Extreme Dungeon Crawl League (Inactive)

Game Master The Indescribable

Juice looks at Virgil quizzically, still unsure of what his talents might be. Obviously, Virgil didn't feel like sharing. Hopefully he was chosen for a reason.

You are all aware that you'll be in the official start of the Xcrawl season, this years Memphis Crawl. Hence why you're currently put up in a hotel in Memphis. Your time to train is short, you enter the dungeon in a mere two days, at this time strategizing and perhaps some information gathering would serve you better than tiring yourself out.

Although he had never participated in an XCrawl, Juice had certainly seen it before, and indeed began to study it diligently in preparation for this new chapter of his life. He tries to remember what the Memphis Crawl was like last year as well as who might be running it this year, so he can give the others a sense of what to expect.

Knowledge (xcrawl): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"You have the right of it Arthur, I like to move and strike. If there is a chandelier I am compelled to swing upon it while grandstanding for all I am worth... People tend to get along with me, so I can serve as a spokesman if needed."

Ranveer tries to recall highlights of the recent Memphis Crawls.

Knowledge (XCrawl): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Arthur looks eagerly forward to the Memphis Crawl, given the way the team is coming together.

Great! We'll kick butt! Just remember, if you're more than 30 feet away from me, it will be hard for me to heal you. What about outside of combat? Who is a good scout who won't be noticed by monsters and will find the traps?

Virgil sits back down. As Arthur speaks, the 1/2 orc raises his hand with each skill.

I can hide when its needed, but not much into breaking an entering, unless you want something, you know, really broken. Lora will add as she looks around the place, it being much nicer than she's used to.

local knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Unfortunately, before this time, Lora's never been anywhere near Memphis so has nothing to add.

"I believe we have our Specialst," notes Juice with his accent. Little does he know that Virgil has revealed only a fraction of his talents.

"This year's Memphis Crawl is being created by DJ CudgelUp! She's known for her infamous Cudgel Up Dancers, a group of goblins she hand picks. This will be an easy warmup for us--still, it would be wise to have the tools to heal injuries. If we share our resources--125 gold each--I expect we can purchase one. If you cannot afford all of this, I can lend you the money on condition that you pay me back the money once we get our XCrawl winnings and sponsorship deals. If our XCrawl career comes to a quick end, you owe me nothing." Though you might just be dead.

Juice presents a pouch. "This is 300 gold, my entire savings from my acting and stunt double career. I believe our team has great potential, and am willing to put this on the line to prove it, if you will make a commitment as well." He looks around, wondering if the others would agree.

Remember juice. Personal income can't buy Xcrawl supplies.

so the money we start with counts as personal income?

I think Juice was just giving flavor to some of his starting gold, which he fixed. He does actually have 300 gp to spend on Xcrawl supplies.

Arthur smiles sheepishly at his companions.

That's a good idea, Juice. Unfortunately I'm a bit strapped at the moment. But I can keep us healed up most of the time so we won't have to use a wand in most circumstances. I'm fine with paying you back out of our winnings.

I am willing to put in for it. I am trained in using magical devices, so I could hold on to it; just in case.

Let me know when you guys are done, or actually want to try and find out info about the crawl you shouldn't know.

"I spent all the coin I had, weapons, armor, and vodka - at least in the amount I require - are not cheap! Why do we not see whether we need a wand first? Arthur says he can heal, and honestly I have other financial priorities" Ranveer says apologetically.

"Statistically I believe we are still in a place where getting better non magical armor and weapons is a better use of gold. For brawlers like myself at least. I remember watching Swaff Newman do a piece on it on XCrawl Today, at least I think I do."

Virgil claps his hand together.

As past decisions--and needs--have dictated any further purchases (at present), may I suggest that we use the next two days prepping. I, myself, plan on visiting every high-end establishment in hopes of discovering any information to be found.

As both Arthur and Ranveer complain about the lack of coin, Juice interrupts "You can always borrow from--- from---"

Juice seems to suddenly realize his stack of coin was not as big as he thought. "Aiya, I had more cash than this!" He hastily collects his wealth back into the pouch and tucks it away before resuming his more formal facade. "I apologize, I spoke with my feelings before fully considering the reality. It would seem we should talk again about this idea once we are victorious." He takes a few steps back with some embarrassment before bowing.

"I will spend some time exploring what this Memphis has to offer."

If possible, Juice is interested in purchasing a Potion of Mage Armor for the XCrawl.

Arthur looks seriously at Juice.

