Between the Wheels - [Planescape]

Game Master Pathmaker

1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 21

Gith attacks: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Round 6 Resolution:
Breeze AP: 115
Gith AP: 140

While Breeze had become the crowd favorite, the last volley proved the gith transmuter to be the clear champion. They still cheer steadily for both competitors as Breeze leaves the field and the gith offers a respectful nod. The runner-up prize is conferred during a short ceremony- not a loss by any measure.

[Breeze treasure: a spell book, 1600 gp value, pick spells (any source material) and list them in Discussion]

Several days had been spent by Aurin and Breeze in the competitions. As courtesy for his absence, Master Suun had allowed Riyoko and the gardener to watch the matches daily and report back some exciting narrative. The leisure time had also offered some friendly exchanges over meals and breaks.

When you leave the arena this last day surrounded by well wishers, Riyoko gives a short bow with a pleasant smile, "Congratulations to you both."

The Gardener stand with Riyoko, arms crossed, doing a pretty good job of looking unimpressed.

"Mmm." He nods.

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

"My thanks," Aurin says with sincerity. "I certainly appreciate you both staying throughout!"

Aurin and Breeze level up!

Breeze smiles and laughs "Well now that was great fun. I did not really expect to get past the first round."Pulling out a small pewter butterfly he kisses it and continues." I guess the fates are with me at the moment"

"sorry for my bad manners thank you all for cheering me on"

Refresher: Several days had been spent by Aurin and Breeze in the competitions. As courtesy for his absence, Master Suun had allowed Riyoko and the gardener to watch the matches daily and report back some exciting narrative. The leisure time had also offered some friendly exchanges over meals and breaks.

When you leave the arena this last day surrounded by well wishers, Riyoko gives a short bow with a pleasant smile, "Congratulations to you both..."

"Master Suun has instructed me to invite you as guests of House Anju in these last days of the Festival. Your captivating performance in the tournaments has caught the attention of various nobles in the six houses, they would surely be interested in your take of the final match between House Yashi and House Anju. -This way please."

