Gladiators of Zirnakaynin PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

The PCs are slave gladiators in the famed Drow city, fighting to survive and win glory (and perhaps, eventually, freedom) in the arena, whilst becoming embroiled in the intrigues of their drow masters between bouts. Skewed a lot towards the 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' TV show style and pseudo-Roman gladiator styles.


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News that he's to be featured in the House Sardavic games makes the big orc's heart swell with pride. He pours himself into his training harder than ever in the days to follow, returning to the cells each night exhausted but with dreams of glory on his mind. I will crush you Omargos and be named the champion of this ludus...

***

Below the arena Segovax says nothing as final preparations are made. Clad in nothing but his loincloth and heavy balteus, the huge orc's oiled rippling form is almost motionless as he waits for the signal for them to enter the arena. Enter and seize glory!


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

Lorelei complains to Nathrae after a few days of basically being ignored by Pharnox pass. "Allright, new plan. I am going to give up on trying to impress him with my mediocre martial skills and instead just focus on my arcane talents. Maybe if I excel in the arena, it won't matter how I do it, as long as I please the audience."

******************************************************************

When Aspexia starts talking about the upcoming games, Lorelei frowns at the mention of 'entertainment'. "Oh, how wonderful" Lorelei sighs. "You know, I really do like having sex, I just don't like being put on display while having it and I much prefer to be able to choose my partner."

********************************************************************

On the day of the event, Lorelei takes extra special care with her appearance, wanting to look her best going into the arena. After all, actual fighting was only half of what the day was about, the other half was about looking for the audience. She spends quite a bit of time on her hair and oiling up her body, she will also assist Nathrae with oiling up and primping as well.

Sczarni

Male Halfling Summoner 1 | AC: 15/12/14 | HP: 10/10 | F +1, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs fear, +4 vs mind-affecting from good outsiders) | CMB -3, CMD 8 | Init +1 | Perc +2

Radric spends the next few days honing his physical skills, his magic ignored. Though his rudem is a dead giveaway that he can use the arcane arts, he knows that his limited spellcasting and his lack of any impressive-looking evocations are not what will sway the crowd to his side. His dance is. He focuses on it exclusively, doing his best to practice with different people who use different styles... and a different sort of style practice some nights with Aspexia.

*****

The day of the event arrives. Despite all his training, Radric is as nervous as a blushing bride-- well, as nervous as he assumes a blushing bride would be. This is it, he tells himself. The first big fight. That one a week ago was just practice. This... this is the real thing. With a real audience. That's the part he's most nervous about: the crowds. The fight he can handle, or at least he hopes he can. He waits for Aspexia to return with the numbers, in the meantime checking and re-checking his armor, making sure it's fastened. When that's done, he twirls his kukri to calm his nerves.


Female Half-Orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 1; HP 13/13; AC 11/ T 11/ FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3; CMB +1, CMD 12; Per +1, Init +1; Speed 30 ft;
Enlarged, Mage Armor:
Init + 0; AC 13/TT 13/FF 13; Ref +0; CMB +2, CMD 12

[Earlier] Jade receives Lorelei's jab with good humor despite her usual cold demeanor. She returns in kind, dropping the practice blade and going for a punch to the throat. It connects solidly. Jade is surprised, and a little taken aback. Her mouth forms a small smile at the corner, but evidently for her own power, not the inflicting of pain on Lorelei.

SLAM: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18 [Str, tuition]
SAAGH! (non-lethal): 1d3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 3 = 6 [Str, tuition]

*****
[NOW]
Jade prepares for the coming combat by communing with her mask, letting its eldritch power infuse her with its magic's. Deciding the long prongs are flamboyant, and a distinct liability- she snaps them expertly, and grinds them against the stone floor to make new points.

Take 10 - Craft (mask) = 15.

She places the mask over her head, invokes the blessings of Secothbenoth, speaks the words of the magics that will aid her…

[casts mage armor and enlarge person]


M Dwarf Drillmaster of the Order, Rough, gruff and blunt. He is a harsh and boisterous dwarf and expects much from new recruits. Often earning their ire for a time.

The dwarf merely dons his helmet and mutters under is breath, you think it's something about durned elves and their snakes or Tentacle fetishes.


Male Halfling Transmuter 3

Hull sets Rich down before going into battle. He decides to not cast any spells before combat, preferring to save them for the afternoon match.


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Nathrae tries not to hold her crushing loss against Segovax--indeed, he's shown her a thing or two. Sure, it hurt, but being bear-hugged by a giant half-orc tends to do just that. And besides, she managed to knock his weapon out of his hands--that had to count for something.

Still, Pharnox's favouritism towards her makes Nathrae feel a twinge of... something. Guilt? Guilt towards failing to help Lorelei?

...perhaps. She keeps it to herself, until Lorelei reveals her new plan to her. "Perhaps that would be for the best. There are other ways to catch his eye, I think."
------------------------
Aspexia's mention of 'entertainment' causes Nathrae to cringe. "That word could have many different meanings here... perhaps it involves sex, perhaps it involves an execution."

