Mera takes note of Chammady and is admittedly caught off guard. While she's able to prevent from panicking, inside Mera is temporarily at a loss for words as she tries to figure out what the play is going to be on this. Ok, I did not see this coming. It's a shame Monday's not here for this.
Like a switch, Mera instantly lights up in a warm smile as she moves to embrace Chammady. "What a pleasant surprise to see you again so soon! You were all the rage from the dinner the other night! Some of our companions just couldn't stop talking about your your amazing ... outfit. Isn't that right Raveen? How fitting you two should meet this day."
Tal looks a bit lost as he Trieste o place Lady Chammady. He remembered seeing her at the dinner but not spending any time talking to her. He let Monday and Mera do most of the talking that night while he mostly talked to the staff and tried not to make a fool of himself. He wanted to do the same here but clearly that was not going to happen...unless he could turn her attention on Mera more.
Ah Milady. It is good to see you again though I regret the first time I did not have Much time to speak with you at the dinner. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of rich food. However I am surprised that you even remembered me with such others present as Monday and Mera. When they are around I rather fade bot the background. I believe you spoke with Monday mainly. Alas she could not be with us at the moment.
To what do we owe the privilege of your presence?
Chmammady listens politely and then yawns exaggeratedly. This one must feel so bad she missed performing, she is trying to make up for it now by acting-badly!
After Lorelei gives her explanation.
A dancer you say? Very nice dear, but my question still stands. What is your role in this little shindig? Are you going to dance for the masses? Ah! I think not!
She then moves on to Richard. A lot of money riding on Raveen. Please tell me how much do YOU consider a lot of money?
Next moving on to Mera. Me being the topic of conversation? Hardly. Our Lord-Mayor did have such interesting guests who wore a lot less as the night went on. But you wouldn't have known any of that my dear.
Next moving on to Tal. Yes, I was much disappointed that the muscle of the play was too busy to speak to his betters. That is why I figured if one such as yourself is too busy for nobility, then nobility must seek him out. She then glides over to Lucca, While most nobility would shy away from Mr. Lucca's...uh..enterprise here. I like to keep my ear to what the commoners enjoy.
Lucca turns a bright red, but whether from rage or embarrassment, you cannot tell.
My question still has not been answered. Why are you three here? Is it to just shake your hips? Is it just to place a wager? Or is it something more?
She looks at Girolamo. You can speak, you know.
Tal shrugs his shoulders as Chammandy prattles onabout him being to busy for nobility. The truth was the exact opposite and he had no problem letting her know that. Iam sorry for disappointing you milady but I think you have a grander idea of who or what I am than reality dictates. I am a simple man without the refinement or upbringing of the noble classes. I was born from ‘common’ folk with large hearts, a strong work ethic, but little money. I have gotten to where i am through hard work and risking both my health and life. As such I am more comfortable with the lower and middle class but have learned slowly how to interact with my betters.
Richard laughs a bit. "A few hundred gold pieces to make sure Raveen here is victorious. Good for you to listen to the common folk- it's the best way to help everyone, I say."
"Pray tell, have you heard anything of late? What are commoners talking about these days?"
Richard can't let her on to their plan, but he does want to keep talking- maybe she can be a potential ally.
A dancer you say? Very nice dear, but my question still stands. What is your role in this little shindig? Are you going to dance for the masses? Ah! I think not!
Lorelei's smile never falters. "Your question was answered, Lady Drovenge. I have no role to play. I'm simply here to enjoy the show."
Our Lord-Mayor did have such interesting guests who wore a lot less as the night went on. But you wouldn't have known any of that my dear.
Oof. I suppose she took notice of our absence then. Very well.
Ignoring the jab, Mera acknowledge the former. "There were many interesting people there indeed."
My question still has not been answered. Why are you three here?
Mera frowns at the statement, turning to address Lucca. "Why, they are with me, of course. You don't think I travel alone love, do you?"
Iam sorry for disappointing you milady but I think you have a grander idea of who or what I am than reality dictates. I am a simple man without the refinement or upbringing of the noble classes. I was born from ‘common’ folk with large hearts, a strong work ethic, but little money. I have gotten to where i am through hard work and risking both my health and life. As such I am more comfortable with the lower and middle class but have learned slowly how to interact with my betters.
Chammady claps her hands silently, And look at you now owning your own blacksmith shop!
"A few hundred gold pieces to make sure Raveen here is victorious. Good for you to listen to the common folk- it's the best way to help everyone, I say."
A few hundred you say? I thought you were serious! She then looks at Lucca. 3,000 gold pieces on Raveen and his friends!
Lucca stammers. Thr...three thousand gold? On them? Are you sure?
The look on Lucca's face relays that he is hoping she is not.
Chammady smiles sweetly. Of course I am! You can cover it can you?
Lucca looks like he rather be anywhere else. Of course. he whispers.
Excellent! I can have a servant bring the money if you would like?
Lucca looks defeated. That won't be necessary.
"Your question was answered, Lady Drovenge. I have no role to play. I'm simply here to enjoy the show."
Of course you are my dear.
There were many interesting people there indeed."
