Dimitrio, the ladies are indeed nice. You suspect Saul is spending a pretty copper tonight on the most talented servers from the church of Calistria with each one nicer than the last.
Ederin, hard to know (with that roll) what Saul is thinking. He certainly looks happy with the turnout, and with the evening so far - and it’s barely begun.
- - -
As the windows begin darkening with twilight, several game hall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw and cloth to light several large braziers, giving the hall a more infernal hue. A hush falls over the gathered crowd as a short man climbs to the central podium, accompanied by two gorgeous ‘succubi’, and stands before the gold, chain-shrouded chest there with demoness on either side. He wears a formal suit, and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped key. This is Saul Vancaskerkin (image), the owner of the Gold Goblin and host of the tournament. He bows before the crowd and clears his throat before speaking in a loud clear voice, easily heard throughout the hall.
He says this last as he taps the large chest atop which he stands with his walking stick.
This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls.
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention to the imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of careful applause.
As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues his bellowing over the assembled throng
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another profane tirade.
With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots.
And so the tournament begins and the sounds of the dealers shouting encouragement ring throughout the hall.
"Ale."
Kaylayne serves the man an ale, even checking to see that the mug is clean. She takes the coin in one motion and puts it in the tiller. She recognizes him as the barfly from the Lurch, but she knew he was coming her, so it's not a surprise.
She offers a slim smile, both of recognition and with hope for tip, and looks to fill the next order.
* * *
Kaylayne stops her work as Saul takes the stage, her attitude intended to get the other patrons to pay attention. She listens attentively, then returns to work. She is eager to see what happens and who might win the game.
Kaylayne doesn't have the stomach (nor skill) for gambling, and, even if she did, she is saving her money for other things.
"Time to stop puttin' this off then, eh?"
Unimpressed with the display Ederin trudges back to the counter and trades in for some starting chips. Unsure what to think of this whole mess, he continues to watch for signs of anything suspect. Well, more suspect than usual anyway.
He looks for an opening at any of the tables closest to the center of the Goblin. Pulling up a seat he grins broadly at the dealer.
"Ready to try for my sweets mate? You'll find no nectar here, just a cow with horns enough to fight."
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Ederin, what sort of game do you look for? Dice? Cards? Roulette? Savage Tongued Ghoul Head? Oh, sorry, that last one is in the smaller of the three rooms to the west... and you wanted to be near the middle.
So Dice, Cards, or Roulette?
- - -
Everybody may make a perception check and a sense motive check at your leisure. I'll be using the rolls later so don't get all keyed up - you sense nothing amiss. Well except that drunk guy over there. Apparently he started partying early and he just lost a pile of money playing Bounder. He is being escorted out by a staffer. Not even a kiss for that poor soul!
Watching Kaylayne Garridan can't help but think, a true craftsmen. With a wink and a nod he picks up his ale and places a silver down on the bar. Time to trust my luck. He thinks as he moves into the gaming area and seemingly chooses a table at random, stopping at one throwing dice.
“Bounder, bounder, bounder! No doubles, no doubles!”
Ederin sits down at a table with a number of other players and a dealer. The game is fairly simple, the dealer gets 3d6 and the players 2d20. To start, each player bets a stake (1sp or higher at this table) and rolls their first d20 - making a ‘point’. After everyone has rolled their points, each player may double their stake. Then the dealer rolls 3d6. Anyone who’s point matches the dealer loses as the last guy in your spot did.
Finally, each player rolls their second d20. If the players two rolls are on either side of the dealers, you ‘bound’ the dealer and double your stake. If you roll a 1 and 20, you win triple your stake.
Bounder seems to be a very popular game in the area around the chest, though there is a game of Toad nearby as well.
With a quick glance around the Bounder Table, Garridan knew his luck was running strong. Half these fools have the enthusiasm of a prisoner going to the gallows, they have no hope, he observes.
He takes a large swig of ale savoring the sweet nutty flavor watching the other players roll to establish point and he smiles, They roll dice with the inexperience of a twelve year old with his hands floundering under his first loves britches.
