Lords of Light (Inactive)

Game Master Zizazat

Garra calls Klo back to her.
"Should we get out of here? Is there anyone we should inform about this Gnoll incursion?"

Josi looks at Bok then puts her hand on his shoulder and says "It gets easier. They wanted to kill us, but we wanted to live. It's that simple, think nothing of it."

She listens to Garra and then says "We'll inform them when we get back."

Josi gathers the weapons and armor from the gnolls. Also, she cuts off the ears of her kills as a trophy.

Anyone have knowledge about any of the gnolls in the area, like how many, where they normally are at? and how far are we from getting back?

You are still a hard days travel out from Gul'Farom. Gnolls are not unheard of in the area, and they are pack hunters preferring to have a numbers advantage so a large hunting party, while not ideal for you guys, is pretty typical. This close to Gul'Farom is a bit bold on their part, though they were not headed toward the village. They seemed to be headed toward the woods you guys just left.

Josi is going to take last watch if the party camps before they get back. She is pretty fatigued after all the raging.

Josi says after camp is set up "Wake me up when its my turn for watch, may be more gnolls or other beast about to kill."

Garra will take the first watch. She checks on their badgers, then helps groom Klo until it is time to wake the next guard.

Sorry, slight misunderstanding. You will reach Gul'Farom on the same day. I'll get a post up for your return to the village later today :)

The party returns to the wooden palisade that surrounds the tents of Gul'Farom, heading directly for the tent of Bloodspeaker Toka. Once again you enter his tent and are greeted by the strong smell of boiling pesh milk. Toka is hunched over the ground near the back of the tent, dragging his finger through a mess of leaves, bones and entrails. "Ah ha! You return so soon? Garra, I knew you and your friends would make short work of this task. Well done, well done to you all!" Shaking of something dripping from his finger he walks forward and embraces you all in turn with a traditional warrior's embrace. "Korra's beard! You even managed to capture a dire badger. This is most excellent for the Trial of the Lightbringer! I will inform Elder Kora'Mol at once! This bodes very well for Gul'Farom as the ancestor's have shown me."

Unless you have something specific to ask Toka, he leaves to Kora'Mol's tent. Everyone earns a total of 1000 XP. If anyone wants to do anything specific in the village over the next several days let me know. Most of the village will soon be making preparations to depart for the Trial of the Lightbringer. The tribal caravan will leave in 10 days and it will take 3 days to reach the location in the center of the valley where the Ritual and Trial will take place.

I suppose we tell them about the Gnolls, even if it is not a rare occurrence. Will rest, and heal any of the group that need it.

I'd like to get a bow through work or helping someone. I could kill game for them to get one. I couldn't afford one with beginning money because the sword was so high. idc if its a shortbow or longbow, Josi is a huntress and needs to get hers' fixed. After that she pretty much is just going to train for the event.

Shortly after your meeting with Bloodspeaker Toka you are each visited by a warrior bering a small coin pouch. "Elder Kora'Mol sends his thanks for dealing with the Gnolls. Well done."

The pouch contains 30 gp.

On the 16th of Sarenth nearly all the members of Gul'Farom set out in the biannual caravan to the Ritual of Stardust. This Ritual, however, will be unlike anything that has been experienced by anyone in the valley, for the day following the Ritual will commence the Trial of the Lightbringer! A series of contests to find the most suitable warrior in the valley to take the hand of Princess Nirra and extend the bloodline of Brelar Darheek, progenitor of the Sons of the Valley.

The three day trip to the center of the valley is filled with high spirits, excitement and camaraderie. All four tribes arrive and begin setting up what will become a make-shift tent village for the next several days. Another group of warriors, directed by Elder Kora'Mol of Irorg, begin setting up the events of the Trial.

Tomorrow, the 20th of Sarenth, marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the Ritual of Stardust. Tonight will be filled with stories of combat, glory and honor, drinking of pesh milk, and wrestling.

Josi is going to tell the story of how she killed the big bear Swiftclaw. If you had it named whatever its name was

Josi would also like to get involved in the wrestling.