"And I'd agree--" She steps next to Lorelei. "--it's more fun when you get to choose."
------------------------
Nathrae busies herself with getting her manica & greaves on. As Lorelei helps her oil her body up, she tries not to stare so much at her curves. It wouldn't do to be distracted before their first real match...

"Lorelei... you understand the tongue of the surfacers, yes? Would you please teach me how to speak it once we finish today?" She asks while putting on her sandals.


Kyzrak helped Aspexia with a few last-minute pointers in the use of her trident - "Just remember, the pointy ends go in the snakes," he couldn't resist saying. Then he, too oiled up for their first match, avoiding the areas where his blood-red manica and balteus sat so that they didn't slide around. A bit of chalk for his hands, and he was ready. He spent a bit of time watching Lorelei and Nathrae prepare with an insouciant grin.

He nodded to the halflings as they waited for their gate to be opened, one his roommate, the other a capable sparring partner. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall," he said cheerfully in broken Taldane. "Just don't get caught under them when they do."

Before the gates opened, he made a small prayer to Abraxas, Andirifhku and Zevgabizeb, promising them the blood of his enemies if they aided him in his efforts.


Male Halfling Transmuter 3

Hull grins at Kyzrak. "Wise words. I will do my best."

The Exchange

Just a note: Aspexia hasn’t tumbled into bed with Radric (or anyone) yet... she’s been too busy training for one thing... ;)

It’s five to one against you or Hull surviving the day,’ Aspexia says to Radric as she reappears, ‘four to one against for Ivan, three to one for most of the rest of us, but only two to one against survival for the drow,’ she shrugs, and flashes a smile in Kyzrak’s direction, adding by way of explanation, ‘I guess there’s some local bias in there... fewer want to be seen betting against their own kind... or betting that a dwarf or halfling will live. Give me the coin you want to invest and I’ll spread it around a few of the...’

Ah – at last!’ Aspexia is interrupted as Rannolu’launim sweeps into the room (along with a cloud of rose-scented perfume) this time his beautiful form clad in official-looking flowing robes of crimson silk, although they’re open to reveal his smooth chest (glittering slightly in the torchlight due to a dusting of gold flecks on his dark skin) and a decorative gold chain linking his pierced nipples. Around his neck is a bejewelled amulet bearing the staff and serpents symbol of Socothbenoth, and many gem-encrusted gold rings adorn his fingers. In his hands he carries a thick tome bound in deep red leather, which he opens and glances down at, moving the black-feathered silver-nibbed quill pen in his other hand over to scratch flowing script across the page (seemingly without the need for ink...).

‘... Narsius, Lorelei... and the dwarf, Ivan, of course...’ he mutters to himself as he writes, glancing up to count off heads, pointing the feathered end of his quill as he does so.

Once he’s finished, he looks up again, and finally takes the time beam a smile at the assembled gladiators, ‘Marvellous,’ he declares, ‘simply marvellous!’ His gaze lingers on Jade’s mask for a few moments, ‘It reflects the pain in your soul, doesn’t it?’ he asks, seemingly lost in his contemplations, ‘exquisite...’ he remains quiet for a few moments longer, as if he were appreciating some great work of art, then looks to Jade herself and adds, ‘... if you survive the day, I really must ask your Mistress about inviting you to my playroom... you’d love it... I have so many toys...’

‘... but,’ he glances back to his open ledger again, ‘there are other games to indulge in today. You’re to be divided into three groups of four for your assigned beast fights this morning, and I’ve yet to receive your groupings...’ he looks up again, ‘... your lansita isn’t here?’ he seems to notice for the first time, then shakes his head, ‘well that won’t do at all! No... I need to get these groupings recorded and delivered to the editor immediately! Really, this is all such a bother!’ he shakes his head again, a frown creasing his brow as he stands, quill poised above page, ‘Come now, you must have some idea of who is fighting with whom? I’d hate to have to bump your ludus from the listings completely...’

Aspexia steps close to Kyzrak,

I think I’d feel safer fighting with you by my side,’ she whispers, ‘if we’re to have a say in the matter.’

This is great news!’ pipes up the dusky-skinned youthful half-elven thraex, Zandu, his dark violet eyes seeming to sparkle as he excitedly adds, ‘the fewer we are, the more attention we’ll each get from the crowd!

From where he’s sitting, tightening a leather thong on his wrist-bindings, the bronzed Taldan Narsius snorts dismissively as he retorts without even looking up, ‘The only attention you’re likely to get, boy, is when your prattling head is parted from your shoulders...’

Zandu scowls at the moody scizore, the expression almost amusing due to the small patch of black beard and thin moustaches he’s obviously tried to grow to counter his youthful visage, but the Ulfen Ragnar chimes in first, with a loud yawn,

Ragnar cares not who he fights beside... the rest of you can argue who gets honour of fighting beside Ragnar, yes?’ he leans back where he sits and is soon snoring...

Rann glances around the group expectantly, quill poised,

Well?