Placing a gold piece down on the table he picks up the dice shaking them quickly and releases them in one smooth motion saying, "Come 20, come 20."
Dimitrio is shocked by the devil's antics. Was that for real or just part of the show.
He signals the butterfly's wings over his heart and makes a mental note to avoid that area. But the bard is uneasy by the whole ordeal, and his superstitious soul is not quite right.
Resting his eyes on some of the beauties in the place to distract his mind, he nears the card table and wagers a couple of silvers after making small talk to some of the other players. Now who may be after Saul.
Cursing his bad luck, Dimitrio falls back on one of strengths. He is going to bluff his way into winning. Now that he had taken stock of the other players, he puts a couple of more chips on the table.
Sitting up straight, he used his performing voice while playing.
Kaylayne snatches up the silver coin tipped by Garridan and continues her work at the bar. Once in a while, she takes a peek in the mirror to be sure she still lives, still yet breathes. She is happy that she does.
And then she works again.
Making a quick note of the rules Ederin glances at the toad table for a second.
Leavin' after a show like that, they'd mark me a pigeon. Besides it's not like he really knew that game any better.
He puts on his work face, and sees what fate has in store this evening.
"Rollin' the poor ones now boys so they're all winners when the stakes is higher."
Silly presumption. Lief always wants to know more, so he considers the special abilities and magical strengths of such a little devil.
Lief eventually decides that pretty women trump spitting devils. That's likely a universal in any good card game. His mind turns toward the card games, but only because they seem to be the honeycombs which attract the lovely ladies. A redhead in particular grabs his attention, strongly. He finds himself in front of her, and in front of a bounders table. He hears the rules, only in passing, before he joins the table, so that he may be taken more seriously as patron of the Gold Goblin.
Lief makes his first 'point', betting the gold sail he would have paid to enter the tournament in the first place, had he not been gifted one in its place.
"You are looking quite smashing this evening... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. My name's Lief, and you are? First time in Riddleport, I must confess, but I've traveled from afar, and I haven't seen a lady as lovely as you, not by any stretch. Do gambling halls like this suit you, or is this a special occasion? Would you rather enjoy a quieter environment, say, over dinner, with someone from Magnimar, who would enjoy learning more about you?" Lief looks down into the woman's face, hoping to see acceptance, rather than rejection.
You learn that you need one ‘flesh and bone’ token to pass the first round, two to pass the second, etc. all the way up to eight to pass into the final round. Of course the plan is to earn them gambling, but Riddleport being what it is a black market quickly develops as the winners auction off their ‘spare’ tokens for more cash.
The night starts unevenly for the party. Garridan starts off strong, playing several hands, each larger than the last. By the end of the first round of the tournament he has a half dozen or so of the ‘flesh and bone’ tokens and has gained a whopping 115sp from his skill. Dimitrio struggles a bit more getting a few rounds of bad cards, but his bluffing is better than his cards, and he manages a couple winning tokens and a handful of coins as well - 24sp.
Kaylayne, though she’s not getting the large tips, still has something like 95 silver in her tip jar at the end of the first round - a good night indeed! Ederin struggles to keep his spirits up as he looses at the Toad tables. He’s down just a couple gold (18 silver to be precise) but more importantly has no token to pass to the next round. If no one in the party shares one with him, and he doesn’t buy one on the black market (5gp) he’ll be forced out the doors by the staff. Lief also does well, picking up several gold (53sp) in the first round as those around him have much less luck. He also gains three tokens.
Constant—detect good, detect magic
At will—invisibility (self only)
1/day—augury, suggestion (DC 15)
1/week—commune (6 questions, CL 12th)
Lief’s redhead gives him a ‘look’, a could shoulder, and turns back to gambling. While he might not have wooed her, clearly something is on her mind other than the gambling. She gets up after a few quick games and looks for another table… farther from Lief and his unwanted attention.
