DDAL07-01 A City on the Edge (Inactive)

Game Master Dave Chua

Yeap you know both of them.

Nanbu thinks for a moment, Maybe, merchant Van'Sheran knows of your library. Nanbu take you now.

Nanbu leads the party through the streets of Port Nyanzaru into the merchant district, stopping occasionally to say hello to a friend and ask where Van'Sheran's shop can be found nowadays.

The new Rakdon is a Zhent, so that's what he wants to do

Ah, Pock-marked Po! He lives in Old City. Nanbu can take you. Po may know of libraries... he knows much that most do not, Nanbu says, and changes direction, leading the group Northwest.

Rakdon had go help with a construction project. "Guys I'm actually strong, and I'm not as smart as you all think but I a lot about construction. I have to help finish the restaurant, I've been called upon to help, and being down a man will add several weeks to the project. Also I'm not a human," as he pulls off his mask and all the face faint as well as skin paint and reveals that he is a Tortle. He continues "If everyone hasn't been devoured by the Acererak by then, I can help kill him," he says. And then he reveals his headband of intellect underneath the mask. With a goodbye he says "Yeah the mask and paint was blocking part of the power. I actually got the headband of intellect via Dming rewards just 2 days ago. But that is my roleplaying way of saying he had 8 int all along, but why he appeared to have 16 instead of 19.
You can make changes to your character up to level 5, but before you play him at level 5. Also he was a Charlatan. There is his dual identify twist

Then a new Rakdon comes aboard, unrelated to the other Rakdon, you can even do a DNA test if it was possible in D&D. He is human alright, or so it seems. But he is also a Charlatan. "I heard you had an arcanist with you. Ready for a real arcanist?" And if you pay attention, he has a creepy smile on him. I changed his alignment to Lawful evil.

Okay.. quite the switcheroo. I'll give you a point of inspiration for working your char change into the story. And I love tortles!

Nanbu looks dumbfounded when the Rakdons pull their switcheroo, but believes everything they say due to his -1 in Insight.

With a slight shudder, he continues, Is Creepy Smile ready to find Po? Nanbu take him and friends. Old man and little one wish to find a specific library, and Nanbu thinks that Pock-marked Po might know of this library. Does Creepy Smile know of Po?

EDIT: There is no malice when Nanbu says, Creepy Smile, just says it matter-of-factly, like that is his name now.

He doesn't have a creepy smile on him all the time, he only had it when he said "ready for a real arcanist."
The name is Rakdon. And I was told by the global elite to go check on you.
He then continues toning down the smile. So what is the agenda? Spy on people, catch some slaves, put floride in the water, government work, or we taking down some terrorists/monsters? I know since the death curse has been around, that Demiliche thinks he rules the world.

Nanbu shrugs as most of that flies over his head, Old man and little one look for a library, and Nanbu tries to find one for them. Smile is welcome to come along.

Nanbu comes up with names for people based on how he meets them. Now he will refer to new Rakdon as Creepy Smile, or Smile, which differentiates him from old Rakdon. :)

Saphina stares at Rakdon slack jawed...

Sashah watches the display with interest while his quill runs wild on a parchment.

Unlike any of the prominent districts within the city walls, Old City is a haphazard sprawl of bamboo huts dotted with a few makeshift tents. The entire area is built around the crumbling remains of three ziggurats, each of their terraces reworked into platforms housing numerous tents and bamboo huts.

Many residents are dressed in weathered garments that have seen better days. Banner signs on bamboo posts mark several local crafts and laborers. You reach the southernmost area and the hut of Pock-Marked Po.

The hut is disheveled from the outside, but the inside is surprisingly decorated with glittering trinkets and tapestries, and also smells of fine oils.

Pock-Marked Po is helped to his feet by a couple of robed female servants. As Po slowly approaches the party, the servants walk with him in a protective escort before Po waves them off and slowly approaches.

"Greetings, Nanbu and company. Thank you for coming to my aid," he says, while making a coin flipping motion to Rakdon.

Is he actually flipping a coin in midair or just making the motion? If so Rakdon will show off and try to catch the coin in midair then give it back. sleight of hand: 4 + 1d20 ⇒ 4 + (11) = 15

i think the motion is meant to indicate that he is part of the same faction as yourself. A subtle gesture that only the two of you understand.

Nanbu does a mock bowing motion, as if greeting a merchant prince, knowing that the man would get a kick out of it, Pock-marked Po, what is it that Nanbu and his friends may do for you? Be aware that he will have have a request on behalf of his friends in return.

“I an thankful for you arriving in Port Nyazeru, whether the reason be bravery, duty, or just sheer madness.”