"No complaints from me," Kyzrak whispered back to Aspexia, eyeing the rest of the gladiators consideringly. His eyes skimmed past Segovax and Nathrae; too good a chance they'd get shown up with those two in the mix. "Let's get Radric and either Hull or Jade in our group, too. That way we've got plenty of blades and a bit of magic as well." Kyzrak waited for the more experienced gladiator to respond with approval or disapproval before (possibly) gesturing a surreptitious invitation to the ones he had mentioned.


Segovax looks over the assembled gladiators. After doing some quick calculations he makes his suggestions. See discussion.

”That should leave the crowd entertained while we slaughter these beasts”, the big orc explains.


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

After asking for a translation of Segovax's words, Nathrae smiles and nods. "I like the sound of those..."

She moves to stand next to Segovax, gesturing for Lorelei & Hull to do the same.

She also allows herself to look Seg up and down again before offering a handshake.


Segovax snorts as Nathrae studies his oiled form, enjoying a moment to do the same to her. He nods to whoever did the translation before meeting the dark elf’s hand with his own meaty grip.

”Fight well and, if you have to, die well.”


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

Lorelei will join her aforementioned group and do a little translating for Segovax.

Glances over at Nathrae. "Maybe the half-orc should sit in on our lessons while I teach you the surface tongue. He could learn a bit of ours too so we don't need to keep translating. That could be too time-consuming in a hard fight."


Male Halfling Transmuter 3

Hull moves over to join his new group. "I think we should form a V once the battle starts. Lorelei and I as the point, and Nathrae and Segovax positioned such that anybody who wants to charge us has to take their chances with both of you. Most of the spells I can use repeatedly are ranged. I'll hit reliably, but it may take a while for the damage to add up. What about you Nathrae and Lorelei? What kind of spells do you use?


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7
Segovax wrote:
”Fight well and, if you have to, die well.”

Nathrae smirks. "Likewise."

Lorelei wrote:
"Maybe the half-orc should sit in on our lessons while I teach you the surface tongue. He could learn a bit of ours too so we don't need to keep translating. That could be too time-consuming in a hard fight."

Nathrae nods, a smile on her face as usual.

Hull wrote:
"What about you Nathrae and Lorelei? What kind of spells do you use?"

"Mostly invoking the might of Flauros to guide my blade." Nathrae taps her gladius against her shield. "I have a spell that allows my sword to burn anyone I hit with it--however, I can also just light my hand on fire and touch them with it."

"I can heal others, but I'll save that for after the match, if needed."


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

"Magic armor for myself, grease, a minor acid spell and that sticky, acidic ball. I doubt that my dancing lights or prestidigitation will be very useful in a fight. Oh, and uh, passing silent messages when needed. I don't usually advertise that one to the guards though."


Male Halfling Transmuter 3

"I know the 'minor acid spell' well, it is the centerpiece of my tactics as well. And a pool of grease will come in handy too; armor already avails nothing against the acid spell; if you deny the enemies the benefit of their mobility as well..."

Sczarni

Male Halfling Summoner 1 | AC: 15/12/14 | HP: 10/10 | F +1, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs fear, +4 vs mind-affecting from good outsiders) | CMB -3, CMD 8 | Init +1 | Perc +2

Whoops, my bad heh. He'll keep hitting on her though. He's mostly given up on Lorelei-- he saw how she treated the dwarf! :)

"Works for me." He hops to Kyzrak's side. "Jade will make a good addition to us too," he says after the other team is assembled. "They've got one big half-orc, we ought to have the other." He nudges Jade's calf affectionately with his elbow, her knee now almost at eye-level due to her spell.


M Dwarf Drillmaster of the Order, Rough, gruff and blunt. He is a harsh and boisterous dwarf and expects much from new recruits. Often earning their ire for a time.

4 to one fer me aye? Bah, here, 10 silver on meself. I'll show these durned underelves he pauses looks to the drow gladiators,

er, no offense meant to ye of course, just how tough a dwarf can be. I don't particularly care who I end up fightin' with. Though a bit of magic is always appreciated.

Sczarni

Male Halfling Summoner 1 | AC: 15/12/14 | HP: 10/10 | F +1, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs fear, +4 vs mind-affecting from good outsiders) | CMB -3, CMD 8 | Init +1 | Perc +2

He got so caught up in the choosing of teams, he almost forgot to make his bets. He turns to Aspexia and pulls out a coinpurse. "I'll put ten silver on myself. Which means both of us need you to get through this," he adds with a wink.


Female Half-Orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 1; HP 13/13; AC 11/ T 11/ FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3; CMB +1, CMD 12; Per +1, Init +1; Speed 30 ft;
Enlarged, Mage Armor:
Init + 0; AC 13/TT 13/FF 13; Ref +0; CMB +2, CMD 12

Jade nods to Rann as he enters, holds her head to the side when he comments favourably on her mask, and bows deferentially at the mention of later, possible entertainments.

Of course. If any of us survive the next fight will be entertainment enough.

Jade looks down at the halfling by her side. Her face is hidden, all except her dull eyes obscured by the ibex skull. She does not move away however, just nods again.

Well and all. A champion for Jade. My thanks Little One. May you live to see Jade rise...

As I said in Discussion, I'm easy asto the composition of any group I'm in...