Kaylayne cashes down to gold during the break between rounds, but keeping some of her tip jar to prime the pump. She wipes away the sweat from her brow, the night getting longer and hotter as the gaming and excitement continues.
She tries to be nice to everything and everyone she thinks is doing well in Round 1, hopes that they will consider her the good luck they need to win and seek to buy her favor with an extra generous tip.
With tokens in hand and a couple of gold, Dimitrio is a happy man. Lady Luck is fluttering around me.
As much as he wants a kiss from the succubus, he's ready to move to the 2nd level of Hell.
He looks around to make sure everyone has enough to stay inside the establishment. He raises his token for the others to see and asks, "You all got one of these, right?"
Ederin shoves his chair angrily as he's laughed from the table, but not before performing a rude gesture of his own. At least he's small enough that he's quickly out of sight, and it's packed enough that he can hardly hear the insults after a few steps.
He takes a quick inventory.
Ain't I an empty mug! Two silver to my name. Damn it! Maybe I can cash in that fancyboy's potion, that's bound to get me some sweets.
He skulks around the room, trying to figure out where to go next when he spies an opening at a table with a familiar face.
He pulls up a seat next to Garridan and leans in to speak to the priest.
"Hey mate, hate to ask but...this next bet is all the coin I've got left. This goes sour, you, uh, think you could spot me for the next round?"
He grins a bit sheepishly and, without waiting for an answer grabs the dice, closes his eyes, and rolls...
Ederin breaks even on his play, but still no token. The guards and other staff are making their sweep... getting closer...
Garridan picks up his winnings from the first round satisfied, The first few rounds will weed out the amateurs.
His thought's are interrupted by Ederin and his sorry state. With the inspiration of a battlefield commander, Garridan on the spot develops a long strategy to win the tournament. I don't exactly believe there will be a raid on this place tonight but there is an advantage to keeping my new companions around until the end. They obviously have little to no skill in these matters and will be easy pickings for me to beat for the final prize.
Slipping Endrin his winnings form the first round and a token he says,"You need to buy as many tokens as you can in order to get to the final round." He considers for a moment, "You should be able to buy two with a few silvers left over to gamble with.
Curtly he adds, "Bet smaller and stick to cards"
Lief watches Ederin bark as he departs, ending up near Garridan. The young man looks at Dimitrio, and points a thumb at the short man, and shakes his head. Louder, Dimitrio, I don't think the raiders heard you just now. He gives the dancer a quick smile, then returns to his observations at the table.
"Mate if I had a hat I'd tip it to ya."
Ederin snatches up the priests donation and excuses himself from the table, realizing that his luck may not be the best this evening, Garridans advice rings true.
He moves slowly around the Goblin, trying to over hear anyone selling their spare tokens. One way or the other, at least he'd be able to get into the next round.
Beggin' for scraps like a dog biter. This better be worth it.
Not too long after the second round begins, some of you sense a disturbance…
Dimitrio
Ederin
Garridan
Kaylayne
Lief
Gold Goblin Bouncers
Good Guys, lesser
Good Guys
Now up, Ederin and Lief!
Surprise Round - 18 Initiative
HP: 10
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: None
Conditions: None
Relevant Data: None
Well ain't that a bit suspicious.
Ederin lived long enough in Riddleport to get a sense of when things weren't going right, and it looks like something other than gambling might finally be going. His eyes narrow as three people near the chest just drop their heads and stare at the ground for no apparent reason.
He moves closer toward the the Goblin entrance, hoping that with less people around he'll get a better look at whatever it is that's about to happen.
Surprise Round
AC = 14
HP = 8/8
Weapon Equipped = None
Condition(s) = None... yet
As his eyes revisit the beautiful, although cold, redhead, Lief frowns, first from missed opportunities, second from a behavior that smacks of knowing anticipation, and setting oneself against something soon to come.
Lief mimics their behavior, not at all interested in a flash bang blindness. He also closes his eyes, and turns his face downwards. While his eyes are closed, he burns the faces of the guards into his memory. He already has her face, he'll not lose theirs. His ears strain to hear what comes next.
