DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale
Game Master Solaric

Will Save 1d20 ⇒ 20

The Cloaked figure shrugs off the daze spell.

You hear the sound of more thugs joining in. "There's that bastard of a halfling! Catch that slippery, thieving rogue!".

The surprise round is resolved

Initiative

Bofus Initiative 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Cebrë Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Florence Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Mantooth Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Thordak Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Matthias Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Blackscarzi Thugs 1d20 ⇒ 3
Cloaked Thug 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Lucifar Kastoon 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

You may begin Round 1. Please be sure to post the Round Number in Bold at the top of your post.

Battle Map

Florence takes a five foor step back to E9 and tries Daze again.

Now will you please just succumb to my spell?!

ROUND 1
5' step to F6 gaining a flank with Thordak (don't forget your +2 to hit Thordak!) and club the villain with my sap.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW or not.

Round 1

I didn't by chance temporarily blind the man with my deadly corn attack?

As the hooded man is distracted by Bofus patting his feet with his sap, Thordak dodges the clumsy flailing swing of the flail and returns with a downward, two-handed whack with his mace.

Mace: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

That'll teach you to interrupt me when Oi'm eatin' corn!

ROUND 1

Cebrë is quick to react to the rushing figure and moves quickly to C2.
She then draws her wand.

Dear me, this town seems to be just crawling with bloodthirsty villains!

ROUND ONE

Mantooth hesitates for a moment, watching his companions react to the cloaked attacker before drawing his sword from his position behind Bofus's assailant. Moving forward E7 , Mantooth takes a swipe at the man who attacked his friend.

Mantooth's attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Mantooth's damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Round 1

@Bofus. You circle around and flank the cloaked thug, but as you try to club him from behind, he barely even notices your attack.

@Cebrë. You move off to the side and take partial cover behind a table as you draw your wand.

@ Kastoon A Brindol Lion rushes up beside Matthias and calls out. ”In the name of the law, stop that halfling!”

@Mantooth The Paladin of Iomedae steps up, drawing his sword and attacks the flail carrying cloaked figure attacking Bofus. However, the blow goes astray as the warrior dodges the attack.

@Florence You recast Daze upon the cloaked stranger.

Cloaked Thug Will Save 1d20 ⇒ 18

Unfortunately, the Cloaked Figure seems completely immune to its effects.

@Thordak You pull out your mace and give the cloaked thug a solid bash wounding him severely.

@Cloaked Thug The cloaked figure has his eye on Bofus and sends his driving flail flying past the small halfling.

Flail Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Flail Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

@Blackscarzi Thugs Both thugs make there way around Matthias and come in preparing to attack Bofus on the next round.

Round 1 Status

Bofus ( 31 ) (Resolved)
Cebrë Initiative ( 20 ) (Resolved)
Lucifar Kastoon ( 19 ) (Resolved)
Matthias Initiative ( 16 ) (Unresolved)
Mantooth Initiative (15) (Resolved)
Florence Initiative (10 ) (Resolved)
Thordak Initiative (10) (Resolved)
Cloaked Thug ( 5 ) (Resolved)
Blackscarzi Thugs ( 3 ) (Resolved)

Battle Map

Round 2 Status

Bofus ( 31 ) (Unresolved)
Cebrë Initiative ( 20 ) (Unresolved)
Lucifar Kastoon ( 19 ) (Unresolved)
Matthias Initiative ( 16 ) (Unresolved)
Mantooth Initiative (15) (Unresolved)
Florence Initiative (10 ) (Unresolved)
Thordak Initiative (10) (Unresolved)
Cloaked Thug ( 5 ) (Unresolved)
Blackscarzi Thugs ( 3 ) (Unresolved)

Thordak sees the cloaked man curiously turn his back on him after being whalloped by a mace and wonders what could possibly be going through his head. He doesn't wonder long, though, he simply gives him another good two-handed bash with his mace.

Mace: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Didn't you ever learn never to turn your back on an enemy! Numbskull!