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Nathrae grins when she hears of the betting. "Ten on Radric and ten on Segovax." She takes her coin pouch out of her breast band and hands it off to Aspexia.

"I'm not betting on myself--might be considered bad form."

The Exchange

Right... good, good... that’s fine...’ Rann mutters as he scribes the details of the three groups into his ledger. He finishes writing, blows on the ink (assuming it is ink in the pen...) for a moment, then slams the book shut and looks up at you all with a grin, ‘just remember,’ he offers as he leaves the room, ‘be fabulous out there!

As Aspexia takes the details of the last few bets (include wagers from Narsius and Ragnar... once someone wakes him...) and hurries off to find an appropriate bookmaker or two, Pharnox returns, a scowl on his face,

Good Rannolu’launim just hurried past me saying something about already having your groupings for the beast fights!’ he shakes his head, ‘You better pray to whatever entities will have you that you picked well, or Mother will have the hides of any survivors! Not to mention mine...’ the last he adds under his breath...

***

One after the other, the three groups are taken to the gates leading into the arena, unaware of what fate has befallen those who came before them (but passing the occasional discoloured and bloated gladiator corpse still with several venomous-looking snakes squirming over it being dragged – by hooks and chains through the ankles – below, or similar disquieting sights, on their way...). Once gathered at the base of the stone tunnel leading upwards to a metal gate and the arena beyond, the gladiators are handed their weapons by the attending guards. The yells, cheers, shouts, cries, boos, hisses and, occasionally, applause of the crowd gets louder and louder as the gladiators make their way onwards, upwards, and towards their destinies...

One of the largest structures in the city, the arena boasts a massive dome of patterned crimson glass, segmented into eight pieces by gargantuan supports of cruelly bladed iron. Below the dome are tiers of seats: those surrounding the editor’s box at one end of the arena reserved for the nobility (and mostly empty so early in the day), whilst the wealthiest of the common drow claim the seating nearest the action, and their less well-off brethren higher and higher seating, until the non-drow visitors to the city, and even slaves, are high in the topmost ‘nosebleed seats’ where (judging by how small they seem from the arena floor) the gladiators themselves can probably only be identified by their dress and styles. Looking around, it appears that the poorest members of society are filling up their seats earlier in the day – some already pushing and shoving (and knifing...) for better seats – whilst the more wealthy attendees will likely drift in later, to watch the ‘more important’ matches later in the day, safe in the knowledge that their coin, influence and power reserves them the seating they deserve. Even half-empty as it seems to be, the Cyclic Sublime must be hosting thousands... all waiting for you to entertain them, or die, or both...

The grand arena – The Cyclic Sublime – is said to be famous for being able to rearrange its central circular ‘performance’ area, a full hundred and fifty feet or more in diameter, to become suitable for anything from an opera, to a demonstration of fine torture art, to a mock sea battle... today, as suits the opening of a new season of gladiatorial games, it sports a basic configuration: a sand-covered floor surrounded by fifteen feet high stone walls, with four entrance gates spaces evenly. Banners of pink and red, sporting the image of an eyeless snake coiling round a staff which is Socothbenoth’s unholy symbol, adorn the walls: testament to House Sardavic’s presentation of the games in honour of their demonic patron.

As you step upon the sand you can feel the heat and smell the sweat of the crowds, and hear cries (a few cheers, but mostly insults and chants that you’re going to die) directed towards you, even as the editor calls your names from far off in the noble’s box...

***

Group 1: Aspexia, Jade, Kyrzak, and Radric

From the ludus of Loscivia, enter: Aspexia retiarius, Jade peregrinus, Kyzrak diamachaerus, Radric rudiarius!’ calls out the editor, as you take the sands (Jade stomping in at giant size, having cast her spells just before entering).

Holding her net loosely, and her trident tightly, Aspexia frowns slightly as she steps onto the sands, closing her eyes as she asks,

Can you hear that? In the cries of the crowd... something... something like a song?

You move towards the centre of the arena, as you were taught, until, when you’re about fifty feet in (twenty five feet from the centre) the gate opposite grinds open. An ominous hissing fills the arena, and the crowds both laugh and cheer as first one, then another, giant snake’s heads emerge from the darkness of the tunnel beyond the gate, their forked tongues flickering from between fangs dripping venom, even as their golden eyes eagerly seek you out... The snakes both leap forward as one... which turns out to be the literal truth, as it is revealed that each of the two snake heads is attached to either end of one massive serpent’s body – near fifteen feet in length – a serpent that side-winds rapidly across the sands towards you, even as the editor calls out, ‘Begin!

Knowledge (arcana) DC 14:
You recognise the two-headed snake as an amphisbaena a lethally venomous serpent said to have been birthed from the blood of medusas. They’re immune to petrification and resistant to cold and, if sliced in half, both halves continue to function until they re-join as one (or a sole surviving half grows a new second head). They’re tough, but vipers not constrictors, and despite their large size have no longer reach than an average melee fighter.

The two-headed giant snake is fifty feet away when the combat begins...

Roll Initiative and declare actions, as before, please... and try not to get bitten!