Ederin senses trouble and moves to the entrance to get a better view, but doesn’t see anything substantive. Good thing he’s looking hard for trouble… Lief looks down and closes his eyes tightly against what’s coming.
As you are all having a good time (well excepting poor Kaylayne who’s struggling to keep up with drink orders) the chandelier hanging low over the hall explodes with light! The sparks reach the far corners of the hall and bounce off the walls falling largely harmlessly to the floor where they quickly extinguish themselves. The fountain of flame and color is largely silent, but no less damaging.
On your initiative, everyone (including Kaylayne in the bar area) please make DC 13 Will saves or be blinded rounds. Lief does not need to make the save having closed his eyes and looked down. I should give Ederin a negative for specifically looking around, but I’ll be nice as it’s our first combat together. :)
As the light sparkles in your eyes, you hear a loud woman yell,
Several individuals draw swords and move around the room ‘collecting’ the pots from a few tables. One, standing at the bar, casually draws his sword on Kaylayne and says simply, ”Your tips please, and no one needs to get hurt.”
Now up, everyone! I'm pushing the bouncers to init 9 for simplicity. The fact that they ALL failed their will saves helped. :(
Round 1, Init 14
Will vs. DC 13
Kaylayne spins trying to see who is speaking, her eyes damaged from the light. "I can't see!"
"Don't hurt me!" She shows her hands are empty, dropping her bar rag.
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Round 1 - 18 Initiative
HP: 10
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: Composite Bow (+1 Damage)
Conditions: None
Relevant Data: 20 Arrows/20 Blunt Arrows
As the chandelier explodes in a shower of light, Ederin quickly backtracks and draws his bow. Adjusting to the light he looks around and sees things have already started going poorly.
Great, so much for tippin' off the guards. And here I am blocking the exit.
Drawing his bow, he takes aim at the woman shouting orders. This is Riddleport diplomacy, and he knows exactly how to negotiate.
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Ahhh, our first critical. :)
I do a traditional crit process. You need to roll to hit again to confirm the critical attack. So you do d8+2 on the hit, then for the confirmation roll, you'd do 2d8+4 for the damage.
so for example (assume the first roll is a 20).
Nice roll!
EDIT: OK. just so you know, I cannot control the dice... NO Really! I swear!
Round 1 - Initiative 16
What the hell? Dimitrio is lucky enough to look away when the pyrotechnics went off. Did the chandelier drop?
As he tries to get his bearings, he hears the woman ordering people around. Where are the guards?
He looks for his new companions. We are supposed to tip off the guards...
He then sees Ederin draw his bow and skewer the woman. Ah, hell!
The bard bends over and pulls forth one of his daggers. He whips back his arm and kisses the blade while whispering some sort of arcane prayer.
A second later the dagger flies to one of the hostile looking thugs.
Round 1
Initative 19
Garridan is about to roll dice to make point when he hears a disturbance behind him and looks. Flashes of light Explode before hhis eyes and a for fraction of a second he feels darkness cover his vision but he quickly shakes it off. This is it. He thinks as he removes his rapier from his sheath and moves towards the threat.
AC17 HP 12/12
The red headed woman next to the chest wishes she was facing mere bouncers as she flops to the ground, an arrow protruding from her neck, blood splattering many in the immediate area.
In the confusion, most don’t notice her sudden absence.
Lief is up!
Round 1, Init 10
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 8/8
Weapon Equipped = None
Condition(s) = Shielded
Inspiration/Day = 4
From Garridan's direction, a swordsman, closing on the room. From Ederin's direction, an archer, killing a woman outright. From Dimitrio's direction, a bandit, throwing a dagger. From Kaylayne's direction, a helpless barmaid at the service end of a blade.
Lief thinks for a moment, displeased with the appearances, save one.
He backs up , holding a hand up to the aggressor in front of him, while pulling a small metal vial from his belt pouch . He tosses it back deftly.
