone is not immediately apparent.
Tahni finishes her spell. The thief's eyes widen in terror when Tahni begins detailing her instructions. He squirms and tries one last time to get away, but he's got 3 of the land's greatest heroes restraining him, plus one more outside. It's just not in the cards. Tahni starts giving commands, starting with "tell us what you know." The thief grins big and immediately starts running his mouth.
"Sure, love! I know that two and two make four. I know that a sandwich that ain't got a slice of bread on top is called open faced. I know horses have four legs. I know dogs have four legs, as do cats..."
Tahni's questions continue, asking if someone hired him and instructing him to name the person(s) if so. His smile never drops as he keeps on rattling off what he knows, thinking he's found a way around. Then, when Tahni finishes her question, he blurts out, "Akim the Paunch hired us to rob you, agreeing we'd split the proceeds." He slams his hands over his mouth, shocked at what just came out of it.
Obviously he has overestimated his own cleverness. The questions continue as a crestfallen look falls over him. He sighs. "I dunno anyone's name, honest." He shrugs. "We don't care who wins the Invitational. We don't even want to stop you from winning. As for where they are, no idea. We aren't daft, you know. We knew there was a real chance at least one of us would get captured. Do you think we wouldn't plan for that?" His smile returns. "Even if we were all supposed to meet in one place, the fact that I've been here the whole time would mean they were already in the wind." He can't lie, but what he's telling you is pretty plausible.
"Planar Adaptation was just in case we had to flee to the shadow plane to escape you lot." He sighs a bit more. "Contingency already would have teleported me away if you hadn't made that impossible."
***
Terser and Bralin are in the stands watching their friend fight. Fang got the first attack in, but Claw hit back harder. Fang has since evened the score. These constructs they've given the two to fight with are glass cannons, it would seem. They can't take much damage from each other. Maybe that's for the best, it could be a long drawn out fight otherwise.
It's assumed the two aren't sitting shoulder to shoulder on the benches in the stands. It's crowded, but there's plenty of room for everyone to have personal space. It leaves enough room for a scrawny dogfolk beastman to hop between the two and sit, squeezing just a bit. The dwarves recognize him as Runt immediately, the one Fang defeated when Mint forced a forfeit. He doesn't look happy and can't meet either of their eyes. "I know I got beat," he starts without waiting for an acknowledgement. "Still wasn't right'a Mint to do that." The fur means no one can see him blush, but his body language screams shame pretty loudly. "She could have at least let me lose with some dignity."
One wonders why he's decided to unburden himself on these two, but he doesn't look very happy.
***
Fang's attacks leave each combatant with three constructs left, and one of those is looking very rough. Claw growls a bit.
C3 takes a 5' step and attacks Fang's C2 for a total of 53 damage. C2 takes a 5' step and attacks Fang's C2 as well for a total of 54 damage, finishing it off. Claw's heavily damaged C5's first attack misses comically bad, ending up with the construct spinning around 360 degrees. The momentum carries through, however, and the blow hacks off C4's arm. Luckily it's not the one holding the sword. Total damage to Fang's C4 is 63
Fang decides it's time to get her hands dirty and leaps through a gap in her constructs. She places two hands against the construct's torso, clamps her teeth down on a shaft rotating inside it, then yanks it out for an additional 17 damage (80 total to Fang's C4).
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 9th, 2020 5:00:50 PM
I'm sure we have attracted some attention at this point.
Rill raises his voice as he says to the crowd there, "Akim was a clever man. He was dishonest and deceived us, which tells me he likely deceives others. The Dragons will not protect or defend him going forward. It's a shame he let his stall here unattended."
With that, Rill turns his attention to Tahni and the captive thief to see what we can learn.
"Tahni - let's take this guy to our pavilion. It's a bit more private."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 9th, 2020 5:26:40 PM
Aex feels bad for not keeping up her watch on Akim. She's clueless where he went and she didn't catch Rill's remark Akim was lying. She definitely needs to concentrate better...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday November 9th, 2020 5:59:42 PM
Bralin doesn't move, nor does he take his eyes off the fight.
But, he does reply to Runt.
"I have found it is a rare wizard that comprehends the desire to fight despite the odds. Take heart that you finished in the top eight of a mighty competition, and your leader's intention, albeit misplaced, was to spare you more pain."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 9th, 2020 6:33:27 PM You fought well, but not every fight will go your way. On a level field, Bralin would have beat me right out, what with his mobility.
The important thing is, did you tell Mint how you feel? It's a different kind of fight, standing up for your feelings, but it's important that your teammates know your feelings.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 10th, 2020 2:57:12 AM "Sounds like a good idea, Rill" Tahni nods "Though I do have a question before we go. It may be too late otherwise."
She looks back to their captive. "You may not know where they are now, but you must have agreed on a place to meet with Akim to sell him the items. Some place to finalise the deal. Where and when is that to occur?"
Tahni suspects that someone as greedy as Akim is in a hurry to get to the meetup place and collect whatever goods he can before it's too late. After that he'll be in the wind.
If they have time she will head to the pavilion with the group. If they are short on time though they may need to go straight to the hand-off.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d10+14=19 ; d10+29=33 ; d10+28=29 ; d10+28=32 ; d10+23=29 ; d10+23=24 ; d10+18=21 ; d10+18=25 ; d10+13=19 ; d10+13=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 5:40:22 AM
Fang steps forward and finishes C5 with a single blow (33 to hit, 19 damage just enough). That lets her constructs advance on and focus down C2. Something seems to go wrong with their programming though because they just stab empty air, only landing one glancing blow.
C4 (20 hp left) attacking C2 Attack 1 - 29, nat 1 miss attack 2 - 29, miss Attack 3 - 21, miss Attack 4 - 19, miss
C5 attacking C2 Attack 1 - 32, hit, 21 damage Attack 2 - 24, miss attack 3 - 25, miss attack 4, 20, miss
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=37 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+13=30 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=14 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=17 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 6:36:43 PM Rill makes a proclamation to the crowd. Is...is Rill suggesting his stall is free to loot? It sure seems that way, but a hard stare from the monks to the crowd let the assembled people know that two wrongs won't be making any rights today.
Still, he did leave his stall unattended. A quick look around by anyone with any knowledge of such things reveals that most of these items are genuine, and that there is a small fortune on display here. Regardless, Rill wants to take the man back to their pavilion.
