GM Lorenzo's PFS Quest: Honor's Echo - Redelia's PbP GM Mentorship Program (Inactive)

Game Master Lawrence Smith 2

The enraged and shattered Remaio raises his voice, quivering with fury. "This is an outrage upon my honor!" He regards you with open hatred and disdain. "I challenge these ingrates to a duel. Let them select their champion and face me."

There is some excited whispering among the crowd, but Princess Eutropia holds up her hand for silence.

"Very well, I will grant Master Alcasti permission to engage in a duel." She shakes her head. "But there be no blood shed in this hall. You will not use lethal force."

She looks at you. "If you accept this challenge, whom will you choose to be your champion?"

While you decide whether or not to accept Remaio's challenge, servants quickly fetch suitable wooden practice weapons.

Meanwhile, Aayef approaches you. He whispers, "I can be your champion, if you're unwilling to face Alcasti."

Whoever chooses to take up Remaio’s challenge must use one of these practice weapons as normal for weapons of their type, except that they deal nonlethal damage. You can find wooden versions of any weapon you want except firearms. If you do not wish to duel but you want someone else to be your champion, Aayef has offered to take your place.

As the party begins discussing how to respond to Remaio's challenge, Dominicus Rell answers Dol's question. "The only stipulation is that the combat must be nonlethal. That includes spells or other abilities the combatants might have."

When Inka Heldotor overhears Ijo suggest selecting her as a champion, the Ulfen Guard responds in disgust. "This duel is about honor. There would be no honor in my beating such a man to a pulp. If you lack the courage to fight him yourselves, seek another as your champion."

Consulting with his team, Ijo lowers his voice so Remaio can't hear. Well, Bobbi? You kinda have it out for this guy. I'm not one to turn away from a fight but you have the honors if you like.

"Okay, so... I have a few questions. As members of the nobility do we *need* to accept this request for dueling for some sort of qualifcation criteria, or could we arguably say that such is 'beneath our station' and refuse to accept?" Bobbi inquires honestly. "What are the ramifications of such for someone who isn't from around here?"

Hey, I don't make up their silly rules, and it's not like Andoran is going to accept any titles or claims of nobility... oh... crud... I may not be able to go home since I'm apparently now a noble... or maybe we can work something out?

Theon Cenabri coughs and steps closer to Bobbi and the rest of you. "Of course, you can refuse. But many here would think you cowards."

Lady Gloriana leans in to whisper. "This situation now has political implications. Princess Eutropia granted Alcasti's request for a duel. Your perceived cowardice would reflect poorly on her judgment after elevating you all to the nobility."

The venture-captain gives you a stern glance. "These are wooden practice blades. Pageboys as young as eight begin training with them before they become squires. What concerns you, a bruised shin or a bruised ego?"

Inka Heldotor gives you a good-natured slug in the shoulder. "Come now. It's not like he's going to ask you to arm wrestle, right?"

Bobbi gives a smile. At least, they hope it's a smile and not a grimace as they look at the wooden blade.

"Admittedly, I haven't trained with swords. The restrictions of the woods prohibit the use of such armaments." they note, then smile again, picking up a nice wooden morningstar instead of the offered blade.

"I have no desire to fight you, Master Remaio. But if it will make you feel better about yourself in the morning, have at me." Bobbi offers, twirling the bludgeoning weapon defensively.

Bobbi is going to be Fighting Defensively (-4 to hit, +2 to AC) Because the outfit that Remaio provided doesn't look like it'd allow masterwork lamellar under it, working on the assumption that is all Bobbi has to bring to the defense, so either AC 13 (or 15 with fighting Defensively. Remaio will get a 'free shot' if his initiative is better, AC 10).

Remaio's Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Remaio snatches a wooden training rapier from a servant and assumes a dashing stance near the edge of the koi-filled reflecting pool. "You have abrogated the legal obligations of your contract. You have shown nothing but ingratitude and disrespect. Worse, sirrah, you have no honor."

Remaio brings the tip of his rapier to his brow in a duelist's salute, then flourishes his rapier in an impressive sweep.

"Prepare to answer for your crimes against civility!"

His oratory inspires himself, if no one else. He prances up to Bobbi, daring the oozemorph to attack.

Bobbi obliges, the morningstar whooshing past the young man.

Continuing his ceaseless oratory of whining about double-crossing Pathfinders, Remaio thrusts with his rapier, leaving a deep bruise.
Rapier, Inspire Courage; Damage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 161d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Map & Images

Round 1
Bold may act.
Remaio
Bobbi (-4)

Bobbi, you're up!

"Warning. If k'o'd, I'll puddle. That's normal. No talking. Do not be alarmed." Bobbi offers to the crowd as they put both hands on the morningstar. "Yes, Remaio, you have a chance to make someone come unglued. Just. Like. You."

Fighting Defensively 2H with Morningstar: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6 Current AC is 16 -- forgot I had Dodge as a Feat!

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Get him, Bobbi!!

Bobbi swings weapon and cautions at the angry young man. Neither makes an impact.