Clearing his throat, he yells out to the hall. "Well done, Ederin, well done!! Let's see these would-be honorless thieves put down like the dogs they are!! Garridan, Dimitrio, your talents are most welcome here, as well!! Preserve the honor of the event, restore the peace!!"
He points at the two guards who lowered their gazes as well, in case there is any uncertainty. "Those two are part of it, as well!! They lowered their gazes against the blinding light, the same as the dead woman!!"
Garridan draws his weapon and moves into position. Ederin draws his mighty bow and takes down what appears to be the leader of the group! Dimitrio draws a dagger and wings one of the thugs, who looks at him meanly in return. Kaylayne, blinded, does her best to protect her assets. Lief backs up and protects himself.
The red headed woman next to the chest wishes she was facing mere bouncers as she flops to the ground, an arrow protruding from her neck. In the confusion, most don’t notice her sudden absence.
A tall man wearing flowing green robes strides confidently toward the woman as he flicks a scroll from a tube on his wrist. He casts it as he closes in on the chest*. At his touch, the chest disappears!** He turns to one of the thugs, ”Grab Thuvalia and get going!”
The yellow thug closes in on Dimitrio to try and return the favor with his sword. He’s careful to position himself for an attack of opportunity should the archer try to shoot again.
The orange thug rushes to the red haired woman and picks her up, throwing her limp form over his shoulder.
The purple thug closes with Lief and tries to shut him up.
Finally the pink thug on Kaylayne grabs the tip jar on the counter (mostly empty) and moves down the bar to the other bartender, barking the same order, ”Your tips! Now!”
The crowd, as you may imagine, does not just lie down and do as they are told. Many, if not most, are blind, and freaking out. Many others are grabbing for chips and cash off the tables and making a run for the doors. Others are avoiding the guards and the thugs and huddling in various corners and under tables. In short - mayhem. All squares are now difficult terrain (link) as you must deal with people, tables, chairs, etc. all flying around. So movement is doubled and no 5’ steps.
Lief watches the man, obviously versed in the arcane arts, use a scroll to make the chest disappear. He can't believe Saul wouldn't have something in place to prevent such simple magic tricks from succeeding.
Finally the pink thug on Kaylayne..."Your tips, now!"
Round 2, Init 14
Kaylayne looks to the source of the voice now having tracked it better. She shrugs and steps back, still finding her way.
"Where's my stuff?! Point me! Am I going the right way?" She gropes along the bar, moving back 5' and looking for her stuff and her weapons.
Round 2 - Initiative 16
Dimitrio winces as the thug nips him with his rapier. With a target in front of him, the bard wastes little time in whipping out his blade.
He beats the other's blade aside and follows up with a semi-lunge, piercing the thug's torso. With dark, arterial blood flowing from the deep puncture wound, the bard warns, "Drop your weapon and you may live!"
Out of the corner of his vision, Dimitrio notices that the chest has disappeared and a cloth is left in its place. What is going on?
Round 2 - Initiative 18
HP: 10
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons:Longbow (composite +1) or Longsword (see below)
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 19 Arrows/20 Blunt Arrows
He already has his next target, it's just a matter or lining up the shot. Ignoring all else, he focuses solely on the spell caster who seems to have done something with the nights winnings.
He turns his head to look at Dimitrio with a wry smile that says "I'm gonna regret this," then, ignoring the thug next to him, let's an arrow fly at his new focus.
Ederin didn't even watch the arrow connect, sometimes you just knew .
He eyes the green robed caster knowing hes probably the most dangerous but knows he can't risk hitting anyone innocent. With a sigh he assess the situation, and drops his bow on the ground.
Deadeye don't let me lose this!
He draws his sword as he turns the guard next to him, and gripping with both hands swings as best he can.
AC: 19 (f18/t11) (-2 without shield )
HP: 12/12
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions =
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +0, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless, Divine Favor
Blessings 3/3 (Travel | Holy Smite
Garridan recognizes the spell being cast and thinks, Great. He then mutters a quick prayer, "Cayden bless us with a bit O' luck. He continues to advance but is impeded by the crowd.
