DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
The gruff Katapeshi man didn’t seem too friendly when you arrived and spoke of your interest to join the lauded Valknar Gladiatorial College. A brief exchange of words and a handshake was all it seemed to take as far as admissions… well that and the practical that he mentioned. Details were scant as you were ushered into the bowels of the towering arena where the college makes it’s home. Shown a brief detour through a warm up room with wooden benches lining the walls to prepare before you were delivered to a sandy floored passage that tilted upwards into what you’d wager was the arena’s heart. At it’s end was a thick portcullis, blanketed by thick hessian curtains that prevented you from seeing through them.
There it was that you stood, waited, sweated and had your nostrils assaulted by the musty smell of old blood and sand. Beside you stood what looked to be a man with aims same as your own… admission. As you considered whether it was worth exchanging questions or names with the one beside you, a deep voice with an edge of steel boomed from outside in the arena ”Right then you maggots… impress me” and with that the portcullis rose and the hessian curtains parted – flooding your eyes with sunlight and a view of what lies beyond.
A massive bowl shaped arena with sandy floor awaited, near a couple of hundred feet long and at least half that wide. The ground was covered with sand… distressingly crimson in some parts… and lined all around by a wall nearly twenty feet high. You stood in what looked to be one of the access tunnels that allowed access into the floor – and two other portcullis lay open along the Southern edge of the battlefield. Nearly the entire stands were empty except on the Northern and central section of the upper stands stood a covered viewing box that presently housed a bored looking and seated gnome in robes, and a grizzled dwarf. The dwarf had a close cropped beard and scarred face and was standing leaning over the arena with his hands on the bannister.
But despite all of that, your attention was drawn to a more pressing issue… you were not alone on the sand of the arena. Near to each of the three opened portcullis was a ten foot tall monstrous creature weighing likely six hundred or more pounds. Misshapen and brutish face lorded over a corpulent and muscled body – piggish hands wrapped round a trimmed tree trunk fitted with a crude leather grip. The ogre nearest you turned to face you, and it’s ugly face split into an oafish grin as it readied it’s club.
The same reinforced voice from before boomed again ”Well then… what the bloody hell are you waiting for?”
Jason Argus: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Morgan Delbeckio: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Elijah Moore: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Juro Aevis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Yldrath Wyrmblessed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Ogres: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Action Tracker Round 1: Juro Aevis, Jason Argus, Elijah Moore, Ogres, Noonan, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Morgan Delbeckio
Ground rules and explanations for combat:
Arena surface is sand covered earth, and none of the area is difficult terrain.
Both you and the ogres start aware of each other, and neither of you are flatfooted.
I roll initiative at the start of each combat (as per the spoiler) and then prepare a tracker that shows the order in which character’s actions will unfold. Actions will be posted and resolved in ‘blocks’ (in this case Juro / Jason / Elijah will go, then I’ll do the ogre’s actions, then everyone else).
When stating movement on the arena grid, please state the movement similar to the following: Up four, right three. Each grid square is 5ft.
Where possible / needed call out your actions explicitly, eg: Move action stand, 5ft step up, standard to attack.
Lastly – have fun with it. Allons-y!
Jason Argus |
Looking at the man to his left, and noticing that he had nothing but a shield and chain armor, Jason simply said, "Get behind me, and stay there." With that, he dashed foward to meet the Ogre head on.
Moving diagonal three and up two.
Reaching the brute, the Half-Orc stabbed with his spear.
Melee: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Pretty certian that's a hit, Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
That ought to make a pretty good first impression.
Morgan Delbeckio |
I roll initiative at the start of each combat (as per the spoiler) and then prepare a tracker that shows the order in which character’s actions will unfold. Actions will be posted and resolved in ‘blocks’ (in this case Juro / Jason / Elijah will go, then I’ll do the ogre’s actions, then everyone else).
...but...we all beat the ogres in initiative. Why aren't you resolving all our actions before the ogres, in initiative order?
Morgan smirked at the brash half orc's comment. "Entirely my plan, my good man, entirely my plan..."
He keeps his distance, not moving any closer to the fray unless he is not within 30'...you didn't really say how far we were, in which case I'll move up until I'm exactly 30' from the ogre Jason attacked only edging closer slightly. From beneath his cloak his right hand grasps the holy symbol of Baalzebul, fingers clenching onto the cold silver. He presents the symbol high and stares down the Ogre which Jason just attacked, and yells to it. "Your friends have betrayed you, ogre! Destroy them!"