Florence clicks her fingers and sighs

Oh great, he's immune. Cebre, this freak is immune to my spells!

Oh perfect12 words...that's it for rd 2, lol

@Florence: I think DMHW was just using a turn of phrase to indicate that the thug made his save against your spell both times. I don't think he's actually immune! But if you don't want to cast spells, may I suggest the Aid Another action or something like that? :-)

ROUND 2

I'm going to use the Withdraw action, so the first square is not considered threatened. I'll end up at F12 (my first move will be to H7, then to H11, finally to F12). WEarly on in my move, in response to Kastoon's "name of the law" bit, I'll scream out "ON WHAT CHARGE, JUNIOR?!?!"

Can you tell me if there's enough cover from F12 for a halfling to hide (in game terms, to make a Stealth check) on my next turn, assuming I'm not being directly observed at that time?

@ Bofus: Florence has 8 WIS, whatever the DM said, she REALLY believes this guy is immune :-)

Mantooth looks around, watching the thugs begin to chase after Bofus. The paladin takes a quick look around to see if he can spot any more thugs.

Perception check 1d20 ⇒ 1

Seeing that Thordak can handle the cloaked figure without his wild sword swings for assistance, Mantooth turns to face the thug in E6 and thrusts his longsword forward towards the man before he can get any closer to the halfling.

Mantooth's Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Mantooth's Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Mantooth's Critical 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Mantooth's Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Florence clicks her fingers and sighs

Oh great, he's immune. Cebre, this freak is immune to my spells!

Cebrë laughs.

Is he really? Well....I bet he's not immune to Thordak's mace.

Cebrë winces as she observes the handywork of the dwarf and the paladin.

That had to hurt...

Cebrë flips her hair and points the wand at one of the other thugs.
Wand of Magic Missles, Dmg:3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 3 = 8

ROUND 1
Matthias keeps his eyes on the other thugs seeing as Mantooh and thordak are readily handling the hooded figure. He places his hands on the hilt of his sword ready to intervene if they move closer.

ROUND 2

As the thugs move past him Matthias in one swift motion draws his scimitar and lashes out at the thug nearest to him.

Matthias' Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Critical Damage: + 2 Fire Damage
Matthias' Critical: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Matthias' Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
does this attack also do an additional + 2 fire damage

Matthias turns ready to take on another opponent satisfied that one would not be getting back up.

Matthias turns ready to take on another opponent satisfied that one would not be getting back up.

*blink* *blink* Wow, you're forgiven for not having posted in over a week! :-) That was awesome

Round 2

@Bofus. Avoiding the swing of a flail, you retreat from the cloaked villain and flee off the pathway seeking safety behind a table.

@Cebrë. From the sidelines, you draw your wand and summon its arcane powers releasing three magic missiles at one of the thugs F5 .

@ Kastoon The Brindol Lions changes his direction as he moves straight toward the fleeing halfling. Matthias, however, stands directly in his way. ”Step aside Priest, your getting in the way of justice!”

@Matthias. The cleric of Sarenrae lashes out at Kastoon with a deadly blow with his scimitar that people would later claim was on fire. Kastoon is badly wounded from the attack, but still remains standing.

@Mantooth Reminiscent of his performance in the open combat, the Paladin of Iomedae sends his longsword crashing down on the shoulder of the adjacent thug sending him crumbling to the ground.

@Florence In a moment of panic, you click your fingers and sigh. You cannot help but notice the unmistakable look of urgency from Kastoon as he glares at you expectantly, hoping you will rush up and grab the halfing thief.

@Thordak You bash the cloak figure again with your mace striking him squarely on the back as he turns to fight Bofus.

@Cloaked Thug The badly hurt cloaked figure turns around and strikes back at Thordak with his flail, but feebly misses.

Flail Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Flail Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

@Blackscarzi Thug One thug has fallen under Mantooth’s blade, but the other follows around, trying to catch up and attack Bofus next round. "Come back here you little rat! You can't hide for long!"