Aexana wishes she had been able to stop Akim, but she shouldn't be too hard on herself. Her job was to be lookout and she performed it well.
Tahni agrees with Rill, but has another question first. She asks where their agreed upon meeting place would be to handle the hand off to Akim.
All he can do is shrug. "Plan was to scatter, then wait for Akim to contact us with a location. I know to you people he may be dishonest, but in my circles his word is gold. He'll probably still contact the rest of them and proceed as planned."
***
Bralin and Terser offer words of advice and encouragement. Bralin's observation about wizards sends him into some thought. "Mint's pretty quick to get us out of trouble when things go bad, I guess." He ponders a bit more, and after a few seconds looks a little better. His ears perk up and his tongue sticks out the side of his mouth just a touch.
"Does your friend really not believe that Claw's her sister?" His tone is more hushed, not wanting to loudly announce the relation. It's not remotely secret at this point, but that doesn't mean everyone knows it. "I heard she got really angry before the Gauntlet."
***
Fang herself finishes off another construct, then sends her two remaining ones in. In a shocking turn of events, only a single hit is scored against Claw's remaining constructs.
Claw frowns. "That hardly seems fair to you, sis." She points and orders her remaining constructs to push the attack. She looks hard for a moment, like she's about to say something. A look of guilt swims across her face and swallows the words before they come out.
Claw's C2 finishes off Fang's damaged construct in two hits, then switches targets to the last. It only manages 13 damage against Fang's C5.
Claw takes a step back and drops into a defensive stance.
Claw's C3 steps up and unleashes an series of enormous blows, striking 4 times for a total of 93 damage. Claw silently sighs as Fang's last construct comes so close to being destroyed, but keeps standing. Claw seems about ready to attack after all, but chooses prudence and stays behind her constructs.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+28=37 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=26 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=23 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=22 ; d10+16=23 ; d10+16=21 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:50:43 PM
Fang lowers her axe watches as the constructs fight. Her last construct gamely strikes out at the enemy, hitting thrice, looking ready to fall apart. It doesn't really matter though; this fight was always going to be about the two sisters. She addresses the other ratfolk. "Fair? The world is rarely fair. A fair world wouldn't have put a young girl in a position of authority where her every action decided the fate of everyone she knew. I saw my sister die that day, stared at her mangled corpse. I watched my village burn and everyone I had ever known die. I spent years wandering the waste in madness and grief, searching for any survivors that might lesson the guilt of my mistake. It was only after I was on the brink of madness and death that an act of random kindness pulled me back, that I found someone able to help me accept that they were dead and forgive myself.
Now you tell me that despite what I saw, despite my years of searching, despite my years of madness and grief, that you somehow survived? That by some insane miracle you alone were saved of those I once knew? Perhaps so, or perhaps a cruel trick by some unknown foe. To many know what they should not here, know of histories long dead and buried for me to trust you so easily.
Raising her axe again Fang flies into a rage before stepping forward to obliterate one of the remaining constructs. "SO COME THEN SISTER! PROVE YOUR IDENTITY! SHOW ME THE RAGE OF OUR YOUTHS!
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:57:01 PM
Jozhur shuts at Rill's hint. "Akim is responsible for the theft of some of our items. Seems only fair to take items of equal value to compensate us, as restitution. He also promised payment for coming to help him, said we could pick an item from his shop. We did as he asked, we could hold him to his offer."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 12:48:13 AM You heard it right there in her speech. Fang spent so much of her life being defined by the loss of her clan. To think that her sister survived is such a total shift in her world view that it takes a long time to come around to it.
It was near the same for me. I spent most of my life thinking that my entire family had abandoned me. Then to find out that my sister thought I had abandoned her instead, and had a similar falling out with our father....It just makes me think of all the time wasted. If it's hard for me, it's much worse for Fang, because at least I knew my family was still there.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 11th, 2020 2:34:49 AM "We could also take everything and hold it all hostage until we get our belongings back. I wonder how much of his inventory was stolen to begin with."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday November 11th, 2020 2:45:52 AM
Tahni considers the predicament. Akim is responsible for the thefts after all. It does seem fair to cover their losses with what is here, or as Jozhur said, hold onto until our goods are returned.
"Perhaps it would be best to leave everything under the watch of the monks?" she offers "If we don't get hold of Akim then he forfeits whatever goods are left here to meet the value of what was stolen."
She looks to their 'helper' "What's your name, anyway?" she asks "and how was Akim to contact you? What can you tell me that would help us catch Akim or recover our goods?". She's ready to head back to the pavilion unless someone has an idea on how to catch up to Akim.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 11th, 2020 10:07:53 AM
Bralin nods with Terser.
"Altering one's view of reality takes time."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 12:10:17 PM "Jozhur and Tahni - you both make good points. Let's do both."
Rill will work with Jozhur and the others to Detect Magic and scoop up any magic items in this stall.
He turns to the monks. "Good monks, his man owes us a debt, and there is much to figure out yet. Please hold these items for us. We can determine later what is appropriate, but that thief Akim will surely take them and flee justice if we leave them here."
"Right. Let's get back to our pavilion."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 11th, 2020 1:04:32 PM
Aex nods at Rill's dealings with the monks. Despite the loss of her cape she would feel bad claiming stuff that she didn't earn.
Happy to go back to their pavilion Aex leaves with the others. But this time she is wary of some invisible no good thug sneaking up on her again... instinctively she puts a hand of her own on her hand of glory...
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=28 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+25=37 ; d3=3 ; d6=5 ; d4=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20+28=32 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+13=14 ; 2d6+11=21 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2020 8:51:38 PM
The heroes at the marketplace ponder what to do with Akim's goods. Akim did make them a deal, or at least offered one. Perhaps they would like to pick out something shiny while they work to replace their stolen goods? They do agree on one point: that it would be best if the monks watch the store while our heroes continue their interrogation.
Rill means to scoop up any magic items in this stall, but just about everything Akim sells is magic. Scooping them up and handing them to anyone is easier said than done. "If you're wanting this stuff confascated, we can take care of that easily enough. We have a small vault we can put this stuff in."
Tahni asks the thief his name, then presses his knowledge on Akim and how to catch him.