Garra keeps pretty much to herself, except where she can talk to others like herself (druids). Not too sure if there is any kind of organization or group, but if there is, that is where she will be spending most of her time.

Bok wanders around, trying to find out what all is going on in the camps.

Josi trades stories with some of the warriors gathered around a barrel of pesh milk. Many stories are clearly embellished, but when Josi tells the story of Swiftclaw there is polite attention and afterward one of the warriors from Tekar introduces himself to Josi as Dasho. He was a friend of Mondor, Elder Kybor's son who was killed by Swiftclaw. After more drinking and storytelling Dasho confesses to Josi that he was to accompany Mondor on his fateful hunting trip, but was unable to due to a broken hand he suffered from the forge hammer.

Eventually things degenerate among the warriors into drunken, testosterone displays of strength. Panak from Dewur says he doesn't believe Josi claim of killing Swiftclaw and a wrestling match ensues! As per Kellid tradition, no weapons and no magic (and no AoOs). Strength for strength.

Panak initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Josi initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Josi is up first! Assume you are adjacent and initiating unarmed combat maneuvers doesn't provoke. The cheering, chanting and clapping starts immediately.
---

Garra socializes with several other druids from the other tribes. There is no formal (or informal for that matter) organization of druids within the Valley, but the roles of druids within the tribes are honored and important.

---

Bok mingles in and out of all the action, taking it all in.

rage count? Cause its not magic. After josi talks she goes into a rage.

Josi gets enraged at someone calling her a liar about killing swiftclaw. "You'll regret saying that and maybe I'll leave a scar on you like Swiftclaw did me!!!"

Unamed strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage, nonleathal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Rage is perfectly ok :)

Circling to the right side, Panak takes a swing of his own.

Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Josi strikes back at Panak after getting hit, spitting a little blood out.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage, nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Rage 4/6 left, hp 11/14 (nonlethal, I assume, unless he's a monk

The force of your blow knocks him back a step and he shakes his head rubbing his jaw. "Well lookit there boys, she can hit."

Lunging forward Panak tries to wrap his arms around you.

Initiate Grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 VS CMD 19

Feel free to take the scene where ever you'd like from the missed grapple. And yes, his damage is also non-lethal.

Josi slips through Panak's arms trying to grapple her and gives him a swift knee to the groin.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
damage, nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

If that is against some code that she would know about, a knee to the gut will suffice if not... he's throwing up!

Pretty much the only thing that would be off limits, culturally at this point would be drawing a weapon or spell casting. Everything else is just 'good, clean fun'. Typically with no hard feelings. :)

Being on the wrong side of a knee to the groin, Panak staggers then doubles over and vomits on the ground. Many groans and some laughter erupt from the onlookers. Quickly pivoting off his forward foot and standing back up you recognize the rage behind his eyes as he charges at you again! Feigning with a grapple, his right leg sweeps in at the last second catching Josi by surprise and knocking her to the ground. There are some cheers from the sudden reversal in the action. "STAY DOWN LITTLE ONE!" Panak roars through his heavy breaths.

Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 VS CMD 19

Garra wanders over to see what the commotion is all about. She watches the battle between Josi and Panak, standing quietly to one side. Slowly Kla wanders up and a space about the druid opens as the others move away from her and the tiger. She will not interfere, but simply waits for the battle to end before tending to her friend.

Josi stunned a second from the fall, leaps up with an uppercut.

Unarmed Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage, nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Rage 3/6 left, hp 13/14 (2 temp gone, forgot to add that last post with hp, took 3 nonlethal dmg)

Lunging in again Panak attempts to grab Josi, but comes up short.

Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 VS CMD 19

Rage: 2/7

Josi swings her leg against his sides.

Unarmed Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage, nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

rage 2/6 left

Lunging past Josi with the failed grapple, Panak manages to avoid her followup kick. With a savage yell Panak launches himself into a dropkick! Several sympathetic 'ooohs' of pain call out.

