Office sign? Look around the area, do I see anybody?
Go up to the door and open it if its unlocked, otherwise bang on the door.
Not seeing anyone about, you move forward and check the lock. It is unlocked so you open it.
Inside you see two hulking men, one obviously a half-orc, and a man sitting behind a large desk, that if he was closer to the sea you would swear is a pirate.
http://a2beholders.net/wiki/images/8/8d/Lucca.jpg
The piritical man looks up, Help you two fellas? The summoner battles won't start until this afternoon.
"Battles, that's just the sort of thing we're interested in, does one have to be a summoner to participate? Who's the man that can decide whether we can partake of the battles?"
You see two more heavily armed warriors come out from the back, apparently somehow knowing that the front door was opened.
The piritical man looks back at them, Don't worry boys, seems we have some eager recruits for the show., turning back to you, Well Caldir, you have heard about the fabulous entertainment that will soon become the craze of Westcrown and want to get in on the ground level, eh? Or are you here as a talent agent to throw your strapping young friend here in the pit? We would make way more coin with you in there. "The star of the Trials fights for his life" or some such. Yes that would bring in a healthy crowd and a sea of coin. Of course if I just market, "Come see the famous Larazod at the Devildome" it would be true enough even if you don't get in and battle. What do you say, are you in for a few rounds or should I book the big fella here?
Do I believe this is Lucca?
"Sounds like you would make much fame and fortune using my name and our talents (gesturing towards Ragnar), what is in it for us? "
You have never seen him before in your life, but know of his noble family's long decline from greatness.
Lucca-In it for you? Indeed! I like your spirit if not your wisdom. You come here to my business sir, not I to yours. I assumed you were looking for an additional opportunity to show your talents, the stage being to tame for you, mayhap I was wrong? If so what does bring you a-knocking on my doors?
Try to determine his motivations. Will he give me something in exchange for a battle in the devildrome?
"We are here to fight and maybe do some other business. It sounds like we both can't fight, is that correct? Then perhaps we should observe today's battle so we can determine whether my friend Ragnar or I should fight? Then maybe we can fight next week, that would give more time for the word to get out and draw a bigger crowd."
Clearly he is primarily interested in making money and views you as leverage to do so. You realize that the fame you earned as Larazod will bring him a huge crowd and lots of 'action' on the betting side.
~huge smile~What a smart fellow, isn't he boys? I thought the very thing when I saw you walk through those doors. Larazod himself walks into my establishment can only mean I'm getting a fat wet kiss from Desna herself! Yes, why don't you watch today's battle between Mantrithor Thrax, the reigning champion, and Kartor the Conjurer. That should give you a good sense of what you can expect. Not that there should be any surprises. Mantrithor will wipe the deck with his foe as he has all the rest. Predictability is nice, but not when it comes to betting.~lets out a huge sigh~As for this 'other business', is it something you can share with me before I start promoting next week's match between the Legendary Larazod and his Blonde Barbarian against Thrax the Great? Want to make sure we don't have any conflict of interest going on.
"I heard you had something related to the late Aiger Ghaelfin, I would be interested in acquiring it or at least viewing it for a while if you are not interested in parting with it."
What do I know about his politics, does he support the Thrunes? How do I understand his reference to Desna, is it positive or is he making a derogatory remark?
As the goddess of luck, Desna has many followers and admirers of various stripes and stations. You know he is just commenting on how lucky he is that you walked into his office. You believe he is fairly apolitical, and just wants to make some coin and keep his family name afloat.
Aiger Ghaelfin? Yes, my family has been in possesion of an extremly life like bust of his for a few generations. Since the rise of House Thrune actually. Tell you what, you battle Thrax next week in the Hellcaller's Cup and I'll let you 'view' good old Aiger for as long as you like. Win-win, yes?
"Yes, win-win. Ragnar or I will battle Thrax next week."
Wait around to see today's battle!
Lucca shows you up to his 'private box', really just a less crappy seating area than the rest that is roped off from the regular seating areas. The entire crumbling edifice might sit 500 at full capacity, but today's match draws just a little over 100 souls. Lucca has some food and drink brought up for you, quite decent actually considering the location, as you wait for the match to begin. You notice that Ragnar sits intently at the edge of his seat, for once barely touching the provided sustenance. He appears to be counting out the size of the arena and its configuration. Following his gaze you see that the arena floor is about 100' in diameter-a circular combat arena encased in a cylindrical iron cage, the ceiling of which is 25' high and the walls of which are decorated with inward-facing blades and other serrated implements.