***

Group 2: Lorelei, Narsius, Nathrae and Segovax

From the ludus of Loscivia, enter: Lorelei peregrinus, Narsius scizore, Nathrae murmillo, Segovax peregrinus!’ calls out the editor, as you take the sands.

You move towards the centre of the arena, as you were taught, until, when you’re about fifty feet in (twenty five feet from the centre), the sands shift about fifty more feet in front of you as a concealed trapdoor, fifteen feet square, swings open, and a cage is raised into place. Inside the cage, seemingly barely contained, is a huge (elephant-sized) monster, with a multitude of angry snake-like heads rising from a single, sleek, serpentine body...

Knowledge (arcana) DC 14:
You recognise the creature as a hydra, a lightning fast creature which bites with its multiple heads (although, thankfully, isn’t known to be venomous). It heals before one’s very eyes (faster the more heads it possesses) and to kill it either the body must be slain, or all its heads must be severed... although the stumps of severed necks must be seared with copious amounts of fire or acid in order to prevent two new heads rapidly growing in place of the one severed. Despite its huge size, its reach, while significant, is no more than a man with a longspear.

At a gesture from the editor of the games, the four sides of the creature’s cage separate and fall to the sands, releasing it to attack as the crowds cheer for blood and the editor calls out, ‘Begin!

Roll Initiative and declare actions, as before, please... and try not to get bitten (multiple times)!

***

Group 3: Hull, Ivan, Ragnar and Zandu

From the ludus of Loscivia, enter: Hull rudiarius, Ivan peregrinus, Ragnar murmillo, Zandu thraex!’ calls out the editor, as you take the sands.

You move towards the centre of the arena, as you were taught, until, when you’re about fifty feet in (twenty five feet from the centre), the gate opposite grinds open. With a tortured cry and the sounds of multiple whip cracks, a pitiful and bloodied creature is herded into the arena. The creature has the body of an attractive platinum blonde elven woman from the waist up, and that of a powerfully muscled golden serpent (a full twenty feet long) from the waist down, although it’s now covered in bloody wounds, bruises, and burns evidently having been brutalized. The ragged remains of white feathered wings drip blood from the creature’s shoulders, even as she fearfully drags her shattered form across the sands towards you.

Knowledge (planes) DC 17:
You recognise the creature as a lillend, a variety of ‘azata’ (freedom loving celestials from the chaotic good plane of Elysium) said to be muses to artists and musicians of all kinds, and possessed of powerful bardic abilities themselves... although this one doesn’t look like she’s had the chance to rest in quite some time... Apart from their mystical abilities to charm people and converse with plants and animals of all sorts, lillends are immune to electricity, petrification, and poison, and resistant to both cold and fire (this one being burned suggests that someone went all out in torturing her). If forced into physical confrontation, a lillend’s serpentine form is a powerful constrictor, with twice the reach of an average man.

As the crowds of dark elf spectators whoop and cry out for the angelic creature’s blood and painful death, she stops undulating towards you when she’s about fifty feet away, seeming to notice you standing there for the first time as she finally looks away from her tormentors somewhere behind her. With a pitiful look in her tear-stained eyes she glances at each of you in turn, and forces out a choked appeal,

Please you... you don’t have to kill me! Please don’t let me die...’

Even as the editor of the games calls out, ‘Begin!’, young Zandu takes an unsteady pace forwards and murmurs,

She’s right... isn’t she? We... we don’t have to kill her? We won’t kill her... will we?

Sense Motive DC 25:
... aaannndd... Zandu’s been charmed...

Roll Initiative and declare actions, as before, please... and try not to get crushed (either physically or by the weight of your own conscience)!


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Um... how many heads does our monster have? 'Cause this could get ugly, real quick...


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
lasts for: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Protoplasm last for 2 rounds, doing 1 pt of acid damage per round and entangles it like a tanglefoot bag.

Lorelei looks carefully at the creature, racking her brain for information on it. "Guys, it looks like a Hydra, whenever you chop off a head we will need to sear the stumps of severed necks with a lot fire or acid in order to prevent two new heads rapidly growing in place of the one severed."

She will move within 30 ft of the hydra and throw sticky ball of protoplasm at it.

The Exchange

Nathrae Khalazza wrote:
Um... how many heads does our monster have? 'Cause this could get ugly, real quick...

Twenty-eight... or five... let's go for five... :)


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

@ProfPotts: Oh, THAT'S a relief. XD

Round 1: Actions
Standard Action: Cast sun metal
Swift Action: Performance Combat Check!
Move Action: Move forward 30 ft, staying out of the hydra's reach!

Initiative!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Nathrae pales at the sight of the five-headed beast, but once Lorelei mentions needing fire or acid, her face lights up.

"Perfect!" She readies her gladius.

"Flauros, your daughter begs for your fiery caress..." She intones, holding her gladius aloft. Sparks run along the length of the blade before it glows orange and spits fire!

Performance Combat (Energy Damage Appearance!): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

She then moves next to Lorelei as she throws her ball of protoplasm at it, a wild grin on her face.