"I would like the party to participate in the upcoming games to be held today at the Grand Colosseum in the Market Ward. Through my connections, I have 'procured' a few spots for event participants.
"Though I could hire out to some of my contacts, I feel the party is better suited to the task.
"I ask for you to compete and win the grand prize, consisting of 60 gp, a collection of fine perfumes and poultices, and a small gem known as the 'Oracle’s Eye', all gifted by Kwayothé, one of the city’s merchant princes.
"I believes I can use the Oracle’s Eye to gain some insight on the mysterious Death Curse, and suspect others participating in the games may have ulterior motives. The rest of the prize is also of considerable personal value to me. I require some perfume to hide my musty smell. Hah. You may keep the purse," he says.

"So what do you say? And what request might you have Nanbu?" he says.

Old Wizard and little one are looking for a particular library. Nanbu requests that you help them find their seeking, Nanbu gestures toward Sashah and Saphina.

EDIT: Nanbu and his friends wish to break this curse as well, and will do what we can to help, the warlock looks to his companions for affirmation.

"The port is not a great place for learning, as the climate is as cruel to manuscripts and texts as it is to men. Some of the merchant princes might have private libraries, but they might need some persuading to allow others near them," Pock-Marked Po says.

Nanbu looks to Sashah and shrugs, Well then, let us be off to the races!

Anyone else have anything to ask?

"You let anyone compete in these games?" asked the Dwarven woman. She could double as the very definition of stout, although the look on her face suggested that calling her stout might not be the best course of action.

Her traveler's clothes seemed well used, and she carried a rather large assortment of melee and ranged weapons on her. She did not, however, wear any armor.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard about these games, and I was just gonna watch, but I figure if I can get in on them, then I should."

Appearing to have just notice the group, She did her best to curtsy and added "Oh, my apologies. I'm not trying to claimjump. If you don't want me to come with, I'll stand out of your way."

Nanbu grins, Nanbu welcomes you, stonespeaker. Nanbu must apologize, he is used to the white-skinned cousins that are native to the Chult. Does stonespeaker ride beasts? A race we will be doing...

When Nanbu turns and makes his declaration he sees Sashah's eyes glazed, obviously lost in thought. "Oracle's eye.....oracle's eye...." he mutters over and over like he were searching for something.

Old man? What is it?

Sir Adrian walks with Nanbu and approaches the wizard.

What is it, my friend?

"Name's Fenri. Fenri Stonecleaver. Outta curiosity, what sorta race is it? Foot, mounted, river?"

"As far as animals go, no I don't ride one. I hit thangs with my axe or my stick."

Nanbu smiles slyly, Dinosaurs, dear Stonespeaker... Dinosaurs.

The Chultan guide frowns for a bit, There are different kinds of races, though. Nanbu is not sure about this one... Turning to Po, he tilts his head as he asks, What kind of race are Nanbu and his friends taking part of?

"I believe there are two components. A race and then a battle. I am sure you are well equipped for both. The dinosaurs are well trained and will accept all riders. Even dwarves..." Po says. "Please join this party in this quest Fenri. They are, at least, capable."

Nanbu looks excited. He throws a wink to Saphina with a jovial laugh, Nanbu and his friends are unstoppable.

Yeah...right...unstoppable.

The old half-elf's eyes seem to focus once more. "I cannot recall anything about oracle eye."

A race eh? He he, that can't finish the race if they can't stay awake through it As bright ideas go through Rakdon's head.

Po gives you entry vouchers for the competitions, which begin in a little over an hour. Their assigned team name is “The Bladefangs”, working for a local merchant named “Tarenbiril” (an ancient elven phrase translated as “Hideous Prince”).

"Good luck, and you better hurry. Also, magic is not allowed. Being seen casting a spell during the contest could have fatal consequences," he says.

The look of disappointment about the library is evident but quickly changes to one of excitement. We get to ride dinosaurs! Tymora’s grace! This trip just keeps getting better! She seemed not to hear Nanbu say we may be doing a different type of race.

there will be some minor changes to Saphina build this weekend but nothing that will be overt character wise. Just in case you notice some numbers changed.

Well, I'm pretty much useless during this race then Can I cast a spell without anyone noticing? Say like sleep using a sleight of hand check? It requires a verbal and somatic component, but the character would whisper it while hiding his hands while doing it. as well as other spells. Magic missile would be too obvious as missiles leave me hand. But sleep would just produce or something over the air nowhere near me.

Sashah grumbles and nods.

"Go have fun little one, but careful. Such race tend attract some violently adverse to losing."

Sir Adrian calls his groom anf squire close.

If this is truly a foot race, then help me doff this armor, and I will make wuick work of the competition.

He approaches the man.

Please kindly explain the rules of this race, won't you?

No, you can't cast Sleep surreptitiously. It has somatic and material components. Whenever you cast a spell, you reveal your position, so it's not possible to cast a spell w/o being noticed unless you take the metafeat for the sorcerer.