Round 2 Summary

Bofus ( 31 ) (Resolved)
Cebrë Initiative ( 20 ) (Resolved)
Lucifar Kastoon ( 19 ) (Resolved)
Matthias Initiative ( 16 ) (Resolved)
Mantooth Initiative (15) (Resolved)
Florence Initiative (10 ) (Resolved)
Thordak Initiative (10) (Resolved)
Cloaked Thug ( 5 ) (Resolved)
Blackscarzi Thugs ( 3 ) (Resolved)

Battle Map

Round 3

Bofus ( 31 ) (Unresolved)
Cebrë Initiative ( 20 ) (Unresolved)
Lucifar Kastoon ( 19 ) (Unresolved)
Matthias Initiative ( 16 ) (Unresolved)
Mantooth Initiative (15) (Unresolved)
Florence Initiative (10 ) (Unresolved)
Thordak Initiative (10) (Unresolved)
Cloaked Thug ( 5 ) (Unresolved)
Blackscarzi Thugs ( 3 ) (Unresolved)

ROUND 3

Full attack:

Thordak swipes the flail aside with his mace, attempting to knock it from the hooded man's grasp.

Disarm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

He then swings across in another vicious two-handed swipe of his mace.

Mace:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

ROUND 3
DMHW, is it possible for me to jump on to the table and get to C10 so I can flank w/Matthias? If I can do it in a move action, I'll also take an attack. If I must take a double move, please disregard the following attack.

I jump on the table so I'm on a level with Kastoon, look him in the eye, and aim my sap below his ear.

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 DAMMIT!!!

Looking at Kastoon, Florence nods, then she jumps over the table to E12 and imitates a gesture of spellcasting

Evil Halfling that you are, now fall under my spell, yeeha!

She blinks at Bofus, hoping he gets the message.

Evil Halfling that you are, now fall under my spell, yeeha!

I've taken a full round of actions in Round 3, so all I can do is free actions until Round 4

I give a quick wink back, and begin to stagger woozily. I'd like to point out, though, that i'm still threatening and still give Matthias the flanking bonus!

ROUND 3

Seems we have a big rat chasing a little rat!

Cebre takes aim at the Blackscarzi Thug with her wand.

Wand of Magic Missle, DMG: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1, 2) + 3 = 10

After the attack, arches her brow at Florence's behavior.

Are you sure you got your rats figured out?

Round 3

@Bofus. You are able to scurry over and climb up onto the table next to Kastoon.

@Cebrë. From the sidelines, you draw your wand and summon its arcane powers releasing three magic missiles at the thug H10 . The missiles hit him directly as he cries out in pain.

@ Kastoon Kastoon glares at Bofus and attempts to lock a pair of manacles on him.

@Matthias. The cleric of Sarenrae lashes out at Kastoon with a deadly blow with his scimitar that flanks Kastoon with Bofus.

Scimitar1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Critical 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The scimitar delivers another deadly blow to the Brindol Lion. The Brindol Lion drops his weapon and manacles and fall to the ground. Although badly wounded, he is not yet dead.

@Mantooth Attack Cloaked Thug at C9

Longsword 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The longsword of Mantooth Longbrow delivers a striking blow that falls the cloaked thug.

@Florence Carefully playing the ruse, you pretend to cast a spell on Bofus.

@Thordak Seeing the cloaked figure fall to the ground at Mantooth' hand, you turn, run up and slug the Thug at H9. This thug also falls to the ground dead.

Round 3 Summary

Bofus ( 31 ) (Resolved)
Cebrë Initiative ( 20 ) (Resolved)
Lucifar Kastoon ( 19 ) (Resolved)
Matthias Initiative ( 16 ) (Resolved by DM)
Mantooth Initiative (15) (Resolved by DM)
Florence Initiative (10 ) (Resolved)
Thordak Initiative (10) (Resolved)
Cloaked Thug ( 5 ) (Dead)
Blackscarzi Thug ( 3 ) (Dead)

The fallen Brindol Lion, Lucifar Kastoon, staggers on the ground, but cries out, "Don't strike another blow, you villains. Otherwise you will have the entire brigade of Brindol Lions upon you to avenge my death!"

