[Jehova's Arena, Test] Fight the Fifth, Tommy vs. Azander

[The Arbiter]

The two brand-new entrants step out onto the sand, a halfling and a human. The few people puttering around in the stands come over and lean against the railing to see the newcomers, though none of them seem invested in the outcome of this battle. There's apparently not much betting on fights between such nobodys.

Initiatives and full descriptions, please.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Okay, Arbiter, would you like me to try out the truly double-blind method (and PM you my discrete action), or simply put them in a spoiler and trust Loup not to look?

A leather armored, drably-clad halfling saunters into the arena, shielding his eyes as he walks into the brilliant light. On each hip hangs a wicked dagger, from his belt hangs a parchment case, and peeking over his shoulder is a massive crossbow (well, massive for a halfling). In one hand he carries a vial of liquid.

He crouches down as he takes in his opponent, running two fingers in the sand at his feet, then stands back up as he yawns as he dusts his little hand on his thigh.

Initiative Roll:

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Initiative total 34! O.O

[The Arbiter]

For maximum testing, let's do PMs for any discreet (not discrete :P) actions. this not only stops peeking by the opponent (though it's certainly not assumed that they would), but it can also prevent someone observing the fight (who may later fight you) from seeing exactly what you're doing.

Also yes, everyone, that initiative was legitimate.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Cool. I can abide. :)

[The Arbiter]

Tommy Only:

Do you have your crossbow in hand, or not?

[Gladiator_Eben]

Arbiter:

Nope

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

The human man who comes out to stand in the arena is not very tall, though he must tower over his opponent. He is lean and lanky, and older-looking, though he also appears to move easily for his age. At his side is a strangely curved sword, and a crossbow is held in his hands. He nods to his foe, even dipping into a slight bow, before readying for battle.

Initiative roll (still pointless...):

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

[The Arbiter]

Hmm, so, I did want this to be Tommy vs. Azander, not Arinna. If you wouldn't mind editing the post and alias to Azander for now, it'd be more fitting with the plan and the title. This is the test, though, so if you don't get this in time, or just reeeeeeeeally want to use Arinna, we can manage it, I suppose, though it will ruin my beautiful title ;_____;

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Sorry about the confusion, edited the above. I barely even looked at the thread name, I assumed it'd be with Arinna since she's more straightforward.

This should be a fun fight.

[Gladiator_Eben]

What kind of crossbow? And any armor in evidence? Or arcane tools? Spell component pouch or anything?

[The Arbiter]

Alright, excellent. Tommy is up.

Also, like Tommy just did, feel free to ask for any more information (within reason) from your opponent at any point. I'm trusting players to be pretty clear with what they have or don't have with them, and in some cases if you don't explain that you're carrying have a certain item (or it has a reason not to be visible, such as being in a backpack), it will be assumed that you didn't bring it into the arena. For purposes of mundane items/weapons/armor, every character is assumed to know the differences between different items, even exotic weapons, for ease of description and observation.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Sorry, I should've posted more stuff. The crossbow is very large and heavy--a heavy crossbow, that is. As for the rest, nothing is apparent. He's in shifting robes and sashes, without any visible armor or pockets on them. He moves pretty easily, especially for an older guy, so armor is almost definitely out.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Cool. Thanks. Just want to make informed decisions if I'm able. :)

It just occurred to me that you never gave us our starting positions, Arbiter (at least not that I'm seeing right now). I'll write the narrative with some flexibility so you can tell us where actually are. :)

As the fight begins, the halfling smirks at the old human and winks. Then he displays a startling level of quickness by bolting behind the column to his right before the old man even seems to notice the fight has begun.

If Tommy is in A.10, he runs behind the column in C.8. If, however, Tommy began in L.10, he runs behind the column J.12, and…

Arbiter:

1d20 ⇒ 8

Arbiter, let me know which of those is correct.

[The Arbiter]

Woops, yeah, Tommy starts at A10.

Azander Only:

Azander should make a perception check to try and listen for where behind the C8 column Tommy ended up. Spoiler your result so that Tommy won't know whether or not you know where he is.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Perception:

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

I'm just hoping Tommy's Stealth modifier isn't as high as his initiative one... Gonna wait to post actions until I know if Azander's found Tommy or not.

[The Arbiter]

Azander Only:

Well, he's not that hidden, he's somewhere behind the pillar. You're not sure where exactly though.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Azander blinks has he returns his focus toward his opponent, who he glimpses disappear behind one of the pillars in the arena. He drops to one knee, aiming the crossbow at the pillar and waiting.

Arbiter:

Standard action: ready crossbow shot, to be fired as soon as Tommy reappears

[The Arbiter]

For actions that you have no reason to believe your opponent knows about (like what you're doing while they're behind a pillar), you should probably use spoiler tags or PMs for even the obvious parts of the action, such as aiming a crossbow somewhere. If, for some reason unknown to you, he or she can tell what you are doing, I'll let him or her know your actions. Hmm... this may raise questions about what people watching the fight can see, however. I shall bring this up in the recruitment turned discussion thread.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Though, if Azander's not hiding – and as long as there is LoS from one corner of my square, I should be able to see him, right? Let me know if I'm wrong on this.

And should I go ahead and take my action?