The walls look like they could be climed, but failure would be a painful option. In the center of the arena four wooden ramps converge to create an elevated stage, 15' off the ground. Given the amount of blood and gore stains on the stage you get the feeling this is where most battles tend to focus. Two identical pits line the east and west sides of the cage, each pit about 10' deep.
http://beta.ditzie.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=72277
Finally, after several hours of eating and waiting, and with Lucca continuing to check in on his guests, Lucca returns; apparently this time to stay.
Lucca-Well that's all done. Bet's are placed, what meager bets there are to take, and now we wait for "the Great Thrax" to crush his opponent. Dammned diabolist is so dominant that the betting lines are outrageous. Most of the money is to be made these days on seeing how many rounds the match will last, not if Thrax will lose or not. You can see the bust of Ghaelfin from here. See? He points to one of many alcoves that are filled with relatively well done stone busts. The one of Ghaelfin is by far the best and seems incredibly life like if somewhat battered by time.
With the blowing of fanfaire horns the two summoners are introduced-Mantrithor Thrax, a surprising large and well muscled man, clad in gladiator gear-leather buckles and straps-and oiled for battle. His long black hair is tied neatly in a ponytail and he carries a fine looking mithral quarterstaff with devil heads at the ends sporting matching ruby eyes.
The other-Kartor the Conqueror-looks much less grand, dressed in plain robes and looking rather bookish, just like the stereotype of a conjurer.
The two summoners step into the metal cages at the edge of the arena and the battle commences.
The battle does not last more than a few minutes as Mantrithor's swarming hordes of Lemures quickly overwhelm the various giant animals and minor monsters that Kartor is able to produce.
Lucca-See what I mean? Where's the sport in that? Thus small crowds and almost no decent action on the lines. Horrible! How can I ever make money like this?~looks at you~So are you in? Can I put the word out that Larazod the Undying, or his faithful Ulfen barbarian, will dethrone the mighty Thrax in the Hellcaller's Cup Finale?
To Lucca: "We are in. Does Thrax use the same tactics for every battle? Always lemures? Are there any rules, could someone stand in the cage to heal Ragnar or I, or cast other spells on us?"
To Ragnar: "Ragnar, I saw you closely observing the combat, we will talk tonight and make our decision about who should be our combatant, eh?"
To Lucca: "Thank you for your hospitality today, we will send word to you tomorrow morning on which of us will do combat with the summoned beasts of Thrax."
How many lemures did we witness him summon during this battle?
Lucca-Yes, always blasted boring lemures. As for rules, there aren't many but here they are:
Each summoner and his entourage stands in one of the protective
starting cages at the opposing sides of the arena. When
the starter’s horn blows, the participants summon a single
type of creature of their choice inside the cage, anywhere
within the range of their chosen spell. The opposing
monsters then attack each other until one destroys the
other. The rules expressly prohibit attacking the opposing
summoner; the Devildrome is a bloody arena, but one for
conjured gladiators, not civilized folk.
If one caster’s summoning spell runs out before a kill
occurs, that round is considered a draw. The remaining
monster or monsters must be dismissed, and then both
casters re-cast their summoning spells to summon the
same type of monsters they’d summoned in the previous
round and the fight starts anew. If one caster is unable to
continue a bout of draws with additional summonings, the
opponent wins. Summoners may employ delay tactics to
try to exhaust their opponent’s spells, but if their efforts
fail to entertain the crowd, the audience is sure to let the
caster know with a chorus of visceral boos or by throwing
debris into the cage.
There are no rules against casting further spells to enhance or
protect a summoned monster, and indeed it is a common
tactic for a summoner to position his creature just
immediately outside his cage and then reach through the
bars to provide helpful touch spells. Some participants
even bring along one or two auxiliary spellcasters with
them into their summoner’s cage for this exact purpose.
Scrolls, wands, and magic items are also permissible.
Of course with neither of you being summoners things will be a little more...interesting. One of you will stand in the fighting pit-you cannot take any actions or have spells cast upon you until the opposition, Thrax in this case, begins casting his summoning spell, at which point the battle begins and you must outlast Thrax's capability to conjure foes. If you can kill and or outlast all of his summonings you will be declared the victor.
As you say my friend, but I know what my answer will be.~grins eagerly~
You only saw 3 rounds, in which he summoned almost 20 lemures, all of which seemed abnormaly strong and the ones in the first round seemed hasted.
Lucca-Excellent, I look forward to your reply. I'm sure either one of you will be a huge draw. Just have to start working on the wording for the criers...
"Ok Ragnar, let's head back to the inn."
Ragnar follows at your side back through the gate where Denros looks you over, Didn't destroy the Dome, eh? That's probably for the best. It's one of the few semi-legitimate things going on these days in the Cader. Oh well, there's always tomorrow right?~he smiles at you~
You make it back to the Boot.