RD 4:

Florence, realizing that Kastoon isn't much aware of his surroundings anymore, falls to the ground pretending that her spell backlashed. she puts her hands to her temples and falls to the ground next to Kastoon

Disguise1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Kastoon, the halfling has a protection charm, my spell backfired, arghl.

are we still in initiative? If so . . .
ROUND 4

I'll jump down (free action) next to the staggered Brindol Villain and look him in the eye.

Your villain allies are dead. You're alone and helpless. We know you're in the pocket of the "Baron" I do the "air quotes"Trask, just like your two-bit thug friend Rotskill. You're attacking us--attacking ME--unlawfully and without a legitimate reason you'd be willing to tell the Lord about. And, if we dug deeply enough, we'd expect that we'll find YOU in the assasination plot that WE saved him from today. So why don't you cut the "Oh, I'm a Brindo Lion and we'll get you!!" crap and spill it before we simply END you and your annoyances right here and now?

Answer a couple questions, and we'll simply leave you alone and you can make up the perfectly credible story that we beat you--AGAIN--and got away. Or, don't cooperate, and I'll ask my paladin friend to turn his back so he won't see what my dwarf friend there will do to you.

Since I don't really know if Mantooth would actually turn his back or if Thordak would actually brain this clown, I'll make a Bluff check.

I'd humbly and officially request some sort of bonus to this check assuming the most recent ass-whoopin' he just recieved!

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 <--but maybe I don't need it

Hrmph! Thordak says as the last thug falls under his mace. He then stoops and collects the flail, looking it over and turning it in his hands. Perhaps Kastoon sees Thordak as he tests out his new flail...

Appraise:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Hrm! Not bad! he says, tucking it into his belt along with his mace. He then proceeds to check the thugs for any other weapons, valuables, or incriminating evidence, which he "confiscates." Oi'll take...that!

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

He then proceeds to check the thugs for any other weapons, valuables, or incriminating evidence, which he "confiscates." Oi'll take...that!

I was hoping someone would take care of that part!! Good on ya mate.

Kastoon glares back at the halfling in desperation and replies. "What are you talking about. I am a Brindol Lion and I am simply doing my job! If you have questions for me, ask and I will tell you what I can, but please spare my life!"

@Thordak

You loot the dead thugs searching their possessions for valuables and find the following:

2 Studded Leather armor
1 Chain Mail armor
1 Flail, heavy
2 Clubs

16 gold pieces
34 silver pieces

Kastoon glares back at the halfling in desperation and replies. "What are you talking about. I am a Brindol Lion and I am simply doing my job! If you have questions for me, ask and I will tell you what I can, but please spare my life!"

I think he's lying.

If you're simply doing your job, who ordered you to apprehend me with force? And on what charge??

If you're simply doing your job, who ordered you to apprehend me with force? And on what charge??

"I was told by my superior that you were a dangerous criminal and that you had stolen from a competitor by the name of Rotskill Obear. I was told that it was urgent that you be apprehended before the gauntlet. You cannot fault me for pursuing you with vigilance. Others may have honored me for such actions. Please note that I have not attacked you, but you have killed three citizens and dropped me to an inch within my life. I cannot help but think that you are still the dangerous one!"

Kastoon wrote:

If you're simply doing your job, who ordered you to apprehend me with force? And on what charge??

"I was told by my superior that you were a dangerous criminal and that you had stolen from a competitor by the name of Rotskill Obear. I was told that it was urgent that you be apprehended before the gauntlet. You cannot fault me for pursuing you with vigilance. Other may have honored me such actions."

did I get a gut-feeling/read off of him with that Sense Motive above?