Riyoko and the three of you arrive back at the compound, with Guo in tow. "I take youah things mastah", he hurries off with a steward to your quarters.

~~~

You are led to Master Suun's private study, a small elevated wooden structure near the back gardens. "Come in, come in.", he motions you to sit down with his mechanical arm, "Congratulations on your victories, you honor us with your presence. Surely something you had not expected, yes?" Suun pulls off a scarf that had been covering your mercurial sphere, which sits on a table surrounded by several strange contraptions made of glass, gems and metals, seemingly all focused on the object.

"Well, for all my expertise, I don't know what it is", Suun declares with resignation. "And believe me, I have tried every divination and tools at my disposal. I had even consulted a couple of scholars from the other Houses in private to no better conclusion than a few small details. Perhaps, I may know of true sages that you can seek out, I'll have to research some old acquaintennces..."

You may ask questions. Everyone roll Perception.

"In the meawhile, despite this defeat, we have much to celebrate. Tomorrow's match and the closing ceremony will be spectacular. You'll have a great spot near the preparation tent of the house champion, first son Zaichi Anju."

perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

"Well thank you for looking at the sphere Master and we or at least I would be honored to watch the rest of the tournament from whatever place I can." Breeze motions to the orb "would it possibe to leave the orb here in your care until we decide to leave?"

"Of course, it is very safe from any tampering in my lab. Now, Riyoko will bring some refreshments to your quarters, and I shall see you tomorrow if there is nothing further today."

Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32

"What kind of item would be a mystery to one such as you sir? Could it be a tool from some higher plane of existence?"

"One such as this, apparently", Suun looks dubious, "It is not of Celestia that is for certain. It could be a tool or a toy. You and Breeze had said that it was retrieved from a wandering site. Wandered from where, Powers only know; and they may even not. Wandering sites seem to appear in the same exclusive realm or layer or plane. But where does it spend time in between? Is it somewhere, nowhere or in some quasi state. It was also found by your nephew. -Which also beckons yet another set of questions. That is was harmless to a boy, yet I sense that there is more to it."

"The Guvner side in me is beckoning me to devote a lifetime of pursuit, though I am retired from adventure. I'll just have to leave it to a younger generation", he indicates Breeze with a light orcish smile, "What I can tell is that, it is magical, it is a construct. It feels very sturdy but has a shifting weight inside. It has a very unique and permanent Non-Detection and more interestingly a non-Lore about it, if that makes any sense. And consequently, of unidentified arcane school or craftsmanship."

Indicate whenever done with questions and I'll move on.

The Gardener listens to Suun's long-winded explanation of the planar paper-weight and wonders if perhaps some Power created the damned sphere just to toy with mortals. About the only thing of interest in the whole discussion was a small note Suun made at the end that hinted at something inside the artifact.

"If there is something inside, " He finds himself saying. "Then you have two options. Sit and wait long enough and it will corrode and fall apart. Or you could just break it open."

Breeze considers the Gardener for a moment "I had thought of the possibility that it could be an egg of some sorts. By the way i dont think we were ever told your name sir

Aurin looks at the Half Orc gauging his response.

Suun pauses just long enough to see what the gardener might say, ready to habitually come to rescue.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"And Master Suun I do not mean to pry but was your experiments on the orb particularly taxing? I noticed subtle changes in you that come with age."

The Gardener considered the question of his name. He hadn't used it in a long time, so long that it hardly felt like it belonged to him anymore. If it weren't for all the scars, he imagined few would recognize the docile old orc by it now.

"My name is Kobash, though everyone here just calls me the Gardener."

"Then Kobash is what i shall call you. I think the Gardner is just what you do at the moment and Kobash is who you are weather its Kobash the gardner or Kobash the cook it all starts with Kobash."

The Gardener lets out a breath before answering. "Time changes everything. A sword reduced to a pile of rust is no longer a sword."

Aurin smiles trusting in the knowledge that his greater destiny unfolds before him. He can feel that he, Breeze, and Kobash will together play an important role in the coming events surrounding the mystery of the Orb.

"Truth. It is an honor to meet you Kobash," Aurin says bowing low in respect.

"Yes that is conmanly known as one of "The Laws of Time" but there is a loophole in it. If someone that looks for old objects comes across the pile of rust it can sometimes be identified as an old sword so in that persons eyes it is still a sword however unusable.

Kobash shrugs. "Good point. Make sure you tell it to the next berk before you stab him with a fistful of rust."

With the amount of magic Breeze had tossed around in the tournament, the Gardener wasn't sure the human couldn't actually do it. And the talk of his old name had reminded him of an old adage the Dustmen had stolen from the Doomguard before there were tieflings.

Dust to dust.

Aurin watches Kobash's mannerisms, and is reminded of his time spent with the Godsman during his brief pilgrimage in Sigil. He remembers how the remarkable place was filled with wonders both subtle and gross, and how unique those born there were.

He thinks back to his many discussions with the 'Believers of the Source' fondly and wonders when his path will lead him to the Great Foundry again.

Suun answered Breeze with surprise, touching lightly his hair line and chuckling, "Hehe, must be from all my excitement." As the three of you fall into casual conversation, Suun remarks upon Breeze's words; though seeming to acknowledge Aurin's Godsmen creed, it is obviously meant for Kobash, "-Not until the sword has served it's purpose."

With knowing smile, he bids the three of you a goodnight, then murmuring to himself with a degree of certitude as he leaves, "The Rule of Threes..."

Breeze stands there motionless feeling as though all time has stopped

bump

Thanks for bumping, things calming down at work, start posting again Monday.

:/

We ever going to do this campaign again?

Aurin rises the next morning, eats a light breakfast, and then finds a spot somewhere quiet where he begins his training Katas. He uses the quiet morning to focus his mind, body, and spirit preparing himself for what experiences await him in the coming day.