"Well Ragnar, who do you think should fight?"
~he looks at you in surprise~You need to ask? You seem to be a formidable foe and in a tight spot I would not want to face you alone. However, in an open arena my greater speed will be an advantage; plus they are devils...and I have debts to repay and not just to you. Those years in the canvass have built quite a large blance that the lords of Hell will need to repay and a bounty of devil flesh, even if it's just lemures, is a good down payment. Of course, you are the holder of the gelt and if you insist on facing them then I will support you. In any case, if you have coin to spare, probably a good idea to buy a few potions to improve our odds.
"As much as it pains me to admit it, I think you would be a combatant than me. You have several healing potions, I can give you more as well. If you fight close to the cage, I may also be able to use my healing wand on you. I was also thinking, that maybe a protection from evil potion and a haste potion would be useful. What type of armor do you have, maybe we can beef it up?"
Aye, I'll not be called a braggart but Gorum has given me gifts no doubt. You yourself are an excellent swordsman for one so lithe. Country strong we call it in my land. Your blades flick like and adder's tounge and deadlier than its fangs, no mistake! As for protection, I have worn my Da's mail shirt for many years and it has kept me safe through more battles than I can count. That being said, I have been considering putting on knight's mail. It will slow me some but it would grant me more protection from harm than me poor Da's shirt. I hate to set it aside, but it may be time.
"Ok tomorrow, we let Lucca know you will fight, then we go shopping, I also have a shield of faith potion in my possession that I can let you have."
It's going to be a loooong week... he says impatiently.
Time enough for a sip o' the grape and a meal?
Your move.
Let me know what you want to do over the week until the Hellcaller's Cup event.
Notify Lucca that Ragnar will fight.
Kill a lot of wild boars in the forest so Ragnar can level up a few more times.
Meet with the Nine Star Knights and see if there is any additional knowledge about Thrax and what other monsters he might be capable of summoning and see if we can learn strengths and weaknesses of lemures.
After we do that, head to magic shop to pick up some potions, etc
You send a runner to notify Lucca of your decision. It takes a little while because few are willing to enter the Cader but you finally find someone for the task.
No forests nearby, sorry!
NSK members don't know anything really about Thrax, but word on the street is that he has only ever summoned lemures.
You do learn about some of their abilities:
DR 5/good or silver
immune to fire, poison, mind-affecting effects
resist acid/cold 10
They are the least of devil-kind, but still formidable with 2 claw attacks a round and the ones that Thrax summons are said to be "extra" tough.
What do you look for at the shop?
Would like to sell the 11 MW bladed scarves, and 11 MW light crossbows (90% book value would be 6405gp)
Would like to buy some +1 Breastplate (believe that would be 1200gp)(it will let Ragnar keep his movement bonus and full dex bonus to AC)
Potions:
Righteous Might? (thought potions were for 3rd lvl and below spells)
Shield? like your idea but don't think you can have a potion for a spell with a target of "you", spell target must be creature(s)
2x Barkskin (600gp),
2x Blur (600gp),
5x Protection from evil (250gp),
5x Shield of faith (250gp)
Shield other (300gp)(if you allow shield other to be a potion)
Ragnar already has 5 CMW potions, I will give him my 6 CMW potions as well
*I am loaning Ragnar the Handy Haversack for the battle, so he can easily grab potions, I make sure he understands that if he drinks a Protection from Evil potion it will hedge out the evil creatures for 1 minute if he does not attack them, that will be plenty of time to drink whatever other potions he needs without being attacked
I would like to buy a Composite Long Bow with +2 Strength rating (300gp)
Is my Dexterity belt ready yet?
You are correct on the level 3 potion piece: " A potion or oil can be used only once. It can duplicate the effect of a spell of up to 3rd level that has a casting time of less than 1 minute and targets one or more creatures or objects."
Shield I thinks works per the above?
Ragnar offers you his chain shirt in return for the breastplate, Me Da would honor the exchange and maybe some day I can hand this down to a bairn of my own.
They have the bow on hand AND you belt is ready (bring on the DEX fury!).
Sweet on the Dex Belt and bow. I will sell the +1 chain shirt (990gp).
If you look at "shield" spell, the target is "you" rather than "creature(s)". If you want to allow it, will take 5 potions of shield at (250gp).
Counselor wouldn't "you" qualify as a "creature".