*blink* *blink*
It's possible I may have misjudged you. If what you're saying is true, then it's the superior who gave you that order who's in Trask's pocket.
.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Your superior told you about a third of the truth. Yes, I took something from Obear. But he is no competitor. He's a liar, a manipulator, a coward, a cutthroat thug, and--worst of all in my opinion--a dirty dirty cheater. Yes, I stole from him, but all that theft did was level the playing field so that EVERYONE has a chance to win the gauntlet, not just him. *pause* Others may have honored me such actions.
.
You succeed in apprehending me, and you will be a party to these great Games becoming a political pawn, meaning nothing. THAT'S why I'm not going to allow you, or anyone else, to stop ME from winning the Gauntlet FAIR-AND-SQUARE.
.
Feel free to tell your superior that *I* said if he wants me, he can come get me his bloody SELF, if he's got the NUTS for it, instead of sending a good man like yourself to do his filty work for him!!
.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a LEGITIMATE COMPETITION to prepare for. Soldier, LEAVE ME THE *#$@! ALONE.

I had gotten progressively more and more worked up as that little tirade commenced, and now I simply turn and stomp toward the Gauntlet field.

@Bofus

Your heart races in anticipation as you arrive at the arena that holds the Gauntlet. A large crowd has already gathered and more are streaming in. From the stands you can see the large open topped ring filled with six pathways that each hold a wide assortment of pendulum traps, locks and portals. Standing tall in the center of the arena is a large stone tower that houses a huge bell at its top, underneath a conical roof.

Several guards are present around the site and Judge Harmon sits at a registration table by the competitor’s entrance to the Gauntlet. He looks up as you approach. "Greetings, Mister Beechnut. You are the last competitor to arrive, I was beginning to wonder if you were going to forfeit the event. You may go to the the sixth spoke of the wheel. That is the last one that is not taken."

In a moment, Judge Harmon calls out to the crowd. "We are now ready to release the competitors into the Gauntlet. From Elsircross, in chute number one, we have Rotskill Obear. In chute two, from the Hammerfist Holds, we have Borin Stonefoot. In chute three, from the city of Dennovar, we have Elkira Haskinar. In chute four, a half orc from the Wyrmsmoke Mountains, we have Pourk Agbhat. In chute five, from the elves of Westdeep, we have Aldor Cyredanea. Lastly, in chute six, we have Bofus Beechnut from Hillwatch. Competitors, take your positions." A large bell tolls and the rogues begin racing into the gauntlet!

You are all welcome to read the following directions.

@Bofus You may roll three acrobatics checks (DC20) to try and pass the pendulums. Good luck. :-)

If it's still possible to talk to Kastoon

"You cannot fault me for pursuing you with vigilance. Others may have honored me for such actions. Please note that I have not attacked you, but you have killed three citizens and dropped me to an inch within my life. I cannot help but think that you are still the dangerous one!"

The Paladin sheathes his longsword after making sure it is clean. He wipes any residue from the battle on a thug's shirt if necessary. Afterwards, he says a short prayer, his eyes closed and his head tilted upwards. Satisfied, he steps up to Kastoon and places a firm hand on his shoulder.

Mantooth steps a little closer to the man, speaking now in a hushed tone. "Tell me, man, what were you doing here?"
Diplomacy Check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Florence just gawps and listens

Weirdo, this poor man got tricked by his superiors...this calls for some revolutionary thinking.

Florence walks over to Kastoon and supports him, if he wants to stand up.

Thordak drops the coins into his pouch, grinning happily and humming to himself. He then proceeds to tie the weapons together, using the belts from the fallen fellows to make a strap for ease of carrying. Looking at the chainmail, he turns to Mantooth.
Hey Mantooth, this armor's better than yours, take this an' give me yours an' Oi'll go sell this stuff. We can divvy up the gold when Oi get back...er wait, no, just meet me at the gauntlet, eh? Turning to the rest of the group, Unless any of you wanted any of this stuff?

He then stacks up the armor and heaves it up atop his shoulder, grunting. Whew! That's heavy when ye put it all together like that! Oi've gotta get rid o' this... He mutters as he teeters off after Bofus towards the Gauntlet.

