Heng |
Round 3
CMD: 33, hp:79, Ki 6/9, Stun 9/9, Fire 8/8, dragon style
Heng struggles against his silent opponent unmoved and unyielding. Sweat beads over his scalp as he again tries to overbalance the mammoth man to pin him.
grapple 1d20 + 15 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 5 = 39
yeah, monk CMD rox. A fighter wrestler build could beat CMB, but nobody touches the CMD. :)
DM NomadSage |
Round Three
Break: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
The wrestler makes a valiant effort to throw off Heng's hled at the last moment, but it just isn't enough. Heng rides the buck and turns his weight, taking the man down and pinning him solidly.
Still silent, even in exertion, he taps out. The crowd gasps in surprise, but then breaks into cheering.
Prince Batsaikhar congratulates Heng, smiling, "Such strength and agility! It seems the methods of Hongal have crossed even to your half of Golarion. Where did you learn such excellent technique?"
Heng |
Heng waits for his opponent to stand and then bows to him again. He bows to the Prince, "It was a worthy challenge. I prevailed today, but I think we are closely matched. If it had been only a challenge of strength, I do not think that I would be the victor. I thank my honorable host and my honorable brother in martial arts."
"It is clear that he has taken a vow of silence, but may I ask the Prince for my worthy opponent's name and training? Though I am yet new to these lands, my father came from this side of the world and he taught me though I do not know where he himself learned."
DM NomadSage |
The Prince nods with a smile, "That one's name is Huk, a distant cousin of mine, actually. After mastering the Hongal wrestling style before his twentieth year, Huk traveled to the Successor States to learn more. His dishonor for losing to a foreigner is offset by the fact that you are a worthy opponent. Still, it is clear he has much yet to learn."
Huk bows humbly before the Prince.
DM NomadSage |
Happily, Prince Batsaikhar signals for the bareback horse racing to begin, which takes a half-hour to complete, including the honorifics for the winning racer. Just as the crowd is returning to their seats, a wave of gasps echo through the chamber as Harlan returns with the large, white wolf.
Depending on what kind of tricks you want to do, will require at least a Ride check, and an attack roll for the archery target. Skygni essentially provides you an 'Aid Other', so you gain a +2 on either your Ride check or attack roll (your choice).
Harlan Starshine |
Harlan allows Skygni to strut through the aisle, clearly enjoying himself.
I'll show them who can't cook. Maybe that chef is behind the target? No. Darn. I didn't mean it, I promise. Ok, I meant it a little.
I'll take the Assist on Ride, and I'll assume casting spells before I start is cheating. Harlan would assume that anyway.
First Harlan will have Skygni sprint through his paces as only a wolf could.
Ride Bareback: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 - 5 = 23
After several passes he will then have the wolf breath ice at the target.
Ride Bareback: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 - 5 = 23
With one more loping wolfy canter he will then take careful aim and fire.
Ride Bareback: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 - 5 = 22
Crossbow Mounted: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 14
Crossbow Mounted: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 = 19
Quickly wheeling Skygni around he takes two more shots.
Ride Bareback: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 - 5 = 23
Crossbow Mounted: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20
Crossbow Mounted: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 = 6
Then he will quickly dismount
Ride Bareback: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 - 5 = 7
Crossbow Mounted: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 14
Or not.
and put another round towards the target.
Should've taken the +2 towards shooting, figured the -5 for bareback would be worse.
DM NomadSage |
Awesome! =D
The crowd watches in stunned silence as Harlan runs Skygni through the paces (except for a collective gasp when the wolf actually does breathe ice on command). The Prince's smile widens further, and he emits a hearty at the display. The crowd hisses as one shot goes wide, but no one marks Harlan's stumbling dismount, thinking it part of the act. The crowd breaks into thunderous applause at the end.
Parity |
- HP:94/143 (42)
- Vanguard Blast: 6/7
- Swift Spell: 3/5
- SpellGrapple: 6/7
- Enhance Weap 13/13
- Spells: 1st: 2/6, 2d: 3/6, 3rd: 0/5, 4th: 4/5, 5th: 1/2
- Chaincloth Cloak: 2/3
- Jingasa negate crit/SA: 0/1
- Terra Cotta Talisman: Luck Reroll: 1/1, spiritual ally: 1/1
- Suishen abilities: airwalk: 2/3, see invisibility: 2/3 resist cold: 2/3, daylight:3/3
- Active effects:
Blind, stnskin (120), Images (5), keen, res cold 30, airwalk, end elem, see inv, lt fort, all-round vision, DR10/adam, DR5/pierce, res skin)
"What's happening?" Parity leans over to Ameiko.