Regards,
Judge Welch
:)
After a full and busy week of shopping and preparation the day of the Hellcallers Cup has arrived. In addition to all your other activities, you have been kept busy at the Boot as a continual stream of visitors and looky-loos have visited you and either wished you well or asked about your strategy for beating the mighty Thrax. The street criers have been kept fully employed with the likes of "Come see the hero Larazod at the Devildome" or "The hero of the Six Trials takes on Thrax the invincible, live at the Devildome!". Even the Mayor stopped by the Boot to wish you well, creating an akward moment for Ragnar as he was reminded of how much time was lost in the painting.
You head to the Cader and the trip is fairly normal with the exception that both Captain Tuornos and Lieutenant Denros accompany you to the Devildrome along with a squad of 10 guards.
Tuornos-Both Denros and I look forward to seeing you in action with our own eyes for once, instead of just cleaning up the destruction you leave behind. Plus there will be a huge crowd and we need to make sure there is at least some security available.
"I am sorry to disappoint you Captain but Ragnar will be doing the fighting today, though I am sure he will not disappoint."
Arriving at the Devildome you are surprised to see a small street fair has been set up in front and that there is a legitimate hustle and bustle of trade going on as people prepare for the show.
Lucca comes out to great you and as he does there is a small cheer from the assembled crowd. He seems to know both Denros and Tuornos, although they don't seem to keen on letting others know that they know each other.
Tuornos heads into the stands after grabbing a bite to eat and a drink and Denros puts the squad to work getting set up at key areas on the street, Just in case, Caldir, just in case.
Lucca takes you into his office and further back to a room that has a view of the stadium and a small door that leads to the summoner's cage. You can rest here until the event. I'll have anything you want brought up to you while you wait. It shouldn't be more than an hour or so. Also, some VIPs will want to come up and say below before you take to the stadium.
"I am sorry to disappoint you Captain but Ragnar will be doing the fighting today, though I am sure he will not disappoint."
Tuornos-Damn! No offense Ragnar, I'm sure you will put on a good show, but there were a lot of wages placed on our friend Caldir here. Too many of my men have had to spend to much time cleaning up the "messes" he leaves. Usually with buckets, mops, and gravediggers if you catch my meaning.
RagnarNot to fret Captain. I know my craft and I'll provide you as much entertainment as Caldir here, and the good news is your boys won't have to do any of the cleaning!~smiles broadly~
"Thank you Lucca, we will be ready when you come for us."
About 20 minutes later there is a knock on the door and a beautiful woman comes in. You recognize her from dinner at the Baron's manse; it is the Lady Chammady Drovenge.
Chammady-Please excuse my interruption Caldir, but I couldn't live with myself it I didn't come in and wish the two of you Desna's blessing. Despite all the crier's halooing, I hear that it will actually be your man Ragnar that takes field today.~eyes him speculatively~I can't say as that I will be disappointed to watch him work, but I would be fascinated to see the infamous Caldir in action some day. She gives you a huge sexy smile.
Smiling back.
"So good to see you again Chammady, yes Ragnar will be doing the heavy lifting today and I am sure you will be impressed by his work in the arena."
Do I get the sense she follows Desna?
She clearly says that as a courtesy and is guessing that you follow Desna. You feel that she is impressed with your ability and probably put a large wager on the success of your fight today.
Any other VIPs coming? Do I know what odds they are giving us in the fight?
To Chammady: "I did not expect to find you at the Devildrome, do you regularly attend the games or did you make a special trip for us?"
I have been here before, but the games ended up boring me. Until...I heard you were to give battle. Even when I found out it was "just" Ragnar, the fact that your man would draw steel in the Dome was enough to draw me out again. I can't imagine that many others think you have a chance against Thrax, but that makes my wager all the sweeter. Knowing what I know about you justifies the amount of coin I have wagered. Don't dissapoint me boys. I'd hate to be cross with you, almost as much as you would hate it. Besides I dont' think it would help the image of the Ninen Star Knights if their champion's man fell to some feeble devils.
Before you can respond she disappears behind a closed door.
"Just" Ragnar, is it? I'll give these louts a show that will learn them a thing or two. If you hadn't spent so much on this breastplate I'd be tempted to go out there with just a codpiece and show them what a Linnorm man is capable of!
"That is pure foolishness Ragnar, don't take unnecessary risks and don't worry about putting on a show, just kill devils as quickly as you can and make it out alive, you shouldn't give a damn what these people think."
Aye, ane you are the king of wisdome indeed! I think you are right but my heart says other. If it were up to me, I'd give them a show to write in to the history books and all that, but as you say. Sure and steady wins the race. I'm ready. Let's go.
At that moment, Lucca opens the door and looks at the both of you, Are you ready? Nodding you assent he leads you down to the summoner's cage.
It's show time boys. Bring home Desna's fortune; gods know I've bet enough on you two. With that, he heads up to his box to watch the show.