Unbinding the Fetters - Disciples of Master Gond (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

The halfling nods and moves outside with the thuggee - leaving you alone.

After a cautious look out the door to make sure they're not being eavesdropped on, Javi turns to the group, looking them all over. Perception - to make sure they're not being watched/listened 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19.

When he speaks, it's a careful whisper, "Seems we need to decide what our goal is here, and what we're willing to do to accomplish that goal. I'm assuming every task set before us is a test of some sort. We were given the task of collecting the items on this list..." he holds up the list, "... but only enough money to purchase some of the items. My assumption was that this was a test of resourcefulness. If that's the case, then I'm open to whatever suggestions you have to get our hands on the remaining saffron, Frakdar."

After a cautious look out the door to make sure they're not being eavesdropped on, Javi turns to the group, looking them all over. Perception - to make sure they're not being watched/listened 1d20 + 8.

When he speaks, it's a careful whisper, "Seems we need to decide what our goal is here, and what we're willing to do to accomplish that goal. I'm assuming every task set before us is a test of some sort. We were given the task of collecting the items on this list..." he holds up the list, "... but only enough money to purchase some of the items. My assumption was that this was a test of resourcefulness. If that's the case, then I'm open to whatever suggestions you have to get our hands on the remaining saffron, Frakdar."

Spoken VERY quietly "Is there a reward for thieves being brought to justice, meaning caught in the act? If so we could potentially do both."

Just re-read my post and wanted to clarify. Javi's tone is genuine, not combative or condescending. He's genuinely open to other ideas.

My question is what can be done lawfully. If this pit fight is acceptable in this society, I have not problem with it. However, if it is simply a front for theft, that is not something that I can condone.

I have spent many years training and do not plan on throwing that all away to acquire some saffron. If this society is at all like Osirian, then this type of fighting, while not legally allowed, is commonly undertaken and thus accepted by the authorities. As such, I have no problem with it. If I am compensated for fighting, then I have no problem. If I am being paid to take part in a theft, that is not something that I will partake in.

"Lawful? It's lawful to sell people against their will around here… so as long as the city guards won't arrest you for that, you're fine with it?" He shakes his head, realizing that's beside the point for their current conversation. "If we wanna check in to see if there's some kind of reward for turning this deal sour, I'm fine with that. I gotta say, though, I'm mostly just concerned with making enough money… because if we don't have enough money, we're gonna end up having to either steal the saffron or heading back with our task incomplete."

He looks around at each person, still whispering, "I don't intend to fail."

Just for clarity - the cutpurse is only asking you to fight in a perfectly legal pitfight. The theft will be carried out by the thuggee while you keep the nobleman occupied.

And just restating, you don't have to do this. You could attempt to get the money another way - or go back to the others and say there wasn't enough - up to you guys.

The old LN vs CN dilemma. Follow the rules irrespective of their meaning and intention versus screw the rules, they are for sissies.

As I said, if we are fighting in a legal fight and I am getting paid to fight, then I have no problem. I will not be involved in a theft, but I am not asking where the money I am being paid to fight is coning from.

"It would seem we are going to pit fight for the money we need."

Seems like consensus - call the cutpurse back in when you're ready to move forwards.

Javi nods, cracking the door to call back the halfling, "Why don't you tell us about this pit fight? Weapons? Rules? Usual fighters? We're happy to make some money off the locals." Javi's words carry a hidden meaning for the halfling. Don't want to burden Frakdar's sensitive sense of lawfulness...

Bluff (innuendo for the halfling) DC 20 •  1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25.

The cutpurse re-enters, though the thuggee remains out the front. "The fight is simple, group combat in a circular arena. Hands are the preferred method of engagement, and although blood is welcome they tend to frown somewhat on deaths.... unless you are willing to raise the stakes?" throwing out the hook for you to bite upon if you will it.

He also adds in

"Bolo will be joining us shortly and can speak to your opponents, he was to lead the group to enter the ring... but had an unfortunate accident with a Osiriani whore, leaving him weaker than he is strong."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Frakdar frowns at Javi's innuendo but remains silent on this issue.

I prefer fists and if someone hits me with the intent to kill, I will happily return the favor.

Sense Motive: 1d20+9

Frakdar frowns at Javi's innuendo but remains silent on this issue.

I prefer fists and if someone hits me with the intent to kill, I will happily return the favor.