DM NomadSage |
"Before you go..." Prince Batsaikhar calls out to Harlan, smiling. "A prize worthy of your exotic display. Indeed, I am sure none in this chamber has seen anything quite like it." The servant moves forward, handing a bundle to Harlan and bowing deeply. "It is a quiver from Our own armory, enchanted to hold more than it would appear. We have no ammunition for your crossbow, but you will find the quiver a useful boon"
An efficient quiver, containing 20 +1 arrows.
DM NomadSage |
The Prince smiles at Maeve, "Oh no, you have already gifted Us with your very presence and astounding beauty. It is an honor these insignificant gifts can little repay."
**
Heng sees that Koya is enjoying herself greatly. She remains quietly observant, but her eyes glitter. Miyaro is not at your table, but getting tea is a simple request to one of the many, ever-present servants.
Anything else for the Feast of Three from the party? The main event is finished.
Parity |
- HP:94/143 (42)
- Vanguard Blast: 6/7
- Swift Spell: 3/5
- SpellGrapple: 6/7
- Enhance Weap 13/13
- Spells: 1st: 2/6, 2d: 3/6, 3rd: 0/5, 4th: 4/5, 5th: 1/2
- Chaincloth Cloak: 2/3
- Jingasa negate crit/SA: 0/1
- Terra Cotta Talisman: Luck Reroll: 1/1, spiritual ally: 1/1
- Suishen abilities: airwalk: 2/3, see invisibility: 2/3 resist cold: 2/3, daylight:3/3
- Active effects:
Blind, stnskin (120), Images (5), keen, res cold 30, airwalk, end elem, see inv, lt fort, all-round vision, DR10/adam, DR5/pierce, res skin)
Parity listens to Ameiko's account and a shadow crosses his face. "Maintaining a low profile will be much harder in a place where we stand out as oddities. We should be careful that openness like this doesn't distract us from our vigilance."
DM NomadSage |
After the contests are completed, the army of servants clears away the tables and brings out the final course: 'Tiger, Phoenix and Dragon Soup', a colorful, creamy bisque, along with copious amounts of beer. Prince Batsaikhar lies back and enjoys a hookah while the crowd becomes a raucous party.
The night ends as quickly or slowly as you desire, and servants are waiting to see you to your quarters whenever you decide to leave.
Any plans for the evening, or the next day?
Maeve Haela |
Feast of Three
Maeve tries to get through the soup as quickly as she can (while still being polite, meaning she sits next to Batsaikhar for almost an hour while the party begins) . . .
Maeve's suite, next afternoon
After a long morning of recovering from the first feast, by mid-day the dancer finally feels confident enough to get up and start on her newest project.
...by noon she has finally given up and asks that Miyaro be sent to her quarters, the late breakfast brought for her nearly untouched (though not by choice)...
DM NomadSage |
Maeve's Suite
Miyaro appears quietly a few moments after being summoned, but not alone. With her are a score of servants carrying a procession of bouquets. Most are winter blossoms and spray, but intermixed with some very exotic and rare flowers; all are beautiful, and the aroma intoxicating.
With the are also two tall Hongal soldiers dressed in finely decorated armor.
Miyaro speaks quietly with one of the servants before turning to Maeve and bowing. "From the Prince, with his undying affection."
Heng |
Heng escorts Koya back to her quarters musing over the evening's festivities. His mood seems uncharacteristic light as they wend through the palace. It is only as they approach her room that he looks a little troubled.
"Tata, I have quite enjoyed this break from the road, but I am concerned that a long delay will give our enemies time to find us and I can only think that our success in these contests will make that task even easier."
Maeve Haela |
Maeve's Suite
Maeve gulps, then mutters to herself in Taldane "...this is beyond out-of-hand..." She takes a deep breath, then says out loud "Uhm, thank you. Just..uhm...set them anywhere."
Once the monumental task of finding places for the decorations is done (a task she insists on helping with), she quickly dismisses most of the servants with one last wave of frustration before turning to Miyaro. "Erm, right. Now that that's out of the way, I have something of the utmost seriousness to ask of you..."
She gives the other woman a long stare for a moment, as if this doesn't just concern her but possibly the fate of all of Golarion...before suddenly thrusting out her chopsticks in both hands while bowing in supplication. "Please please please please teach me how to use these thrice damned things!"
Koya Mvashti *DM* |
Koya nods at Heng with a knowing smile. "We were destined to stand out as soon as we came over the ice in wintertime. Now. we are stuck with the fame either way. If we leave suddenly and besmirch the Prince's hospitality, that will stand out as well." She shrugs a shoulder, adding, "Caution is wise, but what do you suggest we do?"
