Bleeding badly now from his multitude of cuts, Skaar powers on. The big orc roars and throws a crushing hook with his enhanced strength.
You juuussst miss Dasilane as he suddenly pivots and RUNS UP THE ARENA WALL! He makes it 10 feet up before pushing off and coming down powerfully. You have just enough time to react as he does this. The Elf seems a little dazed from the force of his blow.
Skaar: take 23pts damage
Dasilane: 52pts damage, staggered
Despite the quickness of the manuever, Skaar's almost as quick. He turns and meets the falling elf's blade with his fist!
The combination of the fall and the force of your punch stagger Dasilane. He heavily bruised and battered but remains upright.
Dasilane: 65pts damage.
The wound alongside is collarbone was deep and bled freely. Combined with his other injuries, the hulking orc was dizzy with bloodloss but his bloodrage sustained him. Balling his huge fists together, Skaar looms over his staggering opponent and smashes into him with a devastating hammerblow.
You unleash an absolutely devastating strike that blows through Dasilane's hastily-raised rapier like it wasn't even there. He collapses to the ground, his breathing shallow.
Dasilane: unconscious at -7 HP
After looming over Dasilane's crumpled form for a moment longer, Skaar bellows a roar of victory and raises his arms in victory. He does a lap around the arena, posing for the crowd despite his grievous blood loss.
As medical staff rush toward the Elf's bleeding body, the crowd goes absolutely berserk. Your impossible endurance has truly made this a tournament for the ages. As you look to the stands, you think you can see the Wormwood's crew giving you a standing ovation. You also feel a newfound strength welling up within you. As you tap into it, your wounds begin to heal - much to the astonishment of the crowd.
Elated with his renewed might and growing divine spark, Skaar roars again and looks to the crowd only to find them amazed by his rapidly mending wounds.
At one time he might have used this opportunity to proselytize to these people. They would know that he conquered the arena in their name and his might would inspire them to achieve great things. But that was a long time ago and it was too soon to reveal his godly return. He was a god of strength but he was no fool. The world would have to do without the Unfailing Pillar a bit longer.
As soon as the gates open Skaar departs the arena to meet up with Harrigan and the crew of the Wormwood.
Before you leave, you learn the reward for victory. The prize is twofold.
1) A draw from the Harrow Deck of Many Things
2) A bronze key enchanted with an a 1/day word of recall (CL 12). The designated location is a lodge near Downmarket. Ownership papers have been drawn up for the lodge, and all you'll have to do is sign the document. The ownership is tax-free, of course.
Of course, as your sponsor, Harrigan's aware of the prizes as well....
While he hunts for Harrigan, Skaar reflected on the trinkets being offered as part of the prize pool. The deck of many things in particular piqued his interest. Such a trinket was a font of chaotic primal magic - just the kind of magic he needed for his return to power. The key, while less spectacular would be useful in its own way and he would need a way back from Quantium Academy.
As usual, Harrigan approaches you after the fight ends. This time, though, he has a greedy glint in his eye. "Nice job. I knew ya had it in you! Let's collect our reward, shall we?"
"Let's", Skaar grunts in agreement. "And after you get your share of the reward, we're done."
He eyes the pirate captain suspiciously. "That was the agreement."
"Oh, yes, of course," Captain Harrigan responds calmly, but there's a glint in his eye.
Skaar watches the captain suspiciously as the duo approach the arena's masters.
You've proven beyond any doubt that you're a powerful fighter, and Harrigan seems to like you. However, from what you've observed during your time on the Wormwood, Captain Harrigan likes to keep valuable assets under a very short leash.
"So where do I draw from that Deck of Many Things?" he asks without taking his eyes off Harrigan for a second.
A tournament official ushers the two of you into a chamber to sign the necessary paperwork. Once that's done, you'll be able to make your draw. While you're signing a waiver absolving the tournament of any responsibility in the event of a bad draw, you see Harrigan start a hushed conversation with the official.
Skaar scribbles his signature on the indicated paperwork. It was a harsh scribble in a language that even he’d forgotten but it was his mark.
The big orc scowls at Harrigan’s whispers and reaches for the deck.
The two of them look up as you reach for the deck. The clerk shakes his head. "Not yet, my good sir. We're still discussing the distribution of said rewards. As your sponsor, Mr. Harrigan also has a claim. Please be patient for a few more minutes, and we'll get everything sorted out." Harrigan, meanwhile, glares at you.
”Is that so? What exactly is Harrigan layin’ claim to? From what I was told he was just after the coin.”
Harrigan growls, "Don't get cocky, kid. You work for me, so you get whatever I give you. Rules are rules."
Skaar cocks an eyebrow at the greedy pirate. ”You’re a fool if you think I’m like those other poor souls you’ve got on the Wormwood. I will not be chained. I agreed to fight in this thing to pay you back for smashin’ your construct getting’ me off that rock and that’s it. Take the coin and walk away or I’ll make sure you regret wasting any more of my time”, the big orc warns.
Harrigan takes a menacing step forward. "Shut your mouth, BOY. I saved your life. You'd still be stuck on that rock if it wasn't for me. Your debt's paid when I say it's been paid. Now quit your posturing and do what you're told."
The clerk quickly backs toward the exit - doubtless to call for guards.
”We can settle this later, on the Wormwood, if you’re lookin’ to get your ass kicked”, Skaar threatens in a bass rumble. ”But now, I’m claiming what my fightin’s earned!”
Despite the growing tension, his defiance filled the godling with confidence. Skaar grabs the first card from the deck willing the primal magic within to answer his call.