"Patrick Chatterton," he answers. He fights each syllable as he does so, but Tahni's magic prys it out of him anyway. "He gets in touch with us with sending spells." His brain gets to work trying to answer Tahni's final question. He points at Rill. "Isn't he a diviner or something? Akim's got protections against that kind of magic, but maybe there's a spell that will work anyway? I don't know much about divination." He looks around. "Also, there's no way he just abandons all this stuff. He's not wealthy enough to just eat this loss."
When it's time to go, Aexana more carefully guards her stuff.
***
Terser and Bralin discuss their friend's reaction to her sister returning. "How did she not realize she was still alive?" It's a decent questions. Fang's seemed pretty insistant that her sister was very much dead, going so far as to say she was a "mangled corpse." Mangled corpses don't usually get better.
***
Fang sees a look of confusion on Claw's face. "Mangled corpse? That's going a bit far, Fang. I was hurt real bad, but I wasn't mangled." Her face hardens. "I'm real glad you were able to forgive yourself sister, BUT DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD ASK FOR MINE TOO?"
Claw takes a step to close the gap with her sister and attacks. Fang is able to avoid the initial attack, but she feels four claws rake her chest before her opponent's teeth find purchase on her shoulder.
Claw 1: Nat 1 Claw 2: Hit AC 30 for 17 Bite: Hit AC 37 for 17
The ratgirl opposite Fang fights and moves like she remembers, but there's a calmness where rage once lived. If this is Claw, her technique has greatly improved from childhood.
Claw's last remaining construct finishes off Fang's with a final swing that breaks it in half. The remaining attacks are aimed at Fang, but the ratgirl is evidently a harder target to hit.
Hit AC 29 - Miss Hit AC 37 for 21 damage Hit AC 21 - nat 1
"Your rage is what almost got me killed, Fang. I've learned to fight without it."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday November 12th, 2020 1:27:44 AM I hope she learns that her rage can be harnessed to improve her fighting. It's only bad if you let it control you.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:32:22 AM "What do you think, Rill? Any spells come to mind for finding Akim? Once we get him we use him to cast some Sending spells to call the others"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 181/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=44 ; d20+26=29 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=19 ; d10+16=25 ; d10+16=24 ; d10+16=18 ; d10+16=17 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 7:19:37 AM
Fang tears into the last construct before turning back to her sister. "Mangled! Beyond any hope of survival! I saw it with my own eyes yet now you stand here claiming to be her! What, did some random priest come along and resurrect you alone of the many dead?!"
Attack 1 44 to hit 25 damage Attack 2 29 to hit (matches AC, which I think is a hit) 24 damage Attack 3 41 to hit (not confirmed) 18 damage (67 total) Attack 4 25 to hit
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday November 12th, 2020 11:51:25 AM
Jozhur nods at the monk, "I think locking it all away will do, as long as you can keep it secure. These aren't your average thieves. Take it all, or as much as you can, to keep Akim from disappearing. We can sort out what he owes us later."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:14:58 PM
"She is extraordinarily stubborn," Bralin admits.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+28=38 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=15 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=18 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+25=34 ; d3+11=14 ; d6=1 ; d3+11=13 ; d6=3 ; d4+11=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 9:01:04 PM Jozhur agrees that locking the goods away with the monks would suffice, provided it can be secured. The monk looks a little sheepish about that. "Well, I don't know if I'd say it was going to hold against a group of thieves that can go up against you lot and mostly escape with some treasure." He looks at the captured thief.
Tahni looks to Rill for his opinion on divinations.
***
Terser comments on the benefits of rage, but Runt's not on the same page. "Maybe if yer swinging something sharp around, but I get shaky when I'm too angry. Throws my aim off."
Bralin admits Fang can be stubborn.
"Room for another?" asks a voice from behind the two. It belongs to a white-haired bearfolk they recognize as Grandpa. The spectators on the stands around them make room for the old bear. "Claw can be stubborn to a fault as well. I offered to withdraw our team from the Invitational when we heard you would be competing, but she wouldn't have it." He settles on the bench. His presence is considerable. He is undoubtedly old, but his eyes are as sharp as his claws. "My apologies for eavesdropping. It was not my intention."
"She's doing pretty well, Grandpa." Runt is obviously excited for his friend, but he's trying very hard to avoid gloating.
Grandpa frowns a bit. "The fight was lost as soon as Claw's machines were able to concentrate their attacks first, but someone had to make the first move. Fang very well may be the better fighter of the two."
***
Fang insists Claw was very much dead. She all out attacks the last construct as she does so, beating it half to destruction.
OOC Fang only, Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm not trying to re-write your history and argue that Fang was wrong about her being mangled.}
Claw answers in what borders, but does not cross into, rage. "NO. I woke up alone and dying, surrounded by the bodies of everyone I love except for you!"
Fang finds herself on the receiving end of an all-out assault from Claw and the last construct. She is cut and burned three times by the construct's flaming sword.
Hit AC 38 for 15 damage + 1 fire Hit AC 38 for 18 damage + 5 fire Hit AC 31 for 18 damage + 5 fire (total 57 damage)
Claw herself is a blur, obviously very skilled with her natural attacks.
Hit AC 38 for 15 damage Hit AC 35 for 16 damage Hit AC 34 for 20 damage (total 51 damage)
C5: 67 damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 73/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=43 ; d20+31=51 ; d20+31=35 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=24 ; d10+16=25 ; d10+16=20 ; d10+16=23 ; d10+16=18 ; Thursday November 12th, 2020 11:07:21 PM
(Note: Rather then add and then have to remember the bonus rage HP I just put the bonus rage HP as "+36 hp" so she isn't actually down until my tracker hits -37)
"Perhaps." Fang says with surprising calm considering the rage boiling below the surface. "Perhaps my nightmares twisted my memory over two decades. All I know too many know what they should not here. The pasts no one should know about are coming back, all at once. You. Terser's sister. This fight. All who we knew while young are dead. Even the orc tribe that destroyed us is long gone. What are the odds all of this comes up at once? The odds the relatives of a quarter of my team just happen to be here, that someone somehow just happens to know our history in such detail to create this? Real or fake, you're being manipulated by something. We all are, in some sick game. Until I know who has done this and why I cannot embrace you as sister lest I play into the hands of whatever arranged this farce. To much is at stake."
Fang then finishes the last construct (hero point for extra action to attack once) and turns to Claw to strike a serious blow!
Attack vs construct, 43 to hit, 25 damage, finishing it.
