The Pathfinder Society sends you to the fabled Kingdom of the Impossible, the island of Jalmeray, to stop an Aspis Consortium black market relics dealer who is organizing the local bandits and violently robbing Jalmeray and Pathfinder Society caravans laden with relics, artifacts, and magical mysteries. When a venture-captain is murdered by the Aspis Consortium agent, it's up to you and your team to find him and do whatever it takes to stop him.
Your passage is booked and you are advised not to speak about your mission until you have arrived safely before Venture-Captain Vasuman Mihir for your briefing.
The city of Padiskar near the northern tip of the Isle of Jalmeray is not so much a city as a ring of small villages surrounding a massive, howling ruin, from which terrifying screams of whatever the Vudrani Maharaja Khiben-Sald left there in ancient times can still be heard. The new Venture-Captain Vasuman Mihir maintains a small safe house for the Pathfinder Society here, taking over from Padiskar’s longtime Venture-Captain Aamina Shahrazad, who was recently murdered by men loyal to Zamir, a bandit lord and rumored Aspis Consortium agent who operates out of the nearby jungles.
Venture-Captain Mihir’s briefing is short and serious.
“This is a fake scepter of the arclords,” he said, hefting a bejeweled staff in his hands bearing glowing runes across its surface. “You will lead a caravan toward Niswan carrying this false relic and several crates of minor magical items. My porter, a young boy named Waman, will give you a detailed travel itinerary, which you must follow with care. Except that it is almost certain that you will be ambushed before you reach your destination, since young Waman is a spy for the Aspis Consortium and has sold out and murdered a dozen or more of our brethren and associates, including our former venture-captain — I’m sure of it. The scepter is bait in a trap, and you are the teeth. Do not let on to Waman that you know of his transgressions — we need him to lead us to his master, the bandit lord Zamir. We’ll either make Zamir our man or disrupt his business permanently. I’ll deal with Waman myself once this affair is resolved.”
Venture-Captain Mihir held up a second item, a plain-looking but easily recognizable wayfinder. “This wayfinder is also a fake, although unlike the scepter, it does have real power. The dial always points to the scepter.” Mihir demonstrates, moving the wayfinder in a circle around the scepter, the needle pointing unerringly at it. "Make sure to keep the wayfinder on one of you. It must not be taken along with the scepter or this is all for naught."
“Waman gave Zamir information that enabled the bandit fool to steal artifacts from dozens of our caravans and even from safe houses such as this one. Zamir has a method of disassembling the artifacts so that he can smuggle them off the island with ease, bound for ports of call in Cheliax. What we do not know is where Zamir is, since he never attacks with his men.”
“I gave Waman the information about your journey, so at some point along the route, Zamir’s bandits will ambush you. Very likely at one of the recommended camp sites. Previous experience indicates that his bandits will not kill if they don’t have to. Let them steal the scepter. You must put up a small struggle, maybe even kill or injure several of his men, but most importantly you must let them escape and they must escape with the scepter."
“Give them a few hours lead after the ambush to escape and then use the wayfinder to track Zamir to his hideout. Zamir is an arrogant man whose loyalties lie with whoever can make him famous to the people of Jalmeray. Right now he believes the Aspis Consortium is the answer. You will either convince him that the Society is the answer — as he could be a very powerful ally in the region — or if you cannot, you’ll end his operations for good. How you handle it, I leave to you. Good luck on your journey and may the gods guide your hand. If you have any questions, now is the time.”
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A man with fiery red hair and an intense look in his listens intently to the Venture-Captain's breifing.
"So, let the bandits steal the scepter, track them down and kill or capture Zamir. Got it."
"It seems that Zamir is rumored to be a weretiger, or worse. Further complicating the matter, he is also wanted be the Thakur as a revolutionary."
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Joining the others at the briefing in Jalmary is a slender man with lilac eyes and ice-blue hair, two blue horns protrude from his porcelain white skin and a long tail hangs free. What is stranger still, however, is his garb. Under a travel worn cloak he wears a tight fitting black body suit, armoured in vital locations with discreet plates and straps and pockets litter it.
On his right wrist is a bulkier section of the body suit, he carries two small swords of Tien design.