Casting "Murderous Command" on the ogre Jason just attacked, hoping it will provoke an AoO from Jason when leaving to attack one of the other two ogres. Will DC 14 to resist.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Morgan - I see what you mean... the way I prep it is to preview the post, then fill out the tracker, then post. At some point between the preview and the final posting the d20 results shuffled somehow.
Since the final post on the board should be king - the revised tracker is thus:
Action Tracker Round 1: Noonan, Jason Argus, Morgan Delbeckio, Elijah Moore, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Juro Aevis, Ogres
Posting out of explicit order is perfectly fine, but I will generally resolve it in true initiative order (ie. I'll wait for Noonan's post before resolving Jason's).
If prior round events invalidate a stated action, then I'll pause and allow a revision.
Noonan2 |
Possible to get a grid over the map?
Noonan has his sword in hand and looks at the small man next to him. Keep up, ya?
Noonan approaches 4 squares west and hurls his dagger at the ogre to get it's attention
Dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Aye - there is a 'faint' grid... if you zoom you'll also notice I had the ogres slightly off center as well...
Morgan - moved you 5ft closer so that you are within close range for the spell.
Moving forward Noonan looses a dagger that manages to slice through the ogre's armor and notch it's chest. First blood to the gladiators even as Jason advances against his foe, drawing a crude swipe as he closes...
AoO vs Jason: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9
...catching a bruising strike to his shoulder that he manages to roll under to steal much of it's force and drive his spear into the creature's gut.
Morgan steps into the arena and sends tendrils of clouding thought into the now wounded ogre's mind...
Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Fail - will take effect on ogre's turn
...which take root. Despite the looming foe before him it turns and sneers at the ogre Noonan injured.
Action Tracker Round 1: Noonan, Jason Argus, Morgan Delbeckio, Elijah Moore, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Juro Aevis, Ogres
Now that you've acted, your name is unbolded - so in this case Elijah is next up.
Updated Map
Note that I track injuries upon the enemies with red numbers, and that I expect that you will keep track of your own PC's health status.
Morgan Delbeckio |
Forgive me for correcting, but I believe that the ogres cannot get an AoO against Jason, as he beat them in initiative and they were thus flat-footed, unless they possess the Combat Reflexes feat or Uncanny Dodge.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Flat-Footed
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
Yldrath's face is completely impassive as he draws a strange-looking metal cylinder, etched with deep lines, and darts forward in front of Noonan.
"Let me take care of this, my good man."
He then flicks the cylinder towards the ogre.
Iron Pellet Grenade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
The grenade explodes tremendously, detonating in the ogre's chest and sending a rain of fire and red-hot metal down in a large radius. The explosion stops just short of Yldrath, making for very dramatic imagery as he stands in front of the flames.
Elijah Moore |
Elijah, seeing the enemy before him, he grins at the excitement about to unfold. He steps forward, drawing his blade as he goes. At the end of the movement, he casts a spell. A shield size disk floats in front of him, guarding against would be attackers.
move N-N-N-N, draw weapon as I go, cast shield at end of move
AC is 20
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
Oops... Delete. Delete. DELETE!
[Record Scratch] Yldrath smoothly takes out a vial with steadily glowing blue liquid and quickly downs it. The elf slowly lengthens, his eyes become an opaque turquoise, and his skin seems to become a hard silver.
The alchemist then dashes forward, his movements almost preternaturally fast.
Standard to drink a Dex mutagen, move to get within bomb range. Also changing Smoke Bomb to Explosive Bomb.
Juro Aevis |
Juro steps into the arena and after a half second of judging the scene he quickly lets two arrows fly from his bow, homing in on the closest brute.
Attack(deadly aim): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Attack(Rapid shot): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
As Elijah and Yldrath reposition and prepare, Juro looses a pair of arrows. The first ploughs into the sand at the ogre's feet, but the second is better aimed and lodges in it's hip. A roaring squeal of pain is the result... and the beast makes to charge.
I'll resolve the ogre's actions and update tonight so that I can upload the map at the same time.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
The first ogre to react is the one before Noonan, the beast lumbering forward and swinging it's club in a wide arc...
Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 1) + 7 = 14
...hooting as the club thunks with force into the barbarian's flank.
