JCServant's Council of Thieves (Inactive)

Game Master JCServant

Sounds like a plan. Why don't you leave the screaming head here. We'll see if we can figure anything more out about her while you're gone.

After the meeting Brandon return to his room, determined to finally have a frank conversation with the imp who has been, quite literally, on his back for the past couple of weeks.

Listen, Lanny. I wanted to have a chat. he starts, already knowing how foolish he sounds.

I'm really not a wizard. At all. What happened in the Knot was honestly mostly luck but it certainly didn't have anything to do with me teleporting anywhere because I didn't.

Having said that, I still think you're more than welcome to hang around with us here, you'll be useful. There's no need to be afraid of any of us either. None of us will bare you any ill-will if you don't mean us harm, particualrly Tessai - the one you seem most afraid of. Besides, how do you think they'll react when they discover you've been hiding among them all this time? Better to just introduce yourself and start making friends he says in what he hopes is a winning tone. Then he seems to have an idea.

Actually, I do know a wizard. She's not almighty and powerful. In fact, she's just starting to learn but she has amazing talent and I can't think of anyone more suited to help guide her on that journey than you. What do you say, want to meet my friend Tarvi?

You're not a wizard? Ya could have fooled me. I've seen some of the stuff you do, and you blow some of the devils away with your spells. Just sayin. And I don't trust your friends...especially that goody two shoes with the pointy ears. It's like he was born with a stick up his sphincter if you know what I mean!

As far as that Tarvi chick? I dunno. She's a fine lookin' dame. I'll give you that! But I haven't actually seen her do anything...impressive. When you're as small as I am, ya want to work for someone powerful, cuz life expectancy can get real short otherwise.

"When do we look for Rucca?"

Aemon nods as Kyle speaks.

"We need to get on this, we've sat about too long."

He then looks to each person in the room, hoping for some movement.

Beppo picks up his gear and heads for the exit.

The party heads to the semi-legal fighting ring called the Devildrome located in the southwest corner of Rego Cader.

You find Rance (pic in dropbox) at the Devildrome on the northern edge of the city ruins. Here, Rance has built an immense two-story cage inside the shell of a block of apartment buildings. Because of the curfew, Rance Lucca operates his tournament during daylight hours, with fights generally scheduled from noon to 5:00. His loyal fans continue to return week after week to watch their favorite summoned creatures tear each other apart—and on special days, to see “real” people test their mettle against these summoned monsters. Rance maintains an office near the front of the crumbling stone buildings he’s claimed. He maintains a relatively healthy staff of mercenary guards.

As soon as you approach (before noon) he immediately recognizes and greets you. Welcome, actors extrodanare of the Sixfold Trial! What brings you to may arena? Perhaps you wish to show more of your amazing skills to the crowds? How can I help?

How do we want to handle this one?

Here goes nothing? :D

Unexpectadly for the usually brooding tiefling, Tessai steps forward, a wicked grin on her lips - "Milord Lucca, I am happy that you recognize our troupe" - she bows - "You probably understood from our performance that we have stuck together for some time now - I hope our show was both impressive and entertaining"

She leans a tad closer and adds - "We did hear about the Devildrome, and of course we just HAD to come look for ourselves - after all... Amongst many other of our common interests" - she waves one arm in the direction of the group - "We have come to understand that sports are somewhat of an acquired taste we have developed"

Ho ho! I'm glad to hear that! Glad indeed!! So, have you come to simply watch as a member of the audience, or do you wish to participate yourselves?

I wonder where she's going with this? Hmmm...

Indeed, as survivors of the Trial, we wanted to see what.... thrills the devildrome had to offer.

Well, why don't we just watch for now, see what we'd be letting ourselves in for. Maybe indulge in some of your famous hospitality? Take in the spectacle over a glass of wine or two? he smiles and waves to some passers by, acknowledging that he knows they know who he is.

I feel like an idiot...

Aemon stands in the back nodding his head, looking very awkward.

Indeed, as people begin to show for the next combat, which starts promptly at 1pm, many of them stare at you with smiles, point, and a few even get the courage to ask you a question or two.

Well, I'd be happy to have watch a show...for free, even! Having a troupe of such reputation can only bolster my sales. By all means, sit over on the west side seats. And, if you would like, we can certainly talk afterwards!

You spend the afternoon watch the show and waving to people. It seems that Rance was only too happy to announce your presence just in case someone didn't notice that the stars of the Sixfold Trial were in attendance.