I appreciate your offer and the thought you've put into this. It is a good idea and I think we should make the purchase when we can. I've watched horrible things happen to teams if their sole means of healing goes down... So good idea! Let's do it when we can.

Arthur bows somewhat clumsily in return.

A true xcrawl nerd, he gets visibly excited when his teammates speak of scouting out this upcoming crawl.

I'll head to the temples and see how well the healers in town know what we should expect and how to prepare. Meet you in the locker room before the crawl!

Arthur gets his stuff together and gets ready to head out the door and gather what information he can.

How are you looking for information?

And remember, this is stuff you're not supposed to know. So be careful, you wouldn't want to get disqualified from the Crawl.

"The apology should be mine Juice, for being a spendthrift wastrel. But speaking of being a spendthrift wastrel I always find the best way of gathering information about a Crawl is to get uproariously drunk with the locals! Besides I have heard great things about both Memphis clubs, and Ladies. Does anyone want to come? Music, dancing, drinking, flirting, drinking... It is good for the soul, well, for a Bacchan's soul," Ranveer says grinning hugely, his feline incisors glinting.

"The more the merrier, so would anyone care to join me? You could think of it as team bonding?"

Arthur heads to a couple temples, particularly the healing areas, to see if any of the healers are discussing anecdotes from the last Memphis Crawl. Generally, he's just chatting and greeting colleagues while keeping an ear out.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

You find nothing helpful. With the Xcrawl season just starting there's no Xcrawlers in need of healing and Cudgel Up! Didn't run the Memphis crawl last year.

Hearing nothing helpful, Arthur turns in for the evening. He's told his children about the importance of a good night's sleep far too many times to stay up late on such an important night. The next morning, he gets up and communes with Vesta in his room. Then he calls his wife and kids and heads to the locker room.

One more day to do things Arthur.

Lora will hit the bars, cause... well... reasons of course. She'll of course invite any of her teammates to join her. While there she'll chat about XCrawl and ask around for any details on last years run.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

You mostly get told that you should watch it for yourself on DVD, but one gentleman reminisces that Vrusk was especially brutal last year and he hopes to see what he does this year.

Aside from shopping for the potion, Juice will find a spot for training. (The Athlete class is specifically required to do a two-hour routine every day, not to mention it fits the character.) While he's training or going around town, he scouts out the folks who look like competition. Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Juice will notice another team signing autographs in the lobby, apparently they're staying in the same hotel as you guys.

He sees if he recognizes these competitors or can tell what their skills and talents might be. He tries to catch any names as they sign autographs.

Knowledge (Xcrawl): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

You don't know any specifics about them but you known they're the Pittsburgh Law Enforcement All Stars, the team that one last year's Memphis crawl.

Ranveer hits the bars, hard, endeavouring to hang out with Lora and talk XCrawl for a while, but as he gets drunker and drunker he begins to wander.

While he is strutting his stuff on the dance floor his alarm goes and he shakes himself off gives his, slurred, excuses and staggers back to the locker room. He then curls up and takes a brief restorative catnap tail draped over his eyes.

Juice looks to make one more purchase--a blood orange--before reuniting with the group.

Thanks. My bad on the timing.

Arthur greets Juice in the hotel lobby and together they check out the other team. Arthur looks around to see if there's any sign or talk of other teams.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Ranveer's watch sends him off on a quest for a locker room to sleep in, then he wakes up stiff.

Arthur meets up with Juice to watch the All stars work the crowd. Before long you see a camera crew begin to set up before one of them spots the pair watching the proceedings and walking towards you with a glint in her eye and a microphone.

So you're two members from the rookie team joining the Memphiscrawl correct? How does it feel to have the nobility eagerly awaiting your run?

Glade comes in just in time. Nobility awaiting my run feels great, then I can tell all the people in high school who disliked me to bow down to me.

Arthur grins hugely.

Personally, I'm just completely thrilled. I grew up watching Xcrawl and was wowed by the feats I saw. Especially the way some messengers brought their allies back from the brink of death or buffed them up for incredible kills. I've always wanted to be part of that. When I grew up, I got a great day job but now I'm showing my kids that, if you work hard, you can have it all! You can chase your dreams!

As Juice speaks, he seems to be trying to hide his accent more, though it's not all that effective.

"Doesn't matter if you are a noble, a punk, a father, a miner, a half-leopard, anything. You are going to want to watch us this season. The Breakers are like nothing you have seen before, and we are coming to break this dungeon!"