Attack 1 - 51 to hit, 35 to confirm crit, 43 damage Attack 2 - 39 to hit, 23 damage Attack 3 - 24 to hit, 18 damage (Fang doesn't get 4 attacks, I got used to rolling 4 for constructs and have been rolling extra for her sorry)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 111/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d10+15=19 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 6:52:15 AM
Axes do 3x damage on crit, add another 19 damage.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday November 13th, 2020 6:58:33 AM
Back at the games Aex anxiously watches the final phase of Fang's battle... she sure bites her way through...
"We'll need to patch her up after this... " Aex mutters, "hang in there dear Fang..."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 13th, 2020 6:22:49 PM
Tahni helps escort Mr Chatterton back to the party pavilion where she keeps up the questions...
"Are you able to cast spells? How did you get that contingency spell in place?" "How did you make that fog? What was it?" "How many times have you pulled that sort of robbery?" "Where do you live? Do you have any stolen items there?" "What is the most serious offence you have ever committed?" "What would likely be your fate if you were imprisoned? Would someone come to help you escape?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday November 13th, 2020 7:22:22 PM "Lock everything away if you don't mind. Just do your best to keep an eye on it. My friends may want to hold a couple items personally to cover what was taken from them."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday November 13th, 2020 7:27:21 PM
Bralin accepts Grandpa's presence without acrimony, nodding a greeting to the old bear.
Unwilling to either contradict or agree with Grandpa's assessment, the dwarf merely nods again, and watches.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 13th, 2020 9:49:53 PM
Once we retire to our pavilion, Rill will suggest that we use Discern Location on Akim and then teleport to him.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=32 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+25=32 ; d3+11=14 ; d3+11=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d4+11=13 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; Friday November 13th, 2020 10:38:19 PM Jozhur agrees to let the monks lock Akim's goods away.
Tahni has a million questions as they escort the thief back to their pavilion.
"Are you able to cast spells? How did you get that contingency spell in place?"
"Nope. We paid a wizard to take over our bodies one by one a few days ago. She cast it on us. Ever have your soul crammed into a gem? Scary stuff."
"How did you make that fog? What was it?"
"I didn't."
"How many times have you pulled that sort of robbery?"
"How many times have we tried to rob a Dragon Consortium group in broad daylight? You'd a heard about it if we had."
"Where do you live? Do you have any stolen items there?"
"I don't keep permanent residence anywhere."
"What is the most serious offence you have ever committed?"
"Most serious offence? I got caught by a bunch'a Dragons. This will seriously hurt my reputation."
"What would likely be your fate if you were imprisoned? Would someone come to help you escape?"
"Help? No, I've been burned at this point. I like to think I'd escape, but I guess we'll see, won't we?"
Rill has plans to cast Discern Location when they're back at their pavilion. Let's hope it's that simple!
***
Bralin has nothing to add to the conversation. Next to him, Runt almost whimpers a bit when Fang's axe strikes true. "She can handle it, Runt," is Grandpa's only reply. Somehow, he manages to call the dogfolk "Runt" without it sounding like an insult. Aexana winces at Fang's injuries. She can take some solace in the fact that about an hour ago Bralin and Terser were both much bloodier.
***
OOC: 25 damage was not enough to finish off the construct. It had 100HP total and had 67 damage going into this round. I let you keep the crit against Claw, but used the other attack that connected to knock out the construct.
Fang finishes off the last construct on the field. She's hurt, but she's also pretty sure she can out-damage Claw.
Then, she addresses the elephant in the Invitational as she turns to face her true opponent. "YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT?" Claw screams past gritted teeth, her anger getting away from her at last. "We were so excited to be invited to the Invitational when AAAAARRGGGHHH!" She can't help but let out a scream as Fang's axe buries itself in her thigh. She pulls her leg back, hobbling just a bit. She breathes in harshly, pushing past the pain until she's able to continue. "But no, turns out I'm just a foil for you and your friends." Fang's last attack fails to connect. Claw has a solid lead in damage still, but obviously she needs to end things fast.
"That's why I need to win this, sister. I am not just some famous Dragon's backstory." She launches into her own attacks, each finding its way past Fang's defenses.
Hit AC 32 for 20 Hit AC 32 for 14 Hit AC 32 (she's very consistent, it seems) for 19
Claw: AC 34, 62 damage
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday November 13th, 2020 11:25:27 PM She must be tough if she runs with you, Grandpa. Do you think she would have won if it had come down to you and her instead of one of our crew?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 15th, 2020 6:36:07 PM "You're being evasive, Chatterton. Let's try this again...
"What are the coordinates of where you slept last night? What is the general location you set up camp for the night? Do you have any stolen items there?" "How many people have you robbed? How many people have you robbed over the course of the last month?" "How many times has Akim hired you to rob someone?" "Have you ever been hired to commit a crime other than robbery? What were those crimes?" "Have you ever committed a murder?"
Tahni is trying to determine what sort of criminal they are dealing with. A common thief, or a thug who is willing to do anything if the gold is right?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 67/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=39 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+21=39 ; d10+16=21 ; d10+16=22 ; d10+16=22 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 7:39:23 AM
Fang has said her piece for now. Maybe one day she can embrace this stranger as her sister, but not today. Imposter or not, she has a duty to try her best in this fight so she fights on.
Attack 1 39 to hit, 21 damage attack 2 35 to hit, 22 damage attack 3 39 to hit, 22 damage
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 16th, 2020 1:49:21 PM
Aex would love to hear more on the interrogation but she's enthralled by Fang's deadly dance.
DM Carl - Fang's combat map d20+27=31 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+25=32 ; d3+9=12 ; d6=4 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=11 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d4+9=12 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; Monday November 16th, 2020 4:11:30 PM Tahni accuses her thief of being evasive. He puts on a mock wounded look. "After you put a geas on me instructing me not to? Impossible. It's not my fault you're asking me the wrong questions. Not much in the way of right questions though, if we're being honest."
"What are the coordinates of where you slept last night? What is the general location you set up camp for the night? Do you have any stolen items there?"
"The...coordinates? How should I know? What kind of question is that?" He chuckles a bit. "I slept at The Dire Promise here at the Invitational." Many, many impromptu inns and tavern houses are set up for the Invitational. They're mostly tents, but as your own pavilion shows, tents can be pretty nice. "And no, no stolen items." A pause, then he adds, "wait, that's not true! I went into my room with a cloth napkin still tucked into my shirt last night! Wasn't going to keep it, honest!"