The second is the one who's mind has been clouded by Morgan's spell, it ignores the threat offered by Jason and charges at the first ogre bellowing gutturally...
Charging Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 1) + 7 = 16
Also provokes an AoO from Jason.
...turning the hoots of the first into a scream of affronted pain. The aggrieved ogre gives the first a scowl while the other blinks dumbly without comprehension after Morgan's grip upon his actions fades. With Noonan's dagger wound and now a club strike dogging it's actions it seems a mite unsteady upon it's feet... but is yet to fall.
The last to move is upon the far side, leering grin splitting the beast's face as it moves up to try and crush Elijah with the miniature tree in it's meaty paws...
Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16
...though Elijah easily sidesteps the descending bludgeon.
Above and beyond you can see the two on the balcony exchanging quiet words. The dwarf betrays no emotion on his face, while the gnome maintains his bored expression.
Action Tracker Round 2: Noonan, Jason Argus, Morgan Delbeckio, Elijah Moore, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Juro Aevis, Ogres
Jason Argus |
Just I note, I realized that I didn't take into account that I was not in TWF mode. I've modified my Profile info to reflect this.
AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
As the big brute moved away unexpectedly, Jason tried to stab at it with his spear, but to no avail.
Jason then moved to protect his 'partner' from the Ogre as best he could.
Move Back Diagonally Right 1, and Back 1. Should put me two squares in front of Morgan. Readied Action: Attack if the Ogre gets close.
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
Yldrath smoothly draws a glass vial that contains what appears to be bottled fire, then pours a bubbling orange liquid into it, making the liquid flame crackle and pop even more. The strange elf then hurls the bubbling liquid fire at the ogre.
Replacing my pellet grenades with unstable accelerant.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Unstable Accelerant Explosive Bomb Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11
The alchemical concoction explodes tremendously, barely leaving Noonan out of its destruction.
6 splash damage to the ogre near the one we're fighting, and the one that Yldrath hit must attempt a DC 15 Ref save or catch fire. DC 15 Ref for half damage.
Noonan2 |
Missed by just 1 AC point
Noonan feels the club whiz by his ear and grimances as he shifts the greatsword he had in his left hand into a two-handed grip. Stepping forwards, Noonan thrusts his blade at the badly wounded ogre to finish it off.
5' step west and attack
Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 172d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11
Morgan Delbeckio |
Morgan closes his eyes, sending a small prayer to Baalzebul. Master, I know you're not too keen on helping others, but this guy is preventing that ogre from flossing with my spine, so if you could.. He mumbles a small phrase, then steps forward and lays a hand on Jason's shoulder.
move to Jason, cure light wounds
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Elijah Moore |
Elijah, sidesteps the incoming "tree" coming at his head.
He quickly, focuses some of his arcane pool to enhance his weapon. He thn takes a step forward, and attempts to give the ogre the shock of his life, followed up with his katana.
swift: arcane pool to give sword a +1, free 5' forward, spell combat to shock grasp with a -2 on weapon roll to increase defensive cast, then sword attack
concentration DC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
shock grasp touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 242d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
katana: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 = 151d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
shock grasp crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 122d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Right you are Noonan.
Elijah - when you take a penalty with spell combat it applies to all of your attacks (ie. inclusive of the shocking grasp). Also, I don't think you applied the spell combat penalty to your katana strike?
Shouldn't the attacks have been Touch: 1d20+4-2 (Spell Combat) -2 (Concentration boost)
and Katana: 1d20+6-2-2
In this case didn't affect the outcome anyway - but worth making sure it's done right.
Stepping within his opponent's reach Noonan's bladethrust nearly skews off the beast's armor, but instead turns in and deals a foul enough blow to lay the ogre fallow.
Jason repositions as Morgan moves forward to salve his wounds.
Elijah calls upon skills arcane and delivers a numbing jolt of electricity to his foe, but the ogre unfortunately bears it well. His follow up blade thrust is wide as well, though from his flank the fellow applicant he entered with sends another arrow into the beast.
On the other side of the arena Yldrath tosses a volatile missive towards the single enemy left standing...
Given that there's only one standing I assume you're happy to redirect the attack? - can I confirm still using explosive and unstable accelerant?
Action Tracker Round 2: Noonan, Jason Argus, Morgan Delbeckio, Elijah Moore, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Juro Aevis, Ogres
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Elijah - don't sweat it. Magi are a big sweaty bundle of rules that can take a while to get your head round.