Skaar smirks when he sees the winged serpent. For a moment, Harrigan is forgotten as the Unfailing Pillar holds the card tightly and focuses his thoughts.
Make me whole again; Restore my strength.
Time slows to a stop, and you feel ... different. Before you can fully process what's happened, though, your surroundings fade into darkness that even your darkvision can't penetrate. A voice speaks to you. "I didn't expect to need to see you so soon. I'm afraid you've kicked up a rather large hornet's nest. So strong. So brash..." The voice fades away.
Though puzzled by the mysterious voice, Skaar smirks as another piece of his divine spirit is restored. He was on the right course. Danger would not deter him.
Skaar returns the card to the deck but doesn’t go back to menacing Harrigan. Instead he ignores the blustering pirate and addresses the arena officials.
”Give Mister Harrigan his coin so we can finish up here. I’d like to see the magic key and that property before dark.”
"Great things don't happen without makin' a mess or two", Skaar bellows at the darkness. "And I've been gone too long. The world's suffered without me and me without it."
"Who are you and are you friend or foe? Are you here to try to stop me?"
A humanoid figure appears out of the darkness, a blank white mask obscuring its visage. "Friend? Foe? Must those be the only two options? Consider me merely an interested observer. And I have no plans to stop you, little god. That would defeat the purpose of this whole game." It allows itself a chuckle.
Skaar growls as he considers the strange figure. He didn't appreciate being included in 'games' against his will.
"Do you what happened to me? Who attacked me and put me in that tomb?"
"You've met with a terrible fate. More than that, I cannot say. It would be boring if I did. What you should be asking yourself is: 'Can I find myself before it happens?'"
"You didn't bring me here just to mock me. Before what happens?"
"Unfortunately for you, telling you that would change EVERYTHING. What I CAN do is tell you that a great catastrophe is happening right now, and you're the only one who can stop it. The question is, can the Unfailing Pillar regain what he once was before it's too late? I don't know, but I'm interested in finding out. More than that, I cannot say."
"Catastrophe."
Skaar's animal growl subsides as he ponders the enigmatic figure's words. He wasn't new to the concept, in the past he'd seen Golarion suffer all manner of disasters as the eons passed. Mortal lives were wonderful because they were brief but he still hated to see death without meaning. Wasted potential and unrealized hope was tragic in his eyes.
In the past he was barred from interfering in grand ways. Godly politics such direct involvement to prevent the realm of mortals from becoming a literal battlefield for the gods. But the Unfailing Pillar wasn't truly a god anymore...
"If what you're sayin' is true, release me. I've got a lot of work to do."
"Until next time..." The figure vanishes as your vision is restored. The clerk is running for the door, Harrigan is roaring in anger, and you're still holding The Winged Serpent - a very appropriate card for you.
It comes from the Star suit, representing wisdom, willpower, and a connection to the divine. This particular card represents understanding - the bridge linking knowledge and prudence. It depicts a Couatl: a creature symbolizing Lawfulness and Good. The extreme difference from your core beliefs serves as a warning. You can do great and mighty deeds that will aid many people. However, knowing the proper time to act is paramount. Too soon, and you're doomed to failure. Too late, and you'll miss your chance.
Though still puzzled by the mysterious figure's warning, Skaar smirks as another piece of his divine spirit is restored. He was on the right course. Danger would not deter him - he couldn't let it if he was going to avert the catastrophe he was warned of.
After reflecting on the card's meaning a moment longer, Skaar returns it to the deck but doesn’t go back to menacing Harrigan. Instead he ignores the blustering pirate and addresses the panicked arena officials.
”I know you want us out of here. The sooner you give Mister Harrigan his coin the sooner we can finish up. Then all that's left is that magic key I was promised”, the big orc says confidently.
Skaar growls as Harrigan snatches his prize. In a flash the big orc moves to swat it from his hand before he can activates its magic.
"If you want this so bad, why don't you fight for it?"
The clerk points a shaking hand at the table before fleeing the room. As you realize there's a drawer on the side facing away from you, Harrigan lunges toward it.
Pulling open the drawer, he grabs the key. There's a small bag sitting in the drawer as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Disarm/Steal:
With supernatural speed, you grab the key just as Harrigan's fingers close around it. There's a brief battle of strengths, but you emerge victorious. Harrigan gives you a black stare and maintains eye contact as he snatches the purse and exits the building. If looks could kill, you'd be on your way to the Boneyard right now. This isn't over....
Holding the key, you immediately sense that it possesses almost unimaginable power. While the stated word of recall ability is quite potent, you can tell that it can do much more. The more you examine it, the more familiar it feels, and you soon realize that it is a manifestation of the concept of Freedom. The desire to break from needless restrictions, to forge one's own path, to shatter the bindings that hold one back from achieving their full potential - this object is key. Such an artifact can only be unlocked by one who is truly divine, though, and while you've managed to retain a tiny sliver of that divinity, it's insufficient. First, you must prove yourself worthy.
Victorious over his former sponsor, Skaar ignores the black looks in favor of marveling over the legendary trinket. How such a wondrous thing came to become a prize in the Kaer Maga arena circuit remained a mystery but for now it would serve as a symbol of the Unfailing Pillar's return to power. With a gesture he conjures a sturdy iron chain, loops it through the key's head, and secures it around his bullneck.
Perhaps you're as lost and forgotten as I am. We will find our way back to where we belong, together.
As it turns out, Miet was in the process of tracking YOU down. It seems his Nexian wizard friend was a fan of gladiatorial fights and has been contacting him to get daily updates. He's ready to leave at your convenience.