"How many people have you robbed? How many people have you robbed over the course of the last month?"
"I don't know. How many people have you saved?" He pauses to see if there's an answer, as if he's wondering whether Tahni's the kind of person who keeps count. "Let's say more than 3 dozen, less than 5." You don't get the sense he's lying.
"How many times has Akim hired you to rob someone?"
"Once"
"Have you ever been hired to commit a crime other than robbery? What were those crimes?"
"Nope"
"Have you ever committed a murder?"
"Please. Professionals have standards, lady." Tahni's probably getting the sense that she's dealing with a talented thief, but not a thug.
***
Terser wonders aloud if Claw could have taken on Grandpa in the contest. At the question, Runt literally howls with laughter. "Beat Grandpa?" the dogman asks. "None of us could take him one on one, at least in a physical contest like this."
Grandpa simply nods. "I've had years of experience Claw lacks. Someday, I have no doubt she'll be my better. Her drive will see to that."
***
Fang keeps up the fight, done with words. Her axe finds purchase in Claw with every swing, and it becomes obvious very quick that in a straight fight she probably would have beat Claw handedly. Still, Fang currently looks worse than Claw does, and Claw intends to keep it that way. She lashes out and bites at Fang.
Hit AC 31 for 16 Hit AC 46 (crit confirm 32) for 31 Hit AC 32 for 17
Claw: AC 34, 150 dmg
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday November 16th, 2020 5:26:29 PM
"Hrm", is all Bralin can manage, as he watches this fight reaching its close.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday November 16th, 2020 5:36:32 PM "Very well" Had the man been guilty of other crimes his punishment may have been more severe. A thief doesn't really concern her too much - although since he robbed the party she's making an exception. Once their goods are recovered she's comfortable in handing him over to the authorities.
"So what's the plan for finding Akim?" she asks the group.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 16th, 2020 8:19:06 PM
Rill casts Discern Location to find Akim. It has a 10 minute casting time.
-------------------------
Discern Location - A discern location spell is among the most powerful means of locating creatures or objects. Nothing short of a mind blank spell or the direct intervention of a deity keeps you from learning the exact location of a single individual or object. Discern location circumvents normal means of protection from scrying or location. The spell reveals the name of the creature or object’s location (place, name, business name, building name, or the like), community, county (or similar political division), country, continent, and the plane of existence where the target lies.
To find a creature with the spell, you must have seen the creature or have some item that once belonged to it. To find an object, you must have touched it at least once.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 17th, 2020 1:50:15 AM
Terser is pleased to see Fang rally, and remember how to shrug off those tough wounds. She's not out of the woods yet, but mayhaps she's found a map?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 9/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=33 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+21=39 ; d10+16=20 ; d10+16=18 ; d10+16=20 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:02:19 AM
Fang growls and continues the assault.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:08:32 PM
(@DM : please be aware Mitch wrote down the wrong Attack result for his second blow. Fang hits with 34 instead of 24)
"NO... ooh... aargh... ", Aex exhales as she sees Fang takes several blows... with her small hands clinched together she swings an imaginary Greataxe with every hit Fang makes. How much more can Claw take?!?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:26:03 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at the thief. All we need is Akim and our belongings back.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+25=27 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+23=39 ; d3=1 ; d6=3 ; d4=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2020 10:13:50 PM
The fight in the arena continues, with the two sisters ripping and slashing. There's a surreal moment here, where suddenly the onlookers begin to feel a little queasy. Its a bloody match, and without the golems around, there's nothing to distract from the violence in entirety. Perhaps thats another reason why the Chancers go to such great lengths here... to make people see it as games and entertainment as opposed to just bloody combat where no one dies but the pain is very real.
Claw pushes back the pain and lashes out, claws and teeth a flurry. Both claws rend flesh, and her bite clamps down hard, augmented by her magical equipiment. She's bleeding and wounded, but far from her last breaths. Its fairly obvious that she is a sturdy and able to take as good or better than she gives.
Miss, AC 27 Hit, AC 44 for 13 (pre DR) Hit, AC 39 for 21 (Pre DR)
Claw: AC 34, 188 dmg
-------------
Meanwhile, Rill, Tahni, Shaggy, Scooby and the Gang are closing in on the end of the Mystery of the Mal-Intented Merchant. Rills spell suddenly finishes, and the results are satisfying.
"Dragon Isles, True North, Second in the Archipelago, Cavern, Underground, Above Sea Level."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -19/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+31=38 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+21=31 ; d10+16=22 ; d10+16=23 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:47:43 AM
Fang grimaces. Only her rage is keeping her standing now. Still she keeps going to the last.
atttack 1 38 to hit 22 damage attack 2 43 to hit 23 damage (45 total) attack 3 31 miss.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:04:20 PM
in awe Aex continues watching... if only she could throw him one of her potions...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:20:18 PM
Bralin also continues watching, somewhat in shock at the unfettered rage emanating from the arena floor.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday November 18th, 2020 7:05:27 PM
Rill scratches his head.
"Huh. Dragon Isles, True North, Second in the Archipelago, Cavern, Underground, Above Sea Level - that's where Akim is right now. But I really have no idea where that is.
"I think were on one of the Dragon Isles. Are we on the second one? Anybody know where this would be? Tahni, maybe you can ask your new best friend there."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:06:24 PM "Do you have any teleport spells left, Rill? Should we go seek out Akim now or wait for later?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:30:35 PM
Jozhur smiles and does his best pirate impression, "Well, time for a treasure hunt, me hearties!"
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d20+25=43 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+23=37 ; d3=1 ; d3=2 ; d4=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2020 11:27:52 PM
Fangs rage sustains her despite grievous wounds, and Claw seems to be nothing more than steely determination and diehard fortitude. Fangs experienced battle mind tells her that all things considered, Claw is basically a dead-rat walking. "YOU WANT MY TRUTH SISTER? I LIVE!" Her muzzle snaps out, even as she coughs up blood from the wounds all over her body. When her mouth connects, Fang feels her sisters weight lean heavily upon her, like a boxer grabbing for a brief respite. Claw in on her last legs, and fading fast.