Unarmed attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage (nonlethal): 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Rage 3/7

Josi swings right back after taking a good amount of damage.

Unarmed Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage, nonlethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

rage 1/6 left, hp now is 7/14... did only one of my hits miss? if so that's a total of 27 dmg done to him

Just like that, with a right-cross, Josi knocks Panak to the ground and he doesn't even try to get back up. He lays there stone-cold unconscious. A roar goes up from the gathered crowd (which has nearly tripled in size since the fight began), with some of the gathered warriors chanting Josi's name.

You've actually landed 31 points of NL by my count. Including rage he had 30 hp :)

Josi comes out of her rage and feels a bit fatigued, however, she is enjoying the chanting. She then waits to say "I did kill Swiftclaw and I have the wounds to prove it! That bear took some of my best clan mates. I took his parts and sold it and used some of to craft this sword." She then shows her specially made sword and displays her ability in it.

This is how my people entertain themselves ... Bok sighs outwardly.

20 Sarenth 4713 - The sun rises much too early for the liking of many of those camped at the site of the ritual, though many of them sleep off the previous night's indulgences will into the late morning. Activity begins in small groups setting up for the Trial tomorrow, where six different events will be used to reveal the Lightbringer.

Nirra is hold up in her tent during most of this, though not by her own wishes. Her father, Elder Kori-Meka insists that she say secluded from the activities except where required by social convention.

As the sun reaches it's zenith, the flurry of activity around the camp increases and the energy changes to excited anticipation. The evening feasts are being prepared, and the Tekar tribes' contribution to the night's display is always a highlight. As the day wears on, the sense of celebration and community overflows into nearly everything. Though Bok may be uncomfortable with the displays and ways of his people, the growing sense of togetherness is never higher than these few hours twice a year when the tribes of the Valley gather together to praise the elk riding huntress for their prosperity. The bonfires are built large and allowed to burn down to embers while the feats continue. There is singing of past deeds and songs of future glories. Finally after the sun has set, the Tekar's begin throwing a special mixture of sand and ground gemstones onto the embers resulting in spectacular glittering displays that float out across the Valley to the enjoyment of the assembled.

21 Sarenth 4713 - Nearly all activity once the sun comes up centers around Nirra's tent. The other tribal Elders and their champions begin to wait a respectful distance for the beautiful princess to make her presence known and for the Trial of the Lightbringer to being. Besides the direct champions there are others warriors who wish to show their prowess in the competition.

As the competitors settle in, awaiting the start of the Trial a cry rises up from the northern edge of camp of 'Giants!' Making way across the plains strides two giants though one is notably shorter. The closer they get to camp, it is obvious they are not armed even though several of the warriors have already discussed charging out and meeting the giants in battle the Elders have spoken 'Let them approach.' An older, weather worn stone giant walks in front of his younger, smaller companion. As he enters the camp he calls out 'Elder Kori'Meka, Kerg stands ready to present his son. Korjun is a true son of the Valley.' He looks over his shoulder at the younger giant walking behind him. Standing taller than any Kellid present, Korjun is seven feet tall and looks to be a solid 300 pounds.

A murmur runs through the crowd and Kori'Meka holds up his hands and shouts 'Silence.' Lowering his hands and motioning for the stone giant to approach, Kori'Meka says, 'Kerg, you have arrived just in time as the presentations are about to begin. Please, you are a welcome guest as is any true son of the Valley at this Trial. Korjun please step forward and wait here.' He motions to a group of men, some of whom look quite incredulous. The expression on Kori'Meka's face shows his obvious displeasure at this development. Finally princess Nirra emerges from her tent dressed in hunting leathers, her brown hair swept up in a braid and her cool, green eyes surveying the warriors gathered before her. Once again Kori'Meka holds up his hands and there is silence. 'As has been honored for five generations, the blood of Brelar Darheek has ruled over the Vixis Valley. Each of his sons spawned a tribe, and each tribe hold dominion over a portion of the Vixis. A time foreseen by the Progenitor is now upon us. I have no son.'