"Hmm yes, a Weretiger, or even a Rakshasa - though these rumours are whispered by afeared tongue. This mission seems adequate, let us see our route then, where do you think it will be likely for us to be ambushed?"
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Also at the briefing a woman carrying a variety of weapons and donned in a mithral shirt. The rumours of were creatures phased her a little less than it should as she made a quick glance to her sheathed silver rapier. Just owning silver won't win the battle, but it can really help.
After the captain had finished she held out her hand to take the wayfinder from the captain and securely hid it amongst her possessions.
"I'll shall protect it, if anybody needs it you'll know where to find it." She adjusted herself as she stood and looked around her comrades to familiarise herself with their faces before they were to head out.
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"That's what I heard about 'im too," a blonde halfling says from his chair by the fire. "I've never met a Rakshasa before--sounds like I'm in for a new experience." He offers a friendly smile, though you can tell from his face that he lacks the naivete common to those of his race.
...
"I think I'll pick up a few more items before we head out."
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A kitsune with a whip listens to the VC, though she is often distracted by the antics of a mongoose wearing a pirate outfit and a patch.
"Hmmm. Another caravan mission, though last time we were to test the defenses of the caravan. Looks like I'll be building on past experiences. Shows some forsight from the leaders of the society. I like foresight."
"Hmm yes, a Weretiger, or even a Rakshasa - though these rumours are whispered by afeared tongue. This mission seems adequate, let us see our route then, where do you think it will be likely for us to be ambushed?"
Mihir nods in approval, "I am glad to know you have come informed and prepared. If you need supplies, be sure to acquire them before you leave the safe-house."
He then turns to Killia to answer his question. "I cannot be sure where the ambush will take place, but the most likely spot is one of the areas where Waman directs you to make camp. The attacks have frequently occurred there, which is one of the reasons I came to suspect him and began leaking specific information to confirm my suspicions. Remember, he is unaware that I am onto him, do not let on that you know. Safe journeys, Pathfinders."
~~~
A young man with a slender build and an appraising look in his eye meets you as you finalize your business and head for the door. You notice his dark eyes flicker between your faces and your more prominent items on display, lingering especially on your weapons and any magical items you wear. "Greetings Pathfinders! I have the map for your travels and I have taken the liberty of marking the best spots to camp along the way. You'll find some tents in with your caravan supplies along with the merchandise you'll be transporting outside."
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Killia nods his head in thanks to the Venture captain's answer and begins a last minute check his gear, tightening the straps on his body suit and checking an odd cylinder before returning it to a pocket. Killia then follows the others out of the door and looks at their 'guide' with a raised eyebrow.
Looking at the map, he shrugs, unable to see anything more within the page.
"Ok, fine by me, let us press on shall we?"
"A warrior’s life is to war. A leader’s life is to lead. A farmer’s life is to farm. To know your life is to know contentment. To rise above your life is to know uncertainty. To sink beneath your life is to know despair."
~Vigrahin Patitraka, Chapter 6.23
Jalmeray is first and foremost an island nation surrounded by the warm waters of the Obari Ocean, which has helped its inhabitants maintain their unique culture. The island itself is historically described as a place of incredible natural beauty, something only enhanced by the vast array of elemental creatures brought by the Vudrani to help shape the island to their needs. Now the island is renowned across all of the known world for the splendid sights that can be seen nowhere else—except perhaps in distant Vudra itself.
The exact climate of the island seems to vary widely from area to area, perhaps as a consequence of the elemental creatures that reside there. Niswan is beset by cold winds and even sometimes snow, but the area around Padiskar, near the northern tip of Jalmeray is covered in verdant mountainous forests. The air hangs heavy with moisture, but cooling breezes drift down from the mountains frequently making the warm climate more bearable.
The Vudrani people come in a wide array of skin-tones and wear such colorful clothing that the bustle of villagers is like a parade of living rainbows. Vudrani women wear brightly colored saris and wrap their heads in beautiful scarves, many of them wearing a dot of red pigment on their foreheads. Vudrani men adorn themselves with knee-length kilts or loose pants tied with silk at the waist and ankles, as well as simple shirts tied closed in the front. Vudrani culture places great value on beautiful, deliberate movements and the ability to spin a good story. Graceful veiled dancers catch the eyes of Vudrani men as easily as velvet-voiced storytellers set af lutter the hearts of Vudrani women. Even when not attempting to woo members of the opposite sex, the Vudrani value precise movements and eloquent speech.
