Archon the Divine Caller |
Seeing an ally fall, Archon calls on the divine healing energies to send a wave of healing power out across the theatre floor, washing over both ally and enemy, then takes a step closer.
Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
Van Helsing moves over as well, catching one of the Aspis thugs in costume between them, and strikes with his wooden sword, but grossly overestimates his swing with the unfamiliar weapon.
Wooden Sword (flank) vs Red: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Fimbir |
Comrade! Fimbir yells as Aiden falls. Raising his hands to the heavens, the gnome cries out in sorrow.
Alas, poor Aiden! A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; Where be be his gibes now? His gambols? His googles and gaggles and garchomps? No Chou should be forced to say ciao so soon before his time. Truly, war is Avernus...
His muddled soliloquy is broken as the monkey's soothing balm washes over the entire crowd of performers.
Oh, huzzah and hizzup! Even if your funny bone seems to be broken dark General, see that ours are ever-mended!
GM Zinou |
Sorry I couldn't post yesterday but it wouldn't have changed the end of the fight.
After a little more stage performance, Kiang Zhen yawns and decides it best for the act to end as he has better things to do. He decides that winner shall be determined by a coin toss. "The pathfinders shall be victor if heads, and tails to the Aspis." A moment of silent all around as everyone eyes the coin that flies through the air.
1 = heads, 2 =tails: 1d2 ⇒ 2
A roar of hoorays is heard from the Aspis party as they let a sigh of relief. Kiang Zhen shrugs and says to your party: "You're not disqualified. However, luck is not with you. Take this Mark of Shame and show you're better afterwards."
The mark imposes you a –2 penalty on initiative checks for the remainder of the event.
As you head towards the locker rooms, you come across the aasimars that helped you get dressed earlier.
"Time for your costume change," they say as they hand over a stack of black funerary robes. "Once you get suited up, throw these over your clothes ; you’ll need them to enter the next event. Then head to the Petal District. You’ll know the way once you get there."
Nemis |
"This is unlike anything I've ever had to do..."
Fimbir |
Fimbir is disheartened. Drat: I thought i was doing pretty well out there. Play-wise at least, not smacking. Do any of you think I could maybe get a day job on the Stage?
The gnome dons the robes dejectedly, but keeps the red and black face paint on.
Archon the Divine Caller |
In hopes of showing honor to the crowd, Archon removes his Monkey Key mask, and bows in respect, first towards the host, but also makes a great show of offering respect to their enemies, both bowing and offering in Tien, "A worthy performance. I applaud your talent." He then accepts the Mark of Shame, before returning to his gear and making ready for whatever task lies next.
This mark wouldn't happen to be magial and utter the phrase "shame!", . . ."shame!",. . . "shame!" every step we take, would it?
"This is unlike anything I've ever had to do..."
"Indeed, not at all what I had expected. And who knew the brutes in the Aspis had such,. . . talent. Still, let's be ready for what comes next, and learn from the example that we really have no idea what we might be required to do."
Fimbir is disheartened. Drat: I thought i was doing pretty well out there. Play-wise at least, not smacking. Do any of you think I could maybe get a day job on the Stage?
The gnome dons the robes dejectedly, but keeps the red and black face paint on.
"That's an interesting look, Mr. Bir. I too was curious if we might take a momento for the journey ahead. . "
As you head towards the locker rooms, you come across the aasimars that helped you get dressed earlier."Time for your costume change," they say as they hand over a stack of black funerary robes. "Once you get suited up, throw these over your clothes ; you’ll need them to enter the next event. Then head to the Petal District. You’ll know the way once you get there."
"Sisters, I know that this is highly unusual, but, I was wondering if we might keep these costumes. A lesson for us that not all missions are what we might expect and that it's not about winning, but how we manage to stand after we fail. We are willing to pay, of course." rattling his coin purse, both for the Monkey King outfit and also the strange gnomish mask his friend seems to like.
Varuna Varghese |
Varuna drops his wooden dagger and shakes his head in disbelief. "Stupid play. Game decided by luck. Waste of time, hmmph." He happily puts his gear back on, dreading whatever waste of time is next.
I thought this was supposed to be tournament to determine strength and intelligence. Not foolishness and dumb luck.