Move action: moves 10
Ederin, you do have cover penalties shooting through/into the crowd at this time so we'll do your melee attack which drops your foe! The way you wrote it up is fine.
Dimitrio, as you have no opponent, you may redo your actions.
Garridan, please make sure you note what round it is and what your initiative is in your post - above your status.
Lief, you're up!
Round 2, Init 10
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 8/8
Weapon Equipped = None
Condition(s) = Shielded
Inspiration/Day = 4
Lief shifts warily behind his new field of force, glad for its presence between him and his assailant. Not wanting to appear hesitant in engaging, he pulls his new blade , and flicks the point to stave off further attacks. This must be what our mysterious benefactor foresaw when we were given those vials...
"The magic wielder! He's vanished the chest!! Don't let him leave the hall, as he's likely their true leader!!" He hopes his words pierce the air better than his blade pierces his opponent.
Dimitrio, as you have no opponent, you may redo your actions.
Round 2 - Initiative 16 (take 2) :)
With his rapier in hand but no opponent, the bard makes his way through the crowd to intercept the magic wielder. During his move, his voice resonates throughout the gambling hall. Dimitrio starts reciting epic poems of common folks doing heroic deeds hoping to bolster the courage of his companions.
Garridan blesses most of the party bringing the power of Cayden to the fight. Ederin quickly drops his bow, draws his sword, and slashes the thug nearest him. The man drops spraying blood on the nearby crowd and our fearless heroes. Dimitrio moves up and heroically supports the party. Kaylayne feels her way to her weapons and armor as the light-blindness clears from her eyes. Lief flails at his opponent but fails to connect.
The tall man grabs something off the edge of the dais and starts to move through the crowd to the door. He keeps his head down, and continues to use panicked party-goers as cover. It’s slow going though as the very crowd that provides the cover also hinders his advance.
The orange thug, carrying the red headed woman, also does his best through the crowd, and encumbered. Still, he makes it through the open door.
The purple thug continues his assault on Lief.
The pink thug grabs at the proffered tips from the other barmaid and begins to make his way into the main gambling hall, collecting cash and chips here and there as he goes, but he doesn’t grab much in his haste. Nor does he get very far.
The crowd continues to panic, particularly by the doors where the party is fighting, which only makes things worse. There’s a press by the doors and some patrons are threatened with being crushed. A few have even drawn weapons and are skirmishing here and there as they fight over winnings, confusion, and more.
You are correct Dimitrio. Tall man, green robes, and green dot are all the same man - the one who used the scroll on the chest and who is making haste for the door. He has commanded one of the thugs, who's doing his bidding so he may well be in charge.
Round 3 - Initiative 18
HP:10
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: Longsword
Conditions: None
Relevant Data:+1 attack/dmg inspire song, +1attack/dmg Bless, +2attack/dmg Rangers Focus on Green,
Edrin quickly pulls away from his opponent as they collapse to the floor.
Two down, this ain't so tough.
He watches as one of the thugs carries the red headed woman out of the building. Either she's important or they're actually is some honor among thieves. As he looks back at the man he cut down he decides it's probably the first.
Another quick decision, stop them from saving the redhead? Or keep focus on the caster?
Lass will probably be dead 'fore they get her any help. Lief has the right of it anyway, even if he's getting a bit curtain show about the whole thing.
Moving through the crowd Ederin catches sight of both Garridan and Dimitrio also advancing in the same direction.
"Gonna try and stop the mage. Give me a hand, eh?"
He then turns and focuses all his attention on his robed opponent, advancing close enough to attack.
Round 3, Initative 19
AC: 19 (f18/t11) (-2 without shield )
HP: 12/12
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = blessed, inspire courage
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +0, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless, Divine Favor
Blessings 2/3 ( Travel Agile Feet | Good Holy Strike
I'll never make it through this crowd, Garridan thinks as he offers up a quick prayer and receives a blessing of Agile Feet.
He charges the tall man striking him with a over hand blow.