Elder Kora'Mol of Gul'Farom speaks up, 'I have no son.'

Elder G'vada of Dewur speaks up, 'I have no son.'

Elder Kybor of Tekar looks briefly at Josi, then closing his eyes looks down at the ground before speaking, 'I have no son.'

Kori'Meka continues, 'I have a daughter. Today we seek the Lightbringer from within all true sons of the Valley, to continue the bloodline of Darheek.' A loud roar rises up through the crowd as the warriors howl and hoot.

Kori'Meka motions at one of the warriors and he steps forward. 'I present my choice to represent Irog for the hand of my daughter Nirra. Robern!' There is some small cheers as way of greeting Robern and he looks a Nirra and they smile at each other.

Kora'Mol of Gul'Farom motions at Marigara who steps forward, 'By Gorum I present the fiery soul of Gul'Farom who's blood burns as though he were my son, Marigara!' A cheer erupts from the Gul'Farom contingent as Marigara steps forward to take his place.

G'vada of Dewur motions and two men step forward, 'Dewur is blessed to have two champions equally worthy of my attention, Dulfa and Gilsi!'

Elder Kybor with a heavy heart speaks, 'Though it pains me to name another, Tekar is blessed to have two champions as well. Tane and Adund represent everything that Brelar taught his son Tekar, and everything that Tekar learned from his worship of Torag!' The two men step forward to take their place, and Kybor continues, 'However, as is my right, I choose my personal champion. I had a son, and he was killed by the wicked bear Swiftclaw and it is only right that the warrior who avenged his death be my champion. Josi.' He points to the somewhat slack jawed woman. Dead silence falls over the crowd.

Elder Kori'Meka says 'Besides Korjun, are there any other warriors who wish to present themselves?' After some shuffling and muttering three others present themselves, Akrem of Dewur, Feldryn of Dewur and Kartos of Gul'Farom.

Bok, you are encouraged to participate, there is no cost of entry and no penalty for failure. Sadly for Garra she is not eligible, but I'm more than happy to let you run the challenge as one of the many NPCs available.

Nirra address the candidates, 'For your first challenge, you will display your skill with the bow. You will use a shortbow to fire at those targets,' she motions to a series of targets clearly beyond the normal range of such a bow, ' with just three arrows each. Each ring is worth more points the closer you get to the bullseye, and the eight highest point totals will move on to round two. There are bows to use for anyone who does not have one of their own.' Nirra's eyes fall on Korjun with the briefest hint of a scowl.

The targets are at 90' so you will have to factor 1 range increment penalty into your attack rolls (so -2). You can make 3 attack rolls with whatever modifiers you have but don't forget to include the -2 penalty. After you guys get yours posted I'll roll for all the NPCs and total up everything before moving on to round 2. I know it's been slow getting here, but I hope you guys have as much fun as my other players did when we ran this. It's an interesting event for sure!

EDIT: Also roll damage please.

Bok's eyes nearly come out of their head from the incessant rolling. "Stupid rituals," he murmurs to himself. But when the open call arrives, he hears a semi-decent impression of himself say, "I, Bok, present myself!" and he finds himself pushed out into the open.
"Wait, I--" Bok sees a group of tribesmen laughing where he had just been standing. They think I'm a joke. F$~$ them. I'll show them." "Yes! Brawn isn't the only gift given to mankind." The princess IS pretty hot ...

shortbow attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10
shortbow attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 2 = 17
shortbow attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10

[dice=shortbow attack]1d20+3-2

[dice=shortbow attack]1d20+3-2
[dice=shortbow attack]1d20+3-2

I forgot to include but added it just now...also please roll damage. Thanks!

The target is denied its Dex, right? So it's flat-footed? (Just kidding)
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Good deal. The target does have a hardness of 1 however, lucky for Bok all his shots stuck!

Bok steps up, and fires off his three arrows in quick succession. All three manage to hit the target, two on the outer edge and the other one ever so shy of the bullseye! Bok is awarded a total of 5 points, and waits anxiously for the rest of the results.