Fimbir |
"That's an interesting look, Mr. Bir. I too was curious if we might take a momento for the journey ahead. . "
Fimbir perks up a bit. I figure it might make me look more intimidating. He makes a stern and snarling face. Then again, it may just make me look silly. Either way, our foes will get confused, whether its Over or Under estimating me.
Having delivered a - by his standards - logical explanation for keeping the make up, Fimbir finishes dressing back into his gear while he hums softly to himself.
Daaaaa....da duuuuuuu. Do da dodolu do da dodolu da, do do doo da doo da doo do do...
Aiden Richter |
Aiden wipes the makeup from his face in annoyance. "Well, that was fun. Next time, remind me not to take a wooden sword to the face." He takes the black robe, putting it on over his clothes.
Shifty |
***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***
A crowd of black-robed mourners gathers in a small, grassy square near the edge of the cemetery. The assembly forms a procession, which winds through the cemetery to one of the oldest and most opulent plots. There, the entrances to an entire row of aging marble mausoleums stand open. Before each rests a coffin.
The procession stops, and a woman in the robes of a Pharasmin cleric steps forward. She approaches the various groups of mourners and, speaking in a solemn tone, requests each of them to hoist a casket and carry it into one of the mausoleums. Then she adds the following instructions: “This next competition is the final one of the qualifier. The Emissary lies somewhere in the catacombs below. All you must do now is seek him out and touch his robes. Good luck.” Then the woman nods and leaves, without further explanation.
GM Zinou |
The aasimars nod at Archon. "You and your gnomish friend can keep your costumes, if you so wish. You lost out of bad luck, not out of clumsiness." answers one of them.
-----------------------------------
To enter the final round, you must act as pallbearers and carry a 250 pound casket into the specified mausoleums and down a flight of stairs to where you meet their next contact. Four of you must carry the casket, please decide who and where do place yourselves. Two on the front and two on the rear.
The stairs empty into a long hall of cool gray stone. On both sides of the smooth, polished walls open deep, narrow arches that recede into straight, dark hallways. A gold-skinned humanoid sits in a trancelike state in the middle of the room like a great silent statue. Across his lap is a massive spiked club. Behind the creature, on the far side of the hall, a small brass gong hangs still upon a lacquered wooden frame. Beside the gong rests a large mallet, its beater wrapped in cloth.
I'll let you place yourselves on the map before resuming.
Fimbir |
Fimbir tries to look solemn next to the casket.
Definitely not the strongest in the group, so Fimbir would perfect o merely walk mournfully besides. That said, if needed do have a 10 Strength.
Also on map
Aiden Richter |
Aiden has Archon heal him with a wand before taking up the casket and carrying it forward. Then he uses a wand of Shield on himself as they set the casket down.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
UMD: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Archon the Divine Caller |
Ill join in, taking the last spot. Van Helsing takes a position behind the group, wanting to stay about 10ft behind and acting as lookout.
Fimbir |
Fimbir finally notices the strange man sitting before them as they enter the crypt.
Casket delivery service sir! he calls out. So, was this a test to prove the solemn finality of death and carry its weight so we know the stakes? Because that seems a bit intense just as prep for a martial arts tournament.
Varuna Varghese |
Varuna hoists the casket up onto his shoulder, but his small frame makes it difficult. As they descend down the stairs, the coffin tilts at a steep angle due to the height difference between him and the others.
Once they arrive with the casket, Varuna turns to the others and whipsers, nodding towards the golden man. "Maybe the Emmisary? Could sneak up and touch robes. Blend into shadows and disappear, hmmph"
Varuna can use his Dissolutions Child ability to go invisible and try to touch this guy if we think it's him.
Nemis |
I don't think he's here to cheer us on. Getting up close is likely a good idea no matter what.
GM Zinou |
As you approach, the golden Oni's eyes flutter open. “Greetings, esteemed competitors. Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Heng—the Sifu’s Judge. Within this room you see eight arches; however, only one leads to the final competition. While I can show you the correct path, you must first prove yourselves worthy before I reveal the answer.”
The oni nods and without warning, all eight entrances erupt into impassible whirlwinds of lashing sword shards and colored smoke. Calmly, he continues.
“Beyond me hangs a small gong. In order to pass freely, you must properly sound the gong using the nearby mallet. While this task sounds easy, I assure you it is not, for it must be struck perfectly in order to get it to sound. Hit it too softly and it will fail to echo, too hard and it will crack. Furthermore, I shall do my best to prevent anyone from sounding it.”