Virgil takes his leave. The 1/2 orc returns to his room. There he slaps himself on the face.
Suddenly, a human male dressed in well tailored clothing takes Virgils place, although his appearance seems similar.

Virgil then descends upon the city; visiting taverns, museums, brothels, and then the Mesmerist takes a stroll in the redlight district.

He talks (using his Hypnotic stare with everyone he speaks with) with bartenders, curators, whores; keeping an ear out for anything political, or, concerning this year's Xcrawl.

Virgil doesn't find much as he crawls through the city randomly. The way I read that trick, you trigger the monstrous part when you attack someone, not implant it through attacking. If you wanted to find out good information about the crawl, you'd be better served stalking an actual member of the staff instead of going random places.

The reporter grins at Glade, Well said, I've got a few of those old high school acquaintances I wouldn't mind seeing on their knees either.

She turns to the camera after Arthur's comment. Absolutely inspiring, and what a stroke of luck you ended up a messenger as well. So which god are you descended from?

Big words Mr. Lee, I look forward to seeing your team, The Breakers was it? Back them up.

Arthur grins and holds out his holy symbol.

Yes! Praise Vesta for choosing me to show the world her power!

"Tune in tomorrow. We will prove our words with our swords--and our fists!" Juice freezes in a martial arts battle stance for a few moments, before hopping up back into a normal pose. "What's your name? If you talk to our agent, you might get an exclusive interview after we win."

Alexa Richards, and who's your agent?

Knowledge (Xcrawl) re Alexa Richards: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

It suddenly occurred to Juice that he didn't know whether that information was a secret or not. "Will you keep this off the record?" If she agrees, he responds, "Baroness Kellerin."

Alexa's eyes sparkle. Well I'll definitely be in touch with her, if you survive that is.

Ranveer wakes and stretches, "Where in the Underworld am I? Is that a shower... Why am I talking to myself? You had best freshen up and go find the others sharpish Ranveer you handsome feline fellow!"

A quick shower, some pilfered deodorant, and a vigorous fully body shake later the swashbuckler pulls on his gear and races to the hotel - surprising an elderly receptionist at the Downtown Memphis Squash and Racketball Association.

Most hotels seem to have slick floored foyers hope it is not a problem for me to assume - does not seem to be a lot of potential harm.

Racing into the hotel he spies Arthur and Juice and breaks into a short run before sliding across the marble floor to stop beside them, using his tail to deliver a salute while grinning at the cameras.

"Not too late am I? Ranveer Ortenza would be heroic hell cat brawler here reporting for duty!"

Acrobatics?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Perform Mugging: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Aww, the face of the hour, the boffer league monster turned Xcrawler. How does it feel to have such an opportunity?

Lora wakes up somewhere amidst others than remembers a particular comment about watching the crawl from last year, and attempts to find a copy at the local video store. If she can't find any at a store, she'll stop by the local adventure guild house to see if anyone there has a copy.

If she manages to score one, she'll call the others for a movie night, if they hadn't already seen it. Lora can't remember if she has or not.

He looks you up and down before replying, Sorry, but the only copy I have in stock has been reserved.

The question is how can you convince him to deal with a miffed customer.

Oh, nethers. Lora will pout as cutely as she can You couldn't see it in your heart to help a poor newbie xcrawler escape being beaten, broken, and laughed at, would you? I'd be oh so appreciative if you could just lend it for me. Pretty, pretty, please. Lora will shameleslly flirt with the video clerk to get what she wants.

bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

not sure if regular guy has any bearing, not sure how fan feats help or hurt at this point, if it does than +4 to the roll.

Since you're not lying, deceiving him etc, the correct skill would be diplomacy, since you don't have that listed it would be untrained. However this is the kind of place where your fame would help, so that's a plus 6 total. Modifying your roll makes it a 24

Being quite indifferent to you you didn't think there would be much chance to change his mind, but your pleas touch his heart as your flirting touches other organs. He agrees to rent it out to you instead. Congratulations, you've gotten the last copy of Memphiscrawl nineteen in the store. When you open up the the case you see you also have his home phone number.

Never sure with flirting and such, since they are trying to pluck at feelings while they doesn't have any in return. I'll remember though, since I doubt this will be the last time she tries something like this.

She'll call each of the others to see if they want to watch later, and find some popcorn for the viewing of course.

It depends on the situation. For instance, if you were trying to distract him from a friend reaching behind him to steal the tape, it WOULD be bluff. As to calling the others, you are all staying at the hotel, (unless one of you is from Memphis) and cell phones don't exist.