Beppo eyes Drovenge suspiciously. Is she really going to put down a substantial bet? Or is she just gathering intelligence for our foe?
We shall require no summoning, milady. Thrax will learn the lesson of steel. He pauses as this sinks in and an idea comes to his mind. If I may, what do you know of this Thrax? All I have heard is that none of the other puppet masters have yet beaten him - does he throw out stronger beasts? Have an army of twerps supporting him?
|
She seems sincere. You're going to fight? Yourself? How absolutely...delicious. Yes, I will definately insure that Your foe is a bit full of himself...prideful of his string of victories. But, he is cunning and quite powerful. He has alliances with a strong array of devils. Do not underestimate him.
Still...you are a troupe of some reputation yourself. Yes, I believe you might be able to put the wizard in his place.
"There seemed to be a measure of attempted honesty in the arranged matches. In any case, if we find there is any foul play... Well... Lets just say the organizer won't be in business much longer" - Tessai answers Kyle with a somber look in her eyes.
|
|
As you guys wrap up your business in that store and your conversation, you move on. A rather handsome man bumps hard into Tessai while she is walking and talking...
Excuse me...Pardon me for my clumsiness, m'lady.
You recognize Mantrithor Thrax from the arena, but he looks different up close. He certainly breaks the stereotype—a healthy and handsome-looking wizard who, to casual observation, might look better suited to gladiatorial fights himself rather than spellcasting. You almost didn't recognize him in his finer clothing as he was dressed as a gladiator himself in his battles, clad in leather buckles and straps and oiled for battle.
You see by the expression in his face that he recognizes you, as well. He bows. Ah, the famed actors of the The Six Trials of Larazod! It is certainly a pleasure, and an honor to meet all of you. He looks over you for a moment, giving you a chance to respond.
Tessai smiles widely at the man, as she quickly checks her pockets to confirm if something has been added or removed from their content - "No problem at all friend - Wait a moment... You are Mantrithor Thrax are you not? Congratulations on all your recent successes in the Devildrome - your fame has been spreading far from what I have heard"
Aemon look Mantrithor Thrax up and down.
This is our competition..
"You seem to be getting as much fame as use in the Devildome. We're not all that special."
That's a dreadful shame. I would have loved to hear more about your success - swap war stories, hear some tidbit of how you have managed to stay so successful for so long.
"I am sure that soon we will have the opportunity to find all the holes in his strategies Beppo" - Tessai jests.
Speaking as a man of science, I don't believe in coincidence. Could Thrax already be sizing us up?
Speaking as a man who likes to win, I'm sure of it.
|
|
The 100-foot-diameter Devildrome is a circular combat arena encased in a cylindrical iron cage, the ceiling of which is 25 feet high and the walls of which are decorated with inward-facing blades and other serrated implements. A creature forced against the walls of the Devildrome (via bull rush or telekinesis, for example) takes 2d4 points of piercing damage. The cage walls can be climbed with a DC 15 Climb check (this increases to DC 25 if the climber moves along the roof,
navigating the bars while hanging), but a failure inflicts 1d6 points of
piercing damage from the numerous blades (resulting in a second Climb
check to avoid falling). In the arena’s center, four wooden ramps converge to create an elevated and crowd pleasing stage, 15 feet off
the ground, where battles tend to gravitate. Two identical pits line the east and west sides of the cage—each is 10 feet deep, and climbing out of a pit is a DC 15 Climb check.
Two risers of benches for spectators sit against the east and west side of the Devildrome, while to the north and south are smaller cages that contain the summoners themselves.
You are competing for the Hellcaller’s Cup. Yet while Beppo will be the focus of the battle, there’s still plenty for the rest of the party to do. It’s against the rules to interfere with the competition, but anyone
in the cage is free to provide aid to the current battler via magic. Potions can be administered or handed to a combatant adjacent to the PCs’ cage, and touch spells can be delivered in the same way to augment the champion.
Ranged spells are permissible as well, as long as they only aid the target and do not harm or hinder the competition. For characters unable to provide magical support, they may offer tactical advice to the combatant (or the combatant’s summoner). The advisor must decide if
he wishes to provide offensive or defensive advice, and on his turn makes a DC 10 Charisma check to effectively explain his advice and aid the target. On a successful roll, the advising character grants a +1 bonus on the combatant’s attack rolls for 1 round (if the advice is
offensive) or a +1 dodge bonus to the combatant’s AC (if the advice is defensive).
That battle begins next posting period. Last chance to prep.