On his way through merchant's row, he looks for an armorer or weaponsmith to sell the goods to.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

@Mantooth

Of course you are welcome to continue talking to Kastoon. I am simply getting Bofus started, because his event may take a little while to complete. BTW, what are those two rolls on the bottom of your post?

""Tell me, man, what were you doing here?"

"As I told the halfling, I am simply trying to stop what I believed was a known thief. You appear to be an honest man. Have you seen that little bugger try and steal anything from you or another person? I was simply trying to arrest him and bring some justice to this town!"

@Florence.

As you help the soldier to his feet, he expresses his appreciation. "Thank you, my dear. You are most kind to help a humbled guard of the Brindol Lions. Forgive me, but I must leave and return to the barracks to find myself a healer."

@Thordak You hastily grab up the equipment and make your way down Merchant 's row where you easily find a beautiful female armorer with long flowing locks of blone hair, banging away on a piece of breastplate armor. "Hey there, big beard! She greets you. What can I do for you?"

** spoiler omitted **

Replying to Harmon: Well, thanks for waiting, sir! I ran into some foul weather, hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. See ya in the Winner's Circle! *wink*

As I approach the sixth spoke, I can only assume that I'm in eyeshot--perhaps even earshot--of my current nemesis Rotskill. I'll also assume he's looking for me, and sees me as I sashay to the 6th spoke. If he can see AND hear me, I'll give him a big smile, wave in a friendly manner, then say Howdy Rotskill! What's the matter? You look a little . . . keyed up!

I make a final mental inventory . . .
pitoned rope . . . hammer . . . antitoxin . . . clean rags . . . new tools . . . cure potion . . . key . . . dowell . . .dagger . . . what could go wrong??

As soon as the bell rings, I take a professional look at the pendulums.

Knowledge: Dungeoneering 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

With a supremely confident nod, I take a moment to time it juuuuust right, then make a cool jog through all three pendulums.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Acrobatcis: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32 <--I believe I just did a dramatic somersault to make it past this one!!
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

I take a moment to listen to determine Rotskill's result--did I lose, or win, 25 gp???

Now . . . the one I'm most afraid of. I'm goign to need to know how long the corridor is, and what the floor is made of as well.

In Chute number six, the audience is treated to an amazing display of skill and agility as the quick and nible halfling negotiates the swinging pendulums with ease! The crowd cheers in tumultuous applause as Bofus is the first to move on to the second section of the Gauntlet.

@Bofus.

You pass by the giant swinging pendulum spheres and come out into an open roofed corridor that is about 15 feet wide and 70 feet long. The floor and walls appear to be made out of rough hewn granite stone blocks.

You may now roll for the Pits.

You may now roll for the Pits.

OK, this is where "Luck Favors the Prepared." :-)

I take out my pitoned rope and hammer, and drive 2 pitons into the floor, tying the other end of the rope to myself. The assumption is, if I fall down a pit, the rope will hold and I can use it to climb my way out--since I know I can't climb out on my own. I'll do my best to keep as much slack in my hands as possible, so I don't cut myself in half.

If I fall, I'll immediately stop rolling and let you adjudicate the results

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Found teh first one. Note where it is.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Found the second one. Note where it is.

Return ot the pitons, remove them, and re-drive them into the floor after the 2nd pit--now I shoudl be able to make it to the rest of the corridor with the remaining 45' of rope.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
whew, close one!!
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Yesss . . .
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
HOT DAM!!! Didnt' even NEED the rope!!!

Untie myself, salute the crowd, and get ready to move on!!

@Thordak You hastily grab up the equipment and make your way down Merchant 's row where you easily find a beautiful female armorer with long flowing locks of blone hair, banging away on a piece of breastplate armor. "Hey there, big beard! She greets you. What can I do for you?"

Hrhrhr! Thordak titters at being referred to as 'bigbeard'. He thwomps the two sets of studded leather armor and Mantooth's scale mail down on the table, spreading them out flat in a nice display. Licking his thumb, he removes any flecks of blood that may be still on them... He then places the squire's mace on top.