Bite, Vital Strike, Hit AC 37 for 22. (Pre DR)
Claw: AC 34, 241 hp. (Claw may only make one attack this round, but your DM realized that very late in his dice rolls sequence. So everything other than the 2d4's, and the 4th thru 6th D6 can be thrown out.))
-------------
Meanwhile, the other Dragons have a choice to make. Do they move on Akim now? Or wait and hope he stays put?
The Dragons are aware that they are on the first island of the archipelago, and the largest. By boat, or by overland flight, they can be there within the hour. (Lets say 30 minutes for those with buffs on timer.)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d12=12 ; d20+36=54 ; d10+16=26 ; d10=2 ; d10=10 ; Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:50:59 AM
Claw's attack reduces Fang to a very similar state (she gets 2 hp per level from rage, she's 19 now so gets 38 temp hp... and is exactly at 0). She makes a final, staggering attack (54 to hit, vital strike, 38 damage). Directly afterwards her rage ends and she succumbs to her own wounds and collapses, taking her clinging sister with her (even if she is still not dead she'd fall if she's using Fang for support)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday November 19th, 2020 10:55:23 AM Well fought!
It looks as if the sisters may have begun to work something out. But how will the match be called? Is it a draw? That'll wreak havoc with the wagers made!
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:13:34 PM
Rill responds to Tahni and Jozhur. "Well, there's no time like the present."
Rill will ask the ever present monks to come watch their tied up captive. "Please make sure this miscreant stays put. Summon help if you need to. We should be back soon."
Mentally to everyone - including Fang, Terser and Bralin - "The rogues that took our things seem to be on the second of the Dragon Isles, we are on the first, in an underground cavern above sea level. We intend to teleport there now. Fang, Terser and Bralin - if you're done you can come with us. Shall we come to you before we go?"
(The thought here is that we can go, quickly heal Fang up, and then teleport all 7 (sorry Leafy) to this place. If the DM determines Fang, Terser and Bralin are busy, then the four of us can to and bring Leafy. Either way, Rill has a Greater Teleport to get us there and a means to return.)
The dwarf takes a moment to recover, and his thoughts take the same turn as Terser's.
"Mayhap you'll have to fight them both," he muses, with a slight twinkle in his eye.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:29:45 PM
Tahni gives instructions to her 'helper' "Please go with these monks and provide them a full written account of how you were approached, and then the full details of the planning and execution of your attack on us and the theft of our goods. When we return I will have further questions for you. I'm sure I will have your full cooperation until we return with the assailants"
She then looks to Rill. "I'm ready to go when you are"
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Thursday November 19th, 2020 8:36:15 PM
In the arena, all is quiet and still. Fang and Claw both slump to the ground, one laying atop the other. Those in the audience, especially Runt and Grandpa, begin to shuffle nervously as the death field does not immediately bring both fighters to their feet.
Kozy speaks nervously into the microphone. "WHAT A FINISH! A DOUBLE KO! I'M NOT SURE HOW TO SCORE THIS ONE PEOPLE I... HEY.. Hey wait? Why aren't they getting up?" He zips upwards to the arena referees to confer with someone.
People begin to murmur and shout. "Hey! Fang! Get up! Claw, come on! Stand! Stand!"
----------------------
Fang Only:(well, anyone can read it. only fang can act on it) Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear a voice, far away but in your head all the same. You think maybe its familiar, it sounds insistent, and curious. "Do you wish to win? Is it your wish? Your desire? What would you do if you won?" The questions stop, but then begin again, insistently. "What would you do if you LOST? This is your chapter, you know. I wrote it. You and your sister. This IS your sister. What do you want? What do you desire? Tell me quickly, do you wish victory? Or will it go to Claw? I'll allow you to choose." The voice begins to murmur among itself, finally it regains focus. "Tell me a name. Just one word. Say one name."}
Rill finds Fang to be unresponsive, though those watching the bout could easily respond for her. At least, right this second. A one minute delay will be more than enough time to resolve her current situation. The monks are agreed to guard Akims loot, as well as your prisoner. Anyone but Fang is clear to leave right now. Terser too, is clear to leave, but must be back in about an hour.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20=10 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 8:05:59 AM
In the hazy dreaminess of wherever she is Fang listens to the insistent questions. She wonders who is talking. One of the other dragons? Then the tone and insistence of the questions makes something click. The one who set this all up, who's toying with the group.
As such her first word is not a response but profanity aimed in their general direction. Presuming whoever it is is still listening she continues, "We aren't some toys to be played with to sate your curiosity and I don't care about your stupid games. Flip a coin, roll some dice, or heck ask Claw. If she isn't some construct you made or shapeshifter hired to play pretend her opinion is every bit as valid as mine."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday November 20th, 2020 4:23:06 PM
Bralin is moving before Kozy finishes "Why aren't they getting up?".
Activating his flying boots, the dwarf hurtles toward Fang and Claw.
"Rill - Fang is down. What is her Status?"
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d100=64 ; Friday November 20th, 2020 7:59:26 PM
Rill checks the Status effect through the rings (which we are all able to do by the way.) What is Fang's condition? Is she dead, dying, dying but stabilized? Rill carries both a Heal and Breath of Life for just such an emergency. Should he spend a hero point to both get to her and cast the spell in the same round?
Bralin seems alarmed. Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Rill will immediately Teleport to Fang and will bring along Tahni, Jozhur, Aex and Leafy. Teleport roll is 64.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 20th, 2020 8:30:01 PM
Tahni is momentarily conflicted. Teleporting in now may disqualify Fang, but on the other hand, things have been against the party since they got on the island. People have been trying to kill them, there are constructs everywhere, and she isn't ready to rule out some sort of 'thing' is working against them. If Fang is down it's possible the rules might change and someone moves in for a kill-shot.
Rill is right. Best not to leave anything to chance.
"What's Claw doing? Is she lining up for a kill shot?"
Tahni readies to cast Suffocation on Claw if she looks to attack Fang.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday November 20th, 2020 9:00:20 PM
Amended approach.
The result of the Status will determine if we teleport directly to Fang and perhaps breaking a rule or teleporting to the stands insead and simply be ready if things go south.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain d100=79 ; Saturday November 21st, 2020 12:37:21 PM
Fangs opposition is initially met with silence. The disapproval is an obvious, heavy feeling, like a child trying to come up with a convincing argument on why someone should give them their way. "Because THAT one is merely a set piece for you! Because THAT one has never interfered with my curiosity. Because THAT one is insignificant!" The voice seethes. "You are definitely the most difficult."