"For non-lethal competition I prefer fists as well, but if the opponet presses the issue he will find claws and teeth. What are the rules on spellcasting, such as healing?"

Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"Once again, I ask you how much will you pay to have the Champion of Ballenwood grace your cities pit fights." He smacks his right index finger on the table, while giving the pit fight promoters a very serious look.

Sorry to be late with a response had a few rough days at work.

The short cutpurse looks Torgus unflinchingly in the eye "We will pay you nothing.... directly. The pit fight is invitation only and I doubt that they will have heard of Balls-n-oud here. Your purse is linked to two things... either success in stretching out the combat - or by winning the fight itself. Do both and I can assure you that ample reward will come your way."

Just then a heavy knock comes at the door. "Ah, that would be Bolo." the halfling gets to his feet, and moves to the door. Opening it he reveals a figure as frightening as it is baffling. He is tall as a man, but built heavier than any man you have seen. Bearded and hairy all over, he looks almost dwarvish. But he is an ugly ugly brute, mangled face appearing as though it has been repeatedly beaten to a pulp and allowed to heal back wrongly.

The man shaped monstrosity moves into the room whilst continually scratching at his groin with a pained look on his face. He says to the cutpurse "So these ones who fight instead of Bolo and brothers? ... they look so puny..."

Inadvertently, Cassadar's lip curled up in an expression of distaste, though he remained silent on things, still weighing the situation that they were in. Still, he knew that he was not going to leave them to fight alone, no matter what. the others seemed to know what they were doing in this situation, so he maintained his presence and continued to keep his peace.

Nature 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Javi, obviously not sure what this guy is, crosses his arms (and pushing out on his biceps... trying to make them look bigger), "We're the guys."

Bolo winces as he sits oversize in a normal chair "Huh.. if you catch pipsqueak maybe you do ok... Fights is against many though" counting out loud the group "Maybes only one more than youse. Mostly beefy guys with big fists and little heads hur hur hur... but one you really watch out for is the elfy one... he look weak, but tough one. Couple of midgets there too, slippery ones but not strongs."

Scratching his head with one hand and groin with the other "Problem is have to make it last, but those guys want end quick. How youse like to fights anyway?" he ventures expectantly "You punchy or like for trips and hugs?"

Bolo winces as he sits oversize in a normal chair "Huh.. if you catch pipsqueak maybe you do ok... Fights is against many though" counting out loud the group "Maybes only one more than youse. Mostly beefy guys with big fists and little heads hur hur hur... but one you really watch out for is the elfy one... he look weak, but tough one. Couple of midgets there too, slippery ones but not strongs."

Scratching his head with one hand and groin with the other "Problem is have to make it last, but those guys want end quick. How youse like to fights anyway?" he ventures expectantly "You punchy or like for trips and hugs?"

Gorak chuckles a bit and replies, "Mostly punchy punchy, but sometimes hugs. "

Torgus slaps Javi on the back, "This little one would suprise you, but for ones that don't know of the The brawling bear obviously don't have a eye for fighters. I will take on your challengers and they will all fall!" Torgus says obviously not listening to all this gang speaks of.

Bolo chuckles and shrugs "Not much choice, but have to use youse anyways." standing up from the table "Meet me at Bloodied Brow in about one hour. Little one show you the way."

Any further questions or prep? - otherwise I'll fast forward to the fight

Punch, flaming punches, grapple and pin. Makes no difference to me.

You are left to your own devices for a short time before making your way to the Bloodied Brow for the pit fight. Gorak's scent is assaulted by the same wet metallic tang of spilled blood as you enter into the tavern. The cutpurse gives the barman a nod, and doorway leading to a descending stair is opened. As you move into the bowels of the tavern, you hear the wet smack of fist on flesh and ragged cheering and jeering.

A rough hewn stone cavern greets you at the base of the stairs, complete with a central sunken pit roughly 40ft and circular. At present there is a fight ongoing between a tattooed Ulfen and a scarred Bas'o Mwangi. They are circling each other like wounded hippos, obviously getting to the end of their relative strength and occasionally lashing out with wild haymakers that miss as often as they hit.

The cutpurse bids you to stay and wait as he moves off to talk to what appears to be the fightmaster.

Coughs nervously, looking around - guess everyone is off eating turkey...