DM NomadSage |
Maeve's Suite
Miyaro's eyes widen and her face cracks into a momentary smile. She bows again. "Of course. It is really quite simple, actually. Chopsticks often confound the new because you lack a proper demonstration." She takes the sticks from Maeve, setting the first into place. "Now, the key is to anchor the first stick between your thumb and forefinger, like so..."
Maeve Haela |
Maeve's Suite
Since there's actual conversation as well, I'm going to skip the lesson itself for something that may be more entertaining.
Maeve nods, still looking both serious and actually more than a little frustrated. She repeats Miyaro's gestures, taking a seat at the table where the untouched food is, reaching for it....and the bottom stick falls out...
*****
...her utensils go flying across the room...
*****
...Maeve gets frustrated and repeats Harlan's gesture from last night on a particularly awkwardly-shaped bit of vegetable...
*****
...something remains stuck on the plate when she tries to pick it up, and she accidentally knocks over the water-glass into her lap...
*****
...a small dumpling of some kind rolls between Maeve's strong grip and pops out at Miyaro...
*****
...but, after a good few hours of practice, it looks like Maeve is finally starting to catch on, and much of the food that is still palatable is gone. "Okay, I think that's enough practice. At least hopefully tonight the utensils will be the least of my worries." She says with a long, loud sigh. Looking around at the flowers with an expression of despair, she nearly sinks her head forward into the rice bowl.
Heng |
"Caution is wise, but what do you suggest we do?"
Heng sighs heavily as he rubs his tattooed skull, "Plotting and strategy are not my strong suite. I suppose it would be better to not offend the Prince and add to our list of enemies. Perhaps I would feel better if you were to do a Harrowing, if it is no trouble and if I may further impose Tata, would you be able to possibly find the time to brew a potion or two that could fill me with a dragon's menacing glory. I think that may help me further unlock the power of my chosen style."
requesting 2 potions of Eagles Splendor
Koya Mvashti *DM* |
"Certainly, I will start working on those in the morning. I will just need you to buy me a few basic ingredients in town."
Read: pay the construction cost.
She frowns at Heng's mention of the Harrowing. "To be honest, I am hesitant to perform another Harrowing for the whole group. But, if you wish, I will do a private one for you."
DM NomadSage |
Maeve's Suite
Miyaro is a good instructor with seemingly endless patience. She remains by Maeve's side throughout the lesson, enjoying a few morsels of her own in demonstration. She gives Maeve a strange (Vulcan-like) look at her apparent despair. "You possess an eclectic energy; one moment frantic, and another despondent. If I may be so bold, why such angst?"
Maeve Haela |
Maeve's Suite
There's a long moment of silence while Maeve tries to gather her thoughts. "It's....well, this." She gestures around to the flowers. "It's sweet, in a way, but I'm not interested...but I don't want to be rude either, because...and then there's the way we really weren't looking for something so extravagant, but we..."
Heng |
"Thank you, Koya. I will bring you the supplies you require. And perhaps later we can do a Harrowing. I am sure you are tired after this evening and to be honest so am I after that wrestling match. Good night, Tata." Heng gives his foster mother a kiss on the cheek and makes his way back to his own quarters.
2 L2 potions at 1/2 price. check.
Sandru Vhiski *DM* |
Sandru chuckles again, roughing Harlan on the shoulder. "I was kidding. I'd say you're being paranoid... we've been harried for so long, that we're not used to some genuine hospitality. I don't feel anything shady is going on here." He ponders for a second. "The drivers and crew are enjoying the much needed break, but... just to be sure, I'll make sure the caravan is ready for a 'hasty' departure. Will that make you feel better?"
DM NomadSage |
Maeve's Suite
Miyaro nods, her eyes showing empathy, but her face is a mask. "The Prince is very forward about his desires. To have the affection of one so powerful is a great honor."
@ ALL: Unless there's something you want to do to interrupt the sequence, I'll post the 2nd night's feast shortly. Flex-time continues, as always.
Maeve Haela |
"...WHAT?!" Maeve shrieks in Taldane, probably loudly enough to be heard in the Prince's own quarters. She quickly switches to Tien, her more familiar language, though "Why didn't someone tell me!? Quickly, I need to talk to Ame..no, best leave her out of this...I'm going to need to talk to any musician who can handle an instrument to see if they know a song I can use. Every illusionist in the palace, too. Oh, are there any immovable rods in the palace treasury? I'll need every last one - don't worry, I'm just going to borrow them, they won't leave the palace and there's no time to shop for them or get them made. Oh, hurry, there's not enough time!" Maeve starts sprinting around in a circle, as if she's not quite sure where to run to first. "The dining hall, the seats are in too close, I could hurt someone, need to rearrange that..."