Scene 1: Tumbling Pearl

In the village of Tumbling Pearl, Arun practices with Vestia in preparation for the Seven Fortunes Tournament. He is watched by Sensei Braga and nephew Xungis.

Scene 2: Beat by monkeys

Xungis runs away and gets trapped in a wandering site Yóuyuán Xìngjiāo, a tribe of girallon lives within.

Breeze and Guo joins the search and fight to retrieve boy to safety.

Breeze is able to grab some treasure.

As Arun, Breeze and Guo readies to leave for the tournament…

With a deep frown and grimace, Xungis looks a disheveled mess as Vestia walks him a few steps onto the porch and begins stripping the boy of dirt and clothes. A water barrel and bucket sits nearby ready to drench the urchin. As Vestia loosens Xungis's belt, something rolls lose from the folds of his tunic and a heavy thud hits the wooden walkway. A small mercurial sphere barely bounces on the wooden planks and rolls to a stop. "What's this?"

Braga suggest taking the sphere and visit Master Suun at the tournament.

Scene 3: Bishamonten and House Anju

After registering as competitors, Arun and Breeze arrive at House Anju, introduced to Master Suun, Riyoko and Kobash. Riyoko is maid to House Anju’s eldest son, developed an infatuation for Kobash.

"Yes, he'll be assisting you and me in preparing our champion for the duel! Isn't that right? Now why don't the two of you take fetch this list to the merchants and show Arun and Breeze around the city."

”If you will allow, I need some time in my laboratory to inspect this most exquisite prize. Meanwhile, be my guests here at the compound. Tomorrow, Riyoko and… him, will gather supplies in the markets, they can guide you properly to the tournaments.”

At every Seven Fortunes Festival, one of the six minor houses would take part as host to the ruling house - House Yashi. This season, it is House Anju’s turn to host. Mirroring the events throughout the city, there will be many private events throughout House Anju in the coming week, including entertainment, hunts, games, competitions and the final event - a duel between Yashi’s and Anju’s champion.

Scene 4: Tournament

***Tier 1***

Aurin faces a hill dwarf.
Breeze faces a rashaksa mage.

Aurin defeats the dwarf!
Breeze defeats the rashaska!

***Tier 2***

Aurin faces a assimar mage.
Breeze faces a elven unarmed fighter.

In a surprise attack, Breeze knocks the assimar right out his boots!
Aurin masterfully wins with a strategic combo!

***Tier 3***

Aurin faces a gnome crane monk.
Breeze faces a human illusionist.

The illusionist goes homes disillusioned and the crane goes flapping away! Aurin and Breeze wins the match!

***Tier 4***

Aurin faces a human Master of Winds Indep.
Breeze faces a tiefling arcanist Cipher.

Both opponents concede - Aurin and Breeze advances!

*****Tier 5*****

Aurin faces a human brawler.
Breeze faces a archon arcanist.

Aurin and Breeze wins, enters semi-finals!

******Tier 6******

Aurin faces a half-giant.
Breeze faces a kitsune sorcerer

Aurin stumbles the half-giant in the final moments though the match remains just out of reach - thus, taking the 3rd place trophy and prize of 800gp! The half-giant salutes back to Aurin as it moves off to the final tier arena.

Breeze advances to the Final Tier 7!

*******Tier 7*******

Breeze vs Githerai Transmuter

While Breeze had become the crowd favorite, the last volley proved the gith transmuter to be the clear champion. They still cheer steadily for both competitors as Breeze leaves the field and the gith offers a respectful nod. The runner-up prize is conferred during a short ceremony- not a loss by any measure.

During the tournament: Pretty much this.

By the time the second round ended, Kobash had cleared a wide birth around himself and Riyoko. And while the crowd unconsciously wilts away from half-orc like trimmed vines under his scowl, a few remain and steps closer the pair. "Someone as robust as you surely could do more than watch?", a pompous and confident voice addresses you.

Though tempted to throw the pompous fool into the arena, the Gardener stares daggers at him and mutters, "Things aren't always as they seem."

A tall golden-skinned male eladrin steps up to the wood partitions, looking out at tournament field without even as much as a glance in your direction. At the your response, he feigns surprise and looks over, "Oh you are not robust then!", jesting with a more pompous tone.

Riyoko's reaction to the eladrin's sudden presence is startled worry. Eladrins are a race of celestials of fey bloodlines, similar to high elves, though quite unmistakable in the differences. Riyoko covers her lips and quickly bows to the well-dressed planar, "Oh! Lord Amani! Forgive us, we did not recognize you.", shooting you a side look to pay homage too. It is the first son and champion of the ruling house - Amani Yashi. Several of his courtiers and bodyguards stand nearby watching the encounter. After an awkward pause and the novelty worn, Amani finally waves his scepter in a playful motion and returns the bow with a fiery laugh, "I was jesting with this good fellow! My apologies-"

The Gardener looks at the eladrin with a blank stare. It's a practiced expression, as most look upon half-orcs as little more then dumb half-breeds. Beneath the stare an old part of his past simmers. I crap bigger then you...

The eladrin noble smirks with a raised brow at the wordless exchange with a common gardener and strolls away leisurely, sighing about something mundane and mortal as he goes. By chance, a wad of mud squishes out from under his shoes as he walks away, splattering a runny goop onto Riyoko's silk gown. He notices but doesn't seem fazed, just nods at his retainer, who walks over to press a gold piece into your hand then chases after his disappearing master.

The Gardener had been glaring in the direction of the Eladrin, his knuckles cracking within clenched fists, when he was interrupted by Aurin's nudge. He looks down at the spot where the aasimar touched him, then up to the human, Breeze, still somehow in the match. Magic. No matter how skilled the wizard, an axe in the head will seriously cramp their style

After the tournament:

Several days had been spent by Aurin and Breeze in the competitions. As courtesy for his absence, Master Suun had allowed Riyoko and the gardener to watch the matches daily and report back some exciting narrative. The leisure time had also offered some friendly exchanges over meals and breaks.

When you leave the arena this last day surrounded by well-wishers, Riyoko gives a short bow with a pleasant smile, "Congratulations to you both. Master Suun has instructed me to invite you as guests of House Anju in these last days of the Festival. Your captivating performance in the tournaments has caught the attention of various nobles in the six houses, they would surely be interested in your take of the final match between House Yashi and House Anju. -This way please."