Lorelei, I think you can make a Performance Combat check as a swift action for throwing that protoplasm at the hydra.


Is it too late for Kyzrak to bet his 10 silver on himself? If he can do that before we enter the arena, he will.

"Two of us for each of its heads. Let's see if we can flank them both, eh?" Kyzrak remarked, gesturing for Aspexia to take the one on the right with him, while he eased out to the side, whirling both his gladii. "Do any of you know what it is? Poisonous, or a constrictor, or both, or worse? Special powers? Favorite meals?"

Unless anyone has any bright ideas, Kyzrak will ready his action for when the snake thing reaches us, then 5'step to its side and full attack.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

gladius #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Possible +2 with flanking, if someone takes the other side?
chop chop: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

gladius #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 +2?
hack hack: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The blood thundered through Kyzrak's veins as possible death approached, putting a wicked grin on his face. He stood motionless, his stance balanced and ready, until the snake reached them - and then he exploded into action, a whirlwind dance of blades that served to ward him from the snake's retaliation even as his gladii sought to pierce its scaly hide and tear a ragged furrow through its neck.


Init: 1d20 ⇒ 10

This is going to be another one where relative init matters a lot.

Attack (includes bless): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23
Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

If Segovax begins his turn within 5-foot of the hydra:
With the beast already on top of him, Segovax has little choice but to seize the opportunity and the glory. With a roar, he steps forward and cleaves into the hydra’s scaly torso.

If Segovax begins his turn outside a 5-foot step of the hydra and nobody else is within melee range:
Removing one hand from the haft of his weapon, Segovax pounds his chest with a meaty thump and salutes the crowd. He roars a defiant challenge at the beast.

Intimidate (minus size penalty): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 4 = 20

If Segovax begins his turn outside a 5-foot step of the hydra but somebody else is within melee range:
Not to be outdone, Segovax roars and thunders into melee with the beast, bringing his giant curved blade to bear. Rage for +2 to attack and +3 to damage.


Female Half-Orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 1; HP 13/13; AC 11/ T 11/ FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3; CMB +1, CMD 12; Per +1, Init +1; Speed 30 ft;
Enlarged, Mage Armor:
Init + 0; AC 13/TT 13/FF 13; Ref +0; CMB +2, CMD 12

Jade nods at the drow male's suggestion and follows suit, waiting for the oncoming abomination and then stepping to the side and following with a two-handed chop with her fearsome blade. Sadly her timing is poor, her action slow and aim completely off.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Standard Action: Ready Action.

Then 5' step and attack, to flank if possible with Kyzrak.

CHOPP!: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 1 = 9 [+2 Str, -1 enlarge person]
SPLOPPT: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5 [+3 two-handed]


Male Halfling Transmuter 3

"Maybe not."
Hull points his finger at the creature and chants some arcane words.

Casting merciful jolt.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
attack roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

Forgot to roll Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Performance combat if now was a good time to roll it?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13


M Dwarf Drillmaster of the Order, Rough, gruff and blunt. He is a harsh and boisterous dwarf and expects much from new recruits. Often earning their ire for a time.

aye, that we don't lad, but we do have to win, and I feel that her, or its, death here would be more merciful than a continued existence of what it endures now... If they let it live either way.

dwarfnitiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Ivan will sling his shield to his back and grasp his warhammer in both hands, deciding a mighty blow to end this quickly would perhaps end better than a war of attrition, plus, the locals seem to love it. He will move up slowly, reading an attack action for when the creature gets near.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 aw

damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

if confirmed add the below damage to the above
damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (4, 4) + 12 = 20

perfomance: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Sczarni

Male Halfling Summoner 1 | AC: 15/12/14 | HP: 10/10 | F +1, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs fear, +4 vs mind-affecting from good outsiders) | CMB -3, CMD 8 | Init +1 | Perc +2

As the gate drops, he closes his eyes. He'll have plenty of time to watch the creature. He limbers up his muscles, relaxing them. He hits his kukri against his rudiarius and twirls in place, feeling the sand beneath his feet. I can do this.

Battle dance started.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Wary of the creature's probably-poisonous fangs, he moves in with Kyzrak.

Round 1: move to close, stabby-stabby

Kukri attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Confirmation: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19

Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Max Damage Performance Check: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 15

If confirmed:
Extra damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Crit Performace check: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

The Exchange

Group One: two heads are better than one... or splitting the difference...

Well... okay, everyone on your side readies an action until the thing’s within a 5ft step, but it starts 50ft away and only double-moves 40ft a round... so, we’re into round two when...

There are a few cries of derision from the spectators as the gladiators wait, seemingly frozen with fear, for the two-headed snake creature to side-wind within range... but then Kyzrak leads off, stepping forwards to intercept the monstrous serpent and swinging his lead gladius (‘cos you can’t ready a full attack!)... which slides harmlessly off the serpent’s iridescent green scales...

... But then, showing the drow how it’s done, Radric dances towards the creature, his kukri neatly slicing the thing in twain with a single well-placed blow! Both snake heads hiss wildly, their halves of the body thrashing around as if in pain, even as Radric is showered in blood and bile: the crowd cheer and laugh and applaud enthusiastically, their derision of a few moments past quickly forgotten.