The Market Ward is a stark contrast to Old City in every way. Large clusters of modest homes and shops are spread about the area, with a public Bath House along the northern bay ridge. A large elevated path runs through the center of the area, housing the golden-roofed temple of Waukeen and the Grand Colosseum.

Huge crowds have gathered for today’s events. Long lines of excited patrons have formed around the side of the massive structure.

Sir Adrian's groom informs him. "I believe this will be a dinosaur race, Sir. They are quite unlike horses. Of course I shall carry your armor, Master."

Following Po’s instructions, the party enters through the area’s rear entrance and registers for the competition. The bouncer snarls at you.
"Was wondering when you lot would show up."

Well, here we are.

With the aid of his groom and squire, Sir Adrian doffs the Chain Mail and puts,on the Studded Leather Armor.

Fenri tromps along happily with the rest of the group, asking them about their adventures.

At the bouncer's comment, Fenri says "Tha best people are always fashionably late."

Nanbu apologizes. He was distracted, but Nanbu and his friends are here now. Let us get on with the races! It is not difficult to hear the excitement in his voice.

Come on guys! Saphina heads for the entrance to arena behind the bouncer.

The group is led into the arena. An announcer shouts "And here are the Green Viper's opponents... we thought they were lost on the Wild Coast.. the Bladefangs!" The crowd applauds politely.

The Green Vipers are all decked out in Green, and already astride their allosaurus mounts.

"Hah.. they might as well give us the Oracle's Eye already!" one of them says.

Mounts and Gear. Each player is assigned a mount, a smaller, domesticated version of an allosaurus. They are bred specifically for racing, which is a weekly event. They have a racing harness and saddle for the rider. Each rider is given a rider’s pole as well. For the purpose of this event, treat the pole as a quarterstaff with the light weapon property.

Each rider starts on the course at their starting point (Position #1). The first rider to reach the Finish Line (position #5) wins the race. Once the race begins, each rider may move up one position and take one action per turn. The available actions are:

Dash
If the rider makes a successful DC 13 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check, they urge their mount to move two spaces instead of one. Each mount may successfully dash twice during the race. Failed dash attempts do not count toward this number.

Jab
A rider may use their pole to jab at any other rider so long as they are at the same position number (Example: any rider at position #3 can jab any other rider at #3).
Make a normal attack roll as you would with a quarterstaff versus the Armor Class of the rider. On a hit, instead of taking damage, the opponent must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. If failed, the rider is knocked off of their mount and loses a turn of movement to mount up again.

Taunt
A rider may taunt or distract any other rider so long as they are within up to one position away from their own. (Example: any rider at position #3 can taunt any other rider between positions #2 and #4).
The rider makes a Charisma (Intimidation) check against the opposing rider’s Wisdom (Insight) check. If the taunting rider wins the roll, the opposing rider is at a disadvantage on any checks made during the next obstacle (see “Obstacles” below).

Trip
This action may be used on another rider so long as they are at the same position number (Example: any rider at position #3 can trip any other rider at #3).
Using their pole, the rider attempts to trip up another rider’s mount. Make a DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check or a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. If successful, the opposing rider must then make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw.
If the saving throw is failed, the rider’s mount stumbles and they lose one position rank.
--------------------------------
There are also obstacles throughout the race course that will obstruct and delay participants.

5:
4:
3:
2:
1: (Everyone in the party)/Green Vipers 1/2/3/4
Any questions or other actions before the race starts?

Nanbu calls upon his beast speech and talks to his allosaurus, Hello, my friend, my name is Nanbu. You and Nanbu will win this race, no? If we do, Nanbu buy you a big meal!

I had originally swapped for this invocation because I wanted to be able to speak with the flying monkey that I intend to purchase, but can I use this ability to instead use my Charisma for my Animal Handling?

The allosaur nods its head. It seems eager to be Nanbu's steed.
Yeap, fine with using Charisma

The Chultan guide smiles and saddles up, Friends, let us win this race!

Rakdon doesn't have intimidate, but with cha +3, he no longer feels almost useless
When the race starts Rakdon will taunt green viper number 1, after requesting the fattest and biggest Allosaurus there is, even if it is only by 5 pounds and 1 inch. Hey you, my allosaurus is fatter and bigger than yours, your a smaller inferior dinosaur. intimidate: 3 + 1d20 ⇒ 3 + (12) = 15

Nanbu will dash out ahead!

Animal Handling (Charisma): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Do we need to roll initiative?

Lets do it! Saph says as she greets her mount with an open palm befor mounting it.

Sir Adrin mounts the dinosaur, and he prepares,to attack with the riding pole, any of the opposition adjacent.

Staff Att: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Staff Dam: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sir Adrin mounts the dinosaur, and he prepares,to attack with the riding pole, any of the opposition adjacent.

[dice=Staff Att]1d20+6
[dice=Staff Dam]1d8+4

Do you mean to jab?