The judge bows, his heavy gaze relentless. Then slowly his body coils into a combat stance as he signals the start of the fight with a simple nod.
Only Nemis is swifter to react!
Varuna: Init: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 = 4
Fimbir: Init: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 2 = 17
Archon: Init: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 2 = 18
Aiden: Init: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 2 = 9
Nemis: Init: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19
Van Helsing: Init: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7
JH: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
ROUND ONE - The Judge - Fight! - Nemis are up!
Nemis [23/23]: ?
--------------
THE JUDGE ! [@]
--------------
Varuna [33/33]: ?
Fimbir [43/43]: ?
Aiden [25/25]: ?
Van Helsing [40/40]: ?
Archon [31/31]: ?
Nemis |
Nemis concentrates hard, forming the latest bolts he can, and manifests them to slam into the creature. DMG: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 2 = 13
-Posted with Wayfinder
Fimbir |
Oh, then I guess we'll try our best too. Fimbir says as makes a quick bow to Heng.
As Nemis' force bolts slam into the bell guard, Fimbir winces, then looks out plaintively: If you'd ever rather not prevent us of course, that would be great for all of us.
GM Zinou |
Aiden: you're in initiative, you can't use diplomacy which requires 1 minute to perform. Also, you were not up to act.
@Nemis: you didn't use your move action. Do you want to drop the casket?
Nemis manifests psychic bolts that hit the oni!
He steps forward and gives a nice blow on Varuna's head.
JH vs Varuna FFAC |15: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 for Greatclub: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
ROUND TWO - The Judge - Fight! - Everyone's up!
Varuna [19/33]: ?
Fimbir [43/43]: ?
Aiden [25/25]: ?
Van Helsing [40/40]: ?
Archon [31/31]: ?
Nemis [23/23]: ?
--------------
THE JUDGE ! [@13]
--------------
Aiden Richter |
Right, I think you ninja'ed me. I didn't even notice!
Aiden drops the casket and pulls out a net. he studies the judge for a moment before hurling the net at him.
Study Target
Ranged Touch (ST): 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Aiden's AC is 19 with Shield
Nemis |
Nemis warns the party that he's going to drop it, but doesn't move anywhere.
Archon the Divine Caller |
Archon will gently put down the coffin and begin casting a spell to call on extra aid.
Summon Monster 2 for a Celestial Wolf.
Van Helsing shall move and draw his weapons, ready to fire next round.
Fimbir |
Forum ate my post earlier ;p
Varuna, Archon, duck! Fimbir yells. Seeing the oni stike his wayang companion, Fimbir's body begins to burn to match his mood as he shoots out a gout of flame.
Taking 1 Burn to make this a Burning Infusion. If it hits, he needs a DC 16 Reflex save or catches on fire and takes 1d6 fire damage at the start of each of his turns until he extinguishes it
ranged touch (he will have cover): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 for fire damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14
Dropping! the gnome then yells mere instant before he lets his corner of the casket fall as he scrambles around to the other side to prepare to duck and tumble past the guardian and towards the gong.
Nemis |
Fimbir, if you haven't used your re-roll, that'd be worth it in my book.
Varuna Varghese |
Varuna recoils from the unexpected blow from the golden man. He decides the best course of action is to get behind the others and out of the creatures reach.
Withdraw action
Fimbir |
You know what? Sure. Avenge Varuna!!!!
Folio reroll; ranged touch, 3 GM stars, he had cover: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 3 = 12 for damage plus Burning: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16
Lol
GM: do you want me to message a pick with me and the folio, or honor system?
Nemis |
Having dropped his corner, and running low on spells, Nemis opts for a wand Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
GM Zinou |
That's a tough encounter and your rolls aren't helping. @Fimbir: I trust you, no need to show proof of it :)
The party drops the casket.
Varuna chooses to withdraw while Fimbir misses his fire blast, Archon begins a summoning spell and Van Helsing draws his crossbow, ready to fire next round. Nemis manifests a magic missile that hits the oni squarely.
The judge steps towards Aiden and tries to attack him but manages to hit the chelaxian only once.
JH 1 vs Varuna |19: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 for Greatclub: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
JH 2 vs Varuna |19: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 for Greatclub: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
ROUND THREE - The Judge - Fight! - Everyone's up!