Padiskar was once known as the Shimmering Jewel of Jalmeray, when it was a city famous both for pleasure and for arcane learning. But today the city has been reduced to a community of farmers and fisherfolk. Only those of lesser castes and foreigners choose to live near the ruins of where the ancient Arclords of Nex sealed a nameless horror in the vaults beneath Old Padiskar. The smell of fish and the ocean blends with the more domestics smells of goats and of cooking meals with aromatic spice blends like curry and cinnamon and clove.
Soon you are leaving the exotic sights and smells of Padiskar behind and journeying deeper into the green expanse of the jungle. You make camp the first night without incident and return to the trail in the morning. At the end of the second long day of travel through rough hills and dense vegetation, a flat clearing comes into view. Smoke curls upward from a small fire, where a man is tending a roast on a spit. Three more men are setting out bedrolls and four mules are picketed beside a pile of sacks and bundles nearby. They are camped exactly on the second campsite described in Waman’s itinerary.
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Lyan steps forward and hails the men in Vudrani.
With that said, Lyan will take stock of the travellers, to see if they're potential ambushers.
The men look up from their tasks and exchange wary glances with each other at your approach. The man tending the roast gives you a hard look at first, but then seems to relax some at Lyan's words. He smiles in a friendly manner and answers his hail in Vudrani, but after noticing the incomprehension on the faces of most of your party, he repeats himself in heavily accented common.
"Greetings to you all. You are welcome among us, the jungle can be a perilous place, especially as of late. Are you merchants, like ourselves? We are journeying to Padiskar with cloth and carpets to sell. Please, come and share our fire, if you will. My name is Phalgun."
The other men settle back in and resume their work of setting up their camp. You notice that they are all lightly armed with shortbows and shortswords and wearing chain shirts. But they continue to watch your group carefully, as if looking for signs of a threat. Their appraising eyes frequently returning to Killia, the tiefling among you.
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Peribras offers a bow of greeting from the back of his pony. From that seat he is almost as tall as a human. "Thank you for offering to share your fire, good Phalgun."
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Once out of the bustling village of Padiskar, Killia thought about the colourful culture of the Vudrani peoples, as used as he was to the Numerian wastes he had visited Oppara once and had always thought their flashy ostentation too gaudy, but the way these people wore it so naturally was a different game altogether.
Killia waited until they were into the countryside before flipping open the bulky panel on his Bodysuit, messing with a few dials until the pattern of the suit began to change, going from simple black to matching their surrounding area. Upon seeing the 'merchants' upon the road he was instantly wary, especially with the looks they kept throwing his way.
He spoke the tongue fluently, with only the hint of an accent showing, keeping his tone fairly light and relaxed as he leaned back against the wagon. He winced slightly at Antonella's speech, revealing the nature of their goods could be dire, even if these weren't the ambushers.
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For the sales of shopping, Jirelle had come as prepared as she needed to be. She has rations and camping gear. Now there was a fire for warmth and fortunately a variety of company. There is always more to learn from people you don't know.
Jirella takes herself over to a couple of the merchants who are working around the camp site, collecting wood or watching belongings, to ask if they know anything about any attacks in the area. Maybe they have heard of certain routes to avoid, or possibly an attack site itself.
For the most part she kept silent, listening and peering out into the areas surrounding the campfire, keeping guard of both her missions cargo and the merchants around the fire.
Phalgun listens to your words with a slight smile, nodding amiably as Antonella explains the cover purpose of your mission. He seems to be hearing much what he expected to. But when Killia opens his mouth to speak fluent Vudrani, his eyebrows raise in apparent surprise and his face splits in a wide grin. One of the other men who had been watching the tiefling warily makes a choked sound in his throat and wears a look of shock openly on his face before smoothing his expression. Phalgun explodes into laughter at this sight, a deep, rich laugh of one who has laughed well and often.