The combat takes place between casters and their summoned creatures. You observe two summoners, each enclosed in 5x5' cages. Once the contest is announced to begin, they summon monsters, eidelon and devils. You note that during the combat, the summoned creatures occasionally receive beneficial spells from their controllers, but that the casters never seem to cast any spells directly at their opponents or opponent creatures. Occasionally, the casters seem to have allies in the cages with them to further cast spells from scrolls, wands, and even administer potions to the summoned creatures.

You notice a lot of betting going on, as well. In reviewing the odds, you notice that they are stacked heavily in the favor of someone called Thrax. When you ask about it, you are told that he has won 10 of his last 11 matches. Only the foolish seem to bet against him.

After nearly four hours of contests in the heat of the day, most of the audience is exhausted, and drag themselves slowly out after the last contest...which was a short, on-sided affair in favor of the fellow called Thrax.

I hope you enjoyed the show, your host quips as you get up and move towards the exit. If you wish to participate some time, please, let me know! It would sure be exciting to see those of your caliber participate in our sport here.

That was disgusting...

That was fantastic! Beppo blurts, putting on a happy face for Rance Lucca. Tell me, is it true that you are an avid art collector? Vilth von Schmeck, son of Viscount Hould von Schmeck (of the EGORIAN Schmecks) told me once that you have several unique statues in your collection. Is it so?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

"What? Art? Statues? That would be very interesting to me. Very interesting." He turns on Rance. "Is it true?"

I would not say I'm an art collector. I have a few decorations, statues and such that have fallen into my possession over the years, but nothing spectacular. Many of them adorn the pillars right here in the DevilDome.

He waves his hand...and some of you suddenly feel a bit embarrassed that you didn't see this earlier...but you see Ghaelfin’s bust. He catches some of you staring at it. Ah, yes, the old venture captain. I must admit, that IS my favorite. Not only is there such a story behind it, but it's so life like! The artist captured every detail!

Turning to Kyle, Tessai comments with a smile, in a way that Rance can hear - "That one is admirable my friend - and what a fine addition it would make to your collection"

Bluff?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Aemon nods his head again, look at the Bust and all the statues around the room. He also keeps quiet not wanting to spoil the plan he just noticed Tessai is trying to spin.

He leans against a wall trying to look casual and aloof.

Wait.... you're not only actors, and can hold your own in the face of adversity, but you're also collectors? I have to say, your troupe continues to amaze me.

Tessai smiles again, as she turns to the man - "As I said before, we share not only many common interests, as we do share in the efforts to see them... How to put it..? Satisfied?"

"I have dabbled in the art of creating statues." Kyle explains. "I love to take the chance when given to admire another's work."

Kyle examines the venture captain statue. While looking it over he casts enhanced diplomacy on himself. "Very life like. Look at this," he points to an ear. "Most artists will ignore much detail behind the ear because doing so compromises the integrity of it. But this ear looks perfect and hasn't broken off."

He turns to Rance and asks, "would you be willing to part with him? Or at least let me have it for a few days to give me a chance to examine it? I believe that it could greatly improve my skills"

The man looks a little surprised for a minute...then ponderous. Suddenly, his face lights up like a Christmas tree at night.

It's one of a kind...I couldn't bear to part with it, even for a few days. However, I am a man of reason. I have something you want...and perhaps you have something I need.

Lately, one of my summoners has been on a streak. He's been doing good. Too good. When one of these guys becomes unbeatable, two things happen. First, the games become boring when everyone knows who will win. Second, my take on the betting slides because it becomes too one sided. The margins shrink.

I've not been able to find anyone who can best him. However, I haven't asked any actors who survived a murderplay either! What do you say? Take down Thrax, and the statue bust is yours!

Did Kyle get an idea (from watching the summoner) of the level of skill Thrax is?

"How could we do that? None of us are summoners? I could summon lesser creatures, but nothing that would match up to an eidelon."

He looked pretty tough, but not impossible.

Really? Hmmmm.

He scratches his chin for a minute.

Well, you could solicit a conjurer to create scrolls of summoning for you. If that's not possible, there's another option, though I'm a bit more hesitant to extend it. Ahhh...what the heavens! Why not?

He puts his hand on Brandon. I saw the way you fought on stage, and the thing you turn into. Instead of a summoned monster, you would do nicely. To be honest... he looks over all of you... Any of you could be a champion. Though, clearly, some of you are more capable than others for the role.

Beppo makes a face. Is it a grimace, or a grin?

I thought so. One or more of us, supported by the same sort of spellcasting, potions, and wands those summoned beasts receive, could take down this Thrax's beasts.