Varuna [19/33]: ?
Fimbir [43/43]: ?
Aiden [9/25]: ?
Van Helsing [40/40]: ?
Archon [31/31]: ?
Nemis [23/23]: ?
--------------
THE JUDGE ! [@15]
--------------
Fimbir |
Drat Fimbir thiks as the oni moves towards him. Picked the wrong side.
The gnome fires off a quick flame blast, themoves around to the other sides of the casket, ready to run down the now open lane towards the gong.
ranged touch (he has soft cover): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 for fire damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 = 11
Archon the Divine Caller |
Archon completes his spell, bringing a celestial wolf to this realm from a heavenly one and points at The Judge while simply saying "Get him."
Understanding the angel's words with ease, it attempts to deliver a massive bite, calling on its sacred nature.
Smite Evil Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Free Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
I did not include Flank if it matters, and have not used the map yet until I get home.
He then calls on healing energies to fill the party with renewed vitality.
Channel Energy to heal living: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
Van Helsing lets his bolt fly then easily reloads it.
Hvy Crossbow: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Magic and Silver Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
-Posted with Wayfinder
Varuna Varghese |
Varuna climbs up onto the casket and pulls a small fragile bag out of his pack before tossing it at the oni. It bursts upon contact into a spray of sticky glue.
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
GM Zinou |
Thank you for the link, Varuna. It's always appreciated :)
Fimbir misses again and the celestial wolf misses as well, meanwhile Archon channels energy to heal the living. Van Helsing and Varuna prove more efficient, however.
Despite the glued bag, the oni seems to still be able to move a bit.
Ref save DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
ROUND THREE - The Judge - Fight! - Aiden and Nemis are up!
Varuna [30/33]: Throws a tanglefoot bag and hits!
Fimbir [43/43]: Blasts and misses!
Van Helsing [40/40]: Attacks and hits!
Archon [31/31]: Channels to heal 11 HP!
Aiden [20/25]: ?
Nemis [23/23]: ?
--------------
THE JUDGE ! [@24, entangled]
--------------
Archon the Divine Caller |
Finally updated map for slight movement and including the wolf.
Aiden Richter |
Aiden grins as he sees the wolf appear and distract the judge. "Get to that gong!" he shouts before driving his knives at the judge. As his knives extend, he tries to flick some of the tanglefoot glue into the man's eyes.
Forgo sneak attack damage to try and blind him via dirty trick.
Attack (TWF, ST, flank): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 10
Damage (ST): 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Attack (TWF, ST, flank): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 21
Damage (ST): 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Dirty Trick (DF, ST): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 1 = 17
-Posted with Wayfinder
Nemis |
With the tide turning, Nemis opts to keep pressure via the wand. Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Zinou |
Keep your missile, Nemis.
Hearing a loud "Judgement has fallen", the judge raises his hands. "I call the encounter. You are not disqualified but I mark you with a glyph of regret."
After that, he takes the gong’s mallet and hits the gong. The whirlwinds in the alcoves stop and he waves toward one of them.
"Continue, adventurers. You fought well, but not well enough."
Glyph of regret: you all take a –2 penalty on Will saves until the end of the event.
Approximately 100 feet down the tunnel accessed through the alcove, the passage begins to slope down ever so slightly.
Please make me a marching order. You don't have to carry the casket anymore.
Fimbir |
Fimbir frown again. Drat. Another glyph.
Varuna, Aiden, do you need help. That looks like it stings. Fimbir says, offering out his wand. He bows to Feng, wand still outstretched, then moves to hurry down the slope.
Fimbir is fine in the second or third rank. Could be further back if a lot of people want to be in front, but let's say just to keep things moving Fimbir's third down the passage.
Nemis |
Nemis in the middle.
Upon hearing about the mark, "I do indeed regret, but it is my lack of training that I regret. I must learn to focus my power more. I must learn to build my reserves. I am sorry friends. I have let you down."
Varuna Varghese |
Varuna can be in the front to scout ahead for traps and such.
Before they continue down the passage, Varuna asks Archon to activate his wand for him. He then chugs down a vial that helps his eyes focus on fine details. He takes the lead to scout ahead, blending into the shadows as he goes, rapier at the ready, just in case.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Extract of Heightened Awareness
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Take 10 on Perception for 25 (26 vs traps), as he searches ahead.