"You must forgive Samarjit, my friend. Vudrani hold with the belief that the circumstances of one's birth inform upon one's character and standing within society. Your kind are rare among my people, and we are taught to expect little of them. Well, little good, that is." He raises his hands in an apologetic way while Samarjit scowls and seems to find something of interest on his boots.
"We are carrying only simple merchandise this day, bolts of cloth and carpets. You are welcome to look for yourself. But you say you are carrying items of a magical nature?" He considers for a moment, a look of concern on his face and then seems to decide something as he nods to himself before he continues. "Fortune smiles on us both, then. You should know that..." He cuts off as Samarjit clears his throat abruptly, looking up from his boots to glare at his travelling companion. Phalgun breaks off and meets his eye and he speaks quickly in clipped Vudrani. Phalgun nods begrudgingly and then asks your pardon and steps a short distance away where the men begin a rather tense exchange whispered in their native language.
S: "May we speak a moment, Subedar?" The phrase is worded with respect that does not match Samarjit's tone.
P: "Very well, say your piece."
S: "I do not think we should trust them, Subedar."
P: "Not even to warn them that they may be in danger? This is not hospitable behavior."
S: "And what if they are with Zamir? You would lay our plan bare to the enemy!"
P: "Clearly they are foreigners, I do not think that is likely at all."
S: "Even if they are not, they may be part of a trick.. a distraction. And if they carry magic, they may draw our quarry better than our own meager cargo."
P: "You shame yourself, my friend. One does not bait a trap with honored visitors. They have women among them, man! I will do what is right."
The exchange ends with Phalgun shaking his head and turning away from Samarjit before returning to the fire, leaving his companion with an unhappy look on his face.
"As I was saying, you should know that caravans ferrying magical goods have been the targets of brutal raids in these jungles as of late. It is well that we have run into each other. My men and I will help guard you and keep your wares and your lives safe."
You get the sense that Phalgun is quite sincere in his concern for you and your group and you do not sense any ill will, even from the now disgruntled Samarjit. You do get the idea that they are not telling you everything, however, though Phalgun seems much more open and helpful now that you have spoken some.
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Kitoro, in her human guise, settles herself by the fire, her 'pet' mongoose now dressed as a raider. She keeps herself amused, and hopefully the guards too, with various comedic antics, just trying to build up good will, with the mongoose playing the part of the bumbling foil.
Consider that as an aid to any diplomacy attempts.
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Killia hears the clipped whispered conversation but keeps his face still, not wanting to look like he is eavesdropping on the merchants. The mention of their intended target was interesting, more so as they had called him their enemy. He pondered his mext move carefully.
"No apologies necessary my friends! Many cultures look upon my visage and see a foe, yet I endeavour to be an ally in all things, especially if we can find a common ground to work upon. We had heard of these raids for sure, it is why we were tasked, the more the merrier I say!"
Killia hears the clipped whispered conversation but keeps his face still, not wanting to look like he is eavesdropping on the merchants. The mention of their intended target was interesting, more so as they had called him their enemy. He pondered his mext move carefully.
"No apologies necessary my friends! Many cultures look upon my visage and see a foe, yet I endeavour to be an ally in all things, especially if we can find a common ground to work upon. We had heard of these raids for sure, it is why we were tasked, the more the merrier I say!"
The four men are only somewhat familiar with the game Antonella describes but are willing to give it a go. Though two of them seem especially taken with Kitoro and her little mongoose and are reluctant to leave off enjoying their antics.
Phalgun nods in a knowing way, seeming glad to have met your group. The evening is spent in enjoyable camaraderie, but neither group ever relaxes completely. You all watch the darkening jungle with suspicious eyes as the gloom deepens and darkness creeps upon you. The sounds of nocturnal creatures rise around you like a wild chorus, chirping and crooning the music of the night.
"We must settle in for the night, my friends. One of us will be keeping watch at all times. If we do have trouble before the dawn, you will hear us shout."
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Peribras beds down on the other side of the crates, to block the light of the campfire .
"You may give me the next watch, Lyan, if no one with nightvision takes it instead."