[The Arbiter]

I'm looking at two rules right now, one of which that states you may be hidden (using the stealth skill), when you have cover, even if not full cover, and the other that explains how line of effects/sight work (from a corner to a corner is okay). I had always imagined the 'using stealth with cover' rule to mean you were completely hiding behind the cover, so you wouldn't be able to see. I do not think my interpretation is consistent with the rest of the rules, though, now that I'm looking more at them, since if there is a line of effect, it's not total cover, and this means that if the hiding character is noticed, they can be targeted normally, albeit with bonuses from cover. From all of this, I think that yes, Eben, if there is a line of sight from Tommy's square to Azander's, he will be able to see him.

Yes, you should take your action.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Arbiter:

1d100 ⇒ 79
1d20 ⇒ 16

A thick vapor begins to billow out from behind the halfling's column, rapidly expanding to form a stationary dome of roiling mists. (Mechanically that would be a 20 ft radius spread of mist that is centered on the top-right corner of the column in C.08.)

Yep, those are my actions. Didn't' consider the lack of narrative I'd be doing on a stealth character.

[The Arbiter]

Here is what the map looks like now, as far as Azander can tell. The dome of mist is 20 ft. tall at it's tallest point.

Azander, make a perception check.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Spoiler:

Perception check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Sorry about that, Arbiter. I didn't think about whether or not he'd be able to see what I'm doing... But it makes sense that he could peek out around a corner to glimpse at my actions. After all, isn't that what the opposed Stealth/Perception check is for?

[The Arbiter]

Actually Azander, you were right in this case. I had my own idea of what using stealth behind cover consists of, but it was actually at odds with the rules, so never mind. Yes, it's possible that he could peek out and see you, assuming he's in a square that has a line of sight to yours.

Azander Only:

You can't tell exactly where the halfling is.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Arbiter:

Well, darn.

So, Tommy's turn now?

[The Arbiter]

Could have sworn I already posted here. Yes, Tommy's turn again, assuming Azander continues his last round's action.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Arbiter:

1d20 ⇒ 18
1d20 ⇒ 16

That should be it for this round, too.

[The Arbiter]

Azander, please roll perception.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Looks like I'm rolling ALL the Perception checks...

Arbiter:

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Azander continues to stand in his starting spot, the crossbow shifting slightly as he turns to be ready to attack Tommy coming anywhere from the mist, or behind the closest pillars.

Arbiter:

Still readying the attack as soon as Azander sees Tommy.

[Gladiator_Eben]

rolls:

1d20 ⇒ 5

Thats my turn

[Gladiator_Eben]

I promise I'm trying to bring this thing to some actual action. :/

[The Arbiter]

Sorry for the delay, Paizo was bein' weird.

Tommy Only:

Yes, the roll is necessary, as casting from the scroll makes the same amount of noise as casting normally.

Azander Only:

Another perception roll! :D

[Gladiator_Eben]

So, Azanders turn?

[The Arbiter]

We're waiting on Azander.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Sorry, I was busy yesterday. And I'm 10 minutes within Arena Freeze!

Arbiter only:

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Regardless of that roll...

The man swings his crossbow back around to lay against his back, still peering into the mist. He then bends his knees a little and brings his arms up into a strange-looking fighting stance.

Arbiter only:

Move Action: replace crossbow on back.
Swift Action: enter Crane Style
Standard Action: enter total defense; +5 AC, no attacks of opportunity, and he can make use of Crane Wing. Azander's Armor Class is now at 23, touch 23; flat-footed is still at 14, since the dodge bonus wouldn't apply.

[The Arbiter]

Tommy, you're up.

Azander Only:

You cannot tell where the halfling is, but you are now in your defensive stance.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Crazy busy day. I'll try to get a post up later tonight. If not, then first thing tomorrow morning.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

It's all good here on my end, Eben. Do you want to just remove Arena Freeze from this match to make it easier on us? It seems to be going more slowly than most of the other matches (although that may just be my perception, since this is the first match I've survived beyond round one).

[Gladiator_Eben]

Round 4

Rolls:

2d20 ⇒ (3, 11) = 14
2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

A bolt flies from the fog.

Attack (versus flat-foote) 8
Damage 8

[The Arbiter]

Azander looks startled as a crossbow bolt whizzes by his head.

Perception check to notice the shooter.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Perception check:

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Azander curses as the bolt flies past, and gives up on holding his position; he dashes around the nearest pillar across from the mist...

Arbiter only:

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Behind the pillar (He's in L12 to be precise), Azander reequips his crossbow.

[The Arbiter]

Azander Only:

Azander didn't see where the bolt came from.

Tommy Only:

You see the bearded man spring into motion, make a perception check to keep tabs on him through the bit of mist between the two of you.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Arbiter:

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

[The Arbiter]

Tommy Only:

Oh yaaaaaaay, you lose track of the man :P

Most of the crowd seems to be holding their breath watching the 'fight', the mist is new and exciting for them. A single voice cuts across the arena "YOU FIGHTIN' OR HIDE 'N SEEKIN'?"

Tommy's turn.

[Gladiator_Eben]

Round 5

Arbiter:

2d20 ⇒ (19, 18) = 37

That's my round.

[The Arbiter]

It's Azander's turn.

[Warrior of the White Wolf]

Arbiter only:

Azander peers around the corner, hoping to spot his foe... if he does, he'll attack.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Crossbow attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Crossbow damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7

[The Arbiter]

Tommy Only:

Dammit, I totally updated these this morning D: You manage to see Azander poking his crossbow and head out from behind a pillar. He is in L12.

Azander Only:

Azander fails to see the halfling. You may take another standard action if you want, since there was nothing to shoot at.

The audience seems curious about how this is going to go.

[Gladiator_Eben]

So it's Tommy's turn?