You are left to your own devices for a short time before making your way to the Bloodied Brow for the pit fight. Gorak's scent is assaulted by the same wet metallic tang of spilled blood as you enter into the tavern. The cutpurse gives the barman a nod, and doorway leading to a descending stair is opened. As you move into the bowels of the tavern, you hear the wet smack of fist on flesh and ragged cheering and jeering.

A rough hewn stone cavern greets you at the base of the stairs, complete with a central sunken pit roughly 40ft and circular. At present there is a fight ongoing between a tattooed Ulfen and a scarred Bas'o Mwangi. They are circling each other like wounded hippos, obviously getting to the end of their relative strength and occasionally lashing out with wild haymakers that miss as often as they hit.

The cutpurse bids you to stay and wait as he moves off to talk to what appears to be the fightmaster.

Gorak attempts to overhear the cutpurses conversation

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23.

Javi scans the smokey room, looking for a man who matches the halfling's description of their mark. He tries to emulate the confidence of his teammates, but his fear and hate are like caged animals crashing against the walls of his self control. Despite them, he's able to keep his voice level as he pitches it just for his little team, "You think we can use our remaining gold to bet on ourselves? Might be mean the difference that makes the saffron purchasable."

Lets see what we are fighting. I am hard to knock off my feet. And quite good at grappling. Also, I can slow almost anyone down with a good punch.

"The Brawling Bear is always a sure bet! Though we can trick the tricksters, and have Javi act uncoordinated so his odds are great and then bam the little one will take down his opponent. Obviously I can't do this cause I am the Champion of Ballenwood and I'm to recognizable to pull it off. I remember when I awoke at the school you all were begging for my autograph. Bwhahaha"

Torgus lives in his own little world, where Ballenwood is the enter of the universe.

Shouldn't be hard to convince people that the midget won't have a chance against the big folk - there are not a lot of dwarves in these parts other than merchants.

Just a quick note - update will be incoming later tonight.

Javi and Gorak are able to overhear some of the conversation, which seems to be centered around the change from plan to have you fight in place of Bolo. Despite initial misgivings, the fight master appears to be won over by the cutpurse and accepted your entry.

Javi is unable to spy the gang's mark in the current audience... though the cutpurse did say that he only attends the pit just as the fights are beginning.

In the ring, the Mwangi oversteps on a punch and is caught out by a solid uppercut from the Ulfen - laying him out unconscious. They are then both led or removed from the pit.

The cutpurse then comes back to you "Right, you're up next boys - so don't be letting us down. Remember you've got to stretch it out as long as you can... don't lose or win too quickly or we won't have time for our end of the bargain. When we're free and clear from the fop's chambers you'll see me give you a signal."

"Oh, and if you're looking to bet - the fight master has 5-1 odds on you being carried out of the pit.... Any last questions or remarks? - otherwise good luck"

On the opposite side of the pit from where you stand, you are able to see what appears to be your opponents warming up. You spy a duo of one halfling and one gnome, a burly half-orc, thick set and hairy dwarf and a Garundi man with extensive facial scarring. All male, and from what you can gather they appear to be well trained at what they do. The elf mentioned earlier is no-where to be seen yet.

Can you please pick your opponent? - they will be the one you start opposite in the pit.
It is a free-for-all fight, but you'll have a chance to influence your direct opponent at the start of the match.
The elf will be joining shortly - so you can choose that fighter as your opponent.

Gorak eyes the Garundi man with the scars. Gorak's extensive tattooing oddly mirrors the man's scars.

Sounds good Gorak. I will take one of the short guys. The dwarf will be tough to trip or bullrush. I figure the Bear should take the big half-orc. Javi against the quick halfling. Cassadar, you want the unknown elf? I will take the gnome. Which leaves the harry dwarf.

Sounds good Gorak. I will take one of the short guys. The dwarf will be tough to trip or bullrush. I figure the Bear should take the big half-orc. Javi against the quick halfling. Cassadar, you want the unknown elf? I will take the gnome. Which leaves the harry dwarf.

"Might be best if I take a stronger form. Giant ape i think. "

As his eyes traveled over the assembled group, Cassadar appraised the shorter pair, wondering where their last opponent was. He was tuning out the crowd, and watching their opponents. How they moved, who they moved with, and who they watched. He began to disrobe, removing his shirt and cloak, but keeping his bracers, folding them neatly, before untying the thong from his wrist and binding his hair back -- though he knew it would be loose before the fight was over -- to keep it away from his face.