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Killia smiled, glad they had taken the chance to talk with this group rather than take the far to usual option for Pathfinders, which was to bare steel and bring the fight to those they met. This group seemed to have their relative heads screwed on. As night grew, the pattern on Killia's armour shifted subtly to match it, though the Tiefling was long since used to his armour's oddity.
"We believe we are to be attacked, two sets of eyes are better than one, I shall gladly take the midnight watch where it is darkest, such things do not effect my... Exotic eyes" the last was said in jest and with a smile.
Plans laid and watch rotas sorted, Killia rolled under their wagon and fell asleep, his cloak wrapped round him to hide the scavbards of his blades.
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Jirelle set her bed near campfire more to show the merchants that she would be there to protect them as well. They shared their fire, there nonharm in sharing a sword if it comes to it.
"Me and Kitoro will watch this side of camp, I know you guys are more than capable of guarding our stock." She nodds to her fellow pathfinders who took a place by their wagon before turning to the merchants by the fire. "I know these are troubling times, but for your kindness in sharing your camp allow me to help guard your wares too."
Any preps made before she would consider going to sleep involve loading her hand cross bow and keeping her weapons close at hand.
The noises of the jungle ebb and flow around you, the sounds of nature lulling you to uneasy sleep and restless dreams. The midnight hour comes and goes and the camp remains quiet save the rhythmic breathing of your sleeping comrades. Killia has been on watch for some time now and creeps slowly toward Jirelle to wake her for her turn at look-out. Samarjit has also been on watch-duty and though he has not returned to staring at the tiefling pointedly, he seems to have resorted to looking anywhere else to avoid it, which is frankly making him a very poor guard indeed.
Killia has only begun to try and stir Jirelle from sleep when the soft crunch of an insect under-heel draw both of their ears. Killa freezes like a statue to be double sure that he wasn't the one who made the sound as Jirelle's eyes pop open wide immediately. Someone is moving around the camp, their instantly alert gazes communicate to each other as their eyes meet. A beat more and they hear the soft rustling of nimble hands sorting through an array of items.
Initiative Order - Surprise
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Bandits - begin searching cargo
Jirelle
Killia
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Kitoro lazily opens one eye.
Whaas the dang hurry? I thought we were supposed to let these guys get away with it. I think a slow reaction is in order here. Yes, a slow reaction is just the thing. then she hugs whatever serves as a pillow one last time before she arises.
Kitoro will delay. If someone actually attacks her she will jump up and defend herself. Otherwise... one round down.
The quiet is broken by Jirelle's call to arms and an answering cry of pain as one of the bandits is struck by a crossbow bolt and a shuriken in quick succession. The wounded bandit calls out in Vudrani, apparently an order to move in as yet more bandits pour into the camp from the surrounding darkness. Several draw battleaxes and begin attacking the pathfinders and their allies, but a few seem more focused on rooting through the cargo containers and move to resume the search.
Two of the bandits who were searching leave off the chore as Lyan, Peribras and Ash, his war pony stir right beside them. Ash is flat-footed as he becomes aware of the threat near his master, and a slash from the battleaxe scores his breastbone, drawing a whicker of pain from the pony. Lyan opens his eyes to see a wicked gleam come into the eyes of the bandit standing over him, as if he takes particular relish in attacking the prone human. He slashes Lyan's leg with a zealous fury. Yet another bandit moves in to flank the pony, but his strike rebounds off Ash's barding.
The wounded bandit steps forward and attacks Samarjit viciously, slashing his unwary back with a punishing blow. Clearly, karma is not quite as forgiving as Killia. Two more bandits move in from the northeast and engage Killia and Jirelle. Killia easily dodges his foes' clumsy strike but as Jirelle is still prone, she can do little to avoid the heavy slash of the battleaxe arcing down toward her which slices into her leg.
Initiative Order - Surprise
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Bandits - begin searching cargo
Jirelle - fires from prone at yellow bandit for 4 damage and raises the alarm!