"Definitely"
"You've got this Beppo, we'll all be there to help you. I'll call out anything i see that can be of help to you."
Before it starts Aemon helps Beppo get into this armor and readies his weapon for him.
Brandon loops the potions into the bandoleers across Beppos chest.
All of these are going to help, but if you can stay away from the arena walls and especially those pits. If you have to scramble out of there you'd be a sitting duck for whatever he throws at you. Save your potions of vanish for emergencies or when you need to get back to us to refuel but most of all, make good use of all the protection magic Kyle and Tessai have provided. Make them miss and then make them pay.
Good luck.
He looks away briefly for a second.
And Edmond says he hopes you wipe the smirk off that wizard's face... with your boot. he shrugs. Meh. Don't shoot the messenger I guess.
Beppo pops up and down, working his arms and stretching his neck. He listens intently to the words of advice from Aemon and from Brandon.
He replies tersely, Thanks. I will watch out for the hazards.
Beppo grins at Brandon's last comment. Tell Edmond I will do my level best to entertain the crowd and humiliate that cage-hiding coward...and I will shoot any messenger he sends my way.
|
"I can heal you from a distance, but try to stay within thirty feet of me. I have a few buffs for you; here is how they work." Kyle explains the spells to Beppo (see below). "Make sure you keep those potions handy. Good luck out there."
First, the subject gains a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures.
Second, the subject immediately receives another saving throw (if one was allowed to begin with) against any spells or effects that possess or exercise mental control over the creature (including enchantment [charm] effects and enchantment [compulsion] effects, such as charm person, command, and dominate person). This saving throw is made with a +2 morale bonus, using the same DC as the original effect. If successful, such effects are suppressed for the duration of this spell. The effects resume when the duration of this spell expires. While under the effects of this spell, the target is immune to any new attempts to possess or exercise mental control over the target. This spell does not expel a controlling life force (such as a ghost or spellcaster using magic jar), but it does prevent them from controlling the target. This second effect only functions against spells and effects created by evil creatures or objects, subject to GM discretion.
Third, the spell prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures. This causes the natural weapon attacks of such creatures to fail and the creatures to recoil if such attacks require touching the warded creature. Summoned creatures that are not evil are immune to this effect. The protection against contact by summoned creatures ends if the warded creature makes an attack against or tries to force the barrier against the blocked creature. Spell Resistance can allow a creature to overcome this protection and touch the warded creature.
Excellent. Thank you, Kyle, as always. If Shelyn will grant me the blessing of the watch, I will be ready.
|
|
"Oh, you're getting that, shield of faith, protection from evil, and weapon of awe. If you don't care for the other I will save the slot for a cure spell, but weapon of awe you may find useful with that keen longsword. And just to make sure you're aware; that potion of shield is only good against magic missiles with that shield you carry."
Superb. Too bad about the shield thing.
As the alchemist buckles on Beppo's greaves, he casts a furtave glance over his shoulder and sees Aemon stepping briefly out of the room.
He stands and threads his hands nervously for a moment, obviously deciding whether to speak or not. In the end, he emboldens himself and mumbles;
Ummm, Beppo..? What, umm, what do you think of Tarvi? She seems, you know.. nice? Right?
He chews his lip and scratches at the scrub of beard trying to take root on his chin.
Beppo raises an eyebrow. Tarvi? Sure. A little moody, but yes, she's, uh-, he begins to make an hourglass shape with his hands, but thinks better of it halfway through and drops them. nice.
He grins at Brandon. You think you've got a shot? Then go for it, tiger.
He blushes.
Heh. I don't know about that I mean... she wouldn't be interested in me, but, you know, we've been spending quite a bit of time together and it's... nice... not to be on guard all the time.
|
|
The day arrives. Whatever advertisement the owner used worked great, because the stadium is packed out for the first time in years.
After a quick review of the rules by Rance in the back, you are lead to the gate into the arena ring. As you walk out, you're not sure what hits you harder...the midday sun or the thunderous applause.
As they clap and cheer, you can't help but notice you opponent. He looks mildly irritated at the reception you've received, but a smile curls his lips as all but one of you enter the caster's cage. You swear you see him chuckle to himself.
The announces introduces you, your eyes scan over the audiance. When you look at the VIP box, reserved for guests of the fighters, you see several of the Shades of Grey, including Janiven who is wearing a hood to keep her face mostly hidden. Brandon spots Tarvi and Kyle sees Caliseinca in the box, as well. You also spot the Paracountess you met just a day or two ago.