Garra if you'd like to run an NPC please pick from:

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Confirm: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Josi's first shot is a perfect bullseye. She smirks then gets overconfident and her last two shots are bad.

I will go with Tane, if thats ok.

Josi takes careful aim and strikes the bullseye with her first shot, with quite a fan fair from the crowd. Followed up by some groans of disappointment as the last two arrows strike the target, but fail to hit any of the rings. Josi is awarded 9 points.

Robern steps up, firing off his three arrows in quick succession. Two of his shots are ok, but not great. One arrow fails to make contact with the target at all. Robern is awarded 4 points.

Marigara takes his turn, much like his tribemate Josi starts strong with a bullseye, but fairs much worse as the second shot fails to connect and the third shot fails to stick into the target. Marigara is awarded 7 points.

Standings so far:

• Josi - 9 points
  
• Marigara - 7 points
  
• Bok - 5 points
  
• Robern - 4 points
  

Tane moves up to the butts and takes aim at the target.

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Tane steps up and show the other's how it's done! A near bullseye, a bullseye and a solid hit awards him 13 points!

Robern and Akrem are tied for 8th place, and each take another tie-breaking arrow shot:

Which Robern wins with a bullseye as Akrem barely hits the outside of the target, making the final standings:

Round 2:

• Tane - 13 points
  
• Kartos - 13 points
  
• Gilsi - 10 points
  
• Josi - 9 points
  
• Korjun - 8 points
  
• Marigara - 7 points
  
• Bok - 5 points
  
• Robern - 4 points

  Eliminated:
  

• Akrem - 4 points
  
• Dulfa - 3 points
  
• Feldryn - 3 points
  
• Adund - 1 point
  

Princess Nirra smiles and congratulates the round 1 winners, "Round 2 is a race across a hanging rope obstacle. It stands 9 feet so if you fall off your rope, or your rope gives way, you'll not be hurt but you will have to return to the start. Once you cross the obstacle, you'll run into the combat pen and fight a badger. The first six to defeat a badger continue on to round 3." There is a weapon rack just before the entrance to the combat pen with everyone's preferred weapon waiting to be grabbed as you run by.

I'll get thing setup for round 2 tonight hopefully, and make it clear for you guys what kind of rolls I need.

Everyone is lined up at the starting line, waiting for the signal from Princess Nirra to start...

You may choose to drop any armor that you would like to increase your Climb check, but remember you won't have time to put it back on before fighting a badger. Tane for example could go from a -3 to a +1. It's up to you guys.

That makes the initial order:
Bok
Marigara
Robern
Kartos
Tane
Gilsi
Josi
Korjun

Please make a DC 12 Climb check. Any Climb check where the die roll is 4 or less requires a DC 12 Reflex save to avoid falling. If you fall you have to start over next round from check 1 as others continue to move on.

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16Still annoyed by his tormentors, doubly so now that so many people did better than him at archery, Bok takes off quickly.

wearing leather, so no penalty

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Josi still upset at her archery score manages to climb very badly and almost falls but catches herself.

Flush with his winning the archery contest, Tane scoots up the rope like a squirrel climbs a tree, even in his armor.

He did not carry his shield (-2 penalty) but retained his chain shirt (-2 penalty, for a total of -1. I assume he can just pick the shield up once he has finished his climb, or have it strapped to his back?

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

@Tane - seems totally reasonable to me.

Seems I didn't actually mention it, but there will be a total of 4 check points to pass for the climbing test. To keep track of the action better I'll go sort of round by round. I'll update all the NPCs at lunch time when I head home. I've got all their climb checks but not reflex saves with me. :)

Combat Pen

Round 2

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Round 3

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Round 4

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Round 5

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

figured I'd go ahead and get my rounds posted. That should be enough to get me to the combat pen.

Climb 2: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Climb 3: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Climb 4: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Climb 5: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Climb 6: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Climb 7: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Oof. I think that'll get me there? If not, let me know.