~~~

You are led to Master Suun's private study, a small elevated wooden structure near the back gardens. "Come in, come in.", he motions you to sit down with his mechanical arm, "Congratulations on your victories, you honor us with your presence. Surely something you had not expected, yes?" Suun pulls off a scarf that had been covering your mercurial sphere, which sits on a table surrounded by several strange contraptions made of glass, gems and metals, seemingly all focused on the object. "Well, for all my expertise, I don't know what it is", Suun declares with resignation. "And believe me, I have tried every divination and tools at my disposal. I had even consulted a couple of scholars from the other Houses in private to no better conclusion than a few small details. Perhaps, I may know of true sages that you can seek out, I'll have to research some old acquaintances... In the meanwhile, despite my defeat, we have much to celebrate. Tomorrow's match and the closing ceremony will be spectacular. You'll have a great spot near the preparation tent of the house champion, first son Zaichi Anju."

Breeze says, "What kind of item would be a mystery to one such as you sir? Could it be a tool from some higher plane of existence?"

"One such as this, apparently", Suun looks dubious, "It is not of Celestia that is for certain. It could be a tool or a toy. You and Breeze had said that it was retrieved from a wandering site. Wandered from where, Powers only know; and they may even not. Wandering sites seem to appear in the same exclusive realm or layer or plane. But where does it spend time in between? Is it somewhere, nowhere or in some quasi state. It was also found by your nephew. -Which also beckons yet another set of questions. That is was harmless to a boy, yet I sense that there is more to it. The Guvner side in me is beckoning me to devote a lifetime of pursuit, though I am retired from adventure. I'll just have to leave it to a younger generation", he indicates Breeze with a light orcish smile, "What I can tell is that, it is magical, it is a construct. It feels very sturdy but has a shifting weight inside. It has a very unique and permanent Non-Detection and more interestingly a non-Lore about it, if that makes any sense. And consequently, of unidentified arcane school or craftsmanship."

Breeze follows, "And Master Suun I do not mean to pry but was your experiments on the orb particularly taxing? I noticed subtle changes in you that come with age."

Suun answered Breeze with surprise, touching lightly his hair line and chuckling, "Hehe, must be from all my excitement." As the three of you fall into casual conversation, Suun remarks upon Breeze's words; though seeming to acknowledge Aurin's Godsmen creed, it is obviously meant for Kobash, "-Not until the sword has served it's purpose."

With knowing smile, Suun bids the three of you a goodnight, then murmuring to himself with a degree of certitude as he leaves, "The Rule of Threes..."

Aurin rises the next morning, eats a light breakfast, and then finds a spot somewhere quiet where he begins his training Katas. He uses the quiet morning to focus his mind, body, and spirit preparing himself for what experiences await him in the coming day.

Riyoko greets the three of you in the garden, "Good morning, it is the last day of the Seven Fortunes Tournament, it's going to be a very exciting day! All preparations are ready for the final ceremonies, and I have a few hours to visit the markets. All the best items and bargains will be brought out by vendors today, join me if you'd like."

purchase any gear

-Posted with Wayfinder

Aurin hides his wonder at the items he may find at the markets, knowing that he must remain ambivalent towards material things.

"It would be an honor to accompany you Riyoko."

Go ahead and make any purchases, even magical if you can afford it. You can also sell items of too.

-Posted with Wayfinder

The Gardner walks through the markets like a blind man in a brothel. Riyoko's excitement almost makes him lament his pauperhood, but not quite.

He was rich once. Rich as a filthy Fated factotum. But he cared little for gold and these days he could count his savings with a few of his fingers to spare. But Suun made it a point to send him along with Riyoko, perhaps to carry heavy things that catch her whim. Perhaps to keep an eye on the two newcomers the old man has taken an interest in.

The Gardner walks through the markets...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X8W1FbJI_Q!

24 hours?

Holy crap that was three days of catch up reading. Will Breeze or Arun be buying any gear while at the markets? Hint - maybe last chance for awhile.

dont really have much cash so ill probably just get a few scrolls and a potion or 2 ill have a look

Arun: 800gp
.
Breeze's prize: a spell book, 1600 gp value worth of spells, pick spells (any source material)

Aurin searches for a magical, returning Starknife. He needs a ranged weapon.

A Returning Starknife +1 is 8300gp, unfortunately Aurin only has 863 gold and a bowl.

Aurin moves through the marketplace, cataloguing items he will purchase at a later date.

Breeze picks threw the market looking at old books and tombs for clues or references to future digs that he may explore sometime.

”This marketplace seems to go on forever, doesn’t it Brother Breeze?”