Hello girlie! Sorry t'interrupt ye, that looks like a nice piece of steel you're workin' on there! he says, looking back at the breastplate.
Oi've got some armor here Oi thought might be of interest to ye... an' this here mace. He says, waving his hand over the mace like a true salesman. A good mace that is, it's served me well ever since Oi had it! So what do you think?

Dimplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

The Pits

@Bofus.

With your remarkable luck and skill, you were able to leave the pendulums on the 5th round. You then proceeded to travel down the dreaded hall of pits in remarkable time and enter the Hall of Portals on round 11.

Florence accompanies Thordak to the armorer and takes a look at the wares. Since she is not especially interested in anything, she is just content with not being alone. Her thoughts though wander to Bofus, she really hopes he's OK in the Gauntlet.

OK, this is *precicely* where I wanted to be--so far ahead of the pack that I can really take my time. I've got 3 main goals here.
1) open all locks as quickly as possible (duh)
2) find the poisoned lock(s) and neutralize it/them
3) search for the gem!!

I'm having difficulty visualizing where these three locked doors lead, and wehther any of them are common to all competitors. When it becomes evident that we are in a "common area"--a place where all the spokes meet and all competitors will cross--that is where I'll start making active searches for the trapped/poisoned lock, and for the secret door or compartment which must contain the legendary hidden gem! Because of this, I want to post one lock at a time.

First locked door:
I saunter up to it, taking out my new tools and eyeing the door professionally. Since there's time, and I don't want to be a fool, I'll check it for traps. When I see how simple a mechanism is, I'll laugh out loud and open it quickly.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

After trading armor with Thordak, Mantooth begins the process of putting on the chain mail. He finds and outdoor table or something similar to set his belongings down on and works his way into the new, heavier armor.

@Bofus.

Upon completing the hall of pits, you find yourself up against a wooden door that contains a keyhole lock. Inspecting it carefully you do not discover any traps, poison, or other hidden objects. Using your masterwork thieves' tools, you are able to easily turn the inner mechanism of the lock, and the door swings open. Beyond the door is a short hallway that comes to another door. This time, however, the door looks stronger and like it has a more complicated inner mechanism.

@ Thordak and Florence.

"Hello girlie! Sorry t'interrupt ye, that looks like a nice piece of steel you're workin' on there!" he says, looking back at the breastplate. "Oi've got some armor here Oi thought might be of interest to ye... an' this here mace." He says, waving his hand over the mace like a true salesman. "A good mace that is, it's served me well ever since Oi had it! So what do you think?"

"Hey, watch who you are calling girlie. Hehehehe," she giggles. The blacksmith picks up the mace and inspects it carefully. "This mace looks like it is well used. I'll give you six gold for it."

@Mantooth

You find a nice quiet spot to the side of the road to take off your armor and replace it with your chain mail. It takes 1 minute to remove the old and 4 minutes to don the new.

@Cebrë Decide who you are with and check the spoiler after your decision and a successful perception check.

Yeah, that it is... an' just was! he says with a wink over his shooulder to Florence. It's a deal!

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

An' how about these nice suits of armor Oi've got? Any interest? Thordak asks, too busy to notice anything happening around him.

An' how about these nice suits of armor Oi've got? Any interest?

"For you, I would be willing to look at anything you have. Hehehehe. So what do you have to show me?"

2nd door: check for traps

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

also check for secret doors/compartments

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

assuming I find nothing, open the lock

Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Thordak wrote:

An' how about these nice suits of armor Oi've got? Any interest?

"For you, I would be willing to look at anything you have. Hehehehe. So what do you have to show me?"

Well, Oi've got these two new sets of Studded Armor... Thordak says, a bit nonplussed as they talk about the wares he has spread out on her table right under her nose. He shrugs it off and adds And! Don't forget this beauuuutiful set of SCALE MAIL! It's in good condition, hardly used, an' no curses or nothin'! Oi know 'cause Oi got it from a Paladin! he winks.

Perception1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Florence isn't aware of anything either, she just observes Thordak's bertering skills and shakes her head slightly...