Despite the protest however, Fang hears what is something like the sound of hundreds of rolling dice. Then she's aware, quite suddenly, of her allies around her, the crowd in an uproar, and Claw already standing, though wobbling unsteadily. Despite a hand in the air, raised in victory, her worried glance is on Fang.
------------------------
For those not in the arena, it was a much less poignant encounter. There were the two sisters collapsing together, a few moments of silence and confusion, and then suddenly Fang drew breath and Claw shakily fought her way to her feet. The Status spell was able to convince Rill that his teleport could be saved, and Tahni had no reason to attack Fangs sister.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday November 22nd, 2020 12:18:05 AM
ooc: So we're not in the arena?
---------------------------- Jozhur considers their options. "We could just go to Akim, wherever he is, and haul him in. We have enough to prove his involvement. I think we can convince him to help us get our things back."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Sunday November 22nd, 2020 12:54:39 PM
Bralin pulls up to a hover, reassures himself Claw and Fang are indeed healing, and then returns to his seat.
He reports to the other Dragons. The situation appears resolved. Fang and Claw had fought to an apparent draw, with both collapsing after delivering final blows. Neither was recovering, hence my message. Now they are.
I am available to accompany you to the other island.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 22nd, 2020 9:36:39 PM "Things seem to be under control in the arena. Yes, let's go find Akim and have a chat with him"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:08:02 AM
It takes Fang several seconds to re-align with the real world. She blearily gets up and looks about. Has a winner be declared yet? It doesn't look like it. She needs to talk to the others.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday November 23rd, 2020 12:16:38 PM
Aex blinked her eyes when both Fang and Claw went down. Holding her breath to see who gets up and who will be declared the winner... She'll prep whatever is needed to patch her up.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 23rd, 2020 3:16:09 PM
Terser had been ready to vault into the arena to get some healing to the sisters, but since they're standing up now, it seems he doesn't have to breach any protocols.
He hopes there's not a huge showdown with Akim, since he'd like to keep what's left of his battle abilities for the next battle. But he won't hold back if it's needed.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 23rd, 2020 5:12:37 PM "We are ready to go. Let's wait for Fang to wrap up her bout and then pay our friend Akim a visit."
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Monday November 23rd, 2020 6:32:50 PM
As Fang gets her bearings, the rest of the arena finds their voices again. There's cheering, applause, and some demands for a winner to be crowned. Eventually, Kozy returns, looking relieved.
"Alright folks! We have a ruling. Since the knockout was simultaneous, its been decided that the first fighter to their feet is the winner! We have our first defeated Dragon! Everyone, lets hear it for Claw!"
Claw looks around, taking the moment in. She shivers, her entire body a bundle of nerves. She looks back at Fang confused, and mouths a question. "What did you do?" Fang hears the voice in her head one final time. "You requested that I ask Claw. I did. Then you demanded an equal, random chance. So one was taken. You chose this path, and it amuses me. Fang, you did not disappoint."
---------------------------
Fang has ample time to broadcast to the others now that she is more or less okay. She is offered to be lead off for healing, a proposition that Claw accepts. And perhaps, she might share her experiences with her friends and allies?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday November 23rd, 2020 10:27:24 PM "Sounds good, let's make it quick." Jozhur uses the time to check his things, making sure everything is firmly secure in it's place, just in case they run into more sticky fingers.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday November 24th, 2020 4:37:30 AM
Tahni is relieved to hear that Fang is alright.The way things have been going on this island though you could never be sure.
She's as ready as ever to go find Akim and have a polite (or possibly impolite) word with him.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 8:51:54 AM
Fang waits to be in private before talking to Claw. To the others over the rings she says "Our puppet master has shown himself. He spoke to me while I was down, demanded I choose who won. I told him off, said I didn't care and he should ask Claw or roll dice for it. It seems he did both from his last words to me."
Once alone she explains pretty much the same thing to Claw, adding "He said you were really my sister, and I want to believe him, but it's also pretty clear he just views this as a game that he set up somehow."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday November 24th, 2020 11:42:17 AM
Bralin listens to Fang's report with concern.
An entity that manipulates the Arena's magics, speaks telepathically, and apparently can pause time? This is no mere tinker.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 12:25:51 PM
Aex compliments both Fang and Claw for a hard fought battle. She'll help with whatever potions they may need to get back on their feet. Next she joins the others again to see where to go next.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday November 24th, 2020 5:13:57 PM I'm sure the bookies will prefer this outcome. And there should be no crying foul since there aren't two Dragons in the final.
But I agree, Fang. Someone is toying with us, physically, emotionally, morally. I just wish we knew their end game.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday November 24th, 2020 5:28:25 PM "Glad Fang is well. Once they patch her up I'll get us to where Akim is and perhaps we can retrieve our things."
"Here's the tricky part. I can teleport us all there and back, but that's the most people I can take. If we all go Terser may miss his match and we cannot teleport back adding Akim. However, I have the means for some or all to sail back. I could perhaps get Terser back in time, but some of you would need to wait there or sail back. And if Tahni can cast a Teleport then our problems are solved. Shall we go?"
(OOC: The DM could run Terser's combat while the rest deal with Akim.)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:28:26 AM "I'm not sure they have an endgame beyond seeing what we do. When I told them to ask Claw he wined that I was the one who interested him. He just seemed to want to know what I would do."
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Wednesday November 25th, 2020 11:25:56 AM
(So I just completely forgot the Wold existed at all yesterday. New puppy drama. Sorry!)
Claw, alone with Fang, seems to be able to restrain herself now. There's no more intense pressure coming from her as she considers Fang. Whatever was in her mind now, seems to have been resolved.
"I know you Dragons are secretive, but do you need help? My team is considerable and Mint is the strongest spellcaster I have met." After a bit, she finally circles around to the arena results. "I still don't know if I should have advanced. I did hear a voice ask if I wanted to win, and if I was more than a page in your story. It taunted me the whole match. I.. I think without the elaborate setup, which I had no paw in, you would have humbled me. Are you stronger than Terser? Do I even have a chance there?"
She looks outside to the hallway, towards the arena, sounding troubled. "Sister, listen. I thought maybe the voice was Mint, helping somehow. Or perhaps it was some arena trick. What do I do if I hear it again? I don't much appreciate the idea of my games being tinkered with."