Lack of confirmation = maintenance of action
Yldrath sends a vial arcing towards the giant before him, which breaks across the creature's chest - scorching and burning. The giant howls in pain, and moves forward to attack the one that hurt it so...
Greatclub at Yldrath: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 = 12
Annoyed by the piercing arrows, the beast on the other side of the arena ignores what he sees as a less pressing target to focus upon Juro...
Draws an AoO from Elijah
Greatclub at Juro: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
...though Juro is able to use the portcullis as makeshift cover and foul the giant's aim.
Action Tracker Round 3: Noonan, Jason Argus, Morgan Delbeckio, Elijah Moore, Yldrath Wyrmblessed, Juro Aevis, Ogres
Jason Argus |
Looking over his shoulder at the man behind him, the Half-Orc gave a nod of graditude then rolled forward to avoid the Ogre's attack.
Roll diagonal towards nearest Ogre.
Acrobatics vs CMD to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Coming up to his feet, the warrior stabbed forward with his spear.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Pretty certain that's not a hit, but just in case: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
Yldrath howls in pain as the ogre's greatclub slams into his ribcage, cracking many of them.
He hops a step back and downs a bubbling green liquid. Immediately, his wounds begin to close up.
CLW Extract: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Acrobatics to Avoid AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Morgan Delbeckio |
"Feel the wrath of Baalzebul, Archdevil and Lord of the Seventh!" Morgan's body shimmers with a black light before exploding energy out from him in a burst of negativity. He focuses on his allies within range of the burst so that it does not affect them, and you can see the jolt of energy fly into the nearest ogre.
Channel energy, using Selective Channeling to keep the three allies, Noonan, Jason, and Yldrath, from being affected.
Channel Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Will DC 17 for half damage
Morgan stares at his holy symbol in disbelief. "Really, master? That's all the wrath we get today?" he mutters under his breath, as he backs up away from the ogre he just blasted.
Move southwest ten feet, then west twenty towards the ogre fighting Juro and Elijah.
If Jason or Noonan's attack killed the ogre nearest me, I will instead move 30' west and cast "Cause Fear" on the last remaining ogre...I think that puts me just barely in range. Will DC 14 or frightened, hopefully drawing AoO's as he runs; only shaken 1 round if they succeed. If it does not put me in range, I will simply move 30' west and total defense.
Juro Aevis |
Juro dances back avoiding the clumsy ogre's swing. 5ft step to the side, out of its reach. He then fires two more arrows with hopefully lethal accuracy.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Rapid shot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Morgan Delbeckio |
Just my 2cp, but if I recall, you maintain whether or not you were Power Attacking the round before in your AoOs. So if you were Power Attacking BEFORE the AoO, you ARE Power Attacking whether you want to or not for the AoO. If you weren't during the round before, you aren't during the AoO, whether you wanted to or not. I may be wrong.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Noonan draws near and attempts to duck under an opportunistic blow...
Greatclub at Noonan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14
...before managing to have his blade meet flesh and open another bloody rivet on the ogre's laboring soon to be corpse.
Jason takes advantage of the ogre's distraction to flood beside it, though his thrust is turned by thick leather. It is only when Morgan emits a burst of negative energy...
Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
...that the beast falters. Skin paling it staggers one step then when attempting a second it's knees give out - collapsing unto the sand as bloody froth lines it's lips.
Stepping backwards Juro sends another arrow into his assailant's body before the action upon the sand is forestalled by those within the private box observing.
The dwarf turns to the gnome beside him and gives a slight nod and the gnome briefly lets boredom flee his face to concentrate. The ogres both living and fallen shimmer and fade from view - as though they were never there except for the bruises and beating that you received. Then as the gnome falls back into a stupor of boredom the dwarf turns and addresses you in booming voice once more.
"Adequate, thoroughly adequate... nothing to be proud of yet bar essence and fragment of ability. Come, tell me your name and why you think I need you here." pausing for a moment before singling out Juro "And you can stop cowering in the entrance tunnel... no-one can see you in the dark."
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
The elf in leathers steps up. "My name is Yldrath, and I have forsaken my family name. I am here because Kormayth sent me. And as for what you like... My methods of dispatching foes are rather dramatic, don't you think?"
Noonan2 |
Noonan. Noonan grunts and holds his side. Strong arm and will get better at things like tumbles for more dramatic fights. Noonan nods at where the ogre was. Should have attempted to avoid being vulnerable when approaching, will work on that.
