Female Human Sorcerer 4/barbarian 2, hp 54/54, AC 20 (T 14, FF 20), Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +5, Perc. +6, Init. +3
Before leaving, Belka questions the potential surviving brigands to know what was their leader's name and if they were the only group of pirates who attacked Pathfinder boats.
Male Sylph Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 1 / Investigator (Empiricist) 7 | HP 59/59 | AC:23 T:17 FF:17 CMD:23 | F+6 R+17 (+2 vs traps) W+9 (+4 vs illusions) | Init +8 | Perc +18 (Darkvision, +4 traps)
I'm not sure, because we know what the cause of the attacks is and we could have a way of ending it once and for all. If we managed to convince Helkit Silverbane (failing that, kill her) to stop, our success would be even more resounding. Thoughts?
The return to Timon is far easier, and takes about half a day of downstream travel. It's no secret that Helkit is usually found training gladiators in the arena.
Roll me a K(local) or D(Gather) on local customs
Even empty, the Arena of Aroden is an imposing sight that seems to magnify the sounds of clashing blades and grunts of exertion of a dozen sweaty, muscular men and women sparring on the sandy floor. The synergy of well-trained teamwork and combat style is apparent, though it falls short of the standards set by a tall, broad, iron-haired woman dressed in rich furs. “Watch your flanks, you ham-fingered dolts! Felex, if you leave your partner’s back uncovered again just to make a cheap swing, it’s your back I’ll break in two!” she roars at the gladiators. “Now hold! There’s company.” Turning in your direction, she snaps, “Who in Abaddon are you? The Silver Slayers have the training ground today.”
Miyako realises that it's going to be hard to use the law against Helkit: there's barely anything that counts as a crime in the river kingdoms, and only very little evidence. It is possible, though, to invoke the Law of Grievance.
Under the Law of Grievance, anyone in Tymon can challenge another person to arena combat. Even a “bloodied” citizen must accept the challenge of outsiders. He or she who is challenged sets the terms of the fight, and most Grievance matches aren’t lethal.
The Silver Slayers—often just called the Slayers— are well known as being among the better team-oriented gladiators in Tymon. They are quick on their feet and favor the use of exotic weapons and fighting styles.
Helkit is famous for her piecemeal armor, which is rumored to include a piece of armor from each of her fallen foes. Although she has not fought in the Arena of Aroden for several years, Helkit is well-loved by the crowds.
At the beginning of her career, Helkit was famous for employing powerful animals that she fought alongside. She is best remembered for once riding a rhinoceros into combat during a grand melee. Her combat style emphasizes powerful swings that she twists into elegant dance steps that delight onlookers.
Hellcat smirk quickly turns into a look of surprise as Miyako calls out the challenge, and her surprised expression curls into a sneer. “Very well, I accept. Some fights are already scheduled for two days from now. We’ll settle this then. As challenged, I set the terms: Group battle—you lot against me and my Slayers. No limits on weapons or magic. Public arena fight, on the shifting sands—and you should know I’ve never lost on those.”
She glances at her trainees for a moment before reluctantly adding, “No need for a death match. The challenge may be decided by yielding. Anyone losing their nerve can call it off for their team.” She smirks. “Mind you, that won’t be anyone on my side. I don’t train cowards.”
You have more than a day to prepare, should you accept.
The Arena of Aroden and Tymon as a whole use numerous rules to maintain the integrity of the arena, and a few in particular apply to the PCs’ combat.
• Participants may cast preparatory spells before
entering the arena but otherwise cannot use magic, activate items, or drink potions until the combat officially begins; in the case of You Have What You Hold, this translates to 10 minutes of time checking in with the arena manager, suiting up, reviewing the rules, and verbally acknowledging these rules before stepping out into the fighting space.
• Magical flight and climbing the walls and columns is permitted, but only to the level of the grandstands (25 feet above the floor). Going any higher is considered unsporting, presents a risk to the spectators, and is grounds for disqualification. Violators receive a single warning and slow count to three (over the course of 1 round) before being disqualified.
• The combat conditions established by Helkit allow either team to give up should any participant declare that he yields. Doing so grants victory to the opposing team.
• The combat is not, strictly speaking, a death match, but participants are not held accountable for killing their opponents.
Female Human Sorcerer 4/barbarian 2, hp 54/54, AC 20 (T 14, FF 20), Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +5, Perc. +6, Init. +3
Belka looks a little surprised at Miyako. She would have thought that things would take a more diplomatic turn. But, now that the die is cast, she looks Helkit right in the eye and says: "And we are Pathfinders by the way."
Male Dwarf Cleric 7; HP 54/56; CMD 18; AC 23, t 11, ff 22; Fort +9 Ref +4 Will +11; Init +1, Perc +3 (Stonecunning, Darkvision 60ft.)