The crowd is now Friendly towards the gladiators. I rolled an extra PCC for ‘first blood’ too, but no success I’m afraid (it’s a DC 19 to go from Friendly to Helpful with this size of crowd).

Aspexia seems distracted as she hurls her net, sending it sailing ineffectively over the top of the half of the snake nearest to Kyzrak. The Chelish woman backs a little away from the serpent(s), gripping her trident two-handed, as she peers around the audience,

Can you hear that?’ she asks, to no-one in particular, ‘The song... all those voices as one...’

Stepping over to flank Kyzrak’s half of the snake, Jade takes a swing, but the thrashing serpentine thing proves too difficult a target, and all she strikes is sand and the floor beneath...

... but it’s enough to get the thing’s attention. Darting out to strike Jade (as the largest target), the half-orc giantess gets another chance to attack, and she strikes true, slicing the half-snake in half again, this time along its length... thankfully those two halves (quarters?) look like they’re well and truly dead! Both Jade and Kyzrak are spattered in gore as the snake is bifurcated. Now that’s a sight that gets the the crowd whooping with delight, stamping their feet and standing to cheer the gladiators!

Rolled an AoO for Jade... and it was a confirmed critical. Also nailed the PCC, so the crowd’s now Helpful towards the gladiators.

The remaining half of the snake twists and strikes out at Radric, the venom-dripping fangs barely missing the halfling as he smoothly steps and twirls under the serpent’s striking form...

Well, okay then... you’re down to one half of the original thing. Radric is toe to toe with it, although Jade and Kyrzak are both within a 5ft step at his point too. Aspexia’s a little way off, being all weird and dreamy...

***

Group Two: headlong into... heads?

The crowd cheer and applaud as Nathrae dramatically ignites her blade and moves boldly towards (to within 20ft of) the deadly multi-headed monster...

The crowds are now Friendly towards the gladiators.

... but whatever the crowds think, the hydra just seems to see prey separating itself from the herd, as it quickly undulates forwards, all five heads biting and snapping at the bold murmillo. Nathrae manages to fend off not one, not two, but three heads... but the last two manage to slip by her guard, one biting deeply into her right thigh, the other her left shoulder... and it’s enough for her to drop to the sands... (Nathrae takes 14 Hit Points of damage and is down!)

Narsius seems to be hanging back, but when Segovax falls into his battle rage and charges the hydra, the scizore circles round the beast, to approach it from the other side. Heads lash out towards both Segovax and Narsius, but the head which strikes at the half-orc wildly misjudges and snaps at air above his head, and the head which tries to bite the Taldan finds itself fended off with the man’s scizore... Segovax’s own blow, however, slices deeply into the hydra’s body... although the wound starts to heal rapidly even as the half-orc pulls his blade free...

Moving forwards, Lorelei forms and hurls a sticky blob of protoplasm at the multi-headed monster with unerring accuracy... unfortunately the blob is far too small to affect something as huge as the elephant-size serpentine monster... Tanglefoot bags have no effect on creatures Huge or larger... sorry!

Round Two

With the mighty wound inflicted by Segovax already starting to close, the hydra lashes out at the half-orc and Narsius both... Two heads successfully biting the easy target presented by the raging half-orc (Segovax takes 15 Hit Points of damage), but the defence of the scizore proving too difficult to penetrate... then, as the hydra’s attacks lull, Narsius rapidly strikes out at the monster’s body, with scizore and dagger both, expertly opening up various vital-looking internal organs and causing the thing to hiss and writhe in pain and anger!

Segovax and Lorelei left to act in round two... Nathrae left to stabilize, we hope... Between Segovax’s attack and Narsius’s sneak attack the hydra is starting to look the worse for wear...

***

Group Three: hammer time (can't touch this)!

Before the others can act, Zandu moves between them and the winged-snake-woman, turning to face his companions as he says,

Don’t hurt her... and don’t make me hurt you...’

The snake-woman herself, undulates up behind the youthful half-elven thraex, and cowers behind him... much to the crowd’s disgust, as jeers and insults are hurled towards the gladiators...

With dwarfish determination, Ivan steps past Zandu, nimbly ducking under both the thraex’s swung falcata blow and the striking coils of the snake-woman’s powerful tail (twice, no less...), even as he stows his shield so that he can pound her with a mighty two-handed smash from his hammer. The hammer strikes the snake-woman around her ribs with a sickening sound of crunching bone, causing her to yell out in pain... and the crowd in delight!

The crowd are now Friendly towards the gladiators... well, not Zandu, but... you know what I mean...

Hull sends a jolt of electricity towards the snake-woman... but misses by a proverbial mile.

Shaking his head, Ragnar steps over to Zandu to smack the youth upside the head with his tower shield, knocking the thraex to the ground... and causing the crowd to cheer wildly at the unusual turn of events as the gladiators battle amongst themselves! The crowd turns Helpful! Looking down at the fallen thraex, Ragnar shakes his head again, and mutters,

Idiot...’