Killia - throws shuriken at yellow bandit for 5 damage
-------------------------------------Round 1
Bandit(Red) -
Bandit(Orange) -
Bandit(Yellow) -
Bandit(Blue) - double move to cargo
Bandit(Pink) -
Bandit(Cyan) -
Bandit(Green) - double move to cargo
Bandit(Purple) -
Peribras
and Ash
Jirelle
Kitoro
Lyan
Killia
Antonella
Merchant 1
Merchant 2
Merchant 3
Merchant 4
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No time to celebrate a solid strike by his Shuriken, Killia quickly reacts to the oncoming of more attackers. He watched Jirelle leap to her feet but not take advantage of their position.
"Fight smarter, take advantage of our positioning!" he swore as he draws both his blades in a smooth motion.
He focused his strikes on the same target as the Swashbuckler, feeling Kitoro's magic guide him.
for
for
As Jirelle stands, the bandit standing over her takes the opportunity to deliver a crippling strike with his axe. Clenching her teeth through the pain, she manages a returning stab with her rapier. Ash rears up and strikes out at one of his attackers, but his hooves find no purchase.
Lyan draws his sword and swipes at bandit leering over him, but the angle is awkward and he is unable to connect. Killia draws his blades and stabs at the bandit who just wet his axe in Jirelle's blood, scoring a wound. Kitoro and Antonella are able to get up unmolested and do what they can to contribute to the fight.
The merchants rise from their bedrolls and move to join the battle, pulling shortswords into their hands. Phalgun and another move to threaten the bastard looming over Lyan while a third moves into a flanking position with Killia, provoking a vicious attack as he moves past the bandit. Samarjit draws his shortsword and tries to strike back at his attacker, but the shock of his wound has left him rattled and he is badly off the mark.
Peribras command is obeyed, oddly enough, as the bandits leave off the pony. One of them comes after him instead but fortunately, his swipe is ineffectual. The other turns back to the cargo he was initially searching and resumes his efforts. The bandit threatening Lyan swings his axe again, but the Inquisitor's judgement relieves him some of the damage.
The fellow steps out the flank he was caught in and strikes at Samarjit again, landing another slash. The bandits slash and swipe at Jirelle and Killia, but they slice only air. The remaining bandits root through the cargo feverishly, scooping items into bags with swift hands.
Initiative Order - Surprise
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Bandits - begin searching cargo
Jirelle - fires from prone at yellow bandit for 4 damage and raises the alarm!
Killia - throws shuriken at yellow bandit for 5 damage
-------------------------------------Round 1
Bandit(Red) - draws weapon, Battleaxe attack vs Ash for 6 damage
Bandit(Orange) - draws weapon, Battleaxe attack vs Lyan for 5 damage
Bandit(Yellow) - draws weapon, 5 ft step, Battleaxe attack vs Samarjit for 12 damage
Bandit(Blue) - double move to cargo
Bandit(Pink) - moves in, drawing weapon, Battleaxe attack vs Jirelle for 5 damage
Bandit(Cyan) - moves in, drawing weapon, Battleaxe attack vs Killia
Bandit(Green) - double move to cargo
Bandit(Purple) - moves in, drawing weapon, Battleaxe attack vs Ash
Peribras - decision pending
and Ash - counter attacks, misses
Jirelle - stands, drawing weapon, attacks Pink for 5 damage
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Kitoro - stands, begins Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage
Lyan - draws weapon and attacks from prone, misses, Activates Resiliency
Killia - draws weapons, attacks Pink for 4 damage
Antonella - stands, moves to flank yellow
Merchant 1 - stands, moves to threaten orange, drawing weapon
Merchant 2 - stands, moves to threaten orange, drawing weapon
Merchant 3 - stands, moves to flank Cyan, drawing weapon
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Merchant 4 - draws weapon and
-------------------------------------Round 2
Bandit(Red) - searches cargo
Bandit(Orange) -
Bandit(Yellow) - steps out of flank,
Bandit(Blue) - searches cargo
Bandit(Pink) -
Bandit(Cyan) -
Bandit(Green) - searches cargo
Bandit(Purple) -
Peribras
and Ash
Jirelle
Kitoro
Lyan
Killia
Antonella
Merchant 1
Merchant 2
Merchant 3
Merchant 4
Yellow seems to be doing the gravest injuries so Kitoro will try to uneven the odds as her whip licks out in an attempt to trip him, even as she continues the performance.