Morgan Delbeckio |
"I am Morgan. Things will die in my presence, to the glory of the lord of flies. I am here to bring death and send souls to his domain. Quite probably in exaggeratedly painful methods, should I have the opportunity. Also..."
He motions for the others to gather near him, but only one at a time, maintaining that they keep their distance until he calls them over. When they do, touches each of the injured ones on the forehead. A holy symbol of Baalzebul temporarily appears and then fades from vision briefly. Morgan then proceeds to heal his new allies with the power of negative energy during their temporary ability to receive such a boon.
I am going to, one at a time, use my "Death's Kiss" domain ability on Noonan and Yldrath. This allows them to, for one round (this level), be healed by negative energy. I will then immediately cast Inflict Light Wounds and/or Channel Energy as needed the round after.
ILW on Noonan: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Channel on Noonan: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Channel on Noonan: 1d6 ⇒ 4
ILW on Yldrath: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Channel on Yldrath: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Morgan mutters under his breath. "Seriously master, we're going to have to have a talk about how much power you're letting me channel. It's not exactly to your glory if I'm sending out a meager sputtering of energy here."
...Jason, I don't know if you need healing or not. It would help very much if you, like Noonan, Yldrath, Elijah, Juro, and myself, put your total HP in your classes/levels section and updated that as it was affected. I have 1 more use of "Death's Kiss" and 1 more channel energy left to give you 1d6 if you need it.
He turns back to the Dwarf, finishing his previously addressing comment. "...with me around, you can have your battles more frequently, as we will often, though not always, require only a day to rest between combats."
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Scoffing at Juro "You want to hide in the shadows go find a Thief's Guild. Here you put your feet on the sand before you spill blood on it... at the least put the portcullis at your back."
At Morgan he narrows his eyes "We've healing enough when it calls for it... just keep your reaping in check. Not all the affray on the arena ends with Pharasma called."
Yldrath's statement brings a dismissive shrug and Noonan's and Elijah's a small nod each.
"So is it feather down and plump matresses yet or have you heart for another display?"
Have you gathered in the arena center - or towards the Northern wall beneath the box?
Morgan Delbeckio |
"That is something I will have to remember in the future before blowing through my spells. Well I, for one, would welcome repose for the eve. I have taxed my ability to call on the power of my lord thus far. Had you told me of your healing availability, I would probably had enough strength for another battle, but such is not the case now."
Totally out of spells and only one channel left, folks! I'm nothing but a walking liability until I've had a good 8 hours, now. I figured we were near the box...
Jason Argus |
@ Morgan - Thanks to that earlier healing you did on me, I'm only down 1 HP, so I'm good. My stats are under the Status Spoiler, and I usually do a pretty good job keeping it up to date.
Slightly earlier:
Standing tall, the Half-Orc spoke, "I am Jason Argus, born of battle, and I seek the Honor and Glory your arena has to offer, until death takes me."
Now:
"I still here the call of battle within my veins, bring forth more enemies that we me fight with Honor." Turning to Morgan, "You have a shield, that is all the weapon you need." He accented his point by tapping his shield with his spear three times.
Yldrath Wyrmblessed |
Yldrath simply nods.
And also, one of the ogre bodies is burning due to his explosive bomb. :P
Then, he downs another potion.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Morgan Delbeckio |
Morgan rolls his eyes at the two warriors' comments. To Noonan he speaks, "You feel up for another display because I healed you of your injuries. Injuries that, judging from the wounds that yet remain despite my not once but three times calling to my god for healing, were quite intensive. I cannot do such a thing again until I have rested and prayed."
He turns to Jason. "The gods have not blessed me with physical prowess, warrior. Given the opportunity to battle without connection to my dark lord, I would perish more swiftly than a lone kobold discovered in a dwarven mine. Lest you wish me to merely cower like a fool from any oncoming battle, the best option is for me to rest."
He clears his throat, and speaks up readily, "No...allow me to rephrase my earlier comment. Given that I have been afforded the opportunity by the fine dwarf above..." he waves in the box's general direction, "I am going to take my opportunity to rest. It is only the most prudent action at this time. Any of you with the bravado to battle again, I shall possibly, though not likely due to your choosing to continue with a diminished regiment, see you in the morning." With that he turns and proceeds to head towards the exit.