Hmmm..If you say so. I find there are more interesting people in this room. she says not taking her eyes off of Lorelei.
Tal shakes his head no at the notion of the blacksmith meaning anything to the conversation. Owning the blacksmith is neither here nor there. It is a business that deals with skilled laborers and clients. While the clients may have some ties to nobility or the upper echelon it is not like I am visiting with them otherwise.
When she places her large bet of 3k gp Tal smiles appreciatively. That is quite the show of support there. I must say I was expecting such a wager to be placed on me by any other than myself. I would place such a bet as well but only brought in 2000 gp
"I am not as gifted with money as you are, my Lady. But I do appreciate your belief in our champion Raveen's success!"
Lorelei returns Chammady's gaze for a few seconds without fear, before bowing her head like a proper servant.
---
Later, after Chammady has left, Lorelei leans over to Tal and whispers:
Then she bids Master Raveen farewell, and goes to take a seat in the audience.
Tal listens intently as Lorelei informs him about Chammandy. You could have a point there. Then again if someone wanted to find out about me it wouldn’t be that hard. I mean it’s not like a blend into a crowd or anything. We will have to be prepared for whatever tries to do but hopefully we can can play al9ng and just say that it was a stage name and nothing else was meant by it.
Richard will enter the cage, following Lord Raveen of course. It's a lot easier to cast magic up close than afar.
The comments Chammandy makes about Tal are troubling, but they are trouble for another time. She walks up to Tal and leans in to his ear and whispers, "I'll be close by, listen for the sound of my voice and let it aid you should you need it.
Pulling away, she heads out to find an ideal place to watch the show.
After Chammady has departed (much to Lucca’s relief!) All of you are led to a tunnel that ends in a gate. One of Lucca’s thugs smiles a toothless smile. Now wait until da boss introduces ya!
You don’t have long to wait as Lucca strolls out to the middle of the arena and the crowd goes wild. He has changed into gaudy but faded clothing and is holding a megaphone.
Friends! You have waited days for this and the time is nigh! May I present a man who needs no introduction, but I am going to do it anyway! At this Lucca chuckles. A master conjurer and skilled warrior in his own right. He is our current champion. May I present.
At this a man dressed in traditional gladiator garb exits the opposite tunnel and confidently strides into the cage waving to a cheering audience.
Lucca lets the cheering continue for several minutes before motioning for the audience to quiet down.
Friends! May I introduce his opponent? A man who does not need conjured creatures to fight for him. A man who recently starred as Lazarus in the acclaimed play, ‘The Six Punishments of Lazarus’ – Ravert!
The thug again smiles. Dat’s yer cue! Good luck! He then swings open the cage door and motions for you to follow. He then opens the opposite end of the cage and motions for Tal to follow him. He then proceeds to exit locking both cage doors behind him.
The crowd cheers loudly for you all.
Lucca is about to speak again when Thrax motions him over. He then grabs the megaphone from Lucca.
Admirers! You know I am fond of summoning lemurs!
At this the crowd cheers wildly in the affirmative.
But you have seen this man already battle lemurs on the stage!
At this the crowd again roars in the affirmative (even though it is likely few of them had seen the play).
Do you want to see that again?
The crowd again roars in the affirmative. Until Thrax shakes his head in the negative, then they roar in the negative.
That is correct! You do not want to see that again! Therefore today only, I will not summon my usual lemurs, instead I will be summoning something better! Exciting! Terrifying! And more dangerous! He then holds up a scroll.
The crowd goes insane!
Lucca then grabs back the megaphone.
In that case, let the games begin! He then quickly exits the arena.
The horn blows and Thrax begins casting from the scroll and a dire tiger appears!
Tal just about steps forward when Lucca mentions the introduction of a man that needs no introduction. After all, he was Drovalid from the recent hit play. It was a good thing though there was a cage in front of him as he could not move forward as this was not his cue. He tried to wait patiently for his turn as the adrenaline kicked in. He almost didn't pay attention to the miscues of Lucca in his anticipation. Lazarus?!? Ravert?!? What games was he playing It didn't matter too much either way as both were just stage names.
Entering the arena Tal set his shield and sword in a ready position as he bowed once to each side honoring the attendees. It was then that Mantrithor spoke. Tal paid close attention to what was being said in case he could get any advantage. Clearly the man did his research and knew that Lemurs were no match for him as the play justified. What then would Tal be facing? As the scroll was used and a dire tiger appeared Tal gave a quick glance back to Mera and Richard. We got this guys. After all...its not like its a fire demon. Let's just hope he only has 1 or 2 of those scrolls though. Any weaknesses or tactics you can tell me about a dire tiger?
"Er... it's a large... cat?" Richard provides uselessly. "Let me get a scroll to protect you."
Mera racks her brain on what she knows about both the dire tiger and Tal's competition.
Lorelei boos at Tal's opponent.
"YOU SUCK THRAX!!"
Then she cheers along from the stands for Tal. "Whooo!"
At the sight of the dire tiger, Lorelei quirks an eyebrow, then claps.
"You've got this! Kick it's *ss!"
From her place in the stands, Lorelei tries to get a chant started, to turn the audience against Thrax.