A short nod was given to Frakdar's words, and he spoke over the din in reply. "I will remain near you. The pair is likely used to working together." Drawing the fight out was something that he was still trying to figure out how to do. Unnoticed by him, he was starting to smile slightly.

If Javi or Torgus wants to bet - just state it on your next post.

The halfling / gnome duo was meant to be a combo deal - so I've given them to Javi for now... leaving Frakdar with the hairy dwarf

The party is led into the depths of the pit and get some quality time opposite their opponents while they yet wait for the arrival of the elfen fighter.

Gorak faces the scarred garundi, who wears armor but does not raise his gaze from the floor just before him.

Frakdar sizes up the dwarf opposite, who has stripped down to just a loincloth - though with the thickness of body hair you would hardly tell. The other dwarf grins at Frakdar with a smile missing more than a few teeth.

The Brawling Bear of Ballenwood has a burly half-orc with a stature to match his own... though it looks as though the lights are out upstairs. Idly picking his nose the half-orc looks more bored than excited.

Javi looks at the gnome and halfling that face him, both are wearing light armor studded with metal bolts. They have not turned to face him and are whispering between each other.

Cassadar is left wanting for another minute before his opposite arrives with significant fanfare. A gaudily dressed man descends the staircase with a female elf dressed in tight fitting clothing on his arm. They exchange a long embrace before the man takes a seat with good vantage and the elfen woman flips languidly into the rink, nodding a quick greeting to her compatriots and stretching out.

Putting two and two together, you gauge that the gaudily dressed gent is likely the mark.

Ok, any prep before combat please state it. You can assume that you start with any martial arts stances engaged and wildshaped if you wish.
You can also take an option to do an opposed roll against your foe looking for an early advantage (Intimidate to demoralize, Bluff to feint, etc). It will be an opposed roll and winner gets the benefit.
Once you've opted in or out of the roll (or attempted to make any other skill checks you think relevant) - I'll blow the starting whistle and go to initiative.
Map will be up at the same time as when I roll initiative.

Gorak makes a light bow to his opponent and lifts a leg to move into a defensive stance. Before the second leg hits the ground Gorak's form shifts into that of a gigantic (Medium sized) ape. Then the giant ape looks at the man in a martial arts stance with calm determination in his eye.

Intimidate 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

FYI: Next week I have my comprehensive final for my masters program. Essentially it's a huge paper that I should be spending every waking moment on. Assuming I do what I should, I won't be on the boards very much. I'll probably still check in during work, but not much else. Just know I've not disappeared, but am just really busy.

Good luck on your final, TCG, hope it comes together for you.

Javi takes the opportunity to put half their remaining gold into a wager that his team would win. Could he also split out a second bet to place on the other team? Even a small bet at 5-to-1 odds should be enough to cover the larger bet should they lose. i would assume that type of betting would be disallowed, but if it's not, then Javi would go ahead and put 1/5 of the amount of his larger bet down on a bet against his team.

Javi is unsure whether to be pleased or displeased at Frakdar's choice for his opponents. Size could be in my favor. Two against one, though.. and I'm supposed to drag it out?

He begins shaking out his nervousness as he watches the two small fighters. He takes in their armor, their weapons, the way they move and react with each other. Any insights he can get into their style by watching them? Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12.

He moves from his usual style of preparing into some of the stretches he'd picked up from his short stint at the monastery and among his new friends. The light-haired elf in particular had some stretches that seemed to help Javi feel calmer and more limber. He catches Cassadar's eye as he moves through one of his stretches and nods a 'thank you'.

Through it all, Javi tries to appear uncertain, fearful, and clumsy in an attempt to catch his two opponents as unprepared for him as possible. The halfling might want me to drag this out, but I won't last long if I can't take one of these guys out quickly. Bluff (to open with a feint) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23.

I look toward Javi. You want hairy or the weenie twins?

I size up the dwarf. Does he move with the grace of a monk or the power of a brawler?

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

I also ready a flurry of blows should he win the initiative and try to get the jump on me.

Attack-Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Attack-Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Damage 1:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage 2:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Javi tries to force a confident smile, "I'll stick with the 'weenie twins'."