Sidestepping Bobbi's morningstar, Remaio taunts, "Leave the witty repartee to your betters, oozemorph! I am a trained bard!"
Rapier, Inspire Courage; Damage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 71d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Remaio tries but fails to disguise his embarrassing thrust as a feint.

Inka Heldotor winks at Bobbi and laughs, "Thank the gods, I challenged you to an arm-wrestling match. I'm not sure I could have survived such a duel."

Map & Images

Round 2
Bold may act.
Remaio
Bobbi (-4 nonlethal)

Bobbi, you're up!

Make it happen, Bobbi!

Bobbi gives Inka a return wink. "I haven't even touched my real power. It's rather disgusting, sort of like this duel. I'd prefer to keep talking as long as possible."

Morningstar(2H, Defensive): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 4 = 4

Yeah, that's a miss

The oozy person continues to waggle the morningstar, perhaps a bit suggestively even, in Remaio's direction.

"I don't suppose your performance lingers, then? Quick in and outs?" Bobbi offers with a bit of a smirk to Remaio. "You keep hammering on the fact I've got a significant handicap, what would your honored ancestor think? I think she'd be rather disappointed with you right now."

The nobles standing closest to the two combatants duck and leap back as the wild blows from man and oozemorph prove more threatening to them than to the two duelists.

Dancing away from Bobbi's morningstar, Remaio taunts, "You substantiate my noble lineage while denying me its legacy. Bah! I should have hired the Aspis, instead of you moralizing Pathfinders!"
Rapier, Inspire Courage; Damage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 141d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

The crowd cheers and jeers, many doubling up in laughter, as the hapless duelists continue.

Princess Eutropia, herself, struggles to keep a straight face. A shadow of a grin passes across the face of Solmon Menander, who's enjoying the less-than-noble spectacle.

Map & Images

Round 3
Bold may act.
Remaio
Bobbi (-4 nonlethal)

Bobbi, you're up!

"You could have stopped to help in the basement. You could have come along on any of our adventures -- it would have cost you less than running messengers about. It would have shown your care about your lineage and not yourself. But. You. Didn't." Bobbi states as they take another swing at Remaio, flowing past them to the right in a somewhat inhuman fashion. "Also, right now I'm spotting you my armor AND my shield, so please don't question my personal honor."

Morningstar(2H, Defensive): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 4 = 5

5' step

Remaio does his very best to make the performance a drama none will soon forget. He peacocks across the marble tiles, as if it were his stage, wielding his wooden rapier like a microphone.

♫I've paid my dues
Time after time
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through
We are the champions♫
Queen, We Are the Champions

Rapier, Inspire Courage; Damage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 81d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Captain Seferi can't help herself. The corsair starts tapping her foot and humming along. When she sees you frown, she just shrugs and smiles. "It's a great song, right?"

Map & Images

Round 4
Bold may act.
Remaio
Bobbi (-4 nonlethal)

Bobbi, you're up!

"I am no bard... but we of Andoran prefer a more... visceral tone..." Bobbi offers, edging into a countersong with a much edgier beat.

♫Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'

We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you!♫

QueenWe Will Rock You

Morningstar(Defensive, 2H): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 4 = 5

Remaio's jaw drops, shocked at Bobbi's warbling. "How dare you mock me, sirrah! This isn't open mic night at The Salty Dawg Saloon!"

The young man clears his throat, bows his head for a moment, then lifts his chin and opens his eyes, twirling his rapier.

♫Are you ready, hey, are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat♫

Rapier, Inspire Courage; Damage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 251d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Crit!?: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
Additional Crit Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

♫Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust♫
Queen, Another One Bites the Dust

Bobbi collapses in an unconscious puddle. Remaio kneels down next to the shallow pool of oozemorph moisture and whispers, "You and your friends have made me your enemy. I will not rest until I have my vengeance."

Father Basri elbows Remaio out of the way and heals Bobbi's wounds. Bobbi, still a little groggy, looks up at the priest. "Easy, now, so--, er, dau--, er, Bobbi. You could still use some rest."

At a nod from Princess Eutropia, Inka Heldotor has her Ulfen Guards escort Remaio Alcasti to the exits. At the door, the young man turns around, "A pox on all your Houses! You have stolen my legacy, but my honor and that of House Alcasti is restored!"

The gathered nobles burst out in raucous, derisive laughter. Princess Eutropia rewards you with a dazzling, benevolent smile. At her side, Dominicus Rell's expression is guarded, but his appraising gaze reveals growing respect of you skill and potential.

Captain Seferi quietly approaches Dol, "Shall we find somewhere private, where we can, em, exchange our clothes?"

---

Before you depart, Venture-Captain Lady Gloriana Morilla pulls all of you aside. "Well done, Pathfinders, very well done. You will have a foe in Remaio Alcasti as long as he lives, but you have gained your own noble titles. You will enjoy increased respect in Taldor, and you have made the personal acquaintance of many of the nation’s most important political figures."

"I'd like to invite each of you to consider joining the Sovereign Court, if you're interested. Regardless, you have earned my personal gratitude."

The End