"Let's go RA-VERT, let's GO! *clap clap*!"
Lorelei starts a chant and some seem to favor Tal as the victor, but it seems more are favoring Tal for cat-lunch.
The tiger cautiously stars to stalk its prey.
Richard pulls out a scroll and starts to cast.
Arrogant afer his long streak of wins in the Devildrome, Thrax’s tactic of flooding the Devildrome with lemure devils enhanced by his Augment Summoning feat have yet to fail him
With the center stage in the way of the cat getting a charge at him Tal takes a quick moment to pull a potion and drink it. The effects are quite obvious as he doubles in height and preparing for the on slaughter from the cat. He then steps a pace forward and to the right to keep the charge lines obscured from the dire tiger.
Richard finishes reading the scroll and enhances himself, Sherix and Tal. "That should help you be a bit quicker. I have some shield of faith scrolls, but that will take some time to execute. Now go!"
Mera calls out to Tal, "Watch out its claws, the tiger will want to rake and pounce on you!"
Mera takes a long inhale and then begins to chant loudly behind Tal.
"O Fortune,
like the moon
you are changeable,
ever waxing
ever waning;
hateful life
first oppresses
and then soothes
playing with mental clarity;
poverty
and power
it melts them like ice."
Tal is now the size of the tiger and moves to the right as Richard casts haste.
Mera gives Tal advice and inspires courage with a song.
Girolamo watches with fascination. Thrax mouths the word to a curse.
Lorelei continues to lead the crowd in a very rousing chant.
As she chants, she looks around at the crowd, curious whether Chammady is paying attention to the brawl, or Tal's companions...
The tiger, not seeing Tal right away from behind the platform, charges at the others behind the gate. The gate creaks but otherwise holds. The crowd starts to boo.
With the scroll expended, Richard gives some advice.
"Prepare yourself, Tal. The tiger works by instinct, a pounce is almost imminent."
He pulls out another scroll.
He isn't able to make heads or tails of it. "Bah! I can't get the hang of this."
Tal hear the boos from the crowd Tal hurries to get some excitement going as he closes in on the dire tiger. Keeping his shield in front of him Tal brings his longsword around in a large swing over his head. Using the momentum he strikes as soon as the tiger is within reach of the now massive blade.
Power Combat expert is attack with haste, heroism, inspire courage for
The blade whistles through the air and makes contact but not as hard as Tal would have liked. Still first blood was his as he raised his blade up for the masses to see.
Richard gives Tal some helpful advice while Tal opens a huge gash in the giant cat. The audience roars with approval as Thrax seethes from the other end.
Mera will continue to inspire her bodyguard by weaving defensive advice into her song lyrics.
Mera gives Tal advice while Girolamo continues to watch the spectacle.
Lorelei continues to lead her chant!
With Tal and the tiger engaging, the crowd cheerfully follows Lorelei's chant!
The tiger finally sees prey that it can eat and tries to bite and claw Tal.
Richard tries to activate the scroll again, but it's no use.
"Tal, strike the cat right between the eyes!"
"Or maybe scratch behind its ears?"
Richard feels out of his depth here.
Having avoided the brunt of the return attack from the giant cat Tal tries to lay waste to it with 2 powerful blows from his longsword.
Power expertise heroism hasted inspired attack for
Second attack for
While weaving defensive advice into the lyrics of the song, Mera takes note of Richards struggles curiously. She glance in his direction and holds her hands up as if to ask 'What's going on'?
Mera and Richard try to help Tal out as he continues to demolish the overgrown kitty. Thrax is red with rage.
Running a reign of winter campaign
Lorelei continues to lead the crowd to support Tal.
Sorry to hear that as I just got a replacement this weekend. I may have a wrath of the righteous spot open though.
Since the tiger can't seem to hit its on shadow, the crowd gladly joins Lorelei.
The tiger, knowing it is being bitten reacts violently swipes Tal with iys claw while its huge maw clamps down on Tal.
"Uh...hm.. Tal, get out of there, now!"
Richard stands upright, corrects his posture and asks, nay DEMANDS that Tal escape his enemy's grip.
Richard casts Heroism on himself, realizing he doesn't have the smarts to activate this scroll. At least, not yet.
Tal feels the teeth and claws sink into his flesh and was impressed at the tenacity of this summoned creature. Focusing on the fight in front of him Tal slashes twice with his longsword.
Power expertise heroism haste inspire courage Richard attack for
Second attack for
Mera's singing continues as she hopes to keep Tal inspired in his performance combat. She tries to continue to provide defensive advice, but when the creature clamps its jaws and begins to shred his flesh she cringes and is unable to come up with anything beneficial to help him his round. As he narrowly escapes being trapped in the creatures grasp, she avoids sighing loudly for fear of interrupting her performance.
The show must go on you know. She continues to sing for now, but prepares to cast a healing spell should he suffer any further additional wounds.
Just a clarification but my cmb is 34 currently. I did not update that as I was not thinking it would come up. My bad. But normal is 29 -1 dex +1 str +1 size from enlarge person +1 from haste +1 from Mera +2 combat expertise.
Richard and Mera try to give Tal with various results. Tal scores some hits on the tiger!