Full round action: Charge +2to hit
+1 to hit from bless
Using bless on PCs only
Moving through the crowd Ederin catches sight of both Garridan and Dimitrio also advancing in the same direction.
"Gonna try and stop the mage. Give me a hand, eh?"
Round 3 - Initiative 16
The bard is quick to react to Ederin's request. His telling of heroic deeds has changed from simple poem recital to full-fledged singing. Dimitrio would have danced if other pressing matters didn't occupy his feet. So many damn people.
critical?;
???, just in case
Dimitrio smiles as his quick footwork and better swordplay saves the day. Did the succubi see me?
Round 3, Init 14
Kaylayne blinks her sight back, taking in the whole of the chaos, her tips, co-workers...even the strangers she met before. She hears singing? Singing from a familiar voice?
Biting her lip, she turns from the chaos, looking toward the windowed and swinging door to the kitchen, her escape. She begins to take a step towards those doors. She goes ghost white at what she sees in the kitchen.
She sees herself, dressed at she is now, screaming and crying. She is clearly in pain, suffering...an object of terror that halts Kaylayne's thought of flight. The door clacks open and she see the wounds, the bleeding, the cuts on her ghost's chest.
That way is not a good way.
Kaylayne nearly lets out a scream of her own, but she swallows it, grits her teeth, and enters the scrum of guards & guests, bouncers and burglars, friends and foes.
Round 3, Init 10
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 3/8
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Condition(s) = Blessed, Inspired, Shielded
Inspiration/Day = 4
Time slows as the swordsman thrusts home. He can see the buffering air in front of him slowly give way to the metal, like a branch poking through a cobweb. He watches the blade angle off to his left, finding the separation between the front and back panels of his leather armor. He sees fresh blood, his blood, painting the tip as it pulls back.
He processes all of it well before the pain strikes home. His heavy breathing, increased pulse in his ears, all distract him for a brief moment, while his adrenaline dumps. He can feel his heart beat in his neck, chest, and now bleeding wound. Fight? or Flight?
It's not a choice. He retreats as quickly as he can through the crowd, angling towards the back where a guard awaits.
Garridan, sly priest that he is, slips through the crowd on the wings of the lord as he delivers a crunching blow to the arcane caster. Ederin advances confidently to the tall green robed man, but fails to connect. Dimitrio attacks the still standing mage and hits him as well, though he fails to drop like a good mage. Kaylayne swallows her fears and joins the fight. Lief faces his fears and quickly leaves the fight.
The bouncers and guards regain their sight only to see a mess of confusion and mayhem. They see many fights, including yours, but don’t know what’s going on. They do their best to bring calm and some degree of order to their immediate vicinities.
The two nearest the chest, tasked with guarding it, see it’s gone and immediately start making their way to the front doors to chase whomever has it. They have no clue of course who that might be, but they expect to catch up to anyone lugging so heavy an object without too much trouble.
The tall man in green robes does his best to avoid the party trying to trap him in. He makes a withdrawal, provoking from Dimitrio as he tries to make good his escape through the crowded throng.
The orange thug, still carrying the red headed woman though her head flops around in an uncomfortable way with that arrow still in her neck, also does his best through the crowd. He gets into the courtyard, where the crowd starts to thin.
The purple thug, seeing the guards start to act, lowers his weapon and tries to get lost in the crowd as he withdraws.
The pink thug too, makes pretend like he’s just one of the crowd as he tries to make his escape.
The crowd of people has subsided somewhat around the periphery so it is now only difficult terrain in the yellow sphere (in squares that are majority yellow).
His singing is now uplifting. It mixes tales of brave commoners with those of dashing swashbucklers that Dimitrio secretly wished he were.
Everyone saw him practice his dancing, but his sword work was kept private. Still, the now bloodied blade is a true testament that his work pays off.
With the wizard still standing but wanting to get away, the bard strikes once more. "Not so fast. I said stop!"
Round 3 - Initiative 16 (AoO)
Round 4 - Initiative 16
The bard wastes little time going outside and bringing down those fleeing. His rapier once more snakes out and finds a target.