Fang is aware of her friends statuses through the ring. Idle thoughts and chatter seem to indicate they are all ready to embark on something big related to a theft of their gear. ----------------------------
The others have received word that it is safe to visit Fang, and the final arena is scheduled. Terser finds an anxious Heather looking for him. She seems to have news on the final arena map.
-------------
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 2:12:44 PM
Curious to hear what Terser will be up against in the next arena, Aex hurries to listen what Heather has to say.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday November 25th, 2020 4:42:03 PM Let me know if you need me, guys. Sounds like Claw can ask Mint to get me over there if necessary?
He strides up to Heather, ready to roll with whatever she swings his way. What's the good word, Heater?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday November 25th, 2020 6:46:32 PM
Bralin waits patiently for Rill to pick him up.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:02:53 PM
Jozhur waits for their next adventure, hoping they can resolve this in short order.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday November 25th, 2020 10:24:39 PM
Fang shakes her head as she answers the later inquiry first. "I seriously doubt that was anyone either of us have met. I think that was our puppet master, whomever set this all up. He demanded I choose a victor and I refused, told him to either pick randomly or ask you. He threw a hissy fit about it - from what he said he finds my group interesting and wants to watch how we react to things."
She then gets back around the initial questions. "The next fight? I dunno, I've never fought Terser. I wouldn't worry about it to much, there's always someone better out there. I bet there's some farmer who's never left his hometown that could whip us both with just a staff somewhere. Doesn't matter what you do, there's someone out there who can match or exceed you. Especially with something as chaotic as a fight.
Just take that guy... Xid. He was the best warrior of his time or something but got his but kicked earlier. Possibly he was just out matched, or perhaps if that same fight happened again tomorrow things might totally reverse just by chance. Possibly in a one on one fight I would have humbled you, or possibly you would have gotten a lucky opening and ended it quickly. Or maybe this last match I was the one who got lucky and scraped out a draw. Who knows? Just do your best and let the chips fall were they may. It's not like anyone's lives hang in the balance, just pride and rich idiot's money. Nothing really important."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday November 26th, 2020 2:02:07 AM "I can teleport us back, no problem. It's just I can't teleport to a place I haven't seen before" If Rill can get them there, Tahni can get them back.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Thursday November 26th, 2020 2:22:41 PM
Rill will go with the othes to the arena.
Once we are all together he says, "Well, we have some thieves to catch and Terser has a match. Terser, if there is a problem let us know and we'll be at your side in an instant."
To the rest he says, "Let's be off then."
Rill will cast Greater Teleport to include all that are coming to go to where he found Akim.
DM Ken - Semi Finals! King of the Mountain Friday November 27th, 2020 12:50:53 AM
Terser discovers that his match is going to be far more simple than anything else he has faced so far. Heather elaborates.
"It's one is going to be pretty simple folks. The arena is going to be a straight-up fight, no gimmicks only a raised platform which does present the possibility of throwing your opponent off of it. If knocked off, you are teleported back to the top but Falling will still hurt just like it always does."
She gives the dwarf a reassuring pat on the back.
"You folks are the toughest Fighters here. I've not seen anyone come to these tournaments with this level of skill and to be quite honest I don't think that the chancers guild is going to want to have such an easy sweep by a team ever again. I'm still really confused on why they invited you guys in the first place, considering every year that it's been brought up that we you should be invited, there was always opposition about the playing field being uneven."
She gives Terser a curious glance. Are you about ready?
-----------
Rill's teleport goes off without a hitch. Upon arriving everybody finds themselves in a dark place with a strong stone underfoot. It doesn't take long to realize that you are underground in a cave. The air smells damp but there is no water that you can pinpoint. Nor is there the heavy pressure that accompanied your deep exploration Underground and your previous battle.
The area that you have arrived in is something like a large chamber. There is a number of scattered chests as well as an entrance North and an entrance to the South.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+24=27 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+8=9 ; Friday November 27th, 2020 2:52:07 AM
Aex look around the dark cave. Probably her low light vision will provide enough details about the place.
Is this a natural cave? Stone worked floor or plain natural stong ground? (perception 27 / know nature 33) Leafy too sniffs the air. His scent might alert them about certain presence... (perception 9 / scent + blindsense 30ft)
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday November 27th, 2020 9:26:27 AM
Fang sticks with her sister for now. Mostly because she's been so distracted she completely missed what was going on with the rest of the group and hadn't thought to ask.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday November 27th, 2020 8:28:37 PM
Tahni may not have her arcane sight any more, but she's still a dwarf with darkvision. That will do for now.
She stands still and simply looks about the chamber, waiting for someone to indicate the best way to go.
"Let's find Akim before thoroughly checking these chests. It wouldn't surprise me if he has trapped them all"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=37 ; d20+10=19 ; Saturday November 28th, 2020 2:20:58 AM
Jozhur peers through the darkness (60' dark vision) and listens intently at both exits from the room. Then he examines what he can see of the cavern. We should be wary of traps. Any guidance on which way?
When they move, Jozhur will volunteer to lead the way and move a little slower to watch for traps.
--------------------------------------- Perception: 37 (43 vs traps) Knowledge dungeoneering: 19
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+7=13 ; Saturday November 28th, 2020 10:13:21 AM
Bralin looks about the cavern, trying (and failing) to ascertain their depth underground. [Knowledge Dungeoneering 13]
With a snort at his own failure, the stone warden decides to try his hand at finding any dwarves instead. He pauses a moment, concentrating, and if he locates something, lets his comrades know. [Dwarven Blood - 760 ft]
Dwarven Blood: As a move action, the Stone Warden can sense the direction and distance to any Dwarf within long range (400 ft plus 40 ft per Stone Warden level).This ability also locates Dwarf Kin and those wearing Belts of Dwarvenkind.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday November 29th, 2020 7:30:33 PM
Tahni looks about to her colleagues. She can see they're checking the place out as best they can. Without her magical headband though, she is far less able to contribute to the search.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday November 30th, 2020 1:34:58 AM
Rill will pull out a light source and look around. Then he will see if he senses outsiders or constructs within about 1,000 feet. Noticing the chests, Rill will also cast Detect Magic.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Monday November 30th, 2020 11:58:34 AM I guess they didn't want to waste any more good ideas on me, considering how exciting my last match was. Well, let's get to it!
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