Once the words have left his mouth, Beppo reconsiders the options. Of course, you could also change the format - I'm sure that seeing Aemon's arrows whiz past (and into) him would make your Thrax a bit more...beatable. What are the rules?

Hmmm... seems like you might get another 15 minutes of fame Edmond.

I wouldn't be over confident, Thrax looks impressive.

Champion? Clearly a role Mr van Drotske here was born to play. What would you say sets Thrax apart from his rivals Rance?

The rules for Devildrome combats are straightforward. Each summoner and his entourage stands in one of the protective starting cages at the opposing sides of the arena. When the starter’s horn blows, the participants summon a single type of creature of their choice inside the cage, anywhere within the range of their chosen spell. The opposing monsters then attack each other until one destroys the other.

The rules expressly prohibit attacking the opposing summoner; the Devildrome is a bloody arena, but one for conjured gladiators, not civilized folk. If one caster’s summoning spell runs out before a kill occurs, that round is considered a draw. The remaining monster or monsters must be dismissed, and then both casters re-cast their summoning spells to summon the same type of monsters they’d summoned in the previous round and the fight starts anew. If one caster is unable to
continue a bout of draws with additional summonings, the opponent wins.

Summoners may employ delay tactics to try to exhaust their opponent’s spells, but if their efforts fail to entertain the crowd, rest assured, the audience is sure to let you know with a chorus of visceral boos or by throwing debris into the cage.

Reminder: From the battles you saw earlier, you observed that there must be no rules against casting further spells to enhance or protect a summoned monster, as it was indeed a common tactic for a summoner to position his creature just immediately outside his cage and then reach through the bars to provide helpful touch spells. Some participants even brought along one or two auxiliary spellcasters with them into their summoner’s cage for this exact purpose. Scrolls, wands, and magic items are also permissible.

If you choose to select one of your own to fight against Thrax and his monsters... well, the rules do not change much. The rules for this variant battle mirror those of the more standard summoning battle, with the chosen champion entering the fighting pit to start at any point within—he cannot take any actions until the opposition begins casting his summoning spell, at which point the battle begins and the champion must outlast the summoner’s capability to conjure foes.

As far as Thrax...well, he's powerful, that's for sure. He summons more monsters and creatures than most others. But, he also plays smart. He uses spells that makes them most faster or hit harder.

Well from what I know about wizardry, a spellcaster of his capability must be able to summon quite a few creatures. Rance, are we allowed only one champion to enter the arena? Edmond would tear through a good number that's for sure but he is too prideful - believing his strength will carry him through. The weight of numbers would prove his undoing - and mine. I feel like you; he puts his hand on Beppo's shoulder, would have the right combination of strength, courage and intelligence to win the day.

Aemon lists to the rules, the hears his name brought up.

"I couldn't stand toe to toe with summoned creatures. This is a job for you and Brandon my friend." He smiles and pats Beppo on the back. "Another challenge to show off your skills."Another big smile crosses his face as he bigs up Beppo.

Yes, I'm afraid only one champion is allowed. However, his friends can assist him from the cage, as necessary.

Then we'll need to think carefully as to which one is our champion.

I am useless at range. I can't help at all from within the cage.

Tessai, your opinion? Perhaps we should discuss this before we commit to anything.

"I could summon some creatures, but nothing that can handle an eidelon. They might be able to provide a distraction though."

Beppo draws his companions in. I can do this. although I should have taken a damn level of damn ranger with a damn outsider FE, dammit!

...Then again, so could Edmond or Tessai. The question is, how can we maximize the skills within the cage? If Thrax brings out a bunch of summoned creatures, we will certainly need Kyle's healing - maybe even some summons of his own. What else can we do to help each other? I'm afraid all I can do in the cage is administer potions.

An idea flashes across the mercenary's face and he turns back toward Rance. Are you telling me that, if we do not bring a summoner, a LONE champion must outlast ALL of Thrax's creatures or fight however many he can conjure at once? If so, I think I know why he wins so much...

Well, it's pretty unorthodox that we use the champion rules. But, no, he does not get to summon everything at once. The game is played in rounds. So, he gets to summon as many as he can with one spell. The next round does not begin until they or the champion are dead. As soon as they are, he can summon the next batch.

The game has an element of a bluffing card game to it. After all, summoners and wizards can only conjour so much each day, and even then, their spells are of varying power. Do they start off in the early round summoning their strongest? Or do they hold back and finish strong?

Sounds like a ridiculous game for wizards. Why not just have the summoner call its strongest toy, then see if it can handle someone who knows how to fight? I thought I might be participating in a challenge of fighting skill, not some bookish mage's parlor game.