Round Two

Ragnar strikes at Zandu with the flat of his blade as the youth scrambles to regain his feet, but Zandu catches the blow on his own light shield, before completely ignoring Ragnar to move over to Ivan, shouting as he comes,

Leave her alone!

The snake-woman’s coils strike at Ivan again... and again the canny dwarf ducks them... (seriously... two ‘2s’ and a ‘1’ for her attack rolls so far...)

Ivan and Hull to act next. Ivan’s next to the ‘snake-woman’ with her and Zandu now flanking him. Ragnar’s within a move, and Hull’s still (as you’d expect) at spell-slinging range...


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
1d3 ⇒ 1

Growling in frustration as her acidic goo seemed to have no effect, Lorelei sends a splash of acid at the creature.


Sevogax staggers under the weight of his injuries. They were bad – serious enough that a lesser man would have been killed or at least incapacitated and dying - but Segovax was more than just a man. He was a beast and he knew he would be a champion or die trying. The big orc sucks in a ragged breath, due to the blood filling his lungs, and tightens the grip on his weapon before bellowing another roar and cleaving into the many-handed serpent again.

Rage round Two.

Slice: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 = 13


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Constitution: Stabilize! (Crowd Favour): 1d20 - 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) - 6 + 1 = 14

Somehow, Nathrae's injuries weren't enough to kill her--she's clinging to life. Barely.

Owie...


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Incidentally, Lorelei, you can make another Performance Combat check with the acid you threw.

The Exchange

Group Two

Ignoring his wounds, Segovax hacks into the hydra's scaly flesh once more, even as a splash of acid conjured by Lorelei sizzles into it's body. The great multi-headed monster hisses out an ear-piercing scream... but doesn't quite fall...

Round Three

Segovax manages to duck under the first snapping head to strike his way, but the second catches him, ripping great fang marks into his torso and dropping the half-orc to the sands... (Segovax takes 10 Hit Points of damage and is down... no Orc Ferocity, right?)

Narsius curses under his breath, barely fending off the three heads which attack him, his own attempts to strike back at the hydra proving ineffective now that it turns its full attention towards him (and he just lost his flanking buddy...)

'Damnation woman!' the Taldan yells towards Lorelei, even over the roars of the crowd crying out for (more) blood, 'Do something!'

Lorelei left to act in round three... Segovax looking to stabilize... and a hydra flaunting it's fast healing in the face of puny cantrips... ;)


Stabilize: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 = 19

Lungs punctured, belly torn open, and laying in a literal pool of his own blood, the massive orc refuses to die.


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

Seriously, whose idea was it to throw a f**king HYDRA at us?!


M Dwarf Drillmaster of the Order, Rough, gruff and blunt. He is a harsh and boisterous dwarf and expects much from new recruits. Often earning their ire for a time.

oh... well, maybe this thing is tougher than it looks....

Ivan will bring his shield down between him and the youth, as well as take a short step away from the gladiator and attempt to maneuver behind the lillend. He will drop into a defensive stance and shout.

Oy, lad ye really gonna attack ye companion in the arena fer this? Ifin' we don't finish it, it will only suffer more once IT, finishes US.

Ivan will take a 5ft step away from the charmed bozo so to keep him from flanking, or at least force him to allow Ivan an AoO if he wants to try and flank, and attempt to get into flanking with the lillend, he is also going to fight defensively. all modifiers have been calculated into one to hit bonus to make it easier to read. At least for me. AC is now 19.

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 +2 if flanking

damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10


Female Undine Cleric / 4 || Init: +1 / HP: 23/23 // AC: 14 / FF: 13 / Touch:11 / Saves: F: +4, R: +2, W: +8

I have nothing at all for this creature

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 9
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Unsure of what to do since her magic fails her in this fight, Lorelei moves up and attack the hydra with her short sword.


Spray: 1/1|Demoralize: 1/1|Female Drow Black-Blooded Oracle of Shadows 2|HP: 13/13|AC: 19/13/16|SR: 8|Saves: +0 Fort, +3 Ref, +2 Will (+2 vs. Enchant, -2 vs. Evil)|Init: +3|Perc: +7

...great. TPK ahoy...


M Dwarf Drillmaster of the Order, Rough, gruff and blunt. He is a harsh and boisterous dwarf and expects much from new recruits. Often earning their ire for a time.

welp, at least the NPC can get flanking again right?


Assuming she doesn't get dropped by the AoO.


"Aspexia! That song you're hearing is going to be your funeral song unless you snap out of it!" Kyzrak yelled, with a stray thought to what Loscivia would do to a daydreaming gladiator, but while he spoke to the gladiatrix he was focusing on the snake-half remaining. He tried scissoring off its head...

I don't suppose Kyzrak could use his last roll this round...

gladius #1 w helpful crowd: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13 +2 flank?
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

gladius #2 w helpful crowd: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 +2?
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

...but only managed to leap over its head to avoid its retaliation. He grimaced as Radric and Jade closed in for the kill...

I guess he's more distracted by Aspexia's weirdness than he thought. T_T
At least he didn't stab himself. This is not the time for hara kiri!

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