Javi is able to place a bet on themselves at 5-1, and the bookie also confusedly accepts a bet in the other direction at 8-6. Just tell me how much on each.

Frakdar - no readied actions unless you make take said action in combat (ie. after initiative is rolled). Also, readied actions are limited to a standard action equivalent - so no flurry.

Will give Torgus / Cassadar a little longer before splitting to initiative.
Results of opposed intimidate / sense motive will go up at the same time.

I'll put a bet on us as well.

Torgus scuffs at the half orc, "WHERE'S MY OPPONENT? HAVE ANY OF YOU SEEN WHERE HE IS?" Torgus mocks looking around for some one else, then stops when looking at the half-orc. "I SEE THEY PROVIDED THE MASTER OF THE ORKEN SHEILD, WITH THIS FLIMSY ONE. I HOPE YOU PROVIDE SOME USE BEFORE IT SPLINTERS! BWAHAHAA!" As Torgus laughs he streches out his arms in a flex and looks towards the crowd. "I GUESS THE CHALLENGER RAN WHEN HE FOUND OUT HE WAS FIGHTING TORGUS "THE BRAWLING BEAR" VOSS, MASTER OF THE ORKEN SHEILD, AND CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD!" He shows of his belt letting the torch and latern light hit it just right. Then motions the orken sheild to come to him, "COME ON MY SHEILD DON'T MAKE YOUR MASTER WAIT! BWAHAHAHAH!"

Intimidate:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Intimidate is my preformance during these events!

That's what I was waiting for ;) - didn't want to deprive the bruiser of Ballenwood.
Torgus - how much do you bet?

The half-orc returns a blank look to Torgus' boasting... though you can sense a primalcy to his countenance that belies his idiotic facade.

Half-Orc Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 - draw, no effect to Torgus or the Half-Orc

The scarred Garundi opposite ape-Gorak does not speak or respond, but merely offers an open-mouthed smile where you can see that he is missing several teeth as well as his tongue...

Garundi Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 - Garundi wins, Gorak is shaken for Round 1

Javi risks a half-glance at the twins during his clumsy interlude and gets the sense that they have bought into it.

Gnome and Halfling Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 - Javi wins, and can treat both the Gnome and Halfling as flatfooted for Round 1

The pit master above does not hold to pleasantries before the fight, he merely looks down, grins and shouts "Combat!" The foppish noble leans forward in his chair as the melee is joined.

Fastest to react is the lithe elf, who springs forwards towards Cassadar delivering a roundhouse kick and then backflipping away.
Spring attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Her foot smacking into Cassadar's face and he catches a wry grin on her face as she flips out of melee.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Elf, Gorak, Frakdar, Hairy Dwarf, Javi / Torgus, Cassadar, Gnome and Halfling, Scarred Garundi

Map will be up tonight (can't upload at work); but you are essentially spread in a line with a 10ft gap between each of you and your opponent is 20ft in front of you. In alphabetical order if that is important.
Except for Cassadar... whose opponent is 10ft in front of him.
A reminder - no-one is flat-footed (except for Javi's opponents - and only to his attacks)

Just a reminder - for interrupt attacks (such as Cassadar's Reposition) - please post up that you use it and if it is successful, then I'll retcon my descriptive text.

Gorak moves up to hit headbutt his opponent

Unarmed strike Subdual damage1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Map is Up - should be straight forward which is which

Gorak moves up to the scarred Garundi but is unable to land a solid blow with his headbutt. Missed due to the -2 from shaken.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Elf, Gorak, Frakdar, Hairy Dwarf, Javi / Torgus, Cassadar, Gnome and Halfling, Scarred Garundi

Frakdar is up, though the rest can also take their turns unless they plan on jumping the hairy one.

Javi is caught a little off-guard by the abrupt beginning to the fight, but he recovers quickly - at least quicker than his opponents. He wastes no time, rushing across the pit to deliver a vicious elbow to the gnome's throat. A half-grin appears on his lips as he then melts from sight.

Move to J-4 or N-4 (whichever puts me into melee with the gnome), where he will attack (w/ Combat Expertise), then use a ki to go invisible.
Cestus 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 1 = 27 <-- CRIT?
--- Damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (6, 3) = 12.
AC: 20, Javi is invisible, 2/3 ki remaining, HP: 29/29.

Crit Confirm 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 1 = 15
--- Additional Damage 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3. (for 15 total)