I mean, seriously, is this a bloodsport or Magic: the Gathering? :P

"I think you'd be a good choice Beppo and Kyle is the cage would make sure you have plenty of support." Aemon then thinks for a second. "So only one person is allowed in the cage to help?"No that couldn't work it must not be allowed."

"Boys, boys, boys..." - Tessai pipes in - "I keep telling you that you need to learn some manners and let the lady in first, and that means I should be the one inside doing the fighting" - she smiles.

Nodding at Brandon, the tiefling continues - "However, this time you may be right" - she ponders - "Balancing out the possible contributions each of us can put in from the summoner cage, I guess it makes more sense that either one of you face the creatures" - her finger points at Beppo and Brandon.

As far as meta goes, Tessai is still a caster, and she can buff from the summoner cage

Moving to discussion.

"Will I be close enough during the action to be able to touch my champion periodically." I do like to touch my champion.

Sounds like a ridiculous game for wizards. Why not just have the summoner call its strongest toy, then see if it can handle someone who knows how to fight? I thought I might be participating in a challenge of fighting skill, not some bookish mage's parlor game.

My dear Beppo, if the challenge was only one round, then I would stand to have a very short show, and far less betting would take place, yes?

Will I be close enough during the action to be able to touch my champion periodically?

That will be up to him or her. There is some strategic value to being close to friends who can do potions and the such close it, however, the walls are lined with spikes and the such. I've been demons viciously use them to finish an opponent off by shoving the beast as it rushed towards the cage looking for assistance in a time of need. Occasionally, I see them move in a way to cut the others off from apparent aid, as well.

Beppo takes a step into the ringmaster's personal space. If I'm to put my life at stake for your business, Rance, I want more than just a couple of days to look at one statue. I want your collection. All of it. For keeps... If not, he shrugs, the failure of your business and the resulting shame and loss of fortune is not my problem.

As Rance considers his counter-offer, Beppo adds, Also, I hope your man Thrax is not a coward. Once I slaughter his puppets, I cannot guarantee that he will remain free of...health issues.

Go Beppo!

The man lets out a hearty laugh. And here I thought you guys performed simply for the fame and attention of the crowds! My entire collection? That's hardly a fair trade. However, I think I can arrange for a sizable reward if you win. These men fight for the right to win our prestigious cup, which in and of itself carries a cash reward. While you have not earned your way up the ranks like they have, you certainly have a reputation that precedes you. If I make this a title match, I do not believe people would be too upset given your earlier performance.

I do caution you against attempts against Thrax. The law of the land is very clear. There is to be no direct man versus man combat. Gladiators fighting summoned creatures pushes the rules as it is, but battle between men directly is expressly forbidden. If an aggressor who attacks you directly, that's a different story. But we separate the casters in bars for a number of reasons, including making sure they don't allow their tempers to flare. I can't afford to lose my license.

A few pieces of art for the future of your business? I would not be so sure. However, because [i]I am a gentleman, I will settle for the one statue, the cup, and the cash reward that comes with it. Don't worry about our performance - I'll make sure the crowd remembers it.[/b]

"I guess it is settled then. Our own Ironclad against whatever Thrax can throw at us" - Tessai comments - "Lets schedule this for... The day after tomorrow then?"

That should be ample time for us to prepare. Enough time for you to get the word out Rance?

It is! Exciting, is it not! Please, go rest. Prepare! And take this guy down a few notches!

Within hours, flyers are posted and town criers are hired to advertise the event. Over the following day, as you the group is shopping or in public, many people rush up to shake your hand or ask for an autograph.

Just when you think you have a minute to recover, a well dressed, familiar face walks in your direction.

Well, if it isn't the heroes of the Murderplay. You made quite an ... impression on me during the dinner at the mayor's house some time ago. So, are you ready for the action of an arena battle?

You recognize her as Chammady Drovenge (Pic in dropbox), one of the noble who ate at the dinner with you. She asks you a few questions about your level of preparations. When she sees a look of curiosity on one of your faces, she answers, Let's just say I have a fair sum of platinum that I plan to put on the line. I know how good Thrax is, but I need to know a bit more about your combat prowess before I decide where to put it.

Well, its simply a balance of probabilities Ms Drovenge. There's some complicated math behind it but rest assured your money is safe should you decide to wager on us!... in all likelihood. he shrugs.

Oh. Nice to see you again by the way. he adds, forgetting his manners.

"What are the odds we were given? I am thinking about putting money on us."