"In two dayss time that smile will be wiped off," Dhastrach threatens, "ourr potential will be unleashed in the arrena, and it iss of magnitude you've neverr encounterred beforre."
With that Dhastrach leaves the arena to the pathfinder lodge to discuss the new situation and to report their findings. He's most apologetic about Miyako's sudden outburst, which might have been a really hasty thing to do, even though Dhastrach considered the option himself as well.
Once at the pathfinder lodge, to all party members:
"As a prominent member of the society, I should probably advice you tenderfoots about proper tactics and strategy. In the mean time we need to gather as much information about the Silver Slayers, and if need be, sabotage their training so they are as weak as possible at the time of the battle. When it comes to gaining victories, all means are allowed."
Simply put, Dhastrach wishes for some coordination. That'll include spell preparation; Dhastrach will look for good buff spells that last for a good time.
Having not had a drink yet today he looks ponderously at Dhastrach. His speech is much clearer. I apologize Master Dwarf but I don't fight. I am a pacifist.
Brewslee grabs a flask and takes a long drink. Care to share a drink Dhastrach?
Brewslee will be drunk and willing to fight again when the time comes. Mainly I have Mage armor for him. I can buy a few scrolls: We may want something like see invisibility stuff; some sort of flight/ good ranged attacks or protection from arrows, Splash weapons for swarms or potions of fly. I dunno just throwing out suggestions.
Tymon is a large town, which most supplies in stock. It is also slathered with posters announcing the big fight. it seems you made the headline, of sorts, as the posters says 'Law of Grievance match-up: Challengers vs Silver Slayers'
On the day of the match, the pathfinders wait in the catacombs of the arena as the speaker announces the first first fight. One after the other, the adventurers are names, and the crowd cheers.
With the final introduction, the crowd’s cheers reach a crescendo, demonstrating that the citizens of Tymon are impartial in their favoritism so long as bloodshed is imminent. As the opposing gate opens, Helkit and her Slayers do not emerge. Instead, part of the arena’s floor begins to lower as the master of ceremonies continues shouting.
“Despite their achievements, it would be a sad event to just drop anyone into the arena cold against one of the bloodied! It’s only fair they be given a chance to warm up first, don’t you agree?” Supportive as always, the crowd’s cheering drowns out anything else the announcer attempts to say for a moment. “Then let’s bring out our favorite pet! She’s been aching for a hardier challenge, and I think our friends here are just the thing!”
The pathfinders are urged into the arena, where they are face to face with a creature that has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. Its tail ends in long, sharp spikes.
Male Dwarf Cleric 7; HP 54/56; CMD 18; AC 23, t 11, ff 22; Fort +9 Ref +4 Will +11; Init +1, Perc +3 (Stonecunning, Darkvision 60ft.)
So much for coordination and spell preparation... Was there a chance to gather information about the Silver Slayers, their strengths, weaknesses, tactics, magic use, life stories, anything?
Dhastrach has shoved a platinum ring in one of Anáil's fingers and cast Shield Other on him. He has instructed everyone to NOT charge straight into battle, especially Brewslee. Furthermore, since Dhastrach is slow moving, he advices others to stay close to him to gain full benefits of his divine magic.
Just list any spells you would have cast during the preparation, and subtract 10 minutes from the duration from the 'checking in with arena manager' part.
The crowd cheers as the Pathfinders emerge, and seeing Brewslee take up a menacing defensive stance gets their attention. The crowd turns silent in anticipation...
Male Dwarf Cleric 7; HP 54/56; CMD 18; AC 23, t 11, ff 22; Fort +9 Ref +4 Will +11; Init +1, Perc +3 (Stonecunning, Darkvision 60ft.)
"What a uselesss exerrcise," Dhastrach sighs and walk forward, holding his buckler to shield himself. He also starts to recite facts about the manticore.
I've PMed the player, but it's starting to look bad. I'll give him another few days of botting, but if he isn't back by the last encounter, I'm going to have to drop Ackuda
The manticore keeps sniping with its spikes, targeting Dhastrach out in the open, as well as Anail and Brewslee behind the pillars. Against all odds, Dhastrach fails to evade the second spike, which gets stuck in his leg.
Male Dwarf Cleric 7; HP 54/56; CMD 18; AC 23, t 11, ff 22; Fort +9 Ref +4 Will +11; Init +1, Perc +3 (Stonecunning, Darkvision 60ft.)
Anáil, remember! Dhastrach cast Shield Other on you, granting +1 deflection bonus to AC. In addition, all damage you receive is halved, the other half is taken by Dhastrach. The only requirement is that Dhastrach and Anáil keep close (within 40 feet) or the spell ends. The spell lasts for 6 hours total. I posted a link to the spell in an earlier post.
So essentially Anáil's AC should be 23 (4 armor, 4 dex, 4 shield, 1 shield other), which would mean the spike missed just.
Dhastrach curses the lucky manticore and advances further, still keeping his buckler held up high.