As the champion is intro'd, there are a few cheers, but when the heroes of the Sixfold Trial are intro'd, the crowd goes while. And championiong for the Heroes of the Sixfold Trial, Beppo van Drotske!!
Applause and cheers erupt. You opponent sighs and cracks his nuckles.
My the first round Commense!!
Your opponent begins casting...presumably a summon spell.
Beppo is currently next to the cage. The arenda is 120' wide. The middle is 60' away. You are expected to meet you opponent head on next round, giving you a full round or so to prep.
Beppo shakes his head. Look, you've been spending a lot of time together, yes? Does she ever smile at you? Sit closer than she used to? Touch your arm when she's telling you something? Then trust me, she's interested in you - I've been around enough girls to get an idea about such things.
He pauses briefly. Don't put too much pressure on him, Drotske. You don't want him to blow it and then come crying to you about how he lost the only friend who doesn't live in his head.
Now, I'm not trying to pressure you. You do what you want. There's nothing wrong with staying friends with her. (Bro, are you listening to yourself?) I'm just saying that if you're interested, and she's interested - Steel clanks on steel as the would-be gladiator shrugs.
As the signal goes to enter the ring, Beppo turns to face the gate. I gotta go. We can talk later if you want.
As Aemon enders the cage he looks around at the amount of people that have shown up. I'm glad it's not me in there... He spots a few friends in the stand and smiles, the butterflies in his stomach settle as he starts to focus on helping Beppo.
Aemon then reaches out and casts a spell on Beppo.
"This guy is nothing, no matter what he throws at you we have your back. This will help you if the terrain gets a little difficult, i'll also call out if i see anything that can help you.
Beppo soaks up the applause, waving and saluting the crowd, flexing his muscles, and brandishing his weapons. He clearly loves the attention.
At the announcement of the first round, Beppo points his sword at the champion. He mouths, you're going down, b$$#+.
He then turns back to the cage and holds out the sword. Alright, somebody pour that oil of bless weapon on this thing. Kyle, give me something good from Shelyn's cupboard. He looks over his shoulder. Too early for enlarge person?
|
|
As the caster finishes his spell, 4 impish like creatures appear. The announcer bellows, Let's get ready to RUMmmMmmmMmMBBBLLLLEEEE!!
Battle C&P
Status
60' Tessai (33/33 Caged), Brandon (39/39 Caged),
55' Kyle (26/26 Caged), Aemon (36/36 Caged),
50' Beppo (40/40 ),
Center Stage
5'
50' Impish Creatures X4
55' Mantrithor Thrax
Brandon looks about the cage.
Oh and for what it's worth, Tarvi is a lamb. I prefer the lioness. Tessai is intriguing, don't you think?
Beppo asks his compatriots, over his shoulder, What are those things?
He prepares himself to strike as soon as they are upon him.
|
|
Round 1
Kyle casts protection from Evil on Beppo. (Remember, shield of faith and Prot from evil are both deflection bonus to AC and do not stack).
Enemy turnThe imps double move to the center of the stage after their wizard casts a spell on them.
Crowd The crowd is pointing at Beppo, wondering if the 'champion' plans to meet the enemy head on, or cower in fear.
Current Performance Rating: 0
Status
60' Tessai (33/33 Caged), Brandon (39/39 Caged),
55' Kyle (26/26 Caged), Aemon (36/36 Caged),
50' Beppo (40/40 Prot F/Evil, Sh of Faith, Feather Step),
Center Stage Impish Creatures X4
5'
50'
55' Mantrithor Thrax
|
|
"These vicious little imps are known to poison their victims with bile they strength sapping spit. They can bite with their teeth and cast low level arcane magic. Silver weapons work best." Kyle answers Beppo. "Now go get them."
Kyle casts a spell on the keen longsword.
Round 2:
Beppo yawns as he saunters forward. Suddenly, he drops into a ready position and bangs his sword against his shield. Come on, meat!
Aemon getting caught up in all the atmosphere, sees the imps moving forward trys to think of a way he can help his friend.
"Watch that they don't circle you! and keep your guard up for the low attacks"
Still Round 2:
Tessai observes with a fierce sparkle in her eyes as her companion steps into the arena to fight - "Stay safe my friend" - she whispers as she vows to herself that if any harm comes to him, Thrax will pay dearly.
"Fight smart!!" - she shouts - "And don't hesitate to get back here at any